As a first generation Hispanic college student, my journey has been shaped by unique challenges and personal growth. Navigating the path to higher education has been both rewarding and difficult, and these experiences have significantly influenced my educational aspirations. Being the first in my family to attend college meant charting unknown territory, as neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend college. The absence of a familial roadmap posed challenges in understanding processes such as college applications, financial aid, and academic expectations. However, this challenge, while daunting, it taught me resilience and resourcefulness. These challenges fueled a deep appreciation and the opportunities I have. The pursuit of knowledge became more than an academic endeavor; it became a means of breaking generational barriers and creating a pathway for future family members. The struggles I faced as a first-generation student instilled in me a sense of responsibility to pave the way for those who would come after me. I look forward to helping my brother and younger cousins navigate their journey in the years to come. Cultural identity has also these challenges fueled a deep appreciation for education as a transformative force. The pursuit of knowledge became more than an academic endeavor; it became a means of breaking generational barriers and creating a pathway for future family members. The struggles I faced as a first-generation student instilled in me a sense of responsibility to pave the way for those who would come after me. Cultural identity has also played a huge role in my experience as a college student. As a Hispanic student, I faced the task of balancing cultural values and expectations with the demands of school. Navigating through a predominantly non-Hispanic academic environment has required adaptability and a commitment to preserving my cultural heritage while embracing diversity. . My experience as a first generation student has also cultivated resilience and adaptability. Navigating through an environment where my cultural background may differ from the majority has required an openness to new ideas, a willingness to learn, and the ability to bridge cultural gaps. This adaptability has become a valuable skill, contributing to my personal growth and enhancing my ability to thrive in diverse settings. Additionally, it has provided me with the opportunity to be a cultural ambassador, sharing my own background and perspectives with peers. I enjoy educated my friends on the amazing things that come with being Hispanic. I love to cook for my friends and show them the amazing food my grandma taught me to make. I love educating my friends on different holidays, traditions and even the crazy Mexican wise tells my grandma so truly believed in. This role has not only contributed to a more inclusive group of friends but has also empowered me to take pride in my cultural heritage and educate others about its richness.

As a first-time Hispanic college-goer, my journey has been shaped by unique challenges and personal growth. Navigating the path to higher education has been both rewarding and difficult, and these experiences have significantly influenced my educational aspirations. Being the first in my family to attend college meant charting unknown territory, as neither of my parents had experienced higher education. The absence of a familial roadmap posed challenges in understanding processes such as college applications, financial aid, and academic expectations. However, this challenge, while daunting, became a catalyst for resilience and resourcefulness. Cultural identity has also played a role in my journey. As a Hispanic college-goer, I faced the task of balancing cultural values and expectations with the demands of school. Navigating through a predominantly non-Hispanic academic environment has required adaptability and a commitment to preserving my cultural heritage while embracing diversity. My dad has been the biggest role model and a source of unwavering inspiration in my pursuit of higher education. He is a first generation American and the only one of his four siblings to graduate high school. His resilience, determination, and commitment to overcoming obstacles have fueled my own aspirations. Witnessing his journey, where he faced limited educational opportunities yet worked tirelessly to support our family, has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education. His sacrifices and unwavering support have served as a guiding light, motivating me to overcome challenges and pursue a path to higher education. His influence extends beyond words; it reflects in the choices I make and the dedication I bring to my academic endeavors. My father's legacy through me serves as a constant reminder of the possibilities that unfold through education, inspiring me to strive for excellence and make the most of the opportunities before me. He encourages me to enjoy the ride and make the best of the four years I have in college. The legacy of Jose Prado, as a supporter of education, serves as a powerful source of inspiration and influence. Jose Prado's commitment to fostering education shows the impact that learning can have on individuals and communities. His legacy instills in me an appreciation for the value of knowledge and changes it can bring. His legacy is a reminder that education is not only a personal endeavor but also an opportunity to uplift others and create positive change. If I were to establish a scholarship, its primary purpose would be to educate people on the dangers of drinking and driving. I would do this in honor of my friend Ty who I met while attending CU. He tragically lost his life because of a drunk driver while he was just an 18 year old freshman and CU. Raising awareness on this topic has become very important to me. I would look for candidates who demonstrate a combination of resilience and a commitment to never drink and drive. I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and its profound impact on both individual lives and society as a whole. It opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed, providing individuals with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of life. Personally, I view education as a lifelong journey that not only imparts academic knowledge but also builds character, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Moreover, education plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality, offering a pathway to success and equal opportunities for all.

The journey of life looks different for everyone with experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Reflecting on where I have been and where I am hoping to go is something that excites me. My journey began in a setting shaped by diverse influences, each molding my character and outlook. My mom had me when she was just 19 and my dad was 22. I was raised in Frederick, Colorado where I gained valuable insights into my roots, family values, and community dynamics. These early experiences laid the foundation for my identity and instilled a sense of resilience that would prove essential in the face of future challenges. I attended and graduated from Frederick High School in 2022. As I progressed through my educational journey, I encountered both triumphs and setbacks. The relationships I built during my time at FHS opened doors to new opportunities, fostering a curiosity that fueled my desire to be a good, hardworking person. Challenges, on the other hand, taught me the art of perseverance and resilience. Each obstacle became a stepping stone, pushing me forward and shaping my determination to overcome hurdles. Today, I am a sophomore at CU Boulder. I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to attend such an amazing university. Here, I feel like I can truly be myself and am thankful for the amazing experiences and education. Academically, I have discovered my passions, paving the way for a more focused and purpose-driven path. Personally, I have forged meaningful connections and relationships that contribute to my support system. I am in the process of defining my identity, understanding my strengths, and embracing opportunities for growth (and having a little fun while doing it). Looking ahead, my dreams and ambitions are bright. I am working toward becoming a landscape architect. Beyond my career, I envision a journey marked by personal and professional achievements, fueled by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. My hopes extend beyond individual success; I aim to be a catalyst for positive change, utilizing my skills and knowledge to uplift others and contribute to the betterment of society. The journey I am embarking on is not merely about personal accomplishments but also about leaving a lasting legacy that inspires others to reach for their aspirations. In tracing the footsteps of my past and envisioning the path ahead, I recognize that life may not always be easy but with hard work and staying true to my values I know I can accomplish anything. Each step has played a crucial role in shaping the person I am today and influencing the person I aspire to become. As I navigate the twists and turns of life, I carry with me the lessons, experiences, and aspirations that form the tapestry of my unique journey.

