Through my high school journey I’ve felt lost many times searching for my “purpose.” The thing I learned from my high school experience is that we don't have to have everything figured out, we just have to keep moving forward. My freshman year, I was so afraid to take on new challenges or experiences. I used to think that taking a new path would botch my plan of going to school for 12 years, going to college, and settling into a career. For so long I felt like I was mindlessly wandering in a dense forest with no trail, no map, and no guide. I felt that way because my dad had to work long hours to make sure I was provided for. My mom was caught up in her own world having to take care of my little brother and sister on top of babysitting five kids. My house was often so chaotic, I would stop in the middle of my homework to help my mother change diapers. I had no one there emotionally or mentally. I had to be my own dad, mother, and counselor many times throughout my early stages of high school. My dad came home from work early one day, and I was eating at the kitchen table. We finally talked. I told him how my life felt surreal. My friends didn’t feel like my friends, my family didn’t feel like my family, and most importantly, I didn’t feel like myself. My dad isn’t the best emotionally, but in that moment the first words that came out of his mouth were that he was proud of me. He told me that no matter what life throws at me he knows I'll get through it like I always have. Leaving me with a great piece of advice, my dad said “Keep pressing forward, even if it gets tough.” That gave me the motivation to finally take a chance on myself. Joining the wrestling team was my leap of faith, and it completely shifted my mindset from “why me?” to “why not me?” At first I was horrified to even be in the same room as some of these people, who have been wrestling for years and had much more experience than I did. I wanted to quit the first day thinking “they wouldn’t even notice if I didn’t show up.” I don’t know the exact reason why, but I kept showing up. Even when I hated it at first I kept showing up. I didn’t have to be afraid anymore - everyone there was just like me. For the first time in my life I felt part of something bigger than myself. Then I figured out why I kept showing up, and it was for me. I showed up for myself. I had people to lean on now, to talk to, and most importantly, not having to rely on my own knowledge anymore. Even Building a healthier relationship with my family. By taking the opportunity to be more involved in my own life, I was something I wanted to be. The past couple of months I felt a little plateaued, that I have reached my full potential. Then I realized my next goal which is to progress towards my future. That’s why I have this determination to go and achieve my goals so the little kid who set these dreams isn’t disappointed. I want to climb this mountain called life. I want to go as high as I can, not only for myself, but for those climbing with me.

To me my Latino Heritage means hardship. Through my high school journey I’ve felt lost many times searching for my “purpose.” The thing I learned from my high school experience is that we don't have to have everything figured out, we just have to keep moving forward. My freshman year, I was so afraid to take on new challenges or experiences. I used to think that taking a new path would botch my plan of going to school for 12 years, going to college, and settling into a career. For so long I felt like I was mindlessly wandering in a dense forest with no trail, no map, and no guide. I felt that way because my dad had to work long hours to make sure I was provided for. My mom was caught up in her own world having to take care of my little brother and sister on top of babysitting five kids. My house was often so chaotic, I would stop in the middle of my homework to help my mother change diapers. I had no one there emotionally or mentally. I had to be my own dad, mother, and counselor many times throughout my early stages of high school. My dad came home from work early one day, and I was eating at the kitchen table. We finally talked. I told him how my life felt surreal. My friends didn’t feel like my friends, my family didn’t feel like my family, and most importantly, I didn’t feel like myself. My dad isn’t the best emotionally, but in that moment the first words that came out of his mouth were that he was proud of me. He told me that no matter what life throws at me he knows I'll get through it like I always have. Leaving me with a great piece of advice, my dad said “Keep pressing forward, even if it gets tough.” That gave me the motivation to finally take a chance on myself. Joining the wrestling team was my leap of faith, and it completely shifted my mindset from “why me?” to “why not me?” At first I was horrified to even be in the same room as some of these people, who have been wrestling for years and had much more experience than I did. I wanted to quit the first day thinking “they wouldn’t even notice if I didn’t show up.” I don’t know the exact reason why, but I kept showing up. Even when I hated it at first I kept showing up. I didn’t have to be afraid anymore - everyone there was just like me. For the first time in my life I felt part of something bigger than myself. Then I figured out why I kept showing up, and it was for me. I showed up for myself. I had people to lean on now, to talk to, and most importantly, not having to rely on my own knowledge anymore. Even Building a healthier relationship with my family. By taking the opportunity to be more involved in my own life, I was something I wanted to be. The past couple of months I felt a little plateaued, that I have reached my full potential. Then I realized my next goal which is to progress towards my future. That’s why I have this determination to go and achieve my goals so the little kid who set these dreams isn’t disappointed. I want to climb this mountain called life. I want to go as high as I can, not only for myself, but for those climbing with me.