Growing up in a family where access to higher education was a distant dream, I quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. My mother who immigrated to this country at the young age of 21, allowed me to have opportunities that she could only dream of. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, she has worked tirelessly to provide for me. Her determination and resilience inspired me to make the most of the opportunities she had worked so hard to create. My mother sacrificing everything to come to this country is definitely my motivation to pursue higher education. I owe it to her. Another motivation is being a first-generation student. I am beyond grateful that I am the one who is breaking barriers and opening different paths for those in the upcoming generations. I feel a deep responsibility to honor my family’s sacrifices and pave the way for other young people like me, who may not have the same resources or opportunities. In the Fall of 2025, I will attend Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi and pursue a nursing major. I plan to receive my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a pediatric registered nurse and work at a children’s hospital. After a few years of experience as an RN, I want to go back to graduate school to pursue my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and join the 8% of female Latina’s who have a masters degree. The ultimate goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner and to help children and their families in need, providing physical and emotional support. I hope to inspire others, particularly within my community, to follow their dreams and make education a priority.

Being a first generation student comes with its highs and lows. Personally, I view it as a very rewarding experience because I have the opportunity to be the first in my family to graduate high school, pursue further education, and make a change for future generations. As a first-generation student there is a lot of pressure for me to be the best I could be. While the pressure can be intimidating at times, I embrace it because I know that in the end it will all be worth it. All that I do today are investments for a brighter future, not just for myself, but for my family and future generations. I have chosen to pursue higher education for various reasons. One of the main reasons is because I want to be able to break the cycle of my family’s lack of educational opportunities. My mother was unable to attend high school, and me being the first to get a high school degree is a big deal for her and I. Not only will I get my high school degree, but I plan on attending Texas A&M University of Corpus Christi to get my Bachelors of Science in Nursing to pursue a career as a pediatrics registered nurse. After gaining work experience as an RN in a children's hospital, I plan to return to TAMUCC to receive my Masters of Science in nursing to become a pediatrics nurse practitioner. Another reason I plan on expanding my education is because it will bring me a large number of opportunities that my mom wasn’t able to have. It brings the simple opportunity of having a different career as her. In preparation for college, I have worked hard to make sure that I am prepared for the challenges ahead of me. Throughout my academic years, I have continuously tried to be the best student I can be. This commitment is reflected in my academic achievements: maintaining high grades, being an honor roll student, staying in the top 10 of my class for 3 years, and actively participating in extracurricular activities. I am a Varsity Golfer, National Honor Society Secretary, Triumph Over Kids Cancer Organization member, Student Council historian, and Senior Council president. At times, it gets challenging having all of these responsibilities but they bring many rewarding moments and benefits. To finish off, being a first-generation student has been a beautiful journey for me. The ups and lows fuel my determination to continue to make a generational change for myself and my family. My pursuit of higher education is not only personal ambition, but a way to break barriers and bring on more opportunities that my family has never had. With my dedication to academics, and my commitment to giving my best everyday, I am shaping who I am, my future, and future generations. I am determined to take advantage of my education to open doors that were once closed and build a legacy of growth, opportunity, and success.

