En todo lo que hagas, da gloria a Dios. This principle has guided me throughout my life, shaping my aspirations and reinforcing my commitment to serving others. As a proud first-generation Mexican, I have witnessed my family endure immense hardships—overcoming racism, financial struggles, and the weight of an uncertain future. Yet, through every trial, God’s grace has sustained us, teaching me that perseverance is not just about endurance, but about faith in His plan. My story begins with a broken home. My biological father, a drug dealer, abandoned us when I was just a toddler, leaving my mother to raise my sisters and me alone. But God, in His infinite mercy, provided my stepfather—a man who stepped in with unconditional love and became the rock of our family. In our three-bedroom home, where seven of us lived alongside my grandfather and two uncles, every hardship was met with unwavering faith. My parents labored in factories and construction sites, their calloused hands a testament to sacrifice and resilience. I will never forget the night my father shared how he had been humiliated at work for not speaking English. Instead of bitterness, he allowed the insult to fuel his determination to learn. His example instilled in me the belief that obstacles are not meant to break us but to strengthen our faith and resolve. Education became my pathway to break generational barriers. Transferring from community college to a university, I seized every opportunity to grow, working as a receptionist at the Student Resource Center and connecting with scholarship donors who exemplified the power of generosity. As a leader in Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) in student government, I advocated for underrepresented students, ensuring that every voice was heard—especially those of immigrants like my family, who often felt invisible. But my true calling lies in healing. I am determined to become a physical therapist, providing rehabilitation services to underprivileged individuals. My purpose was cemented the day I learned of a fellow church member who was shot in front of his home. He survived, but due to his immigration status and financial struggles, he was denied the critical medical care he needed. His suffering should not have been a consequence of his circumstances. Inspired by his experience, I volunteered at BraveHearts Therapeutic Center and later interned at Athletico as a physical therapist aide. Through these experiences, I saw firsthand how healing is not just physical but spiritual—how every act of service is an opportunity to reflect God’s love. Christ calls us to care for the least among us, to uplift the brokenhearted, and to serve with compassion. My mission is clear: to use my education and skills to bring healing to those who have been overlooked. I do this not for personal gain but to glorify God, who has turned my hardships into purpose. En todo lo que hagas, da gloria a Dios. In every step I take, in every life I touch, may He receive all the glory.

In the quiet corners of my childhood home, where the echoes of my absent father lingered, I discovered the strength to weave my tapestry. Higher education, as a first-generation student, was a leap into the unknown. Yet, it has become a transformative journey. Conversations and connections have broadened my horizons. As I approach university life, I carry resilience and openness, ready to embrace growth and possibilities. My passion formed when a family member, undocumented and injured in a car accident, expressed concerns about treatment costs. The undocumented community faces unique challenges—access, communication, and affordability—that hinder proper care. Witnessing this struggle firsthand, I realized I could make a difference for the most vulnerable. I want to establish a non-profit organization that can address this issue. As I studied anatomy, I developed a deeper appreciation for the connected systems that keep us alive. My academic pursuits mirrored this intricate design. Biology, my passion, unfolded like a delicate petal. Physical therapy fascinates me as it combines my interest in biology with my curiosity about the human body and its healing processes with a proper treatment plan. My admiration and respect for physical therapy propel me to pursue my career in this field. From childhood, caregiving has been my instinct. As I pursue physical therapy, I carry this compassion forward. Whether it’s my younger siblings or future patients, I aim to provide unwavering care and empathy. Throughout my life, my immigrant parents have been unwavering pillars of inspiration. Their resilience and work ethic have left an indelible mark on my character. My stepfather, a construction worker, and my mother, a dedicated teacher assistant, instilled in me the value of determination. However, it was my mother’s remarkable journey—earning her high school diploma decades later despite financial constraints—that truly transformed my perspective. Her unwavering resolve taught me that settling for less is never an option. I am committed to proving that higher education is attainable, even with limited finances. My father’s recent surgery has strained our family’s resources, yet their priority remains clear: ensuring their five children succeed. To contribute, I work part-time at the Student Resource Center, relying on financial aid to cover tuition and expenses. My dedication and pursuit of scholarships fuel my aspirations. Despite the rigorous educational demands, physical therapy calls me. It’s more than a career—it’s a calling to serve my community. As an honors student and TRIO Upward Bound alum, I’ve learned to overcome challenges. Now, my sights are set on Southern Illinois University, where I plan to transfer to earn my Associate of Science Degree at McHenry County College. Jose Prado, a local philanthropist, believed education was a bridge to brighter futures. His legacy echoes in scholarships he established for first-gen students. I am grateful for this chance to further my education and career aspirations. I aspire to establish a scholarship fund, paying forward the support I’ve received. I would value authenticity and integrity in ideal candidates. With the Caminos de Éxito: The Jose Prado Scholarship, I refuse to settle for anything less than excellence—just like my mother never settled