As someone who grew up in Germany and has family in Brazil, I have had the unique opportunity of seeing the USA from an outsider perspective. The people in Germany looked up to American companies and technologies, which inspired them to work harder and in a different way. My family in Brazil has always looked up to the United States and seen it as an idyllic escape from their tumultuous political and economic landscape. I love America because of the hope it provides for people. It's the land of dreams and possibilities where individuals can become whoever they want to be and live out their lives according to their values. We've gotten people on the moon, invented miraculous cures for illnesses, won gold medals in sports, and created the most famous movies and celebrities. However, the one aspect lacking within the United States: community. Our beautiful country has been divided due to an individualistic mindset. People only care about making money, beating competition, being right, and being special. Despite being a high-achieving society, we often find ourselves isolated in our pursuits of success. Yes, success is important and money is a great asset, but what is it all worth without someone to share it with? I believe that the United States has lost a key aspect of what got us through the Great Depression, Cold War, and 9/11; a sense of unity. The United States needs communities of families to recognize each other's victories and carry each other's burdens during the valleys of life. I have found myself a victim of this mindset as well, wanting to see myself exceed and prioritize work over building relationships. However, whether it be at work, school, or on the soccer field, I would not be anywhere without my friends and family. And when we look back on our lives, we won't remember the extra money we made or the grades we got in school; we'll remember times with our friends, birthday parties, and fro-yo runs. The United States is a place where success is achievable for everyone; however, it is being prioritized over friendships, family, and community. I love being an American and I would love to see America find community within itself again. To aid in this endeavor, I have been trying to become involved in communities around me: participating in drama club, starting a debate club, captaining a soccer team, winning "best supporter" in basketball, praying for girls in my youth group, tutoring at the salvation army, and encouraging at my work. Inspired by my own experiences and the challenges faced by those around me, I plan to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young adults from low-income areas with the knowledge and resources they need to achieve financial independence and success. Specifically, I envision a series of financial literacy workshops tailored to the needs of different age groups and educational backgrounds. These workshops will cover essential topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and navigating student loans. By providing practical skills and guidance, we can equip young adults with the tools they need to make informed financial decisions and pursue their goals with confidence. Finance is just one way I will support a community and help them reach their version of success. Community is what built this great country and in order to continue our history of ambitious success stories, we must learn to come together and build each other up.

I am deeply passionate about all things politics, but I especially love it when it's a woman in leadership positions. I am fascinated by the complexities of international relations, trade agreements, and policies that shape the world we live in. Political shows offer me a glimpse into a career path I find endlessly fascinating. Everyone has a show that inspires them and to me, it's "Madam Secretary". I love it because of diplomatic intrigue, profound insights into family dynamics, and the realities of political life. The show follows Elizabeth McCord going into this new position of Secretary of State (and later president) while balancing a husband also in government work and 3 teenage children. I love this show because it demonstrates the reality many women in government work face: the grueling hours, the moments of disrespect, missing moments with children, and the strain it can cause on marriages. It was eye-opening to me to see how impactful this job was to her; it affected every area of her life and even those of her children. I also deeply resonate with her youngest daughter, Alison. She's a clever young girl who cares deeply about her family's well-being and is independent. She, just like me, struggles through adolescence while finding her purpose in life. Her relationships with her brother and sister are so funny and sweet to watch. Despite sadly not having any siblings myself, I love to see how I would likely have acted as a sister - someone who you can rely on during the hard times but also someone who will make fun of you if needed. The family relationship is both realistic and wholesome throughout the show and it provides a break from the sometimes intense world of politics. It's so crucial to remember what truly matters and what brings fulfillment: family. The reason I adore this show, though, is the international relations and political aspects. There is nothing I find more fascinating than watching Elizabeth McCord outsmart a political opponent or ingeniously find the middle ground. Politics is just a chess game of moves and countermoves. She uses military knowledge and personal knowledge to understand and barter with another country. She makes mistakes and goes through so many challenges, yet she remains steadfast in her determination to do what is right and serve her country. I especially loved her "backchannel diplomacy", aka unofficial ways of solving an issue. During these, she would often use her relationships to help understand and gain access to diplomats and government officials. Relationships are again highlighted. Government can only work with a team, and she shows how a combination of bold and intelligent leadership paired with genuine relationships can revolutionize a campaign. I also underestimated the importance of that position in government, hence why it is so important for people to watch these kinds of shows. Despite it being fiction, the types of conflicts, sacrifices, and compromises made are replicas of what occurs in real life. I have learned more about American politics and how international relations are regulated through this show than any US government class. This show may seem boring to some people, but to me, it's golden. The intertwining values of relationships, family, and cleverness create such an entertaining and educational show. The fact that I personally connect to Alison and her mother and am interested in public policy and international relations just adds to the enjoyment. It has inspired me to pursue my dreams and connect with people, and I would encourage everyone to give it a shot!

