My family has never focused on education. My dad's family are immigrants from Mexico and barely spoke English, so higher education was never a goal in sight. My mother's side of the family simply did not prioritize education. It was because of this that my parents were eager to provide me with a passion for learning. They succeeded. However, I have faced several challenges within my childhood, especially my academic career because of this. Not only am I a future first-generation college student, I am also the first born and only child my family has. Despite the obstacles I have found myself facing, I wouldn’t change these things if I were able to. Being a first-generation and first child has molded me into the person I am today. I remember that as I was growing up I really wanted an older sibling. I worried quite a lot as I began to approach huge milestones. I was jealous of my friends that had big brothers and sisters to tell them how high school was going to be, and especially now to tell them how university is going to be. Wanting to be as prepared as possible, I constantly wished I had someone to help my family and I navigate through new experiences. This feeling hasn’t changed, as I have been finding myself feeling the same way as university deadlines creep around the corner. To say I was lost would be an understatement. I didn’t even know where to begin and there wasn’t anyone around to guide me. Even my parents were overwhelmed. I ended up completing the majority of my applications without their help, simply because they were unable to. I began the application process significantly later than I would have preferred. I missed out on several opportunities for large scholarships. This was crucial for beginning my higher education. Without a degree, my parents found themselves with an income that was less than average. They couldn’t possibly afford tuition and fees. I was depending on outside funding, but had ended up at a standpoint where I truly felt stuck financially. When I spoke to my friends they seemed to have everything under control. I wondered what the difference could be. I had realized that the majority of those I spoke to either had higher educated parents or older siblings. It seemed I was starting at a lower position than they were. This is where I ended up unveiling some positives that came with not having these things. I was independent and mature. This came directly from being an only child and the encouragement to strive for high education from my parents. I was able to handle the situation very well, and I owe it to my seemingly unfortunate circumstances. When I sat down and really began to brainstorm on my options, I found myself feeling hopeful. Having less of a boost than others did not mean I couldn’t achieve the same things. This was something that my parents were determined for me to understand because they were able to see the position I had been born into. I wasn’t going to settle for the bare minimum and take the less complicated way. I had strong goals, knew what I wanted from life, and what I had to do to get there. The same friends I had spoken to earlier had settled for what their family was able to afford; they didn’t attempt to earn more funds and aim higher. Aiming for best possible outcome has always been something I did. I recognized that a lot of times I had to work harder than others. This was something that they had yet to realize; they never needed to understand this as they were growing up. Ambition and determination does not come from having things handed to you or settling for what is available. Challenges and obstacles do not equate to having less. I know that this is often something not realized until one’s later years. Being forced to grow up and be in an environment where I am the first for nearly all education experiences has shaped me into a person I am proud of. Despite the outcomes I am thankful for, I have found myself lacking in some skills that people who aren’t first generation or first born have no issue with. I feel the most prominent one is the ability to relax. This is a truly overlooked skill. Rest and relaxation are crucial to a successful life. People who are able to do this are very lucky in my eyes. I am a very serious person. I believe this is because I grew up in an environment where I was the hope to end a cycle. Not going to university was never an option; my parents wanted and needed me to put a halt on the trend. A lot of what I have done in my life has been with the intention helping me achieve this goal. Education has been my number one priority since elementary school. A one track focus has made me a workaholic and perfectionist. I have an extremely difficult time taking it easy. A huge amount of responsibility has been placed on me from a very young age. I find that those who are not in my circumstances do not have this issue. This one track mindset has led to a struggle with my mental health. Depression and anxiety has been a hurdle for the majority of my high school experience. I don’t inherently view this a limitation. It may make things difficult for me, but nowhere near impossible. I try my best to view negatives in a positive light and this situation is no exception. I am grateful for the childhood my parents have provided me and don’t view myself at a significant disadvantage. I am more than satisfied with who I am and I know these reasons played a large role in shaping me. I would not ask for any other circumstances.