La Chona Jalisco- my favorite small town in Mexico, Guadalajara. I vividly remember my last visit in 2018. We used to go once a year, and when December came, it was always my favorite time. I learned about where my parents grew up, stepping into their homes filled with memories. At 13, I began to understand the daily struggles of life in that small town-“it's much more different than that of America.” While it was beautiful, I also saw the hardship my parents faced, and I understood why they left for a better future in the U.S. But even in the U.S., life wasn't easy. In 2020, my dad lost his job, forcing my parents to start over. Yet, their resilience never wavered. They worked tirelessly to rebuild, showing me what it means to be strong, hardworking, and determined. My Mexican heritage has shaped me-it has taught me to embrace who I am, take pride in my identity, and fight for what is right. Now, as a 2025 senior, I see how much those experiences have influenced my goals. For over six years, I've been on the Law pathway, solidifying my passion for law. I plan to major in political science, attend law school, and become an immigration attorney. Too many in my community have been stripped of opportunities or lack legal resources. I want to be the attorney they can turn to not just because I understand the law, but because I understand their struggles. I won't just advocate for them- I'll stand with them. However, financing my education is a challenge. My parents’ sacrifices have gotten me this far, but the cost of higher education is overwhelming. Having my mother who was fortunate enough to gain residency makes me grateful for those who helped her. This scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to continue my education without barriers. More than that, it would help me achieve my dream of giving back to my community and ensuring no one feels alone in their fight for a better future. Para la Familia.

"Law class is impossible, too complicated, overwhelming, and beyond my abilities." Doubts clouded my mind about whether I would pass the first semester of 6th grade law, I wasn't familiar with it and was forcefully put into it due to the lack of people. I'll never forget my first-ever exam from that class. I got a 40; 30 points away from passing - I was the only one who failed it. This made me hate Law. I had in mind that I wasn't planning on pursuing anything in that field, instead, I would be a veterinarian. I tried studying the notes given in law class but lacked the knowledge of how to retain so much information in my mind at that time. However, I luckily had a great teacher "Mr.Idlebird". He made law class seem fun and easy but while I struggled to grasp basic concepts, everybody else already knew them. He noticed and saw my struggles, willing to help me improve and reach my goals. Spanish being my first language didn't make things easier, but he encouraged me to do better and to try for myself. And in doing so; I earned my first 100 in that class, being proud of myself and where my interest began to spark and grow. In High School, my interest in becoming an immigrant attorney sprouted. After seeing the major impact our 45th president left on those undocumented and just searching for a better life in America, I felt empathy and the need to help and do something. Additionally, as a Latina myself I also felt personally impacted. Having family members such as my aunt and her kids who could be at risk makes me eager to finish high school and begin my journey to become an immigrant attorney. I've put in mind that such a journey won't be easy but because wanting to give others like my family the chance of a better life in the United States for them and their kids; I would like to allow them to do so. Although I might've not had flashy positions such as being president of a club or starting a movement, I stayed active, engaged, and involved in school. I joined the National Technical Honors Society program in which I help others and my community by raising fundraisers and giving back to my community. Because money would also be tight at times, I couldn't enter many clubs because they all needed to be entered with a certain deposit or down payment. However, I have engaged in multiple community service events in which I have also accumulated numerous hours and have gotten a better understanding of people and how they are. Whenever I enter college I plan on pursuing political science as my major and pre-law as a minor to help me gain greater insights for my future career. Additionally, not only will this scholarship help me with the start of my financial help to reach my future dreams but it'll allow me to give others a second chance, help make changes in the future, and be part of the 5.8% Latinas in Law.

With just two months remaining in 2024, we are drawing ever closer to the tipping point of irreversible climate change—a crisis that has been accelerating since 1988. Scientists predict that by 2042, the effects of climate change could become truly irreversible. However, I firmly believe that as a global community, we have the power to make a difference. Even small actions, like picking up trash from sidewalks or inspiring one person to take action, can create a ripple effect, empowering others to join in. This essay is my effort to encourage others to take similar steps and make a positive impact. From a young age, I have embraced practices that contribute to a healthier environment. These include avoiding littering, cleaning up after myself, supporting eco-friendly businesses, and recycling. Of all these practices, the one that resonates most deeply with me is conserving electricity. Electricity production releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to climate change. My parents instilled this habit in me early on, and I am grateful for the positive results I’ve experienced. Not only have I felt that i've played part of helping make change but i've also gained better persistence in myself and now, I aim to inspire others to adopt similar practices. Admittedly, reducing electricity usage is challenging in our technology-driven world, where Wi-Fi and devices have become necessities. Yet, to address this issue, we must develop creative solutions. For me, time management has been key. For example, I complete assignments at school or during free time to minimize electricity use at home. Instead of scrolling aimlessly on devices, I focus on making productive use of my time. While I cannot control the energy consumption at school, I prioritize conservation at home, where my actions have the most impact. Beyond my personal habits, I strive to influence others positively. I encourage my friends to adopt eco-friendly practices—not by forcing them but by sharing the benefits and potential impact of their actions. As a high school student, I have limited opportunities to effect large-scale change, but I remain committed to making a difference, no matter how small. Whether it’s during class discussions or when friends visit my home, I find ways to spark conversations about sustainability. Ultimately, even modest efforts can contribute to a larger solution. Through this essay, I hope to reach readers near and far, reminding them that Earth is our shared home and that it needs our help. Together, even small changes can lead to significant progress.