Having a basic understanding of the English language, I sought to translate important documents and situations presented to my parents. Constantly, I was surrounded by pale hospital walls as my aunt underwent medical procedures. Though I was present to support my family emotionally, primarily, I was expected to be the source of communication between the hospital doctors and my family. As doctors would come into the room without taking attention away from their clipboards, they would begin to inform my family of the situation. However, my family stared blankly at me, waiting for a translation. Living through a language barrier with my parents, I realized that others have to overcome this challenge as well, though, they might not have the additional support I was capable of giving my parents. Because of this, I took the opportunity to enroll in an internship opportunity with the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance, where I strived to create civic engagement among local community members. Living in a predominantly Mexican American and Asian American neighborhood where cultures are not forgotten but emphasized, I decided to take the opportunity to embody this through my involvement in OCAPICA. Focusing on redistricting, my team and I began extensive research on pressing issues that resided through the local Anaheim district, causing us to bring together members who were being ignored by their city's politics. Alongside my team, I worked with individuals to allow them a basic education about the politics of their city by providing insight through hosting zoom meetings. In these meetings, I spoke about the effects on the community by current elected officials, future candidates' promises, how their promises would affect citizens, and the overall impact of their involvement and vote in elections.Throughout the process of bringing together local community members, I learned about distinct barriers that stood between members and their involvement. From the excessive hours they put into their work, the fear of being silenced, the language barrier, or not having the exposure to become involved with their community, we assured and worked around these issues to build a community of members who would be active and have an impact on their community. As a first-generation student, going to college has become an important goal for me. As my parents were only exposed to elementary-level education, achieving postsecondary education and earning a degree has become a goal I pursue to achieve. By following this goal, specifically by completing a degree in biology, I would not only accomplish a degree in higher education but it would empower me to bring hope to individuals who undergo medical difficulties I have come to experience firsthand. My family and I's inaccessibility to healthcare has caused permanent medical issues to develop or worsen. Working in the medical field means that I would give one more person and their family the relief of continuing to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Because medical aid is not accessible to everybody, especially in underrepresented communities, I hope to pursue an education in business in addition to biology. In doing this, I will be able to assist individuals who need medical aid and increase the number of nonprofit clinics for those who have inaccessibility to healthcare. I aspire that by accomplishing both fields of study, I will be able to inspire younger generations to follow in the footsteps of growth and passion by pursuing their goals and dreams. Having the ability to benefit those around me while personally growing academically would allow me to culminate both my academic and personal interests while remaining an active part of my community.