I think it is important for people to be involved in their communities because a positive change in our society starts with each person doing their part. Thus far, I have been able to cultivate my passion for helping people and seeing my peers prosper. When I was younger, I had the unique opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic with the purpose of making an impact through a volunteer event held by Carnival Cruise Lines. Through this opportunity, I was able to put myself in the position of these low-income Dominican families and learn the value of hard work and dedication. I also planted trees, taught a group of students how to speak English, and helped locally owned businesses make paper out of recycled materials. I believe that everyone has the ability to make a difference in the world and it starts with each of us taking action. Additionally, I love being involved in extracurricular activities and school-sponsored events. At my current high school, I am the vice president of the senior class, captain for the state-winning girl's basketball team, and vice president of the green club. In the future I plan on helping decrease the problem our community faces with mental health by becoming a psychologist. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction.

It was difficult times being told that all my dreams were unrealistic, and that all the work I had put in for so many years prior was worthless. I was playing basketball for a school team where I felt oppressed and held back from pursuing my biggest aspirations. I went from being in a mental state where I wanted to live in the gym, to dreading the thought of going to practice. I was starting to lose my passion for the one thing that had been unfailing in my life. I was constantly being brought down by my own coaches, whom I sought refuge and looked up to; the very people I thought were supposed to stretch me out to be a better version of myself. I would get to practice and not have the motivation to play the game that I had loved my entire life. I debated on whether I would show my loyalty and play through my senior year. After much thought, I developed the courage to leave the place I had called “home” for 5 years and left my friends who had turned into “family.” I left the familiar for the unknown. I chose to get out of my comfort zone, and put myself in a position to prosper and develop. Looking back, I’m proud to say that I’m now thriving in a place where I am being pushed and encouraged to be the best version of myself and to pursue my dreams. I have coaches and teammates that are always uplifting and pushing me to grow as a person and a player. I stepped up my game without quitting. I now aspire for bigger and greater things, such as winning a state championship and becoming Salutatorian of my graduating class.

Dear future me, If you are reading this, the year is 2027 and you have already received your first degree. I hope you are happy with the school you chose to attend and are making your parents proud. Don't ever forget where you came from and the sacrifices your family has made for you to be in the position you are today. From moving to the United States from their hometowns in Puerto Rico and Venezuela to finding a way to make sure that you were provided with all your needs. They taught you true work ethic, values, dedication, sacrifices, and perseverance. Don't forget the days when they struggled to provide, sometimes even pay rent, but they still made it possible to cultivate your passion for basketball. The same way they made sacrifices and strived for a better life is the same way you should be working towards being successful and achieving all your goals. Once you are settled, make sure to give back to them and show them how thankful you are. Make sure to make time for your family, even if your schedule is hectic, and never forget where you came from. I hope you stay focused on creating a positive impact in the world through mental health awareness. I also hope that you were able to become a child psychologist just like you always dreamed of. Most importantly, I hope you are happy. - Victoria Aranguren

Something I am passionate about is fighting for social justice. My parents are hispanic immigrants who have fought through adversity in order to fulfill the “American Dream”. They are beyond fortunate to have been able to leave countries where communism is the way of life. However, many still suffer the painful stakes of communism. My earliest memory of fighting for social change is when I showed up on the front page of a local newspaper raising awareness for Venezuela’s independence, while I accompanied my dad in a march for freedom held on American soil, in Miami, FL. I also had the unique opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic with the purpose of making a social impact through a volunteer event held by Carnival Cruise Lines. Through this opportunity, I was able to put myself in the position of these low income Dominican families and learn the value of hardwork and dedication. From planting trees to teaching a group of students how to speak English, and helping locally owned businesses make paper out of recycled materials. These experiences have helped me realize and see the need for social justice in this world, including our own communities. Education is power, and it’s my goal to use my “power” to achieve social justice.

My name is Victoria Aranguren and I am from Miami, Florida. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally, impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point in their lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction.

My name is Victoria Aranguren and I'm from Miami, Florida. At my current high school I am the vice president of the senior class, captain for the state-winning girls basketball team, and vice president of the green club. I have been playing basketball since I was 7 years old and I love being involved with anything related to sports. I have a passion for helping people and seeing my peers prosper. When I was younger, I had the unique opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic with the purpose of making an impact through a volunteer event held by Carnival Cruise Lines. Through this opportunity, I was able to put myself in the position of these low income Dominican families and learn the value of hard work and dedication. I also planted trees, taught a group of students how to speak English, and helped locally owned businesses make paper out of recycled materials. I believe that everyone has the ability to make a difference in the world and it starts with each of us taking action. Something that I find interesting and makes me genuinely excited to learn is human behavior and thought process. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally, impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point in their lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to make a positive impact in the world by becoming a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction.

