Catapulted Into Sucess “What if they built a catapult, got in there, and set up a mattress on the other side?” I would throw out these types of unhinged ideas every time we drove by the Loop 375 Border Highway, from where I would see the places I used to visit in Juarez, Chihuahua, my hometown. As an 8 year old the complexities of the immigration system did not really make any sense. We moved to El Paso, Texas after my mom met my step-dad, an American fugitive and although their marriage brought on a turbulent journey, one filled with economic uncertainty and legal battles, I am grateful because it made me who I am and it shaped my educational goals. As a first-generation student my desire to study History and Political Science was not ideal, I often encountered skepticism, people would respond, "What are you even going to do with that?" I grappled with the pressure to make my education worthwhile, and make my mom’s sacrifices worthwhile while remaining true to my passions. When I graduated from high school, one internship I had my heart set on was working with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar's El Paso office. Not only did I strongly believe in the work they were doing, but I also deeply admired her. A third-generation El Pasoan and an accomplished Latina, she began her career as an educator, worked with nonprofit organizations and later served in local government before becoming the Congresswoman of my district. By the third time I was interviewed, I had memorized her biography. That interview, the third and final one, took place during my second year of college in Fall 2024. I was greeted again by Olga, the office manager, who was very happy to see me. Unlike the last two times, she asked me only one question: “How was your summer?” A few minutes of small talk later, she happily assured me the internship was mine. However, my excitement was short-lived when I learned that my non-citizen status made me ineligible to begin. While this was a setback, the Congresswoman's office assured me a spot once I gained citizenship. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, I used this time to deepen my involvement on campus, joining new organizations, and applying for opportunities that aligned with my goals. Being a college tutor, a Grow Your Own Teacher Fellow, and a Summer Democracy School Scholar—these are achievements I proudly highlight on my résumé. But beyond simply being accomplishments, they showcase my interests and passions. I care deeply about education, immigration reform, and the work that local governments do. I believe that civic understanding should be a priority for both students and citizens. I am now a month away from my citizenship ceremony, I have learned throughout my college career that things don’t often go the way I plan, but I am confident that I can adapt and persevere through anything. I work hard to make the most of my undergraduate career in hopes of being a strong candidate for law school. As I continue to achieve my one year goals, my five years goals, it becomes clearer that 20 years from now I want to make systematic for my border city community by holding a public office role, such as county commissioner.

Catapulted Into Sucess “What if they built a catapult, got in there, and set up a mattress on the other side?” I would throw out these types of unhinged ideas every time we drove by the Loop 375 Border Highway, from where I would see the places I used to visit in Juarez, Chihuahua, my hometown. We moved to El Paso, Texas after my mom met my step-dad, an American fugitive and although their marriage brought on a turbulent journey, one filled with economic uncertainty and legal battles, I am grateful because it made me who I am and it shaped my educational goals. As a first-generation student my desire to study History and Political Science was not ideal, I often encountered skepticism, people would respond, "What are you even going to do with that?" I grappled with the pressure to make my education worthwhile, exploring other career interests that never quite felt right until my senior year of high school when I joined Service Leadership Society. The Service Leadership Society (SLS) was the perfect fusion of government and debate club. I had found my place. As I explored the world of the American legislative process, I fell in love with it as I crafted the perfect oppositions and rebuttals. I cycled through a process of research, editing, and writing for a whole school year. The culmination of our efforts came when we competed in the Austin Capitol, where our bill received the highest number of votes in favor. Although our bill was being presented in mock legislation against other schools, Austin presented me with motivation and ambition. Being in the Austin Capitol while it was in session allowed us to meet a plethora of representatives and politicians from all over the state, who were from all socio-economic backgrounds. This experience solidified my commitment to public service. I realized how much I enjoyed mentoring the underclassmen; and I loved being able to understand government and laws to the point of being able to explain it to others. My amazing teachers and SLS mentors, Ms. Romo and Ms. Vazquez, were one of the main reasons I had such a transformative senior year. After we had a presentation about the Grow Your Own Teacher Program (GYOT), I felt inspired by them, and I successfully applied. Maybe this was the beginning of my career. Pursuing a career in teaching allows me to complete a full circle moment. The place where I once felt alienated and lost in, I could work towards making it a safe space that encourages civic participation and growth. I know I want to make an impact beyond the classroom and pursue graduate school, which the GYOT fellowship allows me to do. While working for GYOT, I was also part of the Undergraduate Fellows Programs at UTEP, continued to mentor SLS, and volunteered at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center. As I look ahead to graduate school and beyond, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My goal is to make systematic changes in education or immigration, driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute to the betterment of our world. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my dreams but also empower me to take on new challenges with confidence and determination. In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in my potential to make a meaningful impact.

