I was born in Ventura, California. Where diversity wasn’t a thing, you would look around and see that everyone was the same as you. Either the same background, the same story, or you’ll end up like anyone else in agricultural work. There was no way out of the day-to-day violence or the drugs around nearby communities. Being around this made me think about religion. For example, what was the point of praying, attending church, or being religious if the community was falling to pieces? However, I was young and never got the answer to that. When I was thirteen, my family moved to Portland, Oregon, and everything changed. The community felt safer, and I was amazed by how diverse it was. At first, I was afraid to start conversations with people from different backgrounds because I didn’t want to say the wrong thing or offend anyone. Attending De La Salle North Catholic High School helped me feel more comfortable sharing my own story. Classes like Theology encouraged me to reflect on faith, morality, and life in a bigger sense. I realized that faith isn’t just about rituals, it’s about helping your community, inspiring others, and trying to be a better version of yourself. My parents, both immigrants from Mexico, worked tirelessly so my five siblings and I could have opportunities they never had. Watching their sacrifices gave me a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Moving to a new city, adapting to a different culture, and figuring out my identity were challenges, but they taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. These experiences have shaped my academic goals. I want to study architecture to create spaces that inspire, empower, and serve communities, especially underrepresented ones. I see architecture as a way to combine creativity with service, designing places where people feel safe, included, and encouraged to grow. I hope my work can show others, particularly minorities, that they can pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in their communities. College is more than academics for me. It's a chance to grow mentally, spiritually, and personally. I want to learn from peers with different perspectives and surround myself with people who share my values and drive. Smaller classes and opportunities to collaborate will help me build meaningful connections with professors and classmates. I also hope to continue playing soccer, which has taught me teamwork, discipline, and how to push myself and my skills I carry into every part of my life. Looking back, my background, my family’s sacrifices, and the obstacles I’ve faced have shaped who I am and what I hope to accomplish. I want to use my education to inspire and uplift others through meaningful design and community impact. I hope to create spaces that make people feel safe, empowered, and connected, and to show that with determination, hard work, and resilience, it’s possible to overcome challenges and make a difference in the world.