My grandfather's name was Pilgrim. Our names create the path we live. He was the embodiment of a devotee, weary traveler with the faith of a child. Though my time with him was measured in the brief first six years of my life, the lessons learned on love will remain always. My Puerto Rican grandfather was a simple man - third grade education, sanitation worker, coffee and bread devourer, and admirer of sunsets; yet in his unadorned life, he held the power of unconditional love and compassion for everyone. I remember feeling jealous of his attention and kindness to others. His presence was well regarded – prince and pauper alike, there was no difference. Pilgrim was a large man in frame – six foot, two inches, a greasily bear’s skin, calloused hands, and emerald green eyes, the kindest I have ever known. His animated demonstrations of love meant everything to me. I have a clear image of him at pick up, a patient sentinel, calling for me in Spanish, "where's the professor?" then upon seeing me, saying, "there he is!” and with one arm, swoop me up on to his shoulders and walk us back to his Chevy van. I learned many years later about his challenging and abusive childhood and how he left the island in search for work and stability. Education was never an option due to his familial responsibilities. He held numerous strenuous jobs, from cattle farm hand to dishwasher. Pilgrim reprimanded me once for not sharing a treat. He told me later, "never deny food to anyone, you must always give without hesitation." I understand now that he was attempting to teach me to act from a place of abundance. It is an easy way to show love for others. He taught me to love fearlessly.

Having the foresight and faith to take risks is one of my biggest personal finance lessons learned thus far. Warren Buffett said it best when he stated that “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago” (Buffet,1991). The risk factor must, to some extent, be calculated, but the greatest message in his quote is derived from the image of the tree’s shade – that which others can benefit and enjoy due to someone’s seed of faith which involved risk and eventually provided the gains. As an attorney in the making, I can honestly say that my goals are set high, as it will be essential for me to make specific decisions that will include the assurance of benefiting others. It is true that growth does not happen smoothly, it often means that one must go against the grain of things to reach optimal potential. Risks come in many ways – from taking the first step toward a dream, to having a difficult conversation with peers and family. I feel I cannot fulfill the purpose of my life without stepping outside of comfort and predictability. Being calculating means understanding the “why” you are doing what you do and the ability to translate that for others in a comprehensive and relative way. As an attorney who will advocate for others and seek justice and rehabilitation, it will be job to rest fears and doubt in others to the best of my ability. It will be my job to say, through my actions, “trust me”. As the saying goes, “price is what you pay, value is what you get”, it takes a moral and ethical mindset to manage the risk factor with finances and the investment in yourself for the benefit of others.

My goal is to atttend law school and become a successful lawyer. Success will be measured by my presence and advocacy for others. This may require a master's degree, a doctorate, or perhaps years of internships or volunteer service. Law school has been a more viable goal for me as I near close to the start of my college experience. I'm not sure exactly what type of law I want to study in yet, as I am keeping my mind open to the many changes in perception that occur during college. I have mentioned environmental law and its pressing demand, now more than ever, but I have also felt inclined towards criminal and restorative justice practices. I do know the field as a whole will allow me opportunities to help people in need, which is something that has always interested me. Whether that be in the criminal justice field or business, I think there's always room for more lawyers that can help break down our sometimes complex and confusing systems of law. My mother tells me stories of how difficult it was for my grandparents to maneuver themselves in this country with very little ability to speak English and almost non-existent understanding of what it would mean to be property owners, business owners, or manage their finances. She has shared with me the countless losses through swindlers and people who simply took advantage of immigrants to this country attempting to raise a family and understand how the law worked. I want to be an interpreter of our country's laws and regulations for its citizens or people who are seeking citizenship and their benefits. I do believe every small action makes a difference to a greater good and I will try my best to make sure I contribute to those differences.

