In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving behind everything we knew. My mom developed cancer and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings. I went through a heavy depression and couldn't think of a reason to get out of bed. As undocumented immigrants, life was difficult. My parents worked jobs below their skillset for less than minimum wage since people felt they could take advantage of their undocumented status. For years we were barely scraping by. My breaking point was waking up to hear my mom crying. I remember listening to her choked sobs, unable to fall asleep. That same day at school I had a panic attack in my teacher's classroom and was connected to my school's trust counselor. I would talk to her once a day, and just talking, not bottling everything inside, was already making such a big difference. She taught me skills that I still use today when stressed. I learned how to list off the things that I needed to do/fix, so they would not feel impossible to overcome. I learned how to rely on those around me so I would not struggle alone, and most importantly I learned to accept that when things go wrong it is not my fault, and it does not have to be the end of the world. I decided that I wanted to be able to help others who were going through similar things, so I volunteered with the non-profit, Bleeding Hearts Across America, to help women and children in need. I had always had a love for computers and knew I wanted to be a software engineer, so my experiences in that field made me qualified to become their chief technology officer. From that, I was able to participate in drives, distributions, and more. Connecting my knowledge of computers with my volunteering, I was able to spread our message and resources to various communities. Living in Miami, I was able to connect with various Hispanic families who were in positions similar to mine. I wanted to be the help that my family never received. Through my knowledge of computers and website building, I created a page dedicated to not only local resources on places to get food and shelter, but I also provided them with information about their rights, even if they were undocumented, didn't speak English, etc. If my parents had been equipped with even half this knowledge they wouldn't have been taken advantage of financially, and they would know how to advocate for themselves. But, my favorite part was being able to teach others how to manage anxiety, stress, and depression. I would talk to groups of children, explaining that what their family is going through is not their fault and that they don't need to let it consume their lives. I taught them the same skills my counselor taught me and made a website and app to connect them to different mental health resources. Since initially moving to the US, I have grown into a more compassionate and active person in my community, and I have grown the confidence to advocate for both myself and others. My goal isn't to just "help" others in my community, my goal is to give them the knowledge and resources to not only help themselves but also help others along the way. Being able to give back to my community in that way made my story come full circle. Looking back at the impact I was able to make from my challenges, I wouldn't change a thing.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving behind everything we knew. My mom developed cancer and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings. Throughout this time, I went through a heavy depression and couldn't think of a reason to get out of bed. My breaking point was waking up to hear my mom crying. I remember listening to her choked sobs, unable to fall asleep. That same day at school I had a panic attack in my teacher's classroom and was connected to my school's trust counselor. I would talk to her once a day, and just talking, not bottling everything inside, was already making such a big difference. She taught me skills that I still use today when stressed. I learned how to list off the things that I needed to do/fix, so they would not feel impossible to overcome. I learned how to rely on those around me so I would not struggle alone, and most importantly I learned to accept that when things go wrong it is not my fault, and it does not have to be the end of the world. I decided that I wanted to be able to help others who were going through similar things, so I volunteered with the non-profit, Bleeding Hearts Across America, to help women and children in need. I had always had a love for computers and knew I wanted to be a software engineer, so my experiences in that field made me qualified to become their chief technology officer. From that, I was able to participate in drives, distributions, and more. Connecting my knowledge of computers with my volunteering, I was able to spread our message and resources to various communities. But, my favorite part was being able to teach others how to manage anxiety, stress, and depression. I would talk to groups of children, explaining that what their family is going through is not their fault and that they don't need to let it consume their lives. I taught them the same skills my counselor taught me and made a website and app to connect them to different mental health resources. Being able to give back to my community in that way made my story come full circle. Looking back at the impact I was able to make from my challenges, I wouldn't change a thing.

