Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood who was known for her eternal beauty and glamours roles. She was known as the epitome of beauty in the 40s but people forget that that she was more than a glamour-puss. Hedy Lamarr was an innovator and pioneer for modern day WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication systems. During World War II, Ms. Lamarr learned that radio-controlled torpedoes could easily be jammed and set off course so she thought of creating a frequency-hopping signal that could not be tracked. By using the synchronizing of a miniaturized player-piano mechanism with radio signals, Hedy successfully created a frequency hopping system that we now use today. Hedy Lamarr did not only cross the barriers of the arts and STEM but she created a path for women to be innovators and thinkers. Hedy was not only an artist but a scientist too.

Like many children who grew up with immigrant parents, I did not learn that I was undocumented until I turned 13. Due to the fear of deportation, my parents did not disclose my status until I was “old enough to understand.” Prior to this, I had lived a fairly normal life. I was going to school, I loved participating in extracurriculars, and besides the few times we had to move from city to city, I had a fair amount of friends. But when I learned the truth about who I was and what I represented, it was as if I could bucket of water had dropped on me. Being born in Mexico but growing up in the U.S. I struggled with what it meant to belong in the United States. As I reached my adolescent years, I questioned myself in terms of what my role in society was. These uncertainties are usually answered through the transition into the workforce, exploring relationships, and pursuing a higher education. But for teens like me, these phases of growth are limited. With no legal status, ordinary things like getting a job, obtaining a driver’s license, and applying to college have become strenuous. Not only physically but psychologically too. Mentally, I feel like any other citizen around me. Nonetheless, people in power have painted me as the embodiment of crime and violence, and to many, my presence is unwelcome. There is a small saying among us immigrants which goes, “Ni de aquí, ni de allá” Which translates to, neither from here nor from there. Do I feel like I belong here? No, not at all. But do I belong back home? Nope, not there either. However, this strenuous journey has not been in vain! Because through these struggles, I have found my calling. Being a Mexican immigrant and a fierce fighter for the rights of the Hispanic/ Latin community, I felt that my purpose in this world was to help my people. I have been through the struggles as a minority and experienced first-hand the political decisions that have impacted my community. I knew that my college career was going to be focused on something I felt passionate about and in the end was going to help me bring awareness. Studying International Relations and Global Studies would be one step closer to pursuing my career as a diplomat for the U.S. Someone who serves as a link between the countries and represents the trade, commerce, economics, as well as social and cultural aspects of individual countries. Especially humanitarian crises like immigration, health, and safety. Having had leadership positions in organizations like robotics, student council, and NHS/NTHS have given me the backbone it takes to listen, communicate, and organize. While extracurriculars like theatre have shown me how to step into the shoes of others and allowed them to speak their truths. Although college is something that everyone should pursue it comes with great financial responsibility. With no federal aid, I have come to rely on scholarship to fund my education. I graduated high school in the top 2% of my class with a GPA of 4.18. As well as receiving accolades from robotics, theatre, NHS, NTHS, student council, choir, and UIL. I believe that my accomplishments in school and outside of school speak for my perseverance and determination to pursue a higher education. And if there is one thing I wish more than anything in the world, is to continue learning and breaking barriers. Getting the financial assistance from this scholarship would mean the world to me and my family.

