Math is also short for mathematics. It has been in my heart since kindergarten, enchanting me with its logical style and the beauty of seeing everything come together perfectly. It is practically the universal language, as 1+1 in the U.S. is the same as 1+1 in somewhere like India. It has shown me that it has no limits, is instantly recognizable across the globe, and the principles of math stay the same- being constant in practice, reliable, and versatile for all. Remember, it's more than just numbers; it is a way of embracing critical thinking, creative thinking, and understanding our world. My love for math has no limits and has fostered a spirit to explore it and many other depths. I am excited about what every day of learning may bring and how to use it in the real world. That is probably why all my teachers have been so keen to teach me; I understand the material and can explain it to others. Often, I have encountered a stricken student in my math classrooms, and I talk slowly and try to simplify the scenario with easy steps, then, of course, give advice to "toughen" up the student to the standards of the teacher. That is why most of my good memories come from math, whether with a math teacher or its application with something personal. I truly love how precise math can apply to things that make it perfect, but it depends on its user. I can use it proficiently, and my practical use for it outside the classroom is Robotics, where, along with science, I use equations or calculations to get precise numbers and ensure I know my stuff. Whether calculating the optimal hole placement for wheels, the trajectory of a flying element(paper airplane), or the weight load a motor can handle, it is limitless where math can be applied. I wish to share my passion for mathematics with others by empowering the younger generation to use their knowledge of mathematics and other subjects, hopefully turning them into problem solvers, innovators, and whatnot to create a sustainable future where generations will thrive. Mathematicians will be our leaders, and their love and will for the subject will answer the greatest questions in what we call life.

Calculus is essential in the STEM field because of its implications in mathematics, providing the framework to foster something more remarkable, not just by the calculations that it can make possible but rather by the content of calculus to model and create change in the STEM field. Calculus can help us understand and model short- and long-term growth or decline. For example, it can be used to predict the popularity trends of a particular product, analyze the stock market, or design/construct infrastructure like a bridge; it truly is versatile in what it can accomplish for the real world, and it truly isn't exclusive to STEM but rather anyone who can use calculus that proficiently. As I prepare to embark on my AP calculus journey this fall, I will embrace it not as a academic requirement but a vital opportunity to apply it's principles for personal and professional settings. Through calculus I intend to use it to transform complex challenges into formidable solutions As I inevitably take on Calculus, it will unfold it's application across S.T.E.M. From physics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and many more fields. Calculus truly encourages its users to seek opportunity and unity. As a first-generation minority student, I am motivated beyond academic success in education; I aim to form pathways for those less fortunate by socio-economic boundaries, fully utilizing my education, especially in mathematics as a tool. Calculus will ensure I am on track to breaking the boundaries of prejudice and adversity I and many others have faced and succeed in what others told me I couldn't succeed in. Becoming proficient in Calculus, along with my persistence in STEM as a career choice, will ensure I can carve out some sort of legacy for many more to come. On frequent occasions, I go with my buddies on the Robotics Team to try and educate the public on opportunities in STEM, its values, and goals; one of my favorite of these sessions we conducted at a local middle school: Joseph B. Cavallaro in which we gave a presentation on the practicalities and opportunities STEM has to offer to hundreds of middle schoolers. I remember a curious kid asking me, "Is it just Robots?" I felt a little discouraged, but I made sure to tell him that STEM is more than just Robots. STEM is truly diverse in what it can be, and robots are just a small sign of that. The importance of calculus in shaping the future of STEM and above is merely undeniable. It will be our foundation not just for academics but upon which we will create a better world- in which challenges have solutions, innovation thrives, and diversity of thought and background are respected. For that reason, Calculus isn't just a checkmark on my academic journey but a commitment that can poster mostly(but not limited to) the science and mathematics aspects of STEM to foster positive change. I am ready to embrace the hardships associated with calculus and use it to hopefully put more people of an unprivileged background onto the stage for change, giving a voice to every student to make their contribution to society.

Hello there, I am Kevin Nocelo, a first generation Mexican-America S.T.E.M major at John Dewey H.S. I am currently a senior and aspiring to pursue engineering, a passion built up from my deep curiosity in how the world works. in the field relating to how the world works. I am not driven to become an engineer to lead a field in creating solutions-whether through technology, infrastructure or other means but rather committed to using such solutions to improve lives and uplifting communities by doing so. From a young age I was captivated by mechanisms and mechanics around me, often leading me to dismantle household gadgets like smoke detectors, clocks, R.C Cars and Helicopters and always remembered to put them back together. However my curiosity would evolved into a more committed spirit to Robotics as result of my involvement in my high school Robotics Team. In the Robotics Club, I had great joy in the design and build process of a robot, but I became especially connected to our efforts in engage the community, along with sharing the principles of S.T.E.M to young folks. One of my favorite moments was when we conducted an outreach session to middle schoolers at a local middle school called Joseph B. Cavallaro. We introduced them to renowned international robotics organization: F.I.R.S.T, opportunities in S.T.E.M as well as general robotics ethnics and values. Our goal was to spark a sense of curiosity similar to the one driving us. My passion drives me to pursue bigger plans in life especially concerning the intersection of Engineering and Community Service/Efforts. I don't see to using an Engineering Degree to not just solving the world's technical problems, but rather to inspire generations to become the next problem-solvers and innovators along with giving back and elevating communities. To that train of thought, in the future I plan to start a non-profit mentor-based organization which would instill confidence in specifically the younger generation to realize their aspirations and to empower them to take steps, ensuring they can accomplish their aspirations with our support. Receiving the One Chance Scholarship would be able my ticket to realizing and pursuing greater ambitions in my engineering journey. Financial constraints are a common thing in my family and it leads to awkward and/or unfavorable situations for our family. By receiving this scholarship it give some alleviation to the burden of my tuition and allow for more concentration in my studies and extracurriculars. It would also allow me to pursue fresh opportunities like internships, research projects and networking especially with like minded-individuals and professionals to aid and provide insight for my passion of community and engineering. In conclusion this scholarship would be put to good use and provide me some financial assistance to my goal of acquiring higher education not for technical use but rather to supplement myself in opportunity and refine my skills for the industry to give back to the community. With this support my aspirations to use my educations and skills for the greater good would be ever-more closer to reality, creating a more fair and equal future for many more to come.

