Business and entrepreneurship have led me through many facets of my life. My father, for example, taught me all the basics of investments and fundamental principles in the stock market. I was exposed to information on current events and industry news from a very young age. In response to such knowledge, I decided to start a fashion line during the summer. My main goal is to cater to the upcoming market of women in the workforce. I currently spend my free time of mine learning how to sew, researching manufacturers in my home country of the Dominican Republic, and establishing my plans and goals for this company. Over the summer, I decided to take a course on Excel for Business at my local college. In doing so, I learned the intricacies of business and understood how much effort it would take for me to do all the financial planning and accounting for my brand. Luckily, the course’s tedious nature only amplified my interest. I felt I was not only achieving a task many others cannot, but I also learned so much about the possibilities of Excel and I use it to complete coursework where it is not required. I am prepared to handle the technical aspect of business that is not as romanticized as marketing, law, or business presentations but equally as important. I feel my proudest step towards achievement has been my initiative to start the formation of my company, Capitulo. I am highly concerned for the environment and workers’ rights, so Capitulo’s foundation is one of ethical business decisions. I intend to provide suitable compensation to any employees or manufacturers and make my clothes out of quality, eco-friendly materials. Capitulo’s garments will be on the more expensive side, but I know such a decision will keep my actions consistent and my morals intact. While I am young and inexperienced, my intentions for this business go well beyond my age. With the help of my family and friends back in the Dominican Republic, I know my dream can be made a reality. My approach to business through my Dominican background is highly influenced by my exposure to my country. No opportunity to view the hardships of life in the Dominican Republic has been ignored. My parents exposed me to the sights of poverty and challenging work environments. I’d like to contribute to my country by providing more job opportunities and going the extra mile to enforce a just working environment and pay for my people. The name “Capitulo” stems from the central idea that I hope to represent a new chapter in Latin American countries by taking the initiative to demand more just employer practices for hardworking Latinxs.

After more than a year of social isolation, I made the transition from a large public school to a small Christian private school in the hopes of restoring my emotional well-being. No amount of paranoid lectures from my fervently atheist father could prepare me for the culture shock that awaited me. The new school brought an unexpected cost: a dent in my confidence in my own individuality. Social interactions had always come naturally to me since my early childhood, which made it all the more surprising when I found it challenging to make friends. Many of the students had been at the same school for as long as they could remember, and it seemed that the lesson of acceptance was one they had skipped over during the pandemic. Experiencing both the cold shoulder and whispers behind my back heightened my desire for a sigh of relief as the summer approached. My growing discontent with the high school experience led me to take on additional responsibilities to fill my time, a decision that would prove to be immensely valuable. Taking on a job as a math tutor and commuting to the local college campus for summer courses became pivotal experiences. These changes not only made me feel more mature and independent but also fostered a newfound appreciation for the city around me. Engaging in meaningful discussions with people of various ages during tutoring sessions and attending lengthy lectures allowed me to revel in a sense of belonging in the wider world. Suddenly, the pressures of a social pyramid among Christian teenagers lost their grip on my enjoyment of the final year of high school. My summer philosophy course introduced me to Stefany, a fashion industry major. Within just a week of sporadic conversations, our shared interests inspired a collaborative passion project. Stefany and I have cultivated a symbiotic partnership, one in which her creativity harmonizes with my strategic planning. Our frequent visits to fashion events and art galleries allow us to connect with local artists. The next step is to produce couture fashion pieces, photograph them, and post them to an online store. Our brand, Capitulo, has set its priority to create artistic, high-quality pieces that cater to the interests of fashion in big cities. As the project progresses, I am made aware of valuable lessons regarding business models and collaboration. Playing to our individual strengths, my confidence in Capitulo’s vision is amplified. As a result of my decisions, standing out became my greatest pride. Despite the environment working against my hopes for a sense of belonging, I transformed the circumstances to my advantage. Adaptation to a new environment is one thing, but I discovered the importance of self-expression by pulling myself out of the bubble that was my high school.