How My Path Led to Stanford University
My journey to being admitted to a PhD program at Stanford University was neither straightforward nor predictable, reflecting a series of coincidences and deliberate actions culminating in a profound professional and personal achievement.
Initial Admissions and My Family's Influence
On the day I received my admissions letters from three prestigious universities, I felt a mix of excitement and confusion. I was admitted to Reed College, my top choice, but my mother grew concerned about it being a "college full of Communists." On the same day, I was also admitted to Cal Berkeley, where my father was excited, and to Stanford, where my mother also desired my acceptance.
That night, my father read my admissions letter from Stanford and was visibly upset. He declared, 'No son of mine is going to Stanford,' and physically tore up the letter in the living room, surrounded by the cheers of family cheering for their alma mater's fight song. Despite the drama, I accepted Reed College and pursued my master's degree there, only to switch to Stanford for my doctoral program.
The Complex Path to Stanford PhD
My path to acceptance into a PhD program in Education at Stanford was complex and filled with unexpected twists and turns. After graduating from a BA in the Social Sciences in Mexico City, I worked in management before being drafted into the US Army. After serving my required time and participating in a post-grad program, I returned to the US and enrolled in a full-time master's program in the Social Sciences at a university in San Jose, California, while continuing to work full-time.
During my time in the masters program, I took two years of coursework, conducted extensive research for my master's thesis, and was fortunate to have several students from Stanford visit our group. They encouraged us to apply to Stanford and to engage deeply in the socio-cultural-political aspects of the application process.
Preparing and Applying to Stanford
A critical part of the application process involved meeting with Stanford professors who were research specialists in the areas I was interested in. I prepared thoroughly to communicate my rationale for attending Stanford and to prepare for questions about perceived gaps in my profile. One professor, recognizing the efforts I made, said, "We will do good research together." After receiving two interviews and a positive chemistry with one professor, I was awarded a research assistantship that funded my tuition and included a stipend, making it possible to study at Stanford.
The Turning Point
I personally delivered two copies of my master's thesis to two professors I was interested in studying with, attaching a detailed letter explaining my academic interests and goals. I outlined the areas I wished to pursue once I graduated with my PhD from Stanford. Both professors were responsive and ultimately, one awarded me a research assistantship, transforming my dreams into reality.
Reflections and Pride
The journey to Stanford was filled with challenges but also provided immense learning and growth. Meeting and engaging with professors, geopolitical discussion, and understanding the application process deeply prepared me for what was to come. The sheer joy and honor of being accepted into a program I desired, without financial assistance, were unparalleled. This experience embodied the culmination of my efforts and passions, proving that with determination and strategic planning, even the most unexpected paths can lead to great accomplishments.