Throughout my life, I always had the desire to help those in need in my community, but I never really thought of myself as a leader who people wanted to follow. When I entered high school, I knew I wanted to impact the El Paso community. Being in organizations, such as Key Club, allowed me to experience firsthand how simple deeds could greatly help someone in need. Bringing a smile to someone’s face, through positive impacts has always been a goal of mine. Because of this, I knew I desired to work in a field that helps others. To begin pursuing my lifelong goal, I began taking the medical pathway at Franklin High School. Now in my final year, I hope to obtain a certification as a phlebotomy tech and secure a foothold in the world of healthcare. As I prepare for a new chapter in life, I plan to major in biology and fulfill the desire to help others while involving myself in numerous ways to help the community. The experiences and knowledge I gained within El Paso have inspired me to impact new communities, not just through my future medical career, but through community involvement, too.

Waking up in a hospital bed, immersed in a feeling of vertigo, was something I did not expect to experience so soon. After tearing my ACL my sophomore year, immediate surgery was required in order to repair a vital component of my knee. As I laid there, trying to regain my consciousness, the OR Nurse entered the curtained area and began to question me on how I felt and my pain levels. I answered his numerous questions and finally asked one of my own — could I finally walk? He told me “of course” and began assisting me in moving off the bed, but before my feet touched the floor, he put his arm around to help guide me. At first, I did not think I would need his help, but I instantly realized I could not do it by myself. As I steadily moved one foot in front of the other, the nurse was there right by my side. After I fatigued, I sat down and apologized for moving so slow. Many healthcare providers before had never spoken these words to me, but his will forever remain in my memory, “Do not worry mija, I love to help people. That is why I’m here.” Because of him, I was inspired to continue pursuing my passion in health sciences. I had always been interested in learning more about human anatomy and how our body provided us with the necessities to live. So, to further my knowledge in this subject, I began taking the medical pathway at my high school. Being enrolled in these classes allowed me to begin learning the basics of healthcare careers. Each year, I would strive to excel in the various health science classes provided. Because of my hard work, I was able to obtain the experience of going to the local hospital to see how the different units function. As I enter my final year of high school, I hope to obtain a certification as a phlebotomy tech and secure a foothold in the world of healthcare. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I desire to attend a university where I can pursue my education in biology. I want to dive deeper into the knowledge of our environment and the life that surrounds us all. Studying biology will fulfill that desire to learn not only how humans grow and develop, but how I can positively impact others in a healthcare career. I plan to attend medical school where I will have the opportunity to pursue my dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. Through my career, I will help others through the trials they may face and provide patients with the care they deserve. I believe because of my determination to succeed in all aspects of my life I will be able to work to the best of my ability as a future health care professional. Discovering that I had passion to help others will allow me to spread my kindhearted nature to those I work with and those who I will guide through procedures and experiences regarding healthcare. With the opportunity to turn the page and begin a new part of the journey in my walk of life, I hope to achieve my goal of obtaining a medical degree. The knowledge and experiences I have gained from the El Paso community will help me remain resilient and determined to help others throughout my life.