It was the morning of January 25, a Thursday morning nevertheless holding great significance to me. A group of Robotics Members including myself met up at our humble high school, John Dewey High School. We were prepared for an outreach session which we have taken weeks to plan out beforehand. Though we made the trek there by foot, although a far distance along with our heavy equipment and robots it was one we would walk with pride, a sense of purpose, and a passion to make a difference in our community. Upon arriving we immediately went to work, setting up our equipment and preparing our robot to be presented to the younger generation. I felt the joy in the room when the middle schoolers walked in and got a glimpse of the robot. Although small in size, it had huge implications for us as it would mean that our efforts would be recognized and make an impact. We took to a presentation in which we would not only showcase our robot but also along with an introduction for the children to the international Robotics Organization known as F.I.R.S.T Robotics, exploring the principles associated with FIRST especially gracious professionalism, a F.I.R.S.T staple, along with our principles in our work, and we dived into the endless possibilities available through S.T.E.M. We had a Q&A as well as a low-stakes competition in which some of the audience(middle schoolers) could participate to making a race car. However, we all won in the end and an experience like that still sticks with me not for the practicality of our efforts but for the bigger picture it can generate. The joy and my ever-growing passionate nature in helping the younger generation achieve their aspirations is a powerful reminder of why I wish to give back to the community. Our Robotics motto is "It is more than just a robot" which I stand for as there are many factors that can play in the Robotics Club, which can shape and prepare our team members and many more for the future. As I continue with my studies and make an effort to enroll myself in higher education, I won't forget about my greater desire in life. Using my skills and expertise to create opportunities for others like myself, in an unprivileged background. By continuing to foster an admiration for the potential S.T.E.M can have on individuals, I hope to be part of efforts aimed at empowering the next generation to dream big, and achieve their aspirations through guidance and support.

The quest to discover the universe's secrets is as old as time. It has been daunted by many generations who have gazed up at the stars asking questions relating to the nature of our universe. "How did it all begin?", and "What is our place in this ever-expanding world".Great minds like Galileo, Christiaan Huygens, Isaac Newton, Einstein, Edwin Bubble, and Stephen Hawking. These figures contributed through their debates and discoveries related to mathematics, science, history, philosophy, and astronomy, having sought to uncover the purpose(s) and meaning of the universe they lived in. Viewing their work through my eyes, as an aspiring engineering major, I see Engineers as crucial players with a role to carry on their work and work towards expanding humanities perception of the whole world, pushing boundaries to uncover the possibilities we could have by the day, and opening up fronts for explorations/discovery. I cannot stress enough how important it is to understand our universe. This yearning to inform us about the universe's secrets isn't just a scientific challenge but rather a quest that can provide practical implications in our lives. Every discovery is a sign of potential opportunity whether in the advancement of technology, improvements in the quality of human lives, or preparations for when humanity makes contact with the bizarre or unnatural nature of the universe. This can be done through breakthroughs in the universe's origin, new material discoveries, or expansion of knowledge. All these efforts are not to push the limits of humanity but rather to continue sustaining and securing ourselves in our ever-changing world. To serve the interest of humanity's desires and sustainability I seek to become an engineer, particularly with a fondness for the fields of mechanical and robotics. II believe these areas have the potential to fuel humanity's drive for breakthroughs in defining our comprehension of the universe, which will be developed in the coming years. Automation most definitely could be applied for space applications, to withstand and serve in uncontrollable conditions in it's quest for exploration on distant planets and asteroids. Automation would be able to go to further depths of the space continuum without potentially putting human lives at stake. Advancement in the Mechanical Field similarly could also fuel these missions through the development of spacecraft with newer or unconventional materials aimed at withstanding the harsh conditions of space while still being resource and energy-efficient, two sectors which I feel the space industry could look towards more deeply. By becoming an engineer, I wish to part myself in these potentially monumental changes. By applying skills I have picked up in my engineering journey on problem-solving and innovation, both skills which would lead to the breakthroughs humanity will achieve. I am excited about applying my passionate nature to space exploration, a key to understanding the universe we live in. By using my skills I would aim to create technologies capable to bringing ever closer to uncovering the fundamental secrets of the universe. This could be achieved through designing efficient spacecraft, development with technology services like AI to aid in the analysis of astronomical data, or advances in material, preferably of a sustainable nature, for extreme conditions and travel, I'm committed to becoming an engineer as a path to discovery of the unknown. All in all, I truly believe that we should work to understand the nature of our universe because it can lead to truly phenomenal instances and advancements we might've never imagined. The pursuit of such information and comprehending such information would be one of humanity's greatest endeavors and I believe engineering is core to making this a reality. Through engineering, we can build the tools that can be used to discover the secrets of the universe, expanding humanity's knowledge pool, and shaping towards a better future. I would be honored to be part of this journey and use my engineering passion to fuel my curiosity and exploration of the unknown and make progress toward unlocking a more better and educated future.

As a first-generation immigrant raised by a single mother, I've grown into someone who deeply values resilience and pursuing knowledge. My mother's undeniable support and encouragement led me to seek higher education as a way to transform our families situation. Her dream for me-to achieve what she couldn't due to financial and social constraints imposed on her-to which I am determined to fulfill. To pursue such an opportunity would require financial assistance, which this scholarship can provide. Being awarded the Bright Light's Scholarship wouldn't just fund my education: but rather ensuring an investment to a future engineer, committed to giving back. Growing up I realized the importance of education through my mother's word: "Opportunity is handed to those with a diploma". Even though she herself is our sole supporter(financially) and lacked the opportunity to get a higher education herself, she still believes that education could break through the generation barriers our family has had to endure. Becoming an engineer won't just be a next step but rather a continuation in my lifelong journey, beginning with my childhood curiosity from when I disassembled and reassembled R.C Cars and Helicopters to figure how components and mechanisms worked. That curiosity evolved into a deeper sense of understanding the world around us and also improve them. This passion deepened with my involvement in the J.D.H.S Robotics Club to where I discovered a career-path through engineering. Engineering principles were constantly applied whether it was on or off robot projects showing me it's practical value. I've witnessed the wonders our team gained unity, tranquility and purpose through these practices. Becoming an engineer wouldn't just conform to the life I've experienced but rather be my ticket to giving back to the community that shaped my character and values. As an aspiring engineering student, I am well aware of the costs which come with earning a engineering degree. The Bright Lights Scholarship would allow me to commit more heavily on my studies, academic duties and development towards the professional world of engineering than financial burdens. With this support I could also immerse myself in such opportunities like internships, research projects and extracurriculars, prepping me to have a successful career. Moreover the Bright Light's Scholarship aligns with my values in opening doors to people who wish to alleviate the burdens of others and bringing a positive impact along with it. I plan to allocate these financial resources into tuition, textbooks, and tools essential for my growth in the field of engineering. By investing in me you will not only support a engineer who knows the struggles of being deprived of opportunity and a person determined to give back. In conclusion I wish to conclude by saying this scholarship isn't about easing my financial burden but rather empowering me as a applicant to become a future leader in engineering and in my community for the better. With your support, we can ensure that my goals are achieved, so in turn I commit on my end to helping others achieve their aspirations and using all I have to offer to making their dreams become a reality.