Hello, my name is Autum Quiñonez. Yes, you read that correctly, Autum with no N. Why would you name your child Autum with no N you may ask. The only real answer I can give you is that I am a child of a teen mom who thought it was cool. My last name comes from my dads family who came to the US from Mexico. Growing up I always knew how lucky I was to have such a supportive family. It wasn’t until I got a little older that I realized the challenges my parents overcame to give me the best life possible. When I was born my mom was just 19 years old. She and my dad faced so many challenges having me so young. One of the biggest challenges was merging two families into one. My parents grew up with two very different circumstances. My dad’s parents moved to the United States two years before my dad was born. His parents didn’t speak English and education was not a top priority in his family. My mom’s parents are both Colorado natives and always struggled to get by financially. My parents were so young and had no one to help them out when they struggled. Lucky for me both my parents worked hard and are both successful and have provided me a great life but I’ve always struggled to fit in because my parents come from two different worlds. My parents did their best to protect me from racism and teach me how fortunate I am to come from two different cultures but it hasn’t always been easy. I have light hair and light skin, (I inherited it from my Mexican grandma), and have always been referred to as “white girl” to my dads family. I have never been “Mexican enough” to fit in completely with my dads family yet have had to deal with racism because I’m Mexican. I’ve always been told things like, you wouldn’t understand because your white. I’ve been told I have white privilege by some because of the way I look. I’ve had friends parents not let them come over because my dads Mexican. If people would take the time to get to know me they would understand how proud I am to come from diversity. They would know how much I love the amazing traditions I’ve learned from both sides of my family. They would see I’m the child of a teen mom who is proud to be Mexican American. I would do anything for my dad’s family to accept me like they do my cousins who have two Mexican parents instead of treating me different because I have a white mom. While it’s been hard to feel like I don’t completely fit in I will not let this change who I am. I’m proud to use my voice to stand up for others who don’t have a voice. I’m proud to shut down racism. I am proud to be me, unique, cultured, and a strong Mexican American. I am proud to be Autum with no N.

I am very passionate about helping others. While that may seem like an odd hobby for an 18 year old it’s a passion that’s been deep in my soul from a young age. I’ve never been the most athletic, artistic or at the top of my class however I pride myself on being kind and selfless. That passion will stay with me my entire life. I have been blessed with an amazing family. I cherish the fact that we each come with special qualities. One of the most important people in my life is my cousin Jeremy. Jeremy was born with cerebral palsy. He is physically and mentally disabled. Although Jeremy is an adult here is not able to live on his own. He lives in a host home a few miles from my house. Neither of his parents have much to do with him so my parents, brother and I are very involved in his life. We make sure he knows he will always have a family by his side. I very passionate about helping others, especially Jeremy. Seeing the world though Jeremy has impacted my life tremendously. Jeremy doesn’t let his disability stop him from living his best life. He doesn’t see his disability as a hardship. He believes his disability makes him unique, I do too. Being a leader and role model to Jeremy is so important to me. I enjoy supporting Jeremy at his Special Olympics events. He loves to play softball and really loves having his own fans. I love to practice softball with him in my free time and I believe helping him is just as beneficial for me as it is for him. As many people do, I often times find myself doubting my ability to accomplish things that are challenging. Sometimes life gets hard and it can be easy to give up on yourself. When I doubt my abilities I often think of Jeremy and the obstacles he has overcome. I close my eyes and see him playing softball. Even though he only has one arm he plays full of confidence. I strive to be more like him. I have volunteered for the last four years at Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs. Night To Shine is Jeremy’s favorite night of the year and nothing fills my heart more then seeing him happy. It is so rewarding to see him enjoy the night with people he can relate to. While I pride myself on helping others at the end of the day I believe I am the one who is benefiting the most. I have learned so much from my passion for helping Jeremy. I look forward to finding a way to use that passion as a college student.

One of the biggest joys in my life comes from helping others. Community engagement is something that I feel is important. I have grown up in Frederick, Colorado my whole life. The community I live in is a unique place to live. My community is always there for people when they are in need. My community was beyond helpful when my family went through an unimaginable tragedy. In 2017 my cousin Mark Martinez’s house blew up due to an uncapped oil and gas line. The Frederick, Firestone, and Dacono community came together to help my whole family. After seeing how many people came to help, I realized that I wanted to do my part and help my community. It is essential to support the community that I have grown up in because I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. When I was younger I enjoyed playing sports however my love for sports changed when I got into high school. While I may not be the most athletic I still enjoy being involved in sports. I have had the opportunity to coach my little cousin's fourth grade basketball team. While coaching, I have had the chance to meet some fantastic kids that I believe have a bright future ahead of them. I take pride in being a positive role model and sharing my talents with them. I also enjoy volunteering at Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine at my local church. Night to Shine is a prom for teens and adults that have a disability. Being able to help is the best feeling. To see the look on the guests faces is the most rewarding thing that I have ever had the chance to do. I pride myself on being someone people can count on. On Christmas Day 2021 my little cousins dad passed away unexpectedly. It has been a huge adjustment for both my cousin and my aunt. I knew as the oldest cousin in the family I had to step up and help as much as possible. I do not have a first period class so I decided instead of sleeping in I would get up early and take care of my little cousin in the mornings. It has become my responsibility to get him up, feed him breakfast and get him to school on time. The joy I get from helping is worth having to wake up early. Through the tough times in life I have faced I pushed through my own pain and focused on helping others. I hope to inspire others to do the same. I hope to use my future education to help others achieve their goals. My ultimate goal is to open my own business one day. I hope to be the kind of business owner that gives people a chance to create a good life for themselves. Helping others is the most rewarding thing in my life.

Memories in my life both good and bad have helped shape who I am today. Unfortunately death has had an affect on my life since I was very little. Coming from a large family is something that I am very thankful for but it also brings a lot of loss and heartache. Before I got to high school I experienced the death of my grandma, my dads oldest sister, great grandparents and several extended family members. In April 2017 my family experienced an unimaginable loss. This day shaped who I am more than any other day I have lived. My cousin's house blew up because of an uncapped flow line that leaked gas into his basement causing his house to explode killing him, Mark Martinez, his brother in law Joey Irwin, and seriously injuring his wife Erin Martinez. Mark and Erin were always a big part of my life and having my cousin Mark taken away in such a tragic way was very hard. While grieving the loss of Mark, Erin was in the hospital in critical condition for two months. Mark and Erin have two kids and watching them live through this tragedy and not know if they will be without their mother and father was very hard. Luckily Erin is strong and was able to pull through and survive the accident. Erin is one of the strongest women that I know. She lives to keep Mark and Joey alive in the hearts of everyone that was close to them. Sense the accident Erin has worked with Congress to reform the oil and gas industry and has helped create some of the laws that are in place today. While she was working with Congress I had the chance to see how much of a difference one person can make in their community. She is truly an inspiration. The death of Mark and Joey shaped who I am today and the person I hope to be. Losing them and seeing the work Erin has done has helped me realize that I truly can make a difference in the world. Mark was the type of man that loved everyone and always had a smile on his face. I hope that I am able to embrace that quality in my daily life. Joey was a man that would help anyone in need, especially his family. I hope I can be that person for my family. Mark and Joey were two of the biggest CU football fans. I know they both would be so happy see me attend CU. It’s an absolute pleasure of mine to do it in their honor. The deaths of Mark and Joey not only matured me as a person but it taught me how I want to be remembered when I die. Two amazing men were taken from this earth, I hope I can keep their best qualities alive and positivity change the world.

