From a young age, I have always been curious about how things work and how knowledge can be used to improve people's lives. That curiosity is what led me to the field of Biology and my long-term goal of working in biotechnology or a biomedical-related career. What interests me most about this field is that it connects science with real impact. It is not only about learning facts, but about discovering solutions that can improve health, solve problems, and help people live better lives. That combination of discovery and purpose is what motivates me to keep studying and pushing forward. My interest in this field grew even stronger as I experienced major changes in my life. Moving from Spain to the United States was one of the most challenging transitions I have ever faced. I had to adapt to a new culture, a new education system, and a new language environment all at once. At first, it felt overwhelming, and I often questioned whether I would be able to adjust. However, over time I realized that growth comes from discomfort. I learned how to adapt, stay patient, and keep working even when things felt unfamiliar. During this transition, I discovered that science and sports actually shaped me in similar ways. Both require discipline, consistency, and the ability to keep going when things are difficult. Soccer became my anchor during this period of change. It gave me structure and stability when everything else felt uncertain. On the field, I could focus completely and express myself through effort and determination. That experience taught me resilience and helped me build confidence in a new environment. As I continued my academic journey, I became more interested in how biology and biotechnology can be used to make a real difference in the world. I am especially motivated by the idea of ​​contributing to medical research or scientific innovation that improves healthcare. My goal is to be part of a field where the work I do can have a direct positive impact on people's lives. I want my education to be more than personal success. I want it to lead to meaningful contributions that benefit others. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is balancing being a student-athlete while pursuing a demanding academic path in science. Managing training, competition, travel, and coursework has not been easy. It has required discipline, organization, and sacrifice. However, it has also helped me grow into a more responsible and focused person. I have learned how to manage my time, stay committed, and perform under pressure in both academics and athletics. Soccer has also played a major role in helping me overcome adversity. It has been part of my life since I was five years old and has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Competing at a high level in different environments, including winning a national championship at Iowa Western Community College, showed me what is possible when hard work and dedication come together. Overall, my journey has been shaped by change, challenge, and growth. These experiences have strengthened my passion for biology and my desire to build a future in science. I am determined to continue pushing myself academically and athletically while working toward a career that allows me to make a positive impact in the world.

My journey has been shaped by change, challenge, and growth. I was born in Spain, where I spent most of my childhood building my identity through soccer and education. From a young age, I learned discipline through sport and curiosity through school, but I always felt that my path was meant to take me beyond what I already knew. That feeling eventually led me to make one of the biggest decisions of my life: moving to the United States to continue my education and pursue new opportunities both academically and athletically. Adjusting to a new country was not easy. Everything was different—the language, the culture, the education system, and even the way people connected with each other. I had to adapt quickly and learn how to build a new life from scratch. During this transition, soccer became my anchor. It was the one thing that felt familiar no matter where I was. On the field, I didn't need perfect English or a perfect understanding of everything around me. I only needed focus, effort, and heart. Soccer gave me stability when everything else felt uncertain, and it became the space where I could express myself fully. As I continued my journey, I played at Iowa Western Community College, where I had the opportunity to be part of a championship-winning team in the NJCAA. That experience taught me what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. Right now, I am continuing my education at Florida Memorial University, where I am studying Biology and competing as a student-athlete. My goal is to build a future in the science field, specifically in biotechnology or biomedical-related studies, while continuing to grow through sports. Attending an HBCU has been a meaningful and eye-opening experience for me. As an international student, I did not grow up fully understanding the history and cultural importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. However, being at Florida Memorial University has taught me how powerful these institutions are in shaping leaders, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for students who are often underrepresented. There is a strong sense of identity, pride, and unity here that makes the environment feel supportive and inspiring. It is not just about education—it is about legacy, culture, and purpose. Being part of an HBCU has also helped me understand the importance of diversity and shared experiences. I have learned from people whose backgrounds are different from mine, and those interactions have made me more open-minded and aware of the world around me. I feel grateful to be in a space where ambition is encouraged and where students are supported in building futures that go beyond limitations. This environment has strengthened my confidence and my belief that I belong in spaces where I can grow and contribute. My plan to make a difference for my family and community starts with education. I am currently pursuing a degree in Biology because I am passionate about science and the idea of ​​using knowledge to improve lives. I want to continue into the field of biotechnology or biomedical engineering, where I can be part of research, innovation, or development that has a real impact on health and society. For me, success is not only about personal achievement, but about being able to give back and create opportunities for others. For my family, my goal is to build stability and create a future where my hard work opens doors that were not always available before. Coming from an international background, I understand the value of sacrifice and support. My family has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and I want to honor that by making the most of every opportunity I am given. For my community, I hope to be an example of perseverance and ambition. As a student-athlete, I want to show that it is possible to balance discipline in sports with dedication in academics. I want younger students, especially those who come from different countries or face challenges adapting to new environments, to see that success is possible even when the path is not easy. Through my studies and future career, I want to contribute to advancements in science while also encouraging others to believe in their potential. My journey has never been a straight line. It has been filled with transitions, challenges, and moments of uncertainty. But every step has taught me something valuable. I have learned resilience through moving countries, discipline through soccer, and purpose through education. Attending an HBCU has given me a deeper understanding of community and identity, and I am committed to using everything I learn to build a better future for myself and those around me. I am still growing, still learning, and still building my path—but I know that everything I am doing now is leading me toward a life where I can make a real difference.