Hello there I am Kevin Nocelo, a first generation Mexican American student. I'm currently a senior at John Dewey H.S, majoring in the S.T.E.M academy. From my young age I have always looked to Engineering by a deep curiosity to figure out how the world works. This curiosity led me to become committed in understanding and solving the problems of our time through the fields of mathematics and science, which I view as crucial elements into doing so. This scholarship goes beyond the financial support it can provide me. It is a investment which will ensure that I can be more focused on academic studies then worrying about financial concerns. It would enable me to pursue internships, research projects and academic projects with more ease. These opportunities I view as essential to my growth and learning through the field of Engineering.I also anticipate these opportunities to foster discovery and reflection on oneself. My choice for perusing a degree in science and mathematics is built from a blend of my personal experience and early influence. I yearned to learned about what makes the world run the way it does. As a child I was fascinated by how things worked to the point where I disassembled and reassembled R.C cars and helicopters to understand the components and mechanisms inside. This early interest in Engineering would then evolve into my foundation of interest for mathematics and science. These sentiments were furthered through my high school career especially in my Math Classes which I adored and admired the complexity yet practicality of mathematics. Such as in Algebra II with my teacher Mr. Sibol whose dynamic yet unconventional approach teaching style drew me in the beauty yet complex world of mathematics. It is no wonder why students either hate or love him because he doesn't settle for in between. Similarly in my Robotics Class and my Engineering Class which taught me important concepts and practicalities of those concepts. My favorite concept has to be "form follows function" by Louis Sullivan in which you must align product's design with it's intended purpose of said product. This concept made me realize how fundamental design and functionality are interconnected in Engineering. Looking ahead I would take to a field which can integrate my knowledge as well as experience on mathematics and science, which to me would be Engineering as you can't have one without the other. From there on I hope to impact society by becoming involved or setting up efforts aimed at tackling climate change, technology and healthcare. Ultimately I aspire to help others reach the same heights that I did with education by starting a non-profit mentor organization in which would empower students from all backgrounds to realize their potential as well as use education to accomplish their aspirations, this would lead to me contributing to a new generation of inventors and problem solvers which would be my life-long goal. This scholarship would mean everything to me and it would support my educational journey to something greater. Giving to hands which would give back to those less fortunate then others as I, a Mexican American know what it is like to be on the other half of the stick.

I am blessed for having a great sense of cultural pride, even from a young age as a Mexican-American with immigrant parents. I learned early on the significance of maintaining cultural ties while intermingling with society. The duality of identity proved to be significant for my personal development. At John Dewey H.S while my experience there wasn't extraordinary or interesting at the very least, they fostered my sense of personal appreciation for cultural appreciation and identity. I also realized that heritage connection doesn't have to be grand acts but rather can be the sum of everyday actions of compassion and acknowledgement. For that reason I look to Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín (March 24, 1829 – September 8, 1862), the man behind the Battle of Puebla or is also known as the famed Cinco de Mayo, to resonate with me. His leadership, courage and iron will against all odds is what makes his 600 man army to victory against a formidable army at the time so inspirational to me. His contributions to war efforts eventually leading the French to be kicked out of Mexico with him being a war hero. Zaragoza's ability to persuade and lead a nation with integrity aligns with the impact I wish to accomplish in my life. Zaragoza's life works goes beyond pure idolization of him. It inspires me to being inclusive, beyond the scope of Mexicans and view all individuals of different backgrounds, ethnicities with the same light as my own. This contributes to my commitment that we should look to each other as allies then foes like American Society structured us to. This drives me to community service as welkl as looking to involve myself in efforts with the goal in mind of promoting inclusivity as well as service to all, regardless of background. I am dedicated to using my time and resources to serving, supporting and being inclusive in my community. In practice this generally means I am involved in volunteering, working in non-profits and participating in extracurricular activities aimed at fostering a common ground among different backgrounds. To that I would like to thank my Robotics Club for being an example of this as we have members from unique backgrounds and it is truly wonderful what we have made and fostered as a team this way and I see my experience here as a outline for works I will do in the future. I also honor Zaragoza's legacy of leadership in which it doesn't derive from advocating for oneself but giving that helping hand to creating an inclusive society. Even throughout my continuation in pursuing and growing, I will always remind myself to align with my principles. I will use my experience to shape my character and use my stance of positive change and determination to make sure that I contribute to the world in meaningful ways with the power of "we". I say we because as a collaborative and not solitary individual(s), it would stem greater change then one person could do and I would greatly appreciate those with similar aspirations/values as me, towards creating a unified and inclusive world.

Leadership and science profoundly shape our future by driving progression, innovation, and addressing issues in society. These two forces often work side by side, ensuring that leadership provides that essence of vision, direction, and framework to envision or resolve issues at hand while science provides the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary for leaders to base and drive ground-breaking solutions. Leaders set clear purpose and priorities for scientific research and innovation. To address issues in unfortunate times especially globally like pandemics, leaders must play their part relying on the scientific information at hand to make educated decisions to ensure the lives of many. Likewise, with science, it depends on leaders to secure, influence, and foster collaboration in a multitude of non-science-related fields and individuals. Such fields include financing as coming up with new solutions isn't cheap, policy and efforts as getting a life-changing invention is one thing but getting the public to view it with good intent, having a reputation, and local officials to collaborate on the legality and other related aspects and using leaders to spread their influence across borders and getting the world to acknowledge science at work yet again for the people, for society and the greater good associated with that. Furthermore, leadership allows for a critical thought process in considering the ethical side of progression in the science world. As advancement inevitably continues in Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, and Biotechnology, they face ethical dilemmas at hand and it is their leader's job to navigate through these complex issues. These leaders are entrusted with humanities developments, especially scientific ones to make sure it is to benefit society and hopefully do not fall to malicious intent or hands. Additionally, science works to bring economic as well as social growth through the expansion of mankind ranging from human knowledge to capability. Certain orientated leaders in innovation and scientific competence are better positioned to guide and potentially reform/overhaul aspects of society like healthcare, sustainable development, and economic well-being. There is a reason why countries that invest in science and technological developments are typically among the nations having higher standards of living and among leaders of industry worldwide. Science and leadership have significant implications for shaping our future on multiple planes and directions. it is truly limitless what both may yield in our society in the future, but we can see their positive impact now and it should keep those guiding principles, leaders, and everything alike to move forward. Setting the direction for progression and ensuring societal values are still respected. Together they set the bar and help humanity to resolve current issues and make sure that we are prepared for what tomorrow may bring.

The movie series that holds the most significance to me is"The Flash". The protagonist, Barry Allen isn't just your typical superhero, but also an individual much like the rest of us, navigating through what life may bring him whether through changes and/or uncertainties. Barry is unique for the reason that he struggles to get a hold of himself and is always on the verge of using his hero abilities to deal with human difficulties especially that of human loss, remorse, and the temptation to change the past. Such themes are present in the movie which tells not just about a superhero but rather a story of growth, determination, and the fragility of having powers and vulnerability. One of the important themes in The Flash is the repeating theme of "altering the past ", This concept surely resonates with a lot of us, especially when considering the "what if's" in a past situation. Who hasn't wished to go back and redo an encounter or moment differently? This makes this movie the most influential in that it explores the possibility of changing the past as well as the consequences of such encounters whether for the better or the worse. The perspective of the Flash in all of this makes us the viewers understand the impending pressure at hand from desires and consequences, which is relative to that of an individual's confrontation in achieving their ambitions and aspirations "The Flash" makes it very clear that growth isn't just derived from success and power but rather adapting, learning and accepting our choices. The cherry on top of why "The Flash" is my most influential movie is the portrayal of Barry Allen as not just a superhero but also a relatable human being. His journey isn't defined by his powers but by his capability for growth and compassion. He recognizes even what it means to be a hero, in his own words "Not every hero wears a mask. Some heroes save the day in the simplest of ways. By just being there for us. Or letting us know we're believed in. If I'm any sort of hero today, it's not because of my speed. It's because I learned how from the people in my life. All of them.". Even then with his powers, he isn't safe from what life brings him whether as The Flash(superhero) or Barry Allen as a regular person. Speed is what he has but never will he be able to outrun anything and some things are just inevitable. His recognition of this reality is yet again in another powerful quote "Being alive means running. Running from something; running to something or someone. And no matter how fast you are, there are some things you can’t outrun. Some things always manage to catch up to you.". All in all "The Flash" isn't just a superhero movie to me but rather the story of life's ups and downs. Allen's journey serves to inspire the viewer because even without superpowers, we as individuals have the power to grow, have hope and strength in whatever life may present us with.

