As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a immigrant Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 30, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

As I left our trailer home, running through the lawns of other neighbors running, I was a 4 year olds with not a care in the world. I stumble into a woman, no older than 25, with a baby in her hands. "no tienes dinero mija, tiene hambre mi bebe" she says to me. I was young but I knew what she meant, she needed money to feed her baby. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about $2.50 in change from my pockets, the money my Papa Lalo had given me to go to the paletero to get an ice pop for myself. The woman thanks me with the biggest smile on her face as she walks off with her baby crying. Growing up with relatively low income and as a minority, my family as myself never had stable housing going from place to place, often living with up to 3 families in the same trailer home. However even though i never had much growing up my love for helping those around me was always the same. In elementary school, as soon as I heard about canned food drives I would go home and ransack our pantry, stealing any canned item I could find, from canned corn to my favorite, canned peaches. I would neatly pack it all in a box. My mom would have to explain that we needed food for ourselves too so she would take out a portion of my packed items and put them back into the pantry. Yet I always made sure I packed the peaches back in the box, because if they made me happy I'm sure they would make everyone else happy. In middle school I would go visit my uncle in the hospital where I realized my uncle was incredibly lucky, he would constantly have visitors over, while other people didn't. I went straight up to the receptionist and asked if there were any people who hadn't had visitors in a while, “ Ms.Barbara hasn't had any one visit her in 3 years”, she said to me softly, “May i go visit her?” I questioned, she nodded so i ran off to her room and knocked, “come in” I heard in a faint voice. I walked in to see an elderly lady, sitting on the hospital bed watching television. “I'm here to keep you company” I said with a cheesy smile on my face. Ms. Barbara became Mama Barbara, and i thought why can't i have more mama’s and papa’s, so i went to visit more individuals. And most recently in high school, I associated with Genesis Women's shelter, a truly amazing organization, which aimed to help women coming from dangerous situations. I had recently learned how to sew so I would spend hours creating shirts and dresses to donate to this charity. Also hosting a baby supplies drive in my high school where I managed to gather an incredible amount of baby supplies to donate on behalf of our school. Seeing the women's reaction to receiving anything was truly heartbreaking, knowing many of them ran away from a toxic environment with nothing but the clothes on their and their children's backs is what truly inspires me to help even more. Resulting in me wanting continue this legacy and start my own organization to help those in need around me, to help people like the woman i met when i was 4, who couldn't feed her child, or like Ms. Barbara who had nobody to talk to her, or simply someone who just needed a warm meal .

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Throughout my whole childhood I was always embarrassed by who my family was. Coming from a low income household with immigrant parents it wasn't easy fitting in with those around me. To this day this is the biggest regret I have because even though my life hasn't always been the best, I always had someone who looked out for me. There was always someone who did their best to inspire me and give me everything they didn't have, this being my mother. My Mother, Zenaida, is an individual who always wants to help those around her with a smile on her face, as well as her intelligence is unmatchable. Being born in Mexico in a household with 8 siblings she always felt the need to step up and in a sense become the second “man” of the family. My grandfather was never truly at home which is why my mother always did all she could in order to keep food on the table for the rest of her siblings, and not once would she complain or protest, she would do it just to see her siblings smile and be able to make it through. This was no different when her own children were born. As long as I can remember my mother always gave to those who were less fortunate, whether it was with her time or the little money she had she never wanted to see anyone in a dark place. My mother always spent her weekends at church helping cook for the people that didn't have a meal. She would drag us to church from 9 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon. These weekends helping my mom cook in the cramped, crowded kitchen of the church really helped build my love for community service. My mother is the reason I now choose to spend any free time I have helping those who are less fortunate, having not only volunteered at different food banks but also going back to where it all started. Most have likely heard the terms of “Street Smart” and “Book Smart”, many people saying “being street smart is just an excuse for dumb people” this is as far from the truth as it gets. My mother wasn't able to graduate from middle school, having to drop out of school to go around her town collecting newspapers and cardboard in order to make money. She knew this wasn't the life she wanted to live. Soon after, suggesting to my grandmother to begin their own business out of their small, fragile home. My mother was in charge of running the business from finances to gathering clientele. She successfully ran the business till she decided to come to the United states. She knew it would be impossible for her to go back to school so she decided to start worrying about other priorities in her life, such as her children. My mother had a very limited education so it was very difficult for her to help us with any homework or academic questions we brought to her. She was always so embarrassed when this would happen that she managed to teach herself all of not most of the lessons so she could explain to us if we didn't understand. She was also able to teach herself to speak 2 different languages by simply observing and taking notes about the languages around her. The ways my mother has been able to succeed academically without truly having the knowledge to truly do so is the reason i always believe i have to do my best academically.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me. Now truly all I want is for all of them to say "I want to be like Ashley".

