Growing up undocumented meant living with a constant sense of uncertainty. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the implications of my immigration status, but I knew that my family lived with a quiet fear. Conversations about immigration were whispered, and we were always cautious of the world outside our home. Simple things that my peers took for granted, like getting a driver’s license or applying for financial aid, were not options for me. I remember watching my friends plan their futures confidently while I grappled with the unknown, wondering if I would ever have the same opportunities. Despite these challenges, I refused to let my status define me. Being undocumented shaped me into a resilient and resourceful person. I learned early on that I would have to work twice as hard to achieve what others could more easily access. This drive has pushed me to excel academically and become a leader in my community, advocating for immigrant rights and helping others navigate similar challenges. My dream of attending college has always been a part of this journey, but the road hasn’t been easy. Going to college is more than just a stepping stone for me; it’s a way to break the cycle of limitations that comes with being undocumented. I dream of becoming a nurse, a profession that will allow me to give back to the community that has supported me along the way. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how language barriers and cultural differences can prevent people from receiving proper healthcare. I want to change that by providing compassionate, accessible care to underserved communities, particularly immigrants. The college I'm attending is Elgin community , a place known for its diverse student body and strong nursing program. I am drawn to its mission of inclusivity and service, values that align perfectly with my own. By attending this college, I will be able to grow both academically and personally, surrounded by people who understand and appreciate the importance of diversity and empathy in healthcare. Winning this scholarship would be life-changing. As an undocumented student, my access to financial aid is limited, and the cost of college is a significant barrier. This scholarship would not only help me cover tuition and expenses but would also give me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about how to pay for them. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a nurse and giving back to the community that has shaped me. With your support, I can turn my dream into reality. This scholarship represents hope, not just for me, but for my family and everyone who has supported me on this journey. It’s a chance to prove that no matter where you come from or the obstacles you face, with determination and support, you can achieve anything

I was two years old when my family left our home country and brought me to the United States. Growing up, the idea of the "American Dream" seemed abstract, almost like a distant concept I couldn’t quite grasp. I saw it in the stories of success on TV, in conversations about opportunity, and in the high expectations my parents placed on me as an immigrant child. But my definition of the American Dream evolved not from a single moment of triumph, but from the challenges I’ve faced and the strength I’ve found in overcoming them. To me, the American Dream isn’t a guarantee of success but the opportunity to create a better life through hard work and perseverance. It’s the chance to build something from nothing, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. My family came to this country seeking that opportunity, hoping for a brighter future, but we quickly learned that the road was far from easy. My parents worked long hours in jobs they were overqualified for, while I had to learn English, navigate cultural differences, and often take on adult responsibilities as the oldest sibling. Despite these challenges, I never lost sight of the opportunities that being in the U.S. offered. The American Dream, for me, is about access to education, the freedom to pursue my passions, and the ability to make a difference. It’s not about instant success or wealth—it’s about the journey and the possibility to create a life of purpose. One of the most defining moments in shaping my idea of the American Dream came when I was applying to colleges. Many of my classmates spoke of generational wealth and connections that I couldn’t relate to. They were flying to visit campuses in other states, something that seemed out of reach for me and my family. As an immigrant and the oldest in my family, I had to navigate the college application process on my own, all while balancing work and responsibilities at home. At times, it felt like the American Dream was reserved for others—those with more resources or fewer barriers. But I pushed forward. The resilience I developed from a young age, learning a new language and culture, became my greatest asset. My dream of becoming a nurse and serving underrepresented communities was stronger than any obstacle. To me, achieving the American Dream doesn’t mean overcoming every barrier perfectly, but continuing to move forward even when the path is difficult. My definition of the American Dream also includes a sense of community. I’ve come to realize that while the dream is often portrayed as individual success, no one achieves it alone. Along my journey, I’ve been supported by teachers, mentors, and friends who believed in me when I doubted myself. The American Dream is not just personal advancement; it’s about uplifting others as you climb. I hope to embody this idea by becoming a nurse who advocates for immigrant families like mine, helping them navigate the healthcare system and offering them the care and understanding they deserve. In my life, the American Dream has meant opportunity, resilience, and community. It’s not about reaching a specific endpoint but about the chance to create a life of meaning and purpose, despite the challenges. It’s about the hope that hard work and determination can lead to a better future. As I continue to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse, I carry with me the belief that the American Dream is not about where you start, but how far you’re willing to go.