Like many children who grew up with immigrant parents, I did not learn that I was undocumented until I turned 13. Due to the fear of deportation, my parents did not disclose my status until I was “old enough to understand.” Prior to this, I had lived a fairly normal life. I was going to school, I loved participating in extracurriculars, and besides the few times we had to move from city to city, I had a fair amount of friends. But when I asked my mom if I could travel out of state to an FTC FIRST robotics competition and was shut down with a harsh“NO,” I knew something was up. So as any normal child would do, I asked the big question…”Why?!” That’s when my mother sat down with me and confessed that she feared that Border Patrol would stop me at the checkpoint and take me away. She further explained that I was undocumented and that out-of-state and even out of town travel, was completely limited At the time, I didn’t grasp the meaning of being “undocumented” or as some refer to, “illegal.” To me, illegal meant to be unlawful or wrong. Maybe something even close to sin, but I never imagined myself to be considered “illegal.” After my mom gave me this hurtful but very necessary talk, I realized that I was not living a “normal” life. Two completely different realities separated me and those around me. And although it has been seven years since my little intervention, enough time for me to adjust to circumstances, I carry an inner battle on whether or not I belong here. Being born in Mexico but growing up in the U.S. I struggled with what it meant to belong in the United States. As I reached my adolescent years, I questioned myself in terms of what my role in society is. Those uncertainties are usually answered through the transition into the workforce, exploring relationships, and pursuing a higher education. But for teens like me, these phases of growth are limited. With no legal status, ordinary things like getting a job, obtaining a driver’s license, and applying to college have become strenuous. Not only physically but psychologically too. Mentally, I feel like any other citizen around me. I talk politics, I volunteer at local events, and I have been able to serve people like Will Hurd. I am living proof of the “American Dream” that so many pursue. Nonetheless, people in power have painted me as the embodiment of crime and violence, and to many, my presence is unwelcomed. Of course, hostility towards immigrants has always been part of American history. But over the past 4 years, microaggressions and violence have only increased. Often media outlets and politicians have painted people like me as a security threat rather than the children whose parents sacrificed everything for them. Today, I struggle to find out where I stand in terms of who I am are and where I belong. There is a small saying among us immigrants which goes, “Ni de aquí, ni de allá” Which translates to, neither from here nor from there. Do I feel like I belong here? No, not at all. But do I belong back home? Nope, not there either. However, this strenuous journey has not been in vain! Because through these struggles, I have found my calling. Being a Mexican immigrant and a fierce fighter for the rights of the Hispanic/ Latin community, I felt that my purpose in this world was to help my people. I have been through the struggles as a minority and experienced first-hand the political decisions that have impacted my community. I knew that my college career was going to be focused on something I felt passionate about and in the end was going to help me bring awareness. Studying International Relations and Global Studies would be one step closer to pursuing my career as a diplomat for the U.S. Someone who serves as a link between the countries and represents the trade, commerce, economics, as well as social and cultural aspects of individual countries. Especially humanitarian crises like immigration, health, and safety. Having had leadership positions in organizations like robotics, student council, and NHS/NTHS have given me the backbone it takes to listen, communicate, and organize. While extracurriculars like theatre have shown me how to step into the shoes of others and allowed them to speak their truths. Although college is something that everyone should pursue, it comes with great financial responsibility. Not only do I come from a minority family but we are of low income. However, this did not stop me from succeeding in my academic career. I graduated high school in the top 2% of my class with a GPA of 4.18. As well as receiving accolades from robotics, theatre, NHS, NTHS, student council, choir, and UIL. I believe that my accomplishments in school and outside of school speak for my perseverance and determination to pursue a higher education. And if there is one thing I wish more than anything in the world, is to continue learning and breaking barriers. Getting the financial assistance from this scholarship would mean the world to me and my family. It would mean one less burden lifted off our shoulders and the new beginning of something spectacular. Not only would your scholarship help someone in grave financial need but you would help someone be one step closer to achieving their dreams.

The Heart of the Game is a heartwarming documentary about the journey of a high school girls' basketball team over 6 years. What began as a seemingly grainy student film, blossomed into a powerful testimonial of the inspirational aspects of sports and how meaningful they can be in shaping people's life. As someone who is completely withdrawn from the basketball world, I was surprised to see how much I connected with the sports world. The girl's hard-fought victories and determination to succeed over adversity is something that I not only admire but identify with. Throughout my educational career, I have had plenty of triumphs as well as losses. And while I haven't always succeeded in everything that I have tried, I construct my victories by my repeated perseverance through adversity. I have faced several challenges over the years, from a language barrier to homelessness; yet I continued to excel in school and graduated at the top of my class because I had that desire to get ahead in life. Furthermore, I have come to learn, as Coach Besler said, that "adversity makes strong people." I know for a fact that I have become stronger and true to myself through my hardships. Of course, there are certain periods of my life that I wished I could've skipped over. However, I am grateful for those opportunities because not only did I grow as a person but I learned lessons that will accompany me for the rest of my life. Although I have done a lot of learning, I have also had my share of battles. Being of Mexican descent and a fierce fighter for the rights of the Hispanic/ Latin community, I felt that my "heart" in life was to fight for my people. I have been through the struggles as a minority and experienced first-hand the political decisions that have impacted my community. On many occasions, I wished that people who had the political power to make a change would take the time to listen to people like me. I knew that my college career was going to be focused on something I felt passionate about and in the end was going to help me help others. Studying International Relations and Global Studies at the University of Texas at Austin would be one step toward pursuing my dream of not only attending law school but providing a voice for those underrepresented. I hope that one day, I will be able to directly partake in changing policies that have kept many from reaching their full potential. I am confident that I have the strength to fight the injustices that I see today, because just like Darnellia, through my struggles, I have learned both the logical and open-heartedness that is needed to solve a problem as well as the importance of standing your ground when it comes to critical subjects. And while I am a firm believer that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue higher education, it comes with great financial responsibility. Today, I struggle to finance my college education but I consider this a small bump on the road. I have full confidence that I have all the skills and determination that are needed to succeed in college, and I will not stop until I reach my goal. With the help of The Heart of the Game scholarship, I would be able to slam dunk this chapter in my life!

