My name is Alexa Castro, I am 17 years old and I was born in Nogales, Arizona, but I lived most of my life in the south of Mexico in Xalapa, Veracruz. I am currently a senior at Rio Rico High School, and my goal is to continue my studies, learn, and improve both as a student and as a person. I consider myself a very resilient and responsible person because I have had to face multiple changes over the past two years. The biggest challenge I have faced is my transition from Xalapa, Veracruz to Rio Rico, Arizona; my family and I traveled across Mexico with no idea of what we would face, and it was clearly a huge change because I lived in Xalapa for 15 years, which is basically my whole life. With this move, I left behind my home, my friends, my school, and my city. It was a sudden and abrupt change that forced me to reorganize my goals and adapt to a new environment, a new language, and a new culture. During the first few months, I also had to adapt to two small American schools and then to my current school. Despite all these changes, I decided to take advantage of the huge opportunity I had ahead of me, adapt to a new educational system, learn a new language, and make new friends. Despite the many obstacles I have faced (and continue to face), I have maintained excellent grades, participated in extracurricular activities like projects in the school's Art Club, made many new friends, and I continue to strive every day to improve my English. Without a doubt, this experience taught me to keep moving forward, take advantage of the opportunities presented to me, and has taught me the importance of staying positive even in difficult circumstances. Currently, my academic situation has improved, and I remain committed to achieving my goals. My main goal, in addition to graduating from high school, is to become fluent in English. I have learned a lot this year thanks to my efforts and the support of my friends and teachers. For example, one educator who has had a great impact on my life is Ms. Fuentes, my English teacher. She has supported me since I arrived in Rio Rico in improving my English skills, guided me for almost two years in the development of this new language, and has encouraged me to improve. Through her teaching, I have felt more confident communicating with my teachers and peers since my first language is Spanish. Ms. Fuentes has always been completely focused on her students so they can learn and feel confident speaking a second language, and at the same time, feel comfortable with her to improve. Her dedication to us as students has been a source of inspiration to improve every day and reminds us that learning another language opens doors to new opportunities. I am excited to graduate and for all the challenges I will face in college. I plan to study business administration with a specialization in marketing and possibly get a minor in communications, or I am also considering a career in law. But no matter what decision I make, I am sure that through my education, I will be able to contribute to this new community using my skills because I want to show, as a first-generation student, that anything is possible. I want to break more barriers and be someone who can contribute anything positive to my country, develop my creativity, inspire others, and teach that dedication can lead to success.