Growing up on the reservation in northern New Mexico, I was surrounded by the beauty of my culture but also the challenges that often come with life on the rez. One of the earliest lessons my mom taught me was the importance of choices. As a young child, she would take me to visit family members whose lives had been deeply affected by alcohol. She wanted me to see firsthand how drinking could impact families and our community, not to shame them, but to open my eyes. Those visits left a lasting impression on me. They made me understand how cycles of struggle can hold our people back, and they gave me the determination to build a life where I could honor my culture without being pulled into the same destructive patterns. Until eighth grade, I went to school on the reservation. Education there was familiar and comfortable, but I always wanted more for myself. My mom encouraged me to push myself, so I transferred to a school in Colorado, about an hour away from my home, where I believed I could get a better education. While I was excited for the opportunity, it came with challenges I didn’t expect. For the first time, I experienced what it felt like to be treated differently because of who I was. Some teachers seemed to dismiss Native students, assuming we were “dumb” or unmotivated, stereotypes that many of my peers had been unfairly labeled with. It was frustrating and disheartening, but instead of letting it discourage me, I used it as motivation. I wanted to prove those stereotypes wrong- not just for myself, but for every Native kid who has ever been underestimated. I worked hard in school, took pride in my studies, and made it my mission to represent my people in the best way I could. I wanted others to see that Native students are capable, intelligent, and driven, even when the odds feel stacked against us. Through it all, my heritage has been my anchor. My culture has taught me resilience, humility, and pride. Some of my favorite moments every year are the cultural gatherings where our community comes together to dance, share meals, and honor our traditions. These events remind me why I work so hard because the generations before me fought to keep our traditions alive, and it is my responsibility to carry that forward while also pursuing opportunities they may not have had. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education, but it would also allow me to give back to my community. My goal is to build a future where I can show Native youth that our culture and higher education can thrive together. I want to help break cycles, defy stereotypes, and inspire the next generation to chase their dreams, no matter how far those dreams take them. My heritage has shaped me into someone who is strong, driven, and proud, and I want to use that strength to make a difference.