Growing up with immigrant parents, I saw firsthand how economic systems that exclude undocumented individuals can trap them in cycles of poverty. These experiences sparked my interest in understanding how these systems work and how they can be reformed to create a more equal world. I believe bridging diverse academic interests is key to creating meaningful change. My mother’s struggles shaped the way I approach education. From an early age, I learned that knowledge is power, and understanding the policies and structures that shape society is essential for advocating change. Witnessing my single mother deal with financial instability and legal barriers while working tirelessly to provide for our family gave me a deep appreciation for resilience. When my parents separated in September 2020 and finalized their divorce in October 2022, my mother was left without financial support. She had been a stay-at-home mom for years while my father was the sole provider, but after the divorce, he attempted to take everything from us and refused to pay child support. Since my mother did not have a work visa, her options were limited, and she had no choice but to take jobs cleaning houses to keep us stable. Success is about developing the skills and knowledge needed to break cycles of injustice. Academically, I follow subjects that helped me make sense of the world. For example, political science, economics, and philosophy. I became fascinated by how governments create policies, how economies function, and how diplomacy shapes international relations. My personal experiences gave me a unique perspective in these fields. Rather than studying them, I connect them to real-life struggles I have witnessed and endured. This passion has driven me to pursue rigorous coursework and leadership opportunities with my academic and career goals. Beyond the classroom, I took on responsibilities beyond my years. With my mother struggling to provide for us alone and receiving no financial support from my father, I started working at 14 years old to help support my family. I later became a collection manager at 15, balancing school, work, and extracurricular commitments. But my responsibilities didn’t stop there. From 2021 to 2023, I was also the primary caregiver for my little sister, who had cerebral palsy and was blind. In many ways, I considered myself more than just her sibling; I was her mother for those two years. I cared for her while also working and keeping up with my education, all while navigating the emotional weight of our family’s struggles. Losing her in 2023 was one of the most devastating moments of my life, but it also strengthened my determination to fight for change. These experiences have shown me that education is a priceless tool for creating lasting change, both on a personal and societal level. My background has also influenced my long-term aspirations. I plan to study international relations, political science, and economics with an interdisciplinary approach. Soon, pursuing a career in diplomacy, global security, or policy reform. I want to contribute to creating solutions that address economic inequality, public policies, and international cooperation. My childhood has given me a responsibility to advocate for marginalized communities and ensure that policies promote equality and opportunity for all. Having immigrant parents has shaped my identity, my ambitions, and my drive. Their sacrifices and struggles instilled in me a sense of purpose. I will work toward a future where economic and social mobility is not limited by immigration status.

Throughout my life, I have struggled with chronic migraines and severe stomach issues, which have disrupted my daily routine and well-being. While these conditions are challenging on their own, the greatest challenge has been navigating them without medical insurance. The inability to access proper care or even basic prescriptions has led me to endure the pain and uncertainty of my health. These experiences have inspired me not only a deep resilience but also a determination to advocate for individuals who face similar barriers to healthcare. I learned that healthcare was a privilege rather than a guarantee. When my migraines became draining in early 2020, I could not simply schedule an appointment with a specialist. Instead, I had to rely on home remedies, over-the-counter medication, or just push through the pain. Some days, the pounding in my head made it impossible to concentrate in online classes, participate in music rehearsals, or simple activities. The same was true for my stomach problems, which often affected my daily life, diet, or stress levels. Without access to treatment, I had no choice but to manage these issues on my own. One of the most humiliating moments of my life happened during a concert in Phoenix in 2023. In the middle of performing, a migraine hit me with such intensity. The bright stage lights felt like knives in my skull, and every note from the band pounded through my head like a hammer. I had no choice but to walk off stage mid-performance. The embarrassment was unforgettable as I was not only letting down my band members but my directors. Most recently this year, my stomach issues forced me to cancel performances in Las Vegas and at Disney. I had been looking forward to these opportunities for months, yet when the time came, I was in too much pain to even consider traveling. What made this even more frustrating was witnessing how different my experience was from those who had access to medical care. Some of my friends with similar conditions could visit doctors, receive treatments, and get answers. Meanwhile, I was left guessing at the root causes of my pain and hoping that my symptoms would eventually disappear. The ability to seek medical attention should not be a privilege for those who can afford it. These struggles have influenced my passion for healthcare advocacy, particularly for low-income and uninsured individuals. I want to work toward a future where no one has to suffer in silence simply because they cannot afford the proper medical care. My experiences have shaped my understanding of systemic inequalities, further igniting my desire to pursue a career that creates meaningful change. Whether through legislation, non-profit work, or public policy, I hope to contribute to a system that prioritizes access to healthcare as a fundamental right rather than an economic privilege. Overcoming these challenges has given me a deep sense of empathy. I understand what it means to feel helpless in medical uncertainty, and I want to ensure that others do not have to experience that same challenge. My goal is to advocate for policies that prioritize healthcare accessibility and that ensure that financial limitations do not determine a person’s ability to receive the necessary medical attention. Though my migraines and stomach issues have created obstacles, they have also given me a sense of realization. They have shown me firsthand the consequences of a broken healthcare system and have strengthened my desire to advocate for change. I will pursue a career where I hope to contribute to a world where access to healthcare is not a luxury, but a human right.

Through my education, I hope to create meaningful change by advocating for marginalized communities and reforming the systems that keep families trapped in cycles of poverty. I plan to study international relations, political science, and economics to contribute to policy reform, diplomacy, and global security. My goal is to ensure that economic opportunity is not limited by immigration status or financial hardship, and that communities like mine are given the resources they need to thrive. Growing up in a Mexican immigrant household, I saw firsthand the sacrifices my family made in search of a better life. My father’s struggles with alcoholism and his refusal to accept my younger sister’s disability created instability in our home. When my parents separated, my mother, who had been a stay-at-home mom for most of her life, was suddenly forced to find work without legal status. She cleaned houses to make ends meet, all while receiving no child support. With no financial stability, I stepped up. At 14 years old, I started working to help support my family, and by 15, I became a collection manager. At the same time, I was my younger sister’s primary caregiver. She had cerebral palsy and was blind, and for over two years, I took care of her as if she were my own daughter. Balancing my job, school, and caregiving was an enormous responsibility, but I carried it because I had no choice. When she passed away in June 2023, I not only lost my sister, I lost someone I had cared for every single day. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is resilient, disciplined, and deeply committed to advocating for others. My Mexican heritage has instilled in me a sense of responsibility, not just to my family, but to my community. I refuse to let economic and legal barriers define anyone’s future, and through my education, I will work to ensure that they don’t.