Sacrifice. A powerful word for many, meaning it must take a lot of courage to put someone else before yourself. Others define it as offering something even if it's difficult to do so in order to reap benefits. There have been many examples of sacrifice from my parents and from my local Catholic community that have inspired me to give back for all the good they have done for me. My name is Hector Guzman and I am the first in my family to graduate high school and have the opportunity to attend the University. Sacrifice has been a huge role in my life not just as a human being but as a person of faith. To begin with, my father has worked tirelessly to provide for our family ever since he was young. He has given so much to help support his family even during the COVID pandemic that struck the lives of many last year. Despite the pandemic, my father worked hard and supported us by making sure we had everything we needed even if it meant working in the hot sun for hours. He has sacrificed so much for our family such as his time, effort, work, and above all his love. That love for his family urged him to go out to work at five in the morning everyday. The local Catholic community, which is the center of my life, has sacrificed much to ensure I was spiritually nourished. The parish priest, who is over 70 years old, would come out every Saturday to hear my Confession. He was tired; I could see it in his eyes. Regardless of how he felt, he came out to greet me with a smile and would give me absolution from my sins. His sacrifice to clean my soul, so I could be free, is priceless. This is why I wish to pursue a college degree. With this degree, I could account for my local church, to help them with their needs without having to hire expensive companies to do work for them. I would also give back to my family, that has supported me all these years, and support them financially as they did for me. St. Paul says, he who works not, let him eat not. In other words, we all must do our part to make the world a better place, and for me, that happens when you do have higher education, because with education, opportunities open up to you. With the help of Dios and the intercession of la Virgencita de Guadalupe, I seek to make the world a better place, despite the sacrifice, because in the end, it is all worth it.