Jack Terry’s story is powerful because it shows what resilience truly looks like. He lost everything at a young age, endured unimaginable hardship, and still chose to build a life defined by purpose, education, and service. What stands out to me the most is not just that he survived, but that he continued to grow, give back, and share his story to help others. That kind of strength is something I deeply respect, and it reminds me that adversity does not have to define your limits. It can shape your purpose. While my experiences are not comparable to what Jack Terry endured, I have faced my own challenges growing up in a low-income, first-generation Hispanic household. With a family income around $40,000 and a Student Aid Index of about -1500, I have always known that pursuing higher education would come with financial stress and uncertainty. College was never something that felt guaranteed. It was something I had to work toward while balancing responsibilities at home, school, and work. One of the hardest parts was not just the financial struggle, but the lack of guidance. As a first-generation student, there were times when I felt like I was navigating everything alone, from understanding financial aid to figuring out college applications. It was easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. There were moments when the pressure made me question whether my goals were realistic. However, like Jack Terry’s story shows, hardship can push you to grow in ways you did not expect. Instead of giving up, I chose to take responsibility for my future. I spent time researching scholarships, learning how financial aid works, and asking questions even when I felt uncomfortable doing so. I balanced school with work and stayed committed to my academics, knowing that my education is my path forward. Through leadership roles like First Gen Club and starting a Debate Club, I also worked to create spaces where other students like me could feel supported and less alone. These experiences have taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of perseverance. I have learned that challenges do not mean you stop. They mean you adapt, learn, and keep going. I have also learned the value of using your experiences to help others. Just like Jack Terry shared his story to educate and inspire, I want to use my journey to support people who are facing similar obstacles. In the future, I plan to become an English teacher because I believe education is one of the most powerful ways to give back to society. I want to help students find their voice, build confidence, and feel capable of achieving their goals. I know what it feels like to doubt yourself or feel like you do not fully belong, and I want to be the kind of teacher who changes that for my students. I also hope to support first-generation and low-income students by helping them navigate systems that often feel confusing or overwhelming. Jack Terry’s life shows that even after experiencing extreme adversity, it is possible to build a life that impacts others in meaningful ways. That inspires me to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult things may feel at times. My challenges have shaped me into someone who is determined to succeed, not just for myself, but for my family and community. I want to use my education the same way Jack Terry used his life experiences: to create opportunity, share knowledge, and make a difference in the lives of others.

I learned compassion first at home, before I ever called it that. Growing up, I saw how much my family carried without complaining. I watched people work long hours, help others even when they were tired, and still make room for family, neighbors, and strangers who needed support. That taught me that compassion is not just being kind when it is easy. It is noticing when someone is struggling and choosing to help in a real way. A lot of that also came from being a first-generation student in a community where people do not always get the same access to information, support, or opportunities. I have seen how stressful it can be when language, paperwork, money, or uncertainty make something important feel out of reach. That is part of why I care so much about helping others feel seen and understood. Compassion, to me, means making things less confusing, less intimidating, and less lonely for the people around you. I try to live that out in the spaces I am part of. At school, I have taken on leadership roles because I want to help create a place where people feel included and supported. Through First Gen Club, volunteering, and working with others, I have learned that compassion is often in the small things, like listening without interrupting, checking on someone who seems overwhelmed, or explaining something twice without making them feel bad for asking. I have also worked jobs where I had to stay patient and respectful no matter what kind of day I was having. Those experiences taught me that kindness is not fake or weak. It takes effort, and it matters. One of the biggest ways I have tried to put compassion into action is through service. Whether I am tutoring, helping at church, or giving time to people in my community, I try to show up for others the same way I would want someone to show up for me. As a Peer Health Advocate intern, I also saw how much compassion matters in health-related spaces. People do not always need someone to “fix” everything. Sometimes they need someone to listen carefully, speak clearly, and treat them like their situation is worth taking seriously. That experience made me even more committed to a future where I can help people navigate systems that are often overwhelming and unfair. I do not see compassion as something you either have or do not have. I see it as a habit you build. I intend to keep building it by continuing to serve my community, stay grounded in my roots, and use my education to help people who are often overlooked. Whether I end up in law, public health, or another field where I can advocate for others, I want my work to make people feel less alone and more supported. To me, compassion in action means more than caring about people. It means doing something about it. It means listening, helping, standing up, and staying consistent. That is what I learned from my family and my community, and that is what I plan to keep carrying forward.