My chosen trade in life is cosmetology. As a woman, it is something that has always been a part of my life growing up. I remember going with my mom to the Walmart hair salon because that was all we could afford, or visiting the Dominican barber shop with my dad. Those moments, though simple, introduced me to the beauty industry and the sense of care and confidence it could bring to people. Even at a young age, I admired how something as small as a hairstyle or fresh nails could completely change how someone felt about themselves. When my dad passed away in 2020 from suicide, my life changed completely. As a fourteen-year-old girl, I didn’t know how to process that kind of loss. I needed an outlet for my emotions, something to keep me grounded during a time when everything felt overwhelming. I couldn’t just act out or release my anger in unhealthy ways, so I asked my mom to order me a nail kit online. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. It was just something to keep my mind busy. However, the more time I spent practicing and improving, the more I began to appreciate it and see it as something meaningful. By the time I reached high school, I started practicing on real people. I realized I could sit for hours doing nails, fully focused, while also helping someone else feel better. That’s when everything clicked for me. Cosmetology became more than just a hobby. It became my purpose. I found joy in helping people feel better mentally and physically. Seeing someone come to me feeling stressed or down and leave with a smile and a lighter heart made me feel like I was making a real difference in their life. Now, at 20 years old, I am finally pursuing my dream by attending cosmetology school. I am committed to expanding my skills beyond nails so I can offer a full range of services and continue growing in this field. My goal is not just to succeed personally, but to serve others in a meaningful and lasting way. I understand firsthand how hard it can be for low-income families to afford services that make them feel confident and cared for, and I want to help change that in my own way. In the future, I plan to open my own salon that offers a variety of services at affordable prices. I want to create a welcoming and safe space where people feel valued, heard, and uplifted no matter their background. More than anything, I want to give back to the community that shaped me and be the reason someone feels seen, supported, and strong enough to keep going, even during their hardest moments.