Waking up in a hospital bed, immersed in a feeling of vertigo, was something I did not expect to experience so soon. After tearing my ACL my sophomore year, immediate surgery was required in order to repair a vital component of my knee. As I laid there, trying to regain my consciousness, the OR Nurse entered the curtained area and began to question me on how I felt and my pain levels. I answered his numerous questions and finally asked one of my own — could I finally walk? He told me “of course” and began assisting me in moving off the bed, but before my feet touched the floor, he put his arm around to help guide me. At first, I did not think I would need his help, but I instantly realized I could not do it by myself. As I steadily moved one foot in front of the other, the nurse was there right by my side. After I fatigued, I sat down and apologized for moving so slow. Many healthcare providers before had never spoken these words to me, but his will forever remain in my memory, “Do not worry mija, I love to help people. That is why I’m here.” Because of him, I was inspired to continue pursuing my passion in health sciences. I had always been interested in learning more about human anatomy and how our body provided us with the necessities to live. So, to further my knowledge in this subject, I began taking the medical pathway at my high school. Being enrolled in these classes allowed me to begin learning the basics of healthcare careers. Each year, I would strive to excel in the various health science classes provided. Because of my hard work, I was able to obtain the experience of going to the local hospital to see how the different units function. As I enter my final year of high school, I hope to obtain a certification as a phlebotomy tech and secure a foothold in the world of healthcare. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I desire to attend a university where I can pursue my education in biology. I want to dive deeper into the knowledge of our environment and the life that surrounds us all. Studying biology will fulfill that desire to learn not only how humans grow and develop, but how I can positively impact others in a healthcare career. I plan to attend medical school where I will have the opportunity to pursue my dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. Through my career, I will help others through the trials they may face and provide patients with the care they deserve. I believe because of my determination to succeed in all aspects of my life I will be able to work to the best of my ability as a future health care professional. Discovering that I had passion to help others will allow me to spread my kindhearted nature to those I work with and those who I will guide through procedures and experiences regarding healthcare. With the opportunity to turn the page and begin a new part of the journey in my walk of life, I hope to achieve my goal of obtaining a medical degree. The knowledge and experiences I have gained from the El Paso community will help me remain resilient and determined to help others throughout my life.

Waking up in a hospital bed, immersed in a feeling of vertigo, was something I did not expect to experience so soon. After tearing my ACL my sophomore year, immediate surgery was required in order to repair a vital component of my knee. As I laid there, trying to regain my consciousness, the OR Nurse entered the curtained area and began to question me on how I felt and my pain levels. I answered his numerous questions and finally asked one of my own — could I finally walk? He told me “of course” and began assisting me in moving off the bed, but before my feet touched the floor, he put his arm around to help guide me. At first, I did not think I would need his help, but I instantly realized I could not do it by myself. As I steadily moved one foot in front of the other, the nurse was there right by my side. After I fatigued, I sat down and apologized for moving so slow. Many healthcare providers before had never spoken these words to me, but his will forever remain in my memory, “Do not worry mija, I love to help people. That is why I’m here.” Because of him, I was inspired to continue pursuing my passion in health sciences. I had always been interested in learning more about human anatomy and how our body provided us with the necessities to live. So, to further my knowledge in this subject, I began taking the medical pathway at my high school. Being enrolled in these classes allowed me to begin learning the basics of healthcare careers. Each year, I would strive to excel in the various health science classes provided. Because of my hard work, I was able to obtain the experience of going to the local hospital to see how the different units function. As I enter my final year of high school, I hope to obtain a certification as a phlebotomy tech and secure a foothold in the world of healthcare. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I desire to attend a university where I can pursue my education in biology. I want to dive deeper into the knowledge of our environment and the life that surrounds us all. Studying biology will fulfill that desire to learn not only how humans grow and develop, but how I can positively impact others in a healthcare career. I plan to attend medical school where I will have the opportunity to pursue my dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. Through my career, I will help others through the trials they may face and provide patients with the care they deserve. With the opportunity to turn the page and begin a new part of the journey in my walk of life, I hope to achieve my goal of obtaining a medical degree. The knowledge and experiences I have gained from the El Paso community will help me remain resilient and determined to help others throughout my life.