I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously, which is why I have decided to study psychology. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally, impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point in their lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order to guide them in the right direction.

Seeing my mother overcome adversity has greatly influenced who I am. Thanks to her I have learned the value of true work ethic, values, dedication, sacrifices, and perseverance. My mom is a hispanic immigrant that moved from her hometown in Puerto Rico to the United States aspiring for better opportunities for herself and future family. Arriving in a foreign place where language and cultures are different has proven to be difficult. Yet, when at her lowest, my mom has still found a way to make sure that I’m provided with all my needs. She struggled to provide, sometimes even pay rent, but she still made it possible to cultivate my passion for basketball. I have personally seen her hustle and work multiple jobs so that I could attend a private school, play travel basketball, have a healthy diet, and live in a safe neighborhood. I have seen her keep a smile on her face when in reality she was breaking down inside. Such a time was when our home went into foreclosure, yet she fought back and was successfully able to pay off mortgages. In fact, during this time she went back to school and earned her masters degree at the age of 40 in hopes of a better income stream. She is an exemplary figure in my life. The sacrifices she has made for me have never gone unnoticed. From her struggles I have learned to persevere and to work at becoming the best I can be, regardless of obstacles. In the future, I hope to become a child psychologist and help decrease the struggle with mental health our society faces. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally, impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point in their lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to erase the negative connotation that comes with mental health and become someone people can trust and speak about their problems with in order to guide them in the right direction.

As we start navigating through life, we face many experiences both positive and negative. One of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face was choosing growth over comfort. It was difficult times being told that all my dreams were unrealistic and that all the work I had put in for so many years prior was worthless. I was playing for a school team where I felt oppressed and held back from pursuing my biggest aspirations. I was starting to lose my passion for the one thing that had been unfailing in my life. I debated on whether I would show my loyalty and play through my senior year. But sometimes, it is not about loyalty to the game, but to the self. After much thought, I developed the courage to leave the place I had called “home” for 5 years and left my friends who had turned into “family.” I left the familiar for the unknown. I chose to get out of my comfort zone, and put myself in a position to prosper and develop. With the support of my parents and friends, I found the strength to fight through adversity and leave the place where I was being withheld from achieving my full potential. Looking back, I’m proud to say that I’m now thriving in a better school where I am being pushed and encouraged to be the best version of myself and to pursue my dreams. I now aspire for bigger and greater things, such as winning another state championship and becoming Salutatorian of my graduating class. This experience has taught me to find the courage and strength to fight for my dreams. In college, I plan to fight through whatever challenges are thrown at me and succeed in anything I decide to pursue.

To begin, I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction. Additionally, My parents are hispanic immigrants who have fought through adversity in order to fulfill the “American Dream”. They are beyond fortunate to have been able to leave countries where communism is the way of life. However, many still suffer the painful stakes of communism. My earliest memory of fighting for social change is when I showed up on the front page of a local newspaper raising awareness for Venezuela’s independence, while I accompanied my dad in a march for freedom held on American soil, in Miami, FL. I also had the unique opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic with the purpose of making a social impact through a volunteer event held by Carnival Cruise Lines. Through this opportunity, I was able to put myself in the position of these low income Dominican families and learn the value of hardwork and dedication. From planting trees to teaching a group of students how to speak English, and helping locally owned businesses make paper out of recycled materials. These experiences have helped me realize and see the need for social justice in this world, including our own communities. Education is power, and it’s my goal to use my “power” to achieve social justice. In conclusion, I hope to use my experiences with mental health and social change to create a positive impact in the world.

I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally, impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point in our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction. My hope is to create a change in the stigma that comes with mental health. Instead of associating mental health with negativity, I hope to raise awareness and shine a light in how we could help people overcome their personal battles.

My name is Victoria Aranguren, I'm 17 years old and I'm from Miami, Florida. At my current high school I am the vice president of the senior class, captain for the state-winning girls basketball team, and vice president of the green club. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I believe that everyone has the ability to make a difference in the world and it starts with each of us taking action. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering.

