When I think of my path to Columbia University, I think of the community that stands behind me. I think of my immigrant parents and the sacrifices they collected while working as farm workers, including lack of time spent as a family. I think of the countless times my parents felt frustrated not being able to help me navigate higher education. I think of the academia space that generates not only generational change but also generational distance and lack of empathy. I think of the number of mentors that dedicated time to nourishing my professional and educational developments. When I think of my path to Columbia University, I think of the systemic oppression and the internalized fears I faced. Most importantly, I think of the MSW graduate student standing before you.