Werner Parilla, 20, is a Bucknell University engineering student on a full-tuition scholarship as a result of attending the 2006 Greater Washington Hispanic Youth Symposium (HYS).
Editor: Werner, congratulations on all your success. May you please share with our readers how you got to where you are today?
Werner: Thank you. I do see myself as successful but I wouldn't be where I am today if didn't find out how to pursue my dream of a college education. When I was a rising senior in high school, I attended the Greater Washington Hispanic Youth Symposium. The most powerful aspect of the program was a session called Hispanic Heroes. When local Hispanic leaders in our community interacted with us, I realized that Hispanics can be successful-I discovered what it meant to be a Hispanic hero and give back to your community. Don't get me wrong, some of the best Hispanic role models I had, and still have, are my family members who have taught be how to be a good person. But it was at this Hispanic Heroes session that I met professional role models who were successful at all levels in the community. I wasn't exposed to this before HYS. I've always known that I had to go to college, but HYS showed me the way to get there and inspired me to work even harder.
Editor: That sounds very inspiring! Please tell us how else the Greater Washington Hispanic Youth Symposium of 2006 changed your life.
Werner: Well, it was also at this time that I was nominated for, and eventually received, the DC Posse Scholarship which gave me a full ride to Bucknell University. Through this scholarship, I was placed in a group of students who were trained on diversity issues and community building for eight months before starting college. The purpose of the student group, or posse, is to promote cross-cultural communication on campus. We were only required to meet with our posse once a week, every week for the first two years. Even though it isn't required of us now, our posse meets on our own time to organize events based on social justice that have brought the campus community together. Now more than ever, I believe that surrounding yourself by positive peers motivates you to succeed in school.
Editor: Wow, Werner. It turns out you've become a role model for peers on your campus and, now, our readers. Would you like to share any advice on getting into college and succeeding while there?
Werner: All I know is that no one becomes a role model without being inspired by someone already doing great things. For this reason I want to thank my family for instilling values in me and the Hispanic College Fund, for guiding me in the process of pursuing a college degree. As far as advice goes, I'd tell any prospective college student not to drop out of high school. If you don't think you should be studying, the people around you probably aren't studying much. It's important to pair up with people, even one person, who has the same aspirations as you do. Friends do have an influence on you, so make sure you don't just follow the crowd. Have your own dreams and follow them. And for anyone who is in college, if you are one of the few Hispanics on your campus, hang in there and give back to your community. It might be lonely at times, but it's worth it.