My work ethic and perseverance are two qualities that I value a lot in myself. The jump I took from my public elementary school to Berkeley Carroll as my private middle through high school challenged those two qualities as growth became the only option. At Berkeley Carroll I went from being the top of my class in grades to an average and in some classes below-average student. The standard for learning was immediately raised and instead of a group mentality for progression a more independent approach was adopted. In this method kids who understood the topic or had passion in learning it were allowed to move slightly ahead. This, though very unnatural to me, promoted a healthy competition in education which has lasted me throughout my middle through high school experience. On top of a change in classroom dynamic and overall school culture I also was forced to get used to being a minority at a majority white private institution. I had to learn where my background and ethnicity could help me approach certain conversations and topics differently as well as where to avoid being put in certain situations that labeled me as a token sign of diversity. Though it was definitely a change from the community I was raised around I am very grateful I was given the opportunity through financial aid to attend the private institution that I have spent the majority of my educational life at. I learned how to feel like I belonged in the community, how to make my own mark at the school and stop feeling as if I was just a charitable token for diversity at a majority white institution. I'm sure I can use the experience of being thrown into the sometimes confusing but beneficial private institution community to navigate any type of field in which I choose to join in the future, whether that be academically or professionally. Those same qualities were also challenged when it comes to the covid pandemic which I’m sure had a similar effect on most people who had to learn how to adapt a new lifestyle given the circumstances as well as maintain their own physical and mental health. I had to find a new sense of self-motivation which I didn’t have before, motivation that allowed me to develop new strategies for getting work done and finding success through the pandemic. This was especially a struggle during the quarantine portion of the pandemic, finding the time to get fresh air, exercise, and just clear my head from the day. I tried my best to continue these daily routines as they helped me find a sense of normalcy through the craziness of the pandemic. Through that I found success in school, being able to achieve honor roll throughout all of the semesters. I was able to clear my mind from school work and stress through staying fit and playing lots of basketball. I certainly am ecstatic that we have progressed much further on in our handling of the pandemic, but a lot of the routines and lessons learned from persevering through the pandemic will certainly continue on with me in many other aspects of my life. I think the circumstances in which the world has already thrown at my generation as well as the specific communities in which I've already navigated give me the fundamentals in which to adapt to the many different paths I will go down in my life.

I can admit to physical sports activities, playing video games, or debating political topics as some of my great passions, but in fact, I have to admit that I am passionate about practicing patience. Patience, I believe, is motivated by our desire for inward and outward peace and to be present for self and others. As an impatient child, I can recall my mother's gentle forbearance and calmness when explaining why matters took time. However, the young mind desires immediate results and forgets that details matter or that there might be something great to pausing at your impulsivity. I truly believe that listening to the advice of my elders and the experiences of my parents trained me to be more reflective and less reactive. As I venture into my higher education and anticipate the stress of due dates, readings, and assignments, I know I will adopt the gentle tolerant perspective gifted from my mother to endure. Gentle forbearance may feel difficult—even contrived—because it doesn’t constitute true acceptance of how things truly are. But it is nonetheless a critical component of patience as it helps with pausing long enough to determine the most skillful action for the moment. And I will anchor my attention on what is the call of the day instead of swimming in a pool of what tomorrow will bring and the million what ifs. Being patient has allowed me to be a better friend, student, athlete, and an overall better person. Patience has taught me the value of being more purposeful and careful with my words, especially with people whom I do not agree with. The presence that comes from taking a pause has taught me the value of time and the power that exists within me.

My goal is to go to law school and become a successful lawyer and by successful, I mean that everyday I am present at work with the aim of being of service for others and their well being. I want to become an expert in my field, whatever that may be, and I recognize how much work that will take. Law school has been a goal for me as I begin my college experience. My inclination is towards environmental law and its pressing demand, now more than ever, but I also have an interest in criminal and restorative justice practices. I do know the field as a whole will allow me opportunities to help people in need. Whether that be in the criminal justice field or business, I think there's always room for more lawyers that can help break down our sometimes complex and confusing systems of law. My mother tells me stories of the challenges my grandparents had to maneuver themselves in this country with very little ability to speak English and almost non-existent understanding of what it would mean to be property owners and manage their finances. There were countless losses through swindlers and people who simply took advantage of immigrants attempting to raise a family and understand how the laws worked. She also shared with me great examples of people who did understand the laws of this country and came to the aid of my grandparents, with no ill intention. I want to be an interpreter of our country's laws and regulations for its citizens and people who are seeking citizenship. I believe every small action makes a difference to a greater good and I will try my best to make sure I contribute to those differences.

I have learned to appreciate the good fortunes given to me and humbly show my thanks by doing the best and showing my best everyday. Attending a prestigious private high school on a scholarship in Brooklyn, New York allowed me to see and be seen by some of the brightest and genuinely caring edcuators - a world, I know would have been kept from me had I remained in the public school system. However, the reality of my days would bring me back to a developing neighborhood where survival was and continues to be paramount. Trauma and hard unjust social rules showed a different world at the end of every day for me and with it images of addiction and loss. I thought for many years that this had to be the reason why my mother wanted me sheltered away in a safe and economically abundant educational institution so that I would be kept safe. It wasn't until my 10th grade year that I was beginning to understand hardlined social constructs that are based on prejuidices and racism especially seen in the segregation of education and affordable housing in my city. This was my turnaround when I became aware of my purpose. I was exposed to authors like Michelle Alexander and Bryan Stevenson when I began to think more critically about how our social constructs are connected and to define change. It is my desire to continue my studies further both politically and socially so as to better represent the people needing that change to happen. Equity is a word people use often now, but are unaware of how it is a charged word that keeps you accountable in all aspects of your life not just in the public realm or when you are debating a topic in a classroom.