As a first generation high school graduate and college student, my journey to pursuing a career in nursing has shaped my desire to serve others and create a lasting impact on my community. I dream to become a compassionate, skilled nurse who not only provides high-quality care, but also advocates for underserved populations in my community. Growing up, I felt the weight of being the first in my family to pursue higher education. The challenges of navigating through the college process without much guidance were hard, but they led me to be resilient and determined. Early on, I have come to the conclusion that becoming a nurse would require hard work, persistence, and commitment in order for me to help others. I have dedicated myself to this path, knowing that my success will not only change my life but also serve as a light of hope for others in my community who face similar barriers to education and healthcare. Additionally, I have been actively involved in volunteer work which has given me the mental experience in a healthcare setting and has reinforced my commitment to nursing. I have volunteered at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House through the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Organization (TOKC). Through this organization, I have witnessed firsthand the power of compassionate care in improving the lives of patients and their families. During my volunteer time at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, I interacted with children by doing arts & crafts with them and getting their minds off of the rough challenges they go through. I also went to a couple rooms to drop off arts & crafts and a toy to those children who couldn’t come out to the play area. Doing this has made me realize that I belong in the nursing field because of the desire I have to help children and their families. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House also provided a deeper understanding of what patients and families go through. The first time I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, I felt a sense of helpfulness because as I was doing my volunteer duties, I was the only girl who spoke Spanish and was able to help those families who had a difficult time due to language barriers. My supervisor would ask me to translate for her and I immediately noticed the sense of relief that the mothers got due to me being able to communicate with them in Spanish. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and communication, which is something that I plan to incorporate into my nursing practice. My career goals as a nurse are focused on providing compassionate care to underserved and vulnerable populations. Through my work, I hope to inspire others in my community, especially first-generation students to pursue a career in healthcare and to empower them to advocate for themselves and their families. I want to be a role model for those who may not see a clear path to healthcare professions, showing them that with determination and dedication, they too can make a difference in the lives of others. In the near future, I plan to further my education and nursing by getting my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). I look forward to lifelong learning and growth and to become the best latina nurse that I can be, making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

Many students have various experiences with highs and lows that define them as a student; and for me, that is being a first generation student. Growing up with a mother who is an immigrant, I have learned to appreciate cultural diversity and resilience.While I do see it as a rewarding experience due to the opportunities to pursue further education and make a change for future generations, there have been times where the pressure is immense for me to be the best. All the stress, efforts, and overwhelm are factors that I now see as investments for myself, my family, and future generations. Pursuing higher education is attributed to two main reasons: one being to break the cycle of my family’s lack of education opportunities, and two to make a difference for other first generation latinas. Because of my mothers immigration status and the challenges she faced, she was never able to attend high school. Thinking about getting my diploma brings excitement for myself, but it also brings more intense emotions knowing that my mom is living her dream out through me. To continue this dream for both of us, I plan on attending Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi to get my Bachelors of Science in Nursing to pursue a career as a pediatrics registered nurse. After gaining work experience as an RN in a children's hospital, I plan to return to TAMUCC to receive my Masters of Science in Nursing- FNP to become a pediatrics nurse practitioner. Through my higher education journey, I not only want to break the cycle of limited opportunities within my family, but I hope to create a legacy that will move future generations. I want to be the role model that breaks the pre-existing future for Mexicans. Education is a bright tool for change, and it's within their reach. By achieving my dreams, I hope to encourage others in my first generation students to believe that they too can overcome obstacles and create their own success stories. To reflect these values, I will work as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the future. I want to leave my mark within my family of being the first to pursue that career. I also want to leave my mark within my community by caring for children and their families with the same compassion and dedication that has fueled my own journey. I hope that I am a source of inspiration not just to my family, but others who feel that higher education is unattainable. To finish off, being a first-generation student has been a beautiful journey for me. The ups and lows fuel my determination to continue making a generational change for myself and my family. My pursuit of higher education is not only personal ambition, but a way to break barriers and bring on more opportunities that my family has never had. With my dedication to academics, and my commitment to giving my best everyday, I am shaping who I am, my future, and future generations. I am determined to take advantage of my education to open doors that were once closed and build a legacy of growth, opportunity, and success.

Community service like small acts of kindness, helping at my old middle school, and organizing donation drives is the epitome of what I dedicate my life goals to. I’ve always participated in community service. While I have always known the importance of serving, my perception of community service was deepened after a challenging illness my junior year. To surpass my comfort zone, I joined the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation, a foundation that helps support children battling cancer. An impactful experience was when I volunteered at Driscoll Children’s Hospital with TOKC. The anxiety of interacting with sick children was high, but after time, that all changed. With crafts, conversations, and more, it was better. It was difficult to experience and to think of the unimaginable situations, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I was able to overcome this emotional challenge and make a difference. This experience is my inspiration when it comes to pursuing my future RN as I care for children through all times. I’ve been taught the power of compassion and the effects of small acts of kindness. I hope to use this experience as a drive for more personal growth and a deeper understanding of life.

