Growing up in a Hispanic household, finances were always discussed in the context of managing to get by, not acquiring wealth. My parents, especially my mom, worked very hard to provide for our family, but finances were not explicitly instructed. Just as with so many of our country's first-generation Americans, I watched my family scrape by on money by experimentation—sacrificing what was important, working overtime, and forgoing getting formal training on money. This taught me to have a strong respect for the value of money and labor, but also to remember how much I hadn't learned about building a stronger financial future. Since becoming older, especially as a university student, I've started making real money choices for the first time—saving, credit, student loans, and budgeting. These experiences have taught me how little I really knew about money and how important it is to learn how money works. I began educating myself on my own using free online materials, workshops on campus, and meeting with mentors. I began controlling my spending using budgeting apps and created a saving plan in which I can save even little money each month. I also discovered credit scores and how to responsibly use credit cards, never spoken of in my household. One problem I have had to deal with is how to balance school cost and future career aspirations. I am acquiring a degree in occupational therapy—a calling because it will enable me to help others, specifically minority groups such as many Spanish-speaking families that mine is affiliated with. But OT school is expensive, and budgeting has been crucial in ensuring that I am able to complete my degree without being in debt up to my eyeballs. Learning about scholarships, FAFSA, the interest on loans, and repayment plans gave me a sense of confidence and in command of turning my dreams into reality. Tomorrow, I plan to use what I learned about money not only to provide for myself but to educate others in my community. Financial literacy is a need that exists in most immigrant and Hispanic communities, and I want to contribute to filling it. I will want to impart it on others, especially younger students and families with whom I become acquainted as I work towards becoming an OT in the future. I also plan to continue building my own knowledge by studying personal finance from the perspective of behavioral economics courses and ultimately investing in the long-term objectives of home purchasing and retirement savings. In the end, what I have learned is that money is not the problem of financial education—it's freedom, stability, and opportunity. By taking control of my finances today, I'm building a future where I can take care of myself, but also be able to give back to my family and community. That kind of legacy is what I'm looking for.

My career of choice is occupational therapy because I am very passionate about helping others gain and regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy combines my love for connecting with individuals, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact on people's daily lives. Careers that focus on helping others overcome challenges have always been drawn to me and occupational therapy allows me to empower people to rebuild their confidence and reach their goals. Whether it is by helping someone recover from an injury, adapting to a disability or learning how to complete everyday tasks. My passion for this field stems from my experiences, including translating for Spanish-speaking people in my community. I am fluent in Spanish and I have stepped in many times to help others communicate in medical, school or everyday situations. I have worked at my local pharmacy and I have seen first-hand how difficult it is for people to communicate their medical needs, I feel great helping. These moments have showed me how much of a small act can mean to someone who feels excluded or confused. Translating has taught me to be patient and empathetic. These skills I know will serve me well in Occupational Therapy whether understanding an individual's unique needs is extremely important. Aside from my academic and career goals I am very involved in gymnastics, track, speech and debate, student government/senate and more. These activities have played such an important role in shaping my identity and teaching me everyday lessons. Through sports I have learned about perseverance, teamwork and getting through challenges. Gymnastics requires a lot of discipline and focus which I have connected to my education and growth. Speech and debate and student senate has strengthened my confidence, public speaking skills and understanding others. Together all of these activities have prepared me for the future and have helped me connect with people and have helped me approach challenges with an open mind. Through this all I have stayed motivated by thinking about how much of an impact I want to make as an Occupational Therapist. I will create a welcoming space for people who need support, especially those who might face language or cultural challenges. Being able to translate and connect with others leaves me with an open mind and a unique perspective that I will use to make a difference in the lives of my future patients. My journey towards this career is driven by desire to help others live their life to their fullest potential. The lessons I have learned through sports, debate, translating and my own personal challenges have made me ready to pursue this career and create change in my community.

