If my childhood could be depicted in the form of a mathematical equation, the only constant amid ambiguous variables would be instability. I was born in Mexico City, Mexico, to a Russian mother and a Mexican father. A considerable amount of my childhood was spent in Mexico, where I learned Spanish as my first language. Despite being immersed in rich Mexican culture, richness did not manifest within the worn-down walls of the compact apartment that we called home. I became cognizant of my parent’s socioeconomic status at a young age; their financial instability quite evident when I looked down at my worn-down school shoes or as I stared through shopping windows, mesmerized by toys I could only hope to play with in my imagination. With the sole intentions of providing her daughters a better future, my mother made the ambitious decision to bring us to the United States following her separation from my father. I now faced the dismantling of my family while simultaneously struggling to adapt to living in a new country. However, I derived strength from my mother, who as a single mother was able to raise both my sister and I amidst financial strains. Despite the long work hours, she somehow found the time and energy to take us the public library, where I would lose my sense of time rummaging through books. Despite being a single parent, she embodied two parent figures all at once. Despite the financial instability she faced, she still found ways to continue funding my gymnastics sports career, one for which I earned over seventy-four local, state, and national medals in. As a woman in the field of STEM herself, she instilled upon me the value in getting an education. Her intelligence was not only radiating and evident to any who she conversed with, but much more, it was contagious. Never dismissive to my insatiable desire to ascertain every facet of information, she empowered me in my incessant need to ask questions. Thus, innumerable times amidst a shy pool of students, in a still and intimidating room, directed towards a cold and reluctant teacher and despite sometimes met by evidently irritable peers, has my hand raised. Even as a child, she was perceptive of my veterinary inclinations. When I innocently attempted to “save” an egg foreordained to be the victim of the forceful bite from lined soldiers draped in white; only to receive one of my first science lessons when my mother found the lone egg wrapped in what was but my poor attempt in creating an incubator for it. However, much of what has shaped my career goals were not in science lessons passed on, but in observations that hosted the best lessons of all. Through her, I learned the raw potency of woman power. I was witness to her pristine determination, when I would see the dedication she put forth in her work. I was witness to her, in a STEM career predominately dominated by men, be the only woman in the room. She exemplified all that I wanted to be. Despite the disadvantages she faced as an immigrant, in her paychecks not reflecting her intelligence and worth, and being the sole provider to her two children, she was able to raise two determined daughters who are both in college and supported by scholarships. I knew, that if my mother could do all that she had done for us by her sole and pure efforts, that I could do anything.

I have had an innate magnetism towards animals ever since I can remember. When I befriended the viridescent caterpillars on a tall plantlet that stood just outside the window of my first-grade classroom and personally relocated them when I was informed by my teacher, who had come to know of my peculiar friends, that the garden was fated to be mowed down. Or when I innocently attempted to “save” an egg foreordained to be the victim of the forceful bite from lined soldiers draped in white; only to receive one of my first science lessons when my mother found the lone egg wrapped in what was but my poor attempt in creating an incubator for it. My animal advocacy inclinations arose around this time as well. Engrained in my memory is the overwhelming sorrowful pit that engulfed my stomach when we would drive by the streets of Mexico City, my birth city, that were populated by as many stray dogs as people. Denied of a home and much less any veterinary care, I became painfully aware of my helplessness. I grew frustrated by the normalization of this crisis, which I could not comprehend, especially as a child. I began to question why it was that my dog had warmth, love, and a full belly and countless others knew none but the pressure of a careless driver’s tires, the weight of their parasite ridden bodies, thirst, hunger, and cold. I recall walking down the seemingly endless aisles of dogs at the shelter, overwhelmed by their constant deafening barks that gave rise to watery eyes. As I knelt down in front of one of the kennels, a familiar face arose. Within those frightened eyes I saw a distant reflection, that was, of a little girl who had immigrated to the United States. Alienated from all she knew, her face painted with the same frightened look. Unfamiliar with the language, faces, and surroundings; with only the desire to go home. I realized I was familiar with the distress that plagued them as they sat restless in their kennels. I recognized that through my experiences I have the capability to understand the distress that afflicts these animals. My heightened sensitivity and empathic cognition created an opportune perspective, one capable of inspiring others into reshaping the lenses through which the experiences of animals in. The saying that canines are human’s best friend is an understatement. They are the innocent faces that greet us with uncontained happiness when we get home from school or work. The beings who inspire us to be better, to do better. Although lacking opposable thumbs, the hold they have on our hearts is unexplainable. We, as the humans who manifested the domestication of animals, have an innate humanitarian responsibility to these creatures. It is imperative to recognize crises universally shared amongst domesticated animals and acknowledge their dependency on us. It is quite ironic, and partly the reason I believe in the saying “everything happens for a reason”, that I was gifted a Chihuahua when I was five years old. Just as Chihuahuas are innately little dogs with inherently great voices who refuse to let their size inhibit their valiant spirits do I plan on combatting the injustices dogs face throughout the world with the same spirit, that is, the Chihuahua spirit. In the future, I aspire to continue my dedication to volunteering in animal shelters. I plan on earning a doctorate in veterinary medicine and opening non-profit spay/neuter clinics in developing countries in hopes of decreasing the stray populations. Here's to change!

