Entering high school, I was unsure about my academic future and the path I wanted to take. I had always been an average first-generation student, sometimes struggling to stay motivated. However, that all changed when I joined the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. This experience transformed my approach to learning, instilled a strong sense of discipline, and significantly shaped my academic journey and personal growth. From the beginning, AVID differed from any other class I had taken. The emphasis on developing strong study habits, such as maintaining organized binders and taking notes, helped me become more disciplined and systematic in my approach to schoolwork. One of the most impactful aspects of AVID was the sense of community it created. The collaborative environment encouraged us to support each other, celebrate our successes, and learn from our mistakes. I met some of my greatest friends in Avid, who have supported me. The frequent group discussions and tutorial sessions helped me understand the importance of teamwork and effective communication. This sense of belonging and mutual encouragement made me feel more confident in my abilities and more determined to succeed. A pivotal moment in my AVID journey came during my sophomore year when we were required to research a career of our choice. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the idea of such a comprehensive project. However, with the guidance of my AVID teacher, Mr.Turner, and the support of my peers, I took on the challenge. This experience taught me how to break down a large task into manageable steps, research, and present confidently. It also ignited my interest in dental hygiene, a career I had never considered before but quickly became passionate about. AVID also played a crucial role in preparing me for college. I vividly remember the excitement and nervousness of visiting my first college campus, WSU and realizing that higher education was within my reach. AVID helped concur the idea and made the dream of attending college a tangible goal. Beyond academics, AVID helped me develop essential life skills such as time management, resilience, and self-advocacy. Balancing rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, and part-time work was challenging. Still, the strategies I learned in AVID allowed me to manage my time effectively and stay focused on my goals. When faced with setbacks, whether it was a disappointing test score or a personal challenge, I learned to persevere and seek help when needed. AVID taught me that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that success is often a collaborative effort. Reflecting on my high school journey, I am grateful for AVID's profound impact on my life. It transformed me from a hesitant, uncertain student into a confident, college-ready individual with a clear sense of direction. The skills, habits, and mindset I developed through AVID will continue serving me well in college and beyond. I am excited about the opportunity to further my education and pursue a career in dental hygiene. I am confident that the foundation I built through AVID has prepared me to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to my community. The program equipped me with academic tools and instilled in me a passion for learning and a determination to achieve my goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to bringing the skills and experiences I gained through AVID to your esteemed institution and continuing my journey of personal and academic growth. Sincerely, Cindy saldana

Entering high school, I was unsure about my academic future and the path I wanted to take. I had always been an average first-generation student, sometimes struggling to stay motivated. However, that changed when I joined the (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. This experience transformed my approach to learning, instilled a strong sense of discipline, and significantly shaped my academic journey and personal growth. From the beginning, AVID differed from any other class I had taken. The program's structure, organization, critical thinking, and college readiness were designed to support students like me who had potential but needed guidance to reach it. The emphasis on developing strong study habits, such as maintaining organized binders and taking notes, helped me become more disciplined and systematic in my approach to schoolwork. One of the most impactful aspects of AVID was the sense of community it created. The collaborative environment encouraged us to support each other, celebrate our successes, and learn from our mistakes. I met some of my greatest friends in Avid, who have supported me. The frequent group discussions and tutorial sessions helped me understand the importance of teamwork and effective communication. This sense of belonging and mutual encouragement made me feel more confident in my abilities and more determined to succeed. A pivotal moment in my AVID journey came during my sophomore year when we were required to research a career of our choice. Initially, I was overwhelmed by the idea of such a comprehensive project. However, with the guidance of my AVID teacher, Mr.Turner, and the support of my peers, I took on the challenge. This experience taught me to break down an enormous task into manageable steps, research, and present confidently. It also ignited my interest in dental hygiene, a career I had never considered before but quickly became passionate about. I am excited about the opportunity to further my education and pursue a career in dental hygiene. I am confident that the foundation I built through AVID has prepared me to excel in college and make meaningful contributions to my community. The program equipped me with academic tools and instilled in me a passion for learning and a determination to achieve my goals. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to bringing the skills and experiences I gained through AVID to your esteemed institution and continuing my personal and academic growth journey. Sincerely, Cindy saldana