It is my plan to attain a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, and one day go on to get my masters in the same field. For as long as I can remember, it has always been my dream to work in a field that not only contributes to, but shapes the world we live in. There is not a single experience that has influenced my desires to pursue a higher education, but rather the circumstances in which I have grown up in. From a young age it was clear to me that I would one day attend college. Many low-income, first generation students believe that college is out of reach, however this was never truly the case for me. My mother did not graduate high school, and my father did not do so either until the age of 28. Regardless of my parents' academic achievements, I’ve always had the perfect role model in the form of my eldest sister. Since elementary school, my sister has served as a powerful guide. Watching her navigate the challenges of a higher education with grace and determination instilled in me a belief early on, that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible, regardless of the background we share. Additionally, my parents have played a major role in not only my academic desires, but the specific field I want to pursue. My father is a small business owner, as he does metal craftsmanship. In order to support our family he does laborious work everyday, coming home dirty and stained in paint. Everything he builds, he designs himself, thus inspiring my academic pathway. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been drawn to the idea that someone can simply craft something in their mind and make it come to life beautifully. Therefore, I plan to major in Civil Engineering so I too can design a type of construction, but on a much larger scale. Not only have my parents influenced my passion to become an engineer, but they have also instilled in me the value of hard work. Witnessing all the sacrifices my father has made has led me to never take my education for granted. This is why, when I learned about the Early College pathway my sophomore year of high school I joined, and stuck with it ever since. Essentially, I have taken college-level courses for the past three years through concurrent and dual enrollment classes offered by my high school. Thanks to guiding factors in my life, and great opportunity to experience and attain a college level education at such a young age through this pathway. To me, it has never been a question of if I will attend a four-year college, but rather how would I pay for it. For the past four years, I have worked hard to showcase my determination. By joining the Early College pathway, becoming president of AutoClub, vice president of Science Club, secretary of the Associated Student Body, and much more; I’ve done this not only for myself and my future, but for my family, and my community. I am applying for this scholarship, along with many others, in hopes that I will be able to get through school without the constant worry of not being able to afford it. I would use the money from this scholarship to cover the expenses that come with attending college, so I can focus on the thing I sincerely value most, my education.