Travel Not to Escape Study Abroad Scholarship

Surviving never began with me; it is something I inherited. At a young age, I learned that adapting was a survival skill, not an option. Both of my parents grew up in poverty in rural Mexico. Working before the age of 10 was expected. Their families were shaped through generations of hardships, recessions, the Great Depression, and violence from the cartel. They migrated to the United States, not out of convenience or a dream getaway; it was security. Providing a better future and opportunity for their children meant losing quality family time. Yet, they continue to work physically demanding labor jobs, carrying the same resilience with them every day. Growing up in a low-income household, one way or another, I learned how to be resourceful. Stretching food for the mouth wasn’t just an unspoken rule; it was a daily occurrence. Even now, as a college student, I continue to stretch $100 a month out of habit. When my father was detained by ICE agents in 2025, all my values, beliefs, and security shifted out of fear. I had to move back home, take on greater responsibilities, and adjust my life around circumstances I could not control. Financial hardships have shaped nearly every decision I make, yet despite the struggle, they also taught me awareness and discipline, and to value even the smallest moments. In spite of these challenges, I remain hopeful. I continued going to school, even when commuting became my only option. The stress of my education, family, and financial situation went far beyond my expectations. Yet I still showed up. Leaning on the support of my sisters and friends, including a counselor, I continued to push forward. It takes courage and strength to admit you have no idea what the next steps are. While I am still figuring things out, my goals have never changed. I will continue to pursue my education, grow within my major, and take advantage of opportunities like studying abroad. Amid these hardships, I’m reminded of a given opportunity that changed my perspective entirely. As a freshman, I was selected for a fully funded study abroad program in Costa Rica. This opportunity was my first time leaving the country. I found peace in nature, connection in community, and a new sense of possibility. One defining moment was participating in a cultural dance appreciation seminar led by the elderly women in Monte Verde. Their performance was breathtaking, though a story of coffee farming, agriculture, deep connection to the land, and love for the forest. In that moment, I realized that health is not only about medicine but also about culture, environment, and community. This moment is still engraved in my memory, reshaping my world and future. Now, I am preparing my next steps in my education. Studying abroad is a requirement for my Global Health major at Arizona State University. I have been accepted into the London program “Plague Pits and Body Snatcher History of Health and Disease in a Global City.” Exploring the history of disease through hands-on learning across the city. From studying pandemics like the bubonic plague and cholera to visiting sites such as the Wellcome Collection, Highgate Cemetery, and the British Museum. This program will demonstrate and examine how history continues to shape modern health systems. I am currently coordinating my travel, working closely with advisors, and securing scholarships to make this opportunity possible. Studying abroad in London represents more than an academic requirement; it’s a continuation of my journey from survival to purposeful advocacy, as I aim for equitable healthcare access.