I vividly remember August 2017. The violent winds pounded the front door as we huddled in the living room, unsure if the next sound would be broken glass or a collapsed roof. Hurricane Harvey wasn’t just the first major natural disaster I experienced; it was a defining moment that reshaped my understanding of climate change. Watching my parents scramble to protect our home while neighbors were forced to abandon theirs opened my eyes to the inequities that natural disasters exacerbate. I realized these weren’t isolated events but part of a larger, pressing crisis that disproportionately impacts low-income and minority communities like my own. At twelve, I found my voice in climate activism, transforming fear and frustration into action. I began researching the causes and consequences of climate change, and it didn’t take long to notice a glaring gap. Youth voices were missing from the conversation, and I was determined to change that. In September 2020, I organized a citywide youth climate strike as part of the global Climate Strike Movement. Thousands of young people flooded Houston’s City Hall, drenched but undeterred. Signs replaced umbrellas as chants filled the air. I will never forget the energy of that moment: young Houstonians, united in purpose, demonstrating courage and resilience in the face of a future they refused to accept passively. As I stood at rally after rally, I began asking myself how I could turn this passion into a tangible, lasting impact. That’s when I discovered architecture to be the perfect blend of myself. As I researched more about Architecture and was selected to participate in Rice’s Architecture Summer Immersion, I knew that my path would allow me to focus on making a tangible impact toward sustainability.  My career goal is to establish a firm dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable, and disaster-resilient structures that meet the unique needs of underserved communities. My vision includes designing homes that withstand hurricanes and flooding, ensuring families don’t have to endure the trauma of losing everything to natural disasters. Additionally, I aim to incorporate renewable energy solutions like solar panels and water reclamation systems into designs, making these homes not only resilient but also eco-friendly. The same young girl who once felt helpless during Hurricane Harvey now dreams of leading efforts to build resilience in vulnerable communities. Through architecture, I hope to create not only safer spaces but also a brighter future where every family has the opportunity to thrive, no matter the challenges they face.

My understanding of mental health evolved dramatically during the pandemic. As a young girl just entering high school, I was thrust into a new reality: seven virtual classes a day, navigating unfamiliar subjects, and connecting with peers through a screen. It was overwhelming. I was unprepared for the emotional toll this transition would take. I can remember my first panic attack like it was yesterday. Picture a girl curled on the bathroom floor, her tears pooling on the cold tiles as she struggles to catch her breath. She feels as if she’s drowning, gasping for air in a world that feels impossibly heavy. In that moment, she sees herself as a failure, wishing desperately to escape the relentless pressure. If only she could disappear, maybe the expectations would lift, and she could finally breathe. Reflecting on that period, I recognize that my panic attacks were not triggered solely by isolated incidents. They were the result of accumulated stress, unexpressed emotions, and the unrealistic expectations I placed on myself. One moment that stands out was breaking my computer the night before my first human geography test, a small incident in hindsight, but monumental in my overwhelmed state. This realization has helped me acknowledge that everyone’s mental health journey is valid, regardless of the scale of their challenges. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to prioritize my mental wellness. I maintain my well-being through activities that bring me joy and allow me to escape the pressures of everyday life. Reading a good book, for instance, provides me with a comforting refuge to find myself in different worlds and perspectives. These small acts of self-care recharge my spirit, allowing me to return to reality with renewed strength. Another crucial step has been engaging in activities that give me a sense of purpose and connection. Participating in sustainability events, road clean-ups, and community initiatives not only allows me to support causes I care deeply about but also helps me feel part of a collective effort. In college, this has taken on even greater importance. Joining new groups and projects has given me a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment. Collaborating with others who share my passions reminds me that I’m not alone, grounding me amid the whirlwind of new experiences. Prioritizing mental health is essential for navigating challenges, especially during pivotal transitions like entering college. My experiences have taught me the importance of addressing mental health struggles and the necessity of strong health for personal growth. By cultivating the tools around me, I’ve learned to use reading, engage in community activities, or connect with others. I am better equipped to face whatever lies ahead, ensuring that I can thrive, not just survive.

Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American student, I’ve learned to navigate two cultural worlds while striving to honor the sacrifices my parents made for me. My parents, who came to the U.S. with nothing but dreams and determination, taught me the value of hard work and resilience. My father, who once dreamed of becoming an architect, set aside his aspirations so I could pursue mine. Their sacrifices inspire me to build something greater, not just for my family, but for my community. As a student at Tulane University, I am pursuing a double major in Architecture and Real Estate. My dream is to combine these fields to establish my architecture firm focused on real estate development. I aim to design innovative, affordable housing solutions that address the housing crisis and create spaces where families and communities can thrive. Architecture, for me, is not just about constructing buildings; it’s about shaping environments where people belong and connect. The Bright Lights Scholarship is essential for me to achieve this dream. Coming from a low-income family, the financial strain of attending a private university is a constant challenge. While my family has worked tirelessly to support me, the cost of education remains daunting. This scholarship would provide me the financial stability to complete my degree without interruptions and fully focus on my academic and professional growth. It would also allow me to take full advantage of the unique opportunities at Tulane, such as community-based projects that align with my passions. One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had as an architecture student is participating in a project where we designed and built a house for someone in need. Last year, we constructed a home for a homeless man in New Orleans, an experience that reinforced my commitment to using architecture as a tool for positive change. With the Bright Lights Scholarship, I could continue to engage in these transformative projects, making a meaningful impact on underserved communities while developing the skills necessary for my future career. Being a first-generation college student is about more than achieving a personal milestone. It’s about breaking barriers and proving that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds can lead, innovate, and transform the world. I aim to use my education and experiences to uplift others, designing spaces that tell stories, honor sacrifices, and inspire hope. The Bright Lights Scholarship would not only bring me closer to achieving my dream of becoming an architect and real estate developer but also empower me to create a lasting legacy for my family and my community. Winning this scholarship would mean everything to me. It would ensure that I can continue my education, pursue my passions, and make a difference in the lives of others. With your support, I can fulfill my father’s dream, honor my parents’ sacrifices, and build a brighter future, not just for myself, but for the countless families and communities I hope to serve through my work.