Persistence is closely tied to conviction or belief. Being convinced of the power of your actions will make every effort given the attention and understanding that whay you are doing is correct and therefore develop strong skills and avoid the unskillful pathway. I was placed on an advanced track in math in the sixth grade which meant that my foundational skills in arethmatic had to be solid and I had to take on a creative and more fearless approach to algebraic equations and gleefully show work to peers and teachers. I was not prepared for this. In fact, I thought it was an error and cajoled my mother into speaking with the middle-school headmaster, which she did and joyously said that there was no error made, I did belong in that advanced track class. Knowing I could not disappoint my mother or teachers, I had no choice but to creat a plan and stick with it. That's when I realized (though I could not articulate it then) that the connection between conviction and persistence is based on what you believe and whom you believe in. My mother's faith in me fed the faith in myself which was challenging at times, especially when comparing my ability and self assuradness with that of my peers. Through a few low scores and test re-takes, I knew I was developing qualities that would be useful in bolstering persistence - I was, in truth, training my mind: try, fail, try again, and learn from your mistakes. Practicing the basics over and over allowed me to establish a strong mathematical foundation that propelled in me a more fearless perspective to be whimisical and creative in creating the algebraic equations that were expected of me. The connections among persistence and mindfulness lead me to value hard work.

As the child of a first generation American mother, I was raised with an understanding that nothing is to be taken for granted, not even an uncomfortable or unfortunate event, as these too offer insight and growth. Exposed to a strong work ethic and commitment to service, it became clear to me at a young age that whatever I do should be of service to others and offer to the good of this world. My goal is to major in philosophy and political science with the intention of attending law school. My aim is to become a successful lawyer and by successful, I mean that everyday I practice, I offer my advocacy or collaboration towards the benefit of a cause greater than me. I want to become an expert in my field, whatever that may be, and I recognize how much work that will take. This may require a master's degree, a doctorate, or perhaps years of internships or volunteer service in or out of this country.As I near the beginning of my college experience, I realize how swiftly time moves and therefore, I must become economical with my words and actions - focus on the benchmarks placed forward to manifest these ambitious goals. I'm not exactly sure what type of law I want to study yet, as I am keeping my mind open to the many changes in perception that occur during college. I have mentioned environmental law and its pressing demand, now more than ever, but I have also felt inclined towards the criminal and restorative justice practices. The skills I will learn in law school and in the early years of my practice can easily translate into alternative legal careers and possibly suggest ventures with representatives and leaders world wide. Whether that be in the criminal justice field or business, I think there's always room for more lawyers that can help break down our sometimes complex and confusing systems of law. My mother tells me stories of how difficult it was for my grandparents to maneuver themselves in this country with almost no ability to speak English and almost non-existent understanding of what it would mean to be property owners, business owners, or manage their finances. She has shared with me the countless losses through swindlers and people who simply took advantage of immigrants to this country attempting to raise a family and understand how the law worked. However, she has also shared with me great examples of people who did understand the laws of this country and came to the aid of my grandparents, even if it was to no economic gain on their part. I want to be an interpreter of our country's laws and regulations for its citizens or people who are seeking citizenship and their benefits. I hope to use these skills to have a positive effect on many people throughout my life and hope I can find personal passion in what I choose to do. I believe every small action makes a difference to a greater good and I will try my best to make sure I contribute to those differences.

The company you keep is said to reflect the characteristics of who you are and what you represent. However, the definition of friendship goes deeper than the the reflection of your character. Friends are both a part of it and a reflection of it. Work or school associates, sports teammates, companions in religious community – in all of these there is some degree of choice. You accept a job, join a team, or become a member of a social group; and you choose how closely to associate with the people in each group. Friendships are chosen beings that reflect a semblance to your character and pathway in life, even if you are not fully aware of why you gravitate towards specific people. At first our families encourage our socialization and connections to others. As we grow older, we tend to gravitate to those whom we find connections or similarities to and yet, the connections to others grow deeper as we begin to understand who we are and what we want to contribute to our lives and to those of others. One of my dearest friends, I met in kindergarten, and though middle and high school brought us to separate schools and circles, we managed to nurture and cultivate our friendship and even integrate others we met along the way. He will forever be a kindred spirit in my life, as I know I will be in his. In this instance, I understand friendship as a meeting of souls who meet and add a quality so unique and special to your life that the value of the connection goes deeper than similarities, but rather, the union of such souls add beauty and purpose to the life lead.