As a first generation high school graduate and college student, my journey to pursuing a career in nursing has shaped my desire to serve others and create a lasting impact on my community. From a young age, I have witnessed the hardships faced by my mother, who did not have a professional career, has driven my passion for healthcare and nursing. I aspire to become a compassionate, skilled nurse who not only provides high-quality care, but also advocates for underserved populations in my community. Growing up, I felt the weight of being the first in my family to pursue higher education. The challenges of navigating through the college process without much guidance were intimidating, but they led me to be resilient and determined. Early on, I have come to the conclusion that becoming a nurse would require hard work, persistence, and commitment in order for me to help others. I have dedicated myself to this path, knowing that my success will not only change my life but also serve as a light of hope for others in my community who face similar barriers to education and healthcare. Additionally, I have been actively involved in volunteer work which has given me the mental experience in a healthcare setting and has reinforced my commitment to nursing. I have volunteered at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House through the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Organization (TOKC). Through this organization, I have witnessed firsthand the power of compassionate care in improving the lives of patients and their families. During my volunteer time at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, I interacted with children by doing arts & crafts with them and getting their minds off of the rough challenges they go through. I also went to a couple rooms to drop off arts & crafts and a toy to those children who couldn’t come out to the play area. Doing this has made me realize that I belong in the nursing field because of the desire I have to help children and their families. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House also provided a deeper understanding of what patients and families go through. The first time I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, I felt a sense of helpfulness because as I was doing my volunteer duties, I was the only girl who spoke Spanish and was able to help those families who had a difficult time due to language barriers. My supervisor would ask me to translate for her and I immediately noticed the sense of relief that the mothers got due to me being able to communicate with them in Spanish. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and communication, which is something that I plan to incorporate into my nursing practice. My career goals as a nurse are focused on providing compassionate care to underserved and vulnerable populations. Through my work, I hope to inspire others in my community, especially first-generation students to pursue a career in healthcare and to empower them to advocate for themselves and their families. I want to be a role model for those who may not see a clear path to healthcare professions, showing them that with determination and dedication, they too can make a difference in the lives of others. In the near future, I plan to further my education and nursing by getting my Bachelors of Science in Nursing and my Masters of Science in Nursing. I look forward to lifelong learning and growth and to become the best Latina nurse that I can be, making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

Throughout my high school journey, I committed to the idea of volunteering. I started small. Going to my old middle school to help teachers with their classrooms, volunteering at events my school hosted, and even collecting donations for the people in need. However, my junior year, after being ill most of the first semester, I decided to join the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation (TOKC) to break out of my comfort zone and focus on how I can help children with cancer and their families. During my time with the TOKC, I had the opportunity to attend volunteer events at Driscoll Children's Hospital and the Corpus Christi Ronald McDonald House. I vividly remember the first time I participated in a volunteer event at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. As I walked into the hospital doors, I felt nervous. I wondered how I would react around sick children. “Will I get too emotional? Will I be able to hide my sadness and still be a good volunteer?” I asked myself. As I sat with the children, doing arts and crafts and talking with them, my nerves began to fade. Instead of feeling overwhelmed with sadness, I felt a mix of emotions–sadness and joy. I felt sad because I knew the children were facing difficult challenges, but at the same time, I felt joy knowing that my presence was brightening their day. Leaving the hospital, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that I had made a small but meaningful difference in their lives. That experience also sparked the realization that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing to better care for children and their families during such difficult times. This experience taught me so much. Firstly, it reminded me that I was very blessed to be able to go to school and not be in a hospital, ill. It also taught me that sometimes the best way to help others is simply by being there for them, offering your time, and showing kindness. I have learned that even small acts of service can have a deep impact, not only on those who you help, but on your own growth and understanding of the world. There are countless ways people can contribute to their communities. Helping doesn’t always have to be about addressing physical needs; it can be about providing emotional support. For instance, spending time at a hospital or nursing home can bring a great sense of joy and the feeling that someone is there for them. It offers a sense of compassion and careness. Another powerful way to help is by hosting donation drives. Such as food drives, clothing drives, etc. This brings people together to collect goods for those in need, such as for homeless or families of low income. Ultimately, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my volunteer work is that every act of kindness, no matter if it's big or small, has the potential to create lasting change. As I continue my journey in life and my career in healthcare, I am committed to being a compassionate, active member of my community, always seeking ways to give back and make a difference.