A light, brighter than the sun came from her smile, lighting up her whole world. As the little girl ran up to me and gave me a comforting hug, I watched as the rest of the Student Council group was experiencing the same kindness. “Thank you, I never thought I would be able to have money to pay my bills, and you gave my family that chance.” As I left Rusk Elementary School, tears of joy flowed freely from many faces of our group of highschoolers. I never knew a gesture so small could really change someone’s world. Throughout my life, I always had the desire to help those in need in my community, but, I had never really thought of myself as a leader who people wanted to follow or listen to. I did not know if I could ever make as big of an impact as I desired to. As a child, my mom and I would buy sandwiches and water to donate to those without homes present in our community. Seeing their faces light up at the sight of an unexpected meal brought warmth to my heart. When I entered my first year of high school, I knew I wanted to impact the El Paso community. Being in organizations, such as Key Club, allowed to experience firsthand how simple deeds, like donating clothes, could greatly help someone in need. During my junior year, I participated in the Holiday Blessings Drive that was coordinated by Student Council. This donation drive asked for all clubs and teams at Franklin High School to come together to donate items, such as toys, clothes, blankets, and other items requested by elementary students. As a member of Student Council and captain of the girls soccer team, I encouraged my peers and teammates to bring in items for the donation. After the donations were all received, the council and I wrapped and packaged thousands of gifts. Being able to transport the gift boxes and watch pure joy fill the children’s faces as they opened gifts they desired showed me how I could make a difference in my community. Bringing a smile to someone’s face, through positive impacts has always been a goal of mine. Because of this, I knew I desired to work in a field that helps others. To begin pursuing my lifelong goal, I began taking the medical pathway at Franklin High School. Now in my final year, I hope to obtain a certification as a phlebotomy tech and secure a foothold in the world of healthcare. As I prepare to begin a new chapter of my life, I plan to major in biology and fulfill the desire to learn how to care for others while involving myself in numerous ways to help the community. Bringing a smile from one person to another will help me forge a path that will hopefully encourage others to positively impact lives. The experiences and knowledge I gained within El Paso have inspired me to impact new communities, not just through my future medical career, but through community involvement, too. Whether it’s volunteering at animal shelters or spreading awareness on issues I am passionate about, I hope to encourage the people I meet and the friends I make to influence the community too. Although I believed at first the actions I made may have been small, I was shown how little gestures made make a big difference. So, just as the sun lights up our world, I hope to be the change that lights up someone’s world as well.

Comfort — something that by human nature we all desire and yearn for. Being protected and staying inside a bubble; sheltering as long as we wish. As a child, I didn’t understand what it meant to move. I did not comprehend that I would likely never see the friends I had made and the house that I grew up in again. I had lived in comfort, and I could not grasp how I would be leaving the town I held dear to my heart. As winter’s icy touch drew near, we packed our things and headed off to a secluded corner in Texas. That winter was the most bitter cold I had ever felt. Having no friends or family to celebrate the holidays with and staying in a new, yet eerie home made me despise El Paso, Texas. I was going to hate it — I just knew it. Alas, school started again, and I was forced to attend classes with unfriendly strangers who gawked at the newest outsider. To top it off, my teacher made me dread wanting to learn. At my old school, I had asked questions with confidence and let my creativity free. But I will forever remember when my new teacher told me to “suck it up” and “life would move on with or without me.” That year I felt as if my whole world had been flipped upside down and I would never be the same. Every morning, I struggled to start the day and every night was filled with nightmares of school. At the time, I did not know what was happening, but my love for learning had deteriorated and I was falling into a depression. Finally, the year ended, and I enjoyed my summer free from the worries that had accumulated. As autumn neared, dread began to build as I realized I would return to school. Thoughts filled my head of how horrible the year would be with an unsupportive teacher and how I would once again be all alone. I begged my mother to homeschool me and let me stay home. However, my mom believed in having an optimistic outlook and encouraged me to return. Since it would be a new year, in a new grade, with a new teacher, she believed that I had a chance to start over. And sure enough, it was the best chance I ever took. That year my remarkable third grade teacher helped my seed of learning to flourish and bloom. Every morning, I eagerly waited to go to class and see what was in store. Once my confidence grew in my education, I developed the faith to talk to new people and form new friendships. Sometimes, facing challenges leads us to feeling like we have no choice but to give up. It makes us too scared to step outside our comfort zone and forge ahead on a new path. By believing in my mother’s wisdom, I was able to develop a more open mind that has been able to aid me throughout most of my life. Pushing myself out of my bubble of negative thoughts helped me to develop resilience that has contributed to the determined person I am today. Although considerable challenges will continue to arise in new chapters of my life, the strength I developed from my past hardships will help me to step outside my comfort zone and overcome those in the future. There may be times where I will feel afraid, but if I believe in myself, I can be fearless.

