Neurofibromatosis better known as NF is a rare condition that causes tumours to form in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. I along with three other family members as far as we know have NF. Doctors think the condition is genetic on my father's side. Along with NF, I do not have any visible tumours or tumours that are "awake" or active. I see the neurologist regularly as I do have the Cafe-au-Lait spots all over my body and we need to keep an eye out in case a tumour does form. I also have astigmatism in both eyes so have worn glasses from the age of four. My NF has caused me to be intolerant to several foods and I tend to stay away from them but some are too delicious to not enjoy. In elementary, I was made fun of for myCafe-au-Lait spots but, I always stood up for myself and did my friends. In high school and middle school, nobody made fun of me for my spots, just my crazy outfit choices. In the first grade, my mom sat me down and did her best to explain to me what Neurofibromatosis was. I remember her explaining to me that my body might develop sooner than my peers. She also explained to me that there is a high possibility that I could develop tumours at any time. That was when I realized that the two-hour drive to the doctor was more important than I realized There were a few times when I missed school for MRIs to make sure all was ok and nothing had changed since I last saw my doctor. NF is not very known and there is still so much research to be done. I don't let my NF define me, I do. I am a first-generation student to immigrant parents and I want to show that regardless of all the obstacles I have had including my NF cannot stop me from getting a higher education. I want to be recognized for all I will achieve in my degree and put it to use once I graduate. I want to be an inspiration to not only other Hispanics/Latinos such as myself but to those with NF as well because our rare condition needs more recognition and more people educated about the condition. I have always been a student focused on any opportunity I can take not only because my parents were not able to but because I am. I am going to college for myself to prove that we can all achieve anything we just need to prioritize our goals in order to achieve them and continuously set higher goals for ourselves.

As a first-generation student and daughter from an immigrant family, I understand the strain of having to pay bills, let alone tuition. I have always had to put in a lot of effort to get what I want, even if that meant working long hours, picking fruits on my hands and knees in the hot summer heat, or having a full-time job at McDonald's to help pay for my and my siblings' school supplies. When other students' parents were accompanying them on field trips, mine were preoccupied with work or looking after my two younger sisters. On those same field trips, while other students brought lunchables and drinks, I had the free sack lunches provided by the school. Occasionally, if I was fortunate, my mom would become my sous chef and help me in making a torta for myself. If I was lucky and there were leftovers from dinner, I would take a burrito. This was a rare occurrence, but it made me the happiest person alive. Unknowingly, money has been a source of stress for my family for a long time. We were barely making ends meet in a two-bedroom one-bathroom trailer living paycheck to paycheck. My siblings and I were satisfied with our lifestyle. For us, consuming rice and beans throughout the winter season was a common occurrence. It was during my middle and high school years that I became aware of my family's financial struggles. When food trucks would come to school, I would be the student who sat on the side watching everyone buy food. Thankfully, I had an amazing friend who was always willing to share, as long as I promised them they could come over for rice and beans. As much as I would like to disagree money provides happiness, it, unfortunately, does just that. When you have leftover money from paying all your bills and random expenses that somehow always come up. It is that little bit of money left over that makes you happy, that money you can buy your Starbucks with, or your favourite meal. With this scholarship, I would not have to worry as much about constantly working overtime to pay for school supplies or transportation. I would be able to shift my focus solely on completing my degree and then, pursuing even higher education. I would feel relief in knowing that my education is fully paid for and that my only job is to show up, learn, and pass all my classes because the rest is taken care of.