As a first generation high school graduate and college student, my journey to pursuing a career in nursing has shaped my desire to serve others and create a lasting impact on my community. From a young age, I have witnessed the hardships faced by my mother, who didn't have a professional career, has driven my passion for healthcare and nursing. I aspire to become a compassionate, skilled nurse who not only provides high-quality care, but also advocates for underserved populations in my community. Growing up, I felt the weight of being the first in my family to pursue higher education. The challenges of navigating through the college process without much guidance were intimidating, but they led me to be resilient and determined. Early on, I have come to the conclusion that becoming a nurse would require hard work, persistence, and commitment in order for me to help others. I have dedicated myself to this path, knowing that my success will not only change my life but also serve as a light of hope for others in my community who face similar barriers to education and healthcare. Additionally, I have been actively involved in volunteer work which has given me the mental experience in a healthcare setting and has reinforced my commitment to nursing. I have volunteered at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House through the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Organization (TOKC). Through this organization, I have witnessed firsthand the power of compassionate care in improving the lives of patients and their families. During my volunteer time at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, I interacted with children by doing arts & crafts with them and getting their minds off of the rough challenges they go through. I also went to a couple rooms to drop off arts & crafts and a toy to those children who couldn’t come out to the play area. Doing this has made me realize that I belong in the nursing field because of the desire I have to help children and their families. Volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House also provided a deeper understanding of what patients and families go through. The first time I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, I felt a sense of helpfulness because as I was doing my volunteer duties, I was the only girl who spoke Spanish and was able to help those families who had a difficult time due to language barriers. My supervisor would ask me to translate for her and I immediately noticed the sense of relief that the mothers got due to me being able to communicate with them in Spanish. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and communication, which is something that I plan to incorporate into my nursing practice. My career goals as a nurse are focused on providing compassionate care to underserved and vulnerable populations. Through my work, I hope to inspire others in my community, especially first-generation students to pursue a career in healthcare and to empower them to advocate for themselves and their families. I want to be a role model for those who may not see a clear path to healthcare professions, showing them that with determination and dedication, they too can make a difference in the lives of others. In the near future, I plan to further my education and nursing by getting my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). I look forward to lifelong learning and growth and to become the best latina nurse that I can be, making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

