The performance I find most moving is Taylor Swift’s **“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” at Saturday Night Live in 2021**. What makes it so powerful to me is that it feels less like a performance and more like watching someone finally take ownership of a story that once hurt her. Swift performed the entire ten minute version without breaking it into separate songs, while the short film played behind her. ([TVLine][1]) What moves me most is how controlled the performance is despite how emotional the song is. She does not need elaborate choreography or spectacle. She stands there with her guitar and allows the storytelling to carry the entire room. There is something incredibly vulnerable about that. She takes memories that were once painful and turns them into art, giving herself the power to decide how the story is remembered. I also love how the performance represents growth. “All Too Well” originally belonged to an earlier version of Taylor, but performing the ten minute version years later felt like Taylor revisiting that younger version of herself with a completely different perspective. The performance became a statement that she could return to something painful without being defined by it. That is why I find it so moving. Taylor's career has been built around constantly being watched, judged, and interpreted by other people. In this performance, however, she controls the narrative completely. She is not asking the audience to feel sorry for her. She is simply telling the story on her own terms. For me, that is one of the most beautiful things an artist can do: take something that once made you feel powerless and transform it into something that belongs entirely to you. [1]: https://www.tvline.com/news/snl-taylor-swift-all-too-well-video-10-minute-1234754197/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "'All Too Well': Taylor Swift On 'SNL' Performs 10-Minute Version"

### Showing Up When It Matters Most When I was sixteen, I volunteered with the Mexican Red Cross in Ciudad Juárez. I was young and still trying to understand what it meant to care for people beyond my own family, but one experience changed the way I understood healthcare forever. I encountered a young woman who was giving birth, and I witnessed how vulnerable and overwhelming that moment could be. I remember realizing that behind every medical situation was a person experiencing fear, pain, uncertainty, and hope all at once. I could not change everything that was happening around her. I was not a physician, and I did not have the knowledge or authority to solve her situation. What I could do was be present. I could help, listen, remain calm, and treat her with dignity. Watching the healthcare professionals around her also made a lasting impression on me. Their work required technical knowledge, but it also required patience, compassion, and the ability to make someone feel safe during one of the most vulnerable moments of their life. That experience was one of the first moments when I understood that I wanted to work in healthcare. More specifically, it planted the beginning of my dream of becoming an OB GYN. I left that experience understanding that medicine is not simply about treating a disease or completing a procedure. It is about showing up when someone needs you most. Years later, that lesson continues to guide me. At The University of Texas at El Paso, I am studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedicine and preparing for a career in medicine. I have pursued neuroscience research in the Han Lab, where I have worked on research related to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. I have also conducted public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. These experiences have taught me the scientific and research sides of healthcare, but my Red Cross experience taught me why that science matters. Research can help us understand disease. Public health can help us understand disparities. Medicine can provide treatment. But none of those things matter as much if we forget the person standing in front of us. That is why Shaun Hudson's story resonates with me. His work as a NeuroInterventional Radiology technologist required extraordinary technical skill, but his legacy was also defined by the way he made people feel. He understood that healthcare professionals are entrusted with people during moments when they are often frightened and vulnerable. I want to carry that same humanity into my own career. The young woman I encountered through the Red Cross probably does not know how deeply that moment affected me. For her, it was one moment in her life. For me, it became part of the reason I chose the life I am pursuing. As a future OB GYN, I want to remember that every patient is someone's daughter, mother, sister, partner, or entire world. I want to be the person who does not simply enter the room to provide medical care, but enters ready to listen, reassure, and advocate. That experience at sixteen taught me something I will carry for the rest of my life: sometimes showing up for someone is the first step toward changing their life. For me, it changed mine.

I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, by my mother, a Costa Rican immigrant who raised me on her own. We grew up with very limited financial resources, but my family taught me that circumstances do not have to determine the future we create. My mother sacrificed almost everything to give me opportunities she never had, and my brother also played an important role in raising and supporting me. Their sacrifices are the foundation of my decision to pursue higher education. At eighteen, I moved to the United States to attend The University of Texas at El Paso. Choosing to study in the United States was both exciting and intimidating. I was entering a new country, educational system, and culture while also learning how to navigate higher education without a family roadmap. As an international student, I have had to manage financial responsibilities, immigration requirements, academic expectations, and career planning largely on my own. However, I was motivated by the belief that education could transform not only my life, but the lives of the people I hope to serve. One of the greatest challenges I have overcome has been learning to navigate unfamiliar systems while carrying significant financial pressure. There were many moments when I did not know who to ask or where to begin. Instead of allowing that uncertainty to stop me, I learned to advocate for myself, seek mentors, ask questions, and actively pursue opportunities. I have learned that independence does not mean knowing everything. It means having the courage to find the answer when you do not. My experiences at UTEP have allowed me to grow far beyond the classroom. I have conducted neuroscience research as a scholar in the Han Lab, where I have explored Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. I also conducted public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, which taught me to think about health from both an individual and population perspective. I have also volunteered in Thailand and Indonesia and studied abroad in South Korea. Each experience has strengthened my belief that education should be used to understand people and improve their lives. The person who inspires me most is my mother. Watching her build a life as an immigrant while raising me alone taught me what determination looks like. She did not have access to the opportunities I have today, yet she worked so that I could pursue them. Whenever I face uncertainty, I think about how much she overcame without knowing exactly where her path would lead. Her courage reminds me that I do not need to have every step figured out to keep moving forward. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and become an OB GYN focused on women's and maternal health disparities. I hope to combine clinical medicine, research, and public health to improve healthcare for underserved communities. Ultimately, I want my education in the United States to become more than a personal achievement. I want it to become a way of honoring my family's sacrifices and creating opportunities for others who may feel that their circumstances limit what they can accomplish.

“Of all the creatures that have life and sense, women are the most wretched.” — Euripides, Medea Euripides' statement in Medea reveals a world in which women's suffering was understood not as a consequence of an unjust social structure, but as an unavoidable condition of being a woman. Yet reading this passage today exposes something even more significant: the distance between the world Euripides described and the world women have fought to create. I understand this passage as a reflection of how deeply social institutions can determine a person's freedom, and how the recognition of women's humanity has required generations to challenge assumptions that once appeared natural and unquestionable. When Medea declares that women are “the most wretched” of living creatures, she is not simply expressing personal sadness. Her words expose the limited choices available to women in ancient Greek society. Marriage could determine a woman's social position, economic security, and relationship to her household. Women generally had little political authority and were excluded from the civic participation that defined citizenship in Athens. Their lives were largely organized around expectations of marriage, motherhood, and obedience. Euripides therefore gives Medea language to identify an inequality that her society had largely normalized. What makes the passage particularly powerful is that Medea does not describe women as inherently weak. Instead, she describes a social arrangement that places them in a vulnerable position. A woman may be expected to leave her family, enter her husband's household, bear children, and remain loyal to a man whose choices can determine the course of her life. The injustice is therefore structural. Her suffering does not originate simply from individual circumstances. It is produced by a society in which women possess fewer choices and less power. This distinction matters when considering the history of women's rights. Many restrictions placed on women throughout history were presented as natural consequences of biology, morality, religion, or tradition. Because these restrictions were repeated for generations, they could appear permanent. Yet the history of women's rights demonstrates that what societies describe as “natural” can change dramatically. Education is one of the clearest examples. For centuries, women in many societies were denied equal access to formal education because their primary roles were assumed to be domestic. When women began demanding educational opportunities, they were not simply asking for more knowledge. They were challenging the assumption that intellectual development belonged primarily to men. Education became a pathway to independence because it allowed women to develop skills, participate in professions, earn income, and contribute to public life. The transformation did not happen because society suddenly became enlightened. It happened because women repeatedly challenged the boundaries placed around them. Women organized, wrote, protested, entered universities, pursued professions, and demanded political representation. Figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft argued that women's apparent inferiority was largely the result of their lack of education and opportunity. Later movements for suffrage challenged the idea that political participation should be determined by gender. Each generation expanded what was considered possible. This is why I find Euripides' passage especially meaningful when viewed from the present. The statement is painful because the circumstances it describes were real, but it is also evidence that women have been questioning their position for thousands of years. Medea's words give us an ancient example of a woman recognizing that the world around her has restricted her choices. Her ability to articulate that injustice is itself significant. At the same time, progress should not make us believe the struggle is finished. Women today have rights and opportunities that women in ancient Greece could not have imagined, but access to those rights is still unequal. Differences in income, geography, culture, race, education, and healthcare continue to influence women's ability to exercise their freedoms. A woman may legally possess a right while still facing practical barriers that make that right difficult to access. This is particularly important to me because I hope to pursue a career in women's health. My interest in medicine has shown me that women's rights are not separate from healthcare. The ability to make decisions about one's health, receive accurate information, be believed by medical professionals, and access quality care are all connected to autonomy. A society cannot claim that women are fully empowered if women continue to face barriers to receiving the healthcare they need. Euripides' passage therefore means more to me than a description of ancient women's suffering. It is a reminder of what happens when inequality becomes so deeply embedded in a society that people begin to mistake it for nature. The progress of women's rights demonstrates that social structures can change, but only when people are willing to question them. The greatest lesson I take from this passage is that progress begins with recognition. Before a society can change an injustice, someone must be willing to name it. Medea names the suffering of women in her world. Generations of women after her continued naming injustices in their own. The responsibility of our generation is to recognize the inequalities that remain and refuse to treat them as inevitable. Women have moved from being told what their lives should be to increasingly having the ability to define those lives for themselves. That transformation is one of the most important examples of social change in human history. Yet its history also reminds us that rights are not simply given; they are protected, expanded, and made meaningful through continued effort. The passage from Medea captures the beginning of a conversation about women's inequality that humanity is still having today.

