To be loved is to be seen. Sometimes, our minds play tricks on us, wearing us down and imprisoning us. Yet, knowing we can choose our reaction to the cruelty around us is one of the greatest freedoms. I found comfort in a children’s book called “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse.” It whispered all the beautiful affirmations my inner child yearned to hear. “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said? Asked the Boy. ‘Help,’ said the horse. ‘Asking for help isn’t giving up,’ said the horse. It’s refusing to give up.” This dialogue mirrors my journey. Growing up in a Spanish-only household, I was thrust into adulthood prematurely, bridging two worlds for my parents, and my senior year of high school marked a pivotal moment. The dream of higher education loomed, yet financial constraints threatened to snuff it out. It was a period shrouded in darkness, where isolation and despair were my only companions. But in my vulnerability, I found strength. Opening up to friends and teachers about my adversity, I discovered a community ready to uplift me. They extended resources for college—scholarships, donors, and more. However, their verbal support illuminated my path, instilling in me a belief that others had faith in my potential. “What do you want to be when you grow up?" "Kind," said the Boy.” Life hasn’t always been kind to me, but I’ve learned to play a rough hand with grace. What once was my best friend told people I was gay before I was comfortable with it. Although it felt like a stab to the chest, I chose to be kind and separate her actions, realizing that they had nothing to do with me but were a reflection of her mind. I decided to forgive and not pollute the world more with cruelty. I am proud that in a moment where I could have retaliated with evil, I chose to be kind and live my life for the better. In our relentless pursuit of grand achievements, I urge everyone to find joy in the small victories. If I had the privilege of selecting one book for the world to read, it would be ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.’ This book is a beacon of unity in our shared struggles, illuminating the path to being a good person amid adversity.

One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my life is that after the storm, the flowers bloom. To become the person we desire, it’s critical to go through dark moments and become who we hope to be. Yet, we don’t have to face adversity alone; I have learned to become the person who takes their hand and guides them home when someone loses their way. As a volunteer at a crisis center, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of depression and other mental health struggles on individuals and their loved ones. I saw how people struggled to find their purpose in life, feeling lost and overwhelmed by adversity. But it was in the midst of this darkness that I found my purpose. I couldn't bear to see others suffering without doing something to help, and I felt called to take an active role in providing support and guidance to those in need. I became a crisis counselor dedicated to guiding individuals through their darkest moments and helping them find the light. Working alongside people in their most vulnerable moments was a powerful experience. I learned that everyone deserves compassion, empathy, and nonjudgmental support, no matter what they are going through. I developed my skills as a crisis counselor through active listening, open-heartedness, and a deep understanding of human emotions. I learned to hold space for others to express themselves fully, offering a safe and non-judgmental environment where they could explore their deepest feelings and heal. I became an expert in active listening and empathy, understanding the power of these skills in providing comfort and hope to those in need. I also became a firm believer in the transformative power of vulnerability. I learned that the path to healing sometimes involves facing our deepest fears and uncertainties, and I made it my mission to help others do just that. I provided a safe space for people to delve into their pain, finding the courage to face their demons and emerge stronger on the other side. Through this experience, I developed a deep respect for the human spirit and its incredible capacity for resilience. I learned that there is always hope, even in the face of the darkest moments, and that we all have the power to rise above our difficulties and find our true purpose. I can't speak on behalf of the individuals I helped, but I know that through our work together, we found the light. We found purpose and hope, and, most importantly, we found ourselves. I carry this spirit of empathy, kindness, and empowerment in all aspects of my life. I strive to be a light in the world, helping others see beyond their struggles and find their true potential. I believe that by serving others, we serve ourselves, and the world becomes a better place for everyone.

