Math has always been a universal language for me, no matter what language you speak, the numbers and logic stay the same. Growing up in a Mexican American family where Spanish was our primary language and English was my second, math became a way to connect with the world and communicate beyond words. I love math not only because it is fun but because it’s the foundation for so many important fields like technology, business, and economics. Math teaches essential skills such as problem solving and logical thinking, which we use every day to understand and shape the world around us. For example, advancements in technology, computers, and even predicting economic trends all depend on math. From a young age, I enjoyed math games like 24 Factor, a fast-paced challenge where I was proud to be ranked number one in my school district and even won a trophy. Math also makes everyday activities exciting—calculating probabilities in card games or figuring out discounts while shopping sharpens my mind and reminds me how much math is part of daily life. Math challenges me to think critically and creatively, breaking down complex problems into clear solutions. This motivates me to keep pushing myself academically and personally. More than just a subject, math is a powerful tool that opens doors and helps me engage with the world confidently. I am excited to use my love for math to pursue my goals and contribute to society.

I come from a proud Mexican family rooted in Catholic values, where Spanish is our first language and faith, humility, and hard work are central to our lives. My parents immigrated to the U.S. without the benefit of education or knowledge about the systems here, but they came with courage and resilience that continue to inspire me every day. As a first generation daughter of immigrants, I grew up in a household where college was not fully understood, and sports were never encouraged, especially not for girls. My parents did not come to my sports games or help with college applications, not because they did not care, but because they were working long hours and doing everything they could to provide for our family. Their love wasn’t loud, but it was constant. Rugby became more than a sport; it became my second family. When my parents couldn’t attend tournaments or celebrations, my teammates families would support me a little extra. They drove me to games, made sure I had meals, and celebrated my wins like I was one of their own. That kind of community taught me that support doesn’t always come from where you expect but when it shows up, it’s powerful. Because my parents didn’t fully understand the college or sports systems, many opportunities felt confusing or even risky to them. Sports weren’t encouraged for girls in my family, so I had to find my own ways to get to practices, games, and pay for my own gear. When college coaches started inviting me for “official visits” with all expenses paid by the schools, my parents first question was always, “Where will you get the money?” I had to explain what those visits meant and reassure them it wasn’t a scam or a gamble. Growing up, we often missed out on opportunities because of fear or distrust, but I refused to let that stop me. Even with these obstacles, I pushed forward, attending every official visit I was invited to, proving that perseverance can open doors even when your family’s experience doesn’t give you a clear path. My Hispanic background has shaped how I see the world through a lens of gratitude, persistence, and faith in what’s possible, even when the odds are stacked against you. I know what it feels like to start from scratch, to translate important documents for my parents, to figure out how FAFSA works without guidance, to be the first. But I also know how to ask questions, show up, and keep going when things get tough. Education isn’t just a path to a better future, it’s my way of honoring my parents sacrifices and rewriting the story for the next generation. I want to make my family proud, not just with a degree, but with the life I build from it. I still have a long way to go, but I know who I am, where I come from, and what I’m capable of. I’ll never stop chasing the dream they worked so hard to give me.