Being a first generation college student means something very personal to me because I know exactly how much it took for my family to get me here. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. My mother is Costa Rican and raised me on her own. We grew up with very little financially, and there was never a simple or guaranteed path to higher education. My mother did not have the opportunity to pursue the education I am pursuing today, but she always made me believe that I could. My mother is one of the biggest reasons I am passionate about becoming a first generation college graduate. As an immigrant and a single mother, she sacrificed almost everything to give me a different future. My brother also helped raise me and supported me in countless ways. Growing up, I watched the people I love work hard without having the same opportunities that I have today. Because of that, earning a college degree will never feel like something I am doing only for myself. It represents everything my family worked for before I ever stepped into a university classroom. When I moved to the United States at eighteen to attend The University of Texas at El Paso, I realized how much I did not know about navigating higher education. I did not have a family roadmap telling me which opportunities to pursue, how to prepare for medical school, or how to build a career in research. I had to learn by asking questions, making mistakes, finding mentors, and figuring things out along the way. Being a first generation student has sometimes been intimidating, but it has also made me incredibly determined. I have tried to make the most of every opportunity I have been given. At UTEP, I have been involved in student leadership, research, and service. I have worked as a neuroscience research scholar in the Han Lab, where I have gained experience studying Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. I also had the opportunity to conduct public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. Outside of research, I have volunteered internationally in Thailand and Indonesia and studied abroad in South Korea. These experiences have shown me that education can take you places you never imagined, but more importantly, it gives you the ability to help others. My goal is to become an OB GYN focused on women's and maternal health disparities. I want to serve communities where financial circumstances and limited access to healthcare can determine someone's health outcomes. I also want to encourage other students from backgrounds like mine to believe that careers in medicine, research, and STEM are possible for them. I am passionate about becoming a first generation college graduate because I know what this degree represents. It represents my mother's sacrifices, my brother's support, my family's resilience, and every moment when I chose to keep going even when I was unsure of myself. I am not just trying to become the first in my family to graduate from college. I am trying to become the first person who can use that opportunity to open even more doors for the people who come after me.

1. About Me and What Motivates Me I am a Biological Sciences student at The University of Texas at El Paso, concentrating in Biomedicine and preparing for a career in medicine. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, raised in Ciudad Juárez, and moved to the United States at eighteen to pursue my education. My mother, a Costa Rican immigrant who raised me alone, sacrificed almost everything to give me opportunities she never had. My brother also helped raise and support me in every way. Their sacrifices are the foundation of my motivation. Growing up with limited financial resources taught me to appreciate opportunities that many people might take for granted. I learned early that education could change the trajectory of my life, and I became determined to use it as a way to create a future that would make my family proud. My motivation comes from knowing how much my mother and brother sacrificed so I could have opportunities beyond what our circumstances could provide. What I ultimately want is to use my life to help people. I hope to become an OB GYN focused on women's and maternal health, particularly for communities that experience barriers to quality healthcare. I am interested in combining medicine, research, and public health because I believe some of the biggest health problems require more than treating individual patients. I have actively pursued experiences that bring me closer to that goal, including neuroscience research at UTEP's Han Lab, public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, student leadership, and international volunteering. If I could do anything with my life, I would build a career where scientific knowledge becomes meaningful change for real people. 2. What Excites Me About STEM What excites me most about STEM is that it gives us the ability to turn curiosity into solutions. Science allows us to investigate questions that do not have obvious answers and build knowledge that can eventually transform people's lives. I love that even a result that does not match your hypothesis can teach you something important and lead you toward a better question. My neuroscience research experience at the Han Lab has given me a much deeper appreciation for this process. As a Neuroscience Research Scholar, I have worked in research related to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative brain diseases. Being part of a laboratory has taught me that meaningful scientific progress requires patience, precision, collaboration, and resilience. There have been experiments where the results were not what we expected, and those moments taught me that research is not about proving yourself right. It is about discovering what is true. My public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health also helped me see how scientific discoveries connect to larger communities. It taught me to think about prevention, health outcomes, and the systems that influence whether people actually benefit from scientific progress. Although my ultimate career goal is medicine, I am fascinated by the potential of information technology to improve healthcare. Data science, artificial intelligence, and digital health tools could help researchers identify patterns in disease, support earlier detection, organize complex information, and make healthcare more efficient. I want to work at the intersection of medicine, science, and technology to help develop solutions that improve patient care. I believe technology should not make healthcare less human. Instead, it should give healthcare professionals better information and tools so they can spend more time understanding and caring for their patients. 3. The Greatest Challenge I Have Overcome One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been building my educational path in the United States without having a roadmap for how to do it. Moving from Mexico at eighteen meant leaving my mother, my home, and everything familiar to pursue an opportunity that could change my future. As an international student, I have had to navigate a new country, educational system, financial responsibilities, and career planning largely on my own. There have been moments when the uncertainty felt overwhelming. I have experienced financial stress, academic pressure, homesickness, and personal hardships while trying to maintain the standards I set for myself. I have also experienced difficult moments in research when long hours of work did not produce the results I hoped for. Those experiences sometimes made me question whether I was doing enough or whether I was capable of reaching my goals. I learned to overcome these challenges by refusing to let uncertainty become an excuse to stop. I sought mentors, asked questions, pursued opportunities, and learned how to advocate for myself. More importantly, I learned to accept that struggling does not mean failing. Sometimes growth comes from the moments when things do not go according to plan. My mother's story continues to remind me why I keep going. She immigrated to create a better life for us, and my brother helped support me along the way. Every opportunity I have today exists because of sacrifices they made before I was old enough to understand them. I am still building my path, but I no longer feel intimidated by the fact that there was no roadmap waiting for me. I am creating one through every class I take, every experiment I conduct, every person I serve, and every challenge I choose to overcome. My goal is not simply to succeed for myself. It is to turn the opportunities my family fought to give me into something that can improve the lives of others.

Entering higher education as an immigrant has often felt like learning a language that was never formally taught to me. I understood how to study, work hard, and dream, but I did not always know how the college system worked or what questions I was supposed to ask. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, raised in Ciudad Juárez, and moved to the United States at eighteen to attend The University of Texas at El Paso. As an international student and first generation college student, I entered higher education carrying ambition but without a family roadmap for navigating it. My mother, a Costa Rican immigrant who raised me on her own, sacrificed everything she could so I could have opportunities she never had. My brother also played an important role in raising and supporting me. Growing up in a low income household taught me to value education deeply, but it also meant that many of the systems I was entering were unfamiliar to my family. I often had to figure out applications, financial responsibilities, academic requirements, professional opportunities, and career planning by asking questions and learning through experience. There have been moments when being an outsider to the system has been intimidating. I have worried about making the wrong decision because I did not know what the right one was supposed to look like. As an international student, there are also responsibilities and restrictions that make my educational journey different from that of many of my peers. Financial pressure has made some opportunities feel uncertain, and being far from home has meant learning to handle difficult situations independently. At the same time, being an outsider has become one of my greatest strengths. Because I know what it feels like not to have a roadmap, I have become determined to create my own. I have sought out research, leadership, and service opportunities rather than waiting for someone to tell me what was possible. I have worked at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, conducted neuroscience research at the Han Lab at UTEP, studied abroad in South Korea, and volunteered in Thailand and Indonesia. Each experience has expanded my understanding of what I can accomplish. My immigrant experience has also shaped what I want to do with my education. I am pursuing Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedicine because I want to become an OB GYN focused on women's and maternal health disparities. I want to serve patients who may feel just as unfamiliar with healthcare systems as I once felt with higher education systems. I want to be a physician who explains, listens, and makes people feel that they belong in the room. My hope for higher education is that students like me will eventually enter these spaces without feeling like outsiders. Until then, I want to use my experiences to help others navigate the paths I had to discover on my own. I may not have inherited a roadmap, but I am creating one, and I hope it will make the journey easier for the people who come after me.

