Being on the gym floor waiting for awards to be announced. I remember how nervous I was interviewing for the Dean's List Award. I entered a room with a nervousness that could cut through someone's hopes and dreams. I pushed through this turmoil gave my big speech and exited with such doubt. Through the daze, I heard my name being called and realized it was mine. Everything turned from nervous to excitement when I realized I had won. For the first time, I had won something. I ran to the field and hugged the judges who interviewed me with much gratitude. This happened while I was facing instability in my life. Throughout my high school years, I faced significant financial instability and personal challenges that tested my limits. Despite these obstacles, I discovered strength within myself that propelled me toward success. During my high school experience, I struggled with financial barriers that made necessities, like school transportation, a constant challenge. This not only affected my academic performance but also compounded the emotional toll of losing multiple family members, including my oldest brother—a loss that profoundly impacted my life. That still affects me to this day. In addition to navigating grief, I was responsible for caring for my younger siblings, managing household chores, and engaging in extracurricular activities like robotics. While my mental health fluctuated under the weight of these responsibilities, the robotics program became a sanctuary. It offered me a supportive environment where I could channel my energy and creativity, ultimately helping me regain balance in my life. Robotics became an outlet to become stress-free, but there was still a lot that weighed me down. Life can be a roller coaster. Just when my situation was forming some normalcy, my junior year took a turn for the worse when my mother was hospitalized for days. Choosing to stay home to care for my siblings rather than leaving them alone weighed heavily on me. After her release, I dedicated additional time to support her recovery, which left me struggling to catch up on schoolwork. I often found myself missing classes due to a lack of reliable transportation, but I remained determined to maintain my GPA, ultimately achieving a 2.9 despite the challenges. I still push to keep a 3.0 or higher. Reflecting on this journey, I recognize that maintaining a hopeful and positive outlook has been essential to my growth. I’ve learned that resilience is not merely enduring challenges but actively striving for excellence in the face of adversity. As I move forward, I am excited to embrace new opportunities, knowing that my experiences have equipped me with the strength to achieve greatness. I aspire to own and sell homes, start a franchise, and work in a field I’m passionate about. Another goal is to empower youth and support future generations. I believe in creating opportunities for others making a positive impact in my community and, inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams. I am ready to take on the future with confidence and determination. I will still strive no matter what happens to me in the future.(Grammarly was used to help clarify and help me convey my essay)