1. When did you find TXT? I found TXT in 2023 when I was honestly looking for new music to help me get through school and life stress. I remember coming across one of their performances on Tiktok, and from there I just kept looking for more. Their music and personalities immediately stood out to me because of how genuine and comforting they felt. 2. What do you think is one of the most important characteristics of a MOA? I believe that empathy is one of the most important characteristics of a MOA. TXT's message is centered on youth, progress, and understanding yourself and others. Being a MOA is expressing that same love and support. Whether it's helping members or other fans, there's a shared feeling of caring and encouragement that makes this community truly special. 3. Do you have a TXT bias, and if so, why did you choose them? Yes, my bias is Choi Yeonjun. I was drawn to him because of his confidence and stage presence, but also how hardworking and humble he is behind the scenes. He’s someone who clearly puts everything into what he does, and that really inspires me to push myself in my own goals. 4. Who is your ult bias, if any, of any group? My ult bias is still Choi Yeonjun. The more I’ve followed TXT, the more I’ve admired not just his talent but also his growth and dedication over time. 5. What is your favorite TXT song, and why? My favorite TXT song is Blue Hour. I love how it feels both nostalgic and hopeful at the same time. The song has moments of happiness during uncertain times, which is something I really connect to as a student balancing a lot of responsibilities. It reminds me to appreciate small moments. 6. Have you had a chance to see TXT live in concert before? No, I haven’t had the chance yet, but it’s definitely something I hope to experience one day. 7. What was your favorite album concept, and why? My favorite album concept is The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION. I really loved how it explored the idea of escaping reality and dealing with internal struggles. It felt very relatable as someone navigating college life and trying to figure out my future. 8. How are you currently paying for school? I’m currently paying for school through a combination of scholarships, financial aid, and work. I’ve worked hard to maintain strong grades to get scholarships, but there are still gaps that are difficult to cover. 9. How will the scholarship help you? What gaps can it fill? This scholarship would make a huge difference for me, especially as I plan to continue into graduate school. Right now, I don’t have a full-time job (but am consistently trying to get one), and my family is facing financial challenges. This includes my dad struggling to find work due to changes in the job market. This support would help cover tuition and living expenses, allowing me to focus more on my education instead of financial stress. 10. How has TXT influenced you for good? TXT has influenced me by reminding me that growth isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to feel lost sometimes. Their music talks about uncertainty, identity, and resilience, which has helped me feel less alone during challenging times. They’ve also motivated me to stay disciplined and keep working toward my goals, even when things feel overwhelming. 11. How will you use your education to do good in the world? I plan to use my education to make a meaningful impact by helping people and communities grow. Through my studies in business and my interest in working with people in human resources, I want to build connections, create opportunities, and support others in reaching their potential. That can be through leadership, community involvement, or future global work. My goal is to create a positive change and uplift others, especially in underrepresented communities (like my Hispanic background).

I am Isabella Litwin, a senior at Texas State University completing a dual degree in Business Management and Spanish, with a cumulative GPA of 3.98. I was born and raised in McKinney, Texas, but my upbringing was anything but singular. My mother is Colombian and my father's heritage is Spanish and German, which means I grew up with two languages, two cultural frameworks, and a deep awareness that the world looks very different depending on which lens you are looking through. My first language is Spanish. Before I ever learned to read in English, I was listening to my mother's stories, her music, and her conversations in the language she carried from Colombia. English came naturally as I entered school, and the two languages grew alongside each other, but Spanish has always been the language of home, of family, and of identity. Being bilingual has shaped every dimension of my life, though not without its complications. One of the more subtle challenges of growing up bilingual is the constant negotiation of belonging. In some spaces, my Spanish marked me as an outsider. In others, my fluent English did the same. There were moments in childhood and early adolescence where I felt caught between two worlds, neither fully claimed by one community nor the other. That experience of in-between is something many bilingual individuals understand deeply, and it took time to recognize it not as a deficit but as a distinct and valuable perspective. There were academic challenges as well. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in my second year of high school, and navigating that diagnosis across two languages required extra layers of strategy, patience, and self-awareness. Reading and writing demanded more effort than they did for many of my peers, and doing so in two languages simultaneously meant developing systems and habits that ultimately made me more disciplined and deliberate than I might have otherwise become. The challenge became the foundation. The benefits, however, have been profound and far-reaching. Bilingualism has opened professional doors that would have remained closed, from serving Spanish-speaking clients at State Farm to rotating through HR at Suntex Marinas with a sensitivity to multicultural workforce dynamics. It has allowed me to connect with people across cultural lines in ways that go beyond surface-level translation. Language, when used with genuine cultural understanding, builds trust. And trust, in any professional context, is currency. My study abroad experience in Cuenca, Spain, deepened this further. Immersing myself in a Spanish-speaking country as an adult sharpened not just my fluency but my cultural competence, my ability to read context, adapt communication styles, and operate comfortably in unfamiliar environments. Post-graduation, I plan to pursue my Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Human Resources at Texas State University, with the goal of building a career in people operations or as an HR business partner. I want to work within organizations that serve diverse communities, where my bilingualism is not a footnote on a resume but a genuine contribution to how the organization connects with the people it exists to serve. I am proud of where I come from. Both languages. Both cultures. All of it.

