Before this experience, I believed networking only happened in formal settings, like conferences or professional events. I now realize that networking can happen naturally through everyday interactions, and that some of the most meaningful connections come from people who are simply willing to share their experiences, offer guidance, and support your journey. One networking experience that has had a significant impact on my journey was participating in NAFHSA’s Capitol Hill Day during my first week in Washington, D.C. While the meetings were valuable, one conversation stood out. I connected with a parent who shared how seeing me gave her hope for her own daughter. She told me that I was the future she envisioned for her child and that seeing me in Washington, D.C., pursuing higher education and advocating for my community reassured her that enrolling her daughter in a Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program would be worth it. She said she hoped her daughter would one day attend college, travel, and create opportunities for herself just as I was doing. Hearing her tell me how proud she was felt like hearing my own parents speak.
Beyond networking, one of the most impactful moments has been engaging with the NAFHSA staff. Their genuine desire to support us, along with the mentorship and guidance they provide, has been an invaluable experience. They taught us that our background is much more powerful than we once thought. Hearing their story and journey to being a part of the association made us realize the importance and impact of higher education, as well as the significance of giving back to our community.
These moments make me realize that representation matters and that my journey extends beyond my personal success. It showed me that by pursuing my education and career goals, I can inspire others from communities like mine to believe in their own potential. The experience strengthened my commitment to advocacy and motivated me to continue working toward a career where I can create opportunities for farmworker families and future generations. My biggest takeaway was realizing the impact my presence has already made for an individual.
Blog Author: Sayra Agustín-Zárate – Class of 2026
Published on July 5, 2026
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