For many years, the dominant gender has been men while women were the minority. It was mainly because men earned money and women looked after the house and children. Similarly, they didn’t have any rights as well. However, as time passed by, things started changing slowly. Nonetheless, they are far from perfect. Gender inequality remains a serious issue in today’s time. I come from an immigrant family who never got the chance to get an education higher than an elementary level. Thankfully, my parents have always encouraged me to go to school to get an Education to provide for myself, instead of relying on a man for everything because when there comes a time when he is in financial distress, I don't have to fall with him. From what I have witnessed in my family, my father is the head of the household who only works. My mother cannot speak, read, or write the English Language due to being a full-time mother to me and my two younger siblings. From that, there are pros and cons. My father is supportive, hard-working, and a good role model of what a man should be. But, the downside of it all is his ego. Which makes him feel superior to my mother due to taking responsibility as a mother and housewife for our family. With a heavy role as a mother, she doesn't have the strength or time to take care of herself. Furthermore, I want to be the shining light my mother never got the opportunity to have when she was my age. I want to be her daughter that made it possible to risk actions outside of my comfort zone and say I at least tried for her. The Degree I plan to pursue is a Master's in Communication Disorders to become a Speech-language Pathologist. Thanks to many service programs I volunteer and am a part of. I have discovered this is what I want to pursue. I want to assess and treat people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. As well as clients who have problems swallowing. Devoting my time to others is what is in my heart. That is the many qualities I obtain. In conclusion, I want to be a part of the 4% of Hispanic Latinas that obtain a Master's Degree in today's time. I also want to make a difference and erase the old-age traditions and mentality. We must teach everyone, especially the boys all about equality and respect. It requires quite a lot of work but it is possible. We can work together and achieve equal respect and opportunities for all genders alike. I can’t wait to go to college to become a Speech Language Pathologist but I have financial constraints that will make this goal difficult to reach. Receiving your scholarship award would mean the world to me (and my family). I am a hard worker who is used to managing numerous activities while upholding my grades. I am ready to continue my learning and to benefit students and many other lives in any way I can. Thank you for considering me for your award.

I am a first generation, and I come from an immigrant family where they never got the chance to get an education higher than an elementary level. For as long as I can remember my parents have constantly reminded me what a blessing it is to get an education in order to strive in my life, so I don't end up working a job that can only make ends meet just like my dad is right now. For years that is what he has been doing. He has always made sure we have had enough food, clothes, and a roof over our heads for my family. My mom is a full-time mother to me and my two younger siblings. She lacks the ability to read, write, and speak English fluently which denies her the opportunity to find a good-paying job for her in order to help my dad with bills and payments. Since I was eight years old, I was the one to interpret everything for my parents. My dad understands a little bit of English but he still needs help and I am always open to help him because that is the kind of person I am. No matter how big or small the task is, I won't deny someone needing my help. As soon as I turned 15, I started seeking any job that would take me in so I could at least help my family out in any way. It was never enough, but it was at least a small amount to have a good meal on the table. Even with those kinds of struggles, I still remember that I am the eldest setting an example to my siblings. I try my very best to give them advice of any sort, teach them right from wrong, and prepare them for what's next to come in their lives from the past experiences that I have learned. My academic goal is to be an impactful educator to those in need of guidance. I want to become a teacher to not only teach them what the State of Texas wants them to learn but acknowledge their personal lives and help them in any way I can. I take time out of my own personal life to put others before me and look forward to making a safe, learning environment for my future students. It brings joy to my heart when I help others and can bring them a little light. I have had many great teachers in my past who have all taught me something different, including how to be there for others. Those teachers inspired me to become a teacher just like them. I always hear from other people that the pay isn't good and that I should pursue something different, but I want to prove them wrong. I want to be a teacher. I can’t wait to go to college and become a teacher, but I have financial constraints that will make this goal difficult to reach. Receiving your scholarship award would mean the world to me (and my family). I am a hard worker who is used to managing numerous activities while upholding my grades. I am ready to continue my learning and to benefit students’ lives in any way I can. Thank you for considering me for your award.