A light, brighter than the sun came from her smile, lighting up her whole world. As the little girl ran up to me and gave me a comforting hug, I watched as the rest of the Student Council group was experiencing the same kindness. “Thank you, I never thought I would be able to have money to pay my bills, and you gave my family that chance.” As I left Rusk Elementary School, tears of joy flowed freely from many faces of our group of high schoolers. I never knew a gesture so small could really change someone’s world. Throughout my life, I always had the desire to help those in need in my community and in my country. But I had never really thought of myself as a leader or someone who people wanted to follow and listen to. I did not know if I could ever make as big of an impact as I desired to. As a child, my mom and I would buy sandwiches and water to donate to those without homes present in our community. Seeing their faces light up at the sight of a meal they did not expect brought warmth to my heart. When I entered my first year of high school, I knew I wanted to join clubs that would help me impact the El Paso community. Being in organizations, such as Key Club, allowed me to donate clothing, food, and other necessities my city needed. Assisting at food distribution centers and soup kitchens allowed to experience firsthand how simple deeds could greatly help someone in need. During my junior year, I got the opportunity to participate in the Holiday Blessings Drive that was coordinated by Student Council. This donation drive asked for all clubs and teams at Franklin High School to come together to donate items, such as toys, clothes, blankets, and other needed items requested by elementary students. As a member of Student Council and captain of the girls soccer team, I encouraged my peers and teammates to bring in items for the donation, so the students could have gifts they did not usually receive during Christmas. After the donations were all received, the council and I wrapped and packaged thousands of gifts. Being able to transport the gift boxes and watch pure joy fill the children’s faces as they opened gifts they desired, truly showed me how I could make a difference in my community. As I prepare to begin a new chapter of my life, moving away to college and being in a new place, I plan to continue impacting my new community in a positive way. All the knowledge I have gained and experiences I have seen here with in my El Paso community, have inspired me to continue impacting the new place I will be living in. I plan to not only continue volunteering at soup kitchens and donating necessary items needed for people to live, but also bring a smile to someone’s face through a small acts of service. Whether it’s volunteering at animal shelters or spreading awareness on issues I am passionate about, I hope to encourage the people I meet and the friends I make to influence the community as well. Although I believed at first the actions I made may have been small, I was shown how little gestures made make a big difference. So, just as the sun lights up the world, I hope to be the change that lights up someone’s world too.

Comfort — it is something that by human nature we all desire and yearn for. Being protected and staying inside an invisible bubble; allows for shelter as long as we wish. As a child, I didn’t understand at first what it meant to move. I had lived in comfort, and my brain did not grasp how I would be leaving the town I held dear to my heart. That winter we moved was the most bitter cold I had ever felt. Alas, school had started again, and I was forced to attend classes with unfriendly strangers who gawked at the newest outsider. To top it off, my teacher made me dread wanting to learn. At my old school, I was able to ask questions with confidence and let my creativity free. But I will forever remember how my new teacher told me to “suck it up” and how “life would move on with or without me.” I felt as if my whole world had been flipped upside down and I would never be the same. At the time, I did not know what was happening, but my love for learning had deteriorated. Finally, the school year ended, and I never wanted to return. I begged my mother to homeschool me and let me stay with her. However, my mom believed in having an optimistic outlook and believed that I had a chance to start over. Sure enough, it was the best chance I ever took. That year my remarkable third grade teacher helped my seed of learning to flourish and bloom. Every morning, I eagerly waited to go to class and see what was in store. Once my confidence grew in my education, I developed the faith to begin talking to new people and form new friendships that I have to this day. Sometimes, facing challenges leads us to feeling like we have no choice but to give up. It makes us too scared to step outside our comfort zone and forge ahead on a new path. By believing in my mother’s wisdom, I was able to develop a more open mind that has been able to aid me throughout most of my life. Pushing myself out of my bubble of negative thoughts helped me to develop resilience that has contributed to the determined person I am today. Throughout my life, I always had the desire to help those in need in my community and in my country. I have always been passionate about pursuing a career in STEM, but more specifically learning more about human anatomy and how our body provided us with the necessities to live. So, to further my knowledge in this subject, I began taking the medical pathway at my high school. Being enrolled in these classes allowed me to begin learning the basics of healthcare careers. Each year, I would strive to excel in the various health science classes provided and I hope to continue striving at a university as well. Because of my hard-work, I was able to obtain the experience of going to the local hospital to see how the different units function. I hope to one day be able to secure a foothold into the healthcare field and pursue my passion to help those in the world. Although considerable challenges will continue to arise in new chapters of my life, the strength I developed from my past hardships will help me to step outside my comfort zone and overcome those in the future. There may be times where I will feel afraid, but if I believe in myself, I can be fearless.