As we start navigating through life, we face many experiences both positive and negative. One of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face was choosing growth over comfort. It was difficult times being told that all my dreams were unrealistic and that all the work I had put in for so many years prior was worthless. I was playing for a school team where I felt oppressed and held back from pursuing my biggest aspirations. I was starting to lose my passion for the one thing that had been unfailing in my life. I debated on whether I would show my loyalty and play through my senior year. But sometimes, it is not about loyalty to the game, but to the self. After much thought, I developed the courage to leave the place I had called “home” for 5 years and left my friends who had turned into “family.” I left the familiar for the unknown. I chose to get out of my comfort zone, and put myself in a position to prosper and develop. Looking back, I’m proud to say that I’m now thriving in a place where I am being pushed and encouraged to be the best version of myself and to pursue my dreams. I now aspire for bigger and greater things, such as winning another state championship and becoming Salutatorian of my graduating class. This experience has taught me to find the courage and strength to fight for my dreams. The field of study that I am pursuing is psychology. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction. My hope is to create a change in the stigma that comes with mental health. Instead of associating mental health with negativity, I hope to raise awareness and shine a light in how we could help people overcome their personal battles.

I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. By being able to see the effects of mental health in first-hand, I have learned that everyone's story matters and everyone is important. Even when it might seem little to some, for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction.

Something that I find interesting and makes me genuinely excited to learn is human behavior and thought process. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction.

If I were a highly influential figure the main thing I would stand for would be mental health. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. If I had a following, I would use my platform to raise awareness about the seriousness our community faces with mental health issues.

As we start navigating through life, we face many experiences both positive and negative. One of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face was choosing growth over comfort. It was difficult times being told that all my dreams were unrealistic and that all the work I had put in for so many years prior was worthless. I was playing for a school team where I felt oppressed and held back from pursuing my biggest aspirations. I was starting to lose my passion for the one thing that had been unfailing in my life. I debated on whether I would show my loyalty and play through my senior year. But sometimes, it is not about loyalty to the game, but to the self. After much thought, I developed the courage to leave the place I had called “home” for 5 years and left my friends who had turned into “family.” I left the familiar for the unknown. I stayed optimistic, chose to get out of my comfort zone, and put myself in a position to prosper and develop. Looking back, I’m proud to say that I’m now thriving in a place where I am being pushed and encouraged to be the best version of myself and to pursue my dreams. I now aspire for bigger and greater things, such as winning another state championship and becoming Salutatorian of my graduating class. This experience has taught me to find the courage and strength to fight for my dreams.

I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. One way we can work on reducing the amount of mental health cases is by listening to everyone and taking everything they say seriously, even if it doesn't seem important to you. We could also spread awareness by posting information on social media with information on how people could find help. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to help rescue those who are suffering and raise awareness on ways that we could help. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction.

My parents are hispanic immigrants who have fought through adversity in order to fulfill the “American Dream”. They are beyond fortunate to have been able to leave countries where communism is the way of life. However, many still suffer the painful stakes of communism. My earliest memory of fighting for social change is when I showed up on the front page of a local newspaper raising awareness for Venezuela’s independence, while I accompanied my dad in a march for freedom held on American soil, in Miami, FL. I also had the unique opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic with the purpose of making a social impact through a volunteer event held by Carnival Cruise Lines. Through this opportunity, I was able to put myself in the position of these low income Dominican families and learn the value of hardwork and dedication. From planting trees to teaching a group of students how to speak English, and helping locally owned businesses make paper out of recycled materials. These experiences have helped me realize and see the need for social justice in this world, including our own communities. Education is power, and it’s my goal to use my “power” to achieve social justice.

Something that I find interesting and makes me genuinely excited to learn is human behavior and thought process. I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist and create a positive impact in society. I want to be someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction. By being a resource to people that are suffering, I hope to decrease the amount of mental health cases we currently face.

As we start navigating through life, we face many experiences both positive and negative. One of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face was choosing growth over comfort. It was difficult times being told that all my dreams were unrealistic and that all the work I had put in for so many years prior was worthless. I was playing for a school team where I felt oppressed and held back from pursuing my biggest aspirations. I was starting to lose my passion for the one thing that had been unfailing in my life. I debated on whether I would show my loyalty and play through my senior year. But sometimes, it is not about loyalty to the game, but to the self. After much thought, I developed the courage to leave the place I had called “home” for 5 years and left my friends who had turned into “family.” I left the familiar for the unknown. I chose to get out of my comfort zone, and put myself in a position to prosper and develop. Looking back, I’m proud to say that I’m now thriving in a place where I am being pushed and encouraged to be the best version of myself and to pursue my dreams. I now aspire for bigger and greater things, such as winning another state championship and becoming Salutatorian of my graduating class. This experience has taught me to find the courage and strength to fight for my dreams.