Patience, I believe, is motivated by our desire for inward and outward peace and to be present for self and others. As an impatient child, I can recall my mother's gentle forbearance and calmness when explaining why matters took time. However, the young mind desires immediate results and forgets that details matter or that there might be something great to pausing at your impulsivity. I truly believe that listening to the advice of my elders and the experiences of my parents trained me to be more reflective and less reactive. As I venture into my higher education and anticipate the stress of due dates, readings, and assignments I know I will adopt the gentle tolerant perspective gifted from my mother to endure. Gentle forbearance may feel difficult—even contrived—because it doesn’t constitute true acceptance of how things truly are. But it is nonetheless a critical component of patience as it helps with pausing long enough to determine the most skillful action for the moment. And I will anchor my attention on what is the call of the day instead of swimming in a pool of what tomorrow will bring and the million what ifs. Being patient has allowed me to be a better friend, student, athlete, and an overall better person. Patience has taught me the value of being more purposeful and careful with my words, especially with people whom I do not agree with. The presence that comes from taking a pause has taught me the value of time and the power that exists within me. Greater still is the fact that patience allows me to see things as they are and by accepting the agreeable and disagreeable aspects of life, I am not limited in wishing life differently. Life is great now.

I think maintaining a growth mindset is something that develops over time and always with a little agitation and discomfort. As the saying goes, nothing ever grows without some obstacle before it. For me the realization of the benefit to a growth mindset wasn’t something I was able to have until I started to push myself to step out of the mundane and regular routines in which I had developed. This came in the form of new relationships, practices, tendencies and, appreciations. I learned to realize that doing something enough times and putting a little effort, bit by bit into changing how I approached something could change my perception. Learning that you have the power to change something about yourself through a little bit of patience was something that was shocking to me, but after figuring it out, it became clear that returning to a fixed mindset would never make sense. I struggles with advanced math and language pathways but I understood the benefits and rewards that come from sticking to it and challenging my perceptions. I have made so many friends through pushing myself into what an old me would’ve considered an easily avoidable uncomfortable social situation. The same can be applied when it comes to my life as a student, realising that though a subject, lesson, theorem, or idea may not come as easy to me, just by putting in a little extra work, I can understand and enjoy many of the subjects and classes I would’ve considered my weak points just a few months ago. I hope to continue these routines and I know that maintaining my growth mindset will be integral in doing so.

In my opinion self-care starts with managing stress, something all humans deal with in some shape or form. The way in which you handle that stress is how you figure out what kind of self-care works for you. For me, basketball and physical activity has become an integral part to my self-care routine. This sport gives me a space to escape my own thoughts, to focus on each step I take as my feet hit the pavement, and feel one with the movement of the ball and my body. To watch the ball as it leaves my fingertips and the path it takes through the air on it’s way to the hoop is an ultimate example of being in the present moment. Basketball gives me a place where the concept of time becomes one long moment, hours pass like minutes, and at the end of it all I can feel transported and rejuvenated. This certainly doesn’t mean that basketball is or isn’t the answer for anyone else, it is just about finding the activity, tv show, music, book, exercise, that lets you escape to a place of your own. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a clean home, good hygiene and a good diet is certainly not gonna hurt and is something that I can definitely say helps me feel like I am taking good care of myself. But, as I said if there is one piece of advice I could offer for practicing self care it’s finding that past-time that makes you feel like you.

My grandfather's name was Pilgrim. And it is true that our names create the path we must live. I had him for only six brief years in my life and while some memories have faded, the love he shared with me and my brother will remain forever imprinted in my heart. My Puerto Rican grandfather was a simple man - third grade education, porter for thirty years in high rise apartments, coffee and bread devourer, and admirer of sunsets; and yet in his unadorned and plain way of living, he held the power of unconditional love and compassion in his heart for everyone, infact, for life itself. As his grandson, I would at times feel jealous that his attention and generosity existed for others too, not just me. But his animated demonstrations of love meant everything to me. I remember clearly when he'd pick me up from kindergarten, standing like a polar bear (he was six feet and two inches tall and had a head of white silver hair) waiting with arms wide open, calling for me, "where's the professor" and then "there's my professor" and with one arm swoop me up on to his shoulders and walk us back to his chevy van where he always had some kind of forbidden snack for me to enjoy and how'd we laugh. I learned many years later after he passed, about his challenging and abusive childhood and how he left the island to the US in search for work and stability. Education was never an option for him due to his responsibility of supporting his younger siblings and protecting his mother from an abusive husband. He held many physically demanding jobs, from cattle farm hand in Arkansas to dishwasher in a restaurant in hell's kitchen, New York City. I learned too that he carried a picture of his small childhood home in Puerto Rico and would share the story of his love for the fields and animals that always brought him joy. For six years of my life, my grandfather Pilgrim picked me up from school, fed me, and cared for me as my parents held down full-time jobs and full-time student responsibilities. He'd take me on "adventures" in that green chevy van, where no part of NYC and the five boroughs went unexplored. I recall his stories of his life and how'd he stop every now and then to listen to the news coming from the car radio. He'd interpret what the news casters were saying and tell me how important it was to be aware of what is happening in the world around you, even if it didn't affect you directly. Pilgrim helped everyone. It didn't matter if he just met a person, he'd offer support from a lift somewhere to food and money to whomever needed it. Pilgrim admonished me once for not sharing a treat I was given in the playground. He told me later in the van as we drove back home, "never deny food to anyone, you must always give, and give without hesitation." I understand now that he was attempting to teach me to think and act from an abundance mindset and avoid the scarcity pitfall. It is an easy way to show love for others. That was Pilgrim's gift to me - he taught me to love, to love fearlessly. He passed away in the summer of my seventh birthday, leaving many of his family heartbroken. He left behind an amazing example of how love can make life beautiful for yourself and more importantly for others.

