Under adult supervision, me and other volunteers supervised, played, and fed the kids snacks. At times the room will fill up to 20+ kids, which could be hectic. However, aside from that, it taught me valuable lessons like paying attention to body language and communicating in an effective manner. Not all can verbally communicate yet considering the age groups are from 6 months to 5 year olds'. Being attentive to the children’s needs is the top priority. Also, when arguments over toys would break out we have to teach them what is right and wrong. During those talks not only were the kids being taught a lecture, but it enhanced my communication skills as well. In a way, I can say it also enhanced my community as well. A community does not have to include the entire city, which comes up to mind when you think of a community. No matter how tiny or large the community is, the tiny family I am a part of in my local daycare is a community. We all made friendships and like any other friendship there will be hardships (aka the toy fights), but at the same time it brought fun and happiness. I hope my experience brought them joy as much as they gave me joy to be there. If there is anything I learned within the past year is how impactful a small act can be. Whether it be me handing out their favorite coloring sheet or snacks, then I know it enhanced their well being and happiness. Their well being in itself is important to me, because I strive for happiness within myself. It is a personal responsibility and sharing kindness with others benefits them as well. They most likely will not remember me in the future, but if so then they can look back into the small acts like passing out snacks that fulfilled them with joy. A way to remember the little things in life. I hope to enhance the lives of others through empathy and compassion, as I did with my tiny friends. In the future, I plan to be a part of the healthcare industry where my skills will be most useful. Still continuing to work on the skills I lack as well and be a trustworthy, commendable, and hard working nurse. At the same time focus on the structure of the healthcare system and advocate for affordable/free healthcare. Because healthcare should not be a privilege, but a basic human right.

As a hispanic first-generation student, I have seen the boundaries Latinos face in the healthcare industry. The shortage of bilingual professionals is a snippet of it. Constant worry within individuals who cannot communicate their health concerns for both parties to comprehend. Even trying to describe pain can be difficult, and a professional who can help translate both the doctor and patient can lead to a diagnosis more efficiently. Although I am not fully fluent in speaking Spanish, and view myself as an outcast at times, my dedication to become a fluent Spanish speaker in the healthcare industry is my goal. Pursuing a higher education will complete a part of that plan, because I intend to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Throughout my highschool career I knew the importance of my financial need when it came to pursuing a higher education. I am proud to be an upcoming OU student, but that comes with a hefty price tag. Thanks to Oklahoma’s Promise, OU’s Room and Board Program, the Federal Pell Grant, and my OU Sower award (tuition waiver), tuition & fees and housing will be subtracted from my expenses. However, that still leaves me with book fees and outside costs that I will confront throughout the year. Unfortunately, my family’s income is not sufficient to cover the costs, considering I have two younger siblings they still take care of. According to my FAFSA Student Aid Report, my expected family contribution is $0, which demonstrates the urgency of my financial need. This scholarship would help me cross financial barriers, and place a stepping stone for my younger sisters to show that college is reachable when you take advantage of the opportunities. Gaining a college degree will start the generational chain of higher education in my family.