A simple shove was all it took for my world to come crashing down. As I tried to brace myself from the impact, a sharp jolt of pain sliced through my knee and caused me to fall straight to the ground. I heard my team mates cries of shock and my screech of pain. For minutes, I held my knee trying to breathe in as much air as I could. As fast as the pain had come, it quickly went away. I thought I could walk and get back to playing my favorite sport, but I had not realized I would not be playing soccer until next year. I denied it as much as I could. I would not believe that I had a torn ligament. Unfortunately, the results of the MRI came back to my family and me and confirmed the worst. At one of the last games of the soccer season, I tore my ACL. For two weeks, I cried almost every day asking God why this had happened to me and begging Him to make it all a terrible dream. Sadly, there was no way to change what was already done. Realization hit of how I would have the procedure to reconstruct my ACL during school and would have to catch up on everything I missed. Sorrow filled my heart as I noticed I would not be able to attend soccer tournaments where scouts were already recruiting girls my age. I felt as if I would never be ready to play again. After one month, I was able to begin going to physical therapy. I was ready to finally get back to playing the sport I loved and being independent. At first, I thought I would be able to immediately start working on strengthening my leg, but day after day I would sit at a table barely moving. I began to get impatient. I felt as if I would never get better if I sat around at every therapy session. However, as weeks began to pass, I gradually began to walk correctly and run again. After months, I began to leap over small barriers that had been my biggest hurdle before. Finally, after a year of preparing and building up my strength, I returned to soccer. I was able to earn my spot back on the varsity team and play in every game that season. Ultimately, that year had the highest and lowest points I had faced in my soccer career. However, facing this obstacle has shaped me into the person I am today. I discovered that it takes time to train and understand the process of learning new things. Even after feeling like I wanted to give up and not return to soccer, I remained resilient and determined to show myself that I was capable of playing soccer again. Through this trial, I developed a stronger growth mindset that I still use in many aspects of my life. As I approach a new chapter in my life, I hope to be recruited to play soccer at my dream college and make memories that will last me a lifetime. With this scholarship, I hope to use it at the university to not only continue playing the beautiful game of soccer but also pursue my studies in the medical field. Although I thought my world had come crashing down, through the cracks I was able to see a magnificent new side.

Crowded into a small room with numerous shelves of new books that reached the ceiling was this tiny elementary schooler’s dream. Being able to see so many stories that I had yet to explore and dreaming of when I would dive into the thrilling tales inside was one of my favorite memories from elementary school. The Scholastic Bookfair held every year was something I eagerly looked forward to because my mom would always read the books we bought when it was my bedtime. One night, when the book fair had finally ended, my mom brought out a book called Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon. I never gave that book a passing glance and wondered why she had gotten a book I did not want. She said she wanted to read it to me because she thought I would like it and so I patiently listened. Small rivers of doubt always flowed through my head. It was always difficult to believe I was capable, or I could accomplish things. For most of my childhood, I was never confident. I never believed in myself and never felt that I would amount to anything. Many friends and family congratulated me on things that were seen as amazing, but I never understood why. How could I feel proud if I barely had any confidence? After listening to the story and hearing how Molly Lou stood tall even after everything she faced, I felt like I could be like her too. I am forever grateful that my mom bought that book because even today I absolutely love it. Very quickly, this book became one of the best I had ever read. From that day, I read it almost every night and could even repeat the whole book from memory. The words began to ring true in my soul and I started to gradually gain confidence. Standing tall and believing in oneself is something everyone should do. Having confidence, even the smallest bit, can help anyone show the world how wonderful and special they are. Each and every one of us has a special light that shines so brightly, and by telling yourself to “stand tall,” you will be able to show the world what you are capable of. A simple book taught me to always stand with confidence and believe in myself. So, hopefully, it will teach you too.

