Our student of the week is Marco Corrales! He is expected to graduate this May from Macon County Early College.
We asked Marco a few questions about himself and what inspires him:
Who is one of your role models? How has that person helped with your educational journey?
My mother is definitely one of my role models. She came from a country where there is not much opportunity and created a new life here in the United States. She had a lot of challenges in coming here, including having to learn a new language in order to be able to get a job and raise me. She has always pushed me to do well in school, and she always helped me study to the best of her ability. Unfortunately, seven years ago she had to go back to her home country and is not allowed back here. Now she is my motivation to do well in school so I can get an education and career. I want work on her documentation and be able to take care of her as she gets older. She has taught me to work hard to achieve what you want, and she has been critical to my educational journey and will continue to be critical throughout my career.
What motivates you to excel at SCC in spite of difficult circumstances you may face?
As I previously stated fixing my mother’s documentation is one of my motivations to excel. I am also a person who looks to the future and I know what I have to do in order to achieve my goals. My goal is to be a gastroenterologist. I know it takes a high GPA as well as extracurricular activities. While it may be difficult to manage school with other circumstances outside of school, it is not impossible. I have to learn how to face stress and develop good time management now, so that I can be successful in the future when circumstances might be even more difficult. My goal also makes it worth it. When I feel like everything might be overwhelming, I calm myself down, get to work, and think about 20 years from now when I have a stable career and can relax and rejoice from the hard work I did throughout my schooling.
What advice would you give to other students who face tough challenges?
The first thing I would say is that you are not alone. You do not have to face these challenges alone and there are resources you can use as well as people you can ask to help you get through tough times. You also have to find a good reason why you want to overcome your challenges. Give yourself a goal to work toward, and research to find anything that can help you achieve it. Do not feel like you are being rushed. Take everything step by step, otherwise your goal will feel like it is farther away and harder to achieve.
We are so proud of everything you have accomplished so far, Marco. We wish you all the success in the world, and we're excited to see you graduate this May.
