Many children grow up in a household that surrounds college football, basketball, baseball, or simply loving a school, and constantly being encouraged to go to that school. Being from Austin, Texas, most families here revolve their weekends around UT or A&M sports. However, things looked a little different for me. I always knew that neither one of my parents got a college degree and that fact never bothered me. That was until my mom was working 2 jobs and 70 hour weeks while my dad was unemployed. I constantly wondered how different my life would have been if my parents achieved a higher education. Sure, a degree doesn't mean one won't have financial issues at some point in life, but it certainly gives you something to work off of when you need it most. I have always had a passion for helping others from all walks of life, and I want my career to embody that. I first had to explain to my parents that I one day want to be in a position where I can give back to my community much like ours gave to us, and, for me, that would mean a college degree. Of course, they assumed a business or finance degree, but that simply isn't where my heart is. I then informed them that I wanted to pursue a degree in nursing, they immediately questioned me as to why I would want to spend my time in a hospital. I told them that I want to help others when they are unable to help themselves and I felt as though nursing would be the right place for me and where I could help the most people. Eventually, they became supportive, however, since they did not plan on me going to college they were forced to inform me that they are unable to help me pay for my education Knowing I would be responsible for my own college, I often wondered if it was a tangible idea, and I honestly still do. Simultaneously, growing up in my financial situation, which was potentially due to the lack of a degree in my household, I knew it was something I wanted to do and would love. Not being encouraged to get a degree has been a difficult setback. I have been forced to be more accountable disciple in order to achieve my goals, but it has only motivated me to strive for more in order to be given the opportunity to continue to make a positive impact, only on a larger scale.

We often hear of people leaving legacies behind. From the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. to Mother Theresa, and many in-between. For one to leave a legacy they must leave something for many generations after, almost as if they left a mark on their own generation and the same thoughts and values were passed down for those to come. A legacy can be viewed as many different things, but to me it means to leave a lasting impact on those you encountered or affected. Martin Lurther King Jr. left a legacy unlike most; he displayed individualism, leadership, and the fight for peace. Most of what he advocated for is still being fought for today, and it is because of him that we have the ability and crave the results he fought for. However; every legacy will look vary, Mother Theresa's legacy was about loving all people unconditionally, and universally. Although very different, both legacies continue to impact the world years later. Striving to always make a positive impact on those around me, I invision my legacy to be a mix similar to both Mother Theresa's and Martin Luther King Jr.'s. I love everyone I encounter, no matter where they're from or what their walk of life may look like, and embrase them as they truly are. I stand up for those who are unable to stand up for themselves, as well as advocate for people who may not even know they need it. Whether it is going on a mission trip, or through a drive-through, I aim to make a positive impact with every encounter, stranger or not. I want my legacy to be one that my children, neices, and nephews tell their grandchildren about. A legacy that may seem small, but makes the largest impact.

I went to Seaworld for the first time when I was 9 for my best friend's birthday, I know, most children normally go earlier. Brand new Justice water bottle in hand, I was beyond eager to see the infamous Shamu; I was on top of the world. As one of the best days of my childhood, looking back at it I realize that Shamu was stuck in a bubble, a life of captivity, in a dreadful routine, just like I have been my entire life. As a teenager in today's society, we focus on fitting in and being the person others see us as rather than who we really are. In 17 years, I moved 10 times. Moving as often as I did, my parents tried to make it a positive experience for my siblings and I, when, in reality, it affected me deeply. I had no roots, did not have any continuous friends, and was constantly expecting change to occur again. This only reinforced the idea that I needed to be perfect, stay in my day to day routine, and never stray from what I'm supposed to do. This made it extremely challenging for me to figure out who I truly was and what I wanted for myself. Although I moved around more than Shamu ever got the chance to, I was constantly packing up my life and shifting around different “homes” that truly never felt right. Noticing the stress this put my parents through I got so used to putting on a mask for them that I struggled more with finding myself. The routine of packing up and moving every year and a half shifted the childhood I had. I'm not going to college and leaving my beloved childhood room behind like everyone else, I’m leaving the most recent house I lived in. Being an aspiring first-generation college student, I have always put my best foot forward and worked as hard as I could to make my plans and dreams a reality; because of this, many of my teachers would assume I learned these traits from my parents. I would often be asked where my parents went to college. When I would explain that they never did, I was repeatedly given a speech on how important an education was to be successful. Although sucess is not dependent on a college degree, it definetely helps. Growing up, my parents would often discuss financials openly and I watched it take a toll on my family. Between my dad working, and my mom working 2 jobs, it wasn't always enough to support a family of 6; this only drove me further to be successful. I crave sucess in order to support my family as well as have the ability to give back to others. I have spent my entire life trying to be who others wanted me to be. I changed myself over and over to fit others’ images of myself. In recent years, I have truly thought about who I want to become and what I want to do in life. My passion has always been serving and empowering others. As someone who has felt powerless throughout their life, I feel as though I can connect with others of all walks of life. My experiences have shown me that the ideas of empowerment and empathy can leave a lasting impact on others, and that is what I want to do and the impact I want to have on society. I often think about how a whale had over 100 million miles to explore and was confined to less than a mile of water. Being stuck in a box my whole life, I have an urge to change that for others. The box I was confined to taught me to stand up for myself, as well as others who were afraid to stand up for themselves, take charge when no one else would, be independent, always look ahead, and constantly strive for more.