Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the achievements and sharing the stories of our Hispanic American students. This week, we feature Mary Rivas-Leiva, a Hatboro-Horsham High School/EASTERN Allied Health senior.
Both of Mary's parents are from Guatemala, but they met in Philadelphia at a restaurant owned by Mary's great-aunt. Every summer, Mary cherishes their trips back to Guatemala, immersing herself in the warmth and vibrancy of her cultural roots while reconnecting with her extended family. "It's always such a joy to spend time with family I don’t see regularly," Mary reflects, noting how these trips deepen her family bonds and strengthen her connection to her heritage. Her parents came from a humble town where people worked hard for everything they had, which has always motivated Mary to help others.
Ever since Mary was young, she has dreamed of becoming a nurse. She chose the Allied Health program at EASTERN because she felt it would be a great way to confirm if nursing was the right career path for her. Helping others is a strong family trait, as two of her cousins recently became registered nurses, further inspiring her pursuit of this field.
When Mary thinks about National Hispanic Heritage Month, she reflects on individuals who have made a significant impact on the world, drawing particular inspiration from her mother. Her mother immigrated to the U.S. with her family but largely supported herself. Mary vividly remembers her mother working night shifts, taking her to school in the morning, and then heading to another job. "My mom is a great example of how to work hard and strive to be your best," Mary shared. "She always encourages me to explore every career opportunity, get a good education, and build a bright future for myself."
At Hatboro-Horsham High School, Mary is one of three team captains for the track team. She runs cross country in the fall and competes in track during the spring. Mary plans to continue running in college and is already in talks with the track coach at Gwynedd Mercy University, where she hopes to pursue her nursing degree. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse anesthetist.