Hello my name is Autum Quiñonez and I’m graduating from Frederick High School in May of 2022. After I graduate high school in I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. Since the Spring of 2020, I’ve had a job at a landscaping material company. The customers and employees are predominantly males. Working in a predominately male industry has been a challenge. When I started working I didn’t realize it would be such a challenge as sexism was not something that has ever crossed my path. The first couple of weeks were rough. I had customers willing to wait an extra ten minutes because they didn’t want to come to my counter. I had customers laugh in my face and say that I didn’t know what I was talking about. There were also times that I would answer a question for a customer only to see them ask my male coworker the same question and receive the same answer. I was constantly getting overlooked by customers. As a 15-year-old girl it was hard not to let it get to me. I would go home many days and cry. I even started to look for different jobs because I didn’t think I would ever fit in or be seen as an equal. I knew deep down I was good enough and I continued to work harder than anyone. I studied the materials and how to install the different products we carried. I went through the yard, memorizing the locations of every product to ensure that I never sent a customer in the wrong direction. Today, I am unsure if I was trying to prove to others or myself that I belong. Over the past two years, I went from a scared 15-year old girl to a strong-minded determined 17- year old. I want to be an example to other woman. I want to break the mold and be a strong business woman working in a man's world. Falling in love with this line of work has opened my eyes to many opportunities. I have set a goal to open my own landscape materials company one day. I want to lead other women and show them we can do anything we put our minds to. I want to be a positive role model to other young girls and show them that even if society tells you don’t belong, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. I have been blessed with some amazing role models in my life and that has inspired me to be a strong leader. Sometimes it takes one positive role model to change a persons life. I also believe that a positive work environment starts with a great leader. I think it is important to lead by example. While opening my own company is a personal goal, I would also like to help people that face social injustice. I have always wanted to say that I changed a person's life by doing something good. I want to be someone who makes a difference in my community. My goal is to open a small shelter for homeless women who are struggling with addiction. I would love to find a way for it to be free. To me it is important to do some thing for other people to be fulfilled. Sometimes in life people just need a fresh start and someone who believes in them and I would like to be that person for someone.

One of the biggest joys in my life comes from helping others. Community engagement is something that I feel is important. I have grown up in Frederick, Colorado my whole life. The community I live in is a unique place to live. My community is always there for people when they are in need. My community was beyond helpful when my family went through an unimaginable tragedy. I’m 2017 my cousin Mark Martinez’s house blew up due to an uncapped oil and gas line. The Frederick, Firestone, and Dacono community came together to help my whole family. After seeing how many people came to help, I realized that I wanted to do my part and help my community. It is essential to support the community that I have grown up in because I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. When I was younger I enjoyed playing sports however my love for sports changed when I got into high school. While I may not be the most athletic I still enjoy being involved in sports. I have had the opportunity to coach my little cousin's fourth grade basketball team. While coaching, I have had the chance to meet some fantastic kids that I believe have a bright future ahead of them. I take pride in being a positive role model and sharing my talents with them. I also enjoy volunteering at Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine at my local church. Night to Shine is a prom for teens and adults that have a disability. Being able to help is the best feeling. To see the look on the guests faces is the most rewarding thing that I have ever had the chance to do. I pride myself on being someone people can count on. On Christmas Day 2021 my little cousins dad passed away unexpectedly. It has been a huge adjustment for both my cousin and my aunt. I knew as the oldest cousin in the family I had to step up and help as much as possible. I do not have a first period class so I decided instead of sleeping in I would get up early and take care of my little cousin in the mornings. It has become my responsibility to get him up, feed him breakfast and get him to school on time. The joy I get from helping is worth having to wake up early. Through the tough times in life I have faced I pushed through my own pain and focused on helping others. I hope to inspire others to do the same.

To speak about the person I admire the most is challenging. A tragedy in my life has shown me you can admire people long after they are gone. There are three amazing people that come to mind when I think about who I admire the most. In April 2017 my family experienced an unimaginable loss. My cousin's house blew up because of an uncapped flow line that leaked gas into his basement causing his house to explode killing him, Mark Martinez, his brother in law Joey Irwin, and seriously injuring his wife Erin Martinez. Mark and Erin were always a big part of my life and having my cousin Mark taken away in such a tragic way was very hard. While grieving the loss of Mark and Joey, Erin was in the hospital in critical condition for two months. She was burned on 60% of her body and suffered from the pain of multiple broken bones, collapsed lung and multiple other injuries. Erin is the strongest women that I know. She lives to keep Mark and Joey alive in the hearts of everyone that was close to them. Sense the accident, Erin has worked with Congress to reform the oil and gas industry and has helped create some of the laws that are in place today. While she was working with Congress I had the chance to see how much of a difference one person can make in their community. She is truly an inspiration. While grieving the loss of her brother, husband, two dogs and all of her belongings she taught me that you can’t give up in life. She has inspired me to push through every challenge that I face with strength and determination. Her work with congress and the COGCC has inspired me to participate in speech and debate. It has inspired me to use my voice to make a difference in the world. Through her pain and struggles she’s made a huge difference in the world and taught me that one voice is enough to create positive change. The deaths of Mark and Joey shaped who I am today and the person I hope to be. I will always admire who they were as long as I live. Losing them and seeing the work Erin has done has helped me realize that I truly can make a difference in the world. Mark was the type of man that loved everyone and always had a smile on his face. I hope that I am able to embrace that quality in my daily life. He was kind, hard working and the best dad. Those are all qualities I strive to carry on. Joey was a man that would help anyone in need, especially his family. I hope I can be that person for my family. Mark and Joey were two of the biggest CU football fans. In the Fall I will attend CU. I know they both would be so happy see me attend CU. It’s an absolute pleasure of mine to do it in their honor. The deaths of Mark and Joey not only matured me as a person but it taught me how I want to be remembered when I die. Two amazing men were taken from this earth, I hope I can keep their best qualities alive and positivity change the world.

