Dear Little Me,
You’ve always loved words. You were the kid who actually liked English class and got way too excited about writing assignments. You didn’t know it then, but that love for storytelling would one day lead you somewhere special. Somewhere along the way, you discovered what public relations and communications were, and it just clicked. You liked the creative side of it—the part where you get to connect with people, tell stories that matter, and make a difference.
But figuring it all out wasn’t easy. You didn’t grow up with family members who could guide you through college or tell you what to expect. Mami and Papi worked hard, harder than anyone you knew, but higher education wasn’t something they had the chance to experience. They came home exhausted, doing everything they could to give you and your siblings more than they had. Your older sister was the first to go, and even she had to figure things out on her own. There were no aunts, cousins, or family friends who could help you prepare, no one to tell you what major to pick or what internships to apply for. It was scary back then. You were stepping into something completely new. But look at you now. You’re almost done. You’re about to graduate.
You’ve turned all that uncertainty into motivation. Even when you walked into classrooms where you were one of the only Latinas studying PR, you didn’t let it stop you. You might have felt out of place at times, but deep down, you knew you were meant to be there. And every challenge just made you stronger.
Then came Camino.
A place that felt welcoming from the start. You didn’t feel judged or out of place, you felt seen. The people there wanted you to learn and grow, and that made a difference. Through programs like Camino University, you saw how much they value helping others build confidence and find opportunity.
And then there was Paola García. Seeing a Latina woman leading in public relations, balancing professionalism with compassion, made something click inside you. She became proof that there is space for you in this world and that one day, you could help make space for others too.
Every day at Camino feels like adding another piece to your story: writing press releases, interviewing community members, and sharing stories that highlight resilience, hope, and strength. It’s more than work. It’s a reminder of why you started. You’re using your voice to lift others, and that’s something to be proud of.
So, little me, look at how far you’ve come. You didn’t have a map, but you found your way anyway. You grew into someone strong. I’m so proud of you for never giving up, even when things felt impossible. Because of you, I’m here now, and I’m still going. My hope is to keep growing, to keep inspiring, and to help other Latinas see that they can do it too.
Because the story you started is still being written.
With love,
Emely Velasquez