As we start navigating through life, we face many experiences both positive and negative. One of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face was choosing growth over comfort. It was difficult times being told that all my dreams were unrealistic and that all the work I had put in for so many years prior was worthless. I was playing for a school team where I felt oppressed and held back from pursuing my biggest aspirations. I was starting to lose my passion for the one thing that had been unfailing in my life. I debated on whether I would show my loyalty and play through my senior year. But sometimes, it is not about loyalty to the game, but to the self. After much thought, I developed the courage to leave the place I had called “home” for 5 years and left my friends who had turned into “family.” I left the familiar for the unknown. I chose to get out of my comfort zone, and put myself in a position to prosper and develop. Looking back, I’m proud to say that I’m now thriving in a place where I am being pushed and encouraged to be the best version of myself and to pursue my dreams. I now aspire for bigger and greater things, such as winning another state championship and becoming Salutatorian of my graduating class. This experience has taught me to find the courage and strength to fight for my dreams.

I’ve personally seen and experienced the effects of mental health and I feel this is an area that needs to be studied in depth and taken more seriously. As a student-athlete I’ve been exposed to people of different backgrounds and upbringings, and have learned that the one thing we all have in common is that we’re all fighting our own battles, some secretly, others openly. I have met people that are physically abused, mentally abused, have lost a loved one, have been abandoned and others who suffer from depression. Regardless of the reason, the struggles are real and take a huge toll on us mentally impacting our overall performance. Everyone's story matters and it might seem little to some, but for the person going through it it feels like the world is ending. Depression is a serious illness that everyone faces at one point of our lives and, if left untreated, can eventually lead to self-harm and suicide. I’m excited to learn about what I could do to help decrease the struggle with mental health in our society. I want to be able to understand the thought processes that people go through and use my understanding to help rescue those who are suffering. My goal is to become a child psychologist; someone people can trust and speak about their problems in order for me to guide them in the right direction.

My parents are hispanic immigrants who have fought through adversity in order to fulfill the “American Dream”. They are beyond fortunate to have been able to leave countries where communism is the way of life. However, many still suffer the painful stakes of communism. My earliest memory of fighting for social change is when I showed up on the front page of a local newspaper raising awareness for Venezuela’s independence, while I accompanied my dad in a march for freedom held on American soil, in Miami, FL. I also had the unique opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic with the purpose of making a social impact through a volunteer event held by Carnival Cruise Lines. Through this opportunity, I was able to put myself in the position of these low income Dominican families and learn the value of hardwork and dedication. From planting trees to teaching a group of students how to speak English, and helping locally owned businesses make paper out of recycled materials. These experiences have helped me realize and see the need for social justice in this world, including our own communities. Education is power, and it’s my goal to use my “power” to achieve social justice.

My parents are hispanic immigrants who have fought through adversity in order to fulfill the “American Dream”. They are beyond fortunate to have been able to leave countries where communism is the way of life. However, many still suffer the painful stakes of communism. My earliest memory of fighting for social change is when I showed up on the front page of a local newspaper raising awareness for Venezuela’s independence, while I accompanied my dad in a march for freedom held on American soil, in Miami, FL. I also had the unique opportunity to visit the Dominican Republic with the purpose of making a social impact through a volunteer event held by Carnival Cruise Lines. Through this opportunity, I was able to put myself in the position of these low income Dominican families and learn the value of hardwork and dedication. From planting trees to teaching a group of students how to speak English, and helping locally owned businesses make paper out of recycled materials. These experiences have helped me realize and see the need for social justice in this world, including our own communities. Education is power, and it’s my goal to use my “power” to achieve social justice.

My family’s history has greatly influenced who I am. Thanks to them I have learned the value of true work ethic, values, dedication, sacrifices, and perseverance. My parents are Hispanic immigrants that moved from their hometowns in Puerto Rico and Venezuela to the United States aspiring for better opportunities for themselves and future family. Arriving in a foreign place where language and cultures are different has proven difficult for both of them. Yet, when at their lowest, my parents have still found a way to make sure that I’m provided with all my needs. They struggled to provide, sometimes even pay rent, but they still made it possible to cultivate my passion for basketball. I have personally seen them hustle and work multiple jobs so that I could attend a private school, play travel basketball, have a healthy diet, and live in a safe neighborhood. I have seen them keep a smile on their face when in reality they were breaking down inside. Such a time was when our home went into foreclosure, yet they fought back and were successfully able to pay off mortgages. In fact, during this time they both went back to school and earned degrees at the age of 40 in hopes of a better income stream. They serve as an inspiration and are exemplary figures in my life. The sacrifices they have made for me have never gone unnoticed. From their struggles I have learned to persevere and to work at becoming the best I can be, regardless of obstacles.