What motivates me to become successful is my identity—being a first-generation Hispanic student, the oldest daughter in a Latino household, and someone who has seen what hard work looks like up close. I grew up watching my parents sacrifice so much to give us a better life. My mom and dad didn’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education, but they’ve always emphasized its value. They’ve worked long hours, sometimes juggling multiple jobs, to make sure there was food on the table, clothes on our backs, and a future within reach. Their sacrifices are my motivation. In Hispanic culture, family is everything. As the oldest of three siblings, with an 8- and 10-year age gap, I naturally stepped into a caretaker role. I’ve helped raise my siblings, supported my parents, and learned the importance of responsibility from a young age. I’ve translated at doctor’s appointments, helped with bills, and guided my siblings through schoolwork—not because I had to, but because it’s what we do. That’s what being part of a Latino family means: showing up for each other, every single day. Pursuing an education is personal to me. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about breaking generational barriers and proving that our background doesn’t limit our potential. As a bilingual student fluent in both Spanish and English, I’ve learned how to navigate two worlds. That experience has shaped me into someone who’s adaptable, determined, and deeply empathetic. I want to show other young Latinas that we belong in classrooms, boardrooms, labs, and leadership positions. Our voices matter, and our stories deserve to be heard. Education is my way of changing the narrative—for myself, my siblings, and my community. Through leadership roles in student council, church, and honor societies, I’ve learned how to lead with purpose and serve with heart. I want to use my education to uplift others, especially in Hispanic and underserved communities where students might feel like college is out of reach. My goal is to create a future where people like me don’t have to be the exception, but the expectation. I want to be the example my younger siblings can look up to, and the leader who brings opportunity to others. That’s why I work hard, stay focused, and never forget where I come from—because ésta lucha is bigger than me. It’s for my family, my cultura, and the generations to come. I hope to make my parents proud and do great things in life.

One issue in my community that I’ve taken the initiative to address is the lack of access to affordable and reliable childcare, especially for working-class families like my own. As the oldest of three siblings with an 8- and 10-year age gap, I’ve grown up stepping into a caregiver role, helping to raise my younger siblings while my parents worked long hours. This experience opened my eyes to how many families—especially in Latino and immigrant communities—struggle to find safe, trustworthy childcare while trying to make ends meet. Motivated by my own family’s experiences, I began offering babysitting services to local families in need, often at little or no cost. I used my free time to help neighbors and church community members who couldn’t afford formal daycare or who simply needed someone they could trust. Through this work, I not only supported children with homework, activities, and basic care, but I also offered peace of mind to hardworking parents who were doing their best. So far, I’ve built a small but reliable network of families who rely on me for help, and I’ve even mentored younger teens in my community on how to responsibly and safely babysit. I’ve also shared my experiences in school leadership roles—like student council and National Honor Society—to encourage community service among my peers, showing them how even small efforts can have a big impact. To expand my efforts, I would love to partner with local churches or community centers to create a teen-led childcare support program—training high school students in basic caregiving and pairing them with families in need. I believe that with structure, support, and a heart for service, we can build a network that lifts up families while empowering young people to lead with compassion.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry not just my own dreams but also my parents' hopes. I have watched them work tirelessly, sacrificing their own aspirations to provide opportunities for my siblings and me. Their sacrifices inspire me to work hard, make them proud, and create a positive impact in my community. My story is not just about academics or extracurriculars; it is about determination, leadership, and responsibility. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I take pride in being bilingual. Speaking both Spanish and English has allowed me to connect with my family, especially my grandparents, and to help non-English speakers in my community. My love for languages pushed me to challenge myself further by learning German, broadening my cultural perspective. As the oldest of three siblings, with an 8- and 10-year age gap, I naturally took on a leadership role early in life. Babysitting and guiding my younger siblings has shaped me into a responsible and compassionate leader, traits that extend beyond my family into my school and community. My Catholic faith has been the foundation of my life. “God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa. This belief has guided me throughout my 12 years in Life Teen and Youth Group, 10 years as an altar server, and my role as a lector. My faith has instilled in me discipline, humility, and a deep sense of service. Additionally, my time in the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas, where I served as president for two years, reinforced the