Like many high schoolers close to obtaining their driver’s license, I wanted nothing more in life than a black Jeep Wrangler. Unfortunately, Jeeps are expensive, and my parents’ financial uncertainty during the pandemic meant the only way to get one was if I worked for it. Now, I know that you're probably thinking that this will be some generic, high school, first car story. I promise you—this story is different. I got a job at a local water park, but right as I was about to start, COVID hit the United States. Everything shut down. I was left jobless and losing hope for my car. Weeks later, I was still searching for a job. With COVID, nobody was hiring, especially not 15 year olds without prior job experience. Instead of giving up, I came up with the idea to start my own business. With my Dad’s help, I founded a handyman business called Romero & Son Carpentry. Growing up, my dad made me do odd jobs around the house like installing electrical fixtures, assembling furniture, repairing drywall, and many other projects. These experiences gave me the basic skills necessary to start a business where my dad and I went to houses to do handyman jobs and custom carpentry. Customers sent us a picture of what they wanted us to create, we built a sketch-up of it, got the materials we needed, and built and installed it. We've completed custom laundry sorters built from scratch, back-lit movie posters, custom closets, recessed lighting, new electrical outlets, and much more. To find new customers, I created a website detailing my work. At grantromero.com, customers can view pictures of past work, customer testimonials, information about me, and more. Customers can fill out a form where they describe the job they need completed, and from there I respond promptly with a date when we can work. I request customers send pictures of the job, hardware, and installation location. Based on the information they send us, we go to Home Depot and buy the necessary materials to complete the job. Since launching this business, I have saved over $15,000 from 30+ customers, enough to buy my Jeep. It has been an amazing, rewarding, and educational experience. From running this business, I have learned how to talk to customers, prepare invoices, bill them, and—the tough part—collect payment. Running this business has allowed me to further my carpentry and handyman skills, which help me beyond the business. I put those skills to good use when I participated in the Diocese of Arlington Work Camp, where I led a group of 5 peers to complete local projects to improve community spaces for underprivileged households. Many of my group members had never used power tools before, so I set an example and helped my teammates learn. By the end of the week, we had finished building several structures such as ramps, benches, and flower beds for those without the means to do so themselves. The people who we completed these projects for were very appreciative and generous; they bought us water and ice cream for our hard work. Seeing how excited they were after we finished made me feel proud of myself. In spite of COVID, they gave us hugs and expressed their gratitude for our work. These are the experiences in my life that inspired me to pursue this path.

My grandfather is one of the hardest working and most dedicated men and my inspiration in life. The way he lived his life is how our family shaped our beliefs. Gonzalo Romero was born in 1931 in the slums of Bogata Columbia. Growing up he had 4 brothers and 3 sisters who all lived in the same small house together. Growing up he always had a passion for helping people so he decided he was going to be a surgeon or a doctor when he grew up. During his teenage years, his brother and him were out on Christmas when they were robbed at gunpoint and his brother ended up getting shot and died. From that moment on he decided that he was going to put all of his time into becoming a doctor so he can save people like his brother. He worked hard in school and applied for a scholarship to move to the United States and study premed at Georgetown University. He received the grant and with everything he had saved up, he moved to America and began studying medicine. There was only one thing standing in his way, the language barrier. All his life he had spoken his native language Spanish and he had to learn a completely new language to be able to learn. He took English classes on the side and had to ask the professor to translate his work from Georgetown to Spanish when he first started. He graduated after four years then got his phd and became a surgeon in Northern Virginia. There he was a doctor and surgeon for 58 years achieving his goal of helping people. He practiced medicine until his health limited him from being able to do his best. He was diagnosed with dementia and decided it was best for him to no longer be a surgeon. He still offers his help and professional opinion to people in need to this day because all he wants to do in life is use his gifts to help others. This value of helping others is something that has been passed down to my father and then to me. Our family prayer that we say every night goes "Lord grant me the wisdom to use my knowledge, skills, and abilities, to the best of my potential to serve others, contribute to their well-being and inspire them to greatness. Helping others is the belief about the world that my family share and something that I want to use in the real world. I chose to go into the field of technology to create something to help people. Technology is the future and something that can be very beneficial in helping others. It's a very easy way to reach millions in need and solve modern-day problems.