Anchee Min's Red Azalea definitely stands out when I think about inspiring books that I’ve read; it is a book of perseverance, struggle and frustration. It follows the early life of Anchee as she lives through the tailend of Mao Zedong's cultural revolution in China. The book discusses complex ideas of sexuality, intimacy, and the erotic in a time where those ideas were controlled and banned by the government, casted away as contrary to the benefit of society. Anchee was unable to write this book until her move to the U.S. much later and divorced from that time in her life. And yet, her composition with carefully chosen words dispels her experience with precision and exactness. It is as much of a success and coming of age story as it is a story of insurmountable conflicts without solutions. From labor camps to opera theaters, her role in China's communist society continued to transition and change with little societal weight and recognition. Thoughts become dangerous, minds became prisons and malleable dispensable things. It had me reflect on America's entitlement and privilege as we live in our simple and underappreciated freedom to ask questions, make mistakes, and hold opinions of our own. The basic freedoms are truly the great ones we take for granted. What made Anchee's story truly inspiring was the universal truth of perseverance. The fact that she endured calamities and obstacles to make it to America, teach herself how to speak english, almost immediately start to write her story is an example of the soul's need to survive and live its life. She found the strength to see through the torture and muddy waters to get to the place where her purpose in life could unfold and live what it is meant to live. This is remarkable.

In the fifth grade, I was told I had a "gift of gab" that caught everyone's attention and made both peers and teachers listen, if only for a little while. One of my greatest assets has been my ability to rely on words and use their strength in meaning and implication to encourage others to listen. It is natural for me to want to know everything possible - from the smallest details to the general big picture - when something really sparks my interest. From sports stats to the latest senate debates, when I care about something, I make it my job to investigate and understand it thoroughly. I know that with further research and astute listening I can build an amazing argument or case for or against a matter and entice a rebuttal from anyone. The less information there is on a subject matter the more I am motivated to learn everything about it. As I enter my higher educational journey where others like me will have a similar drive to discuss and debate, I am certain that purposeful research will demand I choose words carefully and by doing so, learn the art of diplomacy and balance. It is pointless to want to discuss or argue for argument's sake. No one likes a "know it all" and I will certainly never sell myself as one. No, instead, I will need to improve my understanding of purpose and commitment. It will be necessary for me to develop a stronger knowledge of my audience and understanding of the reason behind my words - who do they support and who do they condemn? Having the ability to use words to advocate, encourage and inspire is a beautiful gift, one I will continue to cultivate and share with the world.

I am fortunate enough to be grounded in a healthy perspective regarding finances. A healthy understanding of money and its purpose is imperative in a child's life. My parents, both educators and both coming from poor working class homes, encouraged my brother and I to speak freely about work and income, as well as ask questions about monetary gain and investing. This is not to say that there was financial abundance in our family, but there existed an ease to discuss how to make wise decisions by modeling work ethic valuing educaiton, and investing in experiences over gifts. I have adopted my understanding of finance to my college application process. Simply put, measure out the gains and losses. I believe that by taking the time to sit with a major decisions in life that requires any form of monetary expenditure in a mindful manner will always lead you to the right choice, even if it may not appear as one at the start. I want to gauge the level of education to the cost of attendance, compare acceptance and gradutiona rates, and reserach opportunities for graduate and professional internships while an undergrad at the school; all of which can support making fiscally responsible risk or investment. The jump I took from my public elementary school to my private middle-high school has had a major effect on my educational ambitions which have become especially evident as I look towards my college experience. At Berkeley Carroll I went from being the top of my class in grades to an average and in some classes. even below-average student. The standard for learning was immediately raised and instead of a group mentality for progression, a more independent approach was adopted. I feel prepared to tackle challenges of financing my higher educaiton forward.

The time spent engaged in online learning due to the pandemic taught me much about successful study strategies. In a time where everyone had to adapt to a new style of living, finding academic success was one of the struggles presented to students. However, with the support of mindful planning, I figured out a strategy that worked for me. The first step was developing new habits and routines, that was in both my daily life and educational/school life. I had to find a new sense of self-motivation which I didn’t have before, motivation that allowed me to develop a sense of curiosity and genuine focus when everything around me seemed bleek and lifeless. This started with setting time and space aside everyday to focus on completing homework or studying for future tests/quizzes. And to make that time for studying and getting work done as efficient and natural as possible it was important for me to find time to get outside and exercise everyday. Though the pandemic provided a very specific set of circumstances, I know that this balance of work, relaxation, and exercise will continue within me throughout most of my educational career. Even today it is so important for me to find time to get outside, play basketball, run or just engage in exercise of any kind to get the blood flowing and clear the mind. Physical movement permits the body be in its natural way and supports the mind to re-engage with more sedatery activities with ease. Also, a good playlist of music does not hurt.