When most people hear the word "sustainability," they picture solar panels, recycling programs, or carbon offset initiatives. Those efforts matter, but sustainability is far broader than environmental infrastructure. In the field of Human Resources, sustainability means building organizations that do not burn through their most valuable resource: their people. It means creating workplaces where employees are supported, developed, and retained rather than depleted and replaced. And it means recognizing that a business cannot be environmentally responsible if it is not first socially responsible, starting from the inside out. I came to this conviction through experience, not just theory. During my internship at Suntex Marinas, I rotated through HR and watched how workforce decisions rippled outward across every department, affecting morale, retention, operational efficiency, and ultimately the guest experience. What struck me most was how costly unsustainable people practices are, not just financially, but culturally. High turnover, burnout, and disengagement are not isolated HR problems. They are organizational waste. And waste, in any form, is a sustainability issue. In my role as Academic Operations Specialist at McCoy College of Business, I have seen a similar dynamic play out in an academic setting. When faculty and staff feel unsupported, the entire system strains. When processes are inefficient or communication breaks down, everyone absorbs the cost. Sustainable workplaces are not a luxury, they are a strategic necessity, and HR professionals are uniquely positioned to build them. My own background has deepened my commitment to this view. I was diagnosed with dyslexia in high school, which meant I spent years navigating systems that were not designed with my needs in mind. That experience gave me a personal understanding of what it means to work in an environment that either supports or undermines your ability to perform. Inclusive, well-structured workplaces are not just more equitable, they are more sustainable, because they allow a wider range of people to contribute fully and remain engaged over time. I intend to bring that perspective into every HR environment I work in. As a bilingual professional with a bicultural background, I also see sustainability through an international lens. Global organizations that invest in culturally competent HR practices, that build teams reflective of the communities they serve, are better positioned to retain diverse talent and avoid the cultural friction that leads to costly miscommunication and attrition. Sustainable HR is inclusive HR. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in people operations or as an HR business partner, where I can directly influence how organizations invest in their employees. I want to help design onboarding systems that set people up for long-term success, compensation structures that reflect genuine equity, and workplace cultures where burnout is treated as a systemic failure rather than a personal one. Each of these efforts reduces organizational waste and builds something that can last. Sustainability in HR is not a trend. It is the foundation on which every other business priority rests. I intend to spend my career proving that.