Growing up in Riverside, CA as the youngest out of five, I always knew that being the first in my family to graduate from college would be a challenge. I also knew it was a challenge I was born to face. As a first generation Mexican American student athlete, I carry more than just the weight of my dreams. I carry the hopes of my parents, the sacrifices of my community, and the legacy of those who did not get the chance. My family, like many immigrant families, did not have a map for the college journey. They did not attend my games or practices; not because they didn't care, but because they were surviving. With one car, that my dad took to his long shifts and limited means, I often ran to practice, or biked to school and never asked for money for gear or tournaments. I knew that my parents were already giving me all they could. First-generation students like me often face invisible hurdles. Our families don’t always understand the college process or how to support our ambitions, not out of neglect, but out of unfamiliarity. As a Mexican American there is also cultural barriers, from gender expectations to financial limitations. This made sports and higher education feel out of reach. In my family, sports were never encouraged for girls, especially ones that cost money. But rugby changed everything. I discovered rugby almost by accident and it became my ticket to college. While my biological family couldn’t always be there, my rugby family stepped in. They gave me rides, fed me during tournaments, celebrated my victories, and showed me what true support looks like. When my parents couldn’t attend my graduation, my teammates threw me a surprise celebration. That love, from people who didn’t have to give it, shaped who I am. Now I’m a college sophomore playing rugby at a high level on a scholarship ,something I never imagined growing up in a city where so many kids fall into the same cycle. When people learn I’m a first-generation Mexican-American with no background support, they’re shocked. But I wear that shock as a badge of honor. I am building something that hasn’t been done yet. Not in my family, not in my last name and that’s what fuels me. I am proud to be starting from rock bottom because I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I want to make my people proud, prove that it’s possible, and one day spoil my family the way they’ve always deserved. I still have a long way to go, but this scholarship would help lighten the load as I keep climbing. I’m not giving up not now, not ever. I have the fire, the stamina, and the relentless drive to reach my goals. I am passionate, latina, hardworking, and ready. I’m not just asking for support, I’m showing you that I’m the real deal.

My favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA is Ilona Maher. As a rugby player myself, I see her as more than just an athlete. She's a role model who inspires me to keep pushing forward, both on and off the field. Rugby is a tough, physical sport that demands grit, strength, and teamwork, and Ilona embodies all of that and more. She plays with passion, power, and confidence, showing the world that women belong in this sport just as much as anyone else. But what truly sets her apart is her personality. Ilona is bold, funny, and real. She’s not afraid to be herself, whether she’s making people laugh on TikTok, advocating for body positivity, or speaking up about mental health. She uses her platform to encourage young women to love themselves, take up space, and never apologize for being strong. That kind of authenticity is rare and so important especially in the world of sports. Watching her succeed motivates me to train harder, dream bigger, and believe in myself. Ilona Maher reminds me that I can be powerful, feminine, and fearless all at once. Cheering her on is easy, because she represents everything I strive to be.

Mental health was not something that was considered “real” in my Hispanic household. If I said I felt anxious or depressed, the response was usually, “It is because you have too much time to think.” My parents believed the solution was to stay busy, so I was often assigned chores to “distract” me. Complaining was not an option. I was taught early that the world does not hand you anything, you have to earn it. As a result, I grew up believing that struggling emotionally meant I was being weak or ungrateful. At school, I began hearing a different message. Friends and teachers often talked about mental health as something important. However, I still ignored them and thought that message was for other students. I saw myself as a hardworking and dedicated student. Someone who always pushed through, no matter what. I did not believe I had the right to slow down, that I did not have that type of time. Everything changed one day when I had a breakdown at school. My vice principal, a kind and observant woman, noticed that something was seriously wrong and sent me home. She called it a “mental health day.” I had never heard that term before. She encouraged me to go home, take a shower, watch a movie, and allow myself to just be still. At first, I did not know how to relax but I tried. And to my surprise, I started to feel lighter, even if just for a moment. That day became a turning point. I realized that taking care of my mind was just as important as chasing academic success. Since then, I learned to give myself permission to pause. I now take five minute breaks when pressure builds. I check in with myself instead of ignoring my emotions. These small steps have improved my relationships with others and made me a better communicator. They have also sharpened my focus and determination as I work toward my career goals. I still carry the values my family taught me hard work, perseverance, humility but I have learned to balance those with compassion for myself. Mental health is no longer something I deny or ignore. It's a vital part of my success and my story. I have learned that it's okay to sit down for a second as long as you stand back up stronger. Taking care of my mental health has not only helped me survive, it's helped me thrive, and I carry that strength into everything I pursue.