This year, I came across a series of financial setbacks that truly tested my resilience. A flood in the summer in Windom got so bad it damaged my home, leaving our basement full of unexpected repair costs and forcing us to evacuate. A few months later, my car broke down making daily responsibilities even more challenging. Such as, getting to school on time, retaking tests outside of town, etc. these financial burdens created immense stress, forcing me to rethink my priorities and problem-solving skills. To overcome these obstacles, I focused a lot on perseverance and resourcefulness. I carefully budgeted all my expenses, cutting costs in certain resources and seeking financial assistance wherever I can find it. My family and I worked with the community resources for support with our home repairs and relied on my friends and carpooling to stay mobile. All of these experiences pushed me to develop better planning habits, and make sure I am now prepared for any unexpected emergencies. Despite all these difficulties, I learned valuable lessons in integrity and resilience and even adaptability. I realized that setbacks are a big learning experience and that they are temporary. Creative problem-solving can help navigate me through tough situations. This experience not only strengthened my ability to handle problems and adversity but also showed me the importance of staying focused and determined to face them. This scholarship will not only help me, but it will help my entire family. As a first-generation student, my parents are not aware of the difficult challenges that come along with going to college in this generation. I want to pursue and succeed in this high profession of a career so I can become the person I have always dreamed of and so I can help my family the way they will help me through college.

My career of choice is occupational therapy because I am very passionate about helping others gain and regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy combines my love for connecting with individuals, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact on people's daily lives. Careers that focus on helping others overcome challenges have always been drawn to me and occupational therapy allows me to empower people to rebuild their confidence and reach their goals. Whether it is by helping someone recover from an injury, adapting to a disability or learning how to complete everyday tasks. My passion for this field stems from my experiences, including translating for Spanish-speaking people in my community. I am fluent in Spanish and I have stepped in many times to help others communicate in medical, school or everyday situations. I have worked at my local pharmacy and I have seen first-hand how difficult it is for people to communicate their medical needs, I feel great helping. These moments have showed me how much of a small act can mean to someone who feels excluded or confused. Translating has taught me to be patient and empathetic. These skills I know will serve me well in Occupational Therapy whether understanding an individual's unique needs is extremely important. Aside from my academic and career goals I am very involved in gymnastics, track, speech and debate, student government/senate and more. These activities have played such an important role in shaping my identity and teaching me everyday lessons. Through sports I have learned about perseverance, teamwork and getting through challenges. Gymnastics requires a lot of discipline and focus which I have connected to my education and growth. Speech and debate and student senate has strengthened my confidence, public speaking skills and understanding others. Together all of these activities have prepared me for the future and have helped me connect with people and have helped me approach challenges with an open mind. Through this all I have stayed motivated by thinking about how much of an impact I want to make as an Occupational Therapist. I will create a welcoming space for people who need support, especially those who might face language or cultural challenges. Being able to translate and connect with others leaves me with an open mind and a unique perspective that I will use to make a difference in the lives of my future patients. My journey towards this career is driven by desire to help others live their life to their fullest potential. The lessons I have learned through sports, debate, translating and my own personal challenges have made me ready to pursue this career and create change in my community.

My career of choice is occupational therapy because I am very passionate about helping others gain and regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy combines my love for connecting with individuals, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact on people daily lives. Careers that focus on helping others overcome challenges have always been drawn to me and occupational therapy allows me to empower people to rebuild their confidence and reach their goals. Whether it is by helping someone recover from an injury, adapting to a disability or learning how to complete everyday tasks. My passion for this field stems from my experiences, including translating for Spanish-speaking people in my community. I am fluent in Spanish and i have stepped in many times to help others communicate in medical, school or everyday situations. I have worked at my local pharmacy and I have seen first-hand how difficult it is for people to communicate their medical needs, I feel great helping. These moments have showed me how much of a small act can mean to someone who feels excluded or confused. Translating has taught me to be patient and empathetic. These skills i will know will serve me well in Occupational Therapy whether understanding a individuals unique needs is extremely important. Aside from my academic and career goals i am very involved in gymnastics, track, speech and debate, student government/senate and more. These activities have played such an important role in shaping my identity and teaching me everyday lessons. Through sports I have learned about perseverance, teamwork and getting through challenges. Gymnastics requires a lot of discipline and focus which i have connected it to my education and growth. Speech and debate and student senate has strengthened my confidence, public speaking skills and understanding others. Together all of these activities have prepared me for the future and have helped me connect with people and has helped me approach challenges with an open mind. Through this all i have stayed motivated by thinking about how much of an impact i want to make as an Occupational Therapist. I will create a welcoming space for people who need support, especially those who might face language or cultural challenges. Being able to translate and connect with others leaves me with an open mind and a unique perspective that i will use to make a difference in the lives of my future patients. My journey towards this career is driven by desire to help others live their life to their fullest potential. The lessons i have learned through sports, debate, translating and my own personal challenges have made me ready to pursue this career and create change in my community.