Growing up in a bilingual, bicultural household, with a Colombian mother and a father of Spanish and German heritage, I never had the luxury of seeing the world through a single cultural lens. I grew up code-switching between languages, between traditions, between identities. That experience was a gift, but it also came with an early awareness of something painful: how often Hispanic communities are misunderstood, underestimated, or made to feel like they do not fully belong in the spaces they have worked hardest to enter. That awareness is what draws me to the nonprofit sector, and specifically to organizations doing meaningful work within the Hispanic and Latino community. I do not want to simply work alongside this community, I want to serve it deliberately and strategically, using every skill I have built to help dismantle the barriers that too many of us have had to quietly climb over alone. My connection to LULAC as a scholarship recipient has shown me firsthand what it means to be seen and invested in by an organization that understands your background. That scholarship was not just financial support, it was a signal that my goals mattered, that my identity was an asset rather than an obstacle. I want to be part of creating that same signal for others. There are students who are bilingual, first-generation, and deeply capable, but who have never had anyone reflect their potential back to them in a meaningful, institutional way. That gap is where I believe nonprofit work becomes essential. I also bring a perspective that is often absent in conversations about underrepresented communities: the experience of navigating academia with dyslexia. I was not diagnosed until my second year of high school, which meant that for years I quietly worked twice as hard as my peers without fully understanding why. I developed systems, discipline, and a deep empathy for anyone who has to fight harder than others simply to access the same opportunities. In a nonprofit context, that empathy is not incidental, it is foundational. The communities I want to serve are often navigating multiple, compounding challenges simultaneously, and the organizations that serve them well are the ones that understand that complexity from the inside. My academic background in Business Management and Spanish, combined with my HR experience at Suntex Marinas and my leadership of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society, has prepared me to contribute to a nonprofit not just with passion but with operational and strategic capability. I understand how organizations run, how people are motivated, and how to build environments where individuals feel supported enough to thrive. I believe the most impactful nonprofits are the ones that pair genuine community investment with strong internal infrastructure, and I want to help build both. Ultimately, my goal is to use my bilingualism, my business acumen, and my lived experience to help Hispanic and Latino communities access resources, opportunities, and representation they deserve. The stereotypes are loud. The barriers are real. But so is the talent, resilience, and potential within this community, and I intend to spend my career making sure that potential has every chance to be realized.

If being teased is truly a rite of passage, I paid my dues early. My "awkward" thing was not my height or my grip on a pencil, it was the way my brain processed words on a page. I have dyslexia, and for years I did not fully understand why reading felt like wading through quicksand while everyone else seemed to glide effortlessly across the surface. I was not diagnosed until my second year of high school. By then, I had already spent years quietly struggling, wondering why timed tests left me panicked, why written information slipped through my fingers no matter how hard I grasped for it, and why tasks that looked simple for my classmates required twice the effort from me. When you do not have a name for something, it is easy to assume the problem is simply you. Getting a diagnosis was, in a strange way, a relief. It gave me a framework. More importantly, it gave me a choice: let dyslexia define my limits, or figure out how to work with the brain I had. I chose the second option, though it was not always graceful. I became the person with color-coded notes, the one who read assignments three times when others read them once, the student who showed up to office hours not because I was lost, but because repetition and conversation helped me retain information far better than reading alone. While classmates sometimes finished papers in a single sitting, I built mine in sections, returning to each piece until I genuinely understood it, not just well enough to pass, but truly. I stopped racing the clock and started running my own race. That shift carried me further than I expected. In college, pursuing a dual degree in Business Management and Spanish, I maintained a 3.98 GPA. I say that not to brag, but because every decimal point represents a strategy session, an extra hour, a moment where I chose discipline over discouragement. What might look like a clean result from the outside was the product of a very deliberate, very unglamorous process. The deeper gift, though, had nothing to do with grades. Dyslexia made me more empathetic. Because I know what it feels like to need extra time or a different approach, I am genuinely attuned to people around me who are quietly working harder than anyone realizes. In leadership roles and group settings, I naturally gravitate toward creating environments where people feel capable of succeeding in their own way, not just the fastest or most conventional way. It also made me a better problem-solver. When traditional methods do not work for you, you get creative. You learn to work smarter rather than just harder. That flexible thinking, I have found, is not a workaround, it is an advantage. If I could say one thing to someone with their own version of my "awkward" thing, a learning difference, or anything that makes them feel like they are swimming against the current, it would be this: your path does not have to look like everyone else's to lead somewhere great. The detours build something the straight road rarely does. Looking back, dyslexia is not what held me back. It is, quietly and genuinely, what pushed me forward. It taught me patience, self-awareness, and empathy, qualities I carry not as compensation for a weakness, but as strengths I actually earned. Different is not the same as deficient. And the things that make us work a little harder are often the things that make us who we are.

