Karima_Magazine

What motivates you to do what you do?
My family, they push me to be the best.
There have been times where I am ready
to throw in the towel and they push me to
keep going. I have the most amazing grandparents
in the world. Besides my grandparents
I have an amazing boyfriend, who
pushes me as well.
What do you find most rewarding?
I find it rewarding when I am able to make
an impact in someone’s life, or just doing a
small act of kindness without waiting for
something in return. I find those to be the
most rewarding things because somehow
God rewards you for the things you do for
others.
When you were a child what did you
dream about doing in life? Who was
your greatest influence as a child?
When I was a little girl I always dreamed
of becoming a Registered Nurse. I was determined
to save people’s lives and healing
people that were ill. I knew that I had the
compassion and the will to make that a re-
Q&A
EVELYN
ROJAS
Currently working for a Central Valley law firm
and focusing on immigration.
ality. Eventually I had become a Certified
Nurse Assistant and worked at a Nursing
home. Working there made me realized
that I was not cut out to be a nurse. I got
too attached to my patients and it took too
much of an emotional toll on me. Becoming
a nurse was something my great grandma
wanted me to be, so in a way I think I
followed that dream for her. I wanted to
make her proud by becoming a nurse just
how she had envisioned me to be. As much
as I wanted to make that a reality for her
I also had to think about what I wanted to
do for me. And Nursing was not for me at
all. People who become nurses are a blessing
to those who receive their care because
they are the ones who do most of the work
and do everything they can to make you
feel better. My respects to those who become
nurses! My ultimate goal now is to
work in a school as a counselor where I can
help guide students and helping them prepare
their Education plans.
What made you determined to accomplish
all that you have accomplished so far?
My family has been responsible for most
of my accomplishments so far. I have done
things that I would have never imagined
doing. For example, working inside of the
California Capitol has been something I
will be extremely proud of and I would
have never imagined myself walking down
those hallways being surrounded by important
people and legislators who make
California’s laws. Till this day I feel extremely
thankful for having that opportunity.
Another huge thing for me was interning
in Congressman Jeff Denham’s office.
By giving my time there I was able to see
and understand how Congress works. I
know that I did not have a lot of time. However,
I do know that this was just the beginning
for me. I know that the future holds
great things for me. All that I have done in
my short 26 years has been an interesting
experience. I never regret anything, because
everything that someone learns in
life becomes useful in this world and may
help promote future growth.
What obstacles have you had to overcome
in order to achieve some of
your goals?
My biggest obstacle I have had to overcome
in my life was not being legal in
this country. It was a big struggle for me
in the beginning, because I did not feel
safe to explore the many options I had.
However, I have been fortunate to finally
attain legal status in the States. I am
achieving my goal of finishing my Bachelor’s
degree and soon after that will begin
working on my Master’s Degree in Social
Work. None of this would have been possible
if I did not have the support of my
grandparents and the guidance of God.
My faith in God is my foundation. I don’t
do anything without first praying to Him
about it. Without Him I don’t think that
any of this would have been possible.
Who were your role models?
My role models have always been my
Great Grandparents and now my Grandparents.
They showed me what true love
and respect looked like. They taught me
that marriage was something sacred and
that having a partner who loves and supports
you is very important in order to
make your dreams come true. When the
rest of the world turns against you, you
will never be alone because your spouse
will always be your number one cheerleader.
I also learned that having someone
who loves you and supports you can
make you a lot stronger because they will
have your back no matter what. Seeing
the love that they had for one another
throughout the years made me hopeful
that I would too find someone who
would love me and push me to reach for
all my goals. I kept my faith in God and
he did it. I found my partner in life. My
boyfriend pushes me to reach for all the
stars and to never give up on my dreams.
I am glad that I have the same values
that my grandparents have. I am hoping
someday I can become a role model to my
own children.
Did you have any mentors along
the way?
I did not have a mentor along the way,
even though I wished I did at times. I do
recommend having a mentor who you
can rely on and lean on for advice. Sometimes
it’s important to have someone
who is willing to guide you along the way
and to set goals to achieve as well. Mentors
provide those tools that are needed
to get everything that you wish for in life.
What are your keys to success and what
is one piece of advice that you wish you
could tell others who are looking to
achieve their goals.
My keys to success are my faith in God.
I would tell others to have a willingness
to push forward, that they should create
goals that are reachable and consistently
re-visit those goals to ensure progress is
being made. I think that you can’t ever
be afraid to ask for help. If someone is
not willing to help, there will be someone
next door who will be happy to
help guide the way for you. Also people
must be flexible when things don’t go as
planned, or a mistake is made-you have to
get up and keep going.
Finally, whatever the situation, NEV-
ER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS, BE-
CAUSE EVERYTHING AND ABSO-
LUTELY EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
I think I would tell my younger self not to
rush into adulthood and enjoy all the play
time you get.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to work with
children who may need guidance or help
to tackle those obstacles that get in the
way of their education! After reaching
those goals I want to start my own little
family. I want to become that mother
I never had in my life growing up and I
want to be an awesome wife.
How do you spend your free time?
On my free time I tend to be reading or
spending time with my family.
What is the latest book that you read?
I am currently reading the Daily Readings
from the life of Christ
Do you watch a lot of television?
I tend not to watch a lot of television, but
when I do- I mostly like watching comedy
or romantic movies.
Favorite super hero and why?
Favorite super here is Wonder Woman,
she is not afraid to take charge. She is
strong and beautiful, but does not rely
on her beauty to get her what she wants
in life.
18 KARIMA | NOVEMBER 2016 NOVEMBER 2016 | KARIMA 19