Unfortunately death has had an affect on my life since I was very little. I come from a large family and that is something that I am very thankful for however it comes with a lot of loss and heartache. Before I got to high school I experienced the death of my grandma, my dads oldest sister, a 17 year old cousin, and several other extended family members. One of the hardest losses I’ve faced was the loss of my cousin Mark. On April 17, 2017 my family experienced an unimaginable loss. My cousin's house blew up because of an uncapped flow line that leaked gas into his basement causing his house to explode. The explosion killed my cousin Mark Martinez, his brother in law Joey Irwin, and seriously injured Mark’s wife Erin Martinez. Mark and Erin were always a big part of my life. I was lucky to grow up down the street from Mark and Erin and their kids and have such amazing role models in my life. Having my cousin Mark taken away in such a tragic way was very hard. While grieving the loss of Mark and Joey, Erin was in the hospital in critical condition for two months. Mark and Erin have two kids and watching them sit in the hospital day after day not knowing if they will be without both their mother and father was the hardest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Erin is the strongest person I’ve ever met and was able to pull through and survive the accident. Erin lives to keep Mark and Joey alive in the hearts of everyone that was close to them. Through all of her pain and injuries from the accident Erin has worked with Congress to create laws that would prevent others from having this happen to them. While Erin was working with Congress, I had the opportunity to witness how much of a difference one person can make in their community. She is truly an inspiration. The death of Mark and Joey shaped who I am today and the person I hope to be. Losing them and seeing the work Erin has done has helped me realize that I truly can make a difference in the world. Mark was the type of man that loved everyone and always had a smile on his face. He would light up the room with his positive energy. He was the guy you could always count on. I hope that I am able to embrace those qualities in my daily life. Joey was a man that would help anyone in need, especially his family. I hope I can be that person for my family. Mark and Joey were two of the biggest CU football fans. I know they both would be so happy see me attend CU. It’s an absolute pleasure of mine to do it in their honor. The deaths of Mark and Joey not only matured me as a person but it taught me how I want to be remembered when I die. It has taught me to fight for what’s right. It has taught me to keep fighting for my hopes and dreams even when life gets difficult. Losing them has taught me to live each day with purpose. Two amazing men were taken from this earth that day, I hope I can keep their best qualities alive and positivity change the world.

My name is Autum Quinonez and to me a college education and the opportunity to accomplish anything I put my mind to means I am living the American Dream. It is a huge honor to be the first in my family to attend College. An education wasn’t something that was available to my paternal grandparents. My grandpa grew up in a very poor part of Mexico. He only attended school until he was 10 years old. My grandma went to school until she was 14 and didn’t obtain a diploma. My grandparents moved to the United States from Mexico in their twenties with the hopes and dreams of giving their family a better life. Neither spoke English but they found a way to make things work. Education wasn’t anyways important in my dads family. My dad is the only one of his four siblings to graduate high school. He was never given the opportunity to go to college because he had to work right out of high school to help support his family. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that have given to me. I am the first in my family to attend college. Being the first in my family to get a college education means I am continuing to honor the sacrifices my family made to have a better life in America. It means I am living the American Dream my grandparents worked so hard for. I am the child of a teen mom. My mom had me when she was just 19 years old. Growing up with young parents had its challenges however I feel blessed that I got to grow up with my parents being my best friends. Going to college means I get to experience opportunities that were never given to my parents. They get to watch me go to the college of my dreams. They have always taught me no matter what life throws at me with hard work I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. The opportunities that have been given to me are a great example of what it is to live the American Dream.

A person from history I strongly admire is Abraham Lincoln. During Lincoln’s presidency the Homestead Act of 1862 was passed. The Homestead act allowed poor people to own land. Anyone , including freed slaves and women, who was 21 years or older or the head of a family could file an application to claim a federal land grant. To me, Lincoln’s most inspiring accomplishments was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation . The Emancipation Proclamation started the procedure for freeing the slaves in America. The proclamation was issued during the American Civil War. It allowed black soldiers to fight for the Union against the Confederacy. He helped end slavery, and created the possibility of civil and social freedom for African-Americans in America. Unfortunately, his assassination prevented him from being able to see the reconstruction of Union he had helped save, which made slavery illegal in the United States. I believe without President Lincoln the United States wouldn’t be the country we are today. He has inspired me to be a better person, stand up for what’s right and treat everyone equally.

There’s nothing like the love of a dog. I am so lucky to have the dog that I have. My family adopted our dog in 2015. His name is Jax and he is the sweetest soul. I believe dogs are the best. They show unconditional love. Dogs are more than just a pet, they are an extension to your family. There’s nothing better than coming home to your dog. My dog is always happy to see me. In 2017 my cousin was tragically killed in a home explosion. It was the hardest time of my life. I have never felt pain like that before. I don’t know what I would have done if it weren’t for the love of my dog. He was by my side during the most difficult time of my life and understood that I was struggling. It’s hard to explain the amount of support he gave me but his unconditional love was the biggest blessing in my life at the time. When I would feel down he would always come up and snuggle with me and bring me joy during a dark time. My cousin‘s wife, Erin survived the explosion however her brother and two dogs along with my cousin lost their lives that day. Erin spent three months in the hospital. When she was released from her three month stay in the hospital she got a puppy. Watching the joy her puppy brought her made me fall in love with dogs even more. As I go off to college my heart is going to break to have to leave my puppy. It will be so hard to go through this next chapter in my life without him by my side.

After I graduate high school in May I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder and study business with a minor in criminal justice. Since the spring of 2020, I have worked at Colorado Materials, a landscaping material company. While working there, I have worked in retail sales. I have grown to love the landscape materials business. I really enjoy using my creative personality to help people customize their backyards. While working at Colorado Materials , I realized how much of a man's world the landscape industry is. I want to break that mold and I want to be a part of the change and be a strong business woman working in a man's world. Falling in love with this line of work has opened my eyes to many opportunities. I have set a goal to open my own landscape materials company one day. While opening my own company is a personal goal, I would also like to help people that face social injustice. I have always wanted to say that I changed a person's life by doing something good. I want to be someone who makes a difference in my community. My goal is to open a small shelter for homeless women who are struggling with addiction. I would love to find a way for it to be free. To me it is important to do some thing for other people to be fulfilled. Sometimes in life people just need a fresh start and someone who believes in them and I would like to be that person for someone.

