Abstract
This is my story about the pressures of growing up as a first-gen Latina from a low-income background who was often told my only option was to be exceptional. Putting my all into everything was the only way to be successful; to be the social ladder for my family. Because of this pressure to always be perfect there were many times when I failed to meet false expectations which led to disappointment, dismay, and feelings of imposter syndrome. My successes and failures are valuable, valid, and equal parts of where I am today; with love, support, and lots of tears I was able to persist. I hope my story liberates others from these pressures of excellence and allows more folks from similar backgrounds to embrace failure and live their truth.
Recommended Citation
Nava, M. S. (2022). Exceptionally Flawed: A story about expectations and truth. The Vermont Connection, 43(1). https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/tvc/vol43/iss1/7