A defining challenge throughout my academic journey has been navigating school with dyslexia. Although this learning difference has always been part of my life, I was not officially diagnosed until my second year of high school. For years prior, I struggled without fully understanding why learning felt different for me. Tasks such as reading quickly, processing large amounts of written information, and completing timed exams required significantly more effort than they did for many of my peers. This often left me feeling frustrated and self-conscious, as I knew I was capable but could not always demonstrate it in traditional ways. Receiving my diagnosis was a turning point. Instead of seeing dyslexia as a limitation, I made a conscious decision to treat it as a challenge I could learn to manage. I began to adapt my approach to learning by developing structured strategies that worked for me. I created highly organized study schedules, broke down complex material into smaller, manageable sections, and relied on repetition and sequencing to reinforce my understanding. While others could complete assignments quickly, I learned to prioritize depth over speed. This shift in mindset allowed me to take control of my education rather than letting my challenges define my capabilities. One of the most significant examples of overcoming this challenge is my academic performance in college. Despite continuing to navigate dyslexia, I have maintained a 3.98 GPA while pursuing a dual degree in Business Management and Spanish at Texas State University. This achievement is particularly meaningful to me because it represents perseverance rather than perfection. Behind every exam, paper, and assignment was a level of preparation, discipline, and persistence that often went unseen. What may appear as a simple outcome to others was, for me, the result of consistent effort and a commitment to growth. My experience with dyslexia forced me to work harder, but more importantly, it taught me how to work smarter. I developed the ability to think critically about how I learn best and to adjust my strategies accordingly. Instead of relying on traditional methods, I became more creative and strategic in my approach to problem-solving. This adaptability has been a key factor in my success, not only academically but also in leadership and professional environments. Beyond academics, this challenge has significantly shaped my character and perspective. Dyslexia has made me more empathetic and aware of the diverse ways people experience challenges. I understand what it feels like to need additional support, patience, and alternative approaches in order to succeed. As a result, I have developed a leadership style centered on inclusivity and encouragement. In group projects, student organizations, and professional settings, I strive to create environments where individuals feel supported and empowered to succeed in their own way. Additionally, overcoming this challenge has strengthened my resilience and discipline. I have learned that success is not always about how easily something comes to you, but rather how committed you are to overcoming obstacles. Dyslexia required me to put in extra time and effort, but it also built a level of persistence that continues to benefit me in all areas of my life. It taught me to remain patient with myself, to stay focused on long-term goals, and to approach challenges with determination rather than doubt. The lessons I have gained from this experience extend beyond my academic achievements. They have shaped how I approach leadership, teamwork, and future career aspirations. As someone pursuing a career in business and human resources, I recognize the importance of understanding people on a deeper level. My experience has given me the ability to connect with others, recognize different strengths, and support individuals in reaching their full potential. I believe that the most effective leaders are those who can turn challenges into opportunities for growth, both for themselves and for others. If I were to offer advice to someone facing a similar challenge, it would be to view their struggle not as a barrier, but as a different path to success. While it may require more time, patience, and effort, it also builds unique strengths that set you apart. Seeking support, developing personalized strategies, and maintaining confidence in your abilities are all essential steps in overcoming adversity. Most importantly, it is crucial to remember that your potential is not defined by how easily something comes to you, but by your willingness to persist. Looking back, dyslexia has not held me back—it has propelled me forward. It has taught me discipline, self-awareness, and empathy, all of which have become central to who I am. Although adversity is never easy, my experience has shown me that when faced head-on, it can become one of the most powerful drivers of personal and academic growth.

