Hi! I’m Veronica Ortega. I am about to be a senior at Merrimack College aspiring to become an elementary school teacher. Therefore, not only am I passionate about teaching, I am also passionate about writing. Writing is an outlet to express my deep-seated emotions and my experiences- sometimes, it is easier for me to output words into written form than it is to output them into speech. Therefore, the common phrase, “think before you speak” translates for me to “write before you speak”.
By joining HerCampus at Merrimack College, I hope to inspire college students who may be having a rough time at school, at home, or life in general. I am a first generation Hispanic female college student, and I understand the potential struggles and challenges of being a minority navigating a life that was not intended for us. More specifically, I am Dominican American. My parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic (DR) to the United States when they were either a teen or in their twenties. They sought a better life for themselves and what would eventually become their family- me and my older brother. Neither went to college, but both work incredibly hard to provide food on the table and a place for us to call home.
I have always enjoyed listening to their ‘campo’ days in DR, where they survived with very little. Therefore, my parents have always been an inspiration to me, and I hope to continue sharing their story to the world, my future kids, and the generations to come. I also hope to put a smile on your face- yes, you the reader’s face- when you read my articles. Don’t stop at my work however! My colleagues have shared their stories in a remarkable way as well! You can check out their work via the HerCampus website and/or through Instagram! Enjoy!
BTW, outside of writing, I love to dance, study, read, swim, ice skate, and really just moving my body. I love my family and friends as well. Thank you to those who know who they are. Every interaction with you has strengthened me to become a better version of myself and never gave up on me while I was struggling. Xo
Best,
Veronica Ortega.
Inspiring and Nostalgic 2000s Music Playlist
