First day of sophomore year, new school, new country, new language. Leaving Mexico for the U.S. wasn’t just about crossing a border, it was about crossing into a new chapter of my life. A fresh start full of new aspirations, opportunities and challenges. Starting school wasn't easy, feeling sometimes out of place and not knowing why I was forgetting things. When the doctor said the word “epilepsy,” my world shifted but instead of limiting me, it ignited a determination to understand, adapt, and push forward. Suddenly, my journey wasn’t just about adapting to a new country, it was about learning to navigate an entirely new reality. But rather than seeing it as a limitation, I chose to see it as a challenge, one that would push me to adapt, persevere, and fight for the future I wanted. Math has always been a challenge, but in the U.S., it felt like an impossible puzzle. Taking MAT 151-College Algebra and MAT 187-Accelerated Pre-Calculus was incredibly difficult. Numbers tangled with letters, formulas seemed endless, and in a language I barely understood. I spent hours, even days studying, but when it came to class or exams, I would freeze. It was frustrating knowing I had put in the effort, yet struggling to recall the information when I needed it most. At first I thought it was just simply the stress of adapting to a new country and the weight of my diagnosis, but my struggle wasn’t just with math, It was with my own mind, I refused to let myself give up. “Cesar’s most admirable quality is his resilience. He doesn’t just face challenges, he conquers them. His positive approach to setbacks and his view of them as valuable learning experiences is a testament to his determination and strength. This resilience was particularly evident in my MAT 151 class, where he struggled but never gave up. He could have taken an easier class, but he chose to take MAT 187 his senior year. This decision and his subsequent growth and success in Math are a testament to his resilience.” Mr Kumar. Being in Mr. Kumar's classes not only helped me with math, but also helped me become a better person. He taught me to be more responsible, have better time management, as well as to be more respectful, have better discipline, develop my critical thinking, be more adaptable to any situation or problem, work hard and don't give up. Another thing I'm very grateful for is that Mr. Kumar believed in me, knowing all the hardships I was going through, he was always there for me when I needed him. My persistence paid off when I passed the class and finished the semester with an A, proof that I was stronger than my circumstances. I want to study architecture because it is more than just buildings, it’s a way of giving and transforming the world around us. Architecture creates spaces that shape lives, that inspire communities, and combine creativity with functionality. My major goal in life is to be the leader of an architectural project like a hospital or a school . Through innovative and eco-friendly designs, I aim to create structures that improve quality of life. Something that is sustainable, functional, and aesthetically inspiring. Challenges will always arise, but I know that with perseverance, creativity, and a strong will, I can overcome them. And through my work I hope to leave a lasting impact, creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and serve communities. But always being thankful, grateful and blessed.