My dad gives the best advice. While sometimes what he says can be funny, his advice is something I respect and strongly take into consideration in my life. When I started middle school I started to make new friends. It was a time in my life when I was trying to figure out who I was and who I wanted to surround myself with. The best piece of advice I have ever received came from my dad. He told me “if you want to soar with the eagles you can’t flock around with chickens”. I think about that piece of advice often and it has helped me in more ways than one. To me his advice means that I need to surround myself with like minded people. It means I need to surround myself with people that have the same energy, morals and values as me. It also means in order to be successful I need to hang around successful people. There is a saying that you are who you hang around with and I believe it is very true. When I go to college in a few months I will carry his advice with me. I will look to find the eagles and surround myself with them. I will find people that I will be proud to stand next to.

I will be graduating from Frederick High School in Colorado in May. After graduation I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder and study business with a minor in criminal justice. Since the spring of 2020, I have worked at Colorado Materials, a landscaping material company. Over the last two years I have grown to love helping people customize their backyards. While working at Colorado Materials I have realized how much of a man's world the landscape industry is. I have faced many challenges being a young woman working in a predominately male industry. I believe with hard work, determination and a good education I can help close that gap. I have fallen in love with sales and the landscape industry. My job has inspired me to open my own landscape materials company one day. I would love to be able to create jobs for others and give people the opportunity to have a good life. I hope to inspire other women to open businesses in industries that are predominantly operated by males. While opening my own company is a professional goal, I would also like to help people that face social injustice every day. I have always wanted to say that I changed a person's life by doing something good. I want to be someone who made a difference in my community. Speaking up for what’s right has always been a passion of mine even if it wasn’t always the popular opinion. One way I’ve been able to make a difference in my community is by coaching a youth basketball team. It has given me the opportunity to impact kids lives. Coaching has taught me great leadership skills that I will use later in my career. In my free time I like to work with people with special needs. I have a cousin was Sarabel palsy and I have learned so many great life lessons through him. When I turn 18 I plan to volunteer at a local center for adults with disabilities. The last four years I have volunteered to work at Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs. This opportunity has taught me that satisfaction doesn’t always come from a paycheck, true happiness comes from positively impacting others. Overall, I believe that a business degree with a minor in criminal justice is the best path for me. It will give me the opportunity and the satisfaction that I need to feel fulfilled in my life.

When I was born, my mom was just 19 years old. My parents faced many challenges having me so young. My dad’s parents moved to the United States from Mexico a few years before my dad was born. His parents did not speak English and education was not a top priority. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to go to college but they raised me to believe that education is very important. My parents determination has thought me that I can do anything I put my mind to. I have had a job at Colorado Materials since the Spring of 2020. Colorado Materials is a landscaping supply company that sells everything needed to customize backyards. The landscaping industry is predominantly male with very few women who work in the industry. Working in a predominantly male industry can be a challenge. When I started my job, I didn’t realize that I would be faced with the challenge of sexism. Discrimination wasn’t something I had ever dealt with before. I had customers willing to wait an extra ten minutes for a male salesman to help them instead of allowing me to help them. There would be times that I would answer a question from a customer to then have the customer walk over to one of my male coworkers and ask the same question. They would receive the same answer. I was constantly getting overlooked by customers and looked down upon. As a 15-year-old girl, it was hard not to let it get to me. I would go home many days and cry to my mom because I began to believe the customers that I was in the wrong field. I even started to look for different jobs because I didn’t think I would ever fit in or be seen as an equal to my male coworkers. When I told my dad I didn’t believe that I could do it anymore, he sat me down and told me not to give up. Things would get easier the longer that I was there. I took his advice. I continued to go to work and work harder than anyone. I studied the materials and how to install the different products we carried. I also went through the yard and memorized where the product was located to ensure that I never sent a customer in the wrong direction. I eventually found my voice and place in the company. I believe I overcame this major challenge because I educated myself. Getting my education is so important to me because I want every opportunity to be the best at everything I do. I want to continue to work in landscape material sales. My goal is to one day be a woman business owner in a predominantly male industry. I want to be a positive role model for other young women and show the world with hard work you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

Being excepted into my dream school, CU Boulder, has been the highlight of my year. While most days I feel so excited to attend CU, the thought of paying for college is overwhelming. I work a part time job and try my best to save as much as I can for college however it’s nearly impossible as a high school student to save enough to pay for college. If I was awarded this $1,000 scholarship I would put it directly towards my tuition. My goal is to get as little loans as possible and pay as much as I can up front. I live in Colorado and unfortunately the cost of living here is so high, especially in Boulder. The average cost for an apartment is $1,000 per month per person. That is in a small shared apartment. While My family is not considered low income, my financial situation wasn’t always like that. My mom was just 19 years old when I was born. Because she was so young when I was born her situation did not allow her the opportunity to say for me to go to college. The burden of paying for college is solely on my shoulders. If I’m the winner of this scholarship I will make you proud. I strongly believe in paying it forward and will find a way to leave this world a better place.

I have been blessed with an amazing family. I cherish the fact that we each come with special qualities. One of the most important people in my life is my cousin Jeremy. Jeremy was born with cerebral palsy. He is physically and mentally disabled. Seeing the world though Jeremy has impacted my life tremendously. Jeremy doesn’t let his disability stop him from living his best life. He doesn’t see his disability as a hardship. He believes his disability makes him unique, I do too. Being a leader and role model to Jeremy is so important to me. I enjoy supporting Jeremy at his Special Olympics events. He loves to play softball and really loves having his own fans. We practice softball together in my free time and I believe helping him is just as beneficial for me as it is him. I have volunteered for the last four years at Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs. Night To Shine is Jeremy’s favorite night of the year and nothing fills my heart more then seeing him happy with other people he can relate to. I enjoyed sports when I was a kid and have used that passion to e a leader to kids in my community. I am currently the coach of a fourth grade basketball team. Coaching has helped me use my talents and personality to be a positive role model for others. I think it is important for young kids to have high school kids to look up to. I think being a positive role model and leader to my younger brother is my most important role. He is four years younger than me and watches everything I do. Being a strong leader for him means everything to me. I will be the first person in my family to attend college and being that role model for him is something I take very seriously. Being a leader means choosing what’s right and not what’s always easy. To me being a leader means giving up sleeping in on the weekends to coach. Being a leader means you teach others about people with special needs and how to treat them equally. Being a leader means you are strong, passionate, and selfless.