My career of choice is occupational therapy because I am very passionate about helping others gain and regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy combines my love for connecting with individuals, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact on people daily lives. Careers that focus on helping others overcome challenges have always been drawn to me and occupational therapy allows me to empower people to rebuild their confidence and reach their goals. Whether it is by helping someone recover from an injury, adapting to a disability or learning how to complete everyday tasks. My passion for this field stems from my experiences, including translating for Spanish-speaking people in my community. I am fluent in Spanish and i have stepped in many times to help others communicate in medical, school or everyday situations. I have worked at my local pharmacy and I have seen first-hand how difficult it is for people to communicate their medical needs, I feel great helping. These moments have showed me how much of a small act can mean to someone who feels excluded or confused. Translating has taught me to be patient and empathetic. These skills i will know will serve me well in Occupational Therapy whether understanding a individuals unique needs is extremely important. Aside from my academic and career goals i am very involved in gymnastics, track, speech and debate, student government/senate and more. These activities have played such an important role in shaping my identity and teaching me everyday lessons. Through sports I have learned about perseverance, teamwork and getting through challenges. Gymnastics requires a lot of discipline and focus which i have connected it to my education and growth. Speech and debate and student senate has strengthened my confidence, public speaking skills and understanding others. Together all of these activities have prepared me for the future and have helped me connect with people and has helped me approach challenges with an open mind. Through this all i have stayed motivated by thinking about how much of an impact i want to make as an Occupational Therapist. I will create a welcoming space for people who need support, especially those who might face language or cultural challenges. Being able to translate and connect with others leaves me with an open mind and a unique perspective that i will use to make a difference in the lives of my future patients. My journey towards this career is driven by desire to help others live their life to their fullest potential. The lessons i have learned through sports, debate, translating and my own personal challenges have made me ready to pursue this career and create change in my community.

Caregiving is not always about caring physically about someone it can also mean standing up for others. Offering support that lifts someone up and make their days. For me, caregiving began in small moments that would occur everyday. I have cared for my family, my community and even people I barely know. Growing up bilingual as a Mexican-American, I often acted as the bridge between my family and the rest of English-speaking society. At appointments and meetings I translated and explained conversations everyday. This wasn’t just words, I was making sure my family and others could be treated with respect and get the exact help they needed. The older I got the more i realized how relied on I became. I started my job the second I could when I turned 16 at the local pharmacy. Every year, more and more Spanish-speaking communities move to the area. I am currently and have been the only Spanish-speaking worker, many families from the community have learned my name just to ask for me every time they come to the pharmacy. This makes me very reliable. I also volunteer in my local community and support local shelters facing growing demand on stray animals. One of my recent projects was creating donation boxes to collect extra items for shelters holding many cats and dogs. Caregiving to me, if finding a way to make things easier for someone else. This role of caregiver has shaped me in many ways such as my career goals. I plan to become an occupational therapist, a job that is built mainly around helping others regain their independence. It’s more than just therapy, it is deeper then that. It requires patience, compassion, and connection. I have first-hand witnessed how underserved communities, especially Hispanic and Native American populations, I want to change that. I want to be someone who can connect with each of my patients in their own, primary language without them feeling like they do not belong. I will care for them not just physically but emotionally too. This scholarships matters to me because it would help lift the financial burden of a higher education me and my family face. I come from a hard-working family where every dollar counts no matter what. I have learned to be determined to get through these financially rough patches. College is experience and the path to becoming an Occupational therapist includes years of studies and training. Receiving this scholarship would bring me closer to what my final goal is and help not only me but my entire family financially. I already work 2 separate jobs, I am looking into a 3rd one to help for college, this scholarships matters would avoid having to take my time away from school or services to work. Most importantly, this scholarship shows more then just money. It shows the ability of belief in a students like me, who give their all to not just succeed, but to serve an entire community. I personally think it would be great to invest in someone who has already made such a difference in their small town, and will continue to do so in bigger areas. Caregiving has always taught me how powerful it is to simply show up and listen. It has shaped my resilience, empathy and goals for my future. I am answering a calling, with so much passion. With help of this scholarship, I will be able to continue to give, grow and show up for those who need it the most.