As a first generation high school graduate and college student, my journey to pursuing a career in nursing has shaped my desire to serve others and create a lasting impact on my community. From a young age, I have witnessed the hardships faced by my mother, who did not have a professional career, has driven my passion for healthcare and nursing. I aspire to become a compassionate, skilled nurse who not only provides high-quality care, but also advocates for underserved populations in my community. Growing up, I felt the weight of being the first in my family to pursue higher education. The challenges of navigating through the college process without much guidance were intimidating, but they led me to be resilient and determined. Early on, I have come to the conclusion that becoming a nurse would require hard work, persistence, and commitment in order for me to help others. I have dedicated myself to this path, knowing that my success will not only change my life but also serve as a light of hope for others in my community who face similar barriers to education and healthcare. Additionally, I have been actively involved in volunteer work which has given me the mental experience in a healthcare setting and has reinforced my commitment to nursing. I have volunteered at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House through the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Organization (TOKC). Through this organization, I have witnessed firsthand the power of compassionate care in improving the lives of patients and their families. During my volunteer time at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, I interacted with children by doing arts & crafts with them and getting their minds off of the rough challenges they go through. I also went to a couple rooms to drop off arts & crafts and a toy to those children who couldn’t come out to the play area. Doing this has made me realize that I belong in the nursing field because of the desire I have to help children and their families. Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House also provided a deeper understanding of what patients and families go through. The first time I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, I felt a sense of helpfulness because as I was doing my volunteer duties, I was the only girl who spoke Spanish and was able to help those families who had a difficult time due to language barriers. My supervisor would ask me to translate for her and I immediately noticed the sense of relief that the mothers got due to me being able to communicate with them in Spanish. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and communication, which is something that I plan to incorporate into my nursing practice. My career goals as a nurse are focused on providing compassionate care to underserved and vulnerable populations. Through my work, I hope to inspire others in my community, especially first-generation students to pursue a career in healthcare and to empower them to advocate for themselves and their families. I want to be a role model for those who may not see a clear path to healthcare professions, showing them that with determination and dedication, they too can make a difference in the lives of others. In the near future, I plan to further my education and nursing by getting my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). I look forward to lifelong learning and growth and to become the best latina nurse that I can be, making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

As a first generation high school graduate and college student, my journey to pursuing a career in nursing has shaped my desire to serve others and create a lasting impact on my community. From a young age, I have witnessed the hardships faced by my mother, who did not have a professional career, has driven my passion for healthcare and nursing. I aspire to become a compassionate, skilled nurse who not only provides high-quality care, but also advocates for underserved populations in my community. Growing up, I felt the weight of being the first in my family to pursue higher education. The challenges of navigating through the college process without much guidance were intimidating, but they led me to be resilient and determined. Early on, I have come to the conclusion that becoming a nurse would require hard work, persistence, and commitment in order for me to help others. I have dedicated myself to this path, knowing that my success will not only change my life but also serve as a light of hope for others in my community who face similar barriers to education and healthcare. Additionally, I have been actively involved in volunteer work which has given me the mental experience in a healthcare setting and has reinforced my commitment to nursing. I have volunteered at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House through the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Organization (TOKC). Through this organization, I have witnessed firsthand the power of compassionate care in improving the lives of patients and their families. During my volunteer time at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, I interacted with children by doing arts & crafts with them and getting their minds off of the rough challenges they go through. I also went to a couple rooms to drop off arts & crafts and a toy to those children who couldn’t come out to the play area. Doing this has made me realize that I belong in the nursing field because of the desire I have to help children and their families. Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House also provided a deeper understanding of what patients and families go through. The first time I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, I felt a sense of helpfulness because as I was doing my volunteer duties, I was the only girl who spoke Spanish and was able to help those families who had a difficult time due to language barriers. My supervisor would ask me to translate for her and I immediately noticed the sense of relief that the mothers got due to me being able to communicate with them in Spanish. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and communication, which is something that I plan to incorporate into my nursing practice. My career goals as a nurse are focused on providing compassionate care to underserved and vulnerable populations. Through my work, I hope to inspire others in my community, especially first-generation students to pursue a career in healthcare and to empower them to advocate for themselves and their families. I want to be a role model for those who may not see a clear path to healthcare professions, showing them that with determination and dedication, they too can make a difference in the lives of others. In the near future, I plan to further my education and nursing by getting my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and my Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). I look forward to lifelong learning and growth and to become the best latina nurse that I can be, making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