Rugby is more than just a sport to me, it’s a family. I first realized this when I was struggling to find my place. Before COVID, I got caught up in the pressure to win and prove myself. I pushed myself to the limit, trying to lead by example, believing that my worth depended on being in first place. Losing felt like failure, and over time, I lost sight of what I truly loved about rugby: the freedom, aggression, and the community. When the pandemic hit, I realized how much I missed rugby, practices, and my teammates. I started to mature and understand that rugby isn’t just about victories, it’s about the bond it creates and the connection it fosters. That’s when I rediscovered my love for the sport, not for the scoreboard, but for the way it made me feel part of something much bigger. A coach noticed my passion and invited me to train at a rugby academy. At first, I was intimidated. Back at my club, I had been one of the top players, but here I was starting at the bottom. I wasn’t the best anymore, but I embraced the challenge. Surrounded by athletes who shared the same drive and passion, I learned that rugby is about more than individual performance. It’s about being part of a team where the strength of the group lifts up each member. Rugby became my anchor during a time when my family couldn’t fully support my journey. Growing up in Riverside, my parents weren’t able to attend my games or practices, and they didn’t have the resources to help me chase my dreams. My dad worked long hours, and with only one car, I often ran to practice. I didn’t ask for money for gear or travel because I knew my family was doing their best. But my rugby family stepped in. Teammates gave me rides, their families made sure I had meals during tournaments, and they celebrated every victory with me as if it were their own. When my parents couldn’t be at my graduation, my rugby team surprised me with a celebration. Those moments showed me what rugby family truly means by support, love, and lifting each other up when it feels like the world isn’t giving you much. This community of people has shaped who I am today. Now, as a sophomore in college, I’m living a reality I once thought was impossible. Growing up in Riverside, where many kids fall into the same cycle, I never imagined playing rugby in college. But thanks to rugby, I’ve experienced new places, met incredible people, and opened doors I never thought would be there. I’m now playing at a high level with a scholarship, a testament to all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the sport. Rugby has shown me that there is so much more than the life I knew in Riverside, and it’s given me the courage to reach for dreams I once thought were out of reach. Looking forward, I want to carry the values I’ve learned from my rugby family into my college career. My goal isn’t just to play rugby at a higher level, but to continue growing in an environment where teamwork, discipline, and hard work are celebrated. I want to be part of a team that holds each other accountable, challenges each other to improve, and builds each other up, just like my rugby family did for me. I know that being part of such a team will help me succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

I’m very involved in my community. I like to find opportunities to help and serve my local community. On holidays, our garden club sets up community serves by cleaning our beautiful city called Riverside! We post it all over social media and get as many volunteers as we can to help. After a fun and good time we reward our volunteers with food. It‘s always a fun time keeping our city clean. I’m also president of the American Sign language Club! I serve my community by spreading awareness of the Deaf culture and teach students how to sign. Since my school doesn’t offer sign language as a class; a couple of my C.O.D.A friends (child of deaf parents) and I started up the club to let those who are interested in learning more about the awesome deaf community! On top of this I’m part of my school’s leadership club. I enjoy bringing the hype to our leadership so that we can spread it to our school. As we know, “monkey see monkey do” meaning the energy starts with us the leadership group. We set up events for our students and to try to keep everyone envolved! There’s always laughter and a surprise in our rally’s! The city and schools of Riverside know that John W. North High School is a school with spirit and diversity! During holidays my family and I like to make lots of food to distribute it to the homeless. It feels good to know that I can feed someone’s stomach and hopefully bless their day! As an athlete I enjoy winning. I joined this brand new academy called EIRA with other amazing athletes hoping to build a great team for the future. We trust the program to help close the gap between hidden talent and developing the next generation. We are making the foundation of the program and it’s going very well. We have worked our ways to be able to travel to Ireland and play against the Irish. Many of our girls were able to showcase their talent and hard work and it truly paid off. We defeated the Irish and before we knew it, the word was spread throughout the United States and college recruiters. EIRA has brought recruitment, knowledge, and opportunities to unknown rugby players and the most elite athletes. I know that the generation that goes through the program EIRA will have a successful future.

