It’s noon. I grab my lunch and head to the table where I expect to meet new friends, excited that I’ve moved somewhere with kids who speak my language. When I sit down, they tell me, “You can’t sit here anymore.” I stand up, embarrassed. I’m 12, new to the US, homesick. As I search for a seat, a girl waves me over. I have nothing to lose. I can’t speak English yet, but she invites me, speaking in Portuguese, to join her and her friend. I am relieved and grateful. This moment makes me determined to never let anyone make me feel that way again and to become the best student I can be. Every day, I saw my old “friends”; we were English Language Learners. I was teased relentlessly for simply being myself, and after I received no help from the school staff, I took matters into my own hands. I decided I would be the first one out of that class, and no one could hold me back. In three months, I finished all the curriculum in the beginner class and was moved to an advanced class. Finally, leaving that challenge behind. When I began high school, I continued to work hard. Despite my efforts, I felt disconnected from my peers. It was as if I was left out of something they all shared. That feeling would come and pass, now and again. Teachers often referenced stories or lessons from elementary school. My classmates nodded in understanding, while I was left confused. Of course, the teacher didn’t mean ill; he simply thought it was something everyone knew. Eventually, I learned to deal with that; to find the right people to ask about these references, and research them after school. However, as much as I thought I knew, I was nowhere near “fitting in” yet. By senior year, I was faced with a new realization: I had no idea how to apply for college. Apparently, my peers, this was the amalgamation of all their hard work. I thought I could simply join them. I earned good grades, was an active member in many clubs, captain of the tennis team, and was inducted into multiple honor societies. I applied and was accepted to all of my top choices. Despite scholarships, I realized I would not be able to afford to attend a 4-year institution. I realized that my peers’ parents had prepared for this moment for years. My parents were making sure the rent was paid and that my sister and I could have food and clothes. I was devastated to find out I couldn’t go, and as I received acceptance letters, I felt no joy to celebrate. I am now in my final semester at a community college before I receive my associate's degree. Just because I couldn’t move to a 4-year school doesn’t mean I’d stop my education in its tracks. I came in wondering if my education would equate to that of a university. I am proud to say it did. I gained an experience I wouldn’t change for the world. I was able to join clubs, hold office positions, try classes out of my comfort zone, from theater to emergency medical technician courses. I have done honors research and met people from all walks of life. My time here has helped me find what I truly want to do with my life. I plan on transferring to a 4-year institution to finish my bachelor's degree and be accepted into a school of medicine, so that I can pursue my dream of becoming an emergency doctor.

Since I was a little girl, music has been an inseparable part of my life. It is through the rhythms, melodies, and harmonies that I have learned the power of expression, the beauty of diversity, and the importance of spreading joy. My love for classical music and funk and others, combined with my passion for performing and teaching, has not only brought me great personal happiness but also ignited a desire to share this happiness with others. As I venture on the path to becoming an educator, my goal is to help children perceive the world through the lens of music, encouraging positivity and encouraging a different way of perceiving the world. Through music, I have come to appreciate the greatness of human emotions and experiences that can be conveyed and understood without uttering a single word. Classical music, with its rich history and elaborate compositions, has taught me the value of patience, dedication, and the beauty that comes from harmonizing different instruments to create a beautiful sound. On the other hand, funk music, with its infectious beats and expressive lyrics, has shown me the power of embracing individuality, allowing each instrument and performer to shine in their unique way. Music, in all its forms, is a source of joy for me. The act of creating, performing, and even listening to music fills my heart with happiness The beauty of music lies in its ability to uplift moods, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories. As I reflect on the profound influence music has had on my life, I am drawn to the idea of becoming an educator. I envision a future where I can inspire young minds to view the world through the transformative power of music, much like I have done. By encouraging them to explore various genres, instruments, and forms of expression, I aim to nurture their creativity and critical thinking skills. Beyond technical proficiency, my goal is to impart the values of empathy, teamwork, and respect that music inherently teaches. Through this journey, I hope to cultivate a generation that sees beyond differences, embraces diversity, and spreads positivity through their love for music. The opportunity of performing and teaching has allowed me to spread happiness and inspiration to others. As I aspire to become an educator, I am determined to helping other kids experience the power of music, encouraging a deeper connection spreading positivity. Just as music has improved the way I see life, I am dedicated to sharing this view with the world, one note at a time.