As a first-generation high school graduate and college student, I’ve often had to navigate my educational and career path on my own, as my mother wasn’t able to attend college or pursue a professional career. Despite this, my passion to pursue a career in nursing emerged during my junior year of high school, after facing one of the toughest challenges of my life and volunteering at my local children’s hospital. The first semester of my junior year was unexpectedly difficult. Out of nowhere, I became seriously ill and slipped into a dark space. I was so sick that I nearly missed six weeks of school. Every day was a struggle: I had severe stomach pains, couldn’t eat, and battled constant feelings of depression. I lost 15 pounds and looked so pale that those around me could tell something was wrong. After various emergency room visits, blood-work, getting referred to a gastroenterologist, and undergoing a CT scan, colonoscopy and endoscopy, my doctors couldn’t figure out what was causing my symptoms. Fortunately, after a long and uncertain period, I eventually began to recover and slowly returned to my normal self. This challenging experience inspired me to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse. The compassion and care I received from my medical team during my illness made me want to be like them– someone who could comfort children in their most difficult moments and help them feel better. I believe nursing is a beautiful profession because it allows you to care for others, be there when they need it most, and make a real difference in their lives. After recovering from my illness, I joined the Triumph Over Kids Cancer Organization (TOKC), and began attending volunteer events. I vividly remember the first time I participated in a volunteer event at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. As I sat with the children, doing arts and crafts with those barring serious illnesses, I felt a mix of emotions–sadness and joy. I felt sad because I knew the children were going through difficult times and likely experiencing pain. But at the same time, I felt happy knowing that my presence was brightening their day. That experience sparked my desire to be part of the nursing community, where I could make a more lasting impact. Additionally, I still volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House with TOKC, visiting families who are staying there with their children who are receiving treatment at our local children’s hospital. During my visits, we do arts & crafts with the children, give them toys, and also provide dinner for them! During these volunteer events, I could see how much the comfort and support they received helped them ease their mind off of the difficult moments they are going through. Being part of that community deepened my understanding of the emotional and physical challenges families face, and it further confirmed my calling to become a pediatric nurse. Both my volunteer experiences– at Driscoll Children’s Hospital with TOKC and the Ronald McDonald House–allowed me to witness firsthand the power of compassionate care. It has shown me that as a nurse, I could be that person who shows comfort and strength to others. These experiences continue to motivate my passion for nursing, and I am excited to pursue a career where I can make a true difference in the lives of children and their families.

Being a first generation student comes with its highs and lows. Personally, I view it as a very rewarding experience because I have the opportunity to be the first in my family to graduate high school, pursue further education, and make a change for future generations. As a first-generation student there is a lot of pressure for me to be the best I could be. While the pressure can be intimidating at times, I embrace it because I know that in the end it will all be worth it. All that I do today are investments for a brighter future, not just for myself, but for my family and future generations. I have chosen to pursue higher education for various reasons. One of the main reasons is because I want to be able to break the cycle of my family’s lack of educational opportunities. My mother was unable to attend high school, and me being the first to get a high school degree is a big deal for her and I. Not only will I get my high school degree, but I plan on attending Texas A&M University of Corpus Christi to get my Bachelors of Science in Nursing to pursue a career as a pediatrics registered nurse. After gaining work experience as an RN in a children's hospital, I plan to return to TAMUCC to receive my Masters of Science in nursing to become a pediatrics nurse practitioner. Another reason I plan on expanding my education is because it will bring me a large number of opportunities that my mom wasn’t able to have. It brings the simple opportunity of having a different career as her. In preparation for college, I have worked hard to make sure that I am prepared for the challenges ahead of me. Throughout my academic years, I have continuously tried to be the best student I can be. This commitment is reflected in my academic achievements: maintaining high grades, being an honor roll student, staying in the top 10 of my class for 3 years, and actively participating in extracurricular activities. I am a Varsity Golfer, National Honor Society Secretary, Triumph Over Kids Cancer Organization member, Student Council historian, and Senior Council president. At times, it gets challenging having all of these responsibilities but they bring many rewarding moments and benefits. To finish off, being a first-generation student has been a beautiful journey for me. The ups and lows fuel my determination to continue to make a generational change for myself and my family. My pursuit of higher education is not only personal ambition, but a way to break barriers and bring on more opportunities that my family has never had. With my dedication to academics, and my commitment to giving my best everyday, I am shaping who I am, my future, and future generations. I am determined to take advantage of my education to open doors that were once closed and build a legacy of growth, opportunity, and success.