Growing up as a first-generation immigrant I knew life would have unique challenges. The constant pressure to honor my parent(s) sacrifices they made for me to be here and excel in uncharted territories was always present. While I deeply respect my parent(s) for all they have done, I often feel that they are no longer guiding me as closely, and expecting the best results from minimal efforts. A significant challenge arose when I had to balance academic aspirations with the financial insecurity of my mother, who was the sole provider after my father left us a year ago in 2023. The situation began after my father was released from incarceration (2023) and became a changed person. The person who was my father just faded away and decided to leave home one day, just like that which left financial and emotional turmoil at home for a while. That void of space quickly broke us as a family apart, tolling on stability . The circumstances that endangered my emotional well-being and academic desires. I remember nights when I felt overwhelmed and questioned my place in this family to the point where topics of self-conflict and harm were internally discussed. My concern wasn't my grades but the fear of becoming homeless or at the least living on the edge. As a first-generation immigrant of Hispanic descent the cultural expectation to put family issues over other aspects of my life was taking its toll on me. It made me question whether I could continue my academic studies or potentially be enrolled at a young age to work wherever my parent(s) put me in to support the family like they did when they were young (they worked at 13 years old). To overcome the overwhelming dilemma, I revised my approach. I focused on working alongside my mother in balancing school, housework, and family responsibilities. Engaging in this approach allowed my mother to work additional hours while knowing she didn't need to overlook us that much, leading to a higher-paying job, and stabilizing our financial situation greatly. My contribution of 450 dollars from holiday gifts, aided in covering one month of rent comfortably. I also helped in handling her errands like groceries, paying bills, and basic needs. Later in my high school career, I joined the Robotics Club which was my outlet for stress and sparked into passion for Engineering and the invaluable skills I learned along the way. This marked a turning point in my personal growth and familial stability. Looking back, I appreciate the lessons of resilience, determination, and the power of asking for assistance. I realized that obstacles are catalysts for growth and resourcefulness. No matter who you are, like a first-generation immigrant like me with persistence and some hope anyone can overcome the odds, no matter the challenge. Whether facing academic uncertainty or life's setbacks, these valuable lessons about the useful attributes I gained along the way, will not only shape my aspirations but also a legacy I aim to build for the family.

My father's incarceration affected my life as it helped me develop a sense of self-resilience and adaptability. It complicated our home situation to an extent nerve-racking for me. When he was released last year(2023), I prayed that his time in prison would foster positive change. However shortly after he returned, he was a changed man, no longer seeming to be interested or being the parental figure I looked up for him to be. He then shortly took the streets as his home and left behind the family he just reunited with. This encounter left me wary about the seemingly unpredictable essence of change and the thin line between growth and deterioration. I sought to never fall victim to the circumstances of my father, pursuing education, self-accountability, and having positive figures in my life. I stand to realize the gravity of these choices if not taken seriously or with leniency as they could lead me to factors or conditions derailing my goals and leading me to unpromising situations. Now in high school, I am prepping myself to build myself through a foundation of education and career-orientated aspirations that can break me out of a potential cycle of negativity and looking to establish a future different from my father's path in life. My involvement in the Robotics Club I would like to thank for being a tactical choice in this. I could channel my energy to creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to build myself into the person with whom my future goals could align. Nevertheless now must come the time to heal from this situation which has tolled on my mental-being greatly. I have implemented self-care practices like playing video games, watching movies/videos, and listening to music have been good temporary care but in the long run it was building up and leading to me emotionally breaking out. It got so bad to the point where my mother sent me to a therapist to try and seek out help, but its effects were short-lived as well and I eventually recovered mostly on my own. I still thank my high school friends for guiding me through the scenario as best as they could. These actions/activities have given me time to reflect on myself and given me a clean slate to work from to pursue whatever my aspirations are. Now I am self-orientated on growth and then being held back by the pressure and pain of my father's incarceration.

Reflecting on my childhood, there is one question I have to say for it "Why did no one ask how I felt about our situation?". Even when I did have two parents we just went on about our day and I very much appreciated the time and the effort that both my mother and father had put into it, I say that I was confused yet not brave enough to speak up. When my father later became incarcerated and was released, he came back a changed man. The person I once knew as my loving father seemed just to fade away and it didn't help that after a while this person decided to leave the house, leaving my mother to raise me on her own. With this change in the family in such a short period I was left to ponder my emotional, social, and physical impacts on my own as my mother seemed to prioritize adjusting and moving forward rather than talking it out with me and my siblings to see to it that we can adjust comfortably. The absence of these questions has a lasting impact. I learned to keep feelings to myself although after hitting breaking points that led my mother to seek therapy for me for a couple of weeks. While therapy did help partially, most of the recovery was based on my part. The sudden separation strengthened my resilience and determination. Although my mother supported us as much as she possibly could, there was simply no time for discussions about the separation on our well-being or feelings. This experience pushed me to find a sense of stability as well as aligning my goals in that direction as well as security and control. As I grew older and entered high school I became aware of the limitations that my post-separation mindset had on me and now embrace a new question: "What is next and how can I do it?". I now come to a point in life in which I can understand myself and am less reliant but still open to outside advice as well as make decisions with this train of thought to align with my true self, one focusing on the present and future instead of being held up by the past. This has left me with a sense of empathy and openness I didn't have before. I finally felt free of any restrictions in my mind and spirit. With these newfound sentiments, I've reached a state of balance and purpose allowing me to pursue my aspirations as I please. One of my biggest aspirations is to fund a new non-profit mentor-based organization that can help people like me navigate through difficult circumstances. My goal is to guide the youth toward realizing their potential and also have the resources and support they need to follow their hearts However, I must always remember where I came from and to cherish how far I've come.

