My college degree will change the trajectory of my life and the future generations by cementing the foundation of a quality education. My family has always worked hard and had to put education on the back burner because of the need to provide for is. My college degree will be an homage to all of their hard work. Setting the educational foundation will provide a standard in future generations that education is attainable and just as important as working to provide. A better education can lead to better career choices which definitely leads to providing for future generations. A college degree will fill me with immense pride, a sense of accomplishment and more importantly open up opportunities for me in a rewarding career. No one will be able to take away my educational accomplishments. The degree will represent growth, success and excellence for myself and my family. Their sacrifices were not in vain nor will mine be. Setting an example for my siblings and future children is important so that they know they too can get a college degree. My current passion is sports related. I am an avid volleyball fan and player. I was introduced to the sport by watching my sister play in a recreational league. The following year her and I were in the same team together and we won the championship. It was just a rec league championship but to me it might As well have been the Olympics. I was hooked. I decided to throw myself learning the rules, I practiced and tried out for the school volleyball team. I was fortunate enough to also go to a few professional games to see it live and in action on the pro level. That further fueled my passion for the game. Practicing with my team has brought me a different kind of joy. The hard work at practice, the repetition and the competitiveness we share also fuels my passion for the game. This is a good insight on how I throw everything I have into something I’m passionate about. I research, I become involved and I tackle whatever obstacles may come my way because honestly life will through you curve balls. It’s the hard work and disciple that will get you through those times. Like with a game, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose but you have focus on what you could have done better and continue to work hard until that hurdle is overcome.

Being Latino and Caribbean has brought me a sense of pride for my culture. From our food to our language, I see the contributions that we have made to shape the world. From sciences and politics to military battalions, the Caribbean and Latin My family has taught me that our people are a resilient people despite adversities. Our contributions to the world has had a significant impact and knowing that makes me want to further explore what else we have done. From Saturday morning music blaring to holiday family gatherings. My Latinidad and Caribbean is evident and helps me connect even more with the culture. It brings more than a sense of pride for the resilience and contributions made. It makes me want to add my mark. Knowing that artists, scientists, athletes all come from my little island gives me the incentive to succeed to that level. The reason why I am passionate about going to college is because firstly I want to make my family proud and myself proud. My passion for college also extends to meeting new people and contributing to my new community that will help shape me for the next four years. I am looking forward to learning from experiences, books and seeing the world through the lens of a college student. I come from a long line of people who sacrifice school for work and survival. I’d like to break that cycle and show that school doesn’t have to be sacrificed. My family always wanted better for me and that also fuels my passion for college. While I have a general idea of what direction I’d like to go, being on college affords me controlled independence and opportunities to explore a different world and community. Whether it’s through classes and work study; athletics or community activities, college is a safe place to be able to explore, grow and learn about myself and how it can impact and enhance my future. The idea that college can open up worlds of possibilities for a young person is enough to bring passion but to also know that my chosen University will also shape my young adult life and beyond is also contributing to my passion of attending college. How can I marry the two? Remembering my family traditions and teachings and my passion for meeting new people and representing myself and my culture and hopefully introducing some of those to my new environment so we can mutually benefit from both worlds. Thank you for the opportunity to express my pride in culture and passion for education.