I was raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, by my mother, a Costa Rican immigrant who raised me on her own, but I was never raised by her alone. My brother played an incredibly important role in my upbringing and helped my mother raise me in every way. He supported me financially, emotionally, and practically, and he became one of the people I could depend on when life was difficult. My family did not have many resources, but we had each other, and that shaped the person I am today. Growing up in a low income household taught me early that life does not always provide people with equal opportunities. My mother sacrificed everything she could to give me a better future, and my brother stepped in whenever she needed help. Whether it was taking care of me, supporting our family, or simply being there when I needed someone, he showed me what responsibility and sacrifice look like. I learned from both of them that family is not only about what someone is expected to do. It is about choosing to show up for one another. Because of the environment I grew up in, I became independent at a young age. I learned to appreciate opportunities because I understood how much work was behind them. When I eventually moved to the United States at eighteen to attend The University of Texas at El Paso, I carried my family's sacrifices with me. Moving away from home and navigating a new country, educational system, and financial responsibilities was difficult. There were many moments when I wished I had someone to tell me exactly what to do, but I reminded myself that my family had taught me how to figure things out and keep going. My experiences have strongly influenced my goals. I am studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedicine because I want to become an OB GYN and focus on women's and maternal health disparities. I want to use my education to help people who, like my family, may face financial or social barriers that make opportunities and healthcare harder to access. My brother's role in my upbringing also taught me something that I hope to carry into my career: people rarely succeed completely on their own. Behind every person who reaches a goal, there are often people who supported them when nobody else saw the struggle. That understanding has made me passionate about giving back. Through my leadership, research, and volunteer experiences, I have tried to support others in the same way my family supported me. My family did not give me a perfect or easy childhood. They gave me something more important: resilience, love, and the example of people who were willing to sacrifice for my future. My mother and brother helped me become the person I am, and their sacrifices are part of the reason I am so determined to succeed. I want my future to honor everything they gave me. I want to become a physician, advocate for underserved communities, and eventually become the kind of person who helps others believe that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.

My family’s story has shaped almost every part of who I am and what I hope to accomplish. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, by my mother, a Costa Rican immigrant who raised me on her own. We grew up with very limited financial resources, but I never considered my childhood lacking in the things that mattered most. My mother gave me something much more valuable than material comfort: the belief that our circumstances did not have to determine our future. Watching my mother build a life as an immigrant taught me what sacrifice truly means. She had to navigate an unfamiliar environment while raising me alone and finding ways to provide for us. I saw how hard she worked and how often she put her own needs aside so that I could have opportunities she never had. Because of her, I learned that ambition is not about wanting more for yourself alone. It is about recognizing the sacrifices that made your opportunities possible and using those opportunities to create something meaningful. At eighteen, I moved to the United States to attend The University of Texas at El Paso. Leaving my mother and the home we had built together was difficult, but it was also a continuation of the dream she had worked so hard to give me. As an international student, I have had to navigate a new country, educational system, culture, and financial responsibilities largely on my own. There have been moments of uncertainty and financial stress, but my mother's story reminds me that difficult circumstances are not a reason to stop moving forward. My experiences have shaped the way I see opportunity. I understand that education is not equally accessible to everyone, and I do not take my own opportunities for granted. At UTEP, I have pursued research, leadership, and service experiences because I want my education to become something larger than a degree. My work at the Han Lab as a neuroscience research scholar has allowed me to explore research related to neurodegenerative diseases, while my public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health taught me to think about health at the community and population level. Volunteering in Thailand and Indonesia and studying abroad in South Korea also taught me to appreciate perspectives far beyond my own. These experiences have shaped my career aspirations. I want to become an OB GYN and focus on women's and maternal health disparities. I want to serve communities where financial circumstances, culture, geography, or limited access to resources can determine whether someone receives quality healthcare. Eventually, I hope to combine clinical medicine, research, and public health to address these inequalities. My mother's story taught me that one person's sacrifices can create opportunities for an entire generation. I carry that responsibility with me. I want to honor everything she sacrificed by building a life that gives back, not only to my family, but to the communities I hope to serve. My ambition is not simply to become successful. It is to make the opportunity my mother fought to give me mean something for someone else, too.

To me, selflessness means choosing to give your time, energy, and compassion to others without expecting anything in return. I have learned that helping someone does not always require having extraordinary resources. Sometimes, it means being willing to step outside of your own circumstances, listen to someone, and offer whatever support you can. My experiences volunteering abroad, particularly in Thailand, have shaped the way I understand what it means to serve others. During my time volunteering in Thailand, I had the opportunity to teach English to students. At first, I thought I would be the person doing the teaching and giving knowledge to others. Instead, I quickly realized how much I was learning from the students themselves. Many of them had limited opportunities to practice English with someone from outside their community, and I saw how excited they became when they were given the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and communicate without fear of making mistakes. I remember how meaningful it was to see students become more confident as they participated in activities and conversations. What may have seemed like a small contribution to me could represent a meaningful opportunity for someone else. That experience taught me that selflessness is not measured by the size of what you give, but by the intention and consistency behind it. My commitment to service has also continued throughout my education. At The University of Texas at El Paso, I have participated in leadership and community service opportunities that have allowed me to support other students and contribute to my campus community. As a student leader, I have learned that helping others often means advocating for people whose concerns may not otherwise be heard. I have tried to use my positions not simply as achievements for myself, but as opportunities to connect students with resources and make their experiences better. My volunteer experiences in Thailand and Indonesia also changed how I think about service. Being immersed in communities different from my own taught me that helping others begins with humility. I cannot assume that I know what someone needs simply because I want to help. I have to listen first, understand the community, and respect the people I am serving. This lesson has become especially important to me as I pursue a career in healthcare. I want to become an OB GYN and focus on women's and maternal health disparities. Medicine, to me, is one of the greatest forms of service because physicians are entrusted with people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I want to practice medicine with the same mindset I developed through volunteering: listen before assuming, serve without judgment, and remember that every person deserves to be treated with dignity. Selflessness has never meant forgetting myself. It has meant recognizing that my education, opportunities, and experiences can become more meaningful when I use them to benefit someone else. Whether I am teaching a student in Thailand, advocating for my peers at UTEP, or eventually caring for a patient, I want my actions to leave people feeling supported, respected, and empowered. I believe the greatest measure of success is not how much we accomplish for ourselves, but how many people are better off because we chose to help.

One problem in healthcare that I refuse to accept as inevitable is the devastating impact of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions can gradually take away a person’s memory, independence, and ability to recognize the people they love, while also profoundly affecting their families and caregivers. I refuse to accept that losing these abilities must simply be considered an unavoidable part of aging. My commitment to this problem became personal through my research experience at the University of Texas at El Paso, where I work as a Neuroscience Research Scholar in the Han Lab. Working in Dr. Han’s laboratory has allowed me to experience the reality of neuroscience research firsthand. I have learned that progress against neurodegenerative diseases is rarely immediate. It requires patience, careful experimentation, critical thinking, and the willingness to continue investigating even when the results are unexpected. My experience in the Han Lab has challenged me in ways I did not anticipate. Research has taught me that science does not always provide the answer we hope for. There have been moments when I invested hours into experiments only to discover that the results did not support the conclusion I expected. Instead of making me want to step away from research, those experiences strengthened my determination to understand why. I have learned that an unexpected or negative result is not useless. It can reveal what we still do not understand and help guide the next question. Through my neuroscience research, I have become particularly interested in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and how research can eventually translate into better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. I want to continue developing the skills necessary to investigate these diseases at the cellular and molecular level while also understanding their consequences for patients and families. My previous public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University also shaped the way I think about this problem. That experience taught me to look beyond the biology of a disease and consider prevention, access, education, and the systems that determine health outcomes. Together, my neuroscience and public health experiences have shown me that solving complex health problems requires both scientific discovery and an understanding of the people affected by it. If I had the opportunity to shape the future of neurodegenerative disease research, I would pursue work that connects basic neuroscience with prevention and clinical care. I want to contribute to research that identifies disease mechanisms earlier, develops better ways to detect changes before severe cognitive decline occurs, and ultimately leads to interventions that preserve quality of life. My goal is to become a physician who understands both the patient and the science behind their disease. Whether my future career ultimately combines medicine, neuroscience research, or both, I want my work to contribute to a future where Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases are detected earlier, treated more effectively, and no longer viewed as conditions we can only watch progress. I know I cannot solve neurodegeneration alone. But my experience in the Han Lab has taught me that meaningful scientific progress begins with people who are willing to keep asking difficult questions. I intend to be one of those people.