Adversity has always been a defining aspect of my life, especially because of my dyslexia. Since I didn't receive a diagnosis until my second year of high school, I struggled for years without completely understanding why learning felt different for me. Reading quickly, processing huge amounts of written information, and taking timed tests were all tasks that needed significantly more work from me. This initially caused me to feel frustrated and self-conscious, but eventually it served as the basis for my self-control, strength, and growth. After learning that I had dyslexia, I made a conscious decision not to allow it to limit my potential. Instead, I started to adapt. I created organized study schedules, divided the material into manageable sections, and used sequence and repetition to strengthen my learning. While others were able to do projects fast, I learned to be patient, concentrating not just on completing tasks but also on fully understanding them. I was able to take charge of my education instead of letting my difficulties control me due to this mental change. My academic experience in college is one of the clearest examples of overcoming adversity. I continued to struggle with dyslexia, but I managed to maintain a 3.98 GPA while pursuing a dual degree in Spanish and business management. This accomplishment is important to me because it shows perseverance rather than perfection. Extra time, diligence, and preparation were needed for each exam, paper, and assignment. For me, what others might have considered a straightforward result was the product of continuous effort and determination. More importantly, dyslexia has shaped who I am beyond academics. It has made me more empathetic and aware of how differently people experience challenges. I understand what it feels like to need support, patience, and alternative approaches to succeed. This perspective has influenced my leadership style and my passion for helping others thrive. Whether in group projects, leadership roles, or professional experiences, my priority is creating environments where people feel supported and capable of succeeding in their own way. This adversity has also strengthened my problem-solving skills. Because I could not always rely on traditional methods of learning, I became more creative and strategic in how I approached challenges. I learned to work smarter, not just harder. These abilities have been directly related to my academic performance and will continue to have an impact on my future career, especially in human resources, where it is essential to fully understand and support others. My advise to someone in a similar situation is straightforward but effective: view your issue as a different path to success rather than as an obstacle. Although it could take more time, patience, and work, it also develops strengths that others might not have. Seek out resources, request guidance, and, most importantly, acknowledge that your ability is not measured by how easily something comes to you. Growth often results from the very challenges we wish we didn't experience. Looking back, dyslexia has not held me back, but rather pushed me ahead. I learned patience, self-control, and empathy from it, all of which have become key elements of my identity. Although adversity is never easy, if we choose to confront it head-on, it can help us become stronger, more capable people.

I’m on the verge of receiving a dual undergraduate degree, Business Administration and Spanish, from Texas State University. I have also discovered during my professional and academic journey that I genuinely enjoy and excel at lifting others, helping people thrive both personally and professionally. Pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Human Resources at Texas State University seems to me to be a natural continuation of my academic and professional journey. I anticipate that this graduate program will strengthen my ability to work with people, develop an organizational strategy, and create environments where I can contribute to the growth and success of others. During my undergraduate years at McCoy College of Business, I developed a strong appreciation for the human dynamics and interactions that are key components to every successful company. I have improved my ability to examine systems and processes while focusing on the strategy that investing in talented, engaged, and well-supported people is a key component to business success. I believe this graduate program will help me strengthen these skills and enable me to grow my career. This graduate program builds on the solid foundation I have already received from Texas State University. My role as an Academic Operations Specialist (as a student worker) in the McCoy College of Business has provided me with direct experience in institutional operations, faculty needs, and student services. This experience has deepened my respect for the administrative and organizational structures that support academic success. I have seen how thoughtful HR practices, particularly managing student employees, influence the daily experiences of everyone in the building. The program's focus on connecting HR with broader business strategy fits well with my professional goals. During my business strategy internship at Suntex Marinas, I worked in HR and observed how workforce decisions affect financial forecasting, operations, and organizational culture. I came away with a strong belief that the most effective HR professionals are not just administrators; they are strategic partners. I expect to accomplish three main objectives by pursuing this graduate degree: Develop the technical toolkit every strategic HR leader must have by getting a research-grounded understanding of compensation strategy, talent acquisition, employment law, and organizational behavior. Use the program's network of faculty and professionals to examine how HR strategy varies across industries, especially in international and multicultural settings. My bilingual background and study abroad experience in Spain provide me with just such a unique perspective. Prepare myself for a people operations and/or HR business partner role. Ultimately, I am drawn to this program because it treats human resources not as a support function but as a competitive advantage. That is a philosophy I share wholeheartedly.

