New Generation of Latino Leaders Scholarship

Setting foot into my education was arduous because of my upbringing. My family faced financial struggles and lived in a cramped apartment. I rarely saw my father, and often, relatives took turns caring for me while my mother worked. I didn't recognize her as my mother until I was around four or five years old. Therefore, no one prepared me for school, and it was a jostling experience when I was abruptly put into kindergarten at Bella Vista Elementary. At first, I didn't take school seriously; I viewed it as just another place to play while my mom worked. This mindset was my first stumble. I struggled to communicate with my teacher and classmates because I primarily spoke Spanish. I often fought with my mother about attending school and doing my homework. I struggled to communicate with teachers and peers because I spoke mostly Spanish. I had to be held back a year in 2nd grade because I could not grasp the material, had to take ASL, and was put into an IEP for the fact I had ADHD. I would not have known I had this until 8th grade when looking at my medical records because my mother hid it from me and didn't want to put me in Special Education. I was upset at all this, but thanks to my mom, I did get better with the extra help. I had a lot more fun learning in the RSP (Resource Specialist Program) classes provided by my IEP which I would later graduate from in 4th grade. I took pleasure in doing my homework, occasionally turning it in the same day, and would jump at the opportunity to take on extra credit assignments. It didn't stop there. When I got to Macy Intermediate, I was in AVID throughout middle school, I became self-taught in creative writing and earned an award for advanced English, took afterschool chemistry classes taught every Thursday by my 8th-grade science teacher and learned to play piano due to free lessons at a nearby park. This foundation prepared me for high school. In my freshman year at Schurr High School, I joined the school choir, took Pre-Honors English, conducted a survey for my science class, and appeared on Spartan News for an interview. Later, my mom had to abandon her old job and move us to Bakersfield. It was a bit disheartening having to leave my friends, but this new opportunity opened up doors I had never imagined at Centennial High School. Now, as a junior, I am a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), the Spanish Honors Society, and the Science Honors Society. I am taking the Virtual Business class and various advanced courses. Additionally, I am in the process of creating my sole proprietorship and hope to develop it into a formidable company by the time I graduate. My mother has been my biggest support through all of this and has had to make a few self-sacrifices financially to get me here. I am indebted to her, and I hope to repay her once I finish my higher education so that she can live comfortably.