I grew up in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, in a home where my Costa Rican mother raised me on her own. We did not have much financially, but I grew up surrounded by something that has always meant more to me than money: my mother’s determination. As an immigrant, she sacrificed almost everything to give me opportunities that she herself never had. Watching her work, struggle, and continue moving forward shaped the way I understand perseverance, family, and success. Growing up poor taught me about limitations, but my mother taught me not to let those limitations determine my future. There were things we could not afford and opportunities that sometimes felt impossibly far away. I understood from a young age that financial circumstances could determine what people were able to experience and what opportunities were available to them. However, my mother never allowed our circumstances to become the definition of who I could become. Instead, she taught me to work for the opportunities I wanted. When I was eighteen, I moved to the United States to attend The University of Texas at El Paso. Leaving my mother and the home we had built together was one of the hardest decisions I have made. I was entering a new country, a new educational system, and a completely different stage of life. As an international student, I have had to navigate many challenges independently, including financial pressure and the uncertainty that comes with building a future far from home. There were many moments when I wished I had a roadmap, but I reminded myself that my mother never had one either. My college experience has become a continuation of the sacrifices she made for me. I have pursued research, student leadership, community service, and opportunities that have allowed me to grow beyond the classroom. I worked at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, participated in research at UTEP, studied abroad in South Korea, and volunteered internationally. Every opportunity has reinforced how much education can change the trajectory of a person's life. My mother is the reason I want to make the most of those opportunities. She immigrated from Costa Rica and built a life in Ciudad Juárez while raising me alone. Her story reminds me that sometimes the people who have the fewest resources can make the greatest sacrifices. My goal is to become an OB GYN focused on women's and maternal health disparities. I want to use the education my mother sacrificed to make possible to help women and families who face financial and healthcare barriers. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce the financial pressure of pursuing higher education and allow me to continue investing my time and energy into my studies and preparation for medical school. More than financial assistance, it would recognize the journey that brought me here. I may have grown up with very little, but I grew up watching my mother give everything she had so I could have more. My greatest motivation is to make sure her sacrifices become part of something bigger than our family. I want to turn everything she gave me into a future where I can give back to others.

My interest in women’s health comes from both my personal background and the kind of physician I want to become. I am studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedicine at The University of Texas at El Paso, with the goal of becoming an OB GYN. I want my career to focus on women’s and maternal health disparities, and learning about PMDD and PME has shown me another major gap in care that I believe deserves much greater attention. What draws me to PMDD and PME is the disconnect between how profoundly these conditions can affect someone’s life and how rarely they are recognized in routine healthcare. Millions of people experience severe cyclical symptoms, yet many spend years searching for an explanation. To me, this represents more than a diagnostic problem. It represents a failure to consistently listen to women and recognize their experiences as legitimate medical concerns. My interest in addressing healthcare gaps was strengthened through my public health research at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, where I worked in the Department of Prevention and Community Health. That experience showed me the importance of approaching health beyond individual treatment and examining the larger systems that determine whether people receive appropriate care. I learned how research, prevention, education, and policy can work together to improve health outcomes at a population level. I want to bring that perspective into my future work in women's health. One concrete way I hope to contribute to PMDD and PME care is by helping develop and implement standardized premenstrual health screening within routine women's healthcare. During gynecological visits, patients could be asked brief, validated questions about cyclical changes in mood, cognition, physical symptoms, and daily functioning. When symptoms suggest PMDD or PME, clinicians could provide appropriate resources, encourage prospective symptom tracking, and establish a pathway for further evaluation rather than dismissing symptoms as "just PMS." I would also like to study how these conditions are recognized across underserved populations. Growing up in Ciudad Juárez and later moving to the United States has made me particularly aware of how language, socioeconomic circumstances, and access to healthcare can influence whether someone receives appropriate care. My public health experience reinforced this perspective by showing me that effective healthcare solutions must consider the communities they are intended to serve. I hope to eventually contribute to educational materials and screening approaches that are culturally sensitive, accessible in multiple languages, and practical for diverse healthcare settings. My goal is not simply to become an OB GYN who knows that PMDD and PME exist. I want to become a physician who helps make recognition of these conditions routine. I hope to combine clinical practice, research, and medical education so future clinicians learn about premenstrual disorders before patients have to educate their own doctors. Women should not have to spend years proving that their symptoms are real. I want my career to help create a healthcare system where cyclical mental and physical symptoms are taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and treated with the same urgency and compassion as other medical conditions.

My primary goal is to become an OB GYN and build a career focused on women's and maternal health, particularly for communities that experience barriers to quality healthcare. I want to combine clinical medicine, research, advocacy, and public health to address disparities rather than only treating their consequences. Reaching this goal requires a long term plan, financial discipline, and the willingness to adapt when circumstances change. My first priority is completing my Biological Sciences degree with a concentration in Biomedicine at The University of Texas at El Paso. I plan to graduate in May 2027 while maintaining strong academic performance and completing the prerequisites required for medical school. During this time, I will continue gaining research, leadership, volunteer, and clinical experiences that will help me understand medicine beyond the classroom. I am also preparing for the MCAT and plan to use resources such as Kaplan materials, Anki, practice exams, university advising, and affordable or free academic resources whenever possible. After graduation, my goal is to attend medical school. I plan to apply broadly to programs where my academic background, experiences, and commitment to underserved communities align with the school's mission. Because medical school is a significant financial investment, I will pursue scholarships, grants, institutional aid, and federal or private funding for which I am eligible. I will also continue developing relationships with mentors who can guide me through applications, interviews, and financial planning. My estimated budget for the next stage of my education will depend heavily on the institution, but I anticipate major expenses including tuition, housing, food, transportation, health insurance, books, and professional application fees. I plan to create a detailed annual budget before each academic year and prioritize essential expenses. My strategy is to minimize unnecessary debt, seek scholarships aggressively, use student resources such as libraries and academic support services, and work when my academic schedule allows. For medical school, I recognize that borrowing may be necessary, but I intend to compare financial aid packages carefully and choose the most sustainable option rather than simply choosing the most prestigious program. After medical school, I plan to complete an OB GYN residency, followed by additional training if I decide to specialize in an area such as maternal fetal medicine. During residency, my focus will be developing excellent clinical skills while continuing to learn about healthcare disparities and community needs. I also have alternative paths if my plans change. If I do not enter medical school immediately after graduation, I can pursue additional research, public health experience, or an MPH while strengthening my application. If finances become a barrier, I will prioritize programs offering substantial financial aid and explore service based opportunities that can support my education. Ultimately, my plan is not simply to earn a medical degree. It is to build a sustainable career in which my education becomes a tool for improving women's health. I know the path will require years of work and significant resources, but I also know why I am willing to make that investment. Every step brings me closer to becoming the physician and advocate I want to be.

Sobriety and recovery have shaped my understanding of resilience, compassion, and the importance of seeing people as more than the challenges they are facing. While I have not personally experienced addiction, I have seen how substance use can affect individuals, families, and relationships. Those experiences have taught me that recovery is not simply about stopping a behavior. It is about rebuilding a life, restoring trust, and finding the strength to begin again. Growing up in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, I became aware of how difficult circumstances can influence people's choices and opportunities. I learned that struggles are rarely as simple as they appear from the outside. Addiction can affect someone's health, relationships, education, employment, and sense of self, while also affecting everyone who loves them. What has stayed with me most is the importance of compassion. It is easy to judge someone based on what we see, but it is much harder and much more meaningful to ask what happened to them, what they need, and how we can help. My education has given me a deeper understanding of the connection between physical health, mental health, and social circumstances. As a Biological Sciences student at The University of Texas at El Paso, pursuing a concentration in Biomedicine, I am preparing for a career in medicine. My goal is to become an OB GYN and focus on women's and maternal health, particularly among underserved communities. Although addiction is not the sole focus of my career, my experiences have made me understand that healthcare providers have a responsibility to treat the whole person rather than only the condition in front of them. I want to become a physician who recognizes when a patient may be struggling with substance use, mental health, trauma, or circumstances that make recovery more difficult. I want my patients to feel safe enough to be honest about what they are experiencing without fear of being judged. For some people, a healthcare provider may be one of the first people to recognize that they need help. I want to be someone who responds with understanding and connects them with the resources they need. My own journey has also taught me what it means to rebuild and keep moving forward. Moving to the United States at eighteen, navigating college as an international student, facing financial and academic challenges, and experiencing personal loss have all tested my resilience. These experiences have reminded me that people can carry struggles that are invisible to everyone around them. They have made me more empathetic toward anyone trying to find their way through a difficult chapter. To me, Bishop Mozell Haymon's words that "life begins with sobriety" represent more than abstaining from substances. They represent the possibility of beginning again. I want to use my education to help create healthcare environments where people are given that possibility, where recovery is treated with dignity, and where asking for help is seen as an act of strength rather than weakness.

