Today in the world has developed into a community based society where positive human interaction is of utmost importance. I honestly believe that it is essential for people to be involved in their community and this provides a new appreciation of cultural diversity. Being from Guatemala, before making the trip to the United States in 2016, I was the leader of a team whose project was to pave a street. Step one was to come up with a plan that was shown to the mayor for approval. Next I spoke with the mayor to tell him the street was in very bad condition. When it rained people could not walk in the street because it was very muddy and people were at risk of falling and hurting themselves. After that the mayor asked me to meet with the town folk to sign a request for the project. After getting approval for the project, getting started was very difficult for me because the team members who were going to build it did not believe in me. The reason for this was that in my country women are not looked upon as leaders. At that time, I felt extremely unhappy because they did not trust me. I returned to my house crying and my parents told me “ You are a very brave young lady with a good heart who could not allow the opinion of others to make you sad”. They also said “You should believe in yourself”. I listened to my parents and later told my team members that it does not matter that I am a woman. We can be leaders too. During that time of the project I managed the workforce and schedules. The project was a resounding success. The last thing I did was to talk with my team who helped and to thank them for the great job they had done. I went to the mayor to inform him that the project was completed, so he could pay the people who worked on this project. This experience enabled me to form long lasting relationships and I learned that while people across different walks of life are culturally different, the basic human needs of love, shelter and food remain the same. Being able to help my community was very fulfilling. I was part of a group of people who helped each other. Being active in the community is important because it builds personal character and allows us to see the necessities of our community. An active community working for each other allows society to progress while providing personal satisfaction. John Fitzgerald Kennedy said “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.

With a childhood of tremendous hardships and unbelievable obstacles in Guatemala, I have fought to overcome them all. I found my way to the United States with hope to find a better life. Grabbing the opportunity offered to me in the United States with both hands, I have set myself on a path of success. This has directly resulted in breaking the shackles of illiteracy that has afflicted my family for generations. I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate High School and I am just getting started. As far back as I can remember, my Dad lacked self control when it came to alcohol. When I was a child there was one time when my dad was drunk he missed my 15 years birthday. Alcohol made my father lose control and caused violence decades of alcohol abuse finally started to take its toll. I was just fifteen years old when my Dad was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and to complicate things further, he soon developed liver cancer. To make matters worse my grandmother became paralyzed. My Dad wasn’t able to work due to his illness and my Mom had to stay home and take care of my grandmother. To ease the financial situation at home I had to start working. Even though I was just 15. I strove to earn as much as I could. My job was cleaning homes, babysitting, and making food for people. My schedule to start work was from 5:00 AM to 10PM every day. I had that responsibility because my dad was sick and my mom was taking care of my grandma who was very sick. I only got a few hours of sleep in between, all the while being paid the equivalent of $3 a day for my troubles. I was thrilled to get a pay raise to earn $4 a day. This was an extremely hard time in my life. Having the responsibility of taking care of my family helps me to build courage, character and value the things that my parents did for me when I was baby. In 2017 my Dad’s health further deteriorated, and I was compelled to take care of him full time. With all sources of income cut off, the family was in a desperate situation. After carefully considering all of my options, I decided to migrate to the United States to earn a fair living wage. I knew the journey was going to be filled with unimaginable dangers. I walked with strangers in the mountains for 10 hours. Being only 17 years old, I had to muster the courage and inner strength to make this happen. After a dangerous journey of 30 days. I reached the border of the United States where I was detained by border security and taken to immigration processing center which is one of the largest centers in the United States. That is a terrible place because it is very cold. I slept on the floor without blanquet they gave me aluminium paper to use like a blanquet. They did not give us enough food. As far as my next chapter of life, I dream of a secondary education. A college education is at the heart of being productive in society, and apart from building perseverance, inculcates a sound sense of discipline. It is not the degree itself that is most valuable, rather the strong will to see something through to the end. The decision to attend college is an impactful choice that results in opportunity not just for the current generation but future ones too. Back home in Guatemala if you are a girl, education is not considered important. Girls are from a young age told that the sole role of a woman is to take care of the home, the children and support their man. While I still have strong family values and believe in the core institution, I now understand that women are equal members of society and should be treated as such. Based on my experiences I strongly desire to be an advocate for women's rights, fight against the evils of child labor and do my best to enable a change in mindset back home. These might seem impossible but every journey starts with a single step, as Nelson Mandela once famously said “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

