As a Hospitality Business Management major and International Business minor, I am very interested in the hospitality business and the connections it develops. I believe in the strength of resilience and determination, much like the poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley, which I had to read in one of my studies. This poetry reminds us that, despite our problems, we have the ability to make our own futures. For me, this is being the master of my destiny and captain of my journey in the hotel sector. My job goals concentrate around generating unforgettable experiences and building connections in the hospitality industry. Whether I'm directing operations at a resort or organizing banquets, I'm motivated by the desire to make a difference in people's lives. My internships, including my forthcoming one as a corporate intern with Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas, have provided me with essential skills and insights that have allowed me to limit my focus within the business. I thrive in the fast-paced environment of operations, where I can solve problems and guarantee that every guest has a memorable experience. Aside from my professional aspirations, I am inspired by the possibility to explore the world and immerse myself in various cultures. As a first-generation college student, internships have provided me with numerous opportunities to grow and learn. I am excited to share the fresh insights and abilities I have gained from each experience with those who might be traveling a similar path. My love for hospitality ultimately stems from my capacity to bring people happiness and a sense of connection. Whether it's running a hotel, investigating new business opportunities, or just trying to brighten someone's day, I'm dedicated to leveraging my knowledge and experiences to change the world. I will be able to develop my aspirations and make a contribution to the dynamic and constantly changing hospitality business with the help of the Sylvester Taylor "Invictus" Hospitality Scholarship.

Embarking on my college journey as a first-time Hispanic college-goer was a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. From the labyrinth of college applications to deciphering financial aid options, every step felt like a leap into the unknown. Being one of the few Latinx faces in a predominantly white institution stirred feelings of both excitement and apprehension. The initial days were fraught with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, making me question if I belonged. But deep within me, I carried the stories of my mother's resilience and sacrifices, reminding me of the purpose behind my pursuit of education. My mother, a resilient single parent and immigrant, is my ultimate source of inspiration. Her journey from an undocumented immigrant to a determined provider for our family left an indelible mark on my spirit. Witnessing her unwavering dedication and unwavering belief in the power of education instilled in me a sense of grit and determination. Despite facing countless hurdles, she never wavered in her pursuit of a better life for us. Her unwavering strength and resilience continue to guide me through the ups and downs of my educational journey. The path to higher education has been strewn with obstacles, each one a testament to resilience and perseverance. Finding my footing in a PWI was a daunting task, but I sought solace in joining clubs and programs that offered a sense of community and belonging. It was during this time that I decided to take a leap of faith and join a Latin sorority. This decision not only provided me with a supportive network of like-minded individuals but also ignited a passion within me to advocate for underrepresented voices. Jose Prado's unwavering dedication to education serves as a guiding light in my journey. As a first-generation, low-income Latinx student, I understand the barriers that hinder access to higher education. The weight of financial burden often feels insurmountable, but the promise of scholarships like the one I aspire to establish offers hope to future generations. Inspired by Jose Prado's legacy, I am committed to paying it forward and supporting others in their quest for knowledge and opportunity. If given the opportunity to establish a scholarship, my focus would be on providing comprehensive support and mentorship to first-generation and low-income students. Beyond financial assistance, mentorship plays a pivotal role in guiding and empowering students on their educational journeys. Through this scholarship, I envision creating a nurturing community that fosters academic excellence and empowers students to realize their full potential.Education is the cornerstone of opportunity and progress. It has the power to transform lives and uplift communities. By investing in education, we invest in the future, paving the way for a more equitable and just society. My unwavering belief in the transformative power of education drives my passion for supporting others on their educational journeys.

As a first-generation student, I have had to search for opportunities, explore my interests, and choose a career where I could express myself and feel comfortable in my abilities. The further I explored my interests, I realized the hospitality industry was a perfect fit for me. I knew that having a career in the hospitality industry would allow me to meet new people, create connections, and create an unforgettable experience for others. I found the passion I had for hospitality when I was determining my technical area for high school. My high school had many different areas I could choose from, but I feared choosing the wrong one and that I would be the only minority in my area. However, once I met my hospitality teacher during the exploration of the technical area, my heart immediately knew where I belonged. My high school hospitality teacher had over 15 years of experience in the industry and had many connections that she would introduce to her students. She quickly became someone I admired and looked up to. She was hard-working, detail-oriented, and made every experience in her classroom unforgettable. Not only were the classroom experiences unforgettable, but she gave us a taste of the hospitality industry. We visited country clubs, casinos, planned events, and worked an event at a golf course. If she was able to be a successful female leader in the hospitality industry, which is dominated by males, I knew I could do it too. While I have been learning about the hospitality business industry since my freshman year in high school, I am still unsure what sector I would like to take my career to. So far, I have explored the restaurant industry where I have worked for Chick Fil A as a team leader and at Panera Bread as an associate. From working in the restaurant industry, I learned that I enjoyed constantly being on my feet, delighting the guests, and meeting different people. This summer I will be exploring the rooms division sector of the hotel industry at the Chesapeake Bay. This new opportunity will allow me to explore more of the hospitality industry, gain experience, and narrow down what I would like to do for my career. My aspirations with my major is to search for internships throughout my four years of college and hopefully have explored the different sectors in the hospitality business industry. By the end of my junior year, I hope to have found a job in the industry where I can work once I graduate. From there, I hope to climb the ladder and be a female leader in the industry while providing wonderful experiences for all guests!