The path that lead me to the desire to pursue a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis was not a direct one, yet this was the road I was meant to take in order to learn where my strengths and passions lie. Interestingly and, in retrospect, I always knew what I was passionate about, even in my high school years. Being a natural-born empath, I chose volunteer experiences where I could direct my services toward helping those who struggled with physical and/or mental challenges. For four summers in a row, I chose to volunteer every Saturday at a non-profit organization called “La Ventana de Los Cielos” (which means the Window to the Heavens), which provides a sanctuary for children and adults with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, including those who are on the autism spectrum. Located on a beautiful ranch, this organization incorporates numerous kinds of therapies, including equestrian, aquatic, music/art, dance, and talk therapy into their program. Volunteering at this place, surrounded by these individuals every Saturday, became the most joyous part of my day. These individuals taught me valuable life lessons that I still carry with me to this day. I learned that despite the struggles and limitations that we may face, whether they are in our control or not, we should never lose faith and continue to help ourselves and each other. One particular experience stands out in my memory, as I remember vividly that one of the individuals regularly assigned to me at La Ventana de Los Cielos was unusually distressed. The individual was non-verbal, therefore no one around me could figure out what was wrong. He began to pull on my hair and sob, and I pleaded with those in charge that something must seriously be ailing him. He was taken to the doctor where he was found to have strep throat. This experience, and many others, have taught me to be sensitive to and aware of non-verbal communication. As I began to learn more about the relatively new field of applied behavior analysis, I became very fascinated. Knowing that the principles of positive behavior support could be used to radically change an individual’s life for the better made me very hopeful. Ever since I began college, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, so I began saving because I knew I wanted to be financially independent. My entire undergraduate degree was funded by scholarships and grants, but I knew that I would likely have no financial help to pay for a master’s degree. Because of this, for my first two semesters at graduate school, I worked a 30-hour work week while being a full-time student, still managing to maintain a 4.0 GPA. If I am awarded this scholarship, it will alleviate a huge financial burden. Working as a behavior technician and now as a student analyst at Positive Behavior Supports (PBS), I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the behavioral progress of all of my clients in the home, school, and community settings along with the changes it brings in the entire family unit. Although witnessing the trials these individuals and their families go through is never easy, it has taught me that there is value to human suffering as it strengthens our capacity to love and help each other. The experiences I have been through during my time as a volunteer and as a behavior therapist has helped me to cultivate both my interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills, increase my empathy, deepen my emotional intelligence, and fill me with a profound desire to dedicate myself to a community who is worthy of dignity and the opportunity to reach their highest potential. What I have come to recognize is that we are all born with or develop some kind of dysfunction, which could hinder us in life if we allow it to. It does not always have to present itself as a named physical or mental disorder; it can be growing up in a broken home or experiencing a death of a parent. All of our experiences affect us in some manner, but what marks the difference is the way we respond to these situations. I, too, have been shaped by the circumstances of my life, and have had to overcome my own personal challenges. This knowledge helps me to relate to the population that I wish to serve. I vow to maintain this humility throughout my career so that I can strive to perform to the best of my ability, never growing weary of helping individuals make changes in behavior that will allow them to lead more fulfilling, independent, and productive lives.