“What if they built a catapult, got in there, and set up a mattress on the other side?” I would throw out these types of unhinged ideas every time we drove by the Loop 375 Border Highway, from where I would see the places I used to visit in Juarez, Chihuahua, my hometown. We moved to El Paso, Texas after my mom met my step-dad, an American fugitive and although their marriage brought on a turbulent journey, one filled with economic uncertainty and legal battles, I am grateful because it made me who I am and it shaped my educational goals. As a first-generation student my desire to study History and Political Science was not ideal, I often encountered skepticism, people would respond, "What are you even going to do with that?" I grappled with the pressure to make my education worthwhile, exploring other career interests that never quite felt right until my senior year of high school when I joined Service Leadership Society. The Service Leadership Society (SLS) was the perfect fusion of government and debate club. I had found my place. As I explored the world of the American legislative process, I fell in love with it as I crafted the perfect oppositions and rebuttals. I cycled through a process of research, editing, and writing for a whole school year. The culmination of our efforts came when we competed in the Austin Capitol, where our bill received the highest number of votes in favor. Although our bill was being presented in mock legislation against other schools, Austin presented me with motivation and ambition. Being in the Austin Capitol while it was in session allowed us to meet a plethora of representatives and politicians from all over the state, who were from all socio-economic backgrounds. This experience solidified my commitment to public service. I realized how much I enjoyed mentoring the underclassmen; and I loved being able to understand government and laws to the point of being able to explain it to others. My amazing teachers and SLS mentors, Ms. Romo and Ms.Vazquez, were one of the main reasons I had such a transformative senior year. After we had a presentation about the Grow Your Own Teacher Program (GYOT), I felt inspired by them, and I successfully applied. Maybe this was the beginning of my career. Pursuing a career in teaching allows me to complete a full circle moment. The place where I once felt alienated and lost in, I could work towards making it a safe space that encourages civic participation and growth. I know I want to make an impact beyond the classroom and pursue graduate school, which the GYOT fellowship allows me to do. While working for GYOT, I was also part of the Undergraduate Fellows Programs at UTEP, continued to mentor SLS, and volunteered at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center. As I look ahead to graduate school and beyond, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My goal is to make systematic changes in education or immigration, driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute to the betterment of our world. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my dreams but also empower me to take on new challenges with confidence and determination. In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in my potential to make a meaningful impact

My mom had me when she was just 16. Whenever I feel scared or overwhelmed, I try to picture my mom at my age at that exact moment. When I was filling out college applications at 17, my mom was working two jobs to afford daycare and housing, riding Mexico’s dangerous city buses at night with a toddler, living by herself, and dealing with a drug-addicted mother. Often, I find her pure presence and actions giving me the strength to keep pushing forward when I get imposter syndrome or feel defeated. Although my mom can often be intimidating and demanding, I can’t imagine her any other way. When we arrived in Texas, I was old enough to stay home with my siblings. We would walk home holding hands to an empty house. My mom didn’t get back until 11 p.m., or 9 p.m. if we were lucky. For most of middle school, I kind of enjoyed staying home and helping with homework, routines, and cleaning. It made me self-sufficient; I kind of felt like Matilda. Transitioning to high school, I began to take my education more seriously. During junior year, I stayed an extra two or three hours to go to basketball practice and other clubs. We didn’t have the money to afford tutors or college prep programs, I would often find myself improvising ways to get to games but I pushed myself to study hard, manage my leadership roles at school, help at home, and improvise. But then I would remember my mother, how she got her GED with three kids while working as a waitress without speaking English. "I just have to keep pushing, for her, for me," I would remind myself. One particular night, as my mom came home exhausted from an overnight shift but managed to stay up until 7 am to take us to school, I realized the depth of her commitment. This moment inspired me to push through my own challenges, no matter how difficult they seemed. Watching my mother work tirelessly despite her challenges taught me the value of resilience and hard work. These qualities have become integral to my own approach to life's challenges. During my senior year of high school, I found a passion for History and Political Science, which I am now pursuing at UTEP. I am working towards the ultimate goal of becoming an attorney. I mentor and tutor kids, ad encourage civic education in the classroom, and I am currently part of Summer Democracy School 2024 to become a better mentor. In Fall 2024, I will have the honor of working with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s El Paso office. I picture myself as an immigration lawyer here in my border city of El Paso, Texas, where I can help families like mine and continue supporting my siblings as a first-generation college student. Reflecting on my journey, from holding my siblings' hands as we walked home to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney, I am reminded of the strength and resilience I inherited from my mother. As I continue my education at UTEP and prepare for my role with Congresswoman Escobar, I am determined to make a positive impact on my community and support families like mine. The lessons from my past have prepared me for the challenges of the future, and I am committed to making a difference.

