Trenzas Entre Hermanas: Intertwining Our Journeys Through Higher Education

• In Event: Learning and Working at e/HSIs and IHEs

Abstract

The Salvadoran Civil War (1980–1992) displaced countless families, forcing many to seek refuge in the United States. Our parents immigrated in pursuit of a better future, believing education would provide what they could not. Yet, as three first-generation Salvadoreñas, we found that higher education burdened us with systemic inequities rather than uplift us. Through our testimonios, we share the struggles of navigating different educational pathways: a public research university, a private university, and a community college exposing unrealistic expectations, financial hardships, and structural barriers. Tres hermanas wrote together to heal. Higher education did not support us; it challenged, exhausted, and excluded us. We weave Spanish into our testimonios as an act of liberation, recognition, and gratitude. This paper rejects an inequitable education system and reclaims our parents' achievements in getting us through.

Authors

• Evelyn Gonzalez-Otañez, UMass Boston

• Claudia Gonzalez, Long Beach Community College

• Jamileth Gonzalez, UCLA