My career of choice is occupational therapy because I am very passionate about helping others gain and regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy combines my love for connecting with individuals, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact on people daily lives. Careers that focus on helping others overcome challenges have always been drawn to me and occupational therapy allows me to empower people to rebuild their confidence and reach their goals. Whether it is by helping someone recover from an injury, adapting to a disability or learning how to complete everyday tasks. My passion for this field stems from my experiences, including translating for Spanish-speaking people in my community. I am fluent in Spanish and i have stepped in many times to help others communicate in medical, school or everyday situations. I have worked at my local pharmacy and I have seen first-hand how difficult it is for people to communicate their medical needs, I feel great helping. These moments have showed me how much of a small act can mean to someone who feels excluded or confused. Translating has taught me to be patient and empathetic. These skills i will know will serve me well in Occupational Therapy whether understanding a individuals unique needs is extremely important. Aside from my academic and career goals i am very involved in gymnastics, track, speech and debate, student government/senate and more. These activities have played such an important role in shaping my identity and teaching me everyday lessons. Through sports I have learned about perseverance, teamwork and getting through challenges. Gymnastics requires a lot of discipline and focus which i have connected it to my education and growth. Speech and debate and student senate has strengthened my confidence, public speaking skills and understanding others. Together all of these activities have prepared me for the future and have helped me connect with people and has helped me approach challenges with an open mind. Through this all i have stayed motivated by thinking about how much of an impact i want to make as an Occupational Therapist. I will create a welcoming space for people who need support, especially those who might face language or cultural challenges. Being able to translate and connect with others leaves me with an open mind and a unique perspective that i will use to make a difference in the lives of my future patients. My journey towards this career is driven by desire to help others live their life to their fullest potential. The lessons i have learned through sports, debate, translating and my own personal challenges have made me ready to pursue this career and create change in my community.

I am a girl who values connection, culture and hard work. Growing up my family played a huge role in building my character. They instilled in me the importance of hard work, kindness, and helping those in need. These morals and values have fueled my passion for making meaningful relationships and creating safe spaces where people feel seen and valued. I truly believe that lifting other strengthens not just individuals but the entire community. In my family, i have always focused on making connections and understanding. I want to set an example of empathy and understanding to those around me. Whether it is by supporting a friend or sibling through a tough patch, being there to listen or celebrate successes. I try to be the source of positivity and high energy. I strive to honor my heritage by keeping cultural traditions alive and sharing them with my peers and younger generations, ensuring they have a deep connection to their roots just as I have. I hope to create an environment where my family is supported, empowered and loved. Other then my family, i plan to make a big and meaningful impact on my community by giving up my time and skills. Volunteering has always been important to me because i create connections with all kinds of diverse people and backgrounds. I could do this by talking to younger kids, helping those who feel excluded, participating in school actives. I aim to be a great resource to others and create a space where people can thrive and feel included regardless of their circumstances. I love to help translate to Spanish speaking people in my community, this makes them feel more comfortable and makes me feel helpful and resourceful. Growing up in a multicultural environment i have seen how powerful it is when people of different backgrounds come together. I want to encourage this connection by organizing community events programs. Everyone deserves to feel like they matter and i want to be part of that effort to make it happen. I have seen first-hand the difference in cultures because I often visit Mexico and every time it is a reality check on how beautiful different life can be. Sports have also played a huge role in shaping my character and my desire to contribute. Through the years of being in gymnastics and track i have learned the importance of teamwork, communication and mutual respect. Sports have taught me how to work with people of all kinds of backgrounds who share a similar goal. These lessons inspire me heavily to bring people together whether it is in the gymnasium or off, to create environments where everyone feels seen and supported. I believe that positive changes begin with small actions. Giving kindness, creating connections and helping others succeed. Whether in my personal family or in my community i plan to use these skills to make a difference. My goal is to leave a lasting impression to make a difference and be a powerful resource to those in need.