Adversity has always been a defining aspect of my life, especially because of my dyslexia. Since I didn't receive a diagnosis until my second year of high school, I struggled for years without completely understanding why learning felt different for me. Reading quickly, processing huge amounts of written information, and taking timed tests were all tasks that needed significantly more work from me. This initially caused me to feel frustrated and self-conscious, but eventually it served as the basis for my self-control, strength, and growth. After learning that I had dyslexia, I made a conscious decision not to allow it to limit my potential. Instead, I started to adapt. I created organized study schedules, divided the material into manageable sections, and used sequence and repetition to strengthen my learning. While others were able to do projects fast, I learned to be patient, concentrating not just on completing tasks but also on fully understanding them. I was able to take charge of my education instead of letting my difficulties control me due to this mental change. My academic experience in college is one of the clearest examples of overcoming adversity. I continued to struggle with dyslexia, but I managed to maintain a 3.98 GPA while pursuing a dual degree in Spanish and business management. This accomplishment is important to me because it shows perseverance rather than perfection. Extra time, diligence, and preparation were needed for each exam, paper, and assignment. For me, what others might have considered a straightforward result was the product of continuous effort and determination. More importantly, dyslexia has shaped who I am beyond academics. It has made me more empathetic and aware of how differently people experience challenges. I understand what it feels like to need support, patience, and alternative approaches to succeed. This perspective has influenced my leadership style and my passion for helping others thrive. Whether in group projects, leadership roles, or professional experiences, my priority is creating environments where people feel supported and capable of succeeding in their own way. This adversity has also strengthened my problem-solving skills. Because I could not always rely on traditional methods of learning, I became more creative and strategic in how I approached challenges. I learned to work smarter, not just harder. These abilities have been directly related to my academic performance and will continue to have an impact on my future career, especially in human resources, where it is essential to fully understand and support others. My advise to someone in a similar situation is straightforward but effective: view your issue as a different path to success rather than as an obstacle. Although it could take more time, patience, and work, it also develops strengths that others might not have. Seek out resources, request guidance, and, most importantly, acknowledge that your ability is not measured by how easily something comes to you. Growth often results from the very challenges we wish we didn't experience. Looking back, dyslexia has not held me back, but rather pushed me ahead. I learned patience, self-control, and empathy from it, all of which have become key elements of my identity. Although adversity is never easy, if we choose to confront it head-on, it can help us become stronger, more capable people.

Over my time at college, I have worked to develop a well-rounded experience that includes leadership, academic success, religious faith, and community service. I have maintained a strong involvement in my campus and local communities despite balancing a demanding academic schedule as a double major in Spanish and Business Management at Texas State University. Serving as the President of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society is among the most significant ways I have shown leadership. In my role, I have monitored meetings, assisted in organizing chapter activities, and made sure that all the events were used wisely—all while supporting the society's goal of academic achievement and honesty. I've been driven to become more focused on detail while at the same developing my collaborative leadership style by being given this role by a group of accomplished peers. I am also a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa, one of the oldest and best-known academic honor societies in the US. This recognition supports my commitment to the liberal arts and my pursuit of learning outside the classroom. My academic success is a reflection to the hard work I put into promoting the same values in my extracurricular and religious organizations. In order to promote minority students in business, I have taken part in professional development workshops, networking events, and outreach programs as an active member of the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA). My desire to uplift others via engagement and mentoring has grown as a result of being a part of this organization, and it has motivated me to work toward a day when diversity and inclusion are still key to business operations. Beyond leadership and education, my service and spiritual life have given me a sense of direction. I take part in weekly Bible studies that promote faith, self-reflection and support at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Student Parish. This community has helped in my growth of compassion and purpose by serving as a reminder that being a leader is more than just directing people; it also entails listening, supporting, and serving. All of these experiences have worked together to make me a leader who is honest, compassionate, and driven to make a difference. I have stayed dedicated to creating a legacy of support, excellence, and deep connection, whether it is by handling Alpha Chi's obligations, representing excellence through Phi Beta Kappa, guiding classmates through HBSA, or building my faith through the church.