Comfort — something that by human nature we all desire and yearn for. Being protected and inside an invisible bubble; allows for shelter as long as we wish. As a child, I did not understand what it meant to move. I did not comprehend I would likely never see the friends I had made and the house that I grew up in again. I had lived in comfort, and my brain did not grasp how I would be leaving the town I held dear to my heart. As winter’s touch drew near, we packed our things and headed off to a secluded corner in Texas. I was forced to say goodbye to close friends and to the city that my childhood heart had loved. That winter was the most bitter cold I had ever felt. Having no friends or family to celebrate the holidays with and staying in a new, yet eerie home made me despise El Paso, Texas. I was going to hate it — I just knew it. Alas, school had soon started, and I began to attend classes with unfriendly strangers who gawked at the newest outsider. To top it off, my teacher made me dread wanting to learn my favorite subject: science. At my old school, I was able to ask questions with confidence and let my creativity free. But I will forever remember how my new second-grade teacher told me to “suck it up” and how “life would move on with or without me.” Day after day, I felt as if my whole world had been flipped upside down. Every morning, I struggled to get up and start the day and every night was filled with tears on my pillow. At the time, I did not know what was happening, but my love for learning had deteriorated and I had fallen into a depression. Finally, the school year ended, and I was able to enjoy my summer free from the worries that had accumulated. As autumn neared, dread began to build as I realized I would be returning to school. Thoughts circled my head of how horrible the year would be, and how I would once again be all alone. I begged my mother to homeschool me and let me stay with her. However, my mom had an optimistic outlook and encouraged me to return. Since it would be a new year, with a new teacher, she believed that I had a chance to start over. Sure enough, it was the best chance I ever took. That year my remarkable third grade teacher helped my seed of learning flourish and bloom. Not only was I inspired to learn, but I had a newfound passion for exploring the scientific field. In the classroom, my teacher provided us with materials to participate in labs that I eagerly waited for each day. Because of her, I was able to further my studies in science and later became interested in the field of pharmacology. Sometimes, facing challenges leads us to feel like we have no choice but to give up. It makes us too scared to step outside our comfort zone and forge ahead on a new path. By believing in my mother’s wisdom, I was able to develop a more open mind that has been able to aid me throughout most of my life. Having an open mind allowed me to pursue my desire to be a scholar and discover my passion for studying pharmacology. Pushing myself out of my bubble of negative thoughts helped me develop resilience that has contributed to the determined person I am today.

As I looked side to side all I could see were wide grins and smiles. Not friendly, or kind. Not nice, or caring. Big wide grins with horrible laughs erupting from too many faces. Laughing and laughing nonstop. I couldn’t take it and rushed from the room in a sparkly gold gown. I had felt pretty that day. I felt as if everyone would love my dress and see how fun it was to dress up with the theme. Nothing about it was fun. I had embarrassed myself in front of so many people. People I had considered my friends. That day at summer camp was one of the worst days I had ever experienced. We were supposed to dress up that day as princesses from the Renaissance to showcase outfits for the history summer camp. Unfortunately, I made a mistake. I dressed up on the wrong day and was the only one standing in a shimmering gown. After finding a place where no one was around, I sat by myself and cried until it hurt. So many people had seen me and so many would never let me live it down. I can never forget how I felt that humiliating day and how now “Each time I step outside, it’s social suicide.” The obstacles that come with growing up and trying to fit the box of what everyone sees as normal, are scary. I was never ready to be laughed at by all those people. I was never ready to face the numerous challenges that being a teen would have. After listening to “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl,” I felt as if someone else could comprehend the mortifying feeling of making a mistake and being mocked for it. No one ever warns you that if you make a mistake people may laugh or criticize you. No one says that, within these years, you have to be perfect to be liked. Growing up through the teenage years is tough, but I know there are people out there who have experienced the same things. Through music, I have been able to let out the emotions that I experience in my teenage years. Although it may be tough at times, I know that music is always there to help me. Listening to this specific song though, has broadened my perspective on how many people, like me, can connect and relate to Olivia’s powerful song.