As my journey to college awaits, I am reminded of a quote that is passed down from my great-great-grandmother whom I never got to meet—to my mother, “If there is a will, There is a way.” These words have been told to me so many times that it is engraved in my mind. Anytime things become challenging, I hear it in the back of my head, and I eventually find a way to get it done. As a first-generation high school graduate, I did not grow up in the wealthiest family. I am the oldest of 5 siblings and had to learn about school and colleges to teach my siblings because my parents didn't know about it. We have encountered several challenges in our lives and overcome them. The same quote is engraved in my mind, it is also engraved in my mother's mind. Growing up, I had a limited perspective of life and didn’t know what career paths I wanted to pursue after I finished high school. I just knew I wanted to do something to help people or to make a great change in my community. As I was going through 8th grade and starting my freshman year, I was exposed to various career paths. I am an extrovert so I’m one of those people that wants to try out everything. At the end of my freshman year, I already knew what kind of environment or career I wanted to pursue. For my career, I want something that will be physically and mentally challenging most of it being hands-on. At San Diego High School, I joined AJROTC (Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp.) to learn about leadership improve my mind and strengthen my body. Later I found the San Diego Police Cadet program. There I do ride-alongs with a police officer for their entire shift every month, go undercover as a minor and intend to buy alcohol from clerks, and volunteer for events such as December nights, Comic-con, Marathons, etc. I was also interested in construction, so I got hired at a construction company at 17 during the summer. Then I showed some interest in automotive mechanics. I had fun doing all of these, but I only fell in love doing one. I fell in love with law enforcement which the SDPD cadet program drew me into. My goals and aspirations after high school are to get accepted at a 4-year University majoring in Criminal Justice and enroll in ROTC during college. After graduating from university, I want to be commissioned into the Army as an Officer for 4 years. Once I am honorably discharged, I am going to pursue my actual career as a Police officer in San Diego. While looking into my college years, I am excited about the opportunity to engage with a more diverse group of individuals. I believe a college education will provide me with the academic and social resources needed to further develop my passion for law enforcement. I hope to major in criminal law and justice and possibly study criminal theory or psychology. As a Police cadet, I intend to continue my community service work and collaborate with a change in my community. As I embark on this next chapter of my life, I am eager to find out what is waiting for me. I am prepared to embrace the challenges expand my horizons, and continue to accomplish my goals. I am excited to be part of a diverse college community where I can learn and have fun at the same time.

As a first-generation high school graduate, I did not grow up in the wealthiest family. I am the oldest of 5 siblings and had to learn about school and colleges to teach my siblings because my parents didn't know about it. We have encountered several challenges in our lives and overcome them. Growing up, I had a limited perspective of life and didn’t know what career paths I wanted to pursue after I finished high school. I just knew I wanted to do something to help people or to make a great change in my community. As I was going through 8th grade and starting my freshman year, I was exposed to various career paths. I am an extrovert so I’m one of those people that wants to try out everything. At the end of my freshman year, I already knew what kind of environment or career I wanted to pursue. For my career, I want something that will be physically and mentally challenging most of it being hands-on. As soon as I turned 16, and was legally able to work or volunteer anywhere, I started going out and trying to find anything I could put my hands on. I found the San Diego Police Cadet program. The cadet program teaches me and shows me what it is to be a police officer in the community. There I do ride-alongs with a police officer for their entire shift every month, go undercover as a minor and intend to buy alcohol from clerks, and volunteer for events such as December nights, Comic-con, Marathons, etc. I am also part of our color guard team which I have participated in the Holiday Bowl Parade, MLK Parade, and St. Patrick Parade. Another team I am part of is the Recruiting team. My fellow cadets and I go to different high schools to recruit students from 16 to 21 years of age. Every second Monday of the month, we hold a recruiting meeting at the police station where new people come to apply. In my school at San Diego High School, I also joined AJROTC (Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp.) to learn about leadership improve my mind and strengthen my body. My goals and aspirations after high school are to get accepted at a 4-year University majoring in Criminal Justice and enroll in ROTC during college. After graduating from university, I want to be commissioned into the Army as an Officer for 4 years. Once I am honorably discharged, I am going to pursue my actual career as a Police officer in San Diego. I believe a college education will provide me with the academic and social resources needed to further develop my passion for law enforcement. I hope to major in criminal law and justice and possibly study criminal theory or psychology. As a Police cadet, I intend to continue my community service work and collaborate with a change in my community. As I embark on this next chapter of my life, I am eager to find out what is waiting for me. I am prepared to embrace the challenges expand my horizons, and continue to accomplish my goals. I am excited to be part of a diverse college community where I can learn and have fun at the same time.

As a first-generation high school graduate, I did not grow up in the wealthiest family. I am the oldest of 5 siblings and had to learn about school and colleges to teach my siblings because my parents didn't know about it. We have encountered several challenges in our lives and overcome them. Growing up, I had a limited perspective of life and didn’t know what career paths I wanted to pursue after I finished high school. I just knew I wanted to do something to help people or to make a great change in my community. As I was going through 8th grade and starting my freshman year, I was exposed to various career paths. I am an extrovert so I’m one of those people that wants to try out everything. At the end of my freshman year, I already knew what kind of environment or career I wanted to pursue. For my career, I want something that will be physically and mentally challenging most of it being hands-on. As soon as I turned 16, and was legally able to work or volunteer anywhere, I started going out and trying to find anything I could put my hands on. I found the San Diego Police Cadet program. The cadet program teaches me and shows me what it is to be a police officer in the community. There I do ride-alongs with a police officer for their entire shift every month, go undercover as a minor and intend to buy alcohol from clerks, and volunteer for events such as December nights, Comic-con, Marathons, etc. I am also part of our color guard team which I have participated in the Holiday Bowl Parade, MLK Parade, and St. Patrick Parade. Another team I am part of is the Recruiting team. My fellow cadets and I go to different high schools to recruit students from 16 to 21 years of age. Every second Monday of the month, we hold a recruiting meeting at the police station where new people come to apply. In my school at San Diego High School, I also joined AJROTC (Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp.) to learn about leadership improve my mind and strengthen my body. My goals and aspirations after high school are to get accepted at a 4-year University majoring in Criminal Justice and enroll in ROTC during college. After graduating from university, I want to be commissioned into the Army as an Officer for 4 years. Once I am honorably discharged, I am going to pursue my actual career as a Police officer in San Diego. I believe a college education will provide me with the academic and social resources needed to further develop my passion for law enforcement. I hope to major in criminal law and justice and possibly study criminal theory or psychology. As a Police cadet, I intend to continue my community service work and collaborate with a change in my community. As I embark on this next chapter of my life, I am eager to find out what is waiting for me. I am prepared to embrace the challenges expand my horizons, and continue to accomplish my goals. I am excited to be part of a diverse college community where I can learn and have fun at the same time.