Seeing the world move smoothly through the works of engineers who build infrastructure, technology, and support systems inspires me truly. These efforts often go unnoticed and are driven by engineers as silent leaders motivate me to follow in-line. As an aspiring engineer, I aim to be a shining light to the people, not just striving for technical/career problems but rather how I along with these leaders of the industry can approach our work to make a meaningful impact on society. Being committed to having empathy, consideration as well as a desire to improve lives. I'm actively involved in my local Robotics Community. I have taken on the roles of research and design to fundraising and event planning to showcase S.T.E.M in our community. We host local outreach sessions whether through or without our high school: John Dewey. This includes an outreach session at Joseph B. Cavallaro where we introduced middle schoolers to S.T.E.M and the Robotics international organization: F.I.R.S.T. Using both presentations as well as hand-on-activities like a makeshift car-making competition we taught skills like decision-making, collaboration and see as well as reflect on first-hand imperfections. These sessions like this one in Cavallaro, reinforced my passion for mentoring as well as organizing, as I aspire to make Robotics/Engineering feel inclusive and approachable. I believe that a sense of dedication to have some integrity, empathy, and responsibility for yourself are key qualities an individual should have in Robotics. I see these traits as part of the social norm in shaping positive community impact. Looking ahead I wish to see the opportunities that underlie technology and society. Lack of developed infrastructure for underprivileged communities, climate change, and inequality in services are just some of the issues engineers could step in to solve. With these challenges becoming more evident and common I must put myself to the task of not just seeing innovation as a practical step but also thinking about the ethical/moral side practice that I have at my disposal. Sustainability, Human-Based Approaches, and conscious(society) technology are just key sectors of society I wish to make an impact. In the future, I wish to use the skills that I will learn as an engineer, get some insight, and use my personal experience as an underprivileged individual as the key to building solutions that can serve everyone as well as emphasizing collaboration and cooperation to help those who have been historically neglected or undermined. Nevertheless, now I am looking to today's social norms which seem to push engineers past the traditional two factors: efficiency and function, now I see ethics, equality, and. sustainability being encouraged. Even so, there is now a growing presence for engineers to become leaders in the world of technology, while also ensuring social and consumer practicality. This allows me to question my engineering decisions on the impact they can have on communities, sustainability, and fairness which presents me with an aspect of thoughtfulness I must consider in the presence of social consciousness in engineering. In this way I see myself as not just an engineer but a force of good, using my skills to help the community like they helped me.

Kalia D. Davis truly is a remarkable individual whose life exemplified excellence, resilience, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Her journey is one I admire word for word and wish to mirror. I can say that her journey is one-of-a-kind as she excelled at what she put her heart into as well as valued perseverance, serving others, and leadership among herself and others. As someone who values those qualities of dedication, a good work ethic, and seeing the bigger picture in everything. These traits made her so well-rounded yet sharp at the same time, I am truly moved by Kalia's work and wish to find her lifestyle serves me well. Growing up I was often a shy kid at times in my life, rather sitting out and just watching life move ahead than actively participate in it. However, I always had an inner drive to set myself apart through academic success as well as personal growth. Over time I pushing myself like Kalia did, whether it be in Weightlifting Club trying to hit a new PR(personal record) on the bench press or trying out new exercises with present equipment, or adopting a new workout routine that is unknown to me. There is also Robotics which I still stand by as a sport due to its similarities to traditional sports in terms of work ethic, competitive nature, demanding nature both physically as well as mentally, and the strive to better oneself through the sport itself, even so I attempted to learn something new every day, try to build a mechanism or improve on existing mechanisms or try to integrate techniques/designs unfamiliar to us. Nevertheless, these sports (s) have limitless boundaries and I believe they truly promote a sense of confidence, commitment, and success As I reflect on Kalia's legacy, I am reminded to realize the importance of seeing the broader purpose in my actions or initiatives. Like Kalia, I aspire to pursue success not just on the higher plane of academics but rather also improve all aspects of my life. This would allow me to embrace a spirit of determination, learn from my mistakes, and strengthen myself as a person and character. Additionally, I also plan to do while giving back to the community through volunteering as well as mentoring efforts. I genuinely feel like inspiring as well as giving back to the ones that will be our future is a must if we want to see a more collective and progressive future. For that reason one of my bigger goals in life is to foster opportunities in my community in a non-profit organization based on uplifting others to realize their potential as well as to take steps and resources to make that potential live out, no matter their background. Of course, I acknowledge this won't be overnight but instead collective efforts and timing on my behalf as well as others who wish to join me on my goals like Kalia rallied people behind her with encouragement and laughs. Kalia D. Davis is truly honored with this scholarship as she can continue to cater to others in the light of encouragement and perseverance to continue to pursue my aspirations beyond a physical presence. Her life is my blueprint to navigate my life through life's many aspects but also to ensure that her success can go on to help others. In receiving this scholarship I don't just mean to use it to seek out higher education but to honor Kalia and her life journey showing us the implications of excellence and purpose.

From a young age, I have always taken pride in tinkering and seeing and using simple machines like RC Cars and Helicopters, really anything that I could get my hands on, I took apart and saw the interior. Later I would reassemble or engage in a personal approach to the material at hand. My childhood experience has shaped me as a person to take on the endeavor of finding out how the world works as well as my position in that. My youth has led me down a path of commitment to the world of Engineering in its practicalities, application, and change. That last point makes me want to live up to Engineering as a field, allowing me to solve real-world problems firsthand. My position to pursue Engineering while partially built from my childhood journey, my high school years however profoundly solidified my choice of field. My involvement in my High School's Robotics Club is easily the greatest influence on my choice of Engineering as we entered competitions with a Robot that was designed and programmed to tackle the series of tasks that a robot could do in-game revealed to me something bigger about the potential and power engineering could provide to lives. In the words of fellow Dean Kamen, Founder of F.I.R.S.T "They’re not gonna be roboticists, but at the end of the season, these kids are going to come away saying, “I can do that. It’s fun. It’s cool.” They will walk away with self-respect. They’ll walk away with a new awareness of what’s possible.". To these words, I live up to and see Engineering as a field in which my devotion to problem-solving and creativity could thrive and yield a significant impact. My desire to produce change through Engineering has been core to me to pursue this lucrative field as a career choice. I am invested in making sustainability viable across my Engineering Career because I truly believe that developing new life-changing technology shouldn't strain Mother Nature of her already exploited and finite resource pool but rather promote resource conservation as well as energy efficiency. Engineering will truly be my application of practicality as well as being as impactful to communities alike -whether it's designing energy-efficient systems, sustainable material, or providing/enhancing infrastructure to withstand climate change. To achieve these goals I would aim to build a career keeping in mind sustainability and engaging in projects/activities which create real-world change. I plan to apply for internships and research projects which would provide me with ample work experience as well as working alongside industry experts. I wish to contribute to projects that inspire and push the limits of technological and resource advancement. In conclusion, my pursuit of engineering will be committed to resolving critical challenges that we face in society. Through multiple efforts like an internship, research efforts, and project initiatives I am sure Engineering will provide me with my personal experiences it is bound strengthen my engineering career as well as make a meaningful impact.

