Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months, I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my blind sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I believe that my mom has taught me the American value of being generous and helping others. This I carry with me always in class, with my friends, and with my sensitivity to others who are unfortunate. Teachers have told me that I am highly intelligent in many ways, mostly in math which is an exact science. I love math and go beyond the call of duty to understand formulas and systems. But during the pandemic I could not understand how to move forward with the limited ability to ask questions and share ideas with the rest of the class. This affected some of my grades Junior year, and I have since come to terms with the self esteem I needed to focus on academics. Now I am in my senior year, and it is all coming together for me. I have As and Bs in all my classes, and I am very focused on finding goals that will give me a future in this country. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me as a musician (trombone). I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that the right university will guide me on my path as I continue to be both American and Latina. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart, I want to find a career that enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months, I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my blind sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. She has taught us what it means to be an American and care about others. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. Teachers have told me that I am highly intelligent in many ways, mostly in math which is an exact science. I love math and go beyond the call of duty to understand formulas and systems. But during the pandemic I could not understand how to move forward with the limited ability to ask questions and share ideas with the rest of the class. This affected some of my grades Junior year, and I have since come to terms with the self esteem I needed to focus on academics. Now I am in my senior year, and it is all coming together for me. I have As and Bs in all my classes, and I am very focused on finding goals that will give me a future in this country. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me as a musician (trombone). I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that the right university will guide me on my path as I continue to be both American and Latina. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart, I want to find a career that enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

I have been working on this project to present to the school board, because of the outbreak of so much depression that has hit our school system in Henrico since the pandemic. Our focus with teen mental health is anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression are scary, but they are real and you don't have to feel alone. Everyone and anyone can suffer from it. Although it varies from person to person, it should never be ignored no matter how minor or severe it can be. Teenagers like ourselves need to be able to talk to someone about what they’re going through. That’s why we came up with a plan on how to help one another with this serious condition. Through our research, we found a lot of data that backs up our concerns on this issue. According to CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey taken in 2019, 36.7% of high school students have experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Unaddressed mental health can result in serious negative outcomes for the health and development of teens. It can lead to risky sexual behavior, illicit substance use, teen pregnancy, school dropouts, and other delinquent behaviors. Statistics show the coronavirus pandemic increased fear, worry, and concern for teenagers. The main psychological impact to date is elevated rates of stress or anxiety. But as new measures are introduced especially quarantine and its effects on many teens’ usual activities, routines. Levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol/drug use, and self-harm or suicidal behavior have elevated. The long-term quarantine duration, fear of the virus, and boredom affected the way teens communicate with each other. The major aim of our Working with the Mind Program is to encourage students’ academic, social, emotional, and personal development. To reach this aim, we would like to bring mental health specialists to help students get to know themselves better and find effective solutions to their daily problems. Counselors monitor students’ development and according to their needs, they give students necessary support such as helping them to understand themselves and their needs, to adjust themselves and their environment in a healthy way. Having a program in which students can participate, will definitely de-stigmatize their hesitation to seek help. This project and declaration is much larger than this essay, but I submit it to you in response to your prompt question, with hopes that it will increase my ability to help others. I will be a Freshman at University of Lynchburg in the fall, and hope to pursue these issues. As a Latina, who immigrated to the USA in 2012, I have overcome a lot of discrimination issues, and know that finding help is an important aspect of healing. I hope you find me worthy of this scholarship.... Thanks, Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing

From a young age, I have always been intrigued by how the human body works. I see it as a remarkable machine, with different, uniquely functioning organs. I have a deep passion for the puzzles and solutions of science and math. As I learned about Anatomy and Physiology in high school, the greater became my desire to study medicine. I am pursuing a medical scholarship because I have the passion to take on the challenges of medical mysteries. The reward would be my satisfaction from finding the cure to diseases which can help people and change their lives. I have decided that Bio-Medical study is what I want to pursue. I want to go into anatomy and chemistry to understand DNA and how human cells form, live, and contribute to the body’s health and dysfunction as well as the antidotes and cures to diseases and dysfunctions. Coming from a third world tropical country (Honduras), where infectious diseases cause so much damage and death, where me and my sisters suffered permanent damages from meningitis in the orphanage, with contaminated water, makes me even more inspired to fight these diseases. I am interested in a cancer cure. There is a plant in Venezuela, called “mapurite” (skunk), a relative of the pokeweed and grows on Caribbean coasts. Some research has been done with it in the USA with the FDA for pancreatic cancer. Its botanical name is “Petiverea Alliaceal” and its compound, Phytocine is finally creating interest within the scientific community. Venezuelan shamans have found a way of compounding the leaf of this plant with other tropical plants as tea, to cure cancer. I seek a scholarship to pursue this field of study, and would be honored as the first person in my family, to receive an academic award. Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing  