My name is Autum and I am a second generation American and will be the first person in my family to attend college. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend college. My dad’s parents only attended school until 5th grade in Mexico. Education wasn’t a priority in his family and college was never an option. My dad is the only one of his four siblings to graduate high school. He was never given the opportunity to go to college because he had to work right out of high school to help support his family. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that have been given to me. Being the first in my family to get a college education means I am continuing to honor the sacrifices my family made to have a better life in America. I am very ambitious in and out of school. I enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life. When I’m not at school I enjoy working at Colorado Materials, a landscape yard that sells landscaping materials to landscapers and homeowners. The first summer I worked there I was asked by a customer if there was someone there that actually knew that they were talking about. I knew I was being profiled because I am a young woman in a man’s world. The comment bothered me for a bit but instead of letting it get me down it fueled my desire to be the best at my job. It didn’t take long for me to prove myself and I became the top sales person in June, July and August. My caring personality and desire to give my best didn’t go unnoticed. By the end of the summer I developed a professional relationship with many customers who no longer saw me as a high school girl but instead saw me as a major asset to the company. I plan to use that determination to find a way to pay for college. My mom had me at the age of 19 and my dad was just 21. Because they had me so young they weren’t able to save to help me go to college. Paying for college is my responsibility and it can feel overwhelming, however I’m confident with the right determination and hard work I will find a way and succeed in anything I put my mind to.

My name is Autum and I’m a senior at Frederick High School in Colorado. Living in Colorado means I get to enjoy an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. While the sun shines in Colorado a lot, there are lots of very cold days we endure during the Winter months. A few years ago while driving home from Denver with my family on a cold day I noticed how many homeless people didn’t have proper winter gear. It is absolutely necessary to have gloves, coats, socks, blankets and hats to stay protected from the harsh weather. My heart broke thinking about all the people who were struggling to simply stay warm. It was in that moment I realized how fortunate I was to never have to fall asleep while staying trying to stay warm. I had recently cleaned out my closet and knew how many extra jackets and blankets my family has sitting around the house. After this revelation I couldn’t just go home to my warm house and do nothing, so I pitched an idea to my family and created the annual Quinonez family Christmas winter drive. Every year between Halloween and Thanksgiving my family collects gently used coats, blankets, socks and winter items. I set up donation spots at local businesses around town and personally reach out to my family and friends for donations. The first year of the winter drive I set a goal of collecting 150 items. I was blown away with the generosity of my community. The first year we doubled my goal and collected over 300 items. Every year the day after Thanksgiving we load up the items we collect and drive to the highly populated homeless areas of downtown Denver. We personally hand out winter items to the homeless. Getting to experience this from such a young age has taught me so much and humbled me. Because we have done this for several years some of the homeless people remember us from the years before. The winter drive has grown so much and we have been able to expand what we give out. We now include care packages with water, snacks and personal hygiene products. While I plan to get my degree in business, I have been so inspired to help others that my ultimate dream is to open a homeless shelter that also serves as a rehab center for homeless women. Helping the less fortunate is such a passion of mine and I know with hard work and determination I can make it happen. Winning this scholarship would help put me one step closer to achieving my ultimate dream. I plan to leave this world a better place. When people remember me they remember that I am a person who was passionate for helping others.

My name is Autum Quinonez and I’m excited to share my future dreams with you. I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder and study business with a minor in criminal justice. Since the spring of 2020, I have worked at Colorado Materials, a landscaping material company. While working there, I have been able to work in retail sales and also enter inventory. I have grown to love business operations and really enjoy helping people customize their back yard. While working at Colorado Materials, I realized how much of a man's world landscaping is, and I want to be a part of the change. Being able to prove to people that woman who working in a man's industry are just as capable is something I feel needs to be done. Therefore while falling in love with this line of work, I have a dream to open my own company one day. While opening my own company is a personal goal, I would also like to help people that face social injustice every day life. I have always wanted to say that I changed a person's life by doing something good. I want to say that I made a difference in my community. Overall, I believe that a business degree with a minor in criminal justice is the best path for me to get the satisfaction that I need to feel happy in my life.

One of my biggest hobbies is helping the community. While that may not be a traditional hobby for a high school student it is something that brings me joy . Community engagement is something that I feel is important. I have grown up in Frederick, Colorado my whole life. They community I live in has always steps up even people are in need. My community was beyond helpful when my family was in a crisis. I’m 2017 my cousin Mark Martinez’s house blew up due to an uncapped oil and gas line. The Frederick, Firestone, and Dacono community came together to help my whole family. After seeing how many people came to help, I realized that I wanted to do my part and help the community. It is essential to support the community that I have grown up in because I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. When I was younger I enjoyed playing sports however, my love for sports changed when I got into high school. Well I may not be the most athletic I still enjoy being involved in sports. I have had the opportunity to coach my little cousin's fourth grade basketball team. While coaching, I have had the chance to meet some fantastic kids that I believe have a bright future ahead of them. I take pride in being a positive role model and sharing my talents with them. I also enjoy volunteering at Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine at my local church. Night to Shine is a prom for teens and adults that have a disability. Being able to help is the best feeling. To see the look on the guests faces is the most rewarding thing that I have ever had the chance to do. I also enjoy camping with my family. Many teens don’t get the chance to unplug and really connect with their family. Growing up camping in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado has allowed me to go back to a simpler time and enjoy living in the moment.

I got my first job in the Summer of 2021 at the age of 16. That summer I worked 40 hours a week and felt pride in my hard work and determination. I made good money but unfortunately I spent it just as fast as I earned it. I learned the hard way that without financial discipline you can spend all your hard earned money with little to show for it. The biggest financial lesson I learned that summer was to save my money. Like many teenagers I enjoy a good cold brew, trips to the mall and a cool Crumbl sugar cookie. That summer I was making good money and rarely thought twice about spending money on unnecessary things. I ended the summer with little in my savings account and felt very defeated. I worked so hard and had little to show for it. It wasn’t a good feeling to be broke after working so hard. I made sure the following summer to not repeat that mistake. I have learned to save at least half of the money I earn. My goal is to come out of college with as little debt as possible. Life throws you many curve balls and having a savings account can help alleviate stress from unexpected financial situations.

My name is Autum Quinonez and I’m a senior at Frederick High School in Colorado. I plan to attend the University of Colorado Boulder and study business with a minor in criminal justice. Going to college has always been a dream of mine however paying for college has always been in the back of my mind. The expense of college is overwhelming however I am determined to find a way to attend without accruing a ton of debt. Since the spring of 2020, I have worked at Colorado Materials, a landscaping material company. I work in retail sales and also enter inventory from home when my school hours don’t align with business hours. I plan to continue to work at Colorado Materials while I attend college. My plan is to work 40 or more hours through the summer to save as much as I can to pay for college. My mom had me when she was just 19 years old and in beauty school. She is successful today, however having me young did not allow her to save any money for me to go to college. My goal is to apply to as many scholarships as I can and work to save as much as I can. Well I love going to Dutch Bros and going out with my friends, I understand sacrificing giving up my favorite treats and staying home a little more will help me save as much as I can and will benefit me in the future. I have also met with alumni from the college I’m planning to attend and have learned about on campus work opportunities that will help me pay for my tuition. I’m not afraid of hard work and I’m willing to give up my free time if it means I can afford college. Winning this scholarship would help me be the first person in my family to attend college. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to go to college. My dads parents only attended school until 5th grade in Mexico. Education was not a priority in his family and college was never a topic in his home. My moms parents lived paycheck to paycheck and believed at the time that college is a waste of time and money. I plan to show my family that college is a great investment. I want to be a positive role model to my family and show them anyone can achieve their dreams.