In high school, I came across a teacher who transformed my outlook on life unlike no one before. Mr. Dispenza, my Robotics/Engineering Teacher is my inspiration without him, I would never have seen Engineering in the light that I do. His method of teaching was unfamiliar yet soothing at the same time as he didn't just pull from the textbooks but your mind as he tried to put himself into the heads of the students he was teaching. His influence will never leave me, even past high school as while he did change my view on Engineering as a promising and interesting field for me but also changed my outlook on things unlike any other adult besides my parent(s)have done for me. From that instance I walked into his classroom during a Summer Program called SummerBridge I knew Room 121 (Dispenza's Classroom Number) would no longer just be Room 121 but the Room of where I would dedicate my creativity, thinking, and personal skills to the test. I could especially reflect on this with his end-of-the-school-year (2023-2024) project he made us do in our class: Build a House. However, it wouldn't be any house but rather an energy-efficient home by harvesting the power of the sun or general natural lighting to light our makeshift home which would be made from styrofoam boards, tape & a whole roll of aluminum. He offered the tools and allowed us to brainstorm the possibilities as well as gave us personal recommendations. When he sensed that some people in the class had trouble, instead of directing us to sources, he talked it out with us as a class which I and the class were grateful for. He also took an approach with a one-on-one discussion to try and spur the creative and thinking nature of his students which was unlike anything I have ever experienced before with any teacher before him. His discussions didn't involve debating the right or wrong way to do things but rather exploring and seeing the thought process behind the student. His teaching and initiatives that Mr.Dispenza took in class influenced me outside the class as well. His techniques as well as engineering practicalities led me to apply to a club he runs The Robotics Club. There I expanded on my curiosity, and critical thinking as well as empathy skills with others who were also united under his methods of getting things done in Robotics. From then on I learned to embrace life with an open mind and a desire to learn and understand the world around us. His impact on my character and related attributes is certainly not limited to one project or his subject but rather his view of the world and what he wishes as well as helping others to achieve in whatever life throws at us. Thanks to Mr Dispenza I now understand the importance of going the extra mile as it could potentially yield greater results than you initially expected. His belief in reflective thought and experience has guided me throughout my high school journey and I don't see it stopping there. I thank you, Mr.Dispenza. Thank you for making me understand what being an engineer feels like. Thank you for challenging me whether in class or in the Robotics Club to make sure I either navigate to success or learn from the loss. Thank you for turning my life around and making me sure of myself that I am going in the right direction. Thank you for not just being my teacher but rather a mentor for life.

Reaching my educational goals has been difficult, but no one is as supportive or persuasive as my mother. Living in a single-parent household isn't a smooth journey; my mother acknowledges that. That is why she has done everything in her power to provide for her family as well as provide unfaltering support to her children. Her support has shown itself in my academic work. From late nights encouraging me to write or read "una mas pagina"(one more page) or "ve a construir tu robot"(Build your Robot) and giving her sincere desires for all of us as well as how she believes that we can achieve them. My mother is my burning light in this world of darkness. My mother has spent countless times and efforts to make sure that we have our daily necessities met, she has also put herself on the frontline to ensure that I have the resources and timing available to pursue my educational goals. Her firm belief in my potential and encouraging nature allow me to strive for success in education as it could open so many doors. She does this even though she has not had a complete education and only completed the first grade as her mother forced her to drop out and said words that discouraged my mother from seeing education as beneficial. From her own mother's words, "Tu eres una nina la educación no te va a servir" (You are a girl, education will not help you). Now she sees that opportunity is given to the ones with the diploma, so she strives to make my education a priority even going as far as to buy me a new computer for me even while being a single provider of the house. She even goes as far as seeing the importance of extracurriculars as well. This motivated me to join the Robotics Club which my mother appreciates because she sees the great potential in the STEM field. She also sees the steps that I am taking to make a STEM career and it's related opportunities opened up for me as well as taking into account my newfound dedication in an extracurricular activity which will spur growth and learning on an unparalleled level. This is why I am eternally grateful and proud to call her my mother for her support and efforts. I will forever be appreciative of my mother's emphasis on achieving academic success through her love, care, and guidance. Her generosity and resilience have not just affected my academic career but me as a person, I learned to embrace persistence and determination even when conditions are not favorable. I tribute this essay in recognition of her as I wouldn't be writing this if it were not for her unhesitant commitment, sacrifice, and trust in me to achieve better in the world of education.

My favorite aspect of the game is when I travel to the Nether for the first time in any Minecraft world. With the recent update to the Nether in 1.16, the Nether has been overhauled with much-needed change. The addition of new unique environments, new Nether mobs & the constant presence of hostility makes the Nether both thrilling and nerve-racking at the same time. From the moment you spawn in you don't know if you will be swarmed by a horde of skeletons in a soul sand valley, spotted by angry Piglins (if you don't wear at least one piece of gold armor), or the Hoglins with their incredible reach compared to that of other hostile mobs, in the crimson forest. Enderman surrounds you in the warped forest or you might find yourself stranded on a floating portal in the middle of a lava lake. The Nether is truly unpredictable in what it may bring. With these threats or soon-to-be threats, you need to be careful of what you do because one wrong step could take you back to the menu. So many times I see on YouTube & social media about people having near-or-death experiences in the Nether from a range of factors. However, with all the risk comes reward as you have new blocks, structures , and resources, as well as the potential for making farms of all kinds. My favorite structure in the Nether for that reason is the Bastion as it perfectly captures the essence of a risk and reward style that the Nether has in one place. The Bastion is known for its abundance of Piglins and versions past 1.16.2, Piglin Brutes. The randomness of Nether Mobs(not Piglins)adds even more to the element of surprise and risk. However, the reason to visit one of these is for the Gold Blocks, which are up for the taking if you play your cards as well as blocks right. The chest loot is a nice bonus as well, as you could get obsidian, diamond items & in some cases for the much loved Music Disc: Pigstep, which has been a community staple for a while. The same could be said for the Nether Fortress, providing you the chance to get nether wart (for potions), blaze rods & wither skeleton skulls in exchange for Blazes, Wither Skeletons & not constantly attacking you in the Fortress. Nevertheless, there is something to always do in the Nether, and the chance of risk always follows. Initially, the Nether is an unknown place, but after exploring for a bit, you can find some interesting things that may help you in your Minecraft journey, especially when it comes to beating the Ender Dragon, as for Eyes of Ender and potions are mostly Nether Exclusive. This Nether experience will become relevant to my post-high school life of venturing into new ground and embracing the unknown. Even though everything might be scary at first, with the right attitude and tools at your disposal, it can help you thrive and survive in the real world. The unknown will be your place in the world to further advance in whatever you want to pursue. After all, there are no limits in Minecraft, so why should there be any in the real world?