I, like many other Latina kids, never had a Barbie that resembled me – a Barbie with tan skin, dark brown hair, and shorter legs that resembled my own. Yet, this never stopped me from developing a deep connection to the iconic doll. My devotion was unwavering; even though I never owned the iconic Barbie Dreamhouse from Matel, I still imagined countless scenarios of love, betrayal, and family. Instead, I constructed my version using an assortment of toys, books, and even real furniture. My imaginative dream house, however, thrives beyond these constraints, following me on airplanes, to playgrounds, and beaches. It was during visits to my aunt and grandmother in Brazil that inspiration struck, giving birth to my 'Brazilian Storyscape Villa' – my very own rendition of the Barbie Dream House. Located next to a lake, my dream house encompasses details from my Brazilian family, interests, and inspiration from novels. This idyllic location offers the luxury of swimming and boating, all free from concerns about tsunamis or ocean levels. Installed on expansive land, it grants peaceful isolation while remaining a mere half-hour away from a bustling coffee shop and Walmart. Drawing inspiration from my Aunt Celestina's home, my dream house has many separate buildings. The kitchen stands distinct, adorned with the same blue tiles that I remember from my childhood. A cookie jar rests atop the highest shelf, reminding me of what I once could not reach, its lid still slightly difficult to open. Outdoors, inspired by memories of my grandmother's home, a thriving mango tree is planted on the landscape. A grand wooden table beneath an archway connects the kitchen to an airy living area. The living room flourishes with vibrant plants, mirroring my mother's artwork on the walls and the cushions of the sofas. An upper level offers a haven with windows lined by books and meticulously arranged bookshelves, all complemented by a comfortable circular couch. Emulating German supermarkets, my dream house has a fresh bread dispenser, dispensing warm rolls in minutes. The basement harbors three additional rooms – a gym, an arcade, and a ballroom – ensuring entertainment and engagement for my guests, both physically and mentally. A lake for swimming complements an indoor mall-like space that adapts seamlessly to every season. My love for sports is catered to with indoor soccer, basketball, and tennis courts, with the lack of a track to accommodate my strong dislike of running. This space can also transform into a ballroom reminiscent of 'Pride and Prejudice.' A ten-mile walkway encircles my home and lake, punctuated by treehouses and swing sets that provide a space for carefree entertainment and peace. Throughout my dreamhouse, an array of books and plants can be found in every aspect of my home. The corridor shimmers with fairy lights, and the scent of freshly laundered clothes meanders through the house (my favorite scent). While elevators or slides might captivate some, I embrace stairs and ramps as the preferred mode of movement. This ambition, drive, and desire for impact also extend beyond the confines of my dream house concept. In both community involvements and academic pursuits, I strive to bridge gaps and initiate positive change. I aspire to continually harness my unique ability to unite disparate elements, just as I've accomplished in crafting my dream house concept.