If my childhood could be depicted in the form of a mathematical equation, the only constant amid ambiguous variables would be my mother’s support. I was born in Mexico City, Mexico, where a considerable amount of my childhood was spent. It is here, that I learned Spanish as my first language. Although I was immersed in rich Mexican culture, richness did not manifest within the worn-down walls of the compact apartment we called home. My family’s financial instability ran rampant, like a disease that infiltrates every aspect of its host. The phrase “nothing is free” became but a cruel irony, giving that our dependency on money cost me everything. It plagued my parents’ relationship, tainting any fond memories I had of them. Everything changed when I was five years old, however. With the sole intentions of providing her daughters a better future, my mother made the ambitious decision to bring us to the United States following her separation from my father. Being brought to a new country with new traditions, a different language, and a different system of education proved to be discomforting. However, I derived strength from my mother, who as a single mother was able to raise both my sister and I amidst financial strains. Despite the long work hours, she somehow found the time and energy to take us the public library, where I would lose my sense of time rummaging through books. Despite being a single parent, she embodied two parent figures all at once. Despite the financial instability she faced, she still found ways to continue funding my gymnastics sports career, one for which I earned over seventy-four local, state, and national medals in. As a woman in the field of STEM herself, she instilled upon me the value in getting an education. Her intelligence was not only radiating and evident to any who she conversed with, but much more, it was contagious. Never dismissive to my insatiable desire to ascertain every facet of information, she empowered me in my incessant need to ask questions. Thus, innumerable times amidst a shy pool of students, in a still and intimidating room, directed towards a cold and reluctant teacher and despite sometimes met by evidently irritable peers, has my hand raised. Even as a child, she was perceptive of my veterinary inclinations. When I innocently attempted to “save” an egg foreordained to be the victim of the forceful bite from lined soldiers draped in white; only to receive one of my first science lessons when my mother found the lone egg wrapped in what was but my poor attempt in creating an incubator for it. However, much of what has shaped my career goals were not in science lessons passed on, but in observations that hosted the best lessons of all. Through her, I learned the raw potency of woman power. I was witness to her pristine determination, when I would see the dedication she put forth in her work. I was witness to her, in a STEM career predominately dominated by men, be the only woman in the room. She exemplified all that I wanted to be. Despite the disadvantages she faced as an immigrant, in her paychecks not reflecting her intelligence and worth, and being the sole provider to her two children, she was able to raise two determined daughters who are both in college and supported by scholarships. I knew, that if my mother could do all that she had done for us by her sole and pure efforts, that I could do anything.

Humans are hardwired to resist change. In fact, a specific part of our brains, the amygdala, is dedicated to perceiving change as a threat and thus eliciting feelings of fear. However, change is something I have been accustomed to since a young age. I was born in Mexico City, Mexico, Mexico, where a considerable amount of my childhood was spent. I underwent an extreme cultural shock when my mother first brought my sister and I to the United States when I was merely seven years old. Being brought to a new country with new traditions, a different language, and a different system of education proved to be discomforting. However, I found the courage to adapt to such challenges through my love for knowledge. I enjoyed school, and in fact excelled in it; unlike everything in my world that had been turned upside down, 2+2 still equaled 4. I derived strength from my mother, who as a single mom was able to raise both my sister and I amidst financial strains. This experience pushed me to override my amygdala and transform what were feelings of fear into something conducive- motivation. I am grateful for the challenges I have endured and been exposed to, as it led me to gain a positive mentality when it comes to ambiguous situations. Just as I did when I was seven, I have faced every challenge thereafter with the same positive mentality rooted in courage. The notion that success cannot be attained without change has been a personal reality since a young age, and I will always choose bravery over comfort.

Without doubt, one of the first things my mother enlightens those she meets is in the fact that I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was five years old. However, consistently absent is mention of the reason for which I even have the opportunity to pursue my aspirations in veterinary medicine which are largely in part, if not entirely due, to her hard work. Following the separation of my parents, my mother brought my sister and I to the United States when I was just seven years old, in hopes of a better future for us. Being brought to a new country with new traditions, a different language, and a different system of education proved to be discomforting. However, I derived strength from my mother, who as a single mom was able to raise both my sister and I in a new country amidst financial strains. Despite the endless hours she devoted to working in order to support her daughters, she still found time to take us the local public library every weekend. Despite being the single parent figure, she embodied two parent figures all at once. Despite the financial instability she faced, she still found ways to continue funding my gymnastics sports career, one for which I ended up earning over seventy-four local, state, and national medals in. Throughout my childhood, she instilled upon me the value of education. She was my parent, motivator, science teacher, and friend all in one. However, much of what has shaped my career goals were not in lessons passed on, but observations that hosted the best lessons of all. Through her, I learned the raw potency of woman power. I was witness to her pristine determination, when I would see her up at night on her computer. I was witness to her, in a career predominately dominated by men, be the only woman in the room. I knew, that if my mother could do all that she had done for us by her sole pure efforts, that I could do anything as well. It is in this spirit, her spirit, that I have approached every challenge, opportunity, and hardship with. If it weren’t for my mother, I would not have the opportunities I have today. If it weren’t for my mother, achieving a higher education would not have been feasible. If it weren’t for my mother, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. I walk with the grace, power, and fearlessness my mother walked into this country with. Forever grateful am I, to have the best role-model a little girl could ever have. Her legacy, I have the honor to carry on within my own veins; one that I can share with others, and one I can instill upon my own children one day.

