Women—a word full of strength and legacy. I was born into a loving family of courageous, intelligent, and kind-hearted women who shaped who I am. Above all, my mother has been my greatest inspiration. She came to this country young, navigating an unfamiliar world with resilience and determination. Through hard work, she began building her version of the “American Dream” and taught me that no dream is too wild or out of reach. Growing up, my mother was tough on me—not out of strictness, but because she knew the world wouldn’t be kind. I’m forever grateful for that. She equipped me to carve my own path and helped me become the strong, ambitious woman I am today. As a second-generation Mexican-American, I was spared one of the greatest challenges my mother faced: the language barrier. While she had to learn English on her own, I had the privilege of growing up with her guidance through school. She wanted me to have everything she didn’t—especially an education without the limits she faced. English became my superpower. It broke the chains that had held generations of women in my family back. Without that barrier, I excelled, sought help when needed, and advanced in my studies. Each school year felt like a victory—another step forward from relatives who never made it past sixth grade. By seventh grade, I was surpassing them all. Yet I was still asked, “When will you start your own family?” In my family, women have often followed the same path: marry young, have children early, and rely on their husbands. While I love and respect them, I’ve always known I wanted a different future. I refuse to be confined by outdated expectations. I will be the first woman in my family to go to college and earn a degree—not just for me, but to show my younger cousins that they can break the cycle too. As the eldest cousin on both sides, I know these younger girls look up to me. In a world where social media easily shapes young minds, I want to be their example. I want them to know that their futures can be bigger than marriage at sixteen or motherhood at eighteen. My drive for education goes beyond personal ambition—it’s about showing them that knowledge is power, and once you have it, no one can take it away. I’ve always loved learning, even when it meant stepping out of my comfort zone. Joining my school’s CTE Construction course was intimidating—walking into a male-dominated space felt scary. But inspired by strong women before me—my algebra teacher, orchestra director, and BIM instructor—I found my voice and earned my peers’ respect. Now, as I pursue a degree in engineering, I’m committed to helping make the industry more welcoming to women like me. It’s still nerve-wracking to walk into those rooms, but I push forward, knowing every step brings me closer to breaking barriers. My dream is not just to succeed, but to pave the way for others. The engineering world needs more minds like ours—innovative, determined, and resilient. Women have always been problem solvers, and I intend to be part of that change. With this degree, I will innovate, inspire, and advocate for a future where talent—not gender—defines success. My education is mine forever, earned through hard work and grit. As I begin this next chapter, I’ll continue proving that no dream is too big and no barrier too strong. And by doing so, I hope to inspire the next generation of girls in my family to write their own stories of strength and success.