importance of leadership, service, and teamwork—values I carry in everything I do. Since 8th grade, I have been an active member of Student Council, currently serving as vice president. Previously, I served as treasurer for both the Student Council and my class. These roles strengthened my skills in finance, event planning, and decision-making. I helped organize events like Homecoming, game nights, and prom. Academically, I have always prioritized excellence, maintaining straight A’s and earning membership in the National Elementary Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and National High School Honor Society. As a first-generation student, these accomplishments are significant milestones for me and my family. Athletics have also played a major role in shaping my character. I have played softball since Little League T-ball and continued my passion throughout high school. The sport has taught me teamwork, patience, resilience, and discipline. Additionally, serving as a volleyball manager allowed me to contribute to a team in a different capacity and reinforced my commitment to leadership and collaboration. Community service is a core part of my life. One of my most meaningful projects was collecting duffle bags and suitcases for children entering foster care so they wouldn't have to carry their belongings in trash bags. I have also created care packages for the homeless, a heartfelt project that reminded me of the impact small acts of kindness can have. Whether through volunteering, babysitting, or supporting community initiatives, I am committed to making a difference. As I embark on this next chapter, I remain deeply connected to my faith, community, and family. I am motivated to be a role model for my younger siblings and other Latina women who may feel limited in their opportunities. This scholarship would not only support my education but also ease my parents’ financial burden. More importantly, it is an investment in my future as a leader dedicated to uplifting others. I am ready to embrace new challenges, seize every opportunity, and one day make a lasting impact on the world.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry not just my own dreams but also my parents' hopes. I have watched them work tirelessly, sacrificing their own aspirations to provide opportunities for my siblings and me. Their sacrifices inspire me to work hard, make them proud, and create a positive impact in my community. My story is not just about academics or extracurriculars; it is about determination, leadership, and responsibility. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I take pride in being bilingual. Speaking both Spanish and English has allowed me to connect with my family, especially my grandparents, and to help non-English speakers in my community. My love for languages pushed me to challenge myself further by learning German, broadening my cultural perspective. As the oldest of three siblings, with an 8- and 10-year age gap, I naturally took on a leadership role early in life. Babysitting and guiding my younger siblings has shaped me into a responsible and compassionate leader, traits that extend beyond my family into my school and community. My Catholic faith has been the foundation of my life. “God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa. This belief has guided me throughout my 12 years in Life Teen and Youth Group, 10 years as an altar server, and my role as a lector. My faith has instilled in me discipline, humility, and a deep sense of service. Additionally, my time in the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas, where I served as president for two years, reinforced the importance of leadership, service, and teamwork—values I carry in everything I do. Since 8th grade, I have been an active member of Student Council, currently serving as vice president. Previously, I served as treasurer for both the Student Council and my class. These roles strengthened my skills in finance, event planning, and decision-making. I helped organize events like Homecoming, game nights, and prom. Academically, I have always prioritized excellence, maintaining straight A’s and earning membership in the National Elementary Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and National High School Honor Society. As a first-generation student, these accomplishments are significant milestones for me and my family. Athletics have also played a major role in shaping my character. I have played softball since Little League T-ball and continued my passion throughout high school. The sport has taught me teamwork, patience, resilience, and discipline. Additionally, serving as a volleyball manager allowed me to contribute to a team in a different capacity and reinforced my commitment to leadership and collaboration. Community service is a core part of my life. One of my most meaningful projects was collecting duffle bags and suitcases for children entering foster care so they wouldn't have to carry their belongings in trash bags. I have also created care packages for the homeless, a heartfelt project that reminded me of the impact small acts of kindness can have. Whether through volunteering, babysitting, or supporting community initiatives, I am committed to making a difference. As I embark on this next chapter, I remain deeply connected to my faith, community, and family. I am motivated to be a role model for my younger siblings and other Latina women who may feel limited in their opportunities. This scholarship would not only support my education but also ease my parents’ financial burden. More importantly, it is an investment in my future as a leader dedicated to uplifting others. I am ready to embrace new challenges, seize every opportunity, and one day make a lasting impact on the world.