With a childhood of tremendous hardships and obstacles in Guatemala, I have fought to overcome them all. I found my way to the United States with immense courage in the face of adversity. Grabbing the opportunity offered to me in the United States with both hands, I have set myself on a path of success. This has directly resulted in breaking the shackles of illiteracy that has afflicted my family for generations. I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate High School and I am just getting started. As far back as I can remember, my Father lacked self control when it came to alcohol. Decades of alcohol abuse finally started to take its toll. I was just 15 years old when my father was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and to complicate things further, he developed liver cancer. To make matters worse my grandmother became paralysed. My Father wasn’t able to work due to his illness and my Mom had to stay home and take care of my grandmother. To ease the financial situation at home I had to start working although I was just 15. I strived really hard to earn as much as I could. My days started at 6:00 am and ended 10:00 pm. I only got a few hours of sleep in between, all the while being paid the equivalent of $3 a day for my troubles. I was thrilled to get a pay raise to earn $4 a day. This was a hard time in my life. However, being able to help my family financially was very fulfilling. In 2017 my Dad’s health further deteriorated, and I was compelled to take care of him full time. With all sources of income cut off, the family was in a desperate situation. After carefully considering all of my options, I decided to journey to the United States to earn a fair living wage. I knew the journey was going to be filled with unimaginable dangers. Being only 16 years old, I had to muster the courage and inner strength to make this happen. I was totally committed and determined to make a difference to the fortunes of my family. However, for that to happen it was essential for me to make a life for myself. After an arduous journey of 25 days, I reached the border of the US where I was detained by border security and taken to a shelter. Within a month I learned that my Father had passed away. I was completely grief stricken to have not been there during his final moments. Through my grief I vowed to continue, to pursue an education, to do the best with my God given talent, to be successful while being able to take care of my family back home, and also to help others who are less fortunate. A few months later I received the sad news of my grandmother’s death. The tragedies in those few months made me even more determined to fulfil my life’s purpose, which started to become more clear. My life was about to change and it was now up to me to make the most of this opportunity. Placement in a home took place rapidly, and in no time I found myself enrolled and attending school. Not knowing a word of English can present a unique challenge, especially in an English medium school. I was almost 18 years old when I started school in the US but was placed in 9th grade after an evaluation of language and math skills. At first it was difficult to communicate with everyone. Everything was different: new language, new culture, new home, new set of rules, new lifestyle and food that I was not used to. All this left me feeling helpless. As far as my next chapter of life, I dream of a secondary education. College provides real benefits to individuals - both tangible and intangible. It is not the degree itself that is most valuable, rather the strong will to see something through to the end. The decision to attend college is such an impactful choice, that results in opportunity for not just the current generation but future ones too. A college education is at the heart of being productive in society, and apart from building perseverance inculcates a sound sense of discipline. After completing my college education, I would like to work for a respectable company and earn a decent salary. This is important to me, because it will enable me to help my family back home. Apart from financial support, it will also motivate my younger sisters to pursue an education with the belief that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and perseverance. Being a trendsetter and having graduated from High School is extremely fulfilling and I am proud of my achievements. Back home in Guatemala if you are a girl, education is not considered important. Girls are from a young age told that the sole role of a woman is to take care of the home, the children and support their man. While I still have strong family values and believe in it’s core institution, I now understand that women are equal members of society and should be treated as such. Based on my experiences I strongly desire to be an advocate for women's rights, fight against the evils of child labor and do my best to enable a change in mindset back home. These might seem impossible but every journey starts with a single step, as Nelson Mandela once famously said “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” In conclusion my immediate goal is to go to college, work to the best of my ability achieve success and graduate with flying colors. I have learned a lot in my life so far but have come to realize that learning is an essential part of life. Change happens. What's most important is adapting to the change and making the best of what we have.