Attending college can have different meanings for a wide range of people. For some individuals they see an accomplishing moment or a way to fulfill career qualifications as what college means to them. While there is some truth to these viewpoints I believe that many individuals underestimate the significance and potential of college to be reduced to that of a milestone in their life's journey. I feel, on the other hand, that I would be going to get a higher education for the opportunity which seeks me there. Being able to gain knowledge, skills & expertise to open even more doors to a higher potential should be a priority. Moreover, I see college as the means to continue my personal growth as well as break barriers for myself, a first-generation Hispanic American living in a single-parent household. I wish that others would see college in the light that I do. For me College is academically the next step and not just by fate. I want to "learn to learn" as it shows me the clarity & reasoning behind the world. I want to see the Process over Product as the approach to learning as not everyone learns everything the same, and this approach aims to resolve that. Trying out new things, seeing what worked as well as failed, and what you learned from that should be the norm in school. However, this ideal learning journey is much more than just some words. In my high school experience, this was rarely implemented, and instead, I saw the teaching and grades as indicators for success in learning, but that just limits students to numbers. I see college as a way to see an improvement as well as the continuation of the little ideal learning process I wish to see in academic centers. College for me isn't just the pursuit of something greater but also seeing what I could achieve by being there. Coming from a single-parent household in a Hispanic-minority family hasn't made the pursuit of a higher education any easier for me. I have experienced moments in which people would doubt if I could ever make it to College, saying phrases like "Things will be harder for you, get used to it" or "Your parents have never made it to college & so will you most likely". While I get my position with my parents as both have never stepped foot past elementary school, it shouldn't be used as a means of discouragement but rather encouragement. Going to college would finally shut down the doubters as well as begin a legacy in my family of being capable of going to get a higher education, finally breaking this cycle of a low-end lifestyle my parent(s) & the generations before them had to endure. I would use my experience in college to set an example for future generations. All in all college can be my ticket to greater opportunities, and a chance to pursue my aspirations in the face of uncertainty as well as limited outside support. College with be my spotlight and I need to make the most out of it for myself, the few which believed in me, and for the future. I want to embrace higher education not for a personal milestone but the opportunity of a lifetime that can open up doors for me and future generations.

Growing up in a single-parent household and it was rough dealing with the absence of my father. When he was released from incarceration, it felt like the person I once knew was gone. Living with him was even more unsettling; as he felt free to do whatever he wanted and in turn let down his own family. Then, from there, I went from a double to a single-parent household overnight, and what was worst was how he just left my mom to fend for herself & without compromise (later resolved by due legal process). In the end, I am confident to say I am happier now without this being in our home, although it took some time and effort to come to this conclusion but I am grateful for support & guidance of the family I have now. The change in household didn't have many negative implications on my education. The occasional thoughts about my father affected my focus in class, but I've since resolved that issue quite some time ago. Now in high school, I've improved academically and have since become involved in extracurricular activities like weightlifting, volleyball, and my personal favorite, The Robotics Club. Nonetheless throughout this transition my mother has demonstrated unwavering support for my well-being and my academic life. She has truly inspired me to do better academically & as well as make me "go the extra mile". An example of her support was my 65 in A.P U.S History at one-time in the semester. She responded by suggested valuable tips as well as encouragement to improve my grade by discussing the material with the professor as well as develop better study habits with music and writing better notes for study material. She also made the emphasis to me that my grade isn't for her to look at but for my future to look at & potentially the key to higher education. After all, she emphasized to me that " Estudia, Estudia, la escuela será tu oportunidad de ser alguien en la vida" (Study, Study, the school will be your opportunity to be someone in life). Her resilient & caring nature has been my light guiding me through the dark uncertainty. With all my mother's effort and time being spent on me it is now my turn to show her that her efforts will not go unnoticed. After college, I plan to create and partner up with a new non-profit organization that will be dedicated to helping and tutoring the next generation in S.T.E.M and it's related fields. I want to provide all my support to the unprivileged children to help them exceed academically and to discover their passions in the world of S.T.E.M. Prioritizing education will be a vital step to creating a thriviing, resilient & sustainable community. After all an educated community is in a better position to drive economic growth, innovation & as well as become more then contributing members to society. If I don't give back to the community, it won't foster postive change, support those in need as well as the hopes of making society better as a whole is lost and I won't have any of that.

I decided to pursue a major in Engineering because of my iron will to unravel the mysteries of the world and contribute to the workforce dedicated to devising inventive solutions for complex challenges. The field of Engineering has been a continuous inspiration for me as it allows me to enhance people's lives and positively transform our world. Whether it is from making environmentally cleaner energy supplies, infrastructure for underdeveloped/underprivileged communities, or designing life-saving technology, Engineering is the backbone of this world & applications of the field are seen every day in life. Engineers truly play a crucial role in the world we live in, shaping it to serve & fit the needs of many. Despite these remarkable contributions, the field of engineering does not get the recognition it deserves. To me Engineering embodies the spirit of change & reflects me as a person. However, I also must owe a great deal of my allegiance to engineering to the man who profoundly inspired his children's passion for engineering & its potential to solve the world's problems. My Robotics Club Mentor, Mr Dispenza, has been a grand source of inspiration for me in pursuing engineering as my major. His passion, knowledge & dedication to leading our school's multiple robotics teams, including those of F.T.C and F.R.C under John Dewey High School Robotics, have done a considerable amount to convince me that engineering would be for me. Mr Dispenza although starting with Lego EV3 robots has made the effort over the year to include more curriculum in his classes which included CAD, VEX Robotics, Coding & (best of all) engineering classes which has transitioned over to the Robotics Club in his inclusiveness & positive outlook that S.T.E.M could do for the world & noting engineering as one of his game changers. His mentorship directly & indirectly showed me the principles as well as concepts behind engineering and their application to the Robotics Club & the real world where it could make a meaningful impact. Under his technical guidance, I have firsthand experienced the practical as well as innovative aspects of engineering such as in F.T.C where when we were building our robot(named Mantis) has made multiple comments on the design as well as the practicality of our mechanisms like the double claw with independent controls and suggested us mechanism like a zipper chain actuator for climbing. I also am even more confident with his accounts of graduate students who end up majoring in engineering and go on to lead successful careers, as well as some beginning STEM initiatives of their own. I thank my family as well for supporting me in my Robotics Journey, which they feel has "te hecho en un robot" due to my commitment to Robotics which even I have to admit, I've spent quite a lot of time in Robotics and frequently spend more time in the Robotics Classroom or Shop than with them. I thank them for exposing me to S.T.E.M and engineering activities for inspiration. I also thank my dad who is in the construction field but uses engineering principles such as his creative yet practical approaches & solutions to the various scenarios he finds himself in & with the tools he has at his disposal I yet again thank my family for sparking my interest in engineering through their actions & encouraging words.

Personal development is crucial to me because it reflects my passive yet continuous efforts to strive in various sectors of my life. It is a pure-hearted commitment that aims to empower yourself with the tools to be successful in life, expanding knowledge & strengthening self-awareness. It plays a principal role in fostering sentiments of resilience, flexibility, determination, & becoming emotionally smart, which as a casual athlete in weight-lighting can help people out in life's plethora of challenges & the pursuant of desirable goals. Furthermore, personal development serves me in my alethic journey as it aims to empower me to make personal growth, fulfillment & impact in the world of sports & beyond. However, personal development isn't a one-time change but rather the collection of work as a process. Currently, I am creating a balance between my work & personal life as balancing responsibilities and personal recreational time is crucial to one's well-being & happiness. Finding the right balance allows you to dedicate ample attention to your career & also make time to allow one to work on outside relations and hobbies & pay attention to self-care. Balancing these two aspects of life allows you to build on job contentment, reduce burn-out & give satisfactory relations among friends & family. Even so, this is an ongoing process requiring evaluation as well as regulation to ensure all goes smoothly to yield optimal results. Maintaining balances also applies to sports & personal life as honing my skills in real-time, expanding my network of reliable colleagues who recognize my character & work top-down, and developing my character for the better has been key to my personal development journey. Experiencing the world of extracurriculars with it's ever support & trust I have been given allowed me to constantly learn & grow as a person as well as get insight/advice from others on improvement & consistency in sports & as an individual, allowing me to become enriched with the resources to shape myself to an elevated version of myself. I take my journey in Robotics, which I consider a sport due to its many parallels with traditional sports for its endurance, strategy & competitive nature; nevertheless, it allowed me to learn basic DIY skills, machinery & the fundamentals of designing & building. It also allowed me to meet bright individuals of all ages, make personal connections, and discuss with members about steps I should take. Furthermore extracurricular involvement, I also committed myself to maintenance at home, which served me well in my athletic journey. It serves as a refuge, where I can be able to freely reflect & focus on myself as well as my present or future goals/aspirations. After all, at home, you're surrounded by people who take you for who you are, which offers a supportive environment to tap out of the real world as to focus my emotional as well as mental stability & comfort. It allows me to thrive in my athletic aspirations as well as personal ones which I have taken up like CAD-ding Software. Overall home allows me to tackle training & competition with a focused & righteous mindset. In conclusion, personal development was destined to coincide with athletic ambitions, shaping me to be a balanced, determined & secure athlete against all odds. I don't see it for the physical desires as with all sports but about what determines me to have success in my athletic career, having an interconnected as well as firm development of an individual in their mind, body & motivation/spirit leading to success, no matter how I define it as.