We only get one shot at life and I believe the meaning of life is happiness and love. All great things in life are rooted in love. The most important part of my life is my family. The love my family has for each other is what life is all about. Most of my favorite memories are with the people I love, my family. I feel blessed to have realized at an early age that a strong loving relationship with my family is what life is all about. Self love is so important. Without self love people will never feel completely fulfilled. It is no one’s job but your own to make you happy in life. Love and happiness go hand in hand. Becoming successful in life means you live each day doing what you love. Being happy in life is so important and loving what you do for a living is important.

There are so many problems in the world and the root of many of them is hate. Hate is the biggest problem the world faces. Hate is seen and felt on so many levels and the impact is almost always negative. Hate is dangerous. Hatred is fueled by blame and it allows people to justify their negative behaviors. When people feel like they’ve been wronged or victimized by someone, their emotional anger plants the seeds of hatred. Hate motivates violent crime and causes people to choose damaging behaviors often times at the expense of innocent victims. 

 Hate fuels violence around the world. A global issue caused by hate is violence against women. Violence against women is a global epidemic. Violence against women is present in all nations, cultures and communities. Hate fuels this problem and it’s an issue that needs fixed world wide. Hate is also the cause of war around the world. While it is nearly impossible to end war, having compassion and understanding towards others can help reduce it. Conflict will always be present around the world. It will continue to be a problem as long as humans suffer from hate fueled by anger, envy, rage, and greed. If we could end hate in the world so many problems would be solved. It is important for each person to do their part in ending hate. The impact of spreading love instead of fueling hate can positively impact yourself, your community, family and friends and the world around you.

Growing up in the United States has given me many great people to look up to. The person from history I admire the most is Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president and one of the first people in history to stand up for what he believed. His beliefs and successes ultimately led to his assassination in 1865. Abraham Lincoln was a man of great character and leadership. He grew up in a poor family but through hard work, determination and perseverance he was able to accomplish so many things and ultimately become President of The United States of America. During Lincoln’s presidency the Homestead Act of 1862 was passed. The Homestead act allowed poor people in America to own land. Anyone, including freed slaves and women, could file an application to claim a federal land grant. This created so many opportunities for people who would have otherwise struggled their whole lives. To me, Lincoln’s most inspiring accomplishment was issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation started the procedure for freeing slaves in America. The proclamation was issued during the American Civil War. It allowed black soldiers to fight for the Union against the Confederacy. It helped end slavery, and created the possibility of civil and social freedom for African-Americans in America. Unfortunately, Lincoln’s assassination prevented him from being able to see the reconstruction of Union he had helped save, which made slavery illegal in the United States. I believe without President Lincoln the United States wouldn’t be the country we are today. He has inspired me to be a better person, stand up for what’s right and treat everyone equally.

Since the Spring of 2020, I have had a job at a landscaping material company that is predominantly male. Working in a predominately male industry has been a challenge. When I started the job I didn’t realize that it would be such a challenge as sexism was not something that has ever crossed my path. The first couple of weeks were rough. I had customers willing to wait an extra ten minutes because they didn’t want to come to my counter. I had customers laugh in my face and say that I didn’t know what I was talking about. There were also times that I would answer a question for a customer only to see them ask my male coworker the same question and receive the same answer. I was constantly getting overlooked by customers. As a 15-year-old girl it was hard not to let it get to me. I would go home many days and cry. I even started to look for different jobs because I didn’t think I would ever fit in or be seen as an equal. I knew deep down I was good enough and I continued to work harder than anyone. I studied the materials and how to install the different products we carried. I went through the yard, memorizing the locations of every product to ensure that I never sent a customer in the wrong direction. Today, I am unsure if I was trying to prove to others or myself that I belonged. Over the past two years, I went from a scared 15-year old girl to a strong-minded determined 18-year old. Through this experience I learned that if I’m told I can’t do something I will make sure to prove everyone wrong and exceed even my own expectations.

The best skill I possess is determination. Since the Spring of 2020, I have had a job at a landscaping material company that is predominantly male. Working in a predominately male industry has been a challenge. When I started the job I didn’t realize that it would be such a challenge as sexism was not something that has ever crossed my path. The first couple of weeks were rough. I had customers willing to wait for a male employee because they didn’t want to come to my counter. There were times that I would answer a question for a customer only to see them ask my male coworker the same question and receive the same answer. I was constantly getting overlooked by customers. As a 15-year-old girl it was hard not to let it get to me. I would go home many days and cry. I even started to look for different jobs because I didn’t think I would ever fit in or be seen as an equal. I knew deep down I was good enough and I continued to work harder than anyone. I studied the materials and how to install the different products we carried. I went through the yard, memorizing the locations of every product to ensure that I never sent a customer in the wrong direction. Bu the end of the summer I was a top salesperson with over $200,000 in sales in just one month. I was determined to succeed. Over the past two years, I went from a scared 15-year old girl to a strong-minded determined 18-year old. Through this experience I learned that if I’m told I can’t do something I will make sure to prove everyone wrong and exceed even my own expectations. I am the definition of determination.

Since the Spring of 2020, I have had a job at a landscaping material company that is predominantly male. Working in a predominately male industry has been a challenge. When I started the job I didn’t realize that it would be such a challenge as sexism was not something that has ever crossed my path. The first couple of weeks were rough. I had customers willing to wait an extra ten minutes because they didn’t want to come to my counter. I had customers laugh in my face and say that I didn’t know what I was talking about. There were also times that I would answer a question for a customer only to see them ask my male coworker the same question and receive the same answer. I was constantly getting overlooked by customers. As a 15-year-old girl it was hard not to let it get to me. I would go home many days and cry. I even started to look for different jobs because I didn’t think I would ever fit in or be seen as an equal. I knew deep down I was good enough and I continued to work harder than anyone. I studied the materials and how to install the different products we carried. I went through the yard, memorizing the locations of every product to ensure that I never sent a customer in the wrong direction. Today, I am unsure if I was trying to prove to others or myself that I belonged. Over the past two years, I went from a scared 15-year old girl to a strong-minded determined 18-year old. Through this experience I learned that if I’m told I can’t do something I will make sure to prove everyone wrong and exceed even my own expectations.