With a childhood of tremendous hardships and unbelievable obstacles in Guatemala, I have fought to overcome them all. I found my way to the United States with immense courage in the face of adversity. Grabbing the opportunity offered to me in the United States with both hands, I have set myself on a path of success. This has directly resulted in breaking the shackles of illiteracy that has afflicted my family for generations. My goal in life is to go to college. A college education is at the heart of being productive in society, and apart from building perseverance inculcates a sound sense of discipline. After completing my college education, I would like to work for a respectable company and earn a decent salary. This is important to me, because it will enable me to help my family back home. Apart from financial support, it will also motivate my younger sisters to pursue an education with the belief that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and perseverance. Through my grief I vowed to continue, to pursue an education, to do the best with my God given talent, to be successful while being able to take care of my family back home, and also to help others who are less fortunate. Being a trendsetter and having graduated from High School is extremely fulfilling and I am proud of my achievements. Back home in Guatemala if you are a girl, education is not considered important. Girls are from a young age told that the sole role of a woman is to take care of the home, the children and support their man. While I still have strong family values and believe in it’s core institution, I now understand that women are equal members of society and should be treated as such. Based on my experiences I strongly desire to be an advocate for women's rights, fight against the evils of child labor and do my best to enable a change in mindset back home. These might seem impossible but every journey starts with a single step, as Nelson Mandela once famously said “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” I believe that with God by my side nothing is impossible. When I came to this country my life was about to change and it was now up to me to make the most of this opportunity. Placement in a foster home took place rapidly, and in no time I found myself enrolled and attending school. Not knowing a word of English can present a unique challenge, especially in an English medium school. At first it was difficult to communicate with everyone. Everything was different: new language, new culture, new home, new set of rules, new lifestyle and food that I was not used to. All this left me feeling helpless. However, I was determined and with a singular purpose to do well to overcome those challenges, adapted to my new environment and graduated from High School. The journey has been extremely fulfilling and I am proud of my achievements. I will use the same tenacity and adaptability in college and strive to do the best I can.

With a childhood of tremendous hardships and unbelievable obstacles in Guatemala, I have fought to overcome them all. I found my way to the United States with immense courage in the face of adversity. Grabbing the opportunity offered to me in the United States with both hands, I have set myself on a path of success. This has directly resulted in breaking the shackles of illiteracy that has afflicted my family for generations. I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate High School and I am just getting started. As far back as I can remember, my Dad lacked self control when it came to alcohol. Decades of alcohol abuse finally started to take its toll. I was just fifteen years old when my Dad was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and to complicate things further, he developed liver cancer. To make matters worse my grandmother became paralysed. My Dad wasn’t able to work due to his illness and my Mom had to stay home and take care of my grandmother. To ease the financial situation at home I had to start working although I was just 15. I strived really hard to earn as much as I could. My days started at 6:00 am and ended 10:00 pm. I only got a few hours of sleep in between, all the while being paid the equivalent of $3 a day for my troubles. I was thrilled to get a pay raise to earn $4 a day. This was an extremely hard time in my life. However, being able to help my family financially was very fulfilling. In 2017 my Dad’s health further deteriorated, and I was compelled to take care of him full time. With all sources of income cut off, the family was in a desperate situation. After carefully considering all of my options, I decided to journey to the United States to earn a fair living wage. I knew the journey was going to be filled with unimaginable dangers. Being only 17 years old, I had to muster the courage and inner strength to make this happen. I was totally committed and determined to make a difference to the fortunes of my family. However, for that to happen it was essential for me to make a life for myself. After an arduous journey of 25 days, I reached the border of the US where I was detained by border security and taken to a shelter. Within a month I learned that my Dad had passed away. I was completely grief stricken to have not been there during his final moments. Through my grief I vowed to continue, to pursue an education, to do the best with my God given talent, to be successful while being able to take care of my family back home, and also to help others who are less fortunate. A few months later I received the sad news of my grandmother’s death. The tragedies in those few months made me even more determined to fulfil my life’s purpose, which started to become more clear. My life was about to change and it was now up to me to make the most of this opportunity. Placement in a home took place rapidly, and in no time I found myself enrolled and attending school. Not knowing a word of English can present a unique challenge, especially in an English medium school. I was almost 18 years old when I started school in the US but was placed in 9th grade after an evaluation of language and math skills. At first it was difficult to communicate with everyone. Everything was different: new language, new culture, new home, new set of rules, new lifestyle and food that I was not used to. All this left me feeling helpless. As far as my next chapter of life, I dream of a secondary education. College provides real benefits to individuals - both tangible and intangible. It is not the degree itself that is most valuable, rather the strong will to see something through to the end. The decision to attend college is such an impactful choice, that results in opportunity for not just the current generation but future ones too. A college education is at the heart of being productive in society, and apart from building perseverance inculcates a sound sense of discipline. After completing my college education, I would like to