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

My favorite aspect of the game that always makes me connect with it more, is the amount of pathways that you can do within the game itself, there are other types of experiences such as building and also creating your own imagination, making your own personal advantages that can help you, and always have strategy in the game, there are many more, however the amount of creativity is endless and that's what always makes me passionate towards the game since you can do anything you like, playing with friends, joining servers, and making your own worlds within Minecraft, which makes it more appealing and fun, since you start off in a new game whether a multiplayer server or your world it, you can always start learning on how to get more creative and also make your own ideas come to light, and there is always endless opportunities and you can make the amount of achievements and many types of accomplishments, and if someone starts off fresh from the game they can start learning on how to play, create, and imagine the way they would like to do in their own way, and that's why the amount of paths you can choose will allow you do anything you'd like and whatever you want.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care whatever they needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children.. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Throughout my whole childhood I was always embarrassed by who my family was. Coming from a low income household with immigrant parents it wasn't easy fitting in with those around me. To this day this is the biggest regret I have because even though my life hasn't always been the best, I always had someone who looked out for me. There was always someone who did their best to inspire me and give me everything they didn't have, this being my mother. My Mother, Zenaida, is an individual who always wants to help those around her with a smile on her face, as well as her intelligence is unmatchable. Being born in Mexico in a household with 8 siblings she always felt the need to step up and in a sense become the second “man” of the family. My grandfather was never truly at home which is why my mother always did all she could in order to keep food on the table for the rest of her siblings, and not once would she complain or protest, she would do it just to see her siblings smile and be able to make it through. This was no different when her own children were born. As long as I can remember my mother always gave to those who were less fortunate, whether it was with her time or the little money she had she never wanted to see anyone in a dark place. My mother always spent her weekends at church helping cook for the people that didn't have a meal. She would drag us to church from 9 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon. These weekends helping my mom cook in the cramped, crowded kitchen of the church really helped build my love for community service. My mother is the reason I now choose to spend any free time I have helping those who are less fortunate, having not only volunteered at different food banks but also going back to where it all started, at Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos - Santa Teresita. Most have likely heard the terms of “Street Smart” and “Book Smart”, many people saying “being street smart is just an excuse for dumb people” this is as far from the truth as it gets. My mother wasn't able to graduate from middle school, having to drop out of school to go around her town collecting newspapers and cardboard in order to make money. She knew this wasn't the life she wanted to live. Soon after, suggesting to my grandmother to begin their own business out of their small, fragile home. My mother was in charge of running the business from finances to gathering clientele. She successfully ran the business till she decided to come to the United states. She knew it would be impossible for her to go back to school so she decided to start worrying about other priorities in her life, such as her children. My mother had a very limited education so it was very difficult for her to help us with any homework or academic questions we brought to her. She was always so embarrassed when this would happen that she managed to teach herself all of not most of the lessons so she could explain to us if we didn't understand. She was also able to teach herself to speak 2 different languages by simply observing and taking notes about the languages around her. This woman is the reason I want to succeed, I would want nothing more than for her to be proud of me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Throughout my childhood I have always found myself always wondering what I will do in the future. Going from “I want to be Dentist” to “I want to be a Lawyer” to “ I want to be an Astronaut”. Every day my only wish was to make my parents proud, making their sacrifices worth it. Being the eldest daughter in a Hispanic household has truly taken its toll on me. I Want to pursue higher education not for myself but in order to provide a better life for my parents, giving them everything they deserve and more, as well as being a role model to my siblings and cousins. In high school I attended a very academic oriented school in which my cousins and siblings did their best to attend after seeing I was admitted. This is the reason why I want to attend College, in order to have that feeling again or make my family proud, of being someone my younger siblings and cousins can look up to. Seeing how I simply want to be a role model, my only wish is to make it through college, not only make it through but thrive. My main goal is to make sure I am on top, I want to get the best grades, thrive socially, just overall be someone others can look up to. Overall i don't want to be that one individual that goes to college just to have fun, seeing how my family would already struggle to pay for my tuition my goal is not to go to college to “have fun” my main goal is to go and get what i need out of it, that being my diploma as well and the knowledge needed for the real world. Seeing how my plans are to succeed academically and not simply goof off I would say my overall path is quite different from most individuals since most students want a mix of everything. I can see how the path I want to take could be seen as quite a boring one, but even if the path I choose to take is seen as conservative and boring to the individuals around me it would all be worth it to me, it would all be worth it seeing the faces and smiles of my family. I would want my dedication to studying and my dedication to school to pay off once i cross the stage, looking into the crowd and seeing my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister, my cousins and aunts looking back at me smiling, with the younger ones saying “ i want to be like Ashley, i want to cross that stage too”. That is all I truly want in this world, to truly be successful is to bring others up with you, there is no point in being successful if you're greedy and conceded. this is why to me it is crucial to pass on what you know and all that you have learned to those who are younger than you.