Commencing at eighteen months, I’ve had eighteen facial reconstruction surgeries. Various surgeons refused to treat me as an infant. Subsequently, my mom joined the military, in search of a doctor who would. My Mom shielded me from the pain and tribulations from raising my brothers and I alone. Her extent of raising us to be strong, independent, productive members of society knows no bound. As I amassed numerous surgical scars, she pushed me to develop self-love and self-confidence, and it worked. This will later help me persevere through my own trials and tribulations. Some of these consisted of running for leadership positions, working full time while studying full time, and juggling the task of being a caretaker for my brothers. Every corner, there was a new obstacle for my Mom, but she always surpassed the hurdle with a little helper, me. As the eldest child, I realized early on that my responsibilities were endless - cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, all while caring for my brothers; but I never complained. I admired my Mom for working long hours to provide for my brothers and I. Seeing her work hard and persevere, I aspired to do the same. Instead, I focused on my academic success and volunteerism. Due to my academic excellence, I was invited to an all-expense study abroad in Barcelona last May. Arriving at the airport, many of the students have left the country, much less been on an airplane. This is when I unofficially became one of the designated leaders of the group of thirty students. Some people suffered from motion sickness, so I was ready with anti-nausea medication. On outings, others forgot their umbrella as the rain began to pour, I was prepared with a backup umbrella. It is in my nature to be a caretaker by helping others. Hence, my commitment to help those in my community. One of my upcoming goals is to join one of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committees, whether this is helping raise funds for the student's art auction or helping service the Tejano day. My Mom has instilled in me to give back to my community, whether donating gifts for children during the Christmas season or having bags, readily available in my car, of mini bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and soap to give to homeless individuals. One of my ultimate goals is to give back to my community by creating an annual, recurring scholarship to help low-income students pay their way through their higher education.