My mom had me when she was just 16. Whenever I feel scared or overwhelmed, I try to picture my mom at my age at that exact moment. When I was filling out college applications at 17, my mom was working two jobs to afford daycare and housing, riding Mexico’s dangerous city buses at night with a toddler, living by herself, and dealing with a drug-addicted mother. Often, I find her pure presence and actions giving me the strength to keep pushing forward when I get imposter syndrome or feel defeated. Although my mom can often be intimidating and demanding, I can’t imagine her any other way. When we arrived in Texas, I was old enough to stay home with my siblings. We would walk home holding hands to an empty house. My mom didn’t get back until 11 p.m., or 9 p.m. if we were lucky. For most of middle school, I kind of enjoyed staying home and helping with homework, routines, and cleaning. It made me self-sufficient; I kind of felt like Matilda. Transitioning to high school, I began to take my education more seriously. During junior year, I stayed an extra two or three hours to go to basketball practice and other clubs. We didn’t have the money to afford tutors or college prep programs, I would often find myself improvising ways to get to games but I pushed myself to study hard, manage my leadership roles at school, help at home, and improvise. But then I would remember my mother, how she got her GED with three kids while working as a waitress without speaking English. "I just have to keep pushing, for her, for me," I would remind myself. One particular night, as my mom came home exhausted from an overnight shift but managed to stay up until 7 am to take us to school, I realized the depth of her commitment. This moment inspired me to push through my own challenges, no matter how difficult they seemed. Watching my mother work tirelessly despite her challenges taught me the value of resilience and hard work. These qualities have become integral to my own approach to life's challenges. During my senior year of high school, I found a passion for History and Political Science, which I am now pursuing at UTEP. I am working towards the ultimate goal of becoming an attorney. I mentor and tutor kids, ad encourage civic education in the classroom, and I am currently part of Summer Democracy School 2024 to become a better mentor. In Fall 2024, I will have the honor of working with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s El Paso office. I picture myself as an immigration lawyer here in my border city of El Paso, Texas, where I can help families like mine and continue supporting my siblings as a first-generation college student. Reflecting on my journey, from holding my siblings' hands as we walked home to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney, I am reminded of the strength and resilience I inherited from my mother. As I continue my education at UTEP and prepare for my role with Congresswoman Escobar, I am determined to make a positive impact on my community and support families like mine. The lessons from my past have prepared me for the challenges of the future, and I am committed to making a difference.

“Naty, you have been more of my mom than our normal mom. You taught me to tie my shoes, right from wrong, and even how to understand math....I want you to know you don’t have to worry about us, your life is finally starting and I want you to leave and be successful.” For my 18th birthday, my brother gifted me these words, the most precious and meaningful gift I have ever received. They reaffirmed that my sacrifices were real and valuable. Throughout most of my childhood, my mom was working, leaving me to stay with my siblings and help keep our household running by cooking, cleaning, and helping with schoolwork. As my junior year of highschool approached, after two difficult years in quarantine, I realized that I didn’t have anything meaningful to include in my college applications and, most alarmingly, I hadn’t found my passion. This realization drove me to put my education and myself first. My mom and I clashed continuously; she was so angry she wouldn’t take me to school and stopped supporting me financially. Despite these challenges, I am now a second-year History major at UTEP, working hard to become an educator. As a first-generation college student and an immigrant, I have learned to adapt quickly, be resilient, and most importantly, understand the importance of having a support system. My closest friends, mentors, and teachers guided me through the college application process, encouraging me to dream big and take risks. By senior year of high school, I had been selected for SLS, where I traveled to Austin to compete in a mock government session, completed over 100 hours of community service as a member of NHS, and joined AIM and the basketball team, among other activities. I found comfort, success, and support in education, which is why I am now studying to become a teacher. Moving to the United States around 2016, during the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment under President Donald Trump, was a pivotal moment for me. Living in El Paso, Texas, a border city, I experienced firsthand the effects of hate, misinformation, and racism. Kids who echoed their parents’ beliefs without a second thought would tell me I was dumb because of my broken English and make fun of my darker complexion. This made me want to prove my intelligence, so I learned English quickly and started to read more, developing an interest in politics, feminism, and so much more. My journey continues as I work; I combined my passion for education and politics into an aspiration to become a high school government teacher. I work as Grow Your Own Teacher Fellow and at the Writing Center at my local community college to pay for school and gain first-hand experience as an educator. Additionally, I volunteer for on and off at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center, and this summer I will be part of the Summer Democracy School with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to get experience outside the classroom and make a difference in my community. My ultimate aspiration is to have a classroom that fosters curiosity and engagement, and to teach my students to be kind. As I reflect on my brother's heartfelt words, "Your life is finally starting and I want you to leave and be successful," I am reminded of the journey that has brought me here and everything that I have yet to accomplish. This scholarship will profoundly impact my education and future by alleviating the constant worry of financial strain, allowing me to focus on my studies and my goal of becoming an educator.

