Growing up in Miami, Florida, I was never too familiar with other Puerto Ricans besides the family that I had grown up with. Throughout elementary school to high school, I felt united with others through my identity as a hispanic, but alienated through my Puerto Rican background. Growing up in a Cuban-dominated society was difficult. Two years later, I still remember a friend telling me that Puerto Rico is a "fake Hispanic country," simply because of its status as an American territory. Hearing someone disregard the culture and tradition of my background made me reflect on how Puerto Rico is underrated and misunderstood. My culture altered my values by allowing me to see the beauty in having my own traditions apart from what I typically saw around me. I had been reminded that Puerto Rican culture is just as vibrant and deserving of appreciation, even if it isn't the majority. With time, I'll be a first generation student in college. Growing up, I've always felt immense pressure to do well in school. My parents didn't have the necessary resources to pursue post-secondary education. Regardless of their struggles, they have always given me the best opportunities possible for me to go after my own dreams. However, I've faced challenges with figuring out the entire college process as I don't receive firsthand advice from my family. I have to find those resources and guidance on my own. I grew up taking my education seriously knowing that I get to set a new precedent for my family line. I want to prove that despite background, resilience and bravery opens doors for new possibilities. As I plan to one day work as a prosecutor, I desire to use my career to advocate for justice and equality in the legal system. Experiences in my childhood such as growing up with a different ethnic background than those around me opened my perspective to how people of other cultures tend to be marginalized. I became motivated to work in a field where justice is served while ensuring all individuals are treated with respect regardless of their background. Experiences I have gone through in life fueled my perseverence to dismantle systemic barriers that unjustly affect certain communities through upholding fair treatment within the legal field. I plan to contribute to the Puerto Rican community by ensuring that treatment is given fairly to all individuals, especially those who have been affected by prejudices and struggles due to their heritage. Like Jesus Perez, I advocate for hard work and cultural pride. I want to honor his legacy and name by staying true to those values and becoming a prosecutor who ensures justice is applied without bias, a prosecutor who is able to build trust and a connection with the law and who it serves. Knowing that Puerto Ricans face obstacles with disproportionality and representation, I desire to be a mentor who supports other Puerto Ricans like me who are passionate about the legal field. I envision a world where future generations have access to countless opportunities. Overall, no one should feel invisible simply because of their background. As a future prosecutor, I will advocate for voices to be heard and for every individual to be treated with justice despite their backgrounds.