To me, freedom means having the opportunity to pursue my passions and choose the life I want to live. It is the ability to make my own decisions while knowing I have the support of the people who believe in me. My understanding of freedom has been shaped by my family’s story, my values, and the opportunities my parents worked so hard to provide.
As the oldest daughter in a migrant family, I grew up hearing stories about my parents’ childhood in Mexico. My mother often shared that many girls in her town had very limited opportunities. Women were expected to marry young, raise children, cook, and take care of the home. Pursuing a college education or building a career was rarely considered possible. She would tell me that if a young woman knew how to make tortillas, that alone was often seen as enough to prepare her for adulthood.
Despite those experiences, my parents never wanted that life for me. Instead of limiting my dreams, they encouraged them. They have always supported me in traveling, exploring new places, meeting new people, and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. They often remind me to focus on earning my degree before thinking about marriage and making the most of my youth. I know that when they hear about my experiences, they are also living through opportunities they never had themselves. Their sacrifices and encouragement have taught me that freedom is not something to take for granted, it is something generations before me worked to make possible.
My time in Washington, D.C., has expanded my understanding of freedom even further. Moving away from home meant adjusting to a new city, a new job, new friends, and an entirely different routine. For the first time, I had to navigate daily life independently without relying on my parents or my brother. While that transition was challenging, it also taught me resilience, responsibility, and confidence in myself.
Living in D.C. has shown me that freedom is not only about having opportunities, but also about having the courage to step outside of my comfort zone and grow from new experiences. Today, I see freedom as both a privilege and a responsibility. It is the chance to build the future I want while honoring the sacrifices my parents made to give me that choice.
Blog Author: Sayra Agustín-Zárate – Class of 2026
Published on July 23, 2026