In 2018, my family and I fled Nicaragua, leaving behind everything we knew. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off our savings. These circumstances not only shaped who I am today but also inspired my commitment to making a positive impact on others through love and acts of kindness. During this difficult time, my mental health hit an all-time low, and I experienced severe anxiety. I often woke up in cold sweats, unable to breathe. The suffocating feeling of having no control was overwhelming, and I felt like a burden to my family. One day at school, I experienced a panic attack in class. My teacher found me and personally walked me to our school's trust counselor. It was the first time I opened up about what was happening, and she made me feel heard. She taught me exercises to manage my anxiety and connected me to free school resources, clubs, and tutoring to occupy my time productively. Getting my life back on track at school motivated me to tackle my problems at home. I stepped up to support my family, helping prepare my sister and me for school, aiding her with homework, assisting my mom with household chores, and staying up with my dad, helping him search for jobs. These experiences made me more compassionate for those going through their own hardships, and want to do more to help. I had always had an interest in web development starting with a simple project like creating my homepage replacement. Or to growing my skills with side projects, like a favor-exchanging app, these reinforced my love for building websites that bring people together. This passion allowed me to volunteer with various nonprofits, aiding their efforts to spread their messages to a wider audience. One of my most impactful experiences was as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the nonprofit organization Bleeding Hearts Across America. I built our website and managed communication channels, improving our community and supporter engagement. I attended events like feminine hygiene distributions, where we provided hygiene bags to women in underprivileged areas. Inspired to take further action, I led the creation of a public period pantry where local women could access hygiene products, fostering a sense of community and support. Being able to provide aid to women, who reminded me of my own family, truly made our efforts feel worthwhile. My love for computers and web design extends beyond nonprofit work. At school, I tutor students, helping them prepare for math, coding, and design-related classes. Sharing knowledge and skills and seeing my peers succeed and grow in confidence motivates me to continue offering support. I plan to continue my community work in college and beyond. I'm committed to using my skills in web development and computer science to make a positive impact on the world. In college, I hope to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to expand my efforts. By leveraging technology, I aim to create innovative solutions that address social issues, improving the quality of life for those in need, both locally and globally. My ultimate goal is to combine my passion for web development with my commitment to social impact, creating a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful. Through my volunteer work and personal experiences, I have seen firsthand the power of technology and compassion to create positive change. I am excited to explore new opportunities to use my skills for the betterment of my community, inspiring others to do the same and creating a world where technology and kindness work hand in hand to improve lives.

I believe that my love and passion for everything that I do, both inspire others and positively impact the world. For the past three years, I have immersed myself in the world of web development, discovering not only a passion but also my life’s calling. My journey began with my very first project: creating a Google Homepage replacement complete with a search bar and bookmarks. This project helped me grasp the basics of web development I had learned in class. Since then, my skills have grown significantly, and my latest side project—a favor-exchanging Progressive Web App—reinforced my love for building websites that are not only useful but also bring people together. My passion for web development has allowed me to volunteer with various nonprofits, aiding their efforts to spread their messages and reach a wider audience. One of the most impactful experiences was taking on the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the nonprofit organization Bleeding Hearts Across America. In this role, I built our website and managed communication channels, allowing for better communication with our community and supporters. I regularly attended events such as our feminine hygiene distributions, where we provided feminine hygiene bags to women in underprivileged areas. These events were eye-opening, showcasing the real-world impact of our work. Inspired to take further action, I decided that there was more we could do for the community, leading to us creating a public period pantry where local women could freely access hygiene products. This initiative not only addressed a critical need but also fostered a sense of community and support. My love for computers and web design extends beyond nonprofit work. At my school, I tutor students for free, helping them study and prepare for math, coding, and design-related classes. I believe that it is up to us to pass on the knowledge and skills we've acquired to others, so we can empower and create a ripple effect of positive change. Seeing my peers succeed and grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences that motivate me to continue offering support. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my work for the community in college and beyond. I am committed to using my skills in web development and computer science to make a positive impact on the world. In college, I hope to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to expand my efforts. By using technology, I aim to create innovative solutions that address social issues and improve the quality of life for those in need not just locally, but globally. I plan on growing my community work outside of college, continually seeking new ways to help others through technology. Whether it's developing apps that provide essential services, creating platforms for social good, or volunteering my time and expertise, I am dedicated to making a difference. My ultimate goal is to combine my passion for web development with my commitment to social impact, creating a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful. My experiences in web development have not only shaped my career aspirations but also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the community. Through my volunteer work with nonprofits like Bleeding Hearts Across America, I have seen firsthand the power of technology to create positive change. As I continue my education and career, I am excited to explore new opportunities to use my skills for the betterment of my community. By doing so, I hope to inspire others to do the same, creating a world where technology and compassion work hand in hand to improve lives.