Choosing a career in Healthcare is a decision that comes from my desire to make a difference in people's lives. From a young age, I have always been drawn to professions that use my service, compassion, and problem-solving skills. Throughout the years my choice of career has changed a couple times, but it always stayed in the healthcare field. I have seen first-hand the difference that patient-centered care makes and I am very inspired to be in a field that empowers others to regain their abilities and confidence in themselves. One of my strongest influences for pursuing a healthcare career is my background as a bilingual student who often translates for Spanish-speaking people. This role has allowed me to see the walls or barriers that many people go through in accessing quality care. Whether that is due to their language, financial problems, or lack of cultural understanding. By being an occupational therapist, Growing up in a bilingual, Hispanic household, I often found myself acting as a bridge between Spanish-speaking people and the world around them. Whether it was translating at doctor appointments for my parents or helping the community members navigate whatever challenges they are facing. I have developed a deep appreciation for the impact that communication and cultural understanding have on healthcare and all jobs under that. All these experiences I have personally gone through along with the passion for helping others regain independence, inspired me to pursue a career in occupational therapy. This career combines my love for the science of the human body, problem-solving, and human connection. This gives me a perfect path to make a big impact in people's lives. As a student-athlete in track and gymnastics, I have also learned the importance of self-discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These qualities will be valuable in my career. My involvement in Speech has strengthened my ability to advocate for others and communicate better, as well as public speaking. These skills will allow me to educate patients and families about treatment and self-care options. My commitment to translating for Spanish-speaking people, as at the pharmacy where I am employed, ensures that they receive accurate medical information and feel heard in a healthcare setting. I remember coming across a couple adults who expressed to me how helpful and comforting I was to them. For example, I was at the gym getting my workout in and all of a sudden this tall, older guy approached me, expressing how much of a horrible day he was having, and I was the only one to improve his mood. It was because of my work ethic and kindness, he stated. These words meant more to me than he or anyone could imagine, I felt empowered in love and appreciation from a stranger I barely recognized. These experiences have reinforced my morals and beliefs in the power of advocacy and motivate me to continue to not only translate for those needed but to remain kind to everyone, no matter our differences. I am committed to meeting my ethical standards, respecting patients and learning how to provide the best care for all. In conclusion, my passion for occupational therapy stems from a desire to help others overcome challenges and live fulfilling lives. My career goals show my commitment to lifelong learning, cultural understanding, and patient advocacy. Returning to my community or not, I hope to be a great source of support and reliant for those in need. Leadership, cultural understanding, and integrity I will strive to make a difference, making sure that everyone has comfortable and compassionate access to healthcare.

