Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means creating opportunities that my parents never had. Growing up in an underserved community as the only fluent English speaker in my household, I took on responsibilities at a young age that forced me to mature quickly. I translated conversations for my parents in stores, schools, and doctors’ offices long before I fully understood the responsibility that came with it. Over time, translating simple conversations became helping my family manage bills, schedule appointments, understand mortgage statements, and navigate systems that often felt inaccessible to non-English speakers. At the same time, I was also learning how to navigate higher education on my own. As a first-generation college student, there was no roadmap for applications, financial aid, scholarships, or college expectations. Although balancing school with family responsibilities was overwhelming at times, those experiences taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of advocating for others. My experiences growing up shaped both who I am and what I want to pursue in college. I am currently pursuing a degree in Medical Studies on the pre-medical track because I want to help improve healthcare accessibility for underserved and bilingual communities. Watching my parents struggle to communicate during medical appointments showed me how language barriers and limited health literacy can directly affect patient care. Even when interpreters were available, there were moments when slang, regional dialects, or cultural phrasing were misunderstood, leaving patients feeling unheard or confused. Those experiences made me realize that healthcare is not only about treatment but also about ensuring patients feel understood and supported. Growing up, I rarely saw physicians with a background like mine; I hope to change that for future generations. My passion for healthcare continued to grow through my work as a medical scribe. In this role, I observed patient care firsthand and saw how communication can shape healthcare outcomes. During one patient encounter, I noticed that the interpreter was not fully capturing the patient’s symptoms because of differences in dialect and phrasing. Although I hesitated to speak up, I thought about my own family and how easily important information can be lost in translation. After clarifying the patient’s concerns, the physician ordered an EKG that revealed signs of a heart attack. That experience reinforced my understanding of how important patient advocacy and communication are within healthcare. My long-term goal is to become a physician who advocates for underserved and bilingual communities while helping patients feel heard, respected, and understood, regardless of their background or language. I hope to use both my personal experiences and medical training to improve access to healthcare and reduce barriers that prevent patients from receiving quality care. In the future, I also hope to take on leadership roles that allow me to contribute to improving healthcare systems and patient support services for immigrant and first-generation families. More importantly, earning a college degree represents more than personal success to me. It represents stability, opportunity, and a new path for my family and future generations after me. Being a first-generation student has taught me perseverance, responsibility, and the value of using my experiences to help others facing similar challenges. I hope to show students from underrepresented backgrounds that even when the path feels unfamiliar, it is still possible to succeed and create meaningful change.

I am Evaney Soto Botello, a first-generation rising sophomore attending Arizona State University at the Barrett Honors College. My major is Medical Studies, and I am on the pre-med track. I am aspiring to go to medical school to obtain my M.D. I was not always set on the medical field; originally, I wanted to become a lawyer, but it wasn't until I was thirteen years old that I discovered a painful mass on my left breast. Immediately, I thought it was breast cancer, and the worst scenarios popped into my head. At such a young age, I was worried about my health and what it would mean for my future. Countless doctor appointments with specialists and multiple ultrasounds took a toll on my mental health, but my surgical team turned that around for me. I endured one year with the mass that kept growing, ultimately needing surgery to determine if the mass was benign or malignant. Throughout that year, I became interested in the medical field, specifically surgery. I was so curious about the terminology, procedures, and patient care that I realized I liked it. It wasn’t until my surgery day that my surgeon, Katherine Davenport, made me feel secure and safe about my procedure, and I thought, “I want to be like her.” The mass turned out to be benign, and I advocated for the importance of self-breast examinations and urged people to check for any bumps or masses. I want to create a safe space for my patients just like I was given one. My journey has been marked by a profound personal experience that ignited a deep passion for the medical field within me. Witnessing the incredible impact that compassionate, skilled medical professionals can have on a patient’s life has inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a similar difference. The memory of the fear and uncertainty fuels my determination to offer my future patients medical expertise and the empathy and support they need during their most vulnerable moments. Igniting my passion for healthcare, I volunteer at St.Joesph's Hospital, positively impacting my fellow Hispanic community. I consistently help translate for those who only speak English and recently moved up to volunteer at their NICU. I hope that in the future, I can create a change for easier access to healthcare for immigrant families. I am committed to using my education to give back to my community and support others who face similar challenges. I plan to pursue a degree in medical studies and attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist, where I can make a tangible difference. I want to be a role model for other first-generation students, showing them that despite the obstacles, success is achievable.