“Naty, you have been more of my mom than our normal mom. You taught me to tie my shoes, right from wrong, and even how to understand math....I want you to know you don’t have to worry about us, your life is finally starting and I want you to leave and be successful.” For my 18th birthday, my brother gifted me these words, the most precious and meaningful gift I have ever received. They reaffirmed that my sacrifices were real and valuable. Throughout most of my childhood, my mom was working, leaving me to stay with my siblings and help keep our household running by cooking, cleaning, and helping with schoolwork. As my junior year of highschool approached, after two difficult years in quarantine, I realized that I didn’t have anything meaningful to include in my college applications and, most alarmingly, I hadn’t found my passion. This realization drove me to put my education and myself first. My mom and I clashed continuously; she was so angry she wouldn’t take me to school and stopped supporting me financially. Despite these challenges, I am now a second-year History major at UTEP, working hard to become an educator. As a first-generation college student and an immigrant, I have learned to adapt quickly, be resilient, and most importantly, understand the importance of having a support system. My closest friends, mentors, and teachers guided me through the college application process, encouraging me to dream big and take risks. By senior year of high school, I had been selected for SLS, where I traveled to Austin to compete in a mock government session, completed over 100 hours of community service as a member of NHS, and joined AIM and the basketball team, among other activities. I found comfort, success, and support in education, which is why I am now studying to become a teacher. Moving to the United States around 2016, during the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment under President Donald Trump, was a pivotal moment for me. Living in El Paso, Texas, a border city, I experienced firsthand the effects of hate, misinformation, and racism. Kids who echoed their parents’ beliefs without a second thought would tell me I was dumb because of my broken English and make fun of my darker complexion. This made me want to prove my intelligence, so I learned English quickly and started to read more, developing an interest in politics, feminism, and so much more. My journey continues as I work; I combined my passion for education and politics into an aspiration to become a high school government teacher. I work as Grow Your Own Teacher Fellow and at the Writing Center at my local community college to pay for school and gain first-hand experience as an educator. Additionally, I volunteer for on and off at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center, and this summer I will be part of the Summer Democracy School with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to get experience outside the classroom and make a difference in my community. My ultimate aspiration is to have a classroom that fosters curiosity and engagement, and to teach my students to be kind. As I reflect on my brother's heartfelt words, "Your life is finally starting and I want you to leave and be successful," I am reminded of the journey that has brought me here and everything that I have yet to accomplish. This scholarship will profoundly impact my education and future by alleviating the constant worry of financial strain, allowing me to focus on my studies and my goal of becoming an educator.

