Growing up in a low-income family has shaped almost everything about who I am, how I see the world, what I value, and the goals I’m chasing for my future. When I was a baby, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. During that time, my mom became the only provider for our family. She worked multiple jobs, often leaving early in the morning and coming home late at night, all while caring for my dad and me. I don’t remember those moments firsthand, but I grew up hearing about the hospital visits, the bills piling up, and the constant stress. It’s a part of our story that showed me how quickly life can change, and how strong you have to be to keep going. When my dad got better, things improved, but we never stopped feeling the financial weight from those early years. Even now, it’s something we face every day. My mom still works more than one job, and my dad coaches softball and sometimes works at taco stands to bring in extra income along with his everyday job. I do my part by babysitting on weekends and working a summer internship. That internship has been a huge opportunity for me because it lets me build connections that I know will be important for my career. On top of my own expenses, like paying my sorority dues, I have a younger sister who depends on us. I’m also working toward qualifying for out-of-state tuition to make college more affordable, which means staying focused academically while managing everything else on my plate. It’s a lot to balance, but I’ve learned how to prioritize my time and make the most out of every opportunity. These experiences have taught me the value of hard work in a way that’s deeply personal. I’ve learned to be resourceful, to push through when things feel overwhelming, and to never take anything for granted. My parents have shown me what it means to show up every day, even when you’re exhausted, because people are counting on you. My biggest goal is to build a future where I can give my family the stability we’ve always worked so hard for. I want to make the sacrifices they’ve made worth it, and I carry their example with me in everything I do. While our journey hasn’t been easy, it’s given me the determination to keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles I face

When I moved away for college, I told myself I was going to make my physical, mental and emotional health a priority. In high school, I went through a lot with my health. I was constantly at doctor appointments and dealing with issues that made me slow down. Even though I played softball and was always active, I wasn’t really taking care of myself in a way that was intentional. I just thought being on a team meant I was healthy. It wasn’t until those health problems kept coming up that I realized something needed to change. Going to college out of state was a big adjustment. I didn’t know anyone, and I was worried about feeling lonely or falling into bad habits. I wanted to do something that would keep me busy and help me feel better about myself. That’s when I decided to start going to the gym. At first, I was nervous and had no idea where to start. I stuck to the treadmill and watched beginner workout videos so I wouldn’t feel lost. Slowly, I started trying other workouts, and eventually I felt confident enough to do them on my own. Then I started going to the group fitness classes at my school. That’s when I realized that working out made me feel stronger, more confident, and more productive. From there, I started paying attention to what I was eating. My past health issues limited some of my food choices, but I realized it wasn’t about restricting myself, it was about making better decisions. I started cooking for myself and trying new recipes. I learned that food isn’t just something you eat. It’s what fuels you physically and mentally. Now, when I feel stressed or down, I go on walks. It’s something small, but it helps. And I try to remind myself to be grateful for the fact that I can move my body and have access to fresh foods, because I know not everyone does. Making my health a priority has taught me a lot about discipline and balance. Being a college student comes with so many stressors like classes, work, and a social life. I’ve learned how to put myself first without feeling guilty about it. I’m proud that I can manage my time in a way that keeps me from burning out. I know the habits I’m building now will follow me into the future. No matter where I end up because I’ll have the routines and mindset that keep me strong and focused. My health is no longer something I ignore when I get busy; it’s the reason I’m able to show up and give my best in every other part of my life.