Everyone has hardships in their lives. I have always found myself a few steps behind the normal typical American Family. I'm a first generation child with uneducated spanish speaking parents. I had to learn English while also learning the subject in school. I had to learn how to translate, memorize my mom's passwords, save money even if I wanted something nice, and be that adult while barely turning 10. As a young child I had to do things differently. I worried about how I was going to get to school, how I was going to pay for my field trip, and other things a kid should be outside having fun with. As I am now older, I believe the way I grew up has brought me a greater good. I am a smart kid, who thinks about the pros and cons of every situation, who knows what to buy and what to no waste a dime in, I am trilingual (I learned American Sign Language), I am an athlete, and I am a great communicator. These hardships brought the better and updated version of myself. I used to believe that because I was behind on the income, or my parents couldn't speak English, or because I couldn't get extra help on homework at home that I wasn't going to make it far in life. I'm in a good mindset right now, I know my financial situation is the only thing holding me back from going to the university I desire. I'm still going to find a way to make it but helping me with finance is going to make my path a little easier. I have overcame adversity in my life even though I'm still walking on that lane.

My favorite hobbies are observing humanity and collecting data. I like to back up my theories on random things humans tend to do. For example most right handed people tend to have their calculators on the left side of their desk and their phones on the right side of the table. Ambidextrous people prefer to use their left hand/foot in sports because it makes it harder for right hand/foot athletes to defend them. People who catch themselves spacing out just try and continue to space out.

About a 6 year ago, around Christmas time I wanted to go out of my way to get my mother a Christmas present because she is the love of my life and she works so hard. I found a hair straightener and thought it would be the perfect gift. I wanted my mom to get hair done because at the time I broke it our old one. When I was about to pay I was 6 dollars off and the cashier decided to pay the rest. I was really thankful and felt like the world was on my side. I don’t give back to the world with money but I give back with kindness. Sometimes I hand out people some cards saying “just know you are a special person and I’m glad I was able to let you know”. Sometimes people have bad days and a random act of kindness can give a smile to a stranger.

Enjoy every moment right? I didn’t know what that meant when I was a little kid. Everyday was forever! I would make up the next morning without worrying about reality since I was a naive child. I’m now 17 years old and ever since the pandemic started I eventually learned that the simplest things matter. One time I went for a walk in nature and looked around and felt peace in me. I stood in green beautiful grass with flowers and a blue beautiful sky. It felt like paradise. Nature makes me really happy and I know everyone sees nature everyday. Just laying down and feeling the cold breeze against your skin is so magical.

Who know sports can be the best therapy? Sports have positively impacted my life because it my get away from society! When I’m playing a sport I feel free and happy. It also keeps me fit in a very fun way. My parents unfortunately do not like sport. Weird right? Well it’s because they grew up in poverty, working to earn a small piece of bread in their plate. As adults now they don’t want anything to do with sports. I have to find my rides to and from practice and games. It’s okay tho. The support is there from my friends and coaches!

Ever since I have been traveling with my rugby team, I have met incredible people who show courage, integrity, and humility. When my team decided to hang out with these other teams we all decided to go to the city in Indiana. As we were all driving to our destination. We stopped at a red light and this old man was crossing the street seemed to have a heavy bag, sweating and was walking slow. So one of our teammates got off the car and offered him water and held his stuff as they both crossed the street. Then we decided to drive him home which was like 2 minutes away! Then we all felt touched by heart and went to the city and had fun!!

A new technology im excited for that has been on minds of creators is the eye spy. This idea is a load of technology spaced into an eye contact. It’s supposed to be able to record, zoom in, change colors for fun, identify people, and take pictures. I don’t know how this idea will be safe but I’m very excited to know that it’s somewhat a possibility.

Generosity based on definition means the quality to be kind and generous. Generosity is when someone cares and wants to make someone else’s day by showing an act of Kindess that can mean the world to someone else.

The wisest thing I have ever heard was to stop stressing because everything will work out, you just haven’t reached that point in life.

My dream for the future is to become a dental hygienist while playing rugby. As a dental hygienist, caring for people’s teeth and educating the young minds is something I love. As well as rugby! A great sport that can bring and take in Anyone from any size. The sport is really an open ground for anyone willing to try it. It brings a new family, support system, it’s fun, and it keeps you humble. It really brings people together because doing something you both enjoy and growing together can really make life lasting friendships. I hope In group the sport of rugby so that I can bring a rugby community closer and being able to do all these fun stuff with them would definitely be a dream of mine.

