Recently my cousin's kid was diagnosed with autism. It's the first time I have met someone so close to me that has been medically diagnosed. As I listened to my cousin speak about her difficulties raising her kid, I reflected on many things. Our minds and bodies are incredible, and all the parents who support and raise their kids. It had never crossed my mind how much parents sacrifice for their kids; although it might not feel like much at the moment, it is. This made me reflect on everything my parents gave up for us, moving to a foreign country, where they don't speak the language, away from their families, alone without emotional or financial support. Not only that, but having to raise kids, enrolling them in school with a whole new educational system, even things so trivial like not knowing what to buy at a grocery store. There is much more that I have yet to learn from my parents—however, all of that sacrifice for us, my siblings, and me. I am forever grateful. This wasn't the only thing I learned from my cousin's story. I also learned how close-minded people are. How unfair the educational system in Mexico is for those with disabilities. And how people feel like they are allowed to speak in a matter without themselves ever being in that situation. As my cousin talked about her experiences with her kid, I was angered. How can people be so mean to someone that is grieving? I understand that her son is physically healthy; however, he is so high in the spectrum to function in a "normal life." My cousin is currently accepting her son's diagnosis and grieving her dreams for her son. I learned to not judge but to listen with compassion.

I have always found this question very difficult because I am interested in many things. Because of that, I have concluded that my hobby is learning. I love learning and trying new things. Some might last longer than others, but I will give anything a chance. I always come back to gardening, cooking, baking, and recently reading about mental health and self-help books.

It has been instilled in me that I should have an excellent education to, later on, drop it for my family. However, that is not why I am pursuing an education. I want to support myself and not depend financially on a partner. I want to show my parents that I can earn money and live a comfortable life without depending on someone else. It feels selfish and arrogant to say this aloud, but that is the truth. I don't want to live my life without having a say because I am financially dependent on someone else or feel like I owe something. I want to make my own decisions and not feel guilty. I am pursuing an education because I want to show my parents and myself that I am capable of this and much more. I am also passionate about having an education because I want to be there for my sister. I want to build a pathway for my sister. I want her to know that I will support her throughout her career decisions without judgment. That is why I am passionate about my education.