work for a respectable company and earn a decent salary. This is important to me, because it will enable me to help my family back home. Apart from financial support, it will also motivate my younger sisters to pursue an education with the belief that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and perseverance. Being a trendsetter and having graduated from High School is extremely fulfilling and I am proud of my achievements. Back home in Guatemala if you are a girl, education is not considered important. Girls are from a young age told that the sole role of a woman is to take care of the home, the children and support their man. While I still have strong family values and believe in it’s core institution,I now understand that women are equal members of society and should be treated as such. Based on my experiences I strongly desire to be an advocate for women's rights, fight against the evils of child labor and do my best to enable a change in mindset back home. These might seem impossible but every journey starts with a single step, as Nelson Mandela once famously said “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” In conclusion my immediate goal is to go to college, work to the best of my ability achieve success and graduate with flying colors. I have learned a lot in my life so far but have come to realize that learning is an essential part of life. Change happens. What's most important is adapting to the change and making the best of what we have.

With a childhood of tremendous hardships and unbelievable obstacles in Guatemala, I have fought to overcome them all. I found my way to the United States with immense courage in the face of adversity. Grabbing the opportunity offered to me in the United States with both hands, I have set myself on a path of success. This has directly resulted in breaking the shackles of illiteracy that has afflicted my family for generations. I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate High School and I am just getting started. As far back as I can remember, my Dad lacked self control when it came to alcohol. Decades of alcohol abuse finally started to take its toll. I was just 15 years old when my Dad was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and to complicate things further, he developed liver cancer. To make matters worse my grandmother became paralysed. My Dad wasn’t able to work due to his illness and my Mom had to stay home and take care of my grandmother. To ease the financial situation at home I had to start working although I was just 15. I strived really hard to earn as much as I could. My days started at 6:00 am and ended 10:00 pm. I only got a few hours of sleep in between, all the while being paid the equivalent of $3 a day for my troubles. I was thrilled to get a pay raise to earn $4 a day. This was a hard time in my life. However, being able to help my family financially was very fulfilling. In 2017 my Dad’s health further deteriorated, and I was compelled to take care of him full time. With all sources of income cut off, the family was in a desperate situation. After carefully considering all of my options, I decided to journey to the United States to earn a fair living wage. I knew the journey was going to be filled with unimaginable dangers. Being only 16 years old, I had to muster the courage and inner strength to make this happen. I was totally committed and determined to make a difference to the fortunes of my family. However, for that to happen it was essential for me to make a life for myself. After an arduous journey of 25 days, I reached the border of the US where I was detained by border security and taken to a shelter. Within a month I learned that my Dad had passed away. I was completely grief stricken to have not been there during his final moments. Through my grief I vowed to continue, to pursue an education, to do the best with my God given talent, to be successful while being able to take care of my family back home, and also to help others who are less fortunate. A few months later I received the sad news of my grandmother’s death. The tragedies in those few months made me even more determined to fulfil my life’s purpose, which started to become more clear. My life was about to change and it was now up to me to make the most of this opportunity. Placement in a home took place rapidly, and in no time I found myself enrolled and attending school. Not knowing a word of English can present a unique challenge, especially in an English medium school. I was almost 18 years old when I started school in the US but was placed in 9th grade after an evaluation of language and math skills. At first it was difficult to communicate with everyone. Everything was different: new language, new culture, new home, new set of rules, new lifestyle and food that I was not used to. All this left me feeling helpless. As far as my next chapter of life, I dream of a secondary education. College provides real benefits to individuals - both tangible and intangible. It is not the degree itself that is most valuable, rather the strong will to see something through to the end. The decision to attend college is such an impactful choice, that results in opportunity for not just the current generation but future ones too. A college education is at the heart of being productive in society, and apart from building perseverance inculcates a sound sense of discipline. After completing my college education, I would like to work for a respectable company and earn a decent salary. This is important to me, because it will enable me to help my family back home. Apart from financial support, it will also motivate my younger sisters to pursue an education with the belief that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and perseverance. Being a trendsetter and having graduated from High School is extremely fulfilling and I am proud of my achievements. Back home in Guatemala if you are a girl, education is not considered important. Girls are from a young age told that the sole role of a woman is to take care of the home, the children and support their man. While I still have strong family values and believe in it’s core institution, I now understand that women are equal members of society and should be treated as such. Based on my experiences I strongly desire to be an advocate for women's rights, fight against the evils of child labor and do my best to enable a change in mindset back home. These might seem impossible but every journey starts with a single step, as Nelson Mandela once famously said “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” In conclusion my immediate goal is to go to college, work to the best of my ability achieve success and graduate with flying colors. I have learned a lot in my life so far but have come to realize that learning is an essential part of life. Change happens. What's most important is adapting to the change and making the best of what we have.