As a first-generation Latina, I carry the hopes and dreams of my family alongside my own. My parents have made countless sacrifices to provide my siblings and me with opportunities they never had, instilling in me a determination to make them proud and create a meaningful future. My journey is about more than academics; it’s about resilience, leadership, and a commitment to positively impact the world around me. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I take pride in being bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English. This cultural heritage has strengthened my identity and opened doors for connections with others. Additionally, I challenged myself to learn German, embracing the fun and difficulties of acquiring a new language. This experience broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures. As the oldest of three siblings with an 8 and 10-year age gap, I naturally assumed a leadership role in my family. From a young age, I understood the importance of responsibility and hard work. My siblings look up to me as their second mother, motivating me to be the best role model I can be. This experience has shaped my leadership skills and my commitment to making a positive impact in my school and community. Since eighth grade, I have actively participated in the Student Council, currently serving as vice president after previously holding the treasurer position. These roles have taught me vital skills in financial management, event organization, problem-solving, and decision-making. I consistently strive to maintain outstanding grades, achieving straight A’s to honor my parents’ sacrifices. My dedication to academic excellence has earned me memberships in the National Elementary Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and National High School Honor Society—milestones I celebrate as a Hispanic student. Athletics have also played a significant role in my life. I’ve been passionate about softball since T-ball and continued to play throughout high school. The lessons of teamwork, patience, resilience, and discipline I learned on and off the field have significantly shaped my character. Serving as the volleyball manager further enhanced my teamwork skills and deepened my understanding of leadership from a different perspective. My leadership extends into my community, where my Catholic faith has been a cornerstone of my life. For over 12 years, I’ve participated in Life Teen and Youth Group, finding support and growth within this community. My commitment to faith is evident in my ten years of service as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Church, where I also became a lector. These experiences have instilled in me the values of discipline and humility. Additionally, as a member of the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas since sixth grade, I served as president for two years, reinforcing my understanding of leadership, service, and teamwork. Community service is a core aspect of my life, whether through volunteering, babysitting, or participating in various organizations. I believe true leadership involves inspiring others through integrity and empathy, rather than simply directing them.

Being raised in a Hispanic household, I am proud to be bilingual, and fluent in both Spanish and English. My cultural heritage has given me both strength and pride and I have welcomed every opportunity to connect with others through the language. Growing up bilingual I’ve had the privilege of connecting with family members by speaking Spanish, especially my grandparents since they knew very little English. Another way I use being bilingual to my advantage is by helping translate any non-English speakers anywhere I could. In addition to Spanish and English, I took the initiative to learn a third language, German; Halo, Ich heiße Emily vie heiße du? Ich habe sechzehn jahre alt, wie alt bist du? I decided to learn German because I wanted to challenge myself. Overall the experience was fun and has broadened my perspective on cultures. My Catholic faith is very important to me and has been the foundation of my life. "God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love."- Mother Teresa. Over the past 12 years, I have been involved with Life Teen and Youth Group, where I found a supportive community that helped me grow my spiritual life. My ambition for my faith life is also reflected in my 10 years of service as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Church and I became a lector about two years ago. This not only strengthened my faith, but also taught me valuable lessons in discipline and humility. In addition to my religious activities, I have been an active member of the Junior Catholic Daughters Of the Americas since 6th grade. In the organization I served as president for two years, as a result, learned the significance of leadership, service, and teamwork. These values have guided me and I carry these values throughout my life and try to incorporate them every day in any way I can. Community service has always been a core aspect of my life, whether it be through volunteering, babysitting, or participation in various organizations. Oftentimes when children are removed from their homes, not only are they separate from their parents, but they only get to take with them a few belongings that might fit into a small trash bag. So as a service project I collected duffle bags and suitcases for children being placed into foster care. I have always aimed to give back to my community and make a difference whether it be big or small. One of my favorite community service projects I have done was make care packages for the homeless, it was heartfelt and a very thoughtful project.