My career of choice is occupational therapy because I am very passionate about helping others gain and regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy combines my love for connecting with individuals, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact on people daily lives. Careers that focus on helping others overcome challenges have always been drawn to me and occupational therapy allows me to empower people to rebuild their confidence and reach their goals. Whether it is by helping someone recover from an injury, adapting to a disability or learning how to complete everyday tasks. My passion for this field stems from my experiences, including translating for Spanish-speaking people in my community. I am fluent in Spanish and i have stepped in many times to help others communicate in medical, school or everyday situations. I have worked at my local pharmacy and I have seen first-hand how difficult it is for people to communicate their medical needs, I feel great helping. These moments have showed me how much of a small act can mean to someone who feels excluded or confused. Translating has taught me to be patient and empathetic. These skills i will know will serve me well in Occupational Therapy whether understanding a individuals unique needs is extremely important. Aside from my academic and career goals i am very involved in gymnastics, track, speech and debate, student government/senate and more. These activities have played such an important role in shaping my identity and teaching me everyday lessons. Through sports I have learned about perseverance, teamwork and getting through challenges. Gymnastics requires a lot of discipline and focus which i have connected it to my education and growth. Speech and debate and student senate has strengthened my confidence, public speaking skills and understanding others. Together all of these activities have prepared me for the future and have helped me connect with people and has helped me approach challenges with an open mind. Through this all i have stayed motivated by thinking about how much of an impact i want to make as an Occupational Therapist. I will create a welcoming space for people who need support, especially those who might face language or cultural challenges. Being able to translate and connect with others leaves me with an open mind and a unique perspective that i will use to make a difference in the lives of my future patients. My journey towards this career is driven by desire to help others live their life to their fullest potential. The lessons i have learned through sports, debate, translating and my own personal challenges have made me ready to pursue this career and create change in my community.

I am a girl who values connection, culture and hard work. Growing up my family played a huge role in building my character. They instilled in me the importance of hard work, kindness, and helping those in need. These morals and values have fueled my passion for making meaningful relationships and creating safe spaces where people feel seen and valued. I truly believe that lifting other strengthens not just individuals but the entire community. In my family, i have always focused on making connections and understanding. I want to set an example of empathy and understanding to those around me. Whether it is by supporting a friend or sibling through a tough patch, being there to listen or celebrate successes. I try to be the source of positivity and high energy. I strive to honor my heritage by keeping cultural traditions alive and sharing them with my peers and younger generations, ensuring they have a deep connection to their roots just as I have. I hope to create an environment where my family is supported, empowered and loved. Other then my family, i plan to make a big and meaningful impact on my community by giving up my time and skills. Volunteering has always been important to me because i create connections with all kinds of diverse people and backgrounds. I could do this by talking to younger kids, helping those who feel excluded, participating in school actives. I aim to be a great resource to others and create a space where people can thrive and feel included regardless of their circumstances. I love to help translate to Spanish speaking people in my community, this makes them feel more comfortable and makes me feel helpful and resourceful. Growing up in a multicultural environment i have seen how powerful it is when people of different backgrounds come together. I want to encourage this connection by organizing community events programs. Everyone deserves to feel like they matter and i want to be part of that effort to make it happen. I have seen first-hand the difference in cultures because I often visit Mexico and every time it is a reality check on how beautiful different life can be. Sports have also played a huge role in shaping my character and my desire to contribute. Through the years of being in gymnastics and track i have learned the importance of teamwork, communication and mutual respect. Sports have taught me how to work with people of all kinds of backgrounds who share a similar goal. These lessons inspire me heavily to bring people together whether it is in the gymnasium or off, to create environments where everyone feels seen and supported. I believe that positive changes begin with small actions. Giving kindness, creating connections and helping others succeed. Whether in my personal family or in my community i plan to use these skills to make a difference. My goal is to leave a lasting impression to make a difference and be a powerful resource to those in need.

I am a girl who values connection, culture and hard work. Growing up my family played a huge role in building my character. They instilled in me the importance of hard work, kindness, and helping those in need. These morals and values have fueled my passion for making meaningful relationships and creating safe spaces where people feel seen and valued. I truly believe that lifting other strengthens not just individuals but the entire community. In my family, i have always focused on making connections and understanding. I want to set an example of empathy and understanding to those around me. Whether it is by supporting a friend or sibling through a tough patch, being there to listen or celebrate successes. I try to be the source of positivity and high energy. I strive to honor my heritage by keeping cultural traditions alive and sharing them with my peers and younger generations, ensuring they have a deep connection to their roots just as I have. I hope to create an environment where my family is supported, empowered and loved. Other then my family, i plan to make a big and meaningful impact on my community by giving up my time and skills. Volunteering has always been important to me because i create connections with all kinds of diverse people and backgrounds. I could do this by talking to younger kids, helping those who feel excluded, participating in school actives. I aim to be a great resource to others and create a space where people can thrive and feel included regardless of their circumstances. I love to help translate to Spanish speaking people in my community, this makes them feel more comfortable and makes me feel helpful and resourceful. Growing up in a multicultural environment i have seen how powerful it is when people of different backgrounds come together. I want to encourage this connection by organizing community events programs. Everyone deserves to feel like they matter and i want to be part of that effort to make it happen. I have seen first-hand the difference in cultures because I often visit Mexico and every time it is a reality check on how beautiful different life can be. Sports have also played a huge role in shaping my character and my desire to contribute. Through the years of being in gymnastics and track i have learned the importance of teamwork, communication and mutual respect. Sports have taught me how to work with people of all kinds of backgrounds who share a similar goal. These lessons inspire me heavily to bring people together whether it is in the gymnasium or off, to create environments where everyone feels seen and supported. I believe that positive changes begin with small actions. Giving kindness, creating connections and helping others succeed. Whether in my personal family or in my community i plan to use these skills to make a difference. My goal is to leave a lasting impression to make a difference and be a powerful resource to those in need.