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving everything we knew behind. Since, finances have been our greatest challenge. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings for a while. On top of that, I’m still currently an undocumented citizen, so I was unable to apply for FASFA and therefore received no government aid. Private loans also were not an option because of my parents’ credit, and the only one that took us raised their interest rates to 15% right before we signed. So, at the age of 19, what would be the next step in life for my peers became my greatest challenge: applying for college. These challenges have not only changed my life trajectory but have also molded who I am as a person. Where others would have lost hope or given up, I was taught one of the most valuable life skills… resilience. Throughout it all, I remained hopeful and determined to make it through every obstacle life has thrown my way and knew, I had to step up in my family. I took it upon myself to step up and be the support that my family needed to make it through this. In the mornings, I helped prepare my sister and me for school; in the afternoons, I aided her with her homework while helping my mom with the household chores; and at night, I stayed up with my dad, helping him search for new jobs. I learned the value of hard work and money through my dad’s efforts to provide, and I learned to be dependable and patient through taking care of my mom and younger sister while she fought cancer. Through my various financial difficulties, I adapted to being able to pivot and never give up. For the past 3 years, I’ve not only learned about Web Development, but I’ve also found my life’s calling. My very first project, A Google Homepage replacement with a search bar and bookmarks helped me traverse the basics of what I had learned in class. Alongside this, my latest side project: a favor exchanging Progress Web App, reinforced my love for creating websites that are not only useful to others but also bring people together. Above all, I aim to help others. I took on the role of CTO for the non-profit Bleeding Hearts Across America, building our website and managing their communications channels. Alongside Web Development, I also found a passion for Robotics through my school’s Robotics Club. I’m proud to say that ever since the club re-opened, we transformed it from a safe space to build VEX Robots after school, to a fully-fledged club dedicated to probability experiments, turbine generators, VEX Robotics competitions, and more. I hope to continue participating in VEX or FIRST Robotics Clubs throughout my journey at Loyola University of Chicago and aim to keep advancing my career as a Web Developer who does more than corporate sites, but instead plan to use my skills for the betterment of the world. These skills will continue to aid me, not just in college but also in all things in life. Be it a difficult class, a frustrating client, or just an all-around horrible day, I know that I will remain resilient and push forward because that is simply who I am. Life has never “taken it easy on me,” and for that, I am grateful because where others can be blown away by life’s storms, I know that I will remain well-rooted and ready for anything that could come my way.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving everything we knew behind. Ever since finances have been our greatest challenge. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings for a while. So, at the age of 19, what would be the next step in life for my peers became my greatest challenge: applying for college. These circumstances changed my life and have also molded who I am as a person. I went through a heavy depression at the time, and I couldn't think of a reason to get out of bed when all that awaited me was a struggle. On top of that, as a child, I had suffered from vivid, and at times horrific, hallucinations that would keep me up for nights at a time, and the stress from all that was going on, unfortunately, triggered their return. I remember the suffocating feeling that it had on me. While I knew logically I had no control over the situation, emotionally I couldn't help but feel like I was becoming another burden for my family. My breaking point was when I woke up to hear my mom crying to herself. Not only was she fighting cancer, but she had also become the sole provider of our house. I remember listening to her choked sobs, unable to fall asleep. That same day at school I had a panic attack in one of my teacher's classrooms. I felt so helpless at the time like I was drowning, but she was the one to throw me a lifevest. She personally walked me to our school's trust counselor and had me speak to her. It was the first time I had ever truly spoken to someone about what was going on, and she made me feel heard. From that day on I would try to talk to her once a day, and just talking, and not bottling everything inside, was already making such a big difference. She also was able to connect me to some free school resources to make life at home easier, and also clubs and tutoring, I could participate in to help occupy my time more productively. Being able to get my life back on track in school gave me the motivation to try to tackle my problems at home. Where others would have lost hope or given up, I was taught one of the most valuable life skills… resilience. Throughout it all, I remained hopeful and determined to make it through every obstacle life has thrown my way. With my mom diagnosed with cancer, and my father losing his job, I had to step up in my family. I learned both the value of hard work and money through my mom and dad’s efforts to provide, and I learned to be dependable and patient by taking care of my mom and younger sister while she fought cancer. Even now, when attending college has become one of the most difficult challenges for me, I remain resilient. Through my various financial difficulties, I adapted to being able to pivot and never give up, and that is and continues to be, my greatest achievement to date. These experiences made me want to strive to do better and not let the lows in my life negate potential highs. While suffering through depression and hallucinations was difficult, it also found a way to impact my life for the better. It made me compassionate, not just to my family, but to those around me who deal with the same or similar things. I never used to understand what it meant to be depressed, not truly. I knew people who were depressed were also "sad," but I didn't know how hopeless, alone, unmotivated, unheard, unhealthy, and reclusive it made you become. Going through it myself allowed me to not only understand it, but it also allowed me to aid others, like my sister, and my peers when they went through similar experiences. I plan to use this knowledge to help make a positive impact on the lives of others through expanding my volunteer work with underprivileged children who were in positions similar to mine. It also made me a more resilient person than I was before because after getting through all of that, the rest of the issues that I go through in life don’t feel so impossible anymore.

