Determination is one of the many words I would use to characterize myself. Growing up in a low-income family and my sister's father coming and leaving, it was within a general understanding that I would be a second parent to my two siblings. After my tenth birthday, my mother, using all her resources, took a leap of faith and moved several states south by herself from Jersey City, New jersey to Tampa, Florida. A job was offered to her, and she started at an entry level medical position, while my grandmother and I took care of my two little sisters. My grandmother, an immigrant, was deeply understanding to my mother's wants for a better life and education. She stayed with my aunt, while determined to save up for a home.
After about four months, my mother took a flight back north to New jersey, had me pack all my belongings, and had me start school in Florida, while my grandmother would continue to raise my siblings. After moving into her home, while my mom went on a business trip, my aunt would spend the next two weeks tirelessly registering me for school. Following the doctor's appointments, open houses, school supplies, clothing, and paperwork, I was enrolled. To express my gratitude, I was determined to put my efforts into my studies. Every night since the plane landed in Tampa, I would call my sisters to talk to them, console them, homework issues, and anything else to help them feel as though I was a little closer.
Four months later, after countless business trips and house showings, my mother had bought a beautiful home. Soon after my mom had my siblings fly down with my grandmother and get them enrolled. After my 5th grade year of school was over, my mom had me travel on two different bus routes to go to a high-end middle school, that would improve my education. Following each school day, my afternoon was already planned for me. I would take two buses home, walk my dog, complete my homework, help my siblings complete their homework, make dinner, then prepare for the next school day.
Despite my hardships, I knew that this uniformity was not only for me, but to present me as a role model for my younger siblings as well. Every morning, I wanted to sleep in, I had to remind myself how my little sisters saw how much pride I took in my education. The resilience and courage my mom used to work for a home for my sisters and I, I persevered and passed that same resilience down to my little sisters.
Overcoming adversity is a core part of who I am, and I am highly grateful to have to the resources available to me to better myself as an individual. The financial and social hardships that came from moving 900 miles down south, have led to an improved quality of life for not only me but also for my mother and siblings. Adversity has taught me that it has to get worse before it gets better. Adversity has led to me finding an interest in Marine science, volunteering, and giving back to my community. I will use my studies to protect and preserve various ecosystems in oceans through planned management through research and give back to my community by becoming a marine veterinarian.