I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because every part of my journey has been shaped by perseverance, sacrifice, and hope. I immigrated to the United States at 14 years old, leaving behind my home in Mérida, Venezuela, to pursue a better future. Coming to the US was not easy, it came with cultural shifts, language barriers, and emotional challenges, but it also lit a fire in me. I learned how to adapt, how to survive, and most importantly, how to keep dreaming even when reality felt overwhelming. My dreams are not distant wishes; they are grounded in who I am and everything I have overcome. I dream of creating a meaningful life, one filled with purpose, connection, and impact. Whether it is through my studies, my creative work, or my desire to represent underrepresented voices, my ambitions are not just about personal success but about giving back to the communities that shaped me. I carry with me the warmth and strength of my Hispanic roots, the lessons of my family, and the weight of their and my own sacrifices. I know the value of opportunity because I have lived without it, and I know how to make the most of it when it comes to me. What makes me worthy of my dreams is not perfection, but effort. I continue to grow, to learn, and to rise above fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. Even on the days when I feel like giving up, I find a reason to keep going. I show up for myself and for my future. I am not waiting to become “enough” one day, I am already enough now. The dreams I hold are not accidental; they exist in me because I am capable of reaching them. I am worth my dreams because I am actively building the life I want, one step at a time. My worth is not measured by where I started, but by how far I am willing to go. And I know, deep down, that I am meant for more, not because it will be handed to me, but because I am ready to earn it. That is why I am worthy. Because I believe in my dreams, and I believe in the version of me who will bring them to life. I believe that I deserve a life full of opportunities, happiness, and calmness. The path has been very rocky but I believe that their is a rainbow at the end of the road.

My name is Isabella Canizares, I am from Merida, Venezuela. I immigrated to the United States when I was 14 years old. My Hispanic family background has affected the way I see the world in several aspects: it has made me very empathetic, it has made me strong during tough times, and it has made me keep this sense of warmness that Venezuelans have. In my family, I have noticed this sense of joy whenever someone meets a new person, or when guests come to my house. We always make them feel welcomed. Through my Hispanic roots, I have always had this sense of joy and friendliness with others. I have learned the importance of keeping the door open to new people, new cultures, and new surroundings. Being there to help others has been a priority in my home. My family has done everything and anything to always support their Venezuelan community. It can be by donating clothes, inviting people over, or being thoughtful with presents when it is someone's birthday. The idea of giving and sharing love is key in my household. Also, being strong during tough times has been one of the main lessons I have learned from my family. My life in the United States has been full of challenges and difficulties. My family and I have had to learn how to remain positive and resilient during these tough circumstances. My family has always said, "no hay un mal que dure mil años," which means that bad things can't last forever. And I have learned to live by those principles. I have learned to be resilient and always have hope even when good things feel impossible. I believe that being Venezuelan will always shape the way I see the world, and I will always be proud to share my views with others. Being Venezuelan has always pushed me to move forward and follow my dreams. Through the journey that I have experienced, I have been able to see the world as a jar full of opportunities. And I have been able to see myself as a very strong woman. I have realized that I have the ability to choose where my future will go, and I have always done my best to pick the best choices. If it wasn't for my Hispanic background, I wouldn’t have the level of deepness or empathy that I currently have, and I will always carry that with pride as I continue growing and connecting with the world around me.

My name is Isabella Canizares, I am from Merida, Venezuela. I immigrated to the United States when I was 14 years old. My Hispanic family background has affected the way I see the world in several aspects: it has made me very empathetic, it has made me strong during tough times, and it has made me keep this sense of warmness that Venezuelans have. In my family, I have noticed this sense of joy whenever someone meets a new person, or when guests come to my house. We always make them feel welcomed. Through my Hispanic roots, I have always had this sense of joy and friendliness with others. I have learned the importance of keeping the door open to new people, new cultures, and new surroundings. Being there to help others has been a priority in my home. My family has done everything and anything to always support their Venezuelan community. It can be by donating clothes, inviting people over, or being thoughtful with presents when it is someone's birthday. The idea of giving and sharing love is key in my household. Also, being strong during tough times has been one of the main lessons I have learned from my family. My life in the United States has been full of challenges and difficulties. My family and I have had to learn how to remain positive and resilient during these tough circumstances. My family has always said, "no hay un mal que dure mil años," which means that bad things can't last forever. And I have learned to live by those principles. I have learned to be resilient and always have hope even when good things feel impossible. I believe that being Venezuelan will always shape the way I see the world, and I will always be proud to share my views with others. Being Venezuelan has always pushed me to move forward and follow my dreams. Through the journey that I have experienced, I have been able to see the world as a jar full of opportunities. And I have been able to see myself as a very strong woman. I have realized that I have the ability to choose where my future will go, and I have always done my best to pick the best choices. If it wasn't for my Hispanic background, I wouldn’t have the level of deepness or empathy that I currently have, and I will always carry that with pride as I continue growing and connecting with the world around me.