My greatest achievement so far is the day that I made the decision to enroll in college at the age of 24, despite still dealing with postpartum depression at the time. Starting with just one class for fall semester. It was extremely challenging because I believed college was for those without responsibilities. At the time I had a toddler and I worked a lot more as a Medical Assistant, a profession I earned at 19 to support my single mother financially. Despite being the first and youngest in my family to attend community college. I stand here today at 26, continuing my journey as an undergraduate, pursuing a degree in nursing with the goal of becoming a Nurse practitioner. As a Mexican-American in my mid 20’s this experience taught me that even at my lowest point, I was able to pull through the darkest depths of postpartum depression and still manage to continue learning, doing homework and fulfilling my role as a provider and a mother. It taught me that responsibilities can serve as foundation of motivation rather than viewing it as a hurdle, it established a routine schedule and has helped me reach even the smallest goals in life. This experience has opened my eyes and suddenly being a Medical assistant transformed from a job into something I love and strive to become more in order to be able to help my Latino/Hispanic community. It demonstrated me that even as the youngest in my family pursuing a dream is possible, despite the challenges of coming from a low-income family, along with lacking role models and from my ethnic background in the field of Nurse Practitioners. I have learned to inspire myself, consistently questioning and learning as I progress, becoming my own role model in the process. In the near future, I plan to focus on advancing my education and successfully completing all my science courses and passing my TEAS exam to be able to qualify for the RN program, pass my NCLEX and work as an RN for a year and then pursue a master’s degree in nursing school. However, achieving this goal requires financial stability for two years because it is advised not to work during the RN program, a luxury I do not afford for myself or my son. Given the current inflation and the challenges of making ends meet, saving up has been extremely difficult. And the last thing I would want for myself is for money to be the reason to hinder my education and the purpose of not being able to make a difference in the Medical field.

Being the youngest member of my family and coming from a Hispanic background has presented numerous challenges, especially as the first one in my family to pursue higher education. The underrepresentation of Hispanics in various fields of study, particularly in my passion for pursuing a Master's in Nursing, means I face frequent tests from life's challenges. However, this experience has also taught me to step out of my comfort zone and exert twice the effort. That's why, while others enjoyed their summer after high school graduation, I eagerly pursued my educational ambitions, prompting me to enroll in an accelerated program aimed at becoming a Medical Assistant. This decision not only enabled me to provide financial support to my mother but also afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in the medical field and help my hispanic community along the way. My biggest inspiration and who has infused my life with newfound purpose in pursuing my career is my 4 year old son. He became my driving force, inspiring me to persist in my education. This motivation has fueled my efforts, pushing me to work even harder but with a deeper sense of significance. I am determined to break the cycle and demonstrate to him the importance of education. Because for the first time, I will be that guiding light on his path to his future college. Close to giving up on my education at 22 due to pregnancy and enduring over two years of postpartum depression, I found myself mentally and physically drained, considering abandoning my studies. I struggled with feelings of uncertainty, sadness, and hopelessness, lacking purpose in life. As I gradually overcame the darkness of depression, I became determined to rediscover the value in my education. Starting with just one class, I've since managed to balance part-time studies with work, childcare, and homework. I discovered that if you genuinely desire self-improvement through education, you'll always find the time to continue learning. Jose Prado's unwavering commitment to education for his daughter serves as a source of motivation for me to persevere in my own academic pursuits, with the ultimate goal of being able to support my son the same way one day. I aspire to reach a point where I can proudly declare my own success, while also extending a helping hand to others in my community through scholarship opportunities the same generous way Jose Prado has. If I were to establish a scholarship in the future, its primary objective would be to tackle the underrepresentation of Mexican-American individuals in the Nurse Practitioner field. This lack of representation presents significant obstacles, especially for those who lack role models within their community. Supporting Mexican-American individuals in pursuing nursing master's degrees can inspire others from similar backgrounds to join this career path. However, to bring this vision to fruition, financial assistance in the form of scholarships is essential. Therefore, it would be essential for me to create a scholarship program that supports first and second-generation individuals. This inclusivity is crucial, as Mexican parents may encounter financial strains from supporting the education of their first child, making it challenging to assist their other children. The ultimate aim of this initiative would be to elevate the proportion of Mexican-American Nurse Practitioners in the profession. I believe education's power lies in its ability to shape individuals, testing their capabilities and shifting their perspectives. It's the willful discovery of new things. Education has pushed me to my limits, yet it has also revealed my resilience. If education represents a determined force, it has the potential to both transform and educate others as it progresses.

It all began when I was 11 years old; my mother took the courageous step to end a 25-year relationship with my verbally abusive father abruptly. Overnight, she became a single parent to two children. During this period, my father refused to provide adequate financial support in hopes my mother would return; when he did, it amounted to a mere $100 a month. He also spent minimal time with us, barely exceeding 2 to 4 hours per week. My mother stepped up to fill the void he left, investing quality time with us that he neglected. There were days when our meals consisted solely of cereal, stretching from breakfast to dinner and our entertainment became spending time with my mother and sister, as we lacked cable for the following 6-7 years. The first months posed immense challenges, but my mother persevered with a courageous smile, despite the hardships she faced. There were moments when she considered returning to the abusive relationship to shield us from further suffering. However, as time progressed, she took on heavier workloads tirelessly, realizing that she possessed the strength to persist. Ultimately, she came to understand that she no longer needed to endure the silent misery that had plagued her before. I matured quickly, leaving behind my innocence due to financial instability and the childhood traumas I experienced during and after their separation. Consequently, while others enjoyed their summer after high school graduation, I sought opportunities to assist my mother financially. This drive led me to enroll in a fast-paced Medical Assistant program at a private college. I knew this would enable me to assist my mother with rent and utilities. Remarkably, I graduated in less than nine months. However, upon joining the workforce, I came to the realization that I had set aside my own aspirations of advancing my education to pursue my dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. To this day, I harbor no regrets for my choice. My mother instilled in me the belief that to succeed in life, one must have faith in oneself and press forward without dwelling on the past. My mother has consistently been the warrior my father failed to be in protecting her children. She instilled in me the importance of being prepared and educated, should I ever find myself in an abusive relationship, so that I can exit without enduring the same struggles she faced. Emphasizing the need for women to be two steps ahead in such situations, she has shaped my understanding of resilience and determination. Her struggles and unwavering dedication in the absence of my father have molded me into the person I am today I draw resilience and determination from her selflessness, qualities I choose to carry forward in my career journey. I've grown up with the belief that it's crucial for me to succeed in life, not only to demonstrate to my mother and father that she made it through, but also to showcase the perseverance inherited from my mother. With a determination to succeed on my own terms, I am committed to carrying forward her legacy of strength and fortitude by pursuing further education. This is why addressing the financial aspect is crucial for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to apply for this scholarship and express my heartfelt thanks.