I hope to be seen more than anything else as a person who was always present and attentive. Yes, I desire great academic and financial success in my life - relish in the rewards of years of unwavering focus and dedication. However, I don’t want all of that to distract from my relationships. I want my family, friends, and loved ones to remember me as a genuine person. I love traveling and going on vacations with the people I love, sharing and remembering the experiences for many years to come. I want to be able to do that with as many people as possible as I grow older and begin to have the financial ability to do so. It's not the locations or expenses given, it is, as my grandmother always says, about the "sharing of stories and laughter that matter most". I want to be remembered for all the different experiences I’ve had with people in my life. Most importantly when embarking on those experiences I want to spend as much of that time disengaged from the stress of life and any other things that may be going on and just focus on the experience itself. To be remembered for my respect and courtesy for others is the goal. I was raised with the importance of cordial actions and kindness. I want to get to a point where I can help out others financially as well as be there for them emotionally. There is certainly not just one characteristic I want to be remembered for; but I hope to always be known for sticking true to who I am and what I wanted to be and if at the end of it all people remembered my presence and I how I made them feel, than I would be happy.

My work ethic and perseverance are two qualities that I value in myself. The jump I took from my public elementary school life to Berkeley Carroll school for middle through high school challenged those two qualities. Growth became the only option. At Berkeley Carroll I went from being the top of my class in grades to an average and in some classes below-average student. The standard for learning was immediately raised and instead of a group mentality for progression a more independent approach was adopted. In this method students who understood the topic or clearly demonstrated self motivation and zeal for learning were allowed to move slightly ahead. This, though very unnatural to me, promoted a healthy competition in my learnig that has endured to this day. On top of a change in classroom dynamics and overall school culture I also had to grapple with being a minority at a majority white private institution. I had to learn where my background and ethnicity could help me approach certain conversations and topics differently as well as where to avoid being put in certain situations that labeled me as a token sign of diversity. Though it was definitely a change from the community I was raised in, I am very grateful I was given the opportunity through financial aid to attend the private institution that has helped shape my ideologies and character as a student for the majority of my educational life. I learned how to feel like I belonged in the community, how to make my own mark at the school and stop feeding the self depricating thoughts of being a charitable token for diversity at a majority white institution. I'm sure I can use the experience of being thrown into the sometimes confusing but beneficial private institution community to navigate any type of field in which I choose to join in the future, whether that be academically or professionally. These same qualities were challenged during the covid pandemic, which I’m sure had a similar effect on most people who had to learn how to adapt, even if temporarily, to a new lifestyle given the circumstances as well as maintain their own physical and mental health. I had to find a new sense of self-motivation, which I didn’t have before, motivation that allowed me to develop new strategies for getting work done and finding a sense of accomplishment in the little things. This was especially a struggle during the quarantine portion of the pandemic. Finding the time to get fresh air, exercise, and just clear my head from the day required creativity and diligence. I tried my best to continue these daily routines as they helped me find a sense of normalcy through the craziness of the pandemic. Through that I found success in school, being able to achieve honor roll throughout all of the semesters. I was able to clear my mind from school work and stress through staying fit and playing lots of basketball. I certainly am ecstatic that we have progressed much further on in our handling of the pandemic, but a lot of the routines and lessons learned from persevering through the pandemic will certainly continue on with me in many other aspects of my life. I think the circumstances in which the world has already thrown at my generation as well as the specific communities in which I've already navigated give me the fundamentals in which to adapt to the many different paths I will go down in my life.

Anchee Min’s Red Azalea definitely stands out when I think about inspiring books that I’ve read; it is a book of perseverance, struggle and frustration. It follows the early life of Anchee as she lives through the tailend of Mao Zedong's cultural revolution in China. The book discusses complex ideas of sexuality, intimacy, and the erotic in a time where those ideas were controlled and banned by the government, casted away as contrary to the benefit of society. Anchee was unable to write this book until her move to the U.S. much later and divorced from that time in her life. And yet, her composition with carefully chosen words dispells her experience with precision and exactness. It is as much of a success and coming of age story as it is a story of insurmountable conflicts without solutions. From labor camps to opera theaters, her role in China's communist society continued to transition and change with little societal weight and recogniton. Thoughts become dangerous, minds became prisons and malleable dispensible things. It had me reflect on America's entitlment and privilage as we live in our simple and underappreciated freedom to ask questions, make mistakes, and hold opinions of our own. The basic freedoms are truly the great ones we take for granted. What made Anchee's story truly inspiring was the univeral truth of perseverance. The fact that she endured calamities and obstacles to make it to America, teach herself how to speak english, almost immediately start to write her story is an example of the soul's need to survive and live its life. She found the strength to see through the torture and muddy waters to get to the place where her purpose in life could unfold and live what it is meant to live. This is remarkable.