While other kids were playing with dolls and action figures, I was dismantling remotes, taking apart computers, and trying to figure out how electricity flows from the outlet to the magical rock we call a computer. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had the utmost interest in robotics and computers. I still remember the first time I tore apart a remote-controlled toy car and made a handheld electric fan out of it. Similarly, I still have the code for the 2D game I wanted to make for a website and a notepad file with all the measurements required to scale down the icons to appropriate screen sizes. All this is to say, that without math, I am nothing. As someone who aims to be a Software Developer, I have math to thank not only for the complex programs I can build because of it but also for the fact that math is the fundamental structure upon which computers are developed. It is through math that my computer can perform all sorts of calculations, whether it be a simple web search or a complex 3D model render, every single one of these programs utilizes math in so many ways. Personally, I am a Geometry nerd. Ever since I stepped foot into my Geometry class Sophomore year of high school, I fell in love with the way we could manipulate shapes with specific rules, with how we could determine whether or not a triangle was actually a triangle, and even recreate triangles through circles. Geometry was not only a fun class for me, but the role it takes on computer programming and rendering makes it one of my most beloved subjects. However, that is not to say I only love math because it lets me scroll on Instagram. Math is so much more than computers and fun problems. Math is what we use for complex simulations, it helped my robotics team win our school’s pumpkin chuckin’ competition where different departments built a catapult system. Math also helped me become closer with my younger sister, who for a long time struggled with the subject, but even through all our differences and tough times, I agreed to tutor her and can proudly say she is now teaching me new things.

Since my family moved to America in 2018, witnessing my parents' financial missteps has been a main motivator for me to strive to have better financial control over my own life. After my mom was diagnosed with cancer and my dad lost his job, our family had to rely on our savings for a while. This challenging period taught me the importance of financial stability and planning. We faced severe financial setbacks, including the repossession of our car due to missed payments, emphasizing the consequences of not having a thought-out financial safety net. Growing up, my parents struggled to save and plan ahead. This experience made me extremely cautious with my own money. Whether it’s Christmas or birthday money, I make a conscious effort to save it rather than spend it impulsively. I knew early on that taking control of my finances was the only way to avoid the same mistakes my parents made. I made sure to educate myself about loans, interest rates, savings, and credit. Loans can be useful for large expenses, but only when managed wisely. Understanding interest rates is important because they determine the cost of borrowing. For example, high interest rates on credit cards can lead to significant debt if not paid off in time which is the slope my parents fell into leading to their debt. Savings, on the other hand, act as a safety net for unexpected expenses and help achieve long-term financial goals. I’ve learned the importance of building an emergency fund to cover at least three to six months' worth of expenses after having to live off of our savings for a while. Additionally, understanding credit is vital because a good credit score can lead to better loan terms and lower interest rates, ultimately saving money in the long run. With this knowledge, I carefully mapped out my financial future. Paying for college is a significant upcoming expense, and I am committed to minimizing debt by applying for scholarships, working part-time, and choosing a school within my budget. After college, I plan to use my understanding of loans and interest rates to make an informed decision about renting an apartment and getting a car. I want to save for a substantial down payment to ensure I can get the best lease contact available so that I won't have to worry about not being able to pay rent. I plan to continue building my savings and maintaining a good credit score. This will not only help me manage unexpected expenses but also allow me to invest in opportunities that can enhance my financial security and quality of life. My goal is to achieve financial independence and avoid the stress and uncertainty that comes with poor financial management. My family has deeply influenced my approach to money and has taught me the value of careful financial planning. While my motivation for learning was not ideal, I'm still glad that I was able to learn and hopefully give myself a good headstart in life.