Everyone deserves a chance to accomplish all they are capable of. Through small, consistent, and personal actions I believe anyone can reach their fullest potential. I intend to follow alongside people every day, and with each small decision, help them achieve their goals. Through financial advising and perhaps a law degree I will help small and large businesses alike achieve their personal financial goals while not compromising the integrity of their values. I want to help take off the burden of worrying about what to invest in or whether or not we have the budget to pay for something. I want those gifted with the ability to be creative and think up big projects to be able to focus on that, while I focus on the logistics and financial aspects of things. I especially would love to make sure the employees get compensated fairly and that all investments and purchases are from sustainable companies. Beyond just financial help, I would like to ensure that big companies would give back to members of their community. Young people need someone to believe in them and show them not only that they can do it, but they're willing to help, financially or otherwise. Creating a partnership with large companies that donate to the financial education of teens would be something that I would work on. I would take the knowledge acquired by working in the corporate world and connecting that network to the young people in my community. Aside from my professional work life, I would also like to create a mentorship program for young adults (ages 16-24) where I and other certified professionals would walk alongside and assist them through high school and into a stable financial situation through a partnership. I would love to personally help young women especially achieve their goals. There are so many brilliant people in the world who simply don’t know the right people to achieve the incredible things they are capable of. Having personally experienced the challenges of navigating the college and admissions systems, I understand the importance of dedicated guidance in realizing one's dreams. Through Matriculate, however, having someone who is dedicated to personally helping me. Having someone who’s gone through this successfully, and is here to work with me specifically makes the biggest difference in the world. I hope to replicate that confidence in those my program would work with. I intend to bridge the gap between the networking of the corporate world and those underprivileged boys and girls. I would create workshops, classes, online webinars, and books to inspire and instruct those who don’t have family members or mentors in their life to teach these crucial tricks and tips. Professionally and personally, I am driven by a deep commitment to creating lasting change. I am determined to go beyond surface-level assistance and address the core issues that hinder the progress of young individuals. In my professional capacity, I will actively contribute to my company's financial and investment management, enabling creative thinkers to shine and bring their ideas to fruition. Through this experience, I will cultivate valuable relationships and gather insights that I will eagerly share with others to foster education and empowerment. On a personal level, I will dedicate myself to establishing comprehensive mentorship programs for motivated students, walking alongside them for years, and providing step-by-step guidance toward achieving financial stability. I firmly believe that by working together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society where every young person has the tools and support they need to succeed.

Our young adult and teenage years are rich with first-time experiences. First time getting a job, learning to drive for the first time, having first relationships, and so much more. While these years may seem insignificant and more of a test run, they are the prime time to make things easier for your adult self. The habits formed during high school and college will follow each person into adulthood. Learning how to properly use your money is critical for navigating the world, and there are a few suggestions to start good habits. Financial management refers to the handling of personal or corporal funds. Money is the undercurrent of our society; it drives and terminates projects, people, and lives around, making its understanding crucial and influential. Students specifically need to understand finance since it's one of the most significant financial investments one can make is their education. Students are making the largest investment so far in their life, properly preparing for it and maintaining it will prevent going into devastating debt. But not only are they spending this enormous amount of money, but it's also their first time on their own. The new freedoms that come with having our own money can damage a person’s view and relationship to money. To prepare for this situation and help out your wallet after college there are a few tips and tricks. I have a few set rules that I follow to ensure the most efficient use of my money. Firstly, I never impulsively buy anything more than $10. It can be so easy to buy a $40 sweater in the moment. However, a few weeks later you tend to realize; one, it is not worth $40, and two, you don't really have a use for it. A good rule of thumb for this (especially when shopping online) is to wait 24 hrs for smaller purchases and a week for larger ones. If this becomes a habit, it will cause you to lose hundreds of dollars in impromptu purchases. Secondly, I try to put more money into my savings account than I keep in my spending account. This allows me to have the liberty to buy everyday items but not the ability to waste a large percentage of my total amount. If you have a job, setting aside the majority of your check into your savings account will help prevent overspending. Thirdly, keep track of how much you earn, how much you, and what you spend your money on. This will keep you aware and accountable. And finally, open a RothIRA account. A Roth IRA account is money set aside for retirement. This might seem unnecessary since you cannot access a Roth IRA until you are at least 59.5 years of age. However, starting early and letting your money accumulate will make a notable difference in your retirement fund. It is important to invest in your future now, as a teenager (or young adult), because you are (likely) not completely on your own. Not having this monetary dependency on yourself allows you to save and invest more, making it easier for yourself in the long run. Finances may seem unimportant now but starting early is the best way to get ahead. Making mistakes and learning at a young age is perfect since there is little consequence to a few misspent dollars. Simply being conscious of your money, staying organized, saving, and investing will almost guarantee a more financially stable future.