“Naty, you have been more of my mom than our normal mom. You taught me to tie my shoes, right from wrong, and even how to understand math....I want you to know you don’t have to worry about us, your life is finally starting and I want you to leave and be successful.” For my 18th birthday, my brother gifted me these words, the most precious and meaningful gift I have ever received. They reaffirmed that my sacrifices were real and valuable. Throughout most of my childhood, my mom was working, leaving me to stay with my siblings and help keep our household running by cooking, cleaning, and helping with schoolwork. As my junior year of high school approached, after two difficult years in quarantine, I realized that I didn’t have anything meaningful to include in my college applications and, most alarmingly, I hadn’t found my passion. This realization drove me to put my education and myself first. My mom and I clashed continuously; she was so angry she wouldn’t take me to school and stopped supporting me financially. Despite these challenges, I am now a second-year History major at UTEP, working hard to become an educator. As a first-generation college student and an immigrant, I have learned to adapt quickly, be resilient, and most importantly, understand the importance of having a support system. My closest friends, mentors, and teachers guided me through the college application process, encouraging me to dream big and take risks. By senior year of high school, I had been selected for SLS, where I traveled to Austin to compete in a mock government session, completed over 100 hours of community service as a member of NHS, and joined AIM and the basketball team, among other activities. I found comfort, success, and support in education, which is why I am now studying to become a teacher. Moving to the United States around 2016, during the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment under President Donald Trump, was a pivotal moment for me. Living in El Paso, Texas, a border city, I experienced firsthand the effects of hate, misinformation, and racism. Kids who echoed their parents’ beliefs without a second thought would tell me I was dumb because of my broken English and make fun of my darker complexion. This made me want to prove my intelligence, so I learned English quickly and started to read more, developing an interest in politics, feminism, and so much more. My journey continues as I work; I combined my passion for education and politics into an aspiration to become a high school government teacher. I work as Grow Your Own Teacher Fellow and at the Writing Center at my local community college to pay for school and gain first-hand experience as an educator. Additionally, I volunteer for on and off at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center, and this summer I will be part of the Summer Democracy School with Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to get experience outside the classroom and make a difference in my community. My ultimate aspiration is to have a classroom that fosters curiosity and engagement, and to teach my students to be kind. As I reflect on my brother's heartfelt words, "Your life is finally starting and I want you to leave and be successful," I am reminded of the journey that has brought me here and everything that I have yet to accomplish. This scholarship will profoundly impact my education and future by alleviating the constant worry of financial strain, allowing me to focus on my studies and my goal of becoming an educator.

Catapulted Into Sucess “What if they built a catapult, got in there, and set up a mattress on the other side?” I would throw out these types of unhinged ideas every time we drove by the Loop 375 Border Highway, from where I would see the places I used to visit in Juarez, Chihuahua, my hometown. We moved to El Paso, Texas after my mom met my step-dad, an American fugitive and although their marriage brought on a turbulent journey, one filled with economic uncertainty and legal battles, I am grateful because it made me who I am and it shaped my educational goals. As a first-generation student my desire to study History and Political Science was not ideal, I often encountered skepticism, people would respond, "What are you even going to do with that?" I grappled with the pressure to make my education worthwhile, exploring other career interests that never quite felt right until my senior year of high school when I joined Service Leadership Society. The Service Leadership Society (SLS) was the perfect fusion of government and debate club. I had found my place. As I explored the world of the American legislative process, I fell in love with it as I crafted the perfect oppositions and rebuttals. I cycled through a process of research, editing, and writing for a whole school year. The culmination of our efforts came when we competed in the Austin Capitol, where our bill received the highest number of votes in favor. Although our bill was being presented in mock legislation against other schools, Austin presented me with motivation and ambition. Being in the Austin Capitol while it was in session allowed us to meet a plethora of representatives and politicians from all over the state, who were from all socio-economic backgrounds. This experience solidified my commitment to public service. I realized how much I enjoyed mentoring the underclassmen; and I loved being able to understand government and laws to the point of being able to explain it to others. My amazing teachers and SLS mentors, Ms. Romo and Ms.Vazquez, were one of the main reasons I had such a transformative senior year. After we had a presentation about the Grow Your Own Teacher Program (GYOT), I felt inspired by them, and I successfully applied. Maybe this was the beginning of my career. Pursuing a career in teaching allows me to complete a full circle moment. The place where I once felt alienated and lost in, I could work towards making it a safe space that encourages civic participation and growth. I know I want to make an impact beyond the classroom and pursue graduate school, which the GYOT fellowship allows me to do. While working for GYOT, I was also part of the Undergraduate Fellows Programs at UTEP, continued to mentor SLS, and volunteered at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center. As I look ahead to graduate school and beyond, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My goal is to make systematic changes in education or immigration, driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute to the betterment of our world. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my dreams but also empower me to take on new challenges with confidence and determination. In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in my potential to make a meaningful impact.

