Behind my father’s weary eyes stands a spark of hope. I have always questioned how one can have as much drive and ambition as my father does. As I’ve grown, he’s opened his eyes to the fact that I am no longer a little girl; I understand the reality of our world. I must face the uncomfortable and the unknown to make something of myself. This realization hasn’t come easy. While my heart echoes with the promise of a bright future, my mind whispers insecurity, weaving a web of doubt that holds me back. When I started high school, I knew that the next four years would hold great significance over my future, unlike past school years. I would have the freedom and opportunities to explore my interests and build the confidence to make choices that align with the person I aspire to be and how I wish to be seen by the world. I do not wish to be the best and smartest in the room but rather be in a room where everyone inspires each other to grow and learn together. Witnessing my teachers' and peers' respect and admiration for making the most of my education made me realize that I am capable of more than I had believed. From that moment forward, I remained committed to my goals, seeking knowledge and experiences that would enhance my abilities. The first time I attended a Saturday Academy on the NC State Campus as a part of TRIO Upward Bound, I remember thinking, “these are the spaces I want to be in.” Despite not knowing anyone there, I built connections that I hold dearly to this day. I joined various clubs at my school, got involved in my community, and pursued leadership roles. While I am not extroverted, my desire to help others and impact their lives drives me to step outside my comfort zone. These experiences help enrich my education and connect me with like-minded individuals who share my enthusiasm for contributing positively to our community. As I navigated these new supportive environments, I also reflected on my identity as a first-generation student. This background has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the value of education and its transformative power. Such understanding is rooted in my experiences growing up in a family where access to medical care was limited due to language barriers and financial constraints. I witnessed firsthand how this significantly burdened my parents and impacted their perspective on seeking medical assistance. Often, they would be referred to small clinical practices by friends and family that were run by one or two Hispanic doctors who charged substantially lower than large healthcare facilities. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to admire the doctors who cared for my parents and understood the challenges faced by immigrant families. There are thousands of people just like me and my family, overcoming the obstacles that deter us from advocating for good health practices. Understanding these struggles has deepened my appreciation for what I have now and inspires me to strive for more, just as he always has. These experiences ignited my desire to work in healthcare, driven by a commitment to serve and advocate for underserved populations. I am eager to contribute to the diverse medical perspectives, bringing empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to social justice to my future practice. I intend to be the first in my family to graduate with a four-year bachelor's degree in my chosen field of Biology and continue my education at a Master’s level to obtain my Physician Assistant license to serve individuals like my parents.