For seventeen years of my life, I spent two weeks of each summer in Summit Lake, an unincorporated town in Northern Wisconsin. A place where city kids would probably not feel comfortable. Trading comfort for vulnerability and adventure, not every kid's idea of a vacation. But the sound of silence and natural acoustics are part of my experiences which have bolstered a deeper understanding of how I am connected to the natural world. There is nothing more beautiful than the sounds of nature's orchestra with its wrens, morning doves, leaves on tall branches and trees, the lake water softly tickling the rocky shore and the crackeling of last night's fire. More than a part of my childhood, Northern Wisconsin has come to respresent my groundedness and reminder of how we are all connected to eachother and the natural world. I traveled to Peru and Ecuador where my mother’s family comes from and was exposed to majestic mountains, vegetation, and animals native to the Andeas. Beyond feeling humbled I was reminded of that connection and understood the power of what was around me. Hiking Cotopaxi in Ecuador made me feel small, my thoughts irrelevant, the present moment - everything . That's what nature demands of you - the surrender to now. We flew into the Galapagos Island and witnessed the protection of undisturbed land and it's animals' habitat. I swam in gentle clean waters and dried off on white pebbled sand. I thanked the world for showing me its beauty. I realized that after seventeen years visiting northern Wisconsin, that familiar and yet distant place felt like home. My family's insistence in being in nature and silence instiled in me a reverance for the natural world and a cynism for the materialistic.

Having been raised by a strong independent Latina mother who has taught me the value of one’s word, character, and kindness through her actions, I have had few obstacles interrupt my trajectory. But the last few years have jarred and jolted me in ways, I am sure, it has so many under such immediate and sudden changes due to the pandemic. The impact felt by the covid-19 pandemic world-wide has left no stone unturned, whether in direct mortality or significant economic devastation, no one can debate the way we move forward has forever changed. However, the racial injustice and power inequities unveiled in the United States has further left an indefinable awareness and change in how we understand race, poverty, systemic discrimination. This shift has made us all ask the inevitable questions, "what do we do?" and "how can I make a difference?" The reality of how separate a nation we really are has come to light and in the details of that separateness we have felt the radical nature of a people lost in false ideology of isolation, marginalization, segregation, and entitlement. Further, what has been unearthed is the ridiculously tragic and embarrassing reality that the issues we are still protesting and fighting for - from climate change to body autonomy - are the same injustices and problems of our past. Yet, while the pull to feel overwhelmed is real, this generation seems to carry a vitality and belief that there can be answers to our problems and that injustices can end with one singular action that lead to a movement of change. As a native Brooklynite, I have witnessed a wave of gentrification that has aesthetically affected the infamous neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick but has also inspired organizations to support its native inhabitants to stay and keep their homes and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Through programs like Neighborhood Lift and IMPAACT, residents of historical sites in all five boroughs have been granted opportunities to become viable contenders in their own neighborhoods and keep outsiders or investors from overtaking and reclaiming family history and legacy. The pandemic highlighted our country's fragile and inequitable healthcare system with sky rocketing numbers of Black, Latino, and poor people dying from the disease over other social economic and racial groups. This disparity in healthcare, which includes mental wellness has mobilized communities in all boroughs to create greater access and facility to clinics, counseling, rehabilitation, and basic wellness centers for families and young children. Perhaps the greatest social justice emphasis, for me, has been the awareness and need for agency in climate change and the need to act globally to protect what remains of mother earth. It is the reason I am on a pre-law track to study environmental law and someday soon advocate for protection of the earth. Extreme weather across the country and world-wide has cost lives and basic ways of life for billions of people and native animals. Rising sea levels are already approaching communities and shifting and changing land mass affecting the survival of vegetation, animals and the cycle of life. Local jurisdictions are not as effective as federal ones, but recent reductions in emissions and greater uses of natural gas has made significant impacts in larger cities like New York. The optimism is palpable and invigoratingly contagious. I know that I will contribute to finding answers and being part of the solution to social justice everywhere.

