Rape. It's not such an easy thing to talk about. Although it happens every day, every week, of every year to thousands of women across the world, it's hard for people to think about and it's deemed a topic that nobody wants to hear about. Hard for them to think about it and too troubling for them to discuss it; imagine what it's like for us going through it. It's not a fun thing, rape. Despite what men say, it's not what you wear, it certainly doesn't matter how old you are, and it doesn't matter what you say. I mean, 16-year-old me going on a bike ride for Halloween candy in her Wednesday Addams costume matching with her mother, who was Morticia Addams, certainly didn't expect to get raped. It doesn't matter to them that I was 16, that I was waiting for a boyfriend to share my first kiss with, or that I was wearing a long covering dress and leggings, no, it didn't matter one bit. I have learned how to "get over it" and move on with my life. I don't expect people to feel bad for me, it's not their fault and I do not want pity. I am not less of a person for what happened, if anything I am more. Being raped helped me. I didn't ask for it but I learned to deal with it and because of that, I became 1,000 times stronger. After the fact, I was too scared to approach doctors or nurses and ask for help because I was terrified I would be judged. So I took a pregnancy test, STD test, and started going to the gym to gain strength. I didn't desire help, I relied on myself to get help. Being raped inspired me to be a role model for girls suffering in silence, struggling with what I once struggled with. I want to be the guiding hand and help make them safe, secure, and successful. I want to make them define their own lives, not someone else. To do this, I dedicated myself to my studies. I graduated in the top 1% of my class at an elite STEM High School Academy specializing in biosciences. I was admitted to Honor colleges at both UT Austin, and UT San Antonio, but decided to stay in San Antonio so I could eventually give back to the community that defined me. I am majoring in Medical Humanities, minoring in Business Administration, and concentrating on the Pre-PA pathway offered at UTSA all the while being a part of the Honors College. I plan to serve my community and actively give back during and after college. I plan on bringing humanity into the medical field. That is my driving mission. I want little girls and boys to see doctors as compassionate mothers and fathers instead of scary needles and loud machinery. I want to put love, kindness, and patience back into medicine and ensure that no little girl is ever too scared to ask for help as I once was. Not only would I use this money to create a better life full of success, safety, and reliability for me, but the money would in turn be helping every single person that I will interact with as a doctor. This money would serve as an enabler for kindness and compassion to seep back into places where it was lost. This money will help save and protect innocent little (and big) girls from suffering in silence as I once did. This money is hope, not paper; hope and opportunity.

Life has a mysterious way of weaving stories of strength and determination amidst trials and tribulations. Witnessing my parents' struggles and triumphs has fueled my unyielding desire to become a Physician Assistant (PA) and eventually establish my medical practice. Their unwavering resilience taught me the value of hard work, the power of education, and the significance of giving back to those in need. My father's childhood was defined by poverty, leaving him with limited options. Having to decide between the Massachusetts fishing industry and the Army, he signed up for the Army at 17. The sacrifices he made were immense, but they paved the way for a distinguished military career. He ascended to the rank of colonel and became part of a high-ranking classified task force known for its elite operations. My mother's early life, on the other hand, was marked by abuse and adversity. She escaped her abusive mother and never had the chance to even consider attending college. Her resilience and tenacity led her to become a successful business administrator, opening a top-class medical spa alongside her licensed practitioner friend. Their narratives of triumph over adversity formed the spine of my character. They taught me that life doesn’t hand out favors, and success is earned through hard work and dedication. Having witnessed the numerous sacrifices made for me and my brother to have a better life than they had, I am determined to make the most of my educational journey in their honor. Inspired by my parents' selflessness, I am determined to become a Physician's Assistant. I am captivated by the idea of working in medicine, healing people, and giving back to the community that had supported me throughout my life. I strongly believe that healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of their background. With my parents as role models, I realize that my journey in medicine should not stop at being a PA. I envision a medical practice that will one day embody compassion, inclusivity, and affordability. I dream of a place where patients felt valued, cared for, and respected. My practice will extend its reach to underserved communities, offering them the healthcare they deserve. My career aspirations as a Physician’s Assistant and my vision of establishing my medical practice have been molded by the struggle and success of my parents. Their journey from adversity to empowerment taught me the power of hard work, the importance of education, and the value of giving back while always acknowledging your roots. I am committed to utilizing my education and skills to serve others, provide compassionate medical care, and create a positive impact in the lives of those around me. I want to give others the chance that my parents gave me, a life free of worry and struggle. With the spirit of my parents' selflessness guiding me, I eagerly embrace the path ahead, knowing that my dedication to service will lead to a meaningful and fulfilling journey in medicine and entrepreneurship.