Growing up Hispanic in my community has shaped not only who I am, but also what I want to change. I’ve seen so many young people—especially first-generation students—face barriers that make them feel like college or a meaningful career is out of reach. As an incoming student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Fall 2025, I know I’ll be one of the first in my family to take this step. I’m proud of that, but I also recognize that not everyone around me has the same support or guidance. What I would like to see improve most in my community is access—access to mentorship, access to educational resources, and access to programs that make young people believe that their dreams are possible. Wrestling has taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to push through when the odds seem stacked against me. In many ways, my community feels like it’s wrestling with its own challenges—limited youth programs, lack of career guidance, and not enough role models for students who don’t see themselves represented in professional spaces. I want to help change that mindset so young people know they can succeed here, without having to “make it out” to make it big. In the short term, I’m already working to support other students by sharing what I’ve learned through my own college journey. I help classmates with their applications, give advice on writing scholarship essays, and encourage younger teammates to start thinking about their futures early. As a wrestler, I know the value of a strong team—you don’t win matches alone. I carry that same mentality into helping others. Long-term, I want to create a mentorship program that pairs high school students with college students and young professionals who came from similar backgrounds. Representation matters, especially in Hispanic communities where college pathways can feel unfamiliar. If someone can see a person who shares their culture, language, and struggles succeed, it makes success feel real and attainable. I also plan to work with local organizations to establish workshops on financial literacy, college preparation, and mental health support for youth. These are resources I wish I had more access to, and I believe they could transform the way students view their futures. I’m passionate about making my community a better place because I know how much untapped potential lives here. My own journey to UNLV is proof of what can happen when someone refuses to quit, no matter how many obstacles stand in the way. I don’t want that to be rare—I want it to be normal. I want the next generation to feel like their hometown is a launchpad, not a limitation. This scholarship would not only help me achieve my dream of earning a degree, but it would give me the skills, knowledge, and confidence to bring real change back home. I plan to succeed, not just for myself, but for every kid who feels unseen, unheard, or unsure of what’s next. My mission is simple: open doors, and hold them open for the people who come after me.