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry a lot on my shoulders. I don’t just carry my hopes and dreams, but my parents' hopes and dreams as well. My parents have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to provide me and my siblings with opportunities that they never had, all in hopes of giving me a future that is very special. Their sacrifices are what inspire me to strive to make them proud, to want to accomplish more in life, and to make a difference in this world. My story is not just about my academics or extracurricular activities; my story is about determination, leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to making my parents proud and making a positive impact in the world, both in and out of school. Being raised in a Hispanic household, I am proud to be bilingual, and fluent in both Spanish and English. My cultural heritage has given me both strength and pride and I have welcomed every opportunity to connect with others through the language. Growing up bilingual I’ve had the privilege of connecting with family members by speaking Spanish, especially my grandparents since they knew very little English. Another way I use being bilingual to my advantage is by helping translate any non-English speakers anywhere I could. In addition to Spanish and English, I took the initiative to learn a third language, German; Halo, Ich heiße Emily vie heiße du? Ich habe sechzehn jahre alt, wie alt bist du? I decided to learn German because I wanted to challenge myself. Overall the experience was fun and has broadened my perspective on cultures. As my language skills expanded, so did my understanding of the world. Growing up I was always independent since I was by myself quite a bit for my first 8 years. I am the oldest of three siblings, with an 8 and 10-year age gap with my younger siblings. Therefore, from a young age I naturally took on a big role and understood the importance of responsibility and hard work. I would babysit them from a young age. My younger siblings have always looked up to me and saw me as their second mother. I have always tried my best to be the best role model I can be so they can one day aspire to flourish as I have. This helped me to learn responsibility and leadership that went beyond my family and into my community and school where I embrace opportunities to make a positive impact in different ways. Since 8th grade, I’ve been actively involved in the Student Council, currently serving as vice president. Previously, I served as treasurer for the Student Council and as class officer treasurer. These roles taught me about finances, organizing events, problem solving, and decision making. Some events I helped organize and coordinate are Homecoming, school game nights and prom etc. In school, I always worked hard to make my parents proud and get outstanding grades. Maintaining straight A’s has always been my priority in my academic journey. My dedication to academic excellence has earned me membership in the National Elementary Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, and the National High School Honor Society. These have been huge accomplishments for me as a Hispanic and first to be in these clubs in my family. These taught me the importance of perseverance and determination.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry a lot on my shoulders. I don’t just carry my hopes and dreams, but my parents' hopes and dreams as well. My parents have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to provide me and my siblings with opportunities that they never had, all in hopes of giving me a very special future. Their sacrifices are what inspire me to strive to make them proud, to want to accomplish more in life, and to make a difference in this world. My story is not just about my academics or extracurricular activities; my story is about determination, leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to making my parents proud and making a positive impact in the world, both in and out of school. Being raised in a Hispanic household, I am proud to be bilingual, and fluent in both Spanish and English. My cultural heritage has given me both strength and pride and I have welcomed every opportunity to connect with others through the language. Growing up bilingual I’ve had the privilege of connecting with family members by speaking Spanish, especially my grandparents since they knew very little English. Another way I use being bilingual to my advantage is by helping translate any non-English speakers anywhere I could. In addition to Spanish and English, I took the initiative to learn a third language, German; Halo, Ich heiße Emily vie heiße du? Ich habe sechzehn jahre alt, wie alt bist du? Growing up I was always independent since I was by myself quite a bit for my first 8 years. I am the oldest of three siblings, with an 8 and 10-year age gap with my younger siblings. Therefore, from a young age, I naturally took on a big role and understood the importance of responsibility and hard work. I would babysit them from a young age. My younger siblings have always looked up to me and saw me as their second mother. I have always tried my best to be the best role model I can be so they can one day aspire to flourish as I have. This helped me to learn responsibility and leadership that went beyond my family and into my community and school where I embrace opportunities to make a positive impact in different ways. My Catholic faith is very important to me and has been the foundation of my life. "God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love."- Mother Teresa. Over the past 12 years, I have been involved with Life Teen and Youth Group, where I found a supportive community that helped me grow my spiritual life. My ambition for my faith life is also reflected in my 10 years of service as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Church and I became a lector about two years ago. This not only strengthened my faith, but also taught me valuable lessons in discipline and humility. Community service has always been a core aspect of my life, whether it be through volunteering, babysitting, or participation in various organizations. I have always aimed to give back to my community and make a difference whether it be big or small. One of my favorite community service projects I have done was make care packages for the homeless, it was heartfelt and a very thoughtful project.

