Writing got me through being forced to live in my father’s toxic home. This creative outlet helped me maintain mental, social, and academic focus while faced with the humiliation of being denied menstrual products, the heartbreak of being called sexist slurs, the pain of having my thighs grabbed and ridiculed, and the trauma of seeing my little brother get strangled. While a broken and corrupt court system, police system, and social services system tried to silence my voice and experiences; I will not let that be my destiny. Knowing how it feels to have my truth marginalized and lied about, I am pursuing a major in Journalism. At New York University I will hone my skills in order to give way for truths to be heard through journalism. Through writing, I will work to lift up stories and prevent them from being covered up by false narratives. Writing was originally a coping mechanism I used to deal with the trauma I was facing in my home, but it developed into my lifelong passion. Writing allows me to not only articulate and examine my inner thoughts but also reach, resonate with, and impact other people far beyond myself. It's through the act of writing that I've found liberation, where the weight of my experiences transforms into fuel for creativity, propelling me forward on a journey of self-discovery and growth. In sharing my words with others, I've discovered a sense of belonging and purpose, realizing the transformative power of storytelling to heal both myself and those who connect with my work. At New York University I plan to also double major in International Relations– my goal being to become a traveling journalist. I've always been drawn to the greater world around me. Since my freshman year of high school, I've been dreaming, planning, working, and saving to travel the world someday and experience everything this life has to offer. As a travel journalist, I will use the art of journalism to help others feel seen, nationally and internationally. I hope to use my experiences to be a voice for people unable to speak up for themselves, as I once was, and effect positive change. My motivation to make a positive impact comes from my lived experience, but the combination of my experiences and the imminent knowledge I will gain at New York University is what will allow me to make that difference.

Writing got me through being forced to live in my father’s toxic home. This creative outlet helped me maintain mental, social, and academic focus while faced with the humiliation of being denied menstrual products, the heartbreak of being called sexist slurs, the pain of having my thighs grabbed and ridiculed, and the trauma of seeing my little brother get strangled. While a broken and corrupt court system, police system, and social services system tried to silence my voice and experiences; I will not let that be my destiny. Knowing how it feels to have my truth marginalized and lied about, I am pursuing a major in Journalism. At New York University I will hone my skills in order to give way for truths to be heard through journalism. Through writing, I will work to lift up stories and prevent them from being covered up by false narratives. Writing was originally a coping mechanism I used to deal with the trauma I was facing in my home, but it developed into my lifelong passion. Writing allows me to not only articulate and examine my inner thoughts but also reach, resonate with, and impact other people far beyond myself. It's through the act of writing that I've found liberation, where the weight of my experiences transforms into fuel for creativity, propelling me forward on a journey of self-discovery and growth. In sharing my words with others, I've discovered a sense of belonging and purpose, realizing the transformative power of storytelling to heal both myself and those who connect with my work. At New York University I plan to also double major in International Relations– my goal being to become a traveling journalist. I've always been drawn to the greater world around me. Since my freshman year of high school, I've been dreaming, planning, working, and saving to travel the world someday and experience everything this life has to offer. As a travel journalist, I will use the art of journalism to help others feel seen, nationally and internationally. I hope to use my experiences to be a voice for people unable to speak up for themselves, as I once was, and effect positive change. My motivation to make a positive impact comes from my lived experience, but the combination of my experiences and the imminent knowledge I will gain at New York University is what will allow me to make that difference.