Leadership is a fundamental aspect of one's character that has the power to reshape one's community. At the age of eleven, I found myself spending countless hours in the hospital, clinging to hope as my mother fought for her life. This period became a turning point in my life, teaching me unforgettable lessons in strength, empathy, and resilience. Watching the many medical professionals fight to save my mother's life instilled in me the 3 core values that I continue to follow now as a first-generation college student: collaboration, service, and courage. My introduction to college was a battle with the unknown. I believed that I had to figure things out on my own, but I soon realized that this was not the case. I was introduced to a team and family that showed me the ropes of navigating college. Through their support, I transitioned from being a reserved student to a leader who embraces the Marinist mission of service, love, and peace. Their belief in me has pushed me to get more involved on my campus, as now I have become involved in the TRiO Student Support Services, where other first-generation students and I work together on helping each other find resources. Outside of college, my experience making tuck-in calls for Trinity Hospice lit a spark in me to serve. I got to help patients get the supplies they needed and converse with them. This spark ignited me to continue on my path of helping others and creating a better future for my community. That's why I joined my institution's NSF (National Science Foundation) program, where I would be doing research this summer on Mycoplasma pneumoniae (walking pneumonia) in hopes of finding ways to reduce pneumonia in my community. Furthermore, the friends and faculty I met through this program influenced me to participate in volunteering opportunities like VITA, where I became a tax preparer, helping my community become financially stable, and the San Antonio Food Bank, where I assisted in packing and sorting food. I believe a true leader is multidisciplinary. Through my liberal arts education, I believe I have developed a well-rounded mind open to solving complex issues and bridging others' perspectives in building a better community of mine. Originally, I wanted to pursue a BS in Biology, but as I grew and explored who I am as a person, I found myself falling in love with the humanities so much that I switched to a BA in Biology. This decision has made me the leader I am, as I have become a better communicator and respectful individual. As an upcoming Sophomore, I plan on taking my experiences to become a leader who advocates for other first-generation students and guides them. I stand here as a renewed person in continuing my journey as a student and carrying the Marinist mission in building a better world

As a first-generation student, college is a major milestone that carries both immense pressure and excitement. Like so many other first-generation students, I was faced with the unknown. In my first semester of college, I believed that I had to figure out everything on my own. So, if there is one critical piece of advice I would offer to other first-generation students, it would be to eagerly explore your campus resources. As a first-time college student, you are entering college without family to tell you the expectations or resources available. You have to experience what it means to be a college student on your own, so exploring would be the number one thing that I strongly believe every student should do when they step onto their campus. By pushing yourself to explore your campus, you can find programs and organizations that support your career as a first-gen student and guide you to reaching new heights. For me, taking this initiative was life-changing as I found a community that pushed me to continue my path as a STEM student when I was experiencing imposter syndrome. Through NSF LSAMP, I found a community of first-generation students who are like me, chasing a dream of working in the STEM field. Through this community, I found other opportunities like REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) and HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities) for scholarships. By exploring your resources, you open doors that you can't believe you'll find yourself in, and for me, this is the opportunity to do research with NSF LSAMP in finding ways to treat and reduce Mycoplasma pneumoniae (walking pneumonia). This is why I believe exploring your campus resources is the most important step that each first-generation student should take and share because many of us face financial barriers and a lack of networking, which makes college feel like a battle we can't win. These resources are vital in making or breaking our careers as students. These programs aim at bridging the gaps we as first-generation students face by giving us access to a platform to thrive professionally, financially, and academically. Additionally, campus exploration helps you build a community of students and faculty that becomes your support system throughout. Through my support system, I learned that my future does not have to be written in stone. Originally, I wanted to pursue a Bachelor's of Science in Biology, but as I grew and explored more campus resources, I found myself falling in love with the humanities, specifically the poster that said, "New course for those eager to bridge health and humanities: Medical Humanities". I was so mesmerized by this course that I decided to switch to a Bachelor's of Arts in Biology, a decision I believe that I will stay on throughout my years of education. Ultimately, as a first-generation student who is preparing to enter or has already been through their first year of college, I encourage you all to continue exploring all the resources your campus provides. Take the step to talk to professors and peers, as it can lead you to finding programs or organizations that reshape your life as a student moving forward. Don't just attend your college or university, explore it and let it guide you to become who you are meant to be.

Growing up in a single-parent household, I was always taught to be kind and spread love to everyone, no matter who they are. My community, specifically my school, IDEA Carver, has provided me with the opportunities and resources to develop as a person. This inspiration allowed me to chase my dreams; that is where I found myself volunteering with Trinity Hospice (2 years now!), an experience that has opened my eyes to continue on my path of helping others and be someone who can make changes, even if small, to my community. From the strength my community has given me, to the personal growth I obtained from my experiences, Trinity Hospice has been the melting point for my path (Primary Care Physician), leading me down a career in the medical field for a life of service. I aspire to bring the same level of dedication and empathy to my future, ensuring every individual feels seen, heard, and cared for. Ultimately, I am eager to create a better world and serve my community with the same kindness and love I gained from a young age.