The impact I want to make begins with something I have learned throughout my life: access to opportunity can change the direction of a person's future. Growing up in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and later moving to the United States to pursue my education, I have seen how circumstances such as financial resources, location, culture, and access to information can shape the opportunities people have. These experiences have made me determined to use my education not only to build a successful career, but to create opportunities for people who may not have had the same access. I am studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedicine at The University of Texas at El Paso because I want to become an OB GYN. My vision is to build a career centered on women's health, particularly maternal health and the disparities that affect underserved communities. I want to become the kind of physician who understands that treating a patient involves more than understanding their biology. It requires understanding their circumstances, listening to their concerns, respecting their culture, and recognizing the barriers that may prevent them from receiving care. The people who inspire me most are the women I have encountered throughout my life. I am inspired by women who continue working, studying, raising families, and caring for others despite circumstances that make their paths difficult. I am also inspired by my family, whose sacrifices and support have allowed me to pursue opportunities that were not always available to previous generations. Their experiences remind me that my education carries a responsibility. I am not pursuing it only for myself. Through my career, I hope to contribute to reducing maternal and women's health disparities. I want to advocate for accessible preventive care, reproductive health education, and better support for women who face financial, geographic, cultural, or language barriers. I also hope to contribute to research that helps us understand why certain communities experience worse health outcomes and what can be done to change them. Giving back to my community will not end when I become a physician. I want to mentor students who are considering healthcare careers, particularly students who may feel that medicine is inaccessible to them. I know what it feels like to enter unfamiliar spaces without knowing exactly how to navigate them, and I want to become the person I once needed. If I can help another student see a future for themselves that they once thought was impossible, that will be part of my impact. Ultimately, I want my education to become a bridge between knowledge and action. I want to take what I learn in classrooms, laboratories, hospitals, and communities and use it to improve people's lives. A better future, to me, is one where a woman's health is not determined by her income or circumstances, where students are encouraged to dream regardless of their background, and where healthcare is treated as something people deserve rather than something they must be privileged enough to afford. I do not expect to change the world by myself. I want to change the lives of the people I am able to reach, one patient, one student, and one community at a time.

Being a first generation student means more to me than being the first person in my family to pursue higher education. It means entering spaces that my family had never entered before and learning how to navigate them while carrying the hopes of the people who believed in me. It means that many of the questions I have had about college, careers, and my future were questions I had to learn to answer on my own. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. At eighteen, I moved to the United States to attend The University of Texas at El Paso and pursue a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedicine. Leaving Mexico and beginning my education in another country was both exciting and intimidating. I had to learn how to navigate a new educational system, culture, and responsibilities while being far from the environment I had always known. My journey has not been easy. I have faced financial challenges, academic pressure, uncertainty about my future, and the responsibilities that come with being an international student. There have been moments when I felt overwhelmed and wondered whether I was capable of reaching the goals I had set for myself. However, every challenge has strengthened my determination. Instead of allowing uncertainty to define me, I have learned to ask questions, seek opportunities, and keep moving forward even when I do not have a clear roadmap. I have tried to make the most of every opportunity my education has given me. At UTEP, I have been involved in student leadership, research, service, and health related initiatives. I have studied abroad in South Korea and volunteered in Thailand and Indonesia. These experiences have expanded my understanding of the world and reminded me that education is not only about personal achievement. It gives us the ability to understand others and contribute to something greater than ourselves. My dream is to become an OB GYN and focus my career on women's and maternal health, particularly for underserved communities. I want to use my education to address healthcare disparities and help women receive the quality care they deserve, regardless of their financial or social circumstances. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing that dream by reducing some of the financial pressure that comes with my education and allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and preparation for medical school. More importantly, receiving this scholarship would remind me that the path I am creating matters. Being first generation means that I may not have inherited a roadmap, but I am creating one. I hope that one day, the path I build will make it easier for someone else in my family to dream even bigger.

I am interested in Biological Sciences and Biomedicine because I want to understand the human body deeply enough to help people when they are at their most vulnerable. My long term goal is to become an OB GYN and focus my career on women's and maternal health, particularly among communities that experience barriers to quality healthcare. For me, medicine is not only about treating a disease. It is about understanding the person behind the diagnosis and recognizing the circumstances that may have affected their ability to receive care. My interest in healthcare has been shaped by my experiences growing up in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and later moving to the United States at eighteen to pursue my education. Living between different environments has made me aware of how culture, socioeconomic circumstances, language, and access to resources can influence someone's health. I have learned that two people can have the same medical problem but very different outcomes simply because one had access to information, transportation, financial resources, or a healthcare provider while the other did not. My experiences in college have strengthened this purpose. At The University of Texas at El Paso, I have pursued research, leadership, and service opportunities that have allowed me to explore healthcare from different perspectives. My research experiences have taught me patience and critical thinking, while my leadership and volunteer experiences have taught me the importance of listening to people and understanding the needs of a community before trying to create solutions. Studying abroad in South Korea and volunteering in Thailand and Indonesia also expanded my perspective and taught me that caring for others requires cultural humility and an openness to experiences different from my own. I have also faced adversities that have shaped the person I am becoming. Moving to another country at eighteen required me to become independent quickly and navigate challenges far from the support systems I had always known. I have experienced financial stress, academic pressure, uncertainty about my future, and the difficulties that come with being an international student. I have also experienced personal loss that changed the way I view life and reminded me how fragile and precious our time with the people we love can be. These experiences have not made my path easier, but they have made my purpose clearer. They have taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of showing up even when I do not have all the answers. I understand what it feels like to face uncertainty, and I want to become the kind of physician who makes patients feel that they do not have to face difficult moments alone. Ultimately, I hope to make an impact beyond individual patient care. I want to advocate for better maternal healthcare, contribute to research, and help reduce the disparities that prevent women from receiving the care they deserve. My education is giving me the knowledge to become a physician, but my experiences are giving me the reason to become one. I want to use both to build a career centered on science, compassion, and meaningful change.

My immigrant experience began when I was eighteen years old, when I left Mexico to pursue my education in the United States. I was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, so moving to the United States was not simply a change of location. It meant leaving behind the environment, family, and routines I had always known and learning how to build a life in a new country. Coming to the United States as an international student has challenged me in ways I did not anticipate. I have had to navigate a new educational system, culture, and responsibilities while also learning to become independent. There have been moments when I felt far from home and uncertain about whether I was making the right decisions. Financial challenges and the pressure of building a future while maintaining my immigration status have added another layer of responsibility to my education. Despite these challenges, I have continued moving forward because I know how meaningful the opportunity to study in the United States is. My immigrant experience has also changed the way I understand opportunity. I have realized that opportunities are not equally accessible to everyone, and that education can be one of the most powerful tools for changing the direction of someone's life. Because of this, I have tried to make my college experience about more than myself. At The University of Texas at El Paso, I have been involved in student leadership, research, service, and health related initiatives. I have also studied abroad in South Korea and volunteered in Thailand and Indonesia, experiences that taught me how much we can learn when we listen to people whose experiences are different from our own. My career aspirations are deeply connected to these experiences. I am studying Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedicine because I want to become a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. I am particularly interested in women's health and maternal health disparities. I want to understand not only the biological causes of illness, but also the social and economic circumstances that determine whether someone can receive care in the first place. My goal is to become a physician who combines scientific knowledge with empathy and advocacy. I want to serve women and families who may face financial, cultural, geographic, or language barriers to healthcare. Eventually, I hope to contribute to improving maternal healthcare systems and expanding access to quality care for underserved communities. Being an immigrant has taught me that belonging is not something that happens automatically. It is something you build through the relationships you create, the contributions you make, and the courage to keep going when you feel out of place. The United States has given me an opportunity to pursue a career that once felt distant, and I want to honor that opportunity by using my education to serve others. I came to the United States because I wanted a better education and a chance to build my future. I now hope that the future I build will create opportunities for others, too.