I’m on the verge of receiving a dual undergraduate degree, Business Administration and Spanish, from Texas State University. I have also discovered during my professional and academic journey that I genuinely enjoy and excel at lifting others, helping people thrive both personally and professionally. Pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Human Resources at Texas State University seems to me to be a natural continuation of my academic and professional journey. It will help fuel my future in business. I anticipate that this graduate program will strengthen my ability to work with people, develop an organizational strategy, and create environments where I can contribute to the growth and success of others. During my undergraduate years at McCoy College of Business, I developed a strong appreciation for the human dynamics and interactions that are key components to every successful company. I have improved my ability to examine systems and processes while focusing on the strategy that investing in talented, engaged, and well-supported people is a key component to business success. I believe this graduate program will help me strengthen these skills and enable me to grow my career. This graduate program builds on the solid foundation I have already received from Texas State University. My role as an Academic Operations Specialist (as a student worker) in the McCoy College of Business has provided me with direct experience in institutional operations, faculty needs, and student services. This experience has deepened my respect for the administrative and organizational structures that support academic success. I have seen how thoughtful HR practices, particularly managing student employees, influence the daily experiences of everyone in the building. The program's focus on connecting HR with broader business strategy fits well with my professional goals. During my business strategy internship at Suntex Marinas, I worked in HR and observed how workforce decisions affect financial forecasting, operations, and organizational culture. I came away with a strong belief that the most effective HR professionals are not just administrators; they are strategic partners. I expect to accomplish three main objectives by pursuing this graduate degree: - Develop the technical toolkit every strategic HR leader must have by getting a research-grounded understanding of compensation strategy, talent acquisition, employment law, and organizational behavior. - Use the program's network of faculty and professionals to examine how HR strategy varies across industries, especially in international and multicultural settings. My bilingual background and study abroad experience in Spain provide me with just such a unique perspective. - Prepare myself for a people operations and/or HR business partner role. Ultimately, I am drawn to this program because it treats human resources not as a support function but as a competitive advantage. That is a philosophy I share wholeheartedly.

Adversity has always been a defining aspect of my life, especially because of my dyslexia. Since I didn't receive a diagnosis until my second year of high school, I struggled for years without completely understanding why learning felt different for me. Reading quickly, processing huge amounts of written information, and taking timed tests were all tasks that needed significantly more work from me. This initially caused me to feel frustrated and self-conscious, but eventually it served as the basis for my self-control, strength, and growth. After learning that I had dyslexia, I made a conscious decision not to allow it to limit my potential. Instead, I started to adapt. I created organized study schedules, divided the material into manageable sections, and used sequence and repetition to strengthen my learning. While others were able to do projects fast, I learned to be patient, concentrating not just on completing tasks but also on fully understanding them. I was able to take charge of my education instead of letting my difficulties control me due to this mental change. My academic experience in college is one of the clearest examples of overcoming adversity. I continued to struggle with dyslexia, but I managed to maintain a 3.98 GPA while pursuing a dual degree in Spanish and business management. This accomplishment is important to me because it shows perseverance rather than perfection. Extra time, diligence, and preparation were needed for each exam, paper, and assignment. For me, what others might have considered a straightforward result was the product of continuous effort and determination. More importantly, dyslexia has shaped who I am beyond academics. It has made me more empathetic and aware of how differently people experience challenges. I understand what it feels like to need support, patience, and alternative approaches to succeed. This perspective has influenced my leadership style and my passion for helping others thrive. Whether in group projects, leadership roles, or professional experiences, my priority is creating environments where people feel supported and capable of succeeding in their own way. This adversity has also strengthened my problem-solving skills. Because I could not always rely on traditional methods of learning, I became more creative and strategic in how I approached challenges. I learned to work smarter, not just harder. These abilities have been directly related to my academic performance and will continue to have an impact on my future career, especially in human resources, where it is essential to fully understand and support others. My advise to someone in a similar situation is straightforward but effective: view your issue as a different path to success rather than as an obstacle. Although it could take more time, patience, and work, it also develops strengths that others might not have. Seek out resources, request guidance, and, most importantly, acknowledge that your ability is not measured by how easily something comes to you. Growth often results from the very challenges we wish we didn't experience. Looking back, dyslexia has not held me back, but rather pushed me ahead. I learned patience, self-control, and empathy from it, all of which have become key elements of my identity. Although adversity is never easy, if we choose to confront it head-on, it can help us become stronger, more capable people.