“Un día no voy a estar aquí y verás las cosas que sacrifiqué por ti.” Which translates to “One day I'm not going to be here and you will see the things I sacrificed for you.” These words resonate as I reflect throughout my life and see through open eyes the mountains my mother had to move for me to get an education. I am passionate about being a first-generation Mexican-American college graduate because it highlights the effort my family has taken paid off. Having spent my early childhood in Mexico, my parents dreamed of moving to the U.S. and allowing their children to get an American education. I remember staring at my parents with horror in my eyes when they delivered the news that we would be moving to a small town named Eagle Pass, Texas. It wasn’t until years later that I realized my parents had given me the greatest gift ever-academia and the power of choice. My father had to stay back in Mexico, but my mother and siblings moved when I was around seven years old. Although I was oblivious to my mothers’ burden and responsibility at the time, I can’t stop thinking about how life must have been for her here in the United States, filled with the unknown. To my Mexican family, education is the ability to advance in life and live a lifestyle we’ve never had. Yet, academics came at a hefty price, my mother moved here without anything. I can recall my mother taking me knocking from door to door asking if anyone could give me a ride to school because we didn’t have any money. Or when she was the last one to eat at our dinner table to ensure that we had enough food. Even though at the time I didn’t understand what my mother was going through, she’s my burning desire to expand my studies to a collegiate level and show her I am capable of breaking the generational curse of poverty. In my Senior year of high school, my mother and I engaged in a heated argument regarding my next move. I wanted to go to college but my parents couldn’t afford the tuition and expenses, we engaged in unpleasant words where we both hurt each other. At the time I resented the idea of taking a gap year but it bloomed into a flower because this last year I have been able to form a relationship with my mother. I have been on the brink of losing my mother once when she had cancer, and this last year I have gained the ability to see everything she has sacrificed to give me the power to make a choice. I know that my parents want the best and will try to assist me, but the responsibility to further my academics is something I have to carry now. Albeit being first-generation feels like starting at the back of a race, I am proud of my heritage that taught me to fight and showed me that no dream is big enough if your family is there for you. It’s given me a voice and a beautiful story that leads back to my roots. I desire to channel my parent's efforts into a cause as I walk down the path of academia by myself. I can envision myself a few years into the future as I receive my college diploma and proudly tell my mom “Mamá hoy nos graduamos los dos.” (Mom today we both graduate) because this wouldn’t have been possible without her.

I disagree with the dictionary definition of leadership. The definition is “the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.” However, this notion we conjure of leadership is false because leadership shines through service and what we provide for others. Serving others has always been a part of my culture, and growing up in a Mexican household, I've learned what it truly means to be a leader. My mother's selfless devotion to putting our needs before hers was the driving force behind my journey to leadership. I can recall my mother taking me door to door and asking if anyone could give me a ride to school because we didn’t have any money. Or when she was the last one to eat at our dinner table to ensure that we had enough food. Watching her sacrifice everything she had for us taught me that leading others means taking care of them. I have always strived to be like my mother and empower those around me, just as she has done for me. I can envision myself a couple of years into the future as I receive my college diploma, and I can tell my mom, “Hoy nos graduamos los dos” (today we both graduate) for all the sacrifices she's made for me. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of serving in various leadership positions that further enhanced my servant leadership skills. For example, in my Crisis Text Line job, I have had the privilege of helping many individuals through their most challenging moments. This job taught me that although we can place ourselves in other people’s shoes, it’s impossible to walk in them and feel what they feel since not all people have the same ability to overcome adversity. Although conversations are classified information, the Crisis Text Line has honed my humility and extended my ability to connect with others. By listening to others and allowing them to feel heard, I have developed my servant leadership skills and come to understand the depth of impact that those skills have on those around me. Whenever a friend is challenged with a problem, I am the first one they come to because, instead of offering solutions, I offer an ear and allow them to feel heard. Another experience that shaped my mentality was the game of tennis. During my grueling semifinal match under scorching Texas heat, I learned you are only as good as your teammate is. Tennis is a mental sport, and during this match, I saw my partner break down before my eyes. Instead of blaming him, I said that I was there for him and that we would push through together. Working with what we had, we ended up winning a four-hour match that seemed lost. All because I focused on him and what he needed at the moment. Serving others came with a meaningful gift: finding my style. A leader isn’t necessarily the one leading the path but rather the one behind it making sure everyone stays on track. I learned to fill my cup and pour it into those around me when necessary. My calling to be a leader isn't to be the one in power but to empower others. By leading with an open mind and following my heart. That means leading from within and standing by my truth. My vow is to lead with kindness and strive to inspire others and myself to be the next best version of ourselves.