One technology project I worked on that I was extremely passionate about was something I did in high school. Where I grew up the public schools around me don't offer S.T.E.M. classes to kids growing up and they can never see the wonders behind technology. I went around to three different elementary schools and asked the teachers if they would be open to having me come to the school and offer these kids a chance to learn about technology. After weeks of back-and-forth emailing, they sent me a date that I could come in for about two and a half hours and give a presentation. I spent about a month and a half researching the attention spans and ways to inspire the younger generation and effective ways to communicate a point to younger kids. In my spare time, I came up with a two-and-a-half-hour lesson introducing these kids to technology and then giving them a brief and fun introduction to coding. When I arrived at the school I set up my computer and gave my presentation to a group of elementary school kids. The school was able to provide one computer for every two kids. Beforehand I had downloaded Learn to Code on the computer and VisualStudio Code on each computer so the kids could live code with me. I created a simple set of instructions that the kids could follow and then would stop and ask if there were any questions. After my presentation, I then instructed the kids to pull up Learn to Code where they could choose one of three themed lessons, during which I would walk around and answer any questions they had. After the class, all the kids seemed so fascinated and interested in the world of technology. The teachers sent me an email the next day and told me that all the kids wanted more so they were going to start including bits of technology classes in their curriculum. The looks and aww on these kids' faces are one of the reasons that technology inspires me. Also, the appreciation from the teachers is another thing that inspired me to work in technology. Now I am a rising sophomore at Purdue University studying Business Analytics and Information Management with a minor in Computer Science. The look on these kids' faces from witnessing the wonders of technology is the reason that I want to work in the space.

Ever since I was a little kid ive always been fascinated by technology and how it works. In addition to that, my father has worked in technology and has been showing me his work all my life while I was growing up. Showing me the newest security systems to keep our country safe and much more stuff. Ever since then I've signed up and attended coding camps and even am pursuing a degree in the field at Purdue University. At college, I have been taking classes like data engineering in Python and Intro to Programming and those classes have fascinated me. While most people hate sitting in a computer lab for 4 hours I choose to stay late and fully understand everything. The thing I like about coding is there is always more than one way to do something and collaborating with others and seeing how they completed the task is something that always amazes me. My dream job is to combine computer science knowledge and sales. There's a very niche group of people who can both understand how a computer works and then portray that point and sell it to someone. I consider myself to be a very personable and people-friendly person and sales has always been something I've been good at. I've been running my own business for the last 4 years and my entire marketing strategy is based on my people skills and retaining my past clients. One reason I feel I'm the best candidate is that computer science is something ive been passionate about all my life and want to pursue for the rest of my life. I go to an out-of-state college and am paying for all of the tuition myself taking out loans. The reason I went to an out-of-state college is to follow my passion for this space. Purdue has an outstanding reputation and a wide variety of networking opportunities and for this reason, I decided to take on the out-of-state tuition.

