Being first generation means I’m an example, I’m a role model, and I’m a fighter. During my time as a college student, I’ve had to navigate it with no help from my family. No one knew what FAFSA was, no one knew how to apply, and no one really knew how college worked. I made so many mistakes along the way. I took the wrong classes, took too many classes, and had to figure things out on my own. I even had to make emails for my parents so they could access FAFSA and other important information. It was a lot! As a first-generation Chicana college student, I felt like I was learning a system that my family had never been given the opportunity to learn. There were so many times I wished I had someone who could tell me what classes to take, what questions to ask, or what resources were available. I also had to help my family understand that school was a responsibility that required time, energy, and commitment. Sometimes parents do not fully understand the demands of college because they have never experienced it themselves. It was never because my family did not support me; they simply did not always understand what I was navigating. Family is extremely important to me. I have learned that prioritizing my education does not mean choosing school over my family. Instead, I am creating opportunities for myself and for the generations that come after me. During my journey, I became a mother of two beautiful children who I know I will have to help when it is their turn. I have navigated being a parent, a student, a full-time employee, and a first-generation college student all at once. My dream is to continue my education and earn my master’s degree so I can grow as an educator and advocate for children and families. I want to become a teacher who brings my Chicana perspective, culture, and experiences into the classroom. I want to create a classroom where children see themselves, their families, and their communities represented and valued. I also hope to teach Chicano Studies in the future and help students understand that their history, culture, and voices belong in education. This scholarship would help me reach these goals by reducing the financial pressure of continuing my education while raising my children and working. It would give me the opportunity to focus more on my education and continue building the knowledge and skills I need to become the educator I dream of being. My biggest dream is to become the person I needed when I first started college. I want my children to see me as proof that our circumstances do not have to define our future. I want them to know that they belong in higher education and that they can dream beyond what they have seen before.

My inspiration for working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder comes from both my professional experiences and my personal journey as a mother. I am the proud mom of a four year old daughter (Ali) with autism, and that experience has shaped not only who I am as a parent but also the professional I strive to become. Navigating the world of autism from both perspectives has given me a deeper understanding, greater empathy, and a strong passion for supporting children and families on similar journeys. As a mom, I have experienced the emotions that come with receiving a diagnosis, advocating for services, attending appointments, celebrating milestones, and learning to appreciate progress in all its forms. Every achievement, no matter how small it may seem to others, has been meaningful for our family. Ali has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of seeing the world through a different lens. She inspires me every day with her unique personality, her giggles, and silliness, determination, and ability to find joy in things others may overlook. Professionally, I have worked with young children in early childhood education and am continuing my path in therapeutic services. Through these experiences, I have had the opportunity to support children with diverse developmental needs and collaborate with families who are working to help their children succeed. Being both a parent and a professional has allowed me to connect with families on a deeper level because I understand not only the clinical side of development and intervention but also the emotions, concerns, and hopes that parents carry with them every day. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing growth, both in the children I work with and in my own daughter. Whether it is a kiddo using a new word, engaging with peers, learning a new skill, or reaching a personal goal, these moments are incredibly powerful. They remind me that progress is not always measured by how quickly a child develops but by the unique path they take to get there. Working with children with autism has taught me to celebrate individuality and focus on strengths rather than limitations. In the very near future, as I have applied to graduate school today, I plan to continue expanding my education and experience so that I can provide meaningful support to individuals with autism and their families. Especially in the BIPOC community. I am passionate about early intervention because I have seen firsthand the positive impact that timely, individualized support can have on a child’s development. My goal is to help children build communication, social, emotional, and adaptive skills while empowering families with the resources and encouragement they need. I also hope to be an advocate for greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with autism everywhere I go. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive. By combining my professional knowledge with my personal experiences as a mother, I hope to create meaningful connections with the families I serve and help them feel supported throughout their journey. Autism is not just a field I am passionate about it is part of my life. Being both a mom to an amazing autistic little girl and someone dedicated to supporting other children has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is what inspires me to continue learning, growing, and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families. Thank you.