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My name is Iratze A. Aceves, and I am a rising senior at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, majoring in Psychology, Public Health, and Classical Studies. I am currently finishing my undergraduate degrees while searching for a new academic home to continue my education. My aspirations include pursuing a Masters in Social Work and/or a Masters in Public Health. Recently, I secured an internship with The Project of the Quad Cities, where I will be involved in research, translation, and shadowing their mental health department.
I can recall several instances in my life where people and places sparked my desire to help others. While many have shaped my life with their wisdom, working at a pork processing factory named JBS profoundly altered my perspective on my career. I worked two summers at JBS, and the experience that impacted me the most was working on the Membrane Line. There, I had to push pieces of meat in an orderly fashion so my partner could move them onto a laser to be cut perfectly. I remember thinking it would be easy, but I was mistaken. The physical and emotional toll of working on the factory line was immense.
I witnessed the pain and exhaustion of those working with steel and knives, and despite their hardship, I saw the humanity in everyone. From the Congolese man praising God with song and dance every morning to my Burmese coworker who said I reminded her of her cousin back home, to the Mexican women who shared their wisdom with me, and even seeing my own family members, every interaction left a lasting impression. I also recall a Cuban man who, with stars in his eyes, told me, "Que bonito es estudiar." (How nice it is to study.)
I remember crying on my last day of work, feeling a profound sense of being valued and supported rather than envied or resented for pursuing my studies. I felt loved and encouraged by those who advised me to work with my mind, not just my body. They wished me luck, kept me in their prayers, and even one man yelled, "I NEVER want to see you here again! Don’t work like me, don’t work like your parents!"
Many people ask what motivates me and inspires me, and in all honesty, it is every single individual I met on those lines who pushes me forward. The line does not stop for anyone, and I view my education similarly. I strive to be consistent, ambitious, and forgiving of myself when my body and mind need rest. This does not diminish my value as a student or worker. I want to help others not for personal gain but to repay the inspiration I received from those who encouraged me to keep going. Their tears, pain, and sweat deserve recognition. Most of the people in these jobs come from diverse backgrounds but are united by their shared experience. Although I may not be able to give back to them directly, I hope my future work will advocate for their needs and amplify their voices, which are often underrepresented in higher education.
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