Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, my journey towards education in the U.S. has been filled with unique challenges. At a young age, I was separated from my parents when they made the difficult decision to pursue a better life in the U.S., leaving me with my grandma until I turned 14. This early separation from my parents and subsequent reunion with them after several years set the stage for a life filled with perseverance and adaptability.Back in Oaxaca, Mexico, where I grew up, we spoke Triqui, a unique language only a few people know about. I never got to go to school in Mexico, so I missed out on all the stuff kids learn early on, like reading and writing. Then, when I came to the U.S., everything was super confusing. It felt like I was dropped into the middle of a movie without seeing the beginning. Instead of giving up, I dove into learning English head-on. I joined classes, talked with friends, and read many books. It was hard, like trying to solve a massive jigsaw puzzle. But every time I learned a new word or understood a joke, it felt like a mini-win. When I was in high school, my teachers always told me, "You can go to college!" But when I tried, being an AB540 student threw a bunch of curveballs my way. Tuition costs were sky-high because of my status, and it felt like the goalposts had moved. I had to drop out of college in 2012 and started working in the grape fields in Bakersfield, California. But then 2017, things began to look up when I got DACA. With new hope, I went back to school and I graduated from Bakersfield College in May 2022. Now, I'm at Pepperdine University, dreaming big, working on my business degree, and thinking about an MBA in the future.Growing up, I always heard stories about how hard my family worked. As the first in my family to go to college, I feel like I’m carrying all their hopes with me. Being a migrant student has given me a different view on life. It has made me stronger, seeing all the things my family went through just so I could have a better shot at my dreams. I chose to study business at Pepperdine University because I think it's a way I can make a big difference in the world. Business is everywhere and has the power to change things for the better. I want to be part of that change, making businesses do good things for people and our planet.I want to do big things in the business world, not just for me but for my family and everyone who believes in me. I’m not just chasing a job; I want to make a real difference.Navigating college as a DACA migrant student feels like walking through a maze with extra walls. But, my family's journey and sacrifices, the same story shared by many in my community, kept me pushing forward.Post-secondary education is a path to achieving this. By studying business at Pepperdine University, I'm aiming to get the skills and knowledge to bring my dreams to life. And it's not just about me. Being the first in my family to go this route, college isn't just personal; it's symbolic. It's about proving that, despite the barriers, dreams are achievable. I want to be a role model for my community, showing younger kids that, even amidst challenges, college is possible and worth it. I hope my journey inspires others, just as the strength and resilience of my community has inspired me.

Think about being a 7-year-old in Oaxaca, Mexico, daydreaming about life in America's big cities. That was me. When my parents went to chase those big dreams by crossing the border illegally, I stayed with grandma. Instead of going to school and hanging with friends, I was out in the fields of Oaxaca, picking tomatoes and jalapeños for a living. It wasn't like other kids' lives, but those fields taught me a lot. I learned that you can hope for better days if you keep dreaming and working hard. As a DACA student, being the first in my family to step into an American school, every day was both a challenge and a revelation. Every lesson was a testament to what was possible, and every grade reflected my hard work. But the road to my dreams took a lot of work. In 2010, when I felt like I was getting closer to them, financial constraints forced me to drop out of college. I found myself back in the fields, picking grapes under the scorching sun, trying to save up for school. The dream of an education seemed distant, almost impossible, as I lived paycheck to paycheck. However, 2017 brought a turning point. Becoming a DACA recipient threw open doors that I thought were forever shut. I saw a renewed opportunity to go back to school, to chase those dreams that had once seemed so far away. Through it all, my beliefs only grew stronger. My relationships, whether with family or friends, became my backbone. These experiences, filled with challenges, have shaped my ambitions. I want to ensure that kids like me, who have faced their share of life's hurdles, get the education they deserve. Whether that's through initiating support programs or advocating for policy changes, I am committed. I've experienced firsthand the challenges of socioeconomic adversity. But more than that, I've felt the power of resilience, determination, and second chances. I'm living proof that it's never too late to dream, and with the right support, those dreams can indeed become a reality. As a DACA student, I am constantly reminded of the barriers that individuals like myself face due to socioeconomic adversity. However, I firmly believe that education and community involvement are powerful tools to break through these barriers. In my community, I have been actively volunteering at Habit for Community, which aims to provide affordable housing for low-income families. Through this organization, I have witnessed firsthand the transformational impact it can have on families and the community. By dedicating my time and energy to this cause, I hope to contribute to the alleviation of socioeconomic struggles that many families face. Furthermore, I have had the opportunity to be a part of a migrant program that offers educational support to children from migrant families. This experience has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of these families' challenges, strengthening my commitment to advocating for their rights and providing them with equal opportunities. Experiencing socioeconomic adversity has shaped my beliefs and solidified my determination to bring about positive change. It has taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and community support. My relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds have given me a broader perspective and a drive to fight for social justice and equality. Looking toward the future, my plans involve pursuing higher education at Pepperdine University which will empower me to advocate for marginalized communities and address socioeconomic disparities. I aspire to become a social worker, working directly with individuals and families in need and engaging in broader policy advocacy to bring about systemic change.

