As I was finishing my homework, I checked the time to see that it was already 2:09am in the morning, and then I heard the living room door open and finally the moment I was waiting for all day had finally came. "Hola mija" my father said as he hugged me, I almost cried, this was the first time I had seen him in a week because of how our work and school schedule's conflicted with each other. Although, what I was yet to discover is that his night and day shifts would continue for two months straight, so moments like these soon became normal. During this time I decided to explore my university's internships and for my luck, I found something that not only pertained to my interests but also gave me the chance to grow as an individual. 'Fullerton Arboretum' would soon be the organization that gave me the opportunity to do so. Working on the fields of my school's Arboretum, I had started off with no pay because I mainly wanted the experience. However, within my job, I wanted to make my parents happy and as time passed, I worked so hard that I was promoted to a 'Lead Intern' position which started paying me minimum wage. When I got my first check, I proudly showed my mother and she told me, "I'm so happy that all of your hard work is paying off!" As my skills strengthened, I found myself wanting to expand my opportunities further, so I volunteered to do something I never thought I would have done, public speaking. I mean if my father could do it so effortlessly, despite having a language barrier, then how hard could it be for me? As months passed by and I saw my father barely sleeping about two hours at most, so I knew I couldn't let him down. As the lead intern, my task was to present myself and my team on what accomplishments we have done within the Arboretum and how it has helped as further our career paths. As a freshmen, I had never spoken in front of a big crowd before, and much less at a university. Yet, seeing how hard my parents work, I slowly overcame my fear and became the first freshmen Latina Lead Intern who publicly presented with my team in front of all the Arboretum members. Mere moments after my presentation, I was receiving positive feedback from the members, like crazy, and many were shocked at the fact that I was only a freshman because of how well I composed myself. Yet, I couldn't have done it without my parents. My parents have always been the reason why I always push myself and why I strive for better, because I don't only do it for me, but also for them. I want their efforts to pay off, I want to be able to retire them both and pay off their remaining house mortgages. They came into this country, without knowing anyone or anything and still made it possible for their children to have a future. So when asked on why I am passionate about being a first-generation Mexican-American student, my answer is why shouldn't I be? My parents put everything into everyday, and their efforts are and will continue to reflect in me. Their sacrifices have made my dreams a possibility, and I want to give them the life they deserve. It crushes me to know that my father doesn't even know what day it is anymore and I strive to change that. Thank you for reading my story.

Looking at all the different patterns throughout the fabric store, I was utterly disappointed. Not because I wasn't amazed by their beauty, but by the fact that mostly every single one of them were either 100% polyester, acrylic, or nylon. Now, being on budget for all of my fabric endeavors, these fabrics were always the most affordable. Especially when they are being sold for $2.00 per yard. Although, for someone who has aspirations of owning their own sustainable fabric shop one day, I refused to fall into pollution propaganda and started investigating earth-friendly fabrics. That was until my coworkers showed up with fabric fibers made out of hemp. After gazing upon the crackly fibers for a little too long, I was told that I can take them home. To my surprise, I found out that these fibers are one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly to use within making garments. So I began creating mini purses and baskets and was content with my creations, until I was reminded of my time at the fabric store. My memory then served as inspiration to make textiles out of sustainable material. Yet, the only problem I had to face was the fact that most people in the fashion industry shy away from sustainable fabrics because of the price. Most sustainable fabrics are costly due to the efforts required into creating the product, making the market price about 4x the cost. So, most people would rather buy cheaper options, which make big exploitative companies such as Shien and Temu successful. However, only the cost is the main reason that makes sustainability a huge issue within the fashion industry. So, I made it my mission to find out what costs less, but is still environmentally-friendly. Therefore, after some trials and research my current runner ups for creating sustainable textile designs are bamboo and hemp fibers. Bamboo uses up to about 66.67% less water than traditional cotton, and requires much less harmful chemicals such as pesticides. Hemp fibers require up to 75% less water than cotton and are far much more durable than cotton, making patterns last longer. Major corporate brands such as WAMA, ONNO, and SIVANA, have introduced bamboo and hemp into the fashion industry. Proving that both affordability and sustainability can coexist. As I indulge myself in more research and test trials for both bamboo and hemp fibers, I still plan to extend my reach to having an entirely sustainable fabric shop when I’m older. I’ve always wanted to work in the fashion industry, but I never want the planet to pay the price. That is why I intend to take every action into consideration with love and care, so that future generations can enjoy this planet as well. My dream is to have sustainability be the heart and soul of the fashion industry, and no matter the time, dedication, or finances, this is a goal that will always motivate me to keep moving forward within my mission.