I am a girl who values connection, culture and hard work. Growing up my family played a huge role in building my character. They instilled in me the importance of hard work, kindness, and helping those in need. These morals and values have fueled my passion for making meaningful relationships and creating safe spaces where people feel seen and valued. I truly believe that lifting others strengthens not just individuals but the entire community. In my family, i have always focused on making connections and understanding. I want to set an example of empathy and understanding to those around me. Whether it is by supporting a friend or sibling through a tough patch, being there to listen or celebrate successes. I try to be the source of positivity and high energy. I strive to honor my heritage by keeping cultural traditions alive and sharing them with my peers and younger generations, ensuring they have a deep connection to their roots just as I have. I hope to create an environment where my family is supported, empowered and loved. Other then my family, i plan to make a big and meaningful impact on my community by giving up my time and skills. Volunteering has always been important to me because i create connections with all kinds of diverse people and backgrounds. I could do this by talking to younger kids, helping those who feel excluded, participating in school actives. I aim to be a great resource to others and create a space where people can thrive and feel included regardless of their circumstances. I love to help translate to Spanish speaking people in my community, this makes them feel more comfortable and makes me feel helpful and resourceful. Growing up in a multicultural environment i have seen how powerful it is when people of different backgrounds come together. I want to encourage this connection by organizing community events programs. Everyone deserves to feel like they matter and i want to be part of that effort to make it happen. I have seen first-hand the difference in cultures because I often visit Mexico and every time it is a reality check on how beautiful different life can be. Sports have also played a huge role in shaping my character and my desire to contribute. Through the years of being in gymnastics and track i have learned the importance of teamwork, communication and mutual respect. Sports have taught me how to work with people of all kinds of backgrounds who share a similar goal. These lessons inspire me heavily to bring people together whether it is in the gymnasium or off, to create environments where everyone feels seen and supported. I believe that positive changes begin with small actions. Giving kindness, creating connections and helping others succeed. Whether in my personal family or in my community i plan to use these skills to make a difference. My goal is to leave a lasting impression to make a difference and be a powerful resource to those in need.

I currently have an IPad that has a keyboard and Apple Pencil that allows me to take notes on it as well as type essays etc. This tool has been very beneficial to me for my senior year of high school. It is just as simple as using a phone and with all my college classes that i decided to take, my iPad has came in clutch for the entire semester so far. I love to influence this piece of technology on other students my age taking college classes as well. This makes the world a better place because it allows students to learn how to take notes to their best ability in their own methods. Each student has different study methods and preferences. This iPad empowers creativity, enhancing productivity and supporting education. It enables artistic individuals and students to collaborate and share ideas effectively, making technology accessible for a meaningful impact. If you use this tool for educational purposes specifically, it will get you far and create healthy, productive study habits. Artists may use it to draw and practice their artistic habits, while others may use this to lower stress levels by coloring, researching etc. While i personally use it for educational purposes only, picking up habits to help me study better and take notes to the best of mine and the teachers ability. The iPad, with the keyboard is a powerful tool that inspires innovation and empowers people to create meaningful change in the world and in their community.