For the past three years, I have immersed myself in the world of web development, discovering not only a passion but also my life’s calling. My journey began with my very first project: creating a Google Homepage replacement complete with a search bar and bookmarks. This project helped me grasp the basics of web development I had learned in class. Since then, my skills have grown significantly, and my latest side project—a favor-exchanging Progressive Web App—reinforced my love for building websites that are not only useful but also bring people together. My passion for web development has allowed me to volunteer with various nonprofits, aiding their efforts to spread their messages and reach a wider audience. One of the most impactful experiences was taking on the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the nonprofit organization Bleeding Hearts Across America. In this role, I built our website and managed communication channels, allowing for better communication with our community and supporters. I also regularly attended events such as our feminine hygiene distributions, where we provided feminine hygiene bags to women in underprivileged areas. These events were eye-opening and humbling, showcasing the real-world impact of our work. Inspired to take further action, I decided that there was still more we could do for the community, leading to the creation of a public period pantry where local women could freely access necessary hygiene products. This initiative not only addressed a critical need but also fostered a sense of community and support among the women we served. My love for computers and web design extends beyond nonprofit work. At my school, I tutor students for free, helping them study and prepare for math, coding, and design-related classes. I believe that it is up to us to pass on the knowledge and skills we've acquired to others, so we can empower and create a ripple effect of positive change. Seeing my peers succeed and grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences that motivate me to continue offering support. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my work for the community in college and beyond. I am committed to using my skills in web development and computer science to make a positive impact on the world. In college, I hope to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to expand my efforts. By using technology, I aim to create innovative solutions that address social issues and improve the quality of life for those in need not just locally, but globally. I plan on growing my community work outside of college, continually seeking new ways to help others through technology. Whether it's developing apps that provide essential services, creating platforms for social good, or volunteering my time and expertise, I am dedicated to making a difference. My ultimate goal is to combine my passion for web development with my commitment to social impact, creating a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful. My experiences in web development have not only shaped my career aspirations but also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the community. Through my volunteer work with nonprofits like Bleeding Hearts Across America, I have seen firsthand the power of technology to create positive change. As I continue my education and career, I am excited to explore new opportunities to use my skills for the betterment of my community. By doing so, I hope to inspire others to do the same, creating a world where technology and compassion work hand in hand to improve lives.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving everything we knew behind. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off our savings for a while, and my mental health hit an all-time low. These circumstances changed my life and shaped who I am today. I went through a period of severe anxiety, I would often wake up with cold sweats and unable to breathe. As a child, I had suffered from vivid and horrific hallucinations that kept me up for nights at a time. The stress from everything going on triggered their return, worsening my anxiety. The suffocating feeling of having no control over the situation was overwhelming. Emotionally, I felt like I was becoming a burden to my family. My breaking point came when I woke up to hear my mom crying. Not only was she fighting cancer, but she had also become the sole provider for our household. Listening to her choked sobs, unable to fall asleep, I felt more helpless than ever. That same day at school, I experienced a panic attack in one of my teacher's classrooms. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, and my lungs couldn't expand for air. I slumped against the wall and refused to move until my teacher calmed me down. She personally walked me to our school's trust counselor. It was the first time I truly spoke to someone about what was going on, and she made me feel heard. From that day on, I would try to talk to her once a day. She taught me some simple exercises to manage my anxiety. She also connected me to free school resources, clubs, and tutoring to occupy my time more productively. Getting my life back on track in school motivated me to tackle my problems at home. I stepped up to be the support my family needed. In the mornings, I helped prepare my sister and me for school; in the afternoons, I aided her with homework while helping my mom with household chores; and at night, I stayed up with my dad, helping him search for new job opportunities. These experiences made me strive to do better and not let the lows in my life negate potential highs. While suffering through anxiety and hallucinations was difficult, it also impacted my life for the better. It made me compassionate towards my family and others who deal with similar issues. I never truly understood anxiety until I went through it myself. Experiencing it allowed me to help others, like my sister and friends, when they faced similar struggles. It also made me more resilient; after overcoming these challenges, other problems in life seemed less daunting. This not only brought our family closer together, but I also learned the value of hard work and money through my parents' efforts to provide. I became dependable and patient while taking care of my mom and sister during my mom's battle with cancer. Pursuing a college degree not only gives me a chance to repay my parents for their struggles and develop my intelligence, but it also allows me to study and work in a field I'm passionate about: computer science. Although my anxiety and hallucinations are not fully "cured," these skills will continue to aid me in college and beyond. Life has never "taken it easy on me," and for that, I am grateful. Where others might be blown away by life's storms, I know I will remain well-rooted and ready for anything that comes my way.