Catapulted Into Sucess “What if they built a catapult, got in there, and set up a mattress on the other side?” I would throw out these types of unhinged ideas every time we drove by the Loop 375 Border Highway, from where I would see the places I used to visit in Juarez, Chihuahua, my hometown. We moved to El Paso, Texas after my mom met my step-dad, an American fugitive and although their marriage brought on a turbulent journey, one filled with economic uncertainty and legal battles, I am grateful because it made me who I am and it shaped my educational goals. As a first-generation student my desire to study History and Political Science was not ideal, I often encountered skepticism, people would respond, "What are you even going to do with that?" I grappled with the pressure to make my education worthwhile, exploring other career interests that never quite felt right until my senior year of high school when I joined Service Leadership Society. The Service Leadership Society (SLS) was the perfect fusion of government and debate club. I had found my place. As I explored the world of the American legislative process, I fell in love with it as I crafted the perfect oppositions and rebuttals. I cycled through a process of research, editing, and writing for a whole school year. The culmination of our efforts came when we competed in the Austin Capitol, where our bill received the highest number of votes in favor. Although our bill was being presented in mock legislation against other schools, Austin presented me with motivation and ambition. Being in the Austin Capitol while it was in session allowed us to meet a plethora of representatives and politicians from all over the state, who were from all socio-economic backgrounds. This experience solidified my commitment to public service. I realized how much I enjoyed mentoring the underclassmen; and I loved being able to understand government and laws to the point of being able to explain it to others. My amazing teachers and SLS mentors, Ms. Romo and Ms.Vazquez, were one of the main reasons I had such a transformative senior year. After we had a presentation about the Grow Your Own Teacher Program (GYOT), I felt inspired by them, and I successfully applied. Maybe this was the beginning of my career. Pursuing a career in teaching allows me to complete a full circle moment. The place where I once felt alienated and lost in, I could work towards making it a safe space that encourages civic participation and growth. I know I want to make an impact beyond the classroom and pursue graduate school, which the GYOT fellowship allows me to do. While working for GYOT, I was also part of the Undergraduate Fellows Programs at UTEP, continued to mentor SLS, and volunteered at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center. As I look ahead to graduate school and beyond, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My goal is to make systematic changes in education or immigration, driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute to the betterment of our world. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my dreams but also empower me to take on new challenges with confidence and determination. In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in my potential to make a meaningful impact.

Catapulted Into Sucess “What if they built a catapult, got in there, and set up a mattress on the other side?” I would throw out these types of unhinged ideas every time we drove by the Loop 375 Border Highway, from where I would see the places I used to visit in Juarez, Chihuahua, my hometown. We moved to El Paso, Texas after my mom met my step-dad, an American fugitive and although their marriage brought on a turbulent journey, one filled with economic uncertainty and legal battles, I am grateful because it made me who I am and it shaped my educational goals. As a first-generation student my desire to study History and Political Science was not ideal, I often encountered skepticism, people would respond, "What are you even going to do with that?" I grappled with the pressure to make my education worthwhile, exploring other career interests that never quite felt right until my senior year of high school when I joined Service Leadership Society. The Service Leadership Society (SLS) was the perfect fusion of government and debate club. I had found my place. As I explored the world of the American legislative process, I fell in love with it as I crafted the perfect oppositions and rebuttals. I cycled through a process of research, editing, and writing for a whole school year. The culmination of our efforts came when we competed in the Austin Capitol, where our bill received the highest number of votes in favor. Although our bill was being presented in mock legislation against other schools, Austin presented me with motivation and ambition. Being in the Austin Capitol while it was in session allowed us to meet a plethora of representatives and politicians from all over the state, who were from all socio-economic backgrounds. This experience solidified my commitment to public service. I realized how much I enjoyed mentoring the underclassmen; and I loved being able to understand government and laws to the point of being able to explain it to others. My amazing teachers and SLS mentors, Ms. Romo and Ms.Vazquez, were one of the main reasons I had such a transformative senior year. After we had a presentation about the Grow Your Own Teacher Program (GYOT), I felt inspired by them, and I successfully applied. Maybe this was the beginning of my career. Pursuing a career in teaching allows me to complete a full circle moment. The place where I once felt alienated and lost in, I could work towards making it a safe space that encourages civic participation and growth. I know I want to make an impact beyond the classroom and pursue graduate school, which the GYOT fellowship allows me to do. While working for GYOT, I was also part of the Undergraduate Fellows Programs at UTEP, continued to mentor SLS, and volunteered at Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center. As I look ahead to graduate school and beyond, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My goal is to make systematic changes in education or immigration, driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute to the betterment of our world. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my dreams but also empower me to take on new challenges with confidence and determination. In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you for considering my application and for believing in my potential to make a meaningful impact.

