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