I’ve given back in many ways. The main ways I've given back are through service, being in women's shelters, the church, and culturally. Giving to others is already ingrained in our human spirit, but we have to work on it like a muscle to strengthen it. Caring more about my community has shaped me by learning through others. I aspire to be someone that can be a part of the community and to grow into someone that can do a lot for their country and, most importantly, their community. Many shelters have shown me how many women have difficult times and suffer, so I try to provide help and a service to them by taking care of children and working with them. Whenever I see a woman in need, I always proceed to help her and try to brighten up their day because I've learned that helping is the best act of compassion for others. These women work hard, and that has taught me courage in every situation. I see this being fundamental in university because it isn't easy to be a first-generation university graduate. I have also served at my church, where I have learned about kindness and forgiveness from many people in tough situations, such as those facing sickness, injury, or loss of family members. I've learned that many people are in situations where they are suffering and they need our help and understanding. I've been in situations where people come to the priest crying and asking him for advice, and you can see how some people carry burdens, which evokes a sense of empathy and compassion for them. For example, someone started a fire in the church, and we just hoped that the person that did it was okay. It was a profoundly sorrowful moment when it happened, but that person could have been going through a very difficult moment. Although what was done was not right, I learned how to forgive and make a better future. I prayed for him because he did not see the future at that moment, and we all need a reminder of God’s love. I've also been in my community expressing different cultures. I've expressed my culture at school, community events, and family events. It's beautiful. I learn about others and about our understanding. I've learned how to appreciate life, and that's what a learning environment needs. They need people who appreciate moments because darkness is merely an absence of light. What I mean by this is that the sad moments lead to great things; it may be difficult to get through university at moments, and that's fine. What matters is how far we will go without breaking, and that's what we aspire to get to. I've learned how to work in a team while in my cultural dances with others; it's not just me and my partner, it's me and my dance group all together to make it stand out and wonderful. University is the same; we all work in a team to reach a goal, and that is to make a wonderful community full of service.

I learned compassion through multiple ways in life. The main ways I've learned compassion are through service, being in women's shelters, the church, and school. Compassion is already ingrained in our human spirit, but we have to work on it like a muscle to strengthen it. I can exemplify compassion by showing others what I've learned and by showing compassion in my day-to-day life. I already show compassion in my daily life, but it can always grow. Many shelters have shown me how many women have difficult times and suffer, so I try to provide help and a service to them by taking care of children and working with them. Whenever I see a woman in need, I always proceed to help her and try to brighten up their day because I've learned that helping is the best act of compassion for others. These women would work in the kitchen to show they want to improve. I really respect that and see compassion in their actions, as they help others by providing for those in need. I have also served at my church, where I have learned a great deal of compassion from many people in tough situations, such as those facing sickness, injury, or loss of family members. I've learned that many people are in situations where they are suffering and they need our help and compassion. I've been in situations where people come to the priest crying and asking him to forgive them, and you can see how some people carry burdens, which evokes a sense of empathy and compassion for them. For example, one of my friend's family members passed away, and she went to the priest crying and asking him to pray for that family member. It was a profoundly sorrowful moment when I realized she required someone she could truly depend upon. While I was serving, a lady approached me and asked if I could pray with her. I prayed for her because she was severely ill and sought reassurance that others were there to support her. I've known many people who have been in difficult situations at school, and those situations really vary between personal life at school or with the school itself. There have been people who couldn't pay for their education, and I could relate because I don't come from a wealthy family, and I've been there to support them when they needed someone to talk to or lean on. I have also shown compassion towards those who have faced bullying and have defended them in the face of injustice. Like for example, there is this one kid that had Down syndrome and was bullied, and I stood up for him during freshman year. He had done nothing wrong. People still bullied him, and I had to stand up for him because I knew that was right. I have also been a part of the student ministry team, where we set up for masses and also prepare for other events. And I've also seen a lot of situations where people really need compassion and where I could exercise like compassion. Towards them. Like, for example, at a senior retreat where we, as a whole class, spent time together and realized the impact we had on others. A lot of people cried, and I tried to comfort them.