Today we’d like to introduce you to Maricela Becerra.
Maricela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In January of 2012, I started my journey as a grad student. My son was 2 years old back then, which made everything more complicated but definitely worth it. I remember driving back home after working an 8-hour shift as a waitress and thinking I needed to do more with my life. About a week before I had decided not to go to law school, even though that had always been my dream.
During my law school summer orientation, it just didn’t feel right, it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I wanted to do something I truly enjoyed and I enjoyed reading and imagining other worlds. On a red light, I checked my alma mater’s Masters program in Spanish Literature. The application was due in just a couple of weeks and I took that as a sign. I got home and told my husband I was going to quit my job and pursue my Master’s degree. I didn’t have a plan but after my first class, I knew I was where I belonged.
Being a mom and a student, while also maintaining a couple of side jobs, was more difficult than what I thought. I would leave my house before my kid woke up and got back when he was already sleeping. I worked extra hard because I wanted to show everyone that I could do it. It was my son, 3 years old by then, who reminded me that I was missing the most important thing in my life: my family. Life was a little different after that, after shifting my priorities, yet I kept working towards my goal. I knew I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. and right after graduating with my Masters (with honors!), I started at UCLA on a full fellowship.
The transition was bittersweet. While I loved my new adventure, there weren’t many like me. Less than 1% of Latinos get a doctoral degree, the number shrinks for latinas who also happen to be moms. Invisibility was very real as I embarked in my new studies. My blog, Academic Mami, was born out of desperation and depression, of feeling lonely. I share my experience as a mom navigating academia as a way of connecting with others who may be going through something similar.
I also want to show those mamis that might be thinking of going back to school that, while it will be hard, it can be done. I was also welcomed by Mothers of Color in Academia (MOCA), a student organization on campus founded by four fierce mamas who were fighting for their rights on campus. I’ve been able to assist them as an organizing member. I am now about to start what is hopefully my last year as a Ph.D. candidate, I’ve added another baby to the family, and we’re still trying to make it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not smooth at all! I got pregnant with my son during the very last semester of my Bachelor’s degree. I still remember people staring, no one dared to ask, they stayed away. I had never seen another pregnant student on campus before and in a way, I felt ashamed. I also remember comments from friends and family, many doubted I would even graduate after having the baby. I did graduate, with a triple major, but I soon understood that things would be harder. I had to take a couple of years off after graduation in order to work and study for the entrance exams. I took some prep Lsat classes online and did all my studying at night once the baby was asleep and after my full-time job.
At times it felt like I would never make it, I was so close to just quit dreaming about going back to school. Once I decided to go for my Masters, things didn’t get easier. Balancing home, school, and work was insane. Both my husband and I have made many sacrifices so I could be where I am today. From my husband staying up after working 12 hours so I could make it to class, to choosing between buying groceries or paying for an expensive textbook, we’ve struggled in many ways.
One of the hardest things I’ve encountered during my 6 years as a parent and a grad student is the lack of support on campus. During this last year, since I had my second child, I’ve struggled to find a place to pump on campus, for example. Something that makes an already hard experience even more difficult. Every day I’m reminded that I’m in a place that wasn’t built for me as a woman, as a Latina, and as a mother. But I’m determined to make it through and lead the way for those coming behind me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Blog: Academic Mami, Organization: Mothers of Color in Academia story. Tell us more about the business.
My blog and Instagram account, Academic Mami, follows my daily life as I juggle motherhood, marriage, grad school, and all the other crazy parts of my life. Online communities are important for grad students since many of us do not have a community of our own on our home campus.
But these online communities rarely portray the life of an academic mom, and just a handful are from a mom of color perspective. I share my story in an authentic and raw way. One day I’ll talk about breastfeeding, the next about finishing a paper that’s overdue. I show my life as it is, messy, chaotic, stressful yet so rewarding.
I also want to help those who want to pursue a doctorate degree. I share tips I’ve learned along the way and encourage them to follow their dream of going back to school. I was the first in my family to apply and start grad school, I didn’t have anyone to show me the way. I hope I can help someone in that position navigate the complicated academic world.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I do not believe in luck. I believe that my accomplishments have been the result of hard work and the many sacrifices my family and I have made. I’m also aware that I have had many opportunities that others, unfortunately, haven’t.
And as I keep stepping up the ladder, I hope to create opportunities for those who need them.
Contact Info:
- Website: academicmami.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/academicmami/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mothersofcolorinacademia/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
