I am striving to become a writer who is deeply invested in my local community; who inspires people worldwide with my work and who does everything I can to help those around me.

Sandra Cisneros' "The House on Mango Street," is the book I would choose for everyone to read. I firmly believe that anyone, regardless of background or circumstances, can find at least one aspect of Esperanza's journey and character development to relate to. The first time I read this book was in high school, and the coming-of-age story was deeply inspiring to me then. I, like Esperanza at the start of the book, was just beginning to understand what was going on around me and recognize the aspects of my identity that set me apart from others. "The House on Mango Street" made me ask questions I had not previously considered about what it means to be a woman, a person of color, and a child beginning to approach adulthood. The most recent time I read the novel was last year, and this time it was the latter half of the book that impacted me the most. Esperanza ends her story by expressing a commitment to pursue her dreams, which would require her to leave her home and community behind. But she is determined to return, whether literally or figuratively through her writing, to help those who (for better or for worse) shaped her upbringing. Cisneros, although writing the story of a specific demographic, manages to provide something for everyone to relate to. From financial struggles, familial dilemmas, or the end of childhood innocence, to examples of unlikely friendships, finding strength in community, or pursuing your dreams even if they seem out of reach. "The House on Mango Street" is a story about finding yourself and navigating the world despite its many struggles. Cisneros is brutally honest about life's difficulties, but also about the good that can be found within them. For that reason, it is one I will continue returning to, and one I would say everyone should read.

My identity as a Filipino-American has shaped how I view the world, and consequently how I strive to operate in it. My mother grew up in Manila and moved to the U.S. before meeting my dad, but she has always made sure to teach the culture to me. I am not fluent in Tagalog, but hope to be one day, and I take a great interest in community service, as my mother has always emphasized the importance of helping those around you (especially those in need). One of my biggest goals in life is to help my parents pay off their house so they can retire comfortably as soon as possible. This goal is part of a broader desire to help my family in the Philippines. My grandmother's side currently resides in Manila while my grandfather's side is in Kalibo, and we frequently talk on both sides of meeting in person one day when money allows. There are challenges with being a second-generation immigrant, such as seemingly conflicting aspects of identity or an occasional feeling of alienation from both Filipino and American culture, but as I've grown in my college years, I've realized that I do not have to choose between the Filipino and American halves of my identity, and can live my life with them being fully intertwined. I am not one or the other, and therefore my life cannot only reflect or resemble one, but both. This better understanding of my identity has helped solidify what I've learned growing up into a strong foundation for my purpose. Overall, my Filipino family has taught me throughout my childhood (1) to look after your family, (2) that "family" may not be blood-related, but simply those you love (and to care for them the same), and (3) to invest in your community because they are who will invest in you. Therefore my purpose in life has developed to be along the lines of "serving others to the best of my ability, and always aspiring for greater while not forgetting where I am, where I came from, and who helped me get there."