Ever since I was a young child, no older than 6, I remember being constantly reprimanded for my overly-curious mind. What had started as asking a lot of “But why?” questions had suddenly escalated into genuinely wondering how a lot of regular household appliances worked. It was when my father eventually ran out of answers on how everything worked that I was eventually pointed to our family computer and told to “Google It”. It was this act that skyrocketed my natural curiosity and landed me where I am today. I was granted an immeasurable amount of knowledge on anything and everything, and was even encouraged to use this to find the answers to whatever it is I wanted to know. From that moment on, I became enthralled with computers. It started with simple nitpicks like wanting to change the desktop wallpaper, to more advanced queries like “How to make R.A.L.P.H. from Spy Kids” or “How to customize my Google Homepage”. Eventually, I landed on YouTube, one of my favorite learning centers. It was on YouTube that I learned the basics of electrical wiring, web development, and scripting languages. Granted, my progress plateaued for a while due to my young age, but with time I advanced my skills in all these and eventually landed where I am today. Along the way, I made AutoHotkey-based game launchers, Python scripts to control my computer mouse through hand movements, home utility robot prototypes with Raspberry Pis, Arduino-based remote controllers, and many more age-old projects. However, as much as I had plenty of fun learning and working on all these projects, they all felt like just projects. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Web Development that I finally felt at home. I remember the day I entered Mrs. Downie’s class, I barely remembered any HTML syntax, and I didn’t know a speck of CSS or JavaScript, but I was excited to learn nonetheless. For the past 3 years, I’ve not only learned about Web Development, but I’ve also found my life’s calling. My very first project, A Google Homepage replacement with a search bar and bookmarks helped me traverse the basics of what I had learned in class. Alongside this, my latest side project: a favor exchanging Progress Web App, helped me reinforce my love for creating websites that are not only useful to others but will also bring people together. However, above all I aim to help others, through whatever means possible, as I did when I took on the role of CTO for the non-profit Bleeding Hearts Across America, building their website and managing their communications channels. Alongside Web Development, I also found a passion for Robotics, specifically through my school’s Robotics Club. I’m proud to say that ever since the club re-opened after COVID year, we transformed it from a safe space for nerds to build VEX Robots after school, to a fully-fledged club dedicated to probability experiments, turbine generators, VEX Robotics competitions, and much more. I hope to continue participating in VEX or FIRST Robotics Clubs throughout my journey at Loyola University of Chicago and aim to keep advancing my career as a Web Developer who does more than just corporate sites, but instead plan to use my skills for the betterment of the world.

At the age of 13, I finally got my first pair of glasses, and yet that still did not provide as much clarity for my life as the day I realized I had autism and ADHD. Before this discovery, I felt out of place in my life, like I was missing some secret "guide to life" that everyone else was given at birth. Back when I first started school I would often confuse children teasing me with acts of friendship. I remember, in elementary school, walking into class to find my stuff hidden and scattered across the room. At the time I thought it was just a friendly game between classmates, and I would run around clueless gathering my materials. I have since then realized that what I mistook for friendship was me being bullied. So, as most can assume, developing genuine friendships was difficult, especially since when I realized I couldn't trust my judgment in what was and wasn't kindness, I found it hard to trust others. In the classroom itself, maintaining focus was always difficult, which I later found out was due to my ADHD. I was easily distracted, which made it hard to stay focused and keep up with lessons. My mind would constantly wander off, and sitting still at my desk all day felt like torture. This only added to me feeling isolated from my peers. While they, seemingly, easily absorbed the lessons and completed their work on time, I struggled to keep up with basic tasks. The gap between us felt vast and only added to the feeling that there was something wrong with me. Socially, I felt withdrawn and isolated. Connecting with others, even my family, was challenging because we mutually couldn't understand each other. Being unable to decipher the "unspoken rules" of social interactions left me often feeling awkward in social settings, so I withdrew further into my familiar loneliness. Finding out I had both autism and ADHD didn't change how I viewed the world, but rather how I viewed myself within the world. I realized that I wasn't a "problem," and that there was nothing "wrong" with me. My brain just worked differently from those around me. Armed with this new understanding I was ready to take on the world from a different point of view. Fidget toys became a game-changer for my focus in class. They gave me a way to channel my need to move while still focusing on my studies. Additionally, when I realized that the reason I struggled to make friends was that I struggled to pick up social cues instead of being unable to pick up on them, I began slowly learning. It took time, but eventually, I was able to build a genuine group of friends. Ironically, my learning difficulties only made me more determined to succeed in the classroom. I knew that I was smart. While I may not have finished the test in time, I still knew all the answers. This determination to learn helped me develop my empathy for others who face similar struggles. I volunteered and tutored my peers, offering help in subjects they found difficult. I believe that no one should be made to feel "stupid" for not understanding something. This scholarship would help me be able to afford higher education by helping me close the financial gap that keeps my family from being able to afford college. This scholarship can make the difference between me attending school this fall, class of 2024, or having to wait another year instead.