I learned about design from my father. Although he had no formal education in architecture, his self-taught knowledge from books and his work as an HVAC technician shaped my understanding of design. He emphasized the importance of small details, like strategically placing AC units to make technicians’ jobs easier. Our favorite pieces were normally from observing homes during trips, especially in Mexico. In ninth grade, I joined the environmental movement. My community faced frequent hurricanes, with the hardest-hit areas often being minority and low-income neighborhoods. Witnessing people lose their homes to these disasters made me want to take action. I attended climate rallies, joined organizations, and researched climate issues, uncovering how environmental injustice disproportionately affects the Latinx/Hispanic community. In Houston, for example, residential neighborhoods are often located near power plants and waste facilities, exposing residents to serious health risks. This fueled my commitment to change. I rose to leadership roles, becoming the general coordinator for a youth-led climate organization, founding a Climate Club at my school, and serving as secretary for my local youth environmental council. Through these experiences, I realized the profound impact of safe and inclusive spaces on communities. This connection inspired me to pursue architecture, blending it with real estate and business to create spaces that uplift and empower. I aim to design affordable, sustainable housing to address housing crises and provide innovative solutions for underserved neighborhoods. My passion for architecture is deeply tied to my dedication to community service. I see architecture as more than building structures; rather, it is about creating spaces where people can belong and thrive. As a first-generation college student, I want to prove that people like me, who grew up balancing responsibilities and translating forms, can lead and innovate. I’m pursuing architecture to honor my father’s dreams and to uplift others through my designs. I want to create spaces that tell stories, honor sacrifices, and inspire hope. Looking ahead, I plan to focus on sustainability and equitable design, particularly in low-income and minority communities vulnerable to environmental hazards. I aim to prioritize projects that provide safe, affordable housing and address challenges in high-pollution areas through green building practices and policy advocacy. My dream is to build a home for my father, fulfilling the visions we once shared. Ultimately, I aspire to run an inclusive, global firm that prioritizes sustainability and creates equitable, welcoming spaces for families, especially those from underserved communities. With each design, I hope to combine environmental practices with functionality, creating lasting spaces that reflect the stories of the people who call them home.

Environmental injustice disproportionately affects the Latinx/Hispanic community, especially in Houston, where power plants and waste facilities often exist near residential neighborhoods, putting many at serious health risks. Witnessing how pollution and a lack of representation harmed my community, I felt a deep responsibility to act. In January 2022, I joined Houston Youth Climate Strike, the only youth-led environmental organization in my area, and rose to the role of general coordinator. Leading as a young person in a movement largely dominated by individuals over 40 came with its own set of challenges. It was often difficult to have our voices heard or to be taken seriously by seasoned activists and policymakers. However, my team and I turned this into an opportunity to make our unique perspective known. I led initiatives focused on bringing awareness to issues important to me and not known to the movement. We collaborated with councilwomen to address the environmental problems, directed a short film that highlighted the realities of climate anxiety in minority communities & the impact of natural disasters in our area, and used creative approaches to engage residents. Our efforts drew the attention of Univision, where I was interviewed to raise awareness about climate action and inspire other youth to step into advocacy roles. I also organized protests against Chase Bank, the largest financier of fossil fuel projects. In January 2023, we demonstrated outside a Chase building in Houston, educating people passing by on the impact of fossil fuel projects on minority communities. By combining different efforts with media outreach, we successfully brought attention to these issues, gaining coverage across multiple news platforms and amplifying our message. Looking ahead, I plan to focus my career on sustainability and equitable design, particularly in low-income and minority communities that are most vulnerable to environmental hazards. I want to prioritize projects that ensure safe and affordable housing while addressing the challenges of living in high-pollution areas. This includes integrating green building practices and advocating for policies that protect residents from environmental injustices. Through architecture, I plan to create homes that are not only resilient to environmental risks but also create healthier living conditions and opportunities for the communities I serve. My experience as a young leader has taught me that even when faced with obstacles like skepticism or inexperience, persistence, and collaboration can lead to impactful change. I will work to design spaces that prioritize sustainability and equity, ensuring that underserved populations have access to safe, sustainable environments where they can thrive.