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. . As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Throughout my childhood I have always found myself always wondering what I will do in the future. Going from “I want to be Dentist” to “I want to be a Lawyer” to “ I want to be an Astronaut”. Every day my only wish was to make my parents proud, making their sacrifices worth it. Being the eldest daughter in a Hispanic household has truly taken its toll on me. I Want to pursue higher education not for myself but in order to provide a better life for my parents, giving them everything they deserve and more, as well as being a role model to my siblings and cousins. In high school I attended a very academic oriented school in which my cousins and siblings did their best to attend after seeing I was admitted. This is the reason why I want to attend College, in order to have that feeling again or make my family proud, of being someone my younger siblings and cousins can look up to. Seeing how I simply want to be a role model, my only wish is to make it through college, not only make it through but thrive. My main goal is to make sure I am on top, I want to get the best grades, thrive socially, just overall be someone others can look up to. Overall i don't want to be that one individual that goes to college just to have fun, seeing how my family would already struggle to pay for my tuition my goal is not to go to college to “have fun” my main goal is to go and get what i need out of it, that being my diploma as well and the knowledge needed for the real world. Seeing how my plans are to succeed academically and not simply goof off I would say my overall path is quite different from most individuals since most students want a mix of everything. I can see how the path I want to take could be seen as quite a boring one, but even if the path I choose to take is seen as conservative and boring to the individuals around me it would all be worth it to me, it would all be worth it seeing the faces and smiles of my family. I would want my dedication to studying and my dedication to school to pay off once i cross the stage, looking into the crowd and seeing my mom, my dad, my brother, my sister, my cousins and aunts looking back at me smiling, with the younger ones saying “ i want to be like Ashley, i want to cross that stage too”.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. . As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Kimmy, Nana, Kelly and Wendy take a seat at the table, while Jonny, Alan, and Bryan sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So whenever we didn't have school or any extracurricular activities I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over my babies. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Waking up early on a Sunday morning thinking I'm the only one awake, I hear small footsteps behind me “ashley tengo mucha hambre” my little cousin murmurs half asleep. Placing her in my arms as she begins falling asleep again. Soon after I head into the kitchen and begin to cook enough food for eight mouths. As our huevo con salchicha is still sizzling in the old rusty pan, I go and call for them individually. They begin to trickle in one by one taking their unofficial assigned seat. Some take a seat at the table, while others sit on the couch using their laps as a table. As they have finished one by one they head outside to enjoy the cool morning breeze. I don't receive this privilege as I stay inside having to clean up after them. As i begin to tackle the dirty dishes i drop a ceramic mug gifted to me by nana, my favorite mug, “Best Cousin” it read with tacky pink letters and hearts and stars all over, oh no i whisper as i run to get the nearest broom at the same time kimmy waders back in sniffling and holding back tears, “me calli” she says no longer being able to hold back tears, immediately put her in my arms and try to sweep with the other. Being the Oldest sibling in a family can truly be one of the most emotionally scarring yet rewarding challenges one can come face to face with, however, also having to juggle being the eldest cousin and having to raise and act as an example for those under you is twice the reward and punishment. Being from a Mexican household we are very family driven, always wanting to watch out and take care of those around us and especially those that are younger than us. My mother and aunts were constantly busy working, trying to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. So I was in charge of taking care and watching over all my siblings and cousins. At the moment I truly only ever saw it as a curse, having to give up part of my life to raise someone else's children. This was most prominent during covid, my freshman year starting high school, while trying to juggle the responsibilities of acclimating to the new way schooling would be while also having to take care of everything “my babies” needed. At a certain point I didn't know what to do, I was not doing well in any of my classes, having very little time to truly work on what I needed. I barely had any time for homework in between cooking, cleaning and looking after them. Overall my priorities had shifted at the time. I was now more worried about giving them what they wanted and what they needed than what I needed. However as we all grew older it was much easier for the older ones to help me out in watching the younger ones. Eventually it had reached a point where I was no longer overwhelmed with the thoughts and stress of having to watch over them. At this point I was truly able to catch up in school and get back to where I was academically. Even though I saw raising my cousins and siblings as a burden, now I truly believe they are the reason for who I am today. The moments I spent caring and consoling them are what managed to shape and form my beliefs and led me to find ways to manage everything occurring around me.

Ever since I was a young girl I would constant ask "mami Ellos no tienen nada para comer verdad" talking about the homeless people living around the corner from our apartment. This was where my love for helping others started, by going out with a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to hand out to the individuals that needed it more. Growing up very low income there wasn't many ways I could help the people around me financially, however I always loved seeing the faces of the people when they would see that someone truly cared for them. Knowing the simple gesture of giving someone a warm meal, or a nice change of clothes always brought a smile to my face, which is main reason for my love of volunteering and helping others around me. As I grew older I began helping and volunteering more and more in my community wether it was centered around church or school, It was my safe space. Helping others with people that had the same mindset and goals as me was absolutely incredible, and now all I hope it to continue helping those in need, not just around me but everywhere.