At the end of the day it really is all mental! Sometimes I struggle and that’s okay. My mental health is bipolar as well it makes me cry , mad, excited happy and neutral! It has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in a positive way. Usually mental health isn’t a subject talked about. It felt trapping sometimes because having all these emotions and ways of behavior made me not seem like anyone cared or I was just unstable. But when my school provide supper and showed they cared my mental health boosted. They taught me that it’s okay to feel different sometimes. I changed that unstable mindset into something bigger, motivational and that’s how I’m currently work with. A great mindset that will positivity shape my goals and relationships. My emotions provide motivation for me. Sometimes I don’t understand how I continue striving but I know that one day everything I worked for will pay off.

My favorite artist is Russ. Listening to his songs is inspiring and always leaves me amazed. A good song is one that comes from the heart, but mentally he’s just trying to get out.

“If you want it, work for it” is my motivational quote. This quote has actually inspired me to start working out again because I want to be faster, stronger, and fitter for my sport rugby. I complain but hypocrite me still works for it because I Want It. Due to the corona-virus, the whole world was at lock down, and It was cool for me because I was able to stay home and finally relax from sports. Soon enough, a week went by, and I was not getting any exercise in. My whole body started feeling weird, and I felt like I was losing my fitness. I decided that I should start working out again. So I searched on Google for a quote that would motivate me to begin. “If you want it, work for it” was simple and straight to the point. It brought ideas to my head telling me that if I begin now and when quarantine is over ill be greater than whom I used to be. I started working out in April, simply by running a mile every other day. Then I started doing 15 minute work-outs at night by June. In July, I started doing 30-minute exercises and running in the morning. My fitness level was increasing and I felt confident. In August, I decided to follow a workout plan by Chloe Tings and continue to run every week day in the morning. I followed the exact same schedule until November. A week or so in November, My academy started having practices every other Sunday. This reminded me of what I loved. I was losing motivation to work out because I didn't have anything to look forward too. Luckily, I did not give up because workouts became part of my schedules. In November and December I started working hard on fitness. Running longer, hitting core and working hard. In January, I had a New Year's resolution which was to be stronger, faster, and fitter. I still go by this quote because I want to be better, therefore I work for it. It's not an easy journey, and I'm still not where I want to be, but I'm thankful I did not give up. This quote has inspired me to pursue my goals in sports because I am passionate about Rugby. This quote is not only on my physical fitness because I work hard in school so that I could have opportunities in my dream college.

The woman I admire the most is my mom. She doesn't work, she didn't break a record, she doesn't drive in the freeway, she hasn't finished high school, but she is an intelligent joyful woman. In Society's perspective a mom's bare minimum job is to provide for their child. My mom's love has impacted me completely because I know that she is always there for me. She always reminds me to do good, stay calm, don't offend, don't hold grudges, love others, and most importantly treat others how you want to be treated. My mom did not get opportunities that I have now. I want to finish high school strong, attend a 4-year college, then go to dental school to get “the Master of Science in Dentistry.” My mom is proud of everything I do and encourages me to always do better. When I'm crying over a math problem I simply cannot solve, she goes out of her way and makes me a simple snack. Even sometimes, she hugs me or tries to help me out. I understand she is not the smartest person in math, but she sure wants me to understand that she cares and her arms are always open for me. My mom is a housewife. She is always cooking, cleaning, serving, and being company to our apartment. I understand she loves serving us, but it's not something I want to do in my future. She asks me that if I want to end up like her or take advantage of the opportunities I have. For your information we are a poor family, so my mom teaches me how to spend my money right, spot a fraud, don’t eat out often, and save money. In my potential career will be in Dentistry. I want to help people who don't have confidence in their smile, who cannot pay for a dental care crisis, or someone who wants to have a check-up every 6 months. My mom struggles with her teeth because they aren't the strongest anymore, she probably has a cavity, but she has to put up with is because she cannot afford a dental care. We have insurance for my siblings and I but she and my father do not. In conclusion, my mom is the reason I strive to do better. I want to show her that she raised an amazing child. Her teeth problems only add another reason why I want to become a dentist. She is always there for me and shows me that everything is going to be okay. Her little home lessons can make a difference in my life. I admire my mom because she is a beautiful soul.