My journey to study in the United States has been shaped by courage, uncertainty, and a strong belief that education can change not only my life, but the lives of the people I hope to serve. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. At eighteen, I made the decision to move to the United States to pursue my education at The University of Texas at El Paso. Leaving behind what was familiar and learning to navigate a new country, university, and culture was one of the biggest challenges I had faced. As an international student, I have had to become independent and learn how to build a future while carrying the responsibilities and uncertainties that come with studying abroad. My college experience has been much more than academics. I have served in student leadership, participated in research, volunteered internationally, studied abroad in South Korea, and worked to make opportunities more accessible to other students. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not about having a title. It is about recognizing what needs to change and having the courage to contribute to that change. There have also been moments when continuing forward has been difficult. I have experienced financial challenges, academic pressure, uncertainty about my future, and deeply personal loss. There have been times when I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I was capable of carrying everything I had taken on. Yet these experiences have made me more compassionate and resilient. They have reminded me that behind every student, patient, or person asking for help is a story that may not be visible to others. My studies in Biological Sciences, with a concentration in Biomedicine, are preparing me for my ultimate goal of becoming a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. I want to focus my career on women's health, particularly the disparities that affect mothers and underserved communities. I have seen how access to resources can shape people's opportunities, and I want my education to help me address those inequalities rather than simply succeed within the system. Studying in the United States has given me access to opportunities that have expanded my understanding of science, healthcare, leadership, and service. I hope to use that education to become a physician who treats patients with both scientific knowledge and empathy. I also want to advocate for communities whose voices are often overlooked and contribute to making healthcare more accessible, especially for women and families who face financial, cultural, or geographic barriers. Ultimately, I do not want my education to be measured only by the degree I earn. I want it to be measured by the lives I am able to improve because I had the opportunity to learn. Every obstacle I have overcome has strengthened my determination to turn my education into something larger than myself. I came to the United States to pursue an education, but I hope to leave a lasting impact by using that education to serve others.

To me, education has never been limited to a classroom, a textbook, or a degree. Education represents opportunity, resilience, and the possibility of becoming someone who can create change for others. My understanding of education has been shaped by everything I have experienced, from growing up in Ciudad Juárez to moving to the United States at eighteen to pursue my education, and from studying abroad to preparing for a career in medicine. Every step has taught me that education is not simply something I receive. It is something I carry with me and use to open doors for myself and others. Growing up in Ciudad Juárez, I learned early that opportunities are not always equally accessible. I saw how circumstances can influence the paths people are able to take, and those experiences shaped the way I view education. For me, education became a way to expand the possibilities of my future. When I moved to the United States to attend the University of Texas at El Paso, I knew I was taking a risk. I was leaving behind what was familiar and learning how to navigate a new environment while building a life of my own. Being an international student has taught me independence, discipline, and the importance of continuing forward even when things feel uncertain. Education has also taken me far beyond my university. Studying abroad in South Korea and volunteering in Thailand and Indonesia exposed me to people, cultures, and perspectives that I could never have learned from a textbook. Those experiences taught me that education happens when we allow ourselves to listen, question what we believe, and understand experiences different from our own. They made me realize that becoming educated also means becoming more empathetic. My education has not always been easy. I have experienced financial stress, academic pressure, uncertainty about my future, and moments when I questioned whether all my effort was worth it. Research, internships, leadership responsibilities, and preparing for medical school have challenged me in ways that have required me to grow. Even difficult experiences have taught me something valuable: education is not about always succeeding. It is about learning how to continue when something does not go as planned. My experiences have also given my education a purpose. I want to become a physician, particularly an OB GYN, because I want to use what I learn to improve women's health and address disparities in maternal healthcare. I do not want my education to end with a degree hanging on a wall. I want it to become something useful to the communities I serve. Ultimately, education means having the ability to understand the world and the responsibility to make it better. It has given me a voice, but more importantly, it has taught me how to use that voice. Every place I have lived, every person I have met, every challenge I have faced, and every opportunity I have been given has become part of my education. For me, education is the bridge between the person I was, the person I am becoming, and the impact I hope to have on the lives of others.

I would work to make mental health care more accessible by connecting technology, education, and community based support. My unique contribution would be helping create affordable mental health resources that meet people where they are, especially in underserved communities where cost, stigma, language, or limited access to providers can prevent people from seeking help. I believe mental health care should not be treated as a privilege available only to those who can afford traditional therapy. I would advocate for accessible screening, culturally sensitive educational resources, peer support networks, and low cost or free services that connect individuals with professional care when needed. As someone pursuing a career in healthcare, I also want to help bridge the gap between physical and mental health by making mental well being a routine part of healthcare rather than something addressed only during a crisis. My goal would be to help create a world where asking for help is affordable, accessible, and normalized, and where no one has to choose between their financial stability and their mental health.

I chose Biomedical Science as my major because I believe healthcare should be a bridge, not a barrier. One day, I allowed myself to dream bigger thanks to all the women before me who worked hard so that the next generations could have opportunities like mine. Growing up in the vibrant, interconnected border ecosystem of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, I lived at the intersection of two worlds. This cross-cultural perspective was deepened within my own home, shaped by my mother’s journey as an immigrant from Costa Rica to Mexico. Growing up in an immigrant household also meant that my family often struggled to access basic and consistent healthcare, which made me personally understand how easily healthcare can become a privilege rather than a right. Witnessing the profound health disparities that underserved communities face along the border, particularly in women’s maternal care, instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility not just for myself, but for all the women in my community who deserve better healthcare without any “but.” My passion for medicine was solidified when I was 16 years old while volunteering with the Mexican Red Cross, where early clinical exposure taught me that healing requires both scientific precision and deep human empathy. This was where I attended my first labor, and I saw a young girl, two years younger than me, who had limited access to education and was scared, surrounded by older doctors. I held her hand and I made her a promise. Ever since then, that moment has been my motivation to never forget why I am doing what I am doing. My short-term goal is to maximize my remaining time at the University of Texas at El Paso by contributing to critical scientific discovery. As a Summer 2026 Neuroscience Research Scholar in the Han Lab at UTEP, I am conducting biomedical research utilizing Drosophila melanogaster to investigate genetic mechanisms that could help prevent devastating neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This role allows me to bridge the gap between rigorous laboratory inquiry and real-world health solutions. Long-term, my ambition is to become an OB-GYN physician dedicated to maternal health and women’s health equity along the U.S.–Mexico border and globally. To fully address the structural challenges I see daily, I intend to pursue an MD MPH dual degree, enabling me to treat patients clinically while also designing systemic public health policies. Being an international student and a Latina in STEM has profoundly shaped these objectives. Navigating higher education in the United States means constantly managing legal work restrictions, institutional barriers, and a total lack of access to federal financial aid like FAFSA. This path can feel incredibly isolating, but my multicultural family background taught me adaptability long before I entered university. My family’s journey taught me how to look at complex systems from the outside, find creative solutions, and build resilience out of necessity. I am determined to use my voice to ensure that other minority students and patients are seen, heard, and represented in both medicine and research. Financially, pursuing a biomedical degree as an international student carries immense weight. Because I am ineligible for federal grants, my academic journey is entirely dependent on my own drive, work study commitments, and the generosity of private scholarships. This 1000 dollar scholarship would directly alleviate tuition pressure by covering nearly half of my summer class costs, allowing me to devote less time to financial stress and more time to my laboratory research and community service.