1. What makes me a “You Got It Girl” is simple: I lead with passion. I make decisions with my heart, even when others see that as a disadvantage. To me, it is my greatest strength. When you truly believe in something and commit to it fully, there is no real way to lose—you either succeed or you grow. That mindset is what pushed me to leave my home in Spain and move to the United States in search of new opportunities, both academically and athletically. I didn't fully feel like I belonged back home, but here I found a new path filled with learning, discovery, and growth. I have embraced new cultures, languages, and challenges, and each experience has shaped me into a stronger, more determined version of myself. However, continuing this journey requires support, and I believe the YGIG Scholarship would allow me to keep building the future I am working so hard toward. 2. Soccer has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing at just five years old, first with boys and later transitioning into girls' teams as I grew older. Back in Spain, I competed in high-level clubs that helped shape my discipline and competitive mindset. When I moved to the United States, I continued pursuing my passion and played at Iowa Western Community College, where my team and I won the NJCAA National Championship. That achievement was not just a title—it represented years of dedication, sacrifice, and belief in myself. Today, I continue my journey at Florida Memorial University, where I play as a midfielder. I love the intensity and speed of the game, and I thrive in the responsibility of connecting the team on the field. Soccer has given me more than accomplishments; it has given me resilience, leadership, and a sense of identity. 3. One of the most challenging moments in my life was transitioning from Spain to studying abroad in the United States. Everything was new—the language, the education system, the culture, and the people. It was overwhelming at times, and I often found myself far outside my comfort zone. But through all of that uncertainty, soccer remained my constant. It became my way of expressing who I was without needing words. Every time I stepped onto the field, I gave everything I had. That effort became my voice, my way of proving my determination and my willingness to fight for my dreams. That experience taught me that growth often comes from discomfort, and that strength is built when you choose to keep going even when things feel uncertain. 4. The person I admire most is my mom. She is the definition of hard work and resilience. Raising three children is not easy, yet she has always managed to do it with strength, love, and a positive attitude. No matter the situation, she chooses to focus on the good and keep moving forward. I see a lot of her in myself—especially in the way I approach challenges with passion and optimism. She has taught me that success is not just about achievements, but about the attitude you carry through life. 5. This scholarship would have a direct and meaningful impact on my journey. My priority has always been my education because I know it will open doors for my future beyond soccer. I am currently pursuing a degree in Biology, working toward building a career in the science field. Balancing academics and athletics is not easy, but it is something I am deeply committed to. Financial support like this would help me focus more on my studies and training, allowing me to continue growing both as a student and as an athlete. Everything I earn is invested into my education because I believe that knowledge is the foundation for long-term success. 6. Being a student-athlete means building something bigger than just results on the field or grades in a classroom. It means discipline, sacrifice, and constantly pushing your limits. It means representing not only your team, but also your dreams and your future. I am currently attending Florida Memorial University on both an athletic and academic scholarship, and I am proud of the path I am creating. Soccer and science may seem like two different worlds, but for me, they are connected by the same drive to improve, learn, and succeed. 7. I love “You Got It Girl” because I choose to believe in myself, even when the path is uncertain. I take risks, I embrace change, and I keep moving forward with passion. This scholarship would not just support my education—it would support my vision of becoming the best version of myself, both on and off the field.

I am a student-athlete from Spain currently living in Miami, where I am pursuing my academic journey in biology while continuing to develop as a competitive soccer player. My path across different countries and environments has shaped me into a disciplined, adaptable, and motivated individual. These experiences have strengthened both my academic focus and my passion for STEM, particularly in biology, technology, and innovation. My interest in STEM began with curiosity about how living systems function, but it has grown into a much broader passion for understanding how science and technology work together to shape the future. I am especially fascinated by the rapid evolution of technology and how it can be combined with scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems. I strongly believe that the future lies in the integration of science and technology, where innovation in fields such as biotechnology, data science, and engineering will transform healthcare, industry, and everyday life. As a student-athlete, I have developed strong discipline, time management, and resilience. Balancing competitive soccer with academic responsibilities has taught me how to stay focused under pressure and remain consistent in both physical and intellectual performance. These skills are essential in STEM fields, where problem-solving, patience, and dedication are required to achieve meaningful progress. Currently, I am planning to complete a biology internship to gain hands-on experience in a professional scientific environment. I believe that applying knowledge in real-world settings is essential for growth, as it allows me to connect theory with practice. This opportunity will help me better understand biological systems while also developing practical skills that will support my future academic and professional goals. My long-term vision is to combine my passion for science, biology, and technology with entrepreneurship. I want to continue expanding my knowledge in multiple fields, especially biotechnology and emerging technologies, in order to build innovative solutions that have real-world impact. I am particularly interested in how technology can enhance biological research and lead to the development of new tools, products, and systems that improve human life. I am deeply motivated by the idea that science and technology are not separate fields, but interconnected forces that drive innovation. I believe that by understanding both, I can contribute to bridging the gap between research and application. My goal is not only to learn but also to create—to take knowledge and transform it into something useful, meaningful, and impactful. In the future, I hope to build my own company that is based on this integration of science and technology. I want to be part of the generation that uses innovation not just to advance knowledge, but to actively improve the world around us. Overall, my passion for STEM comes from curiosity, creativity, and a strong belief in the power of innovation. I am committed to using my education, experience, and ambition to contribute to a future where science and technology work together to create meaningful change.