In the future, I see myself as the ocean, calm and serene, providing a sense of tranquility and peace to those around me while also holding the greater strength of being kind to myself.

The stereotype of the youngest child is assumed to be carefree, a rule-breaker, charming, and so forth. Although this might be true, they don't highlight my lived experiences and how much of a blessing it has been in my life. Coming from a low-income family that narrowly affords to pay bills in the U.S., I have lived vicariously through my siblings' experiences and their lives, which has served as a shining light in the darkness to overcome challenges and not fall into temptations. By living through my sister's experiences, when she reached high school, I realized the errors she made and refused to fall in the same direction. She prioritized going out with friends rather than schooling. Fast forward years now, and she had to skip going to university because our parents couldn't afford the high expenses of college. At a young age, I realized this wasn't the path I wanted to take, and although life has presented struggles in my direction, they have granted me the knowledge to value opportunities and work. I learned how much of a setback it was when I enrolled in AP classes and tackled extracurricular activities like tennis and FFA. Others could afford tutors, private tennis lessons, and FFA workshops, but I had nothing. Nevertheless, I wouldn't let that stop me because if I didn't try there was no way of knowing if I was cut for the leadership positions I desired. Coming from humble beginnings, I cherish those memories of fighting to have a chance. I still remember when I moved into the U.S and walked around the streets knocking on neighbors' houses with my mom because I didn't have a ride to school. These memories paint my mind when school, life, or anything in my life feels too hard to continue. They serve as a stepping stone to see what I have gone through and help me push forward. As I continue my journey through life, I want to unleash my full potential and give back to those who have helped me along my journey and those in similar positions to me who don't have the financial privilege others have. Currently, I am volunteering at a Crisis Text Line center and supporting individuals in moments of need and racking up experience with individuals dealing with adversity. Although I am still undecided about my future career, I know it will be in healthcare. My "Why" in this world is to be the person I needed to be when I was younger. I strive to develop my story and share it with the world, showing kids in positions like mine that starting with a bad deal doesn't mean you can't turn it into a royal flush. When there is no struggle, there is no progress. By being the youngest in my family, I lived and saw what all my family members faced when it came to financial problems, and I learned to pick myself up and avoid making those mistakes. Even if the world doesn't revolve around money, it doesn't change the fact that it is needed to live. I want to break the poverty cycle in my family line by succeeding and furthering my education. Seeing how close family members' lives turned out when facing monetary problems gave me the upper hand to dodge those pitfalls. I strive to be a lighthouse for underprivileged children who feel the waters are too heavy to tread. By sharing my lived experiences in the future, I hope to empower those from rough backgrounds and demonstrate life can become better.

