Hispanic Achievement Scholarship

Ever since my childhood, I have been fascinated by the human body's ability to endure and recover from various traumatic injuries. This got personal when I suffered recurrent ankle injuries playing soccer. What could have been a discouraging experience instead became a source of inspiration as I worked with physical therapists who helped me regain strength and mobility. Their dedication and expertise left a mark on me that furthered my interest in the field of physical therapy. Fast-forward to today, I am determined to embark on this journey and to make a difference in the lives of people by helping them overcome their physical challenges and gain independence. Contributing to the World: One main way I envision myself contributing to the world will be through interactions with athletes involved in professional team sports. Competition and sports had always been great parts of my life, since I know injury can take great tolls in both mental and physical ways when it comes to athletes. As a physical therapist in professional settings, I will help rehabilitate them so that they safely and efficiently recover, informing them about their injury prevention methods in the process. I do not plan to simply rehabilitate but also educate people about different parts of the human body in a way that optimizes performance by reducing the danger of further probable injuries. Beyond athletes, I have a strong passion for making physical therapy accessible to the less privileged in society. Injuries or mobility problems plague everyone, but quality rehabilitation services can often only be found in areas with higher-income status. I dream of bridging this gap by volunteering my skills at community centers, offering cheaper therapy options, and advocating for better healthcare policies. Movement is key in daily life, and this treatment deserves not to take anyone's financial situation into consideration regarding their full recovery. Furthermore, I want to use my platform as a physical therapist to teach people about the importance of movement, injury prevention, and overall wellness. So many injuries could be avoided with proper conditioning, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Whether through workshops, social media, or partnering with schools and sports programs, I can further help people learn at any age how to take care of their bodies in a proactive manner. These experiences as a mentor in the Hudson Scholars program have crystallized my commitment to helping others. In this program, I have been able to work with younger students, offering guidance and support in an effort to help them through academic and personal challenges. Mentorship has shown me the power of encouragement and how small acts of guidance can result in tremendous growth. Similarly, as a physical therapist, I will not only treat injuries but also act as a mentor to patients, to push them through the rehabilitation process with confidence and determination. Eventually, I would want to leave behind a dent where lives have improved in terms of quality. It could be about getting an athlete back on the field, being able to work with an older patient and walk again, or even care that was given because no one else would; the work I want to do must make a difference. For me, physical therapy is much more than just a career-it is one surefire way to help build a healthy, strong, resilient world.

From a young age, my family instilled in me the idea that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. They immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic in the 90s to provide me with the privileges I now hold as a first-generation citizen. I am filled with the utmost pride to be in this position and gratitude for the privileges I hold. I am privileged enough to be able to bring about change by utilizing the endless opportunities available to me; with access to a college education and being able to pursue whatever career path I desire. I refuse to let these privileges go unused. By becoming an attorney, I intend to use this privilege for positive change. I will have the voice to speak for those who have been silenced and give them a chance to accomplish the American dream the same way my grandparents and my mother did. In the wise words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We must all live together as brothers or perish alone as fools.” In a society that has become increasingly polarized, it is our responsibility as citizens to work together for the betterment of our atmosphere. By first obtaining a bachelor's degree in Political Science and later attending law school, I will gain a profound knowledge of our legal system as well as professional experience in a field I am deeply passionate about. By utilizing all the opportunities granted to me I am determined to bring about a positive change in the courtroom. Specifically, I have found a deep passion for immigration law. Only 37% of immigrants nationwide receive legal counsel at their trials. Countless immigrants end up going against experienced attorneys and a complex legal system all on their own. Inequities like this are what drive my passion for law, and to one day bring change. I hope to tackle this issue either through the courtroom, case by case, or ultimately through legislation. Where there is real ability to positively impact my community. Throughout my high school career, I have joined numerous clubs and organizations that help me as I work towards this goal. The most impactful club I have joined is the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican-Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute which gave me the opportunity to go to Albany and debate various bills alongside like-minded peers. Furthermore, I’ve also been a part of Mock Trial which allowed me to experience a trial simulation and advocate as an attorney. This opportunity has only furthered my interest in becoming an attorney and also has helped boost my confidence and public speaking skills. By utilizing all the opportunities granted to me I am determined to bring about a positive change in the courtroom. This scholarship will help me manage the overwhelming costs of college and I hope you will consider me for this award.

I strongly believe the people by whom you surround yourself with, help shape the person you are. Keeping those who have a good impact on your life is key and I hope to be one of those people in the lives of others. For me, Those influential people are my parents. It's all because of my parents' sacrifices that I get the chance to pursue my dreams for them. I persevere because my motivation to continue my academic career is hearing about the challenges my parents faced solely to be able to provide me with the opportunity to attend college which is an opportunity they didn't have. I want to prove to them its was all worth it and carry on all the lessons I've learned with me, as I navigate this new transition into adulthood. I choose nursing for many reasons. Nursing is a diverse profession that offers lots of room for growth and loads of new opportunities. Additionally, I have seen firsthand the impact that nurses have on patients and their families. Having close family members like my dad who struggles with Huntington's Chorea and my sister who's battled Lupus Nephritis the past four years; I've not only seen how much strength nurses must have each day, but I’ve also recognized how even the smallest contributions make the biggest impact. Nurses have a positive affect on their patients even when the patient may be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, pain or stress and not even realize it. Throughout my junior and senior year of high school, I attended Rockland BOCES. The Principles of Health Occupations and Certified Nurse Assistant programs have made me become more confident and prepared heading into the healthcare field. Throughout both years, I attended clinicals in primarily geriatric care facilities, which allowed me to get a direct feel for what it's really like to work with patients and perform tasks hands on. I quickly noticed there is so much more to nursing than just providing care to patients. To be successful, you also must be a friend. I chose this career path to make a positive difference because ultimately it isn't about having perfect grades or getting the most compensation, it's about being human. A nurse is more than administering medication and charting; A nurse is able to love and provide care even in the toughest times.

As a child, I was always fascinated by the endless possibilities of building structures with Legos. I would spend hours creating intricate designs, and this early love for building and design has driven me to dream of pursuing a professional degree in architecture. My only problem was that, from a young age, I was told that Architecture and engineering is a "man's job." I went all through middle school thinking I could not be an architect, Not only because I am a female, but a Hispanic female without so many opportunities like a child my age from upstate. It took me until High School to realize that jobs are not designated to someone due to gender and that opportunities are not taken away from me due to my culture or where I live but that my culture shows my dedication to what I do; it shows my style, My impact! I want to pursue my degree to become a skilled architect who can create sustainable and functional structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. I am passionate about using design to improve people's lives, and architecture offers a unique opportunity to do just that. I aspire to work on large-scale projects in my architecture firm that are known to positively impact communities, such as schools, public spaces, and homes. I want to use my skills to create buildings that meet the needs of their occupants and contribute to the overall well-being of the surrounding environment. I want to build homes for people to walk in and say, "This is my home!" I want people to be comfortable in their homes and for it to be passed down by generations so every generation of a family can enjoy its beauty. Ultimately, My purpose in pursuing a professional degree at Binghamton University is to learn from experts in the field and collaborate with my peers to develop innovative solutions to complex design challenges. This career will be not only fulfilling but also fun. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to turn my passion for building and design into a profession, and I believe that with the Hispanic Achievement Scholarship, I can do just that.