My grandmother's eyes that had once carried the most pure expressions and the most beautiful gaze, had become red with illness. "It's just a side affect of the pills." the doctors said. Until she collapsed on the floor of her bathroom. Seeing her on the hospital bed weak and fragile gave me unimaginable heartbreak. However, as she slowly recovers from her ACG (Angle Closure Glaucoma), I've realized that life is not to be taken for granted. When I had visited her in the hospital, amidst all the sick patients and all of our tragic surroundings, she gave me a subtle reminder. "Remember as long as you study, you can make it mija, just don't give up on yourself either, okay?" I wanted to burst out crying, but instead chose to remain happy for her to uplift her away from the dreary hospital. Then, amongst my flooding memories I recalled the scarf she gave me when I was younger. Woven in with pink and gray yarn, I was fascinated by the scarf she made. So much so that I begun making clothes for my dolls with the materials that I had. Which then expanded into my love for fashion design. Now, I aspire to have my own clothing shop one day, in which I've started slowly by repairing and selling my old clothes on Depop. The sales are small but good enough for me, because everyone starts somewhere. On the contrary, I won't give up on my passions no matter what because I strive to be the example of what can happen when one follows their dream. I'd like to make not only myself proud but my grandmother as well, and even though the process is stagnant as of now, I am certain my efforts will be worth it. Which, I was right. During my years of working in Project Impact, I begun donating the clothes I had repaired and seeing the look on people's faces brought me more joy than I could even handle. It truly healed something within me and from there I knew that I wanted to inspire others to also make a change within their community, whilst following their passion. I aspire to continue being evidence of following ones passion and where it can take you in life.

"So we will have to do a root canal treatment, but while you are under anesthesia we have the opportunity to take out your wisdom teeth meaning that you will not be able to play volleyball for a cool while kiddo but once you're healed you can slowly get back into it." Are you kidding me? I couldn't believe what was being said just TWO MONTHS away from my club's tournament, but better yet I couldn't bear the fact that I had no choice but to stay away from the court. Ever since November, our club had practiced for the tournament that was to be held in June. As a libero, I made it my job to show up to every practice possible throughout the Winter and Spring season even though I stressed about keeping my grades to the standards I wanted them to be. Yet despite how exhausted I felt after having club practice from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., I knew that my team and I were achieving significant progress that was sure to win us that tournament trophy. So hearing those words from my dentist felt like a stab to my heart. I didn't want my progress to go to waste or to stop playing, so I vowed to myself that the minute I felt better, I would get back on the court. "Girl where have you been, oh my god I've missed you so much." Ahh finally. After three weeks of arguing with my mother about going to practice, hearing those words from my teammate felt like absolute bliss. My mother had at least wanted me to wait a good month before going back, yet I couldn't possibly rest at night knowing that the one day everyone was looking forward to was creeping up faster than expected. However, through my following practices, I found that I was reacting slower and getting worn out before practice was officially over. I assumed it was because of post-surgery symptoms along with stress from school but inside I knew it was much more. I knew that it was because I wanted to be beyond amazing for the tournament and being pushed back gave me fear of being less than what I wanted to be. "Jess, are you okay?" I felt myself on the verge of tears and even a metallic taste in my mouth, oh no, blood. "Yeah I'm fine don't worry about it, I'll tell you if I feel nauseous." After that practice, I spit in the sink to find the slightest hue of red present which gave me the reality check I needed. With my condition, I was not allowed to play in the tournament, but instead of seeing it as a loss, I looked past how far I managed to succeed despite everything. Even after putting in literal blood, sweat, and tears, I learned how to find balance so that I am less overwhelmed. In fact, throughout my volleyball experience, I learned how to chase after my ambitions no matter what is thrown my way. I won't ever settle for a life in which I don't accomplish my dreams because even though I couldn't play there will always be other opportunities handed to me, so it is best to be prepared against all odds toward the career I want, so I can succeed despite any obstacles to come.