With the ultimate cost of living rising, I vividly remember the best choice 18-year-old me made. That is, I declined admission temporarily to my dream college because I didn't get the offer I wanted. As a first-generation student, my parent's biggest fear was my going away to study and failing to succeed, thus leading to seventeen tons of debt down my back. Yet, life had different plans for me; as I declined admission, I did further research like a hound dog on a fox trail. My counselor input my college information incorrectly, and FAFSA and my desired college severely under-awarded me. Although deciding to reject my dream school felt like walking on glass, it ended up playing a significant role in evading debt because of the wrongfully submitted information. I now have time to introduce the correct information and work on myself. I have been proactive all year long in working on getting certifications, volunteer jobs, and learning who I am as a person to minimize the loans I will have to take out in the future. Opportunities have been bountiful in my life. One that I found out recently was the perk of being the youngest in a broken family. I learned through the mistakes of my siblings. I can vividly remember my older brother, who refused to work and go out with his friends, or my sister, who also didn't prioritize schooling. I saw what their lives are at the moment and what they went through. That's why I know I have to persevere. By working hard in school and making the most challenging choice of my life, skipping college for a year, I have learned the value of education. Where there is no struggle, there is no progress. When presented with the challenge of taking out a large number of student loans, I made the intelligent choice to lay back a year to secure myself financially. As I work to get a medical billing and coding certification to work part-time when I leave for college, I have faith that it'll be worth it in the end. I firmly believe that after the storm is when the flowers bloom; as heavy as it was to see all my friends go to college before me, I know I can achieve greatness. It might be a different route, but it was wise, and future me will thank me for lying back to support myself financially.

Everyone seems to have a "why." A reason to tackle each morning and carry on the day with a smile. I haven't found my "why," and it has led me to tread waters too vast for me. Mental health has revolutionized my thoughts in seeking to understand rather than be understood. This year of life required me to make a sacrifice, that is, to take a gap year before entering college. My parents and I found it best to decline admissions to all the colleges I had been accepted to, fearing that I would fail and carry sixteen tons of debt on my back. However, this choice didn't feel like mine. It felt like theirs; I dreamt of going to college from a young age. Thus, I could feel my mental health decline at a rapid rate. Memories flooded to haunt me from my Senior year before I refused admission. I shut down, lost friendships, spoke less, and was in a bind with my family as rancor filled me. Until I put the puzzle together, there is no point in sulking and how much of a blessing it is to have time to find myself. Instead of focusing on the downsides, I have upped my mental toughness game to perceive the pluses. This year blessed me to explore careers of interest, work on self-growth intentionally, and find myself. Although the choices that prompted my life weren't extraordinary, I am willing to admit and take responsibility for my life. I have struggled to make my parents understand that my leaving for college isn't abandoning them but seeking better opportunities. This is where my stance on mental health revolutionized my mentality. Instead of trying to get my parents to understand, I put myself in their shoes. Growing up in a first-generation Hispanic household, there is a negative stigma around going too far in the world and that family comes first. After understanding my parent's position, my mental health has slowly progressed to feeling and helping myself. Throughout these couple of months, I have come to understand the meaning of mental health and have even found my "why." My "why" in this world isn't to be the one in power but to empower others. I have volunteered at a Crisis Text Line, which has opened my eyes to the lives of others and how important it is to choose kindness because you never know what someone is going through. By serving as a crisis text line counselor, I've counseled countless individuals by supporting them in moments of need. Afterward, texters submit a survey and leave their counselor a note on their behavior. I've received warm messages like, "Thank you. I needed someone to help me sort my thoughts out. Your job is revolutionary for those who don't have anywhere to go." By serving others, I have learned how important it is to take care of my mental health and help to the best of my ability. Overall, my perspective on mental health has changed over a couple of months, and it even gave me a calling. In my experience, it was beneficial to experience those low points and cracks in my life as I like who I am now with a new perspective on life. In my case, after the storm is when the flowers bloomed. By experiencing my lows, I leveled up and became a better version of myself.