With a childhood of tremendous hardships and unbelievable obstacles in Guatemala, I have fought to overcome them all. I found my way to the United States with immense courage in the face of adversity. Grabbing the opportunity offered to me in the United States with both hands, I have set myself on a path of success. This has directly resulted in breaking the shackles of illiteracy that has afflicted my family for generations. I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate High School and I am just getting started. As far back as I can remember, my Dad lacked self control when it came to alcohol. Decades of alcohol abuse finally started to take its toll. I was just 15 years old when my Dad was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and to complicate things further, he developed liver cancer. To make matters worse my grandmother became paralysed. My Dad wasn’t able to work due to his illness and my Mom had to stay home and take care of my grandmother. To ease the financial situation at home I had to start working although I was just 15. I strived really hard to earn as much as I could. My days started at 6:00 am and ended 10:00 pm. I only got a few hours of sleep in between, all the while being paid the equivalent of $3 a day for my troubles. I was thrilled to get a pay raise to earn $4 a day. This was a hard time in my life. However, being able to help my family financially was very fulfilling. In 2017 my Dad’s health further deteriorated, and I was compelled to take care of him full time. With all sources of income cut off, the family was in a desperate situation. After carefully considering all of my options, I decided to journey to the United States to earn a fair living wage. I knew the journey was going to be filled with unimaginable dangers. Being only 16 years old, I had to muster the courage and inner strength to make this happen. I was totally committed and determined to make a difference to the fortunes of my family. However, for that to happen it was essential for me to make a life for myself. After an arduous journey of 25 days, I reached the border of the US where I was detained by border security and taken to a shelter. Within a month I learned that my Dad had passed away. I was completely grief stricken to have not been there during his final moments. Through my grief I vowed to continue, to pursue an education, to do the best with my God given talent, to be successful while being able to take care of my family back home, and also to help others who are less fortunate. A few months later I received the sad news of my grandmother’s death. The tragedies in those few months made me even more determined to fulfil my life’s purpose, which started to become more clear. My life was about to change and it was now up to me to make the most of this opportunity. Placement in a home took place rapidly, and in no time I found myself enrolled and attending school. Not knowing a word of English can present a unique challenge, especially in an English medium school. I was almost 18 years old when I started school in the US but was placed in 9th grade after an evaluation of language and math skills. At first it was difficult to communicate with everyone. Everything was different: new language, new culture, new home, new set of rules, new lifestyle and food that I was not used to. All this left me feeling helpless. As far as my next chapter of life, I dream of a secondary education. College provides real benefits to individuals - both tangible and intangible. It is not the degree itself that is most valuable, rather the strong will to see something through to the end. The decision to attend college is such an impactful choice, that results in opportunity for not just the current generation but future ones too. A college education is at the heart of being productive in society, and apart from building perseverance inculcates a sound sense of discipline. After completing my college education, I would like to work for a respectable company and earn a decent salary. This is important to me, because it will enable me to help my family back home. Apart from financial support, it will also motivate my younger sisters to pursue an education with the belief that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and perseverance. Being a trendsetter and having graduated from High School is extremely fulfilling and I am proud of my achievements. Back home in Guatemala if you are a girl, education is not considered important. Girls are from a young age told that the sole role of a woman is to take care of the home, the children and support their man. While I still have strong family values and believe in it’s core institution, I now understand that women are equal members of society and should be treated as such. Based on my experiences I strongly desire to be an advocate for women's rights, fight against the evils of child labor and do my best to enable a change in mindset back home. These might seem impossible but every journey starts with a single step, as Nelson Mandela once famously said “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” In conclusion my immediate goal is to go to college, work to the best of my ability achieve success and graduate with flying colors. I have learned a lot in my life so far but have come to realize that learning is an essential part of life. Change happens. What's most important is adapting to the change and making the best of what we have.