I love math because it combines logical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in a way that appeals to your strengths. The satisfaction of working through complex problems and arriving at clear, definite answers provides a sense of accomplishment that is hard to find in other subjects. I even chose business as my top major because I love math and have always been good at it. I've always understood math and have wanted to do something in the business field. Moreover, math constantly challenges me to grow, pushing the boundaries of my understanding while offering creative ways to approach problems. Additionally, math pushes me to step outside my comfort zone, offering a sense of growth and mastery as I take on increasingly challenging material. This mix of mental stimulation, practical relevance, and personal challenge likely fuels your passion for the subject. I hope to attend a university with a really great business program so I can pursue my love for math and hopefully graduate with a bachelors in accounting. I inspire to be an accountant and find a job that I would love after college. Math is incorporated in many ways throughout day-to-day life all you have to do is pay attention and look for the ways.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry a lot on my shoulders. I don’t just carry my hopes and dreams, but my parents' hopes and dreams as well. My parents have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to provide me and my siblings with opportunities that they never had, all in hopes of giving me a future that is very special. Being raised in a Hispanic household, I am proud to be bilingual, and fluent in both Spanish and English. Growing up bilingual I’ve had the privilege of connecting with family members by speaking Spanish, especially my grandparents since they knew very little English. Another way I use being bilingual to my advantage is by helping translate any non-English speakers anywhere I could. In addition to Spanish and English, I took the initiative to learn a third language, German. In school, I always worked hard to make my parents proud and get outstanding grades. My dedication to academic excellence has earned me membership in the National High School Honor Society. These taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. Athletics have also played a major role in my life. I’ve played softball since T-ball and have continued my love for softball throughout high school. The lessons I learned on and off the field have been valuable; teamwork, patience, resilience, and discipline have helped to shape me into who I am today. Additionally, serving as volleyball manager has given me a different perspective and has allowed me to contribute to the team in a different capacity, strengthening my dedication to teamwork and leadership. I believe that true leadership is shown by inspiring others and having integrity and empathy, not just bossing others around. My Catholic faith is very important to me and has been the foundation of my life. "God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love."- Mother Teresa. My ambition for my faith life is reflected in my 10 years of service as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Church and I became a lector about two years ago. This not only strengthened my faith, but also taught me valuable lessons in discipline and humility. In addition to my religious activities, Community service has always been a core aspect of my life, whether it be through volunteering, babysitting, or participation in various organizations. Oftentimes when children are removed from their homes, not only are they separate from their parents, but they only get to take with them a few belongings that might fit into a small trash bag. So as a service project I collected duffle bags and suitcases for children being placed into foster care. I have always aimed to give back to my community and make a difference whether it be big or small. In conclusion, as I embark on this new journey of my life as a first-generation college student, I am motivated by the hope to make my parents proud and set an example for my younger siblings. With my experiences, leadership roles, and academic success, I am eager to excel in college and use my skills for the greater good. My story is not just about me and my personal achievements; It’s about my community, about honoring my parents' sacrifices, and about setting an example for not only my siblings, but for other Latina/Hispanic women who think they can’t. I am ready to go through challenges and seize new opportunities that come my way. I hope to one day make a lasting impact and difference in this world.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry a lot on my shoulders. I don’t just carry my hopes and dreams, but my parents' hopes and dreams as well. My parents have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to provide me and my siblings with opportunities that they never had, all in hopes of giving me a future that is very special. Being raised in a Hispanic household, I am proud to be bilingual, and fluent in both Spanish and English. Growing up bilingual I’ve had the privilege of connecting with family members by speaking Spanish, especially my grandparents since they knew very little English. Another way I use being bilingual to my advantage is by helping translate any non-English speakers anywhere I could. In addition to Spanish and English, I took the initiative to learn a third language, German. In school, I always worked hard to make my parents proud and get outstanding grades. My dedication to academic excellence has earned me membership in the National High School Honor Society. These taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. Athletics have also played a major role in my life. I’ve played softball since T-ball and have continued my love for softball throughout high school. The lessons I learned on and off the field have been valuable; teamwork, patience, resilience, and discipline have helped to shape me into who I am today. Additionally, serving as volleyball manager has given me a different perspective and has allowed me to contribute to the team in a different capacity, strengthening my dedication to teamwork and leadership. I believe that true leadership is shown by inspiring others and having integrity and empathy, not just bossing others around. My Catholic faith is very important to me and has been the foundation of my life. "God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love."- Mother Teresa. My ambition for my faith life is reflected in my 10 years of service as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Church and I became a lector about two years ago. This not only strengthened my faith, but also taught me valuable lessons in discipline and humility. In addition to my religious activities, Community service has always been a core aspect of my life, whether it be through volunteering, babysitting, or participation in various organizations. Oftentimes when children are removed from their homes, not only are they separate from their parents, but they only get to take with them a few belongings that might fit into a small trash bag. So as a service project I collected duffle bags and suitcases for children being placed into foster care. I have always aimed to give back to my community and make a difference whether it be big or small. In conclusion, as I embark on this new journey of my life as a first-generation college student, I am motivated by the hope to make my parents proud and set an example for my younger siblings. With my experiences, leadership roles, and academic success, I am eager to excel in college and use my skills for the greater good. My story is not just about me and my personal achievements; It’s about my community, about honoring my parents' sacrifices, and about setting an example for not only my siblings, but for other Latina/Hispanic women who think they can’t. I am ready to go through challenges and seize new opportunities that come my way. I hope to one day make a lasting impact and difference in this world.