Sitting in the backseat, I admired the view; I enjoyed the smooth road, the walls lacking the familiar graffiti I was used to seeing, and while heading to the mall, I was in awe of the spinning, lighted sculptures along Interstate 10. This car ride became a core memory, a core memory of me unknowingly embarking on a journey that would go on to shape my experiences, my education, and my aspirations. My first teacher in the U.S.A. was Mrs. Dougley; my favorite class became history, where I learned about how Texas came to be before European colonization. Learning that, at one point, Texas was part of Mexico, where I came from, brought a sense of belonging I did not know I needed. I still didn't understand English, but most of my teachers in the border town were bilingual and knew how to adapt to work with me. I liked comic books about presidents and cowboys. I familiarized myself with the faces of these men: Abraham Lincoln's peculiar hat, Roosevelt's mustache and glass combination, and then President Obama. I thought about all these systems I didn't fully understand and admired that presidents got to lead to help people. Learning about history made me feel like I could change the world like I could be a catalyst for change. This desire to improve me never left me and neither did my interest in government and history. My high school career was turbulent as I learned to adapt to my home responsibilities with my own desire to succeed academically. Despite my initial self-doubt, I joined The Service Leadership Society (S.L.S.). The perfect fusion of government, speech, and debate club. This club challenged my teammates and me to write a mock bill for the state of Texas, which we would go on to present in the chambers of the Austin Capitol. Although it was just a "mock" bill, Austin gave me motivation and ambition. Being in the rooms allowed us to meet many politicians from all over the state from all socio-economic backgrounds. This experience solidified my commitment to public service. Not only that, but I realized how much I enjoyed mentoring the underclassmen, and most surprisingly, I loved being able to understand government and laws to the point of explaining them to others. My excellent teachers and S.L.S. mentors, Ms.Romo and Ms.Vazquez, were among the main reasons I had such a transformative senior year. After we had a presentation about the Grow Your Own Teacher Program, I was inspired by them and I successfully applied. Education is a privilege that I have experienced. Many kind and life-changing teachers pushed me to try despite the language barrier and the self-doubt which is I want to be a teacher who is so knowledgeable and passionate that it is contagious, and that is why I set my standards high. I know that when history represents you and when you have teachers who believe in your abilities, your self-perception is altered. If people believe you can change the world, then you can, and you do; I am working to do so, and this scholarship would allow me to continue taking a heavy course load complete my History and Political Science double major, and become the best teacher I can be.

Volunteering has made me realize the power of local action. I used to think I was not the type of girl who would change the world, or do anything remotely extraordinary. It was through volunteering that I met people who were like me succeeding and taking action. It is easy to say you do or do not believe in something however it is hard to align your action with beliefs. Many people think fast fashion is bad but they keep shopping at Shein for convenience. When the school club Achieve, Improve, and Motivate suggested we start a second-hand thrift store for our school, I was excited, to say the least. I have always liked fashion and deeply care about the environment so I loved being able to be a part of something like this. The money we fundraised allowed us to buy materials to build a little library for our community. This community service organization had a domino effect and every new project we took on created a bigger impact than the last. I learned that you don’t need to be perfect or try to change the whole world in one day, having an idea and executing it is enough. This scholarship would help me pay for my tuition for a whole semester. The more scholarship money I receive the less I burden my mom and myself financially. I come from a single-parent household, and I am planning to work through college to pay for school which allows me to barely pay for tuition while living at home. I would like to start a debate club and as of right now, I have an interview next Friday to intern with Congress Woman Veronica Escobar which requires free time. This scholarship would allow me to choose to pursue my passions instead of getting another job. I am optimistic that regardless of how much I have to work I will achieve great things, but I want to give my studies,internships and extracurriculars the time they deserve. As an incoming freshman studying political science, I plan to continue growing as a passionate advocate and continue volunteering as part of my journey until I become an immigration lawyer. I don't want to fall through the cracks and make decisions out of need and desperation. I have dreams and ambitions, that I am willing to work hard for and if I were awarded this scholarship, I would not waste it. Thank you once again for considering my application and reading my essay.