Hispanic Achievement Scholarship

Getting into Cornell University is by far my greatest achievement, a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and balance of identity that have shaped me. As a first-generation student, I faced the challenge of navigating spaces that often didn’t feel like they were made for me. Growing up, I was always “the only one”—the only Latina in advanced classes, the only one in extracurriculars like volleyball and Science Research. The pressure to assimilate into spaces that didn’t always accept me while striving for academic excellence was overwhelming. I constantly felt caught between who I was expected to be and who I truly was. Despite these challenges, I leaned into my identity and embraced the values of hard work passed down by my immigrant ancestors. I realized that my success didn’t need to conform to others’ expectations. Getting into Cornell was a reflection of my perseverance—of staying true to my values while embracing who I am. It wasn’t just about proving my academic ability; it was about finding harmony in who I am and where I come from, creating a space where my voice matters. At Cornell, I am pursuing my ultimate professional goal of becoming an exotic animal veterinarian, a passion sparked during childhood visits to the zoo. These experiences instilled a deep fascination with animals and their care, which has only grown into an undeniable drive for the field of animal science. Through research opportunities with the Wildlife Conservation Society and studying the behavioral diversity of tigers and snow leopards, I have deepened my understanding of the importance of animal well-being and conservation. Eventually, I hope to raise awareness about global conservation and to ensure that species are protected for future generations. Biodiversity is not only important in terms of animals and wildlife, but also for the health and well-being of humanity. The loss of biodiversity affects the ecosystems we depend on for food, water, and air, making conservation an important matter that impacts all. By bringing attention to this issue, I aim to inspire individuals, communities, and leaders to take action in preserving our natural world as we know it. In doing so, I hope to create a sustainable, thriving environment that future generations can inherit. I want to create a world that people will be proud to live in and one that is able to support both human life and the diverse species that share it. The choices and actions we take today will directly impact our planet’s future, and by raising awareness, I can help ensure a better tomorrow.

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.

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.

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.