Challenges can either break or build who you are as a person. After witnessing my mother battle for her life, it made me realize my respect for the medical field. This resulted in me focusing all my time on academics & outside activities to build my path to the medical field. My school, IDEA Carver, has offered me a special experience since I got here in 7th grade. I got to witness a new curriculum focused on pushing their students to be college ready whether it's paying for all our tests (AP, ACT, TSI, etc..) or having caring teachers stay after hours even though they are tired to teach us; this new environment has shaped the person I am today as I have been lifted by my community to challenge myself for a better future. However, outside of school, I volunteer for Trinity Hospice doing tuck-in calls, collecting messages, medications, or any needs of the patients and relaying them to their nurse so they stay on track of their health. This experience has helped me gain a deeper insight into the medical field and inspired me to go further for my dream of being in the medical field. Not only that, my mother was a Hospice care patient and this was challenging for me when I was young (around 5th grade), but I knew everything would be fine because she would be home getting better. Since then, I have been caring for her with medications, medical supplies, and checking daily for her vitals/blood pressure. This experience allowed me to get a more on hands experience in the medical field and an even stronger foundation to go to college and accomplish my dreams. Now, being a senior I have taken the step of shadowing a doctor sometime in October-November which would further help build my path to becoming one a day a doctor and helping others. Lastly, something that has made me so ambitious for my education has been my mom and brother, they pushed me day in and day out to strive for myself and take initiative for my future. Additionally, growing up in a single-parent low-income household and being the first in my family to go to college; has made me very determined to complete my mission. My mission is to break the cycle of poverty and become the first person in my family to go to college and one day become an aspiring physician.

Challenges can either break or build who you are as a person. After witnessing my mother battle for her life, it made me realize my respect for the medical field. This resulted in me focusing all my time on academics & outside activities to build my path to the medical field. My school, IDEA Carver, has offered me a special experience since I got here in 7th grade. I got to witness a new curriculum focused on pushing their students to be college ready whether it's paying for all our tests (AP, ACT, TSI, etc..) or having caring teachers stay after hours even though they are tired to teach us; this new environment has shaped the person I am today as I have been lifted by my community to challenge myself for a better future. However, outside of school, I volunteer for Trinity Hospice doing tuck-in calls, collecting messages, medications, or any needs of the patients and relaying them to their nurse so they stay on track of their health. This experience has helped me gain a deeper insight into the medical field and inspired me to go further for my dream of being in the medical field. Not only that, my mother was a Hospice care patient and this was challenging for me when I was young (around 5th grade), but I knew everything would be fine because she would be home getting better. Since then, I have been caring for her with medications, medical supplies, and checking daily for her vitals/blood pressure. This experience allowed me to get a more on hands experience in the medical field and an even stronger foundation to go to college and accomplish my dreams. Now, being a senior I have taken the step of shadowing a doctor sometime in October-November which would further help build my path to becoming one a day a doctor and helping others. Lastly, something that has made me so ambitious for my education has been my mom and brother, they pushed me day in and day out to strive for myself and take initiative for my future. Additionally, growing up in a single-parent low-income household and being the first in my family to go to college; has made me very determined to complete my mission. My mission is to break the cycle of poverty and become the first person in my family to go to college and one day become an aspiring physician.

In life, we all encounter trials that mold our characters and define our paths. My personal journey from a small city in New Mexico to the humongous state of Texas served as the melting point where my resilience was shaped. However, it was my mother's illness that truly tested my understanding of strength, resilience, and the nature of life itself. At the age of eleven I found myself spending countless hours in hospital clinging to hope as my mother fought for her life. This period became a turning point of my life teaching me unforgettable lessons in strength, empathy, and hardship. Reflecting back, the big move to Texas when I was seven marked a significant transition in my life. As It was a time of exploration and self discovery. Despite the challenges of adapting to the different environment and making of new friends, without being aware, laid the groundwork for my resilience that would sustain me through the challenges ahead. The turning point came with my mother's illness which pushed my family into a world of uncertainty and fear. The hospital became like a second home to me as I got to witness the relentless cycle of hope and despair that defined our days. Yet, among this unrest, I discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed in me, and it was the need to cope with tough times. As the years unfolded, the hospital became a classroom of life, teaching me important lessons about life and the strength of the human spirit clinging to life each day. Which brought me new insights into the complexities of the medical field, the life-saving procedures done, and the dedication of each and every healthcare professional to save lives including my mothers. Through it all, I emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep seated desire to make a positive impact on the world. In the face of challenge, I found my calling to lend a helping hand to those in need and to be a healer of hope in times of despair. As I look towards my future and the steps towards college, I carry with me the wisdom obtained through life's trials and tribulations which have built my strength and everlasting passion to make things better for those in a time of darkness. My journey may have been marked by challenges, but it was also illuminated by moments of great growth and transformation. And for that, I am forever grateful.