After reading Malgorzata's story I was hit with compassion, even though my family is always here for me, I've felt alone in my academic and emotional journey. The part of her story that caught my attention and I can relate to the most is, that Maggie moved to the U.S with no support and was determined to have a better life. To begin with, in my experience, I was born in the U.S. but i'm a first generation Mexican American. So, I can't imagine how much effort and sacrifice my parents have gone through for me to have a better life. Because I am a first generation Mexican American, I can't really get much support for scholarships, school work, college information, basically I have to ask others or research myself about academic questions I have. This, makes me feel more stressed and alone in my post-graduate journey. But, strangely enough the reason that leads me to have less support and feel lonely, is the same reason why I am always inspired and determined to keep going and make a better life for myself and my parents. I believe that if I can picture myself doing something and if I want to do it, I can accomplish it with the right steps and dedication. What's more, since I started playing a musical instrument I have set my mind to improve, love, and feel the moment and stage of learning I'm in. As well as, becoming the best version of myself as a musician, and person. In this, I can totally relate with Maggie. She was greatly determined to accomplish anything she set her mind to, which is exactly the kind of mindset I always set my mind to. Since, I was little every little thing, I wanted to learn I set forth the effort and determination and accomplished it. Although, music is just a hobby that I love. I am training myself to search for my own improvement in anything and working towards anything I want, as hard as it might seem. Currently, I am a freshman in high school and I have been playing the guitar since 7th grade. And, when I first started I had no experience whatsoever, but I set myself to practice for hours. Because of this, I'm in my 3rd year of being in Mariachi and now I long to get better and keep perfecting my skills. To conclude, Malgorzata is a role model. All women, no matter in what part of their life they are, even if they are at their lowest point of their life. They should strive to have a strong willpower and grit like Maggie. She was and will always be a leader, and a role model to look up to. I wish and will work toward becoming a leader and role model like her, that will lead me towards my dream of becoming a healthcare doctor, and becoming a better version of myself.

I could write a whole list that goes on, and on about my educational and professional goals. We can all use some improvement in our lives, but here are a couple of my educational and professional goals. To begin with, some of my main educational goals are; managing my time more efficiently, maintain my GPA score as high as I can, not be an excessive perfectionist, and to improve my communication skills. I struggle with completing assignments, and projects in an effective and fast manner because I usually overthink what I'm doing or writing. Additionally, what brings me down is when I'm too much of a perfectionist and it also makes me take longer on assignments. Since the beginning of the school year I've kept my GPA at either 3.8 or 4.0, although right now my GPA is at 4.0. I'm striving towards keeping it that way. Lastly, I have improved a lot in my communication skills and presentation skills. But, I still have to work on; eye contact while presenting, speaking in a louder voice, and moving my body in a certain way it engages the audience more. On the other hand, part of my main professional goals are; attend a job shadowing in the medical field and other fields of interest, earn an Associate's degree in Medical and Health, take on more leadership roles in school clubs or activities, and be more inclusive with others. I have attended career interest field trips, but it would strengthen my knowledge on the medical field especially and other fields I may have a slight interest in. As well as, help me decide and reflect on what I think I'm called to choose as a career. I'm most certainly, going to join Running Start and attempt to earn my associate's degree alongside, my diploma in my graduation. Although, I specifically want to start studying in the medical field and earn my degree in medical and health studies. I have already taken on leadership roles, like fundraising for my music program, and submitting notes for my teacher to use as an example for other ASL learners. But, I know I can join other leadership roles that would build on my leadership experience. To conclude, I know that when I work in groups I sometimes need to let other people contribute to the work and add on to their ideas without shutting them out.