Growing up as a Puerto Rican in a community where my heritage was often different, I faced both inclusion and subtle discrimination. Comments like “Are those your REAL eyes?” and the unforgettable moment when a Walmart employee asked my grandmother, “What breed is she?” when I was just nine years old, were painful but formative. These experiences fueled my determination to embrace my culture and pursue a career in law, advocating for those facing similar biases. Rather than viewing these incidents as wounds, I see them as scars—reminders of my strength and resolve to stand up for marginalized groups. I celebrate my identity and am proud to be Puerto Rican. Through my platform, I aim to promote understanding and equality. Although I wasn’t raised in my Puerto Rican background, I have actively sought to reconnect with my roots through articles, YouTube, and TikTok. Learning Spanish is a vital part of this journey, and while I may be a “no sabo” now, I am committed to improving my language skills. Being bilingual will not only help me connect more deeply with my culture but also serve me in my legal career, enabling me to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking clients. As I pursue my legal career, I envision myself as a defense attorney, advocating for those who are unfairly judged. The legal field often treats people as "underdogs" based on accusations, without considering their full context. Just as I have defended myself against harmful stereotypes, I aim to do the same for others. I am committed to fighting for justice, ensuring that those who are wrongfully accused have someone to stand up for their rights. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values for me. I believe the legal field should reflect the communities it serves, and I want to be part of that change. By advocating for equal opportunities and fighting against systemic biases, I hope to contribute to a more equitable society, ensuring that the law protects not just the powerful but also those who are historically oppressed. I also want to honor the legacy of Puerto Rican advocates like Jesús Pérez, who fought for our community's rights. I plan to use my legal career to support policies that benefit Puerto Rican families and individuals facing discrimination, whether through casework or mentoring aspiring Puerto Rican lawyers. Jesús Pérez’s dedication to justice inspires me to ensure that future generations of Puerto Ricans have the tools to succeed. Ultimately, my Puerto Rican heritage gives me a deep sense of purpose that shapes my commitment to justice, resilience, and advocacy. It is the foundation upon which I want to build my legal career, helping others and honoring the struggles of those who came before me.

Wrestling has truly transformed my high school experience and played a crucial role in my personal growth. My journey began at our school's freshman fish camp, where a former coach introduced me to the sport. At first, stepping onto the mat felt overwhelming, but embracing the challenge turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Initially, wrestling was intimidating. I struggled with self-confidence and often doubted my abilities. However, as I immersed myself in practice and started competing against my teammates, I began to see a change. With each session, I built not only physical strength but mental resilience. The demanding workouts taught me invaluable lessons about determination and perseverance, which extended beyond wrestling and positively influenced many areas of my life. By my junior year, wrestling became a central part of who I am. It evolved from competition into a discipline that required strategy and focus. A defining moment came when I was named captain of the girls’ team. This leadership role pushed me to step out of my comfort zone as I mentored younger wrestlers. Guiding them deepened my appreciation for the sport and strengthened my connection with the team. The journey toward district and regional competitions cultivated a strong sense of camaraderie among us. There’s something special about bonding through shared challenges; each tournament became an opportunity for collective growth, not just about winning or losing. We celebrated progress and supported each other, building lasting friendships along the way. Interestingly, wrestling also had a positive impact on my academics. Maintaining my grades for eligibility forced me to develop disciplined habits. I became more organized, completed assignments on time, and improved my study routines—all driven by my commitment to succeed both academically and athletically. Looking back on those late-night practices, I see them not as sacrifices but as steps toward becoming a more confident version of myself. Through wrestling, I learned essential values like commitment, perseverance, and self-belief. These lessons shaped my athletic journey and my entire approach to life. As high school graduation approaches, I am incredibly grateful for everything wrestling has given me. It’s about striving for goals while embracing personal growth along the way. Wrestling has been a catalyst for change, shaping who I am and how I tackle challenges. The discipline I developed in training has translated into my studies and future aspirations, helping me cultivate a strong work ethic that will serve me well in college. Wrestling has also taught me resilience in the face of adversity. There were matches where my performance fell short, and setbacks felt overwhelming. Yet, each experience provided a chance for reflection and growth rather than a reason to feel defeated. Learning to embrace failure as part of the journey instilled in me the belief that perseverance is key to success—a mindset that extends beyond sports. The friendships I’ve formed through wrestling are bonds built on determination. My teammates have become like family. We share victories and disappointments, celebrating wins at tournaments and offering support during losses—not just as competitors but as invested friends. As graduation draws near and new horizons await, I’m excited for what lies ahead but also nostalgic about closing this chapter. Wrestling has opened doors—through recruitment opportunities and by enhancing my understanding of teamwork and leadership. I plan to carry these values into college, always mindful of how stepping onto that first mat changed everything for me. Wrestling has taught me more than just techniques; it imparted wisdom about relentless pursuit and grace under pressure—lessons I’ll carry into life beyond high school.