Sun Yat Sen once said, “The key to success is action and the essential in action is perseverance” And while I haven't always succeeded in everything that I have tried, I construct my success by my repeated perseverance through adversity. I have faced several challenges over the years, from a language barrier to homelessness; yet I continued to excel in school and graduate at the top of my class. I need this scholarship because I want to pursue a higher education! When my parents decided to migrate to the U.S. when I was 6, I knew that it was our ticket to escape poverty. I was conscious that living in the U.S. was not a temporary matter, but rather an opportunity to a better future. It was not an easy adjustment and not being able to speak English turned out to be one of the biggest obstacles in my life. But with the help of teachers, tutoring, and hard work, I was able to quickly overcome that. By the time I was in middle school, I was moved out of ESL classes and enrolled in all advanced pre-ap courses. This for me was my first win, and from there on, I strived for nothing more. But shortly after my small academic success, my parents divorced. With my mother and I on our own, we found it incredibly difficult to support ourselves. With zero money to our name, we found ourselves in the streets in the blink of an eye. Eventually we found refuge at a women's shelter where we stayed for a year and a half. This was a painful period for my mother and I, but I my grivaces only gave me the strength and determination to try harder in school and eventually be at the top of my class. Although college is something that everyone should pursue, it comes with a great financial responsibility. Not only do I come from a minority family but we are of low income. However, this did not stop me from succeeding in my academic career. I graduated high school in the top 2% of my class with a GPA of 4.18. I receiving accolades from robotics, theatre, NHS, NTHS, student council, choir, and UIL. I believe that my accomplishments in school and outside of school speak for my perseverance and determination to pursue a high education. And if there is one thing I wish more than anything in the world, is to continue learning and breaking barriers. Getting the financial assistance from this scholarship would mean the world to me and my family. It would mean one less burden lifted off our shoulders and the new beginning of something spectacular. Not only would your scholarship help someone in grave financial need but you would help someone be one step closer to achieving their dreams. For me, it would be a great honor to be able to be the recipient of the Art of Giving Scholarship.

When I moved to the United States 12 years ago, I had zero comprehension of the English language. In Coahuila, Mexico where I had been born and raised, our main language consisted of Spanish with a blend of the native tongues spoken by small indigenous communities. Now that I had to live in a foreign country where the main language was not Spanish, was completely terrifying! Even picking up the phone made me break out in a cold sweat. In school, I felt embarrassed and frustrated because I couldn’t indulge in conversations with my classmates and at the end of the day, I ended up feeling extremely lonely. Then at restaurants, people would refuse to attend or even speak to us unless we spoke to them in English. On many occasions, we were met with the embarrassment of either living the premises or having to ask strangers for help. What I thought would be a wonderful adventure, turned out to be a complete nightmare! Thankfully, I had many kind people by my side who guided me along my journey to adapting and learning English. In school, my teachers would sit with me at recess and take the time to read and speak to me in English. Neighbors offered to give me English lessons in the afternoons, and family friends would often sit with me and play their favorite music in English. That’s how I came to love ABBA! ABBA had a great tendency to create music in diverse languages like English, Spanish, Swedish, and French. When I would come home from school, I would pop in my ABBA cassettes and listen to their songs in Spanish and later listen to the same songs in English. I was not an expert singer, but I could for a fact translate every ABBA song from Spanish to English. By the time I reached my four-year mark in the US, I was practically fluent. I guess I have a lot to thank ABBA because if it weren't for their music, my speedy journey to learn English would not have been as entertaining. Learning English was not an easy journey, but I am grateful that I went through the challenges that I did. Now I am a person who is confident in their voice and their decisions. I feel that I am no longer inferior or simple-minded compared to others but rather ahead by having a second language under my belt. I now plan on attending the University of Texas at Austin where I hope to major in International Relations and Global Studies. I dream of one day being able to represent my people in a government position and extending the kindness that was given to me 12 years ago. I know that I can bring people together by providing them with the assistance and safe space that is needed to thrive. I was lucky enough to have a safe haven during my difficult times, and I know that I can provide that for others.