Undoubtedly, one of the hardest obstacles I have faced was moving to the United States. I was born in Mexico City, Mexico, where a considerable amount of my childhood was spent. At the age of seven, I underwent an extreme cultural shock when my mother first brought my sister and I to the United States. Being brought to a new country with a different language, traditions, and a different system of education proved to be discomforting and challenging. With an immense linguistic and communication barrier, I had to work twice as hard as my native-English speaking classmates to keep up. However, I found the courage to adapt to such challenges through my love for knowledge. I enjoyed school, and in fact excelled in it; unlike everything else in my world that had been turned upside down, two plus two still equaled four. I remained optimistic as I faced inconsistencies surrounding my life and was able to gain a positive mentality when it came to difficult situations. The impacts that came with embodying the notion of optimism exemplified themselves throughout my academic career and translated over to other aspects of my life. The notion that success cannot be attained without discomfort has been a personal reality since a young age, and I have since sought out ways to push myself out of my comfort zones. Just as I did when I was seven years old, I have approached every challenge thereafter with the same positive mentality rooted in optimism. Having this mentality has enabled me to grow personally in every aspect of my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. With these values not only have I been able to host self-empowerment but have learnt that anything is possible if approached in an optimistic manner.

My sister was diagnosed with bilateral profound deafness at the age of three. Albeit inherently being the younger sister, I took on the role of “older sister” early on and the responsibilities that came with the title. I grew to be mature in effect, deserting childish longings for new toys to now longing for her to be treated equally amidst the ableist world my sister’s disability had made me painfully aware of. I became her advocate, at school when she was bullied for not being as linguistically proficient as the other kids. Her translator, when those unaware of her disability spoke too fast, leaving her unable to read their lips. Her facilitator in social situations, someone she could always confide upon, and her mentor. Growing up and as I promoted the values of drive and independence within myself, I worked to foster similar values within my sister; prompting her to explore out of her comfort zone and guiding her in becoming the successful independent women she is today. My hope is that I can continue to be a mentor to not only my sister, but to others facing disabilities, personal challenges, or those simply in the need of a friend. In high school, I was able to directly positively impact the life of those around me by being part of the SMILE club (Students Motivated to Integrate, Lead and Enrich). Presently, I am a tutor and a mentor to elementary school children needing additional support. In the future, I hope to continue to foster the qualities of a mentor and exemplify them in all that I do.

I have had an innate passion for life and the environment since I was a child. When I befriended the viridescent caterpillars on a tall plantlet that stood just outside the window of my first-grade classroom and personally relocated them when I was informed by my teacher, who had come to know of my peculiar friends, that the garden was fated to be mowed down. I reminisce on the time when I was five, living in Mexico City, and the moment I realized trees were a rare find with their existence limited to the few parks found throughout the city. It was when I immigrated to the United States at the age of seven that I realized there was more green to be found. However, I realized that this still wasn’t enough. As I religiously watched the news and learned in school that our planet was headed down a path of destruction, I took matters into my own hands. By implementing recycling habits at home, to limiting my ecological footprint by thrifting and purchasing from green companies, to becoming vegetarian, joining the Eco Club at my high school, and attending my first climate change march at the age of twelve. The most important impact one can have, however, is leading others in finding their own passion for our planet. Most recently, I implemented a recycling schedule with my roommates, given our community did not offer recycling. I designated a trash can for recycling and took it to Texas A&M’s recycling bins on campus every few days. Not only had I planted a vision of “green” within my roommates, but I was able to quadruple my ecological impact and save trash destined to fill landfills; rerouting them to a place where they may be recycled.

As an undergraduate student aspiring to apply to competitive graduate schools, I have continuously struggled with comparing myself to others. This innate human behavior has often led to my own thoughts clouding my judgement about my own achievements, challenges I have faced, and my intelligence. There are countless paths undergraduate students embark on depending on their interests, passions, and opportunities; however, we often neglect to consider our own paths as one others may also find motivation in. This exact notion, of finding motivation in the achievements of others, is one that took me time to understand. Instead of comparing myself to others at the expense of depreciating my own experiences, I learned to find motivation in others’ experiences. Transforming these comparative perceptions into something conducive has allowed me to free myself of the warped lenses I had begun seeing myself through. In light of this change in my mentality, I have begun appreciating myself and my achievements and have been able to lead others in transforming the lenses through which they see themselves in as well.