With a childhood of tremendous hardships and unbelievable obstacles in Guatemala, I have fought to overcome them all. I found my way to the United States with immense courage in the face of adversity. Grabbing the opportunity offered to me in the United States with both hands, I have set myself on a path of success. This has directly resulted in breaking the shackles of illiteracy that has afflicted my family for generations. I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate High School and I am just getting started. As far back as I can remember, my Dad lacked self control when it came to alcohol. Decades of alcohol abuse finally started to take its toll. I was just 15 years old when my Dad was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and to complicate things further, he developed liver cancer. To make matters worse my grandmother became paralysed. My Dad wasn’t able to work due to his illness and my Mom had to stay home and take care of my grandmother. To ease the financial situation at home I had to start working although I was just 15. I strived really hard to earn as much as I could. My days started at 6:00 am and ended 10:00 pm. I only got a few hours of sleep in between, all the while being paid the equivalent of $3 a day for my troubles. I was thrilled to get a pay raise to earn $4 a day. This was a hard time in my life. However, being able to help my family financially was very fulfilling. In 2017 my Dad’s health further deteriorated, and I was compelled to take care of him full time. With all sources of income cut off, the family was in a desperate situation. After carefully considering all of my options, I decided to journey to the United States to earn a fair living wage. I knew the journey was going to be filled with unimaginable dangers. Being only 16 years old, I had to muster the courage and inner strength to make this happen. I was totally committed and determined to make a difference to the fortunes of my family. However, for that to happen it was essential for me to make a life for myself. After an arduous journey of 25 days, I reached the border of the US where I was detained by border security and taken to a shelter. Within a month I learned that my Dad had passed away. I was completely grief stricken to have not been there during his final moments. Through my grief I vowed to continue, to pursue an education, to do the best with my God given talent, to be successful while being able to take care of my family back home, and also to help others who are less fortunate. A few months later I received the sad news of my grandmother’s death. The tragedies in those few months made me even more determined to fulfil my life’s purpose, which started to become more clear. My life was about to change and it was now up to me to make the most of this opportunity. Placement in a home took place rapidly, and in no time I found myself enrolled and attending school. Not knowing a word of English can present a unique challenge, especially in an English medium school. I was almost 18 years old when I started school in the US but was placed in 9th grade after an evaluation of language and math skills. At first it was difficult to communicate with everyone. Everything was different: new language, new culture, new home, new set of rules, new lifestyle and food that I was not used to. All this left me feeling helpless. As far as my next chapter of life, I dream of a secondary education. College provides real benefits to individuals - both tangible and intangible. It is not the degree itself that is most valuable, rather the strong will to see something through to the end. The decision to attend college is such an impactful choice, that results in opportunity for not just the current generation but future ones too. A college education is at the heart of being productive in society, and apart from building perseverance inculcates a sound sense of discipline. After completing my college education, I would like to work for a respectable company and earn a decent salary. This is important to me, because it will enable me to help my family back home. Apart from financial support, it will also motivate my younger sisters to pursue an education with the belief that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and perseverance. Being a trendsetter and having graduated from High School is extremely fulfilling and I am proud of my achievements. Back home in Guatemala if you are a girl, education is not considered important. Girls are from a young age told that the sole role of a woman is to take care of the home, the children and support their man. While I still have strong family values and believe in it’s core institution, I now understand that women are equal members of society and should be treated as such. Based on my experiences I strongly desire to be an advocate for women's rights, fight against the evils of child labor and do my best to enable a change in mindset back home. These might seem impossible but every journey starts with a single step, as Nelson Mandela once famously said “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” In conclusion my immediate goal is to go to college, work to the best of my ability achieve success and graduate with flying colors. I have learned a lot in my life so far but have come to realize that learning is an essential part of life. Change happens. What's most important is adapting to the change and making the best of what we have.