Engineering has been a huge interest for me since middle school. Specifically, technology is evolving more, and I want to be apart of that community where technology is used to voice out what's going on. Ever since I was little, I have always had a passion for anything tech-related. I remember when I got a PS3 for the first time; I would be on it for hours and always said to myself, " I want to design software." Every day, my interest in designing software has grown as I would encounter events that motivate me to develop software that would change the tech community. I would always say that I am not an obedient boy because I am curious and always want to try new things. I am currently attending a STEM school, and I am fortunate enough to learn the basics of computer engineering and coding. I have participated in many software events, and last school year, a group and I came up with an app where we help reduce stress for college students by helping them with simple tasks. These tasks include helping them pick up food, fix their car, tutoring, and so forth. During college, I plan on taking lots of interns to help me take that step of becoming my future career. It will be a long process, but I do have the desire to work for tech companies.
It all started as a dream when I thought of running for class president in middle school. For me, it was a decision I knew was going to change me for the greater good. The moment I found out I got elected as class president felt like I won the lottery. From that moment, I did not hesitate to make my first move. At that time, my classmate's house got caught on fire and unfortunately lost all of his and family's belongings. No one had known about what happened, so I decided to voice out what had happened to him by organizing a walk-a-thon fundraiser during the school day. With the school administration's help, I organized events for the walk-a-thon, including football and basketball tournaments, pie contests, yard games, and so forth. I was fortunate enough to raise more than $3,000 for my classmate's family. Because of this experience, I learned the values of giving back to the ones who need it.
In middle school, I played for a local soccer team. I wanted to be captain of the team, but there were challenges along the way. I did not have the traits of being a leader: accountability, empathy, vision, influence, and positivity. Throughout the season, I worked hard to improve on those traits by communicating more with my teammates, cheering them on when things do not go their way, and always trying to see things positively. Unfortunately, I wasn't captain for that season, but the process made me have the leadership skills I mentioned early and shaped me to be a leader.
We are currently empowering this generation to work hard, to keep fighting for what we really are passionate about. We are examples for future generations among us, and we can show them the values of how Latinos empower America. We all work for what we desire to be. If we demonstrate to others that we can do it, we will be an example of Latinos and other races. My parents are a great example of teaching me working hard and not giving up. One time, my family was poor, and we only ate a loaf of bread for dinner. My dad did not want me to go through what I was going through again, so he told me, " Keep fighting for what you want to be because you have the power of empowering your generation to work and move forward. Do not be disappointed in where you come from because you will show your pride out. You will not have the motivation of wanting to do more."
COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on everyone. Schools are shut down, and many places are restricted to many things. The pandemic has had an emotional effect on me. I am someone who enjoys being out and exploring. Not only that, but I am incredibly passionate about the sport that is played by billions around the world. There is nothing better than smelling the fresh-cut grass, the nets blending with the white paint color on the ground, and hearing taps when you juggle a soccer ball. Fortunately, I had this opportunity in the fall, but it did not feel the same. While on the field, your mind is not only on the game but also the fear of contracting COVID anytime. This feeling is not only felt on the field but also anywhere I went. There would be times when I would cry because the pandemic taught me to be grateful to wake up every morning happy and healthy. Some people are not able to wake up or be able to sit down at their dinner table. I happen to be one of those people. There are many people who are willing to go and risk their lives to save other people's lives. My uncle sacrificed his life as a front line worker, dealing with patients non stop. It would get to a point where it was very overwhelming for him. One day, he was experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and forced to be hospitalized immediately. After numbers battles under an oxygen tank, my uncle's fight against the virus was over. The virus outweigh my uncle all because he was willing to go out, battle, and save people's lived. Because of my uncle's tremendous help, many families are able to reunite, and continue with their lives. The pandemic has also taught me to enjoy every moment and live to the fullest because there are many beautiful things to experience. Because of my uncle's lost, I have the bright side of things, and always remind myself of how he is a true warrior. I feel motivated to going out of my way and help those in need through local organizations that are in need of volunteers.
I enrolled in the Engineering and Science University Magnet School because I wanted to learn and develop the skills to get me to my goal of being a software engineer. During my junior year, my infotech teacher enrolled my class in the Skills 21 Technology Challenge. Since many college students encounter an enormous amount of stress, the class wanted to develop a service that will reduce stress. With the help of many teachers, extensive research, and outside resources the school had to offer, we could develop an app that will enable the college community together. Any college student can sign up to help or get help with basic tasks, such as fixing a flat tire, getting help with food, homework, and many more tasks. After a long seven months, the class was announced first place in the competition at an expo held virtually. Currently, I am attending Quinnipiac University majoring in software engineering. I aspire to continue the road of being a software engineer. I am currently out seeking internships that will enhance my chances of landing on a job related to software engineering.