Mental health is something that is very important to me and my family. Growing up my father had 4 brothers and 2 of them ended up suffering from mental illness. One of them being my Uncle Allen. Growing up Uncle Allen was always the nicest guy and the fun uncle to be around. We would go on vacations with him and he would visit all the time. As time went by he started to deal with mental health issues and we started to see less and less of Uncle Allen. He was a Vanderbilt computer engineering graduate who would eventually go on to be one of the original workers at Google, and in ten years he was broke. His mental illness had led to him doing drugs that got progressively worse and worse. Over the years Uncle Allen began to grow violent towards my family and he wasn't the joyful hip Uncle Allen that we all grew up loving. One day Uncle Allen found himself wandering the highway at 3 AM on some hardcore drugs in the morning and was hit by an ongoing car and died within seconds of being hit. The next morning the cops showed up at our house and we learned that our uncle had died. My father and everyone in my family broke down in tears and we all reminisced about all the good times we had with him before his mental illness took over. Uncle Allen was a bright engineer on the rise in silicon valley and died within the next ten years due to mental illness. Ever since that incident my eyes have been opened to the serious effects of mental illness. Uncle Allen was robbed of his late years because of the effects of mental illness and its serious effects. After this event I've started to try and maintain a healthy state of mind and mental health at all times. Maintaining a healthy mental state is paramount for overall well-being. I prioritize self-care by nurturing positive habits daily. Regular exercise, such as yoga or jogging, helps release stress and boosts mood. Engaging in creative activities, like painting or writing, offers a therapeutic outlet. I also practice mindfulness and meditation to center my thoughts and reduce anxiety. Meaningful connections with loved ones create a strong support system. Limiting screen time and embracing nature aid in mental clarity. Seeking professional help when needed is crucial, destigmatizing therapy. Embracing gratitude and positive affirmations fosters optimism. Balancing work, rest, and leisure cultivates a serene and resilient mindset.

Faith is a profound and deeply personal aspect of human existence. For me, my belief in God has been an unwavering source of strength, guidance, and solace throughout my life. It has helped me navigate the challenges and uncertainties that life throws my way and provided a sense of purpose and direction. As I embark on my career journey, I firmly believe that my faith will continue to be an indispensable asset, assisting me in navigating the professional world with humility, resilience, and compassion. In my life, God has been an anchor during tumultuous times, providing me with the inner strength to persevere through hardships. When facing adversity, whether it was the loss of a loved one, personal setbacks, or moments of doubt, my faith offered me hope and comfort. The assurance that there is a divine plan beyond my comprehension gave me the courage to face difficult circumstances with renewed determination. Additionally, my faith has taught me valuable life lessons, such as the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude. Understanding God's unconditional love and forgiveness has empowered me to extend the same grace to others, fostering stronger and more meaningful relationships. This spirit of empathy has significantly enriched both my personal and professional interactions, making me a better communicator and team player. Furthermore, my faith has encouraged a sense of purpose and meaning in my life. Understanding that there is a higher calling beyond material success has allowed me to align my actions and aspirations with values greater than self-interest. This perspective has guided my decisions, leading me to pursue a career that not only fulfills my ambitions but also makes a positive impact on others and the world at large. As I look forward to my career, I am confident that my faith will continue to play a pivotal role. In a competitive and fast-paced professional world, it will serve as a constant reminder of the importance of integrity and ethical conduct. It will be the voice that guides me away from compromising situations and towards making choices that align with my principles. Moreover, my faith will be a source of resilience during challenging times in my career. The knowledge that I am not alone in my journey, that there is a divine force supporting and guiding me, will infuse me with the courage to persevere during setbacks. It will help me view failures as stepping stones to growth rather than roadblocks. One of the most significant contributions of my faith to my career will be in nurturing empathy and understanding for others. Recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs, will enable me to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. It will equip me to approach conflicts with a sense of compassion and seek solutions that benefit all stakeholders involved. In conclusion, my faith in God has been a profound force in shaping my life and will continue to guide and support me throughout my career. It has taught me invaluable lessons, provided strength during difficult times, and encouraged me to pursue a purpose-driven life. As I step into the professional world, I am confident that my faith will be an indispensable asset, enriching my interactions, nurturing resilience, and inspiring me to make a positive impact on others and the world at large. With unwavering faith as my guiding light, I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with humility, determination, and compassion.