Mental health was something I used to take lightly. Not only was I fully a bliss of the feelings of those around me, but as my own as well. My first real talk about mental health came when I was in middle school. In school, I would often hear my friends talk about their mental struggles and their battle with something called depression. “Depression?”- I wondered. Depression was not a word I used in my vocabulary and it was rarely heard around my house. So when I would hear my friends talk about depression, I thought it was something like a small cold. Something that would take a week’s time to cure. However, when I reached 7th grade, I understood the full meaning of depression. When I was in 7th grade, I reached a period of inner darkness. For starters, things at home were crumbling. My parents had been separated for two years now and divorce proceedings were beginning to get vicious. My mother and I were struggling financially, and my family whom I thought were there for better and for worse, had turned their back on us. Suddenly I found myself in a dark hole. I was unhappy all the time, I often had crying fits in the bathroom, and at school, it was becoming hard for me to eat and socialize with friends. The only thing that would help me cope was overworking myself with my studies and extracurricular. Out of the 24 hours in the day, 12 hours were spent in school. Sometimes I would only get 4 hours of sleep. In a period of a year, I found myself underweight, sleep-deprived, and exhausted. Every time my friends would ask me if I was okay, my answer would always be “of course!”How could I explain to them my current emotional status if I didn’t know what was happening myself? I later learned that what I was going through was depression. But at the time, all I knew was that I was struggling and I could not pull myself up. No matter how hard I tried to “look at the bright side” I could not. I was under emotional distress and I didn’t know how to ask for help. When I reached my Sophomore year of high school, I finally turned to a long-forgotten ritual I used to practice. Also known as the great power of prayer. After things had gotten out of control in my life, I lost all faith in religion. I couldn’t understand how someone as great as God could allow all these awful things to happen. As a statement of rebellion, I stopped attending church, I no longer prayed, and I avoided anything and everything that had a connection to religious affiliation. But when I no longer had friends to turn to or someone I could talk to, I decided to give God one last chance. One night after having a breakdown, I began to pray and talk to God for guidance. I asked Him for a sense of peace and security. I have no idea what time I fell asleep, but when I woke up the next day, I felt a sense of tranquility that I had not felt in years. I could breathe again and something inside me told me that everything was going to be okay. And it was. I finally build the courage to explain to those close to me what was going on, because I realized that this was something that I could no longer hide. Finally coming to terms that it was okay to ask for help made me become more open to my own struggles and those around me. Not only could I help myself but the people who I loved and cared about. I realized that my mental struggles were just as hard on them as it was for me. Going through my depressive state through all of middle school and recurring through high school, was not easy. It was incredibly hard to find things to lean on or at least to keep me going. However, my mental struggles influenced not only the way I viewed friendship but religious beliefs as well. I can now firmly say that I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. I find comfort in knowing that whatever was set on my path to happen has a purpose in life. No matter how good or bad it is, it has a mission. I also learned that struggling with one’s own inner issues is not an easy task, so I have twice as hard to achieve my goals. And that is okay. I now know that having these struggles is not a sign of weakness but of strength. I learned to be resilient, compassionate of those around me, and I learned to ask for help.