Coming from a single-parent, low-income household is complex as it has provided me with the opportunity to experience a unique set of challenges. It has shaped me into the person I am today &, in the long run, strengthened my resilience & determination. Growing up, I learned the values of hard work, patience & a good work ethic as well as the importance of persevering towards my goals in life despite obstacles. I plan to use my life experience to make a positive impact on my community/world as I truly believe in the spirit of giving back. I wish to mentor people of similar backgrounds, especially the younger generation. I want to support & inspire them to look past their setbacks & navigate around it with guidance & assistance whether verbally, physically, or emotionally, but I will do my part to help these great minds. Moreover, I strongly aim to advocate for equal opportunities & resources especially those of low-income communities to create a more balanced & fair society. I am currently collaborating with a Robotics Team as a member, where we try to actively organize & conduct outreach sessions, primarily in schools. We aim to engage & support young individuals in pursuing careers, particularly in STEM-related fields. We have successfully conducted several sessions at events & I am personally involved in one-on-one discussions, whether in-person or virtually, with the younger generation about the importance of education & how it can empower them to advocate for change or achieve their aspirations. Looking ahead my life-long goal is to expand & establish organizations designed to provide resources & mentorship to individuals from single-parent, low-income communities & those from underprivileged backgrounds. These organizations would focus on promoting growth & development, especially in the areas of academics & personal well-being.

Academics will be my escape from the impoverished & neglected lifestyle endured by my family for generations in my home country: Mexico. For example, my mother never had the chance to complete her education due to financial constraints imposed by my Grandmother, which significantly stemmed from school costs so she could only go up to the first grade. Even as my mother pleaded to my grandmother to continue her education, my grandmother snapped at her saying, "Tu eres una nina, la educación no te va a servir,"(You are a girl, education won't serve you) & that was the end of it. From there, she had to work for her keep & worried about basic necessities like food, clothing & shelter. Frustrated with her situation in her teen years, she ran away from the hot & arid climate of Mexico to the cold & temperature temperatures of New York, where she started a family for several years until my father left home. Nonetheless, I take great pride in calling her my Mother for her journey to the U.S. As a first-generation minority member in the U.S., I've encountered bias & discrimination in high school. I've had some people tell me "Things will be harder for you; get used to it". However, I refuse to accept that. I fully believe I am capable of succeeding in college & I am determined to challenge the notion that race, color & other factors should hinder my journey. I know I have what it takes to succeed. Even despite financial constraints, I am seizing the initiative of applying for grants, scholarships, loans & any other available material to support my education. Additionally, I have faced a lack of family support, but my mom has been my number one supporter & that is all I need. She has always emphasized the transformative power of education for someone like me even though it was denied to her. When grades were slipped she encouraged me to improve my study habits & seek help from my teachers which I gladly did & saw positive outcomes. After all, a mother's love can't be broken & I used that to overcome obstacles so they wouldn't break my pursuit of higher education. Ultimately education is a powerful tool & I aspire to give back to the community & make a meaningful impact on society with it. I would leverage my education to benefit the community, and provide valuable knowledge & skills to the community & particularly aimed at the younger generation. I would provide external resources like financial & academic to ensure opportunity fits all. This would lead to an increase in overall education, career opportunities & a thriving community. Additionally, sharing my educational story could inspire others to pursue their educational goals, creating a cycle of learning & growth within their community. Moreover, by contributing to the education of others, I am set on fostering a stronger & unified relationship among the community with a shared sense of progression & development.

"Escucha hijo. Estudia mucho para ser algo de tu vida"(Listen, son. Study hard to make something out of your life) my mother always urged me. Time and time, she has repeated this to me on a multitude of occasions & for a good reason too. Even as a little kid in Mexico, she was denied the opportunity for a full education, only making it to the 1st Grade(which she is grateful for) before financial constraints overwhelmed her Mother(my Grandma)for my mother to go any further. Her own mother even discouraged her by saying "Tu eres una nina, la educación no te va a servir"(You are a girl, education won't help you) so my mother wouldn't beg any further to pursue further studies. From there, she was now constantly thinking & worrying about what she would eat, what clothes she would have on her back, or if the roof over her head would last any longer. She then took the chance & ran away from home to move from the hot & arid climate of Mexico to the relatively cold & temperate temperatures of New York State. This act of bravery fills me with pride to call her my Mother. The importance that she places on education & the hard work she has invested in me drives me to pursue a higher education. I am determined to obtain what she was denied beforehand in a country that promises equality & freedom. I owe her for everything she has done as I wouldn't be here writing this essay & having the luxury of applying to colleges if it wasn't for her dedication & belief in the transformative power of education. Because of her experience & importance of education, I am inspired to take advantage of these opportunities I have with education to excel academically as well as share the importance of higher education with others like myself to achieve it, especially among the younger generation. My goal is to pursue a college education, one that will enable me to obtain the expertise & experience to become a leader in tomorrow's world, leading positive change in society & making a meaningful impact on the world around me. I also want to achieve a higher education to honor my mother but to embrace a process learning approach, I seek to move past the traditional education emphasizing memorization as an indicator of learning. Instead, I wish to value the journey of learning as much as getting to the destination/result. This approach will make my college experience both rewarding & enriching at the same time. Embracing this scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education but would also serve as a testament to my determination to academics. The support that this scholarship would provide me with would allow me to confidently focus on my studies, fulfill my ambitions & give respect to my mother's iron will & determination. I am confident that my educational journey will prepare me to foster positive change in my community & beyond. The scholarship would be a priceless investment in my future, to give to hands aimed at giving back & making a meaningful impact on the world around me. In conclusion, I am wholeheartedly committed to doing whatever it to obtain the opportunities of higher education to honor my mother's sacrifices & contribute positively to society & the world for the better. I am grateful for your consideration & hopeful that I am given the chance to further my educational journey with your support. Thank you for your time & consideration of my application.