Classmate Interview

I had the pleasure to interview my fellow classmate Ana Mena. Her parents were born and raised in Yucatan, Mexico. Ana’s father originally came to the United States to work. Eventually he brought Ana’s mother along with him when they got married. Ana is currently twenty- two years old and has an older brother who is twenty- four. She lives in the city of Oxnard with her parents, brother, and aunt. Ana attended Oxnard High school and graduated from there in 2009. She worked in a public library for seven years and has recently quit her job in order to complete her school. Her career goal in life is to major in art and study art therapy. She is an outgoing, funny, friendly, and passionate person.

            Ana is motivated to attend college because she wishes to break away from the traditional role of women in her culture. In the culture she was raised in it is expected for women to become traditional housewives. If they decide to receive a higher education they are frowned upon by their society. Ana is currently taking two art classes, English, and math. All of her classes are in the morning and this is her first semester enrolled as a full-time student. Since she has a busy schedule its hard for her to balance school and family at times. She often finds herself giving more attention to one and neglecting the other. She doesn’t have anyone in particular she looks up to because unfortunately all the individuals she has ever admired as role models have failed her one way or another. Ana has been some sort of role model to some teenagers she looked after from church. These boys looked up to her as an artist so she tried to set a good example for them.

            Ana describes herself as being a bubbly, bold, and funny person.  In five to ten years she sees herself completing school and getting a job in her career field. In the future she maybe sees herself having a family of her own. Her future life plan also involves moving into a big city and leaving her hometown of Oxnard behind. The motto that Ana goes by in order to be successful in school is “Don’t procrastinate!” .During her time as a student in Oxnard College she has met many interesting people, especially in her art classes. Before she met these people she thought she was weird, but now she realizes that people just like her do exist. Something that Ana believes Oxnard College could improve on is emphasizing more on counselor involvement with students. Ana’s culture encourages her to not become a conformist who will settle for less than what she deserves. The biggest surprise Ana has encountered in her college experience was when a stranger told her she was beautiful. She then realized college students are more bold and daring. Rather than being part of a clique or social group, they are individuals.