I first learned that I was undocumented when I was in middle school. I had asked my mother if I could travel with my school to San Antonio for a FIRST robotics competition. I was quickly shut down with a harsh “NO,” which came as a complete surprise to me. Usually, she had no problem with me going out, so I didn’t see how traveling out of town was different. Once my mother realized that how upset I was, she sat down with me and confessed that she feared that Border Patrol would stop me at the checkpoint and take me away. She then explained that I was undocumented. At the time, I didn’t grasp the meaning of “illegal” or “undocumented.” To me, illegal meant to be unlawful or wrong. After my mom confessed this little secret of ours, I realized that I was not like my friends. Like many other kids who grew up in the shadows because of their undocumented status, I struggle with what it means to belong in the United States. As we reach our adult years, we question ourselves in terms of what our role in society is. Those uncertainties are usually answered through our transition into work, exploring relationships, and pursuing higher education. But for teens like me, these phases of growth are limited. With no legal status, things like getting a job, obtaining a driver’s license, and applying to college have become strenuous. Not only physically but psychologically too. Mentally, I feel as American as those around me. I talk politics, celebrate the 4th of July, and I have been able to serve people like Congressman Will Hurd. I am proof of the “American Dream." Nonetheless, people in power have painted me a criminal. Now, hostility towards immigrants has always been part of American history. But over the past years, the hatred has only increased. Often media outlets and politicians have painted us as a security threat and slackers. With such efforts, many of us have tried to adopt an American identity to "fit in. " Now, many of us struggle to find out where we stand in terms of who we are and where we belong. Do I feel like I belong here? No, not at all. But do I belong back home? Nope, not there either. Today I have been left confused. The psychological and physical stress that we suffer is real, and it hurts. With today’s strive for a more progressive tomorrow, there needs to be a social stand on these issues because immigrant adolescents' mental struggles are just as valid as any other mental health issue. We must empower those who struggle to start their paths to reclaiming their identity by speaking up without fear of being shamed. But first, we must begin by viewing each other as the glorious human beings that we are. If we can surpass our prejudices and apply ourselves to understand and learn, there is not a single issue that we cannot solve.

Like many other kids who grew up in the shadows because of their undocumented status, I struggle with what it means to belong in the United States. As we reach our adult years, we question ourselves in terms of what our role in society is. Those uncertainties are usually answered through our transition into work, exploring relationships, and pursuing higher education. But for teens like me, these phases of growth are limited. With no legal status, ordinary things like getting a job, obtaining a driver’s license, and applying to college have become strenuous. Not only physically but psychologically too. Mentally, I feel as American as those around me. I talk politics, celebrate the 4th of July, and I have been able to serve people like Congressman Will Hurd. I am living proof of the “American Dream” that so many pursue. Nonetheless, people in power have painted me as the embodiment of crime and violence, and to many, my presence unwelcomed. Now, the hostility towards immigrants has always been part of American history. But over the past years, the hatred has only increased. Often media outlets and politicians have painted us as a security threat and slackers rather than the children that were brought here for a better future. With such efforts, many of us have tried to adopt an American identity that has, in a way, resulting in a tremendous yet harmful armour. Today, many of us struggle to find out where we stand in terms of who we are and where we belong. Do I feel like I belong here? No, not at all. But do I belong back home? Nope, not there either. That's why today, I aspire to be part of the solution to a problem that has impacted a community that seems to be left behind. I strive to reduce the stigma and misconception that has been placed upon immigration. Especially immigration from Latin countries, as it is seen as deplorable and contemptible. This can only be achieved through proper education and careful legislation. With my chosen path in global studies and international relations, I will strive to fight for my community and make proper amends with the way we are portrayed and seen. It is vital that we start providing a safe space to discuss these issues and walk towards a better America.

Growing up as an immigrant in the United States, I made it my point to not stand out. Everything I did or any accomplishment I acquired, I kept to myself. It wasn't that I didn't crave recognition or a sense of approval. I simply felt that for people like me, it was important to keep my identity a secret. However, for every little win that I dismissed, I realized that I was betraying who I was. By keeping my achievements hidden in fear of retaliation, I was depriving myself and others of the feeling of belonging. Once I came to that realization, I made it my focus to create an environment of aid, acceptance, and recognition for the immigrant voices that are tucked away. 40 percent of undocumented adults ages 18–24 do not complete high school. Of those that complete high school, only 49 percent attend college. That's more than half of the undocumented student population that are deprived of their right to an education. I know this, and now the person that is reading this knows, but what about the rest of the world? They too should be aware of the upcoming voices that are being deprived of the one thing we all should have a right to- an education. For the last couple of months, I have been creating a series of essays that describe my experience as an undocumented student. My goal is to one day publish them and bring awareness to the social and economical issues we face as a community. It's not only vital for me to tell my truth but the truth of others. I know that I am not the only young adult who is faced with this reality. Thousands of young people identify with my story and it is important to let them know that they are not alone in the world. As a community that is always at risk, we must lend each other a helping hand, even if it's a simple thing as giving them assurance. We are tired of being viewed as a statistic or a matter of a political stance. We are more than that. We are human beings with families, dreams, desires, and ambitions. Through my essays, I want people to open their eyes, as well as their hearts, and have an insight into what it is to be one of the millions of undocumented voices. I believe that informing is vital to social change, and I want social change now!