An admirable quality I possess is leadership. Some say you are born with leadership, yet I have a different understanding of leaders. The dictionary defines "leader" as "the person who leads or commands a group or organization." However, this image we conjure of leadership is false. In my experience, leadership shines through service. Over the years, I have had the honor of serving as an FFA reporter, varsity tennis captain, and crisis text line counselor. These opportunities taught me the definition of a servant leader. To become a proficient leader, one must understand rather than be understood. For example, by serving as a crisis text line counselor, I've counseled countless individuals by supporting them in moments of need. Afterward, texters submit a survey and leave their counselor a note on their behavior. I've received warm messages like, "Thank you. I needed someone to help me sort my thoughts out. Your job is revolutionary for those who don't have anywhere to go." Being of service to others came with a meaningful gift: learning to fill myself. One never knows what another individual is going through at any given moment in their life. By counseling individuals, I gained insight into many people's darkest secrets and learned why it is vital to choose kindness. Being of service to others came with a meaningful gift: learning to fill myself. I've had a challenging upbringing, filled with health concerns like Atrial Septal Defect and familial differences. I would forget to place myself first until I realized one couldn't pour from an empty cup, so to help others, I had to fill myself. The game of life isn't only about receiving; easing others' anxieties is something to look forward to in the future. My "calling" to be a leader isn't to be the one in power but to empower others. I am a leader with an open mind that follows his heart. That means leading from within and standing by my truth. I wasn't born a leader or opinionated individual, but I adjusted to hold myself grounded through leadership. This quality is lifelong, and anyone can learn. Throughout my journey in life, leadership will help me to serve as a lamp post in the darkest roads to others and myself to continue seeing the future and keep walking forward. With leadership, I want to work hard to realize my full potential rather than settling for a tiny portion of my ability. I must make adjustments in my life right now; personal struggles accelerated my maturity and helped me understand that I am responsible for who I can become when steering the direction of my future.

Everyone seems to have a "why." A reason to tackle each morning and carry on the day with a smile. I haven't found my "why," and it has led me to tread waters too vast for me. Mental health has revolutionized my thoughts in seeking to understand rather than be understood. This year of life required me to make a sacrifice, that is, to take a gap year before entering college. My parents and I found it best to decline admissions to all the colleges I had been accepted to, fearing that I would fail and carry sixteen tons of debt on my back. However, this choice didn't feel like mine. It felt like theirs; I dreamt of going to college from a young age. Thus, I could feel my mental health decline at a rapid rate. Memories flooded to haunt me from my Senior year before I refused admission. I shut down, lost friendships, spoke less, and was in a bind with my family as rancor filled me. Until I put the puzzle together, there is no point in sulking and how much of a blessing it is to have time to find myself. Instead of focusing on the downsides, I have upped my mental toughness game to perceive the pluses. This year blessed me to explore careers of interest, work on self-growth intentionally, and find myself. Although the choices that prompted my life weren't extraordinary, I am willing to admit and take responsibility for my life. I have struggled to make my parents understand that my leaving for college isn't abandoning them but seeking better opportunities. This is where my stance on mental health revolutionized my mentality. Instead of trying to get my parents to understand, I put myself in their shoes. Growing up in a first-generation Hispanic household, there is a negative stigma around going too far in the world and that family comes first. After understanding my parent's position, my mental health has slowly progressed to feeling and helping myself. Throughout these couple of months, I have come to understand the meaning of mental health and have even found my "why." In this world, I'm not here to be the one in power but to empower others. I have volunteered at a Crisis Text Line, which has opened my eyes to the lives of others and how important it is to choose kindness because you never know what someone is going through. By serving as a crisis text line counselor, I've counseled countless individuals by supporting them in moments of need. Afterward, texters submit a survey and leave their counselor a note on their behavior. I've received warm messages like, "Thank you. I needed someone to help me sort my thoughts out. Your job is revolutionary for those who don't have anywhere to go." By serving others, I have learned how important it is to take care of my mental health and help to the best of my ability. Overall, my perspective on mental health has changed over a couple of months, and it even gave me a calling. In my experience, it was beneficial to experience those low points and cracks in my life as I like who I am now with a new perspective on life. In my case, after the storm is when the flowers bloomed. By experiencing my lows, I leveled up and became a better version of myself.