We gravitate to the things of this world that offer comfort and connection. The mascot or pet has evolved from protection and status to an extention of our personalitie and family. And while the varitety of domesticated animals has widened, the dog remains the top animal to engage with as a member of one's family. Perhaps the greatest reason being is that it responds to human language and behavior as it aims to please, protect, and accompany with loyalty and enthusiasm. The cainine learned to work along side the human as it hunted, gathered, and ate for survival. Not much has changed, except the bartering includes love, compassion, and attention for the sake of our survial. Lucas, our American staffordshire or pitbull came into my life and left an indeniable mark that has shaped my understanding of unconditional love and committment. To own a dog in New York City can be tricky and require the owners to plan and strategieze practically all part of their lives - what streets to walk on, which ones to avoid, what pet shop to frequent, socializing, family time, and even where we choose to live. These choices become that much more difficult to manuver and balance when your dog is a pitbull adopted from a rescue shelter at the age of three with some learned new manners and tons of trauma induced impulses that require all of your attention to soothe and navigate. When I finally convinced my mother of my ability and maturaity to care for a dog I was ten years old. My mother lined up three appointments with dog shelters spread across the state of New York. She understood the need to compare and contrast before making a decision, I however, did not. The first shelter (a rehabilitation home for pitbulls) situated in the Catskills of New York, was where met Lucas and knew he was the one. When this brindled, muscular, large and goofy dog ran towards me and wagged his tale with fervor and might, I immediately said to my mother that he was our dog. Though she attempted to convince me otherwise and pleaded with me to keep an open mind, I would not budge. In deed, Lucas became our dog. This intimidatingly large pitbull that I named Lucas became our protector, companion, and loving friend until he died. We were tied at the hip. He'd grow sad at my daily departures and enthusiastically demonstate his love upon my return. My mother and I planned our trips around his needs and safety. Hiking became our favorite trips and reaching the summit with Lucas was an amazing treat. He didn't care for other dogs, children or other people - we were his all and he was ours. His patience showed me gratitude and the need to pay attention to the smaller things in life - these mattered most. His loyality and desire to please taught me what it meant to love unconditionally and to let go of expectations. We traveled and laughed, we experienced some scares and mishaps due to his impulses of growling, biting, and other protective negative behaviors, but we never questioned our love or bond. During the height of the pandemic before my 16th birthday, Lucas suddenly grew ill and was diagnosed with cancer. The hopes for recovery were dim and life with dignity would be compromised if surgery was chosen. My mother and I knew we needed to euthanize him - the hardest decision of my life. Lucas died on a Tuesday in early April of 2020. This was the greatest love of my life.

The only answer to this question is my mother. No one else rivals in their influence on who I am as a person today. Among many things her work ethic and determination are two qualities that I admire and hope to emulate in my life. She went to graduate school while working as a high school English teacher during the earlier years of my life. Sleepless nights, weekends in the library, and the mondaine responsiblities kept her overworked. And yet she assured dinner on the table every night, notes for my brother and I placed on our beds reminding us of her love and our chores, and daily homework checks. Even through some lean monetary years, she filled our home with abundance and light with her laughter and cooking skills. Her determination has fed my desire for academic success. Though I know I will walk a very different path than she, there is so much I take from how she works and lives to ensure my happiness in my chosen career and life. She embodies the ideology, “actions speak louder than words”, through her generosity, diligence, and bravery. I feel fortunate to have grown up with her and know her as mother and inspiration. I anticipate sadness as I transition to college - it will be tough for both her and I to adjust to our absence. I'm confident though that I will carry what she's taught me as a guiding light to remain genuine, curious and true.

This may be a popular answer for most people, but the COVID pandemic definitely provided a set of circumstances and new issues both mental and physical which I had not faced before. It began with first focusing on the virus itself, I began to be more intune with the political climate and news in my city, my country, and the world. Then the reality of loss blind slided me with the death of a neighbor and my dog, Lucas. The greatest challene came soon after - developing new habits and routines, that was in both my daily life and academic school life. I had to find a new way to bolster a sense of self-motivation which would allowe me to develop new strategies for getting work done and finding success through the pandemic. The pull towards lethargy and mindless routines became a temptation for many. I had to fight against it. This was especially a struggle during the height of the quarantine tim. Finding the time to get fresh air, exercise, and just clear my head from the bombardment of news was the challenge. I tried my best in creating exercise routines, meditation time, and longer strolls in the streets of Brooklyn. I was aiming at finidng a sense of normalcy and groundedness. Through these efforts I found success in school, being able to achieve honor roll in the year and a half of online learning. I was able to clear my mind from school work and stress through staying fit and playing tons of basketball. I certainly am ecstatic that we have progressed much further on in our handling of the pandemic, but a lot of the routines and lessons learned from persevering through the pandemic will certainly continue on with me in many other aspects of my life.

Among the many adventurous and adrenaline inducing activities on my bucket list extreme sports have the majority of spots on the list. Sports that I have done like cliff jumping, skiing, tubing, and water skiing continue to be some of my favorite pastimes. But, I definitely want to take them further, cliff jumping from taller heights, skiing on larger mountains, tubing and water skiing at faster speeds. As for activities that I haven't yet done, skydiving, bungee jumping and base jumping are definitely included on that list. When it comes to non-extreme activities, traveling holds another majority of spots in the list. I’ve always loved hiking. It's been something I’ve done with my mother at least once a year