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry a lot on my shoulders. I don’t just carry my hopes and dreams, but my parents' hopes and dreams as well. My parents have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to provide me and my siblings with opportunities that they never had, all in hopes of giving me a future that is very special. Being raised in a Hispanic household, I am proud to be bilingual, and fluent in both Spanish and English. Growing up bilingual I’ve had the privilege of connecting with family members by speaking Spanish, especially my grandparents since they knew very little English. Another way I use being bilingual to my advantage is by helping translate any non-English speakers anywhere I could. In addition to Spanish and English, I took the initiative to learn a third language, German. In school, I always worked hard to make my parents proud and get outstanding grades. My dedication to academic excellence has earned me membership in the National High School Honor Society. These taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. Athletics have also played a major role in my life. I’ve played softball since T-ball and have continued my love for softball throughout high school. The lessons I learned on and off the field have been valuable; teamwork, patience, resilience, and discipline have helped to shape me into who I am today. Additionally, serving as volleyball manager has given me a different perspective and has allowed me to contribute to the team in a different capacity, strengthening my dedication to teamwork and leadership. I believe that true leadership is shown by inspiring others and having integrity and empathy, not just bossing others around. My Catholic faith is very important to me and has been the foundation of my life. "God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love."- Mother Teresa. My ambition for my faith life is reflected in my 10 years of service as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Church and I became a lector about two years ago. This not only strengthened my faith, but also taught me valuable lessons in discipline and humility. In addition to my religious activities, Community service has always been a core aspect of my life, whether it be through volunteering, babysitting, or participation in various organizations. Oftentimes when children are removed from their homes, not only are they separate from their parents, but they only get to take with them a few belongings that might fit into a small trash bag. So as a service project I collected duffle bags and suitcases for children being placed into foster care. I have always aimed to give back to my community and make a difference whether it be big or small. In conclusion, as I embark on this new journey of my life as a first-generation college student, I am motivated by the hope to make my parents proud and set an example for my younger siblings. With my experiences, leadership roles, and academic success, I am eager to excel in college and use my skills for the greater good. My story is not just about me and my personal achievements; It’s about my community, about honoring my parents' sacrifices, and about setting an example for not only my siblings, but for other Latina/Hispanic women who think they can’t. I am ready to go through challenges and seize new opportunities that come my way. I hope to one day make a lasting impact and difference in this world.

As a first-generation Latina-American college student, I carry a lot on my shoulders. I don’t just carry my hopes and dreams, but my parents' hopes and dreams as well. My parents have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to provide me and my siblings with opportunities that they never had, all in hopes of giving me a future that is very special. Being raised in a Hispanic household, I am proud to be bilingual, and fluent in both Spanish and English. Growing up bilingual I’ve had the privilege of connecting with family members by speaking Spanish, especially my grandparents since they knew very little English. Another way I use being bilingual to my advantage is by helping translate any non-English speakers anywhere I could. In addition to Spanish and English, I took the initiative to learn a third language, German. In school, I always worked hard to make my parents proud and get outstanding grades. My dedication to academic excellence has earned me membership in the National High School Honor Society. These taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. Athletics have also played a major role in my life. I’ve played softball since T-ball and have continued my love for softball throughout high school. The lessons I learned on and off the field have been valuable; teamwork, patience, resilience, and discipline have helped to shape me into who I am today. Additionally, serving as volleyball manager has given me a different perspective and has allowed me to contribute to the team in a different capacity, strengthening my dedication to teamwork and leadership. I believe that true leadership is shown by inspiring others and having integrity and empathy, not just bossing others around. My Catholic faith is very important to me and has been the foundation of my life. "God doesn't ask us to do great things. He asks us to do small things with great love."- Mother Teresa. My ambition for my faith life is reflected in my 10 years of service as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Church and I became a lector about two years ago. This not only strengthened my faith, but also taught me valuable lessons in discipline and humility. In addition to my religious activities, Community service has always been a core aspect of my life, whether it be through volunteering, babysitting, or participation in various organizations. Oftentimes when children are removed from their homes, not only are they separate from their parents, but they only get to take with them a few belongings that might fit into a small trash bag. So as a service project I collected duffle bags and suitcases for children being placed into foster care. I have always aimed to give back to my community and make a difference whether it be big or small. In conclusion, as I embark on this new journey of my life as a first-generation college student, I am motivated by the hope to make my parents proud and set an example for my younger siblings. With my experiences, leadership roles, and academic success, I am eager to excel in college and use my skills for the greater good. My story is not just about me and my personal achievements; It’s about my community, about honoring my parents' sacrifices, and about setting an example for not only my siblings, but for other Latina/Hispanic women who think they can’t. I am ready to go through challenges and seize new opportunities that come my way. I hope to one day make a lasting impact and difference in this world.