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving everything we knew behind. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings for a while. I went through a heavy depression, and I couldn't think of a reason to get out of bed. Also, as a child, I suffered from vivid, and at times horrific, hallucinations that would keep me up for nights, and the stress from all that was going on, unfortunately, triggered their return. I remember the suffocating feeling that while I knew logically I had no control over the situation, emotionally I couldn't help but feel like I was another burden for my family. My breaking point was waking up to hear my mom crying. Not only was she fighting cancer, but she had also become the sole provider of our house. I remember listening to her choked sobs, unable to fall asleep. That same day at school I had a breakdown in my teacher's classroom. I felt helpless and she saw that. She personally walked me to our school's trust counselor to speak to her. It was the first time I had ever truly spoken to someone about everything, and she made me feel heard. From that day on I would try to talk to her once a day, and just talking, and not bottling everything inside, was already making such a big difference. She taught me skills that I still use today when stressed. I learned how to list off the things that I needed to do/fix, so they would not feel impossible to overcome. I learned how to rely on those around me so I would not struggle alone, and most importantly I learned to accept that when things go wrong it is not my fault, and it does not have to be the end of the world. She also was able to connect me to some free school resources to make life at home easier, and also clubs and tutoring, I could participate in to help occupy my time more productively. Instead of spending all day at home, feeling helpless, I channeled my energy into something more productive. After school, I participated in clubs like robotics, creative writing, and debate while I waited to pick my sister up from school. Tutoring also allowed me to catch up in the classes I fell behind in without having to become a financial stress to my family. Being able to get my life back on track in school gave me the motivation to try to tackle my problems at home. So, I took it upon myself to step up and be the support that my family needed me to be. In the mornings, I helped prepare my sister and me for school; in the afternoons, I aided her with her homework while helping my mom with the household chores; and at night, I stayed up with my dad, helping him search for new job opportunities. These experiences made me want to strive to do better and not let the lows in my life negate potential highs. While suffering through depression and hallucinations was difficult, it also found a way to impact my life for the better. It made me compassionate, not just to my family, but to those around me who deal with the same things. Along with this, my newfound resilience allowed me to not only maintain my academic status but also excel among my peers until I was finally accepted into Loyola University of Chicago, where I plan on attending this fall.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving everything we knew behind. Ever since finances have been one of our greatest challenges. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings for a while. On top of that, I’m still currently an undocumented citizen, so I was unable to apply for FASFA and therefore received no government aid. Private loans also were not an option because of my parents’ credit, and the only one that took us raised their interest rates to 15% right before we signed. So, at the age of 19, what would be the next step in life for my peers became my greatest challenge: applying for college. These challenges have not only changed my life trajectory but have also molded who I am as a person. Where others would have lost hope or given up, I was taught two of the most valuable life skills… resilience and faith. Throughout it all, I remained faithful and determined to make it through every obstacle life has thrown my way with the help of God by my side. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and my father lost his job, I had to step up in my family. I remember the panic that plagued my family, particularly my younger sister, and I remember telling myself that I couldn’t afford to fall apart as well. So, I took it upon myself to step up and be the support that my family needed to make it through this. In the mornings, I helped prepare my sister and me for school; in the afternoons, I aided her with her homework while helping my mom with the household chores; and at night, I stayed up with my dad, helping him search for new job opportunities. I learned both the value of hard work and money through my dad’s efforts to provide, and I learned to be dependable and patient through taking care of my mom and younger sister while she fought cancer. Even now, when attending college has become one of the most difficult challenges for me, I remain resilient because I know that with God by my side, there isn't a single challenge that life can give me that I won't survive. This scholarship would aid me in my ability to continue to preserve and fight for my right to the education that I deserve. Through my various financial difficulties, I adapted to being able to pivot and never give up. These skills will continue to aid me, not just in college but also in all things in life. Be it a difficult class, a frustrating client, or just an all-around horrible day, I know that I will remain resilient and faithful, and I will push forward because that is simply who I am. God has never “taken it easy on me,” and for that, I am grateful because where others can be blown away by life’s storms, I know that I will remain well-rooted and ready for anything that could possibly come my way.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving everything we knew behind. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings for a while. On top of that, my mental and physical health hit their all-time low. These circumstances changed my life and have also molded who I am as a person. I went through a heavy depression at the time, and I couldn't think of a reason to get out of bed when all that awaited me was a struggle. On top of that, as a child, I had suffered from vivid, and at times horrific, hallucinations that would keep me up for nights at a time, and the stress from all that was going on, unfortunately, triggered their return. I remember the suffocating feeling that it had on me. While I knew logically I had no control over the situation, emotionally I couldn't help but feel like I was becoming another burden for my family. My breaking point was when I woke up to hear my mom crying to herself. Not only was she fighting cancer, but she had also become the sole provider of our house. I remember listening to her choked sobs, unable to fall asleep. That same day at school I had a mental breakdown in one of my teacher's classrooms. I felt so helpless at the time like I was drowning, but she was the one to throw me a lifevest. She personally walked me to our school's trust counselor and had me speak to her. It was the first time I had ever truly spoken to someone about what was going on, and she made me feel heard. From that day on I would try to talk to her once a day, and just talking, and not bottling everything inside, was already making such a big difference. She also was able to connect me to some free school resources to make life at home easier, and also clubs and tutoring, I could participate in to help occupy my time more productively. Being able to get my life back on track in school gave me the motivation to try to tackle my problems at home. So, I took it upon myself to step up and be the support that my family needed me to be. In the mornings, I helped prepare my sister and me for school; in the afternoons, I aided her with her homework while helping my mom with the household chores; and at night, I stayed up with my dad, helping him search for new job opportunities. This not only brought our family together, but I learned both the value of hard work and money through my mom and dad’s efforts to provide, and I learned to be dependable and patient through taking care of my mom and younger sister while she fought cancer. These experiences made me want to strive to do better and not let the lows in my life negate potential highs. While suffering through depression and hallucinations was difficult, it also found a way to impact my life for the better. It made me compassionate, not just to my family, but to those around me who deal with the same things. I never used to understand what it meant to be depressed, not truly. I knew people who were depressed were also "sad," but I didn't know how hopeless, alone, unmotivated, unheard, unhealthy, and reclusive it made you become. Going through it myself allowed me to not only understand it, but it also allowed me to aid others, like my sister, and my friends when they went through similar experiences. It also made me a more resilient person than I was before because after getting through all of that, the rest of the issues that I go through in life don’t feel so impossible anymore. And while my depression and hallucinations have not been fully "cured," these skills will continue to aid me, not just in college but also in all things in life. Be it a difficult class, a frustrating client, or just an all-around horrible day, I know that I will remain resilient and push forward because that is simply who I am. Life has never “taken it easy on me,” and for that, I am grateful because where others can be blown away by life’s storms, I know that I will remain well-rooted and ready for anything that could come my way.

In 2018, my family and I fled from Nicaragua, leaving everything we knew behind. My mom developed cancer, and my dad lost his job, forcing us to live off of our savings for a while. On top of that, my mental and physical health hit their all-time low. These circumstances changed my life and have also molded who I am as a person. I went through a heavy depression at the time, and I couldn't think of a reason to get out of bed when all that awaited me was a struggle. On top of that, as a child, I had suffered from vivid, and at times horrific, hallucinations that would keep me up for nights at a time, and the stress from all that was going on, unfortunately, triggered their return. I remember the suffocating feeling that it had on me. While I knew logically I had no control over the situation, emotionally I couldn't help but feel like I was becoming another burden for my family. My breaking point was when I woke up to hear my mom crying to herself. Not only was she fighting cancer, but she had also become the sole provider of our house. I remember listening to her choked sobs, unable to fall asleep. That same day at school I had a mental breakdown in one of my teacher's classrooms. I felt so helpless at the time like I was drowning, but she was the one to throw me a lifevest. She personally walked me to our school's trust counselor and had me speak to her. It was the first time I had ever truly spoken to someone about what was going on, and she made me feel heard. From that day on I would try to talk to her once a day, and just talking, and not bottling everything inside, was already making such a big difference. She also was able to connect me to some free school resources to make life at home easier, and also clubs and tutoring, I could participate in to help occupy my time more productively. Being able to get my life back in track in school gave me the motivation to try to tackle my problems at home. So, I took it upon myself to step up and be the support that my family needed me to be. In the mornings, I helped prepare my sister and me for school; in the afternoons, I aided her with her homework while helping my mom with the household chores; and at night, I stayed up with my dad, helping him search for new job opportunities. This not only brought our family together, but I learned both the value of hard work and money through my mom and dad’s efforts to provide, and I learned to be dependable and patient through taking care of my mom and younger sister while she fought cancer. And while my depression and hallucinations have not been fully "cured," these skills will continue to aid me, not just in college but also in all things in life. Be it a difficult class, a frustrating client, or just an all-around horrible day, I know that I will remain resilient and push forward because that is simply who I am. Life has never “taken it easy on me,” and for that, I am grateful because where others can be blown away by life’s storms, I know that I will remain well-rooted and ready for anything that could come my way.