Growing up in a low-income household, college always felt like a distant dream. My mother, my greatest inspiration, works three jobs just to keep that dream alive for me. I’ve watched her come home exhausted, yet still ask about my homework, still encourage me to keep going. Her sacrifices are the reason I push through every challenge. We can’t afford college tuition, and that reality weighs heavily on me. But I refuse to let it define my future. I study hard, apply for every opportunity, and remind myself daily why I’m doing this, not just for me, but for my younger brother. He looks up to me, and I want him to see that our circumstances don’t limit our potential. I want to be the first in our family to graduate from a four-year university, so he knows he can too. This scholarship would mean more than financial relief—it would be a symbol of hope. It would allow me to focus on my education without the constant fear of being a burden. It would help me honor my mother’s sacrifices and show my brother—and others like us—that we are capable of achieving greatness, no matter where we start. This year, I broadened my horizons by spending two weeks working on a ranch. I helped care for horses, fed livestock, and assisted with crop maintenance. It was physically demanding, but it gave me a deep respect for the hard work farmers do every day. The experience sparked a strong interest in agriculture and taught me the value of perseverance, teamwork, and connection to the land. It also inspired me to explore how I can support sustainable farming and rural communities through education and service. My long-term career goal is to become a leader in the field of sustainable technology and engineering, focusing on innovative solutions that advance agricultural practices. I am passionate about combining science, technology, and environmental responsibility to help address critical issues such as food security, soil health, and water conservation. Through research and practical application, I hope to develop eco-friendly tools and systems that support farmers, improve crop yields, and reduce the environmental impact of farming. My vision is to create smart, sustainable agricultural technologies that are accessible to communities around the world—especially in underserved areas. I want to be part of a global movement that uses engineering and innovation not only to protect our planet but to ensure future generations have the resources they need to thrive.

To me, agriculture isn’t just some job or industry—it’s something I really care about. It’s about helping people, protecting the planet, and making sure we all have healthy food to eat. Growing food is one of the most powerful ways to take care of others, and I’ve learned that it connects us all in ways we don’t always think about. That’s why I’m passionate about farming in a way that’s good for the environment and gives people fresh, healthy food. Ever since I was little, I’ve seen how food can bring people together. My mom always made sure we ate healthy, and a big part of that was growing our own vegetables in the backyard. She planted tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and leafy greens. Watching her take care of the garden showed me how much love and effort goes into growing food. It wasn’t just about saving money or avoiding chemicals—it was about doing what’s best for our health. Seeing her work the soil with care made me realize that farming is more than just planting seeds—it’s about responsibility and love. Agriculture holds a special place in my heart because of my dad. One summer, he worked tirelessly as a migrant worker on a shrimp farm. The work was physically demanding and exhausting, but he took on that challenge to provide for our family. His experience left a deep impression on me and shaped my identity as a migrant student. Although I’ve only moved once, I understand the emotional and academic challenges that come with change. My dad’s perseverance taught me the importance of resilience, hard work, and the dignity of helping to feed others. His journey motivates me to pursue my education with purpose, not only to improve my own future, but to make a meaningful impact for families like mine who understand the value of sacrifice and determination. As I’ve learned more about farming, I’ve also realized that not all farming is good for the planet. Some methods hurt the soil, waste water, and use too many chemicals. That’s why I care so much about sustainable farming—growing food in a way that protects nature. Things like composting, rotating crops, saving water, and using fewer chemicals can really help. I believe we can grow food that’s good for people and the Earth at the same time. To me, agriculture is about more than just growing plants. It’s about growing hope. It’s about doing something that matters. It’s about giving back to our health, our families, and the world around us. I want to be part of something bigger, something that helps fight hunger and makes the world a better place. That’s why I want to study sustainable agriculture and build a future in this field. I hope to inspire other young people to care about where their food comes from and how it’s grown. Farming might start in the dirt, but its impact goes way beyond the farm. It shapes our future, and I want to help shape it in the best way possible.