I still remember the first time I realized how different my life looked from many of my classmates. It wasn’t one single moment but a collection of small experiences: waiting for my turn to borrow a school-issued laptop while others pulled their own devices from their backpacks, seeing my peers’ families order takeout while I went home to stretch whatever groceries we had left, and trying to focus on homework when the house was too cold because heating was a luxury. For me, financial struggle was not an abstract idea but a constant reality woven into my childhood. Growing up in a household where money was always tight, I learned quickly that nothing was guaranteed. Sometimes, we had to make difficult choices between bills and meals, or between school supplies and other necessities. I watched my parents work long hours—sometimes two jobs each—yet it still felt like we were running a race we could never quite catch up in. As a child, I didn’t always understand the specifics, but I understood the worry in their voices and the quiet sacrifices they made for us. Despite these challenges, or maybe because of them, school became my safe haven. I found comfort in routine: the ringing bell that started each day, the teacher’s voice guiding us through lessons, and the books that transported me far beyond the limits of my circumstances. Learning became more than just an academic pursuit—it became a way for me to imagine a different future. I couldn’t control our financial struggles, but I could control how much effort I put into my studies. Each math equation solved and each science concept mastered felt like a small victory, a reminder that knowledge could create opportunities even when money could not. Adversity forced me to develop qualities I might not have discovered otherwise. I became resilient, because I had to be. I became resourceful, finding ways to study without certain supplies or carving out quiet moments to focus when home was chaotic. Most importantly, I became determined. I realized that if I wanted to break the cycle of financial insecurity, I would need to pursue education relentlessly, no matter how difficult the road became. My passion for STEM grew naturally out of this mindset. STEM appealed to me because it is fundamentally about problem-solving—taking challenges and finding creative, efficient solutions. From an early age, I was drawn to asking “why” and “how.” I remember being fascinated by the way a simple science experiment could reveal the laws that govern the world around us, or how a math formula could explain a real-life phenomenon. STEM made me feel empowered because it showed me that even the most complex problems could be broken down and solved. But my interest in STEM is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. I know what it feels like to lack resources, whether that’s food on the table, reliable technology, or access to healthcare. I’ve seen how financial limitations can stand in the way of opportunities and even basic well-being. That’s why I want to use STEM as a tool for change. I am especially passionate about the intersection of technology and healthcare. I believe that advancements in biomedical engineering, data science, or medical technology can bridge gaps in healthcare access. Imagine a future where affordable medical devices help underserved communities, or where innovative technologies make preventative care more accessible. That is the future I want to help build. Overcoming financial adversity has also given me a perspective that I carry into my academic and career goals. I know how to persist when things are hard, how to adapt when resources are limited, and how to empathize with others who are struggling. These qualities are just as important as technical skills in STEM because innovation is not only about knowledge—it’s also about perseverance, collaboration, and understanding the human impact of scientific progress. Looking forward, I want to combine my resilience with my STEM education to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. My ultimate goal is to contribute to advancements that make healthcare more affordable and effective for families who face the same struggles mine did. I want to work on solutions that remove barriers rather than create them, because no one’s health—or future—should depend on how much money they have. I believe that education is the key to transforming not just my own life, but also the lives of those around me. Through STEM, I see a path where I can turn my experiences with hardship into a force for good, using innovation to help others overcome challenges. I want young people growing up in financial adversity to look at me and see that their circumstances don’t define their potential—that with persistence, curiosity, and opportunity, they can build futures filled with possibility. In the end, my background is not something I view as a burden, but as a source of strength. The financial adversity I faced shaped my character and fueled my passion for STEM. It gave me a determination that I now carry into everything I do. By pursuing a career where I can innovate and create solutions, I hope to transform hardship into hope—not just for myself, but for others who need it most.

My name is Jayline Bustos, and I am a high school junior at Metro Tech High School. I have always been drawn to the field of healthcare because of my desire to help people and make a positive impact in my community. Growing up in a Hispanic family, I have seen firsthand the challenges that many people face when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. This has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can work to improve the lives of others. I am particularly interested in studying nursing and medicine because these fields offer the opportunity to work directly with patients and provide them with the care and support they need. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, but also about building relationships with patients and their families, and helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. My future career goals include becoming a registered nurse or a doctor, where I can work in a hospital or community clinic setting. I am interested in specializing in areas such as pediatrics or family medicine, where I can work with diverse populations and address the unique health needs of different communities. I am also passionate about educating others about health and wellness, and I hope to use my career as a platform to advocate for health equity and access to care for all. I am drawn to schools like Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University because they offer strong programs in nursing and pre-med, and they are located in areas where I can continue to serve and learn from diverse communities. I am also considering Gateway Community College as a starting point for my education, as it offers practical training and a supportive learning environment. In pursuing a career in healthcare, I hope to combine my passion for helping others with my interest in science and medicine. I am committed to working hard to achieve my goals and to making a difference in the lives of those around me. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, and I am grateful for the chance to pursue my education and career in healthcare. I hope that by bettering my studies in my current CNA program, I could create a bigger impact on the world and really become what i aspire to be, a caring and loving nurse which all of patients will feel safe with.