Looking back on my childhood, I realize it wasn’t as bad as it could have been compared to others, though it had its challenges. I often had to take hand-me-downs from my older brother—worn-out socks, underwear, and even his used notebooks. However, there were some benefits. By second grade, I already had a solid understanding of long division thanks to his old materials. My family had little choice but to make do with what we had. One of the most difficult aspects, however, was accepting food from the food bank. It was embarrassing, but we needed to save money wherever we could. The hardest part for me, though, was the stereotype that "poor families always fight." I wished it weren’t true in my case, but sadly, it was. Today, I try to give back to the community that once supported my family. Volunteering at the food bank is one way I help others, just as the food bank helped us when we needed it. Another challenge my community faced was the lack of public services, such as well-maintained roads and parks. The difference between my neighborhood and wealthier areas was especially stark in this regard. This gap pushed me toward my current path. Over the summer, I joined a program called Genesys Works, which helps underprivileged high school seniors enter the corporate world. That opportunity led me to an internship at an engineering consulting firm, bringing me closer to my goal of becoming a civil engineer. Ultimately, my dream is to reach a position where I can advocate for those who can't speak for themselves, just as I wasn’t able to when I was younger. I want to help underserved communities and give them access to the same opportunities and services that others take for granted. By pursuing civil engineering, I hope to work on infrastructure projects that directly benefit people in need, making a tangible difference in their lives. As I walk down my street I watch cars having to slow to a halt to avoid their front bumper falling off due to a pothole, kids having to fashion swings out of tires in the park, rusted park equipment years past its prime still being used, and homeless people sleeping under bridges, parks, and benches. I want to help out my community in ways the people at the top wouldn't, one small step in that journey is college which is why I want to take that first step and this scholarship would help me achieve that goal.