Cohort Stories: Meet Jose D.
Boston: vol. 8, no. 42— guest post by Jose Diaz
I am proud to be an Afro-Latino. Born in Boston’s dynamic energy and then partially raised immersed in the Dominican Republic’s vibrant culture. Boston’s landscape, with its soaring skyscrapers, symbolized a realm of endless possibilities. In the Dominican Republic, the richness was different — it was in the music-filled streets, the close-knit communities, and the warmth of the people. Yet, the limited opportunities in the Dominican Republic served as a sharp reminder of the privileges I had back in Boston. This blend of experiences quickly became my driving force in my life. Being the first in my family to delve into the tech world and aiming for a master’s degree is not just a personal achievement; it’s about forging a new path, breaking barriers, and inspiring others who come from similar backgrounds.
My introduction to technology was not in a classroom; it was in the corner of my bedroom, with a gaming console and a world of digital adventures. Gaming was more than a pastime; it was the beginning of a lifelong journey. Tinkering with my computer to enhance a game’s performance was like solving a complex puzzle. For me, it was always about understanding the magic behind the screen. This early interest grew into a deep passion for all things tech. The industry’s constant evolution, the thrill of solving complex problems, and the joy of continuous learning. Technology is a field where my creativity, problem-solving ability, and thirst for knowledge can simultaneously thrive. It’s about constantly pushing the boundaries, embracing new challenges, and being part of something that’s always moving forward, and being a part of something that is ultimately bigger than yourself.
Being the first in my family to delve into the tech world and aiming for a master’s degree is not just a personal achievement. It’s about forging a new path, breaking barriers, and inspiring others who come from similar backgrounds.
My drive and ambition are deeply rooted in the most fundamental aspect of my life — my family, particularly my mom. Her unwavering strength and tireless efforts, like working long hours to ensure we could focus on education, have been my greatest inspiration. I’m not just building a career for myself; I’m doing it for her and for us. My dream is to achieve a level of success that allows me to buy my mother’s time back and retire her as early as possible. I want to be able to provide her with comfort and ease as a token of gratitude for all her sacrifices. Success in the tech industry for me is more than personal achievement; it’s about changing the narrative for my family, setting a precedent for future generations, and being a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. I want to be remembered as someone who showed that with dedication and hard work, boundaries can be transcended, and dreams, no matter how big, can be realized.
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