Mental health is something that is very important to me and my family. Growing up my father had 4 brothers and 2 of them ended up suffering from mental illness. One of them being my Uncle Allen. Growing up Uncle Allen was always the nicest guy and the fun uncle to be around. We would go on vacations with him and he would visit all the time. As time went by he started to deal with mental health issues and we started to see less and less of Uncle Allen. He was a Vanderbilt computer engineering graduate who would eventually go on to be one of the original workers at Google, and in ten years he was broke. His mental illness had led to him doing drugs that got progressively worse and worse. Over the years Uncle Allen began to grow violent towards my family and he wasn't the joyful hip Uncle Allen that we all grew up loving. One day Uncle Allen found himself wandering the highway at 3 AM on some hardcore drugs in the morning and was hit by an ongoing car and died within seconds of being hit. The next morning the cops showed up at our house and we learned that our uncle had died. My father and everyone in my family broke down in tears and we all reminisced about all the good times we had with him before his mental illness took over. Uncle Allen was a bright engineer on the rise in silicon valley and died within the next ten years due to mental illness. Ever since that incident my eyes have been opened to the serious effects of mental illness. Uncle Allen was robbed of his late years because of the effects of mental illness and its serious effects. After this event I've started to try and maintain a healthy state of mind and mental health at all times. Maintaining a healthy mental state is paramount for overall well-being. I prioritize self-care by nurturing positive habits daily. Regular exercise, such as yoga or jogging, helps release stress and boosts mood. Engaging in creative activities, like painting or writing, offers a therapeutic outlet. I also practice mindfulness and meditation to center my thoughts and reduce anxiety. Meaningful connections with loved ones create a strong support system. Limiting screen time and embracing nature aid in mental clarity. Seeking professional help when needed is crucial, destigmatizing therapy. Embracing gratitude and positive affirmations fosters optimism. Balancing work, rest, and leisure cultivates a serene and resilient mindset.

My dream version of my future self is a compassionate leader who utilizes their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world, fostering equality, and empowering others to reach their full potential.

Leadership is an essential quality that shapes the course of human progress and drives individuals, organizations, and nations toward success. The characteristics of a great leader are a combination of skills, traits, and actions that inspire and guide others. In this prompt, I will explore the key qualities that make a leader and reflect upon how I strive to embody those qualities in my own life. A leader is someone who possesses a clear and compelling vision for the future. Strong leaders have the ability to create a vision and motivate others to work towards its realization. I believe that a leader should be able to envision a better future, set ambitious goals, and inspire and rally others to join in the pursuit of that vision and cause. By setting my own goals and envisioning a positive impact on the world around me, I strive to exemplify this quality. Integrity is another fundamental characteristic of a leader. It encompasses honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior. Leaders with integrity inspire trust and respect, creating an environment of open communication and collaboration where all members of a team can be heard. I prioritize integrity in my own leadership approach by holding myself accountable for my actions, and demonstrating honesty in my interactions with others. Effective communication lies at the core of successful leadership. Leaders must be skilled in expressing their ideas, listening attentively, and providing feedback. Through clear and concise communication, leaders inspire and align their team, ensuring everyone is working toward a common goal. I continuously work on honing my communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey my thoughts, inspire others, and foster collaboration. In a this changing world, leaders must possess adaptability and resilience. They should be open to new ideas, flexible in their approach, and capable of navigating uncertainty. By embracing change, leaders can guide their teams through challenges and seize opportunities. I strive to be adaptable by continuously seeking new knowledge, staying informed about emerging trends, and embracing change as an opportunity for growth. Leadership is not just about leading; it is also about building strong teams. A leader should have the ability to identify and leverage the strengths of individuals, welcome collaboration, and create a supportive and inclusive work environment. I believe in empowering others, delegating responsibilities, and creating opportunities for growth, which allows me to build cohesive and high-performing teams. I believe you are the best of the four people you hang out with most so surrounding yourself with smart and capable individuals is important. Being a leader is not confined to a specific role or position; it is a mindset and a set of qualities that can be developed and honed over time. By embodying characteristics such as vision, integrity, empathy, effective communication, adaptability, and team building, individuals can make a positive impact in their personal and professional lives. As I continue my journey of personal growth, I strive to embody these qualities and inspire others to unlock their leadership potential, ultimately contributing to a better future for all.