As an adopted Latina immigrant who lived in an orphanage in Honduras for 2 years, with absolutely no promise of future security, I am very aware of how important it is to be persistent and to give back. Before my sisters and I went to this orphanage, an American woman found us in a box on the street after my blood mother struck my sister and made her blind. Mom taught me persistence after getting us out of the orphanage and getting our visas. It took 10 years of persistence before we arrived in Virginia in 2012. I can say that I am really proud to be an American citizen. I also have some physical disabilities, but they have not stopped me from becoming a good student and participating in many community activities. For two years I have been the manager of the high school girls softball team. I have worked on the weekends with the Blue Sky group who goes into the inner city with a mixed group of teenagers where we do clean up jobs, and sort clothing to be given away. Whenever I see someone on the street who was not as lucky as I am, it brings a tear to my eye. Neither poverty, illness, age, or color should determine a person's financial status in life. I know that becoming a physician would be the best way I could help people, as it is very difficult to fulfill your destiny if you have a medical problem. For this reason I am very happy that the University of Lynchburg in Virginia has accepted me, where I hope to start my medical studies. This will be the beginning of my "GIVE BACK" plan for generosity. This will be a long education, but I know I can do it.

As an adopted Latina immigrant who lived in an orphanage in Honduras for 2 years, with absolutely no promise of future security, I am very aware of how important it is to give back. Before my sisters and I went to this orphanage, an American woman found us in a box on the street after my blood mother struck my sister and made her blind. She spent the next 10 years with her heart and generosity to get us out of the orphanage and to apply for visas for us. Because she was blessed with some kind of divine intervention, we arrived in Virginia in 2012. Since then I can say that I am really proud to be an American citizen. I also have some physical disabilities, but they have not stopped me from becoming a good student and participating in many community activities. I have worked on the weekends with the Blue Sky group who goes into the inner city with a mixed group of teenagers where we do clean up jobs, and sort clothing to be given away. Whenever I see someone on the street who was not as lucky as I am, it brings a tear to my eye. Neither poverty, illness, age, or color should determine a person's financial status in life. It has occurred to me that becoming a physician would be the best way I could help people, as it is very difficult to fulfill your destiny if you have a medical problem. For this reason I am very happy that the University of Lynchburg in Virginia has accepted me, where I hope to start my medical studies. This will be the beginning of my "GIVE BACK" plan for generosity. What else is there in life but contributing to the world around me?

Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. This has made me bold. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. How has this affected me and my learning experience? I know I have some memory issues that stem from my abandonment. Psychology says that it is difficult to develop memory when you spend the first part of your life without the return of the same mother figure… her milk, her smell, the sound of her voice, her touch, and the relieving sight of her caring smile. Hence my 5 senses did not develop like every body elses, while sitting in a car seat on the floor of an orphanage. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about professional work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. How has this affected me and my learning experience? I know I have some memory issues that stem from my abandonment. Psychology says that it is difficult to develop memory when you spend the first part of your life without the return of the same mother figure… her milk, her smell, the sound of her voice, her touch, and the relieving sight of her caring smile. Hence my 5 senses did not develop like every body elses', while sitting in a car seat on the floor of an orphanage. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about professional work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

Anxiety and depression is scary, but it's real and you don't have to feel alone. I want teenagers like myself to be able to talk to someone about what they’re going through. That’s why I came up with an elaborate plan on how to help one another with this serious condition. According to CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey taken from 2019 36.7% of high school students have experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Poor mental health can result in serious negative outcomes for the health and development of adolescents. It can lead to risky sexual behavior, illicit substance use, teen pregnancy, school dropouts, and other delinquent behaviors. According to the CDC’s survey, more female students attempted suicide. As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly swept across the world, it induced a considerable degree of fear, worry, and concern in the population at large and among certain groups. The long-term quarantine duration, has affected the way teens communicate with others. During virtual school, HCPS, tried to help students by providing access to a Wellness Wednesday class during our free period. Young people need to engage in order to advance their healing and knowledge. Watching videos is not enough to inspire/motivate expression and contact. Students want one-on-one discussions with other students or someone who is educated on these topics and can help instead of having to lie. The major aim of my Guidance Counseling Services is to encourage students’ academic, social, and personal development. To reach this aim, guidance counseling services help students get to know themselves better and find effective solutions to their daily problems. They help students improve themselves in all areas and be full-functioning individuals. Counselors monitor students’ development and their needs to give students necessary support. School counselors advocate for the mental health needs of all students by offering instruction that enhances awareness of mental health, appraisal and advisement addressing academic, career and social/emotional development. Showing respect to individual differences is essential. Continuity and willingness are vital in guidance, and confidentiality is essential in psychological counseling. Counselors cooperate with the administrators, teachers, and parents. Working with the teachers and administrators is another service which is given by the counselors. In high school we put more emphasis on career guidance. Career guidance activities carried out through various ways. PSE lesson plans and activities are prepared to help students get a clear picture of who they are and what they want at this stage of their lives. Career planning process include 4 aspects: Personality, Interests, Values, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In high school, we have rigorous high academic expectations. High school counselor work very closely with the administrators, teachers and the parents to follow up the academic development of the students and identify their needs. The physical, social and emotional changes in adolescences, in addition to the high academic expectations, make life difficult for the high school students. I want counselors to meet with the students regularly to check their needs. Counselor holds counseling sessions according to the needs of the students and ask for feedback from the teachers and parents. It’s necessary to emphasize the importance of cooperation between parents and counselors which is crucial for the efficient fulfillment of counseling position. Although these are just SOME ways, I believe schools can help students with their mental health, by creating a safe circle and easy access to a trusted adult, I believe students will perform better when speaking to someone about their personal life. I hope this opens new doors and ways to help students with their mental health and what you think is the most effective way.

Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months, I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my blind sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. How has this affected me and my learning experience? I know I have some memory issues that stem from my abandonment. Psychology says that it is difficult to develop a memory when you spend the first part of your life without the return of the same mother figure… her milk, her smell, the sound of her voice, her touch, and the relieving sight of her caring smile. Hence my 5 senses did not develop like everybody else while sitting in a car seat on the floor of an orphanage. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me as a musician (trombone). I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that the right university will guide me on my path as I continue to be both American and Latina. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart, I want to find a career that enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months, I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my blind sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. Teachers have told me that I am highly intelligent in many ways, mostly in math which is an exact science. I love math and go beyond the call of duty to understand formulas and systems. But during the pandemic I could not understand how to move forward with the limited ability to ask questions and share ideas with the rest of the class. This affected some of my grades Junior year, and I have since come to terms with the self esteem I needed to focus on academics. Now I am in my senior year, and it is all coming together for me. I have As and Bs in all my classes, and I am very focused on finding goals that will give me a future in this country. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me as a musician (trombone). I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that the right university will guide me on my path as I continue to be both American and Latina. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart, I want to find a career that enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained American visas. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I an interested in medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. I want to be with the best teachers so I can be the best doctor possible. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. How has this affected me and my learning experience? I know I have some memory issues that stem from my abandonment. Psychology says that it is difficult to develop memory when you spend the first part of your life without the return of the same mother figure… her milk, her smell, the sound of her voice, her touch, and the relieving sight of her caring smile. Hence my 5 senses did not develop like every body elses, while sitting in a car seat on the floor of an orphanage. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about professional work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. How has this affected me and my learning experience? I know I have some memory issues that stem from my abandonment. Psychology says that it is difficult to develop memory when you spend the first part of your life without the return of the same mother figure… her milk, her smell, the sound of her voice, her touch, and the relieving sight of her caring smile. Hence my 5 senses did not develop like every body elses, while sitting in a car seat on the floor of an orphanage. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about professional work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. I have worked with the Blue Sky Org in which we help inner city kids and clean up donation items to give to families. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. I have decided that I want to go into medicine. I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. How has this affected me and my learning experience? I know I have some memory issues that stem from my abandonment. Psychology says that it is difficult to develop memory when you spend the first part of your life without the return of the same mother figure… her milk, her smell, the sound of her voice, her touch, and the relieving sight of her caring smile. Hence my 5 senses did not develop like every body elses, while sitting in a car seat on the floor of an orphanage. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about professional work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.

College Essay – Angela Jazmin Iraheta Gruessing October, 2021 Honduran Honduran adopted American Immigrant These are all powerful words that make me who I am. At the age of three months I was taken away from my blood family and dropped off in a box at a local hospital in La Ceiba, Honduras with my 2 sisters. By the grace of God, an American woman found us and followed us through the local orphanage system until she got custody of us. She saved my visually impaired sister’s life, who had meningitis, and eventually got us out of the orphanage and became our legal guardian. It was a miracle that she was able to persevere for 10 years until she obtained visas to bring us to the USA. How has this affected me and my learning experience? I know I have some memory issues that stem from my abandonment. Psychology says that it is difficult to develop memory when you spend the first part of your life without the return of the same mother figure… her milk, her smell, the sound of her voice, her touch, and the relieving sight of her caring smile. Hence my 5 senses did not develop like every body elses, while sitting in a car seat on the floor of an orphanage. Mom got custody of us when I was 3 years old, and that changed my life. She is my hero and a complete blessing to us. Even though we are not related by blood, we are related by heart. Mom taught me how to love differences and be inclusive of everyone. No matter their story or the path they take, we are all equal. I carry that mentality with me every day. My values make me who I am and how I act towards others… no matter skin, religion, or gender. Living in a white neighborhood as a person of color has been a daunting challenge, as I really wanted to fit in. I have thought a lot about medicine and particularly Orthopedics because my one disability with tendonitis has introduced me to many doctors in that field. Knowing that math is my strong suit, I need help learning about professional work in this field. Last summer I worked as a hostess and managed a lot of money, and was a great asset to a trendy restaurant in Richmond. I am very creative artistically and music has also been very important to me a singer and musician (piano and trombone) . Somehow I am always affected by people around me who are inspired. And although I am playing with many ideas about my future, I know that spending time at the right university will definitely guide me on my path as I continue to dance between American and Latino cultures. As a bi-lingual immigrant from the third world, I know I am lucky to be where I am. It has not been easy living in a white world, but I do feel love and security in my home. Deep in my heart I want to find a career which enables me to give back and to make a difference in the lives of others who didn’t get the miraculous opportunity that I did. I hope you see my potential.