Growing up in Oaxaca, Mexico, things changed quickly for me. When I was only 7, my parents decided to go to the USA illegally, hoping for a brighter future. They couldn't take me with them, so I lived with my grandma for a decade. While other kids my age were in school and playing with friends, I was out in the fields, picking tomatoes and jalapenos. Every tomato I picked, every long day in the sun, was all with the hope of saving enough money to someday join my parents in the USA. Those times were hard, but they taught me the value of perseverance and to never lose hope. When I arrived in Bakersfield, California in 2000, I had to work in the fields picking grapes to help my family out. My dad would often tell me, "I don't want you to work like this forever." He hoped I'd go to college and be the first in our family with a degree. In high school, my teachers said I could be whatever I wanted. But I found out that because as an undocumented student, I couldn't get the financial help to pay for my tuition. In 2010, I made the difficult decision to drop out of college. The inability to afford tuition was disheartening, and witnessing my high school peers graduate heightened my sense of displacement. I was set on not giving up. So, I went back to work in the fields with my parents, helping pick grapes, watermelons, and oranges to save money for college. It would've been super hard if not for DACA. In 2016, I got into the DACA program, and that helped me chase my dream of being the first in my family to get a college degree. I made it and graduated on May 12, 2023, even though I had to miss two semesters because of surgeries after some tough times with covid-19. Being a DACA student comes with a unique set of challenges and obstacles. While many students navigate the typical stresses of university life, DACA students like myself grapple with added layers of uncertainty and adversity. The constant worry about the future of the DACA program can be an emotional burden, making it tough to focus solely on academic pursuits. Moreover, we often face financial hardships, as we're ineligible for many types of federal aid. This means working multiple jobs or seeking alternative funding methods, which can be time-consuming and detract from our studies. Education means more to me than just a personal goal; it's a force for change, a vehicle driving both my own dreams and those who see me as a role model. As a DACA student and the first in my family to navigate the American education system, every part of my academic journey carries dreams beyond classrooms and textbooks. Education holds a dual significance for me: it's a stepping stone toward my promising future, and it's a chance to pave the way for others who, like me, grapple with cultural differences and financial challenges. Yet, obstacles are part of the journey as I reach for my aspirations. Balancing finances alongside the uncertainties that come with DACA status can sometimes cast shadows on my dreams. My determination to thrive, to shatter barriers, and to redefine what success means is unyielding. This isn't just about fulfilling my own ambitions; it's about sending a message to every first-generation student that with determination, support, and opportunity, the sky is just a starting point, not a limit.

My story starts in Oaxaca, Mexico. Think about being six years old and saying bye to your parents, with only your grandma by your side. It was tough, but we all hoped for something better in the future. Just two years later, at the age of 8, life took another twist. I moved to Sinaloa, Mexico. Instead of school bags and toys, my hands held tomatoes, cucumbers, and grapes as I worked under the sun. It was tough, but the dream of seeing my parents again in a land of opportunities kept the fire of passion alive in me. When I was 14, a dream came true. After facing many challenges, I finally crossed the USA illegally and reunited with my parents in Bakersfield, California. Starting high school in Arvin, CA, felt like a new beginning. I'll never forget a teacher who believed in me, telling me I could reach as high as I wanted. But after high school, reality struck. Because of my citizenship status, I couldn't apply for financial aid. This made college seem out of reach. Instead of giving up, I remembered the strength I had inside. In 2010 I dropped out of college and returned to working hard in the fields. Picking watermelon, grapes, and oranges became my way to save up for my college dreams. After dropping out of college, an overwhelming wave of sadness washed over me. It felt as if the dream of being the first in my family to earn a degree had slipped through my fingers. The weight of disappointment was crushing, not just for myself but for feeling like I had let my parents and community down. Seeing my high school classmates celebrate their college graduations added to the pain. But there was a stark difference between us; they could apply for financial aid, whereas my citizenship status left me ineligible. This meant I had no choice but to return to the fields, working tirelessly to fund my education and keep the dream alive. For me, the year 2017 was a turning point. Being granted DACA not only opened possibilities, but it also represented the aspirations, goals, and resolve of all undocumented students. This was more than just paperwork; it was a symbol of our community's persistence. With my fresh chance to go back to school, my motivation moved beyond simple self-interest. I wanted to be more than simply a student; I wanted to be a symbol of hope for people who were just like me, showing them that no obstacle was impossible. Pepperdine University became the next chapter in 2023. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, I was fueled by a dream. A dream born in Oaxaca, nurtured in Sinaloa and realized in California. My journey, while unique, isn't just mine. It's a story of countless others, and I aim to be their role model. Life didn't stop challenging me, though, during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, my health took a downturn, leading to two surgeries. But adversity has a way of showing what we're made of. As I recovered, my sense of community pulled me forward. I volunteered at our local food bank, helping families affected by the pandemic. In June 2023, my community spirit found me at Restore for Habitat for Community. This scholarship reflects my basic values of community, ambition, and enthusiasm. There is more to my path than simply me. It's about encouraging big dreams in all Californian children. With this help, I hope to serve as a bridge for others, ensuring that every ambition is realized and transforming every obstacle into an opportunity.

Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that affect millions of people worldwide. Reducing the risk and impacts of floods is a challenging task due to the complex nature of floods and the increasing vulnerability of communities. The following are some of the challenges that need to be addressed to reduce the risk and impacts of floods on people and communities today: 1. Climate Change: With the increase in global temperatures, there has been a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods. Climate change has made it difficult to predict when and where floods will occur, making it challenging to prepare and respond adequately. 2. Urbanization: The rapid growth of urban areas has led to the destruction of natural floodplains and wetlands, which are critical in reducing the risk of floods. Urbanization also results in the construction of impervious surfaces such as concrete and asphalt, which increase the speed and volume of water runoff during floods. 3. Lack of early warning systems: Many communities lack adequate early warning systems that can provide timely and accurate information about impending floods. This makes it difficult for people to prepare and evacuate in time, leading to significant impacts on lives and property. 4. Poor land use management: Poor land use management practices such as deforestation, mining, and uncontrolled farming practices can increase soil erosion and sedimentation in rivers and streams, leading to increased flood risks. To contribute to addressing flood issues in the future, individuals, governments, and organizations can take the following steps: 1. Promote sustainable land use practices: Governments and organizations can promote sustainable land use practices that protect natural floodplains and wetlands, reduce soil erosion, and promote the infiltration of water into the ground. 2. Develop and implement early warning systems: Governments can invest in the development and implementation of early warning systems that can provide timely and accurate information about impending floods, allowing people to prepare and evacuate in time. 3. Build resilient infrastructure: Governments and organizations can invest in the construction of resilient infrastructure such as dams, levees, and flood walls that can reduce the impact of floods. 4. Educate communities: Individuals and organizations can educate communities about flood risks, mitigation measures, and the importance of early warning systems. In conclusion, reducing the risk and impacts of floods is a complex and challenging task that requires collective effort from governments, organizations, and individuals. By promoting sustainable land use practices, developing and implementing early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure, and educating communities, we can make a significant difference in addressing flood issues in the future.

One of the biggest challenges for DACA students is the financial burden of college tuition. As we are not eligible for federal financial aid, we have to rely on private scholarships, grants, and loans to pay for our education. This can be especially difficult for first-generation college students, like myself, who may not have the same level of financial support from family. To overcome this challenge, I have worked in the field in the Kern County picking up table grapes, carrots, oranges and lettuce to earn money to pay for my tuition. This has not only helped me financially, but it has also taught me the value of hard work and determination. I have learned to balance my work and school responsibilities, and to prioritize my education. DACA students faces to uncertainty of our legal status. We may not know if we will be able to renew our DACA status or if we will be able to work legally after graduation. Despite this uncertainty, I remain committed to my academic goals and believe that education is the key to a better future. In fact, I dropped out of college in 2010 due to lack of financial aid but I return to college in 2020 to pursue this dream to become the first person in my family to graduate with a degree. It has been difficult for me to pursue higher education as a first-generation and DACA student. I've encountered several challenges, including financial hardships, language barriers, and a lack of direction. Despite these obstacles, I have persisted in my resolve to succeed and take full advantage of the possibilities that are presented to me. I felt that my high school teacher had misled me about how to achieve in life and in college when I dropped out of college in 2010. I was not informed that you had to be a US citizen in order to be eligible for financial aid. Although I tried my best, the out-of-state tuition was too expensive. Then as a DACA I finally graduated college in 2022 with a 3.55 GPA. This scholarship represents a significant step towards achieving my goals. With the financial support it provides, I will have the resources I need to pay for tuition, textbooks, and other expenses associated with attending college. This will alleviate the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus on my studies without worrying about how to pay for them. Moreover, this scholarship will enable me to pursue my academic and career aspirations. I want to major in business management and eventually work in the financial industry. However, pursuing this career path requires a significant investment of time and money. With this scholarship, I will have the financial support I need to pursue my degree and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in my chosen field. As a first-generation and DACA student, I also lack the guidance and support that many other students take for granted. However, this scholarship will provide me with access to mentors and advisors who can help me navigate the challenges of college and provide me with the support I need to succeed. This support will be invaluable as I work towards achieving my academic and career goals. This scholarship represents a critical opportunity for me as a first-generation and DACA student. It will provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my academic and career aspirations and access to the guidance and support necessary to succeed. I am grateful for this opportunity and committed to making the most of it.