I am Evaney Soto Botello, a first-generation rising sophomore attending Arizona State University at the Barrett Honors College. My major is Medical Studies, and I am on the pre-med track. I am aspiring to go to medical school to obtain my M.D. I was not always set on the medical field; originally, I wanted to become a lawyer, but it wasn't until I was thirteen years old that I discovered a painful mass on my left breast. Immediately, I thought it was breast cancer, and the worst scenarios popped into my head. At such a young age, I was worried about my health and what it would mean for my future. Countless doctor appointments with specialists and multiple ultrasounds took a toll on my mental health, but my surgical team turned that around for me. I endured one year with the mass that kept growing, ultimately needing surgery to determine if the mass was benign or malignant. Throughout that year, I became interested in the medical field, specifically surgery. I was so curious about the terminology, procedures, and patient care that I realized I liked it. It wasn’t until my surgery day that my surgeon, Katherine Davenport, made me feel secure and safe about my procedure, and I thought, “I want to be like her.” The mass turned out to be benign, and I advocated for the importance of self-breast examinations and urged people to check for any bumps or masses. I want to create a safe space for my patients just like I was given one. I do not see this obstacle as a negative impact but rather a positive one. I learned to handle my mental health and talk to people if I needed help. I grew as an individual, and it shaped my perspective on my future and goals. The medical field is not just a career choice for me; it is a calling. It is where I find purpose and fulfillment, knowing that I can contribute to the well-being of others. My experiences have shaped me into a person who is resilient, empathetic, and deeply committed to making a positive impact. I am eager to continue this journey, grow as a medical professional, and one day join the ranks of those who dedicate their lives to healing and caring for others. I want to be a role model for other first-generation students, showing them that despite the obstacles, success is achievable.

As a first-time Hispanic college-goer, I have faced numerous challenges since elementary school. Growing up with parents who cannot read, write, or speak English, I had to mature much earlier than my peers. From a young age, I took on the role of translator, navigating conversations with teachers, doctors, and other authority figures. This responsibility extended beyond mere translation; I helped my parents understand and engage with a foreign society. Throughout my childhood, this role taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and leadership. My parents are my greatest role models; they moved to a country for a better life. They motivate me and provide support. Whether taking me to interviews, money, or advice, they are always there for me. I learned to advocate not only for my parents but also for myself. Arriving at university, I experienced a profound culture shock. Having grown up in a community predominantly composed of minorities, encountering classmates with vastly different lifestyles and backgrounds was both exciting and confusing. Initially, I felt out of place and overwhelmed. However, I soon realized that this diversity was an opportunity for growth. Engaging with peers from various walks of life broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of different cultures. Despite the initial difficulties, I view the culture shock as a positive and enriching experience. It has made me more appreciative of my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my community. The resilience and adaptability I developed while helping my parents have been crucial in navigating this new environment. I have learned to embrace change and find common ground with people from all backgrounds. I have faced an obstacle on my educational path: accepting that it is okay to ask for help. I had become accustomed to learning subjects fast, but when I entered my freshman year of university, I soon learned that studying and tutoring would be my best friends. I am committed to using my education to give back to my community and support others who face similar challenges. I plan to pursue a degree in medical studies and attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist, where I can make a tangible difference. I want to be a role model for other first-generation students, showing them that despite the obstacles, success is achievable. The Legacy of Jose Prado influences my educational journey and ambitions by being another source of inspiration and validating my dreams. If I were to establish a scholarship someday, its purpose would be for any first-generation Hispanic student looking to become a doctor. In my community, only a few want to attend medical school, and many are discouraged due to the cost. Passion, dedication, and integrity are qualities that I look for in ideal candidates.

I am Evaney Soto Botello, a first-generation rising sophomore attending Arizona State University at the Barrett Honors College. My major is Medical Studies, and I am on the pre-med track. I am aspiring to go to medical school to obtain my M.D. I was not always set on the medical field; originally, I wanted to become a lawyer, but it wasn't until I was thirteen years old that I discovered a painful mass on my left breast. Immediately, I thought it was breast cancer, and the worst scenarios popped into my head. At such a young age, I was worried about my health and what it would mean for my future. Countless doctor appointments with specialists and multiple ultrasounds took a toll on my mental health, but my surgical team turned that around for me. I endured one year with the mass that kept growing, ultimately needing surgery to determine if the mass was benign or malignant. Throughout that year, I became interested in the medical field, specifically surgery. I was so curious about the terminology, procedures, and patient care that I realized that I liked it. It wasn’t until my surgery day that my surgeon, Katherine Davenport, made me feel secure and safe about my procedure, and I thought, “I want to be like her.” The mass turned out to be benign, and I advocated for the importance of self-breast examinations and urged people to check for any bumps or masses. I want to create a safe space for my patients just like I was given one. My journey has been marked by a profound personal experience that ignited a deep passion for the medical field within me. Witnessing the incredible impact that compassionate, skilled medical professionals can have on a patient’s life has inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a similar difference. The memory of the fear and uncertainty fuels my determination to offer my future patients medical expertise and the empathy and support they need during their most vulnerable moments. Every day, my commitment to this path grows stronger. My academic pursuits at Arizona State University and the Barrett Honors College are rigorous, but they are preparing me for the challenges ahead. I am dedicated to excelling in my studies, gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible, and ultimately becoming a compassionate and skilled physician. I envision a future where I can provide top-notch medical care, educate my patients on the importance of self-examinations and proactive health measures, and support those facing health crises. Attending a four-year university has been a financial struggle in textbooks/materials due to not being eligible to receive assistance from FAFSA. My parents do not have a SSN and our situation has caused my FAFSA applications to be denied, making it harder to apply for scholarships. Coming from a immigrant family, seeing doctors or hospital visits have become a financial burden. I hope to make a change when I become a doctor because I know what it is like to have people not receive medical care because they do not have the money for it.