Is it possible for an animal to be considered a parental figure for a child? Yes, it is. Growing up in an economically and emotionally disadvantaged home, I have had trouble expressing myself due to trauma and fear of consequences. Thankfully, I had my "other mother," my Anatolian dog, Mai. When I feared that my parents wouldn't understand a incorrect decision I had made, my dog was a shoulder to cry on and helped me get through tough times. I am fond of and have a close bond with animals is that they are without judgment. Regardless of what you do, they will continue to love you. Moving to the United States was challenging since I couldn't bring Mai to live in an apartment due to Mai's size. Although I miss her every day, I know she's happy in an open space where she can run about and chase birds. My younger self tried to help her in whatever way she could, just like she did for me. Because my father couldn't always afford to feed her, I'd split my supper with her even if it meant going hungry. I'd like to apologize for the difficulties I put her through; while she could have been better cared for by another family, I couldn't have made it without her. I am passionate about animal advocacy because in my life my dog was the one who got me throughout tough times. Animals are significant to our culture and family; the majority of American households have at least one pet. Through friendship, stress relief, and increased physical activity, pets may enhance our lives and even improve our health. I know in my case Mai was the reason to keep fighting and look for a solution to never ending problems. Thus, I am passionate about animal advocacy because of the unconditional love animals can have for us. Mai has solidified my passion for animals and helped me choose my major. I couldn't have made it without her. I might not be your typical agricultural boy, but I want to major in animal science and honor the name of my dog. I will advocate for animals and children in similar situations like mine, whose pets are their only escape from home. I strive to give my dog Mai the life she deserves because of all the nurturing she gave me when no one else would.

For most of my life I have been known as a pushover. I had no problem agreeing with others to avoid conflict, after all I used to derive my happiness from others. Moving to the U.S was a complex ordeal for me, I was still young and didn’t have my values prioritized. Even if I lived two hours away from my casita in Mexico it hurt greatly when I grew up different from my parents. I never had the closeness my siblings had with my parents, I was starved to find that bond with them but I grew up in a different environment, a different culture, and it hurt so much that I didn’t enjoy the hobbies my parents had. Alas, I had an epiphany when I visited my grandma back in Mexico for her 89th birthday. Meanwhile most of my family was outside drinking and having fun. I decided to spend the day with her and she told me words that hurt so much but shaped me into who I am to this day. She said “Eduardo, nunca dejes que otros te usen, tu tienes que ser cabron. Aunque tengas tu lado sensible no se lo muestres a nadie que te puede dañar.” This can be understood as don’t let others use you, you have to be tough even if you are sensible don’t show it to those who can harm you. I have applied these words to most of my life now, it has helped me preserve and come out unscathed in tough situations. I realized that there have been scenarios in my life that could have scarred me emotionally. I am in control of my own life now, I am not a rebel that seeks wrong but I won’t let my parents decide what’s best for me anymore. For example, it has been a fervent dream of mine to attend a 4-year university but I have been roadblocked by financial constraints. My Senior year of high school I was accepted into Texas A&M University, the college of my dream, but my parents planted doubt in my mind. They told me things like “why do you want to leave us, the college here is fine, and the final thing that broke my heart, if you wanted to leave you should’ve tried harder in school.” I gave it my all, those four years of high school I took so it broke me that my mom didn’t think I tried hard enough. I took AP classes, I was the captain of the varsity tennis team for three years, I was an officer in my school's FFA program for agriculture leadership. Once again my grandma’s words of wisdom touch my heart although I hope and pray she didn’t mean that I put no effort in school, I wasn’t going to let those words wrap me like vines to reach my finish line. Thus, that memory will live forever in me. As I eagerly wait to reapply for Spring of 2023 to join the Aggie family at Texas A&M, I will use my grandma’s words as a blanket of comfort. My life might have had hardships that many will never experience, but it doesn’t mean I am unworthy of love or fun. I know my worth now, it was a tough pill to swallow when I realized I might be different from my family but if they don’t embrace me as I am, I will always love them even if it isn’t mutual. I am forever thankful for guiding me every step of the way even if it hurt.