Resilience is often built in quiet battles that few people see. For me, one of those battles has been learning to confront my relationship with substances such as nicotine and cannabis concentrates while managing the stress and pressure of pursuing a demanding academic path. As a student pursuing a career in medicine, I have always held myself to high expectations. I moved to the United States alone at eighteen to pursue my education, leaving behind my family and the community that had always supported me. While that decision opened doors for my academic future, it also meant learning how to navigate independence, stress, and loneliness in ways I had never experienced before. During particularly stressful periods in college, especially while balancing rigorous science courses and the pressure of preparing for a future in medicine, I began using nicotine and cannabis concentrates as a way to cope with anxiety and exhaustion. At first, it felt like a temporary escape from the constant pressure to succeed. However, over time I began to realize that what started as a coping mechanism was becoming something that controlled more of my habits and routines than I was comfortable with. The turning point came when I began reflecting on the kind of physician and person I want to become. Medicine requires discipline, clarity of mind, and the ability to care for others responsibly. I realized that if I wanted to dedicate my life to helping patients make healthy choices, I needed to confront my own habits with honesty. Recognizing that struggle was not a sign of failure but an opportunity for growth changed my perspective. Instead of ignoring the issue, I began taking active steps to regain control and build healthier coping strategies. I started focusing on routines that support both my mental and physical health. Exercise, running, and structured daily habits became important outlets for stress. I also began limiting my substance use and becoming more intentional about my choices, recognizing that recovery is not a single moment but a continuous process of self awareness and accountability. This journey has taught me that resilience is not about pretending to be perfect. It is about having the courage to confront your challenges and grow from them. Experiencing these struggles has also deepened my empathy for others who face similar battles. Mental health and substance use challenges affect people across every background, and understanding that reality has strengthened my commitment to a career in healthcare. Today, I am pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences on the pre medical track with the goal of becoming a physician specializing in women’s and maternal health. Through my education and experiences, I hope to serve communities that often face barriers to healthcare and support patients not only physically but also emotionally. My own experiences have reminded me that healing and recovery are deeply human processes that require compassion, patience, and support. Moving forward, my plan for continuing recovery is rooted in accountability and balance. I am committed to maintaining healthy coping mechanisms such as physical activity, strong social support, and mindful routines that help manage stress in a sustainable way. I also believe in being honest with myself about challenges rather than avoiding them, because true growth comes from confronting difficulties directly. Ella’s story is a reminder of how powerful determination and the will to do better can be. Like her, I believe that our struggles do not define us. What defines us is the way we choose to grow, to fight for a better future, and to use our experiences to help others. My journey has not been perfect, but it has made me stronger, more self aware, and more committed to becoming the kind of physician who understands the complexity of human struggles. Through continued self growth and education, I hope to turn the lessons from my own challenges into empathy, service, and meaningful impact for the communities I will one day serve.

Faith has always been a quiet but powerful force guiding my life, especially during moments when the future felt uncertain. Growing up, my mother taught me that faith is not only something we practice on Sundays, but something we lean on when life tests our strength the most. One of the moments when I relied most on my faith was when I made the decision to move to the United States alone at eighteen to pursue my education. Leaving my home, my family, and everything familiar behind was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. Although it was an opportunity, it also meant stepping into a life full of uncertainty. I was arriving in a new country as an international student, navigating a different education system, financial challenges, and the pressure of building a future far away from the people who had always supported me. During those moments of doubt, my faith gave me the strength to continue forward. My mother raised me in the Catholic faith and often reminded me that God places opportunities and challenges in our path for a reason. When I was afraid of failing or felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of building a life on my own, prayer became a way for me to find peace and clarity. I remember many nights where I prayed not necessarily for things to become easier, but for the courage to continue pursuing my purpose. Faith also helped me see my struggles in a different light. Instead of seeing obstacles as barriers, I began to see them as moments that could shape my character and strengthen my determination. I trusted that God had placed me on this path for a reason, even when the journey felt difficult. Another challenge that strengthened my faith was witnessing the sacrifices my mother made while raising my brother and me as a single parent. She faced many obstacles after being deported to Mexico and rebuilding her life from the ground up in a country she had never lived in before. Despite those challenges, she always remained hopeful and grounded in her faith. Watching her trust in God even during uncertain times showed me what real strength and faith look like. Her example reminded me that faith is not about having a perfect life, but about believing that God is guiding us even when we cannot see the full picture. Today, as a student pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences with the goal of becoming a physician, I continue to rely on my faith to guide my journey. My desire to work in medicine, particularly in women’s and maternal health, is deeply connected to my belief that serving others is one of the greatest ways we can live out our faith. Faith reminds me that our talents and opportunities are not meant to serve only ourselves, but to uplift others and care for those who are most vulnerable. Whenever I face challenges, I return to the belief that God has a purpose for each step of this journey. My faith gives me the courage to keep moving forward, trusting that the obstacles I overcome today will one day allow me to serve others with compassion, humility, and purpose.

I was raised by a single mother whose resilience and determination shaped the person I am today. My mother is from Costa Rica. As a young woman, she moved to the United States in search of opportunity and built a life there. However, circumstances eventually led to her being deported to Mexico, a country she had never lived in before. Shortly after, I was born in Monterrey, Mexico. Suddenly, my mother found herself rebuilding her life in an unfamiliar country while raising two children on her own. My older brother had been born in the United States and was an American citizen growing up in Mexico, while I was born after my mother was deported. Life could have easily pushed her to accept the limitations of our circumstances, but she refused to become a victim of them. Determined to stay as close as possible to the opportunities she once had, my mother made a bold decision. She moved us from Monterrey to Ciudad Juárez so that we could live as close to the United States border as possible. For her, the border represented hope and possibility. She believed that proximity to opportunity mattered and that even if our path was difficult, we could still pursue a better future. Being a single parent meant she carried the responsibilities of both provider and caregiver. Life was not always easy financially, but she never allowed our circumstances to define our ambitions. Instead, she constantly encouraged my brother and me to see education as the key to changing our lives. She reminded us that our story did not have to end where it began. Watching her rebuild her life taught me what resilience truly means. She showed me that strength is not about avoiding hardship but about continuing forward with determination. Growing up in Ciudad Juárez also exposed me to the realities many families face when it comes to access to healthcare and opportunity. I saw neighbors struggle to receive medical attention and families delay treatment because they simply could not afford it. Witnessing these challenges shaped my desire to pursue a career where I could help others and address these inequalities. Because of my mother’s encouragement, I made the decision to pursue higher education in the United States. At eighteen, I moved to the United States on my own to study at the University of Texas at El Paso as an international student. Leaving my home and my mother behind was not easy, but she was the one who pushed me to take that step. She believed that the opportunities available through education could open doors that she had always hoped for me. Today, I am studying Biological Sciences on the pre medical track with the goal of becoming a physician. My experiences have taught me that medicine is not only about science but also about compassion and service. I want to use my education to serve communities that face barriers to healthcare, particularly women and children who are often the most vulnerable. In the future, I hope to specialize in women’s and maternal health and work to improve healthcare access for underserved communities. Everything I pursue today is rooted in the example my mother set for me. She refused to let circumstances define our future, and because of her courage, I learned to believe that difficult beginnings can lead to meaningful change. My goal is to honor her sacrifices by using my talents and education to help others and create opportunities for communities that, like mine, have had to fight for every step forward.

I want to make a change in my life because I have seen how opportunity can transform not only one person’s future, but an entire community. Growing up in Ciudad Juárez, I witnessed how limited access to healthcare and education affected families around me. I saw mothers worried about their children’s health and neighbors who delayed medical treatment because they simply could not afford it. Those experiences made me realize that where someone is born or how much money they have should never determine whether they receive care. I decided early on that I wanted to dedicate my life to changing that reality. My journey toward that goal has required courage, sacrifice, and persistence. At eighteen, I moved to the United States alone to pursue my education at the University of Texas at El Paso. As the daughter of a Costa Rican immigrant mother, I grew up understanding the value of hard work and resilience. My mother taught me that education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change our lives and help others. Her example inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, even when the path seemed difficult. Since then, I have taken many steps to move closer to my goal of becoming a physician. I am currently studying Biological Sciences on the pre medical track while actively seeking experiences that allow me to serve communities and learn about healthcare beyond the classroom. I volunteered as a medical assistant at Ulsan University Hospital in South Korea, where I gained insight into patient care and the collaboration required within healthcare teams. I have also volunteered in Thailand and Indonesia teaching English to students in underserved communities and participating in community outreach initiatives. In Bali, I took part in a health campaign that provided nutritional supplements to families living in vulnerable conditions. Speaking with mothers concerned about their children’s health strengthened my commitment to serving communities that face barriers to healthcare. This scholarship would play an important role in helping me continue this journey. Pursuing higher education as an international student comes with significant financial challenges, and scholarships provide the support that allows students like me to focus on our studies and service rather than the constant pressure of financial limitations. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease that burden but would also allow me to dedicate more time to research, volunteering, and academic growth as I prepare for medical school. Paying it forward is something I take very seriously. I believe that the greatest impact of opportunity is when it is shared. In the future, I hope to mentor students from underserved communities who aspire to pursue careers in science and medicine. Many talented students never pursue their dreams simply because they lack guidance or role models who show them that it is possible. I want to be that support for others. As a future physician, I also plan to continue advocating for equitable healthcare, particularly in women’s and maternal health. By serving communities that face healthcare disparities and contributing to public health initiatives, I hope to help build systems that protect the well being and dignity of every patient. Change does not happen overnight, but it begins with education, opportunity, and the willingness to use both to serve others. My goal is not only to build a better future for myself, but to create opportunities and better healthcare for the communities that inspired this journey.