Making others feel loved is what brings me true happiness in life. Everyone receives love differently and I try my best to understand each person’s love language. An important thing I do to make everyone feel loved is so show up and be consistent. Often times people go though life feeling alone. I try my best to make sure the important people in my life know that I love them and I’ll always be by their side. On Christmas Day 2021 my 9 year old cousin’s dad passed away unexpectedly. I am blessed to live very close to my cousin and have been able to help my aunt with getting him to school. Being reliable and helping with my cousin in the mornings shows both my aunt and cousin they are loved and not alone. I also started coaching my cousin’s basketball team in January. His dad was his biggest fan and I feel like stepping up and being a good role model for him shows him he is loved. I am very vocal with my love for my family, friends and mentors. I tell the people I love that I love and appreciate them often. I also like to show my love through giving gifts. I love to surprise people with just because gifts on a random day to show them I care. I like to express my love through a simple note or text. A few kind words is often times what people need to brighten their day. I am so blessed to love and be loved by so many people. I hope when people think of me they think of how I love fiercely with all my heart.

I have been blessed with an amazing family. I cherish the fact that we each come with special qualities. One of the most important people in my life is my cousin Jeremy. Jeremy was born with cerebral palsy. He is physically and mentally disabled. Seeing the world though Jeremy has impacted my life tremendously. Jeremy doesn’t let his disability stop him from living his best life. He doesn’t see his disability as a hardship. He believes his disability makes him unique, I do too. I enjoy supporting Jeremy at his Special Olympics events. He loves to play softball and really loves having his own fans. We practice softball together in my free time and I believe helping him is just as beneficial for me as it is him. I have volunteered for the last four years at Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs. Night To Shine is Jeremy’s favorite night of the year and nothing fills my heart more then seeing him happy with other people he can relate to. I can’t wait to see him smile at my high school graduation and to show him around my future college.

Actively listening is important in many aspects of life. As a high school student it is often times hard to be heard. As a friend and classmate I try my best to listening to others without wanting to be heard. This means letting people finish what they are saying without interrupting. It means knowing when to listen without reacting even if I disagree. Growing up I spent a lot of time in my mom’s salon. I learned a lot from listening to people talk about their families, jobs, heartbreaks and victories. One of the biggest things I learned was sometimes people really need feel heard. People don’t always need advice or someone else’s opinion, they just need you to listen. You can change someones day by simply listening.

(1)My name is Autum Quinonez and to me a college education means I am living the American Dream. It is a huge honor to be the first in my family to attend College. An education wasn’t something that was available to my paternal grandparents. My grandpa grew up in a very poor part of Mexico. He only attended school until he was 10 years old. My grandma went to school until she was 14 and didn’t obtain a diploma. My grandparents moved to the United States from Mexico in their twenties with the hopes and dreams of giving their family a better life. Neither spoke English but they found a way to make things work. Education wasn’t anyways important in my dads family. My dad is the only one of his four siblings to graduate high school. He was never given the opportunity to go to college because he had to work right out of high school to help support his family. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that have given to me. I am the first in my family to attend college. Being the first in my family to get a college education means I am continuing to honor the sacrifices my family made to have a better life in America. (2) I am very ambitious in and out of school. I enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life. When I’m not at school I enjoy working at Colorado Materials, a company my dad helped build. We sell landscaping materials. Over the summer I was asked by a customer if there was someone there that actually knew that they were talking about. I knew I was being profiled because I am a young woman in a man’s world. The comment bothered me for a bit but instead of letting it get me down it fueled my desire to be the best at my job. It didn’t take long for me to prove myself and I became the top sales person in June, July and August. My caring personality and desire to give my best didn’t go unnoticed. By the end of the summer I developed a professional relationship with many customers who no longer saw me as a high school girl but instead saw me as a major asset to the company. When I’m not at work or school I enjoy coaching my little cousins fourth grade basketball team. It fulfills my desire to help others. I hope to teach the kids more than just the game of basketball. My hope is that each player can leave the season a better person because of the positive impact I’ve made in their lives. While I enjoy my friends, family is most important to me and who I spend a lot of my time with. I’m blessed to live in a small town with lots of family around. I enjoy being my younger brothers biggest fan in all he does and I take the responsibility of being a good role model to him very seriously. (3) One of my favorite things to do is to stay after class and have deep discussions about social injustices and current events with my teachers. I enjoy hearing different opinions and trying to find common ground in subjects that many people can only see in black or white. I also enjoy spending time with my older cousin who has cerebral palsy. Seeing the world though him has impacted my life tremendously. While he is physically and mentally disabled it doesn’t stop him from living his best life. He doesn’t see his disability as a hardship. Be sees it as something positive that makes him one of a kind. I enjoy helping out at his Special Olympics events and have volunteered for the last four years at Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs. I feel blessed to me able to see the world through his perspective. Thank you for your consideration. Autum Quinonez

Growing up I always knew how lucky I was to have such a supportive family. It wasn’t until I got a little older that I realized the challenges my parents overcame to give me the best life possible. When I was born my mom was just 19 years old. She and my dad faced so many challenges having me so young. One of the biggest challenges was merging two families into one. My parents grew up with two very different circumstances. My dad’s parents moved to the United States two years before my dad was born from Mexico. His parents didn’t speak English and education was not a top priority in his family. My mom’s parents are both Colorado natives and always struggled to get by financially. My parents were so young and had no one to help them out when they struggled. Lucky for me both my parents worked hard and are both successful. I’m so blessed to have such a great family however I’ve always struggled to fit in within my own family because my parents come from two different worlds. My parents did their best to protect me from racism and teach me how fortunate I am to come from two different cultures, but it hasn’t always been easy. I have light hair and light skin, (I inherited it from my Mexican grandma), and have always been referred to as “white girl” to my dads family. I have never been “Mexican enough” to fit in completely with my dads family yet have had to deal with racism from others because I’m Mexican. I’ve always been told things like, you wouldn’t understand because your white. I’ve been told I have white privilege by some because of the way I look. I’ve had friends parents not let them come over because my dads Mexican. If people would take the time to get to know me they would understand how proud I am to come from diversity. They would know how much I love the amazing traditions I’ve learned from both sides of my family. They would see I’m the child of a teen mom who is proud to be Mexican American. I would do anything for my dad’s family to accept me like they do my cousins who have two Mexican parents instead of treating me different because I have a white mom. While it’s been hard to feel like I don’t completely fit in I will not let this change who I am. I’m proud to use me voice to stand up for others who don’t have a voice. I’m proud to shut down racism. I am proud to be me, unique, cultured, and a strong Mexican American.