Balancing Life's Demands: The Gravity of My Mental Health Growing up as the oldest child in an immigrant family, juggling responsibilities between home and school was something built into my life. Translation for my parents and helping younger siblings with homework are certain duties that allowed me to often assume the pressure of being the supporting member of my family. It wasn't until one night, when I was feeling overwhelmed and just could not focus on a school assignment, that it really hit me mentally. That was, in truth, the moment I acknowledged the fact that I had to take good care of my mental health; no matter how much my family needed me, I could not take care of them if I didn't take care of myself first. It is just as important as physical health, if not more so. It dictates how I go about dealing with life's challenges, make my decisions, and relate to people. While growing up in a culture that didn't always talk about mental health did make it hard for me to notice when things were going downhill for me, it did shape my view of life. I often felt that the world rested on my shoulders, which caused stress and burnout. On the other hand, I gained an understanding that my mental well-being is highly important not only for personal happiness but also to be able to execute my goals as a nurse. I am not able to give the best if my mind is not okay; nursing is all about giving. Over time, I have devised a few methods of keeping my mind well: first, I know how to reflect on myself. By journaling, or even by just taking an extra minute to step away and breathe, I give myself the time to process my emotions and thoughts. A very strong support network has been built up. Although I have sometimes felt isolated because of the language barrier or cultural differences, I have found friends and mentors who understand my struggles and push me toward taking good care of myself. Physical activity also helps loads in my mental well-being. I found that running or doing yoga helps me not only physically but frees my mind and lessens stress. Working out has been something I immediately run to whenever I feel stressed. Lastly, learning to set boundaries is important. Learning how to say "no" when my plate gets full has allowed me to focus on what is most important and to avoid overcommitting. In my pursuit of becoming a nurse, I realize mental health will be very instrumental in making me perform well. Nursing is among those professions that are very stressful physically and emotionally. Continuing to prioritize mental health will, therefore, enable me to always offer better care for my patients and be a good example to others. I want to be among those who are trying to break the stigma regarding mental health in immigrant communities, due to misunderstanding or complete disregard. It has been a growth-oriented and self-realizing journey. It has allowed me to keep my feet on the ground, work toward my goals, and in the process, take care of my family. In taking good care of my mental health, I am making sure that I show up fully not just for myself, but most especially for everyone around me. I appreciate your support to continue on this path, working toward my aspiration to become a strong nurse, healthy, and ready to make a difference.

My family and I migrated to the United States when I was two years old, at which time in life my parents knew we were about to take a journey. Being the oldest sibling, I always happened to take lots of responsibilities quite early in life. Many times, I found myself being a bridge to my parents for everything that was going on in the outside world. Throughout my growth, language barriers were somewhat challenging. I remember quite well my kindergarten days when words sounded foreign in a full class to me, failing to grasp what was said to me by teachers and classmates alike. Well, instead of little stumbling blocks impeding progress, they fanned the flame higher and greater-to learn and understand initially and help others who have faced similar obstacles. I had known since the tender years of my life that I would end up in healthcare. It truly made me realize how much it means to have that person fill in the gaps: watching my parents struggle through doctor's appointments and generally be out of place with the language and process. It is my dream to be able to work as a nurse, not only to care for them but to make patients feel that there is someone who understands them. Nursing allows me to give back something to the immigrant community in some form of solace, attending to a population that could get lost in the system just like my family has so many times. Growing up, I have always been at a disadvantage in the light of participation in the conversations of my classmates. Every time others were discussing, with avidness, their vacation or trips to other cities, I could not join them. At that time, it seemed like being an immigrant was such a burden-some kind of limitation. Everything from flying to another city seemed unreachable, built into this perception that there were fewer options for someone like me. However, these feelings would never hold me back from holding onto my aspirations and using them as a definition of what I am capable of. All this has not been easy, but I've learned to make an opportunity out of any hard situation. I put a lot of focus into my dream by serving in local health clinics, playing in soccer leagues while at school, and helping out my family. Each one of these experiences shaped my desire to be a nurse.