Growing up as a first-generation scholar inevitably exposed me to challenges. While I agree that it is important to talk about first-generation hardships, what is often overlooked are the strengths that come with being first-generation. As I am days away from graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a major in Psychological and Brain Sciences and double minors in Applied Psychology and Spanish, my journey has only taught me resilience and gratitude. In fact, I consider gratitude to be my greatest strength. My gratitude begins with my Mexican immigrant parents, who sacrificed their dreams so I could pursue mine. My dad, being the only provider in my family, has spent countless days working under the sun making sure people's gardens are beautiful. Yet, I have never heard him complain about his calloused hands and aching body. Instead, he only asks my brother and me, “What else do y'all need?” Although my parents were unable to guide me through the educational system, I always had a warm plate of food and the necessary school supplies to carry out my projects. I have never lacked the essentials, and for that I am grateful. They taught me lessons you cannot learn inside a lecture hall, like humility, empathy, and the value of serving others. Everything I am and hope to become is grounded in their sacrifices and unconditional support. I have chosen to honor their sacrifices by dedicating my education to helping others. This drive is what led me to further my education in psychology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico this fall in Mexico City. Being Mexican and bilingual, I find that this experience will be academically and personally rewarding. It will not only strengthen my understanding of psychology and reconnect me with my roots, but also allow me to learn directly from the communities I hope to serve as a professional. I am confident that studying abroad will expand my cultural knowledge and competence, which is necessary in order to effectively support people of diverse backgrounds. While abroad, I will be interning as a youth counselor for at-risk children and adolescents on the outskirts of Mexico City. More than anything, I hope to create a space where they feel seen, supported, and empowered to believe in their own dreams. As a low-income student, pursuing this opportunity has not been easy and required careful planning. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate the financial barriers associated with studying abroad and allow me to immerse myself in the experience without the burden of financial stress. It would help me dedicate my time and energy to serving the children and adolescents I will be working with. I also hope to use a portion of the support to provide enriching experiences and tools that will promote their well-being. Ultimately, I hope to encourage them to dream beyond their circumstances, just as I have been fortunate enough to do.