My decision to pursue a career in medicine was shaped by the communities that raised me and the inequalities I witnessed growing up. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, a border city where access to healthcare often depends on economic circumstances. I saw families struggle to receive medical attention and mothers worry about the health of their children because they could not afford care. These experiences made me realize early on that healthcare is not only a scientific field but also a matter of justice and human dignity. I was also deeply inspired by my mother, a Costa Rican immigrant whose resilience and determination shaped my understanding of service and perseverance. She taught me that education is a powerful tool and that when we are fortunate enough to have opportunities, we have a responsibility to use them to help others. Her example motivated me to pursue higher education in the United States, even though it meant leaving my home and family behind to build a future through education. Today, I am studying Biological Sciences on the pre medical track at the University of Texas at El Paso. My academic journey has strengthened my desire to work in healthcare while also showing me how complex health disparities can be. Through volunteering and global experiences, I have seen how healthcare challenges affect communities across different countries. While studying abroad in South Korea, I volunteered as a medical assistant at Ulsan University Hospital and observed how healthcare teams work together to support patients. Later, I volunteered in Thailand and Indonesia teaching English to students in underserved communities and participating in community outreach activities. One moment that had a lasting impact on me was participating in a community health campaign in Bali where we provided nutritional supplements to families living in vulnerable conditions. Speaking with mothers who worried about their children's nutrition reminded me why access to healthcare and education must go hand in hand. It reinforced my belief that physicians have a responsibility not only to treat illness but also to advocate for healthier communities. My long term goal is to become a physician specializing in women’s and maternal health. I am particularly interested in addressing healthcare disparities that affect women and children in underserved communities. I want to combine clinical practice with public health advocacy so that I can contribute to improving healthcare systems, not only treating individual patients but also addressing the structural barriers that prevent many people from receiving care. Through my career, I hope to make a difference by serving communities that are often overlooked and by advocating for healthcare systems that are more equitable and accessible. I believe that medicine is one of the most powerful ways to serve others because it allows us to care for people at their most vulnerable moments while also working toward solutions that improve the well being of entire communities. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education, my experiences, and my voice to ensure that healthcare is not a privilege for a few but a right that every person deserves.

My decision to move to the United States alone at eighteen was deeply inspired by my mother. She is a Costa Rican immigrant who built her life through resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. Watching her face challenges with strength taught me that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is leave what is familiar in order to build a better future. That lesson stayed with me when I decided to pursue my education in the United States, knowing I would be leaving my family, my culture, and the comfort of home. When I read about Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien, I felt a strong connection to her story. Like Maggie, I moved to a new country on my own in pursuit of knowledge and opportunity. Starting over in a different country without a support system requires courage, determination, and a willingness to face uncertainty. There are moments when you feel alone, when the language, the systems, and the culture feel unfamiliar. Yet those same challenges shape you into someone stronger and more resilient. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, a border city where I witnessed how inequality affects everyday life. Access to healthcare often depended on financial circumstances, and seeing families struggle to receive medical care influenced my decision to pursue a career in medicine. Today I am studying Biological Sciences on the pre medical track at the University of Texas at El Paso, working toward my goal of becoming a physician who advocates for women’s and maternal health. Like Maggie, I am driven by curiosity and a desire to challenge myself beyond what feels comfortable. I believe knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we can have, especially when it is used to improve the lives of others. During my academic journey, I have sought opportunities that expand both my understanding of science and my ability to serve communities. I volunteered as a medical assistant at Ulsan University Hospital in South Korea, where I observed patient care and gained insight into global healthcare systems. I also volunteered in Thailand and Indonesia teaching English to students in underserved communities and participating in community outreach efforts. These experiences taught me that education is not just about personal advancement. It is about using what you learn to serve others and address the challenges communities face. That perspective is something I carry with me every day as an international student pursuing a STEM degree. What inspires me most about Maggie’s story is her bravery. She pursued knowledge, embraced challenges, and lived with intellectual boldness and determination. I see those same values reflected in the journey my mother began when she immigrated, and in the path I am building today. Both of them remind me that courage often means stepping into the unknown and trusting that perseverance will guide you forward. As a woman in STEM and an international student, I hope to honor that spirit of bravery and determination. My goal is not only to become a physician but also to use my education to advocate for more equitable healthcare systems. I want to ensure that women and children, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the care and dignity they deserve. In many ways, Maggie’s story represents the courage of women who pursue knowledge with determination and refuse to let obstacles define their limits. I hope to carry that same spirit forward in my education, my career, and the impact I hope to make in the world.

My name is Alexa Gonzalez, and my journey toward medicine began long before I stepped into a university classroom. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, a border city where inequality is not something you read about in textbooks; it is something you see every day. In my community, access to healthcare often depended on how much money a family had, not how much care they needed. Watching neighbors struggle to receive treatment and seeing mothers worry about the health of their children shaped the person I am today and the future I am determined to build. I am also the daughter of a Costa Rican immigrant mother whose resilience and sacrifices have guided my life. From her, I learned that compassion is not simply a feeling but a responsibility. She taught me that when we are fortunate enough to receive opportunities, we must use them to lift others along the way. At eighteen, I moved to the United States alone to pursue higher education at the University of Texas at El Paso. Like many first generation and immigrant students, the transition was not easy. I carried the hopes of my family with me and the understanding that my education was not only for my own success, but for the communities that shaped me. That belief has guided the way I approach my education and service. When I was sixteen, I volunteered with the Red Cross in Mexico, where I saw firsthand the realities of under resourced healthcare systems. I witnessed healthcare workers doing everything they could with limited resources, and I understood that compassion in action can change lives even in the most difficult circumstances. Since then, service has remained at the center of my journey. While studying abroad in South Korea, I volunteered as a medical assistant at Ulsan University Hospital, where I observed patient care and learned about different healthcare systems. Later, I traveled to Thailand and Indonesia to teach English to students from underserved communities. In Bali, I participated in a community health campaign that provided nutritional supplements to families living in vulnerable conditions. Speaking with mothers worried about their children’s health reminded me why access to healthcare and education must go hand in hand. These experiences strengthened my belief that real impact happens when compassion is paired with action. They also taught me that meaningful change happens when people work together to support one another and build something greater than themselves. As a Latina student in STEM, authenticity has been essential to my journey. There have been moments when financial barriers made my goals seem distant, but those challenges have strengthened my ambition. They remind me why I started and who I hope to serve. My long term goal is to become a physician specializing in women’s and maternal health. I want to serve communities like the one where I grew up, where many women still face barriers to receiving safe and equitable healthcare. Through medicine, research, and advocacy, I hope to contribute to building systems that protect the health and dignity of every woman and child. I know one person cannot change the world overnight, but compassion, authenticity, and a commitment to serving others can create a ripple effect far beyond what we imagine. Through my education and career, I hope to be part of that ripple and help build a future where healthcare is not a privilege but a right for everyone.

As a Latina woman pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences on the pre-medical track, I have come to understand that STEM is not only about scientific discovery, but about service. For me, science has always been a tool to uplift communities that often lack access to education, healthcare, and opportunity. Throughout my academic journey, I have sought to use my STEM education to create meaningful impact both locally and globally. One of the most meaningful ways I have contributed to my community through STEM has been through education and mentorship. I have worked with younger students and peers, helping them understand scientific concepts and encouraging them to pursue careers in science and healthcare. Many students from underrepresented backgrounds hesitate to see themselves in STEM fields. By tutoring, mentoring, and sharing my own journey as a Latina in science, I hope to show them that these paths are not only possible, but necessary for our communities to thrive. Beyond the classroom, I have also used my scientific training through service and global engagement. During my time volunteering in Southeast Asia, I participated in an educational and health initiative where I helped teach English and supported a medical campaign providing essential nutritional supplements to families in underserved communities. Witnessing mothers worried about their children’s health and nutrition reinforced my belief that science and medicine must reach beyond laboratories and hospitals. STEM must serve real people, especially those who need it most. My commitment to community impact through STEM has also extended into research and public health work. Through my involvement with projects focused on women’s and maternal health, I have contributed to efforts aimed at improving health equity and protecting vulnerable populations. These experiences have allowed me to see how scientific knowledge, when combined with advocacy and policy, can help address systemic healthcare disparities. These experiences have shaped the physician and leader I aspire to become. I hope to pursue a career as a physician who not only practices medicine, but also works to improve healthcare access for women and children, particularly in underserved communities. STEM has given me the knowledge to understand health challenges, but service has given that knowledge purpose. Like Aura Matilde, I believe in moving forward while lifting others along the way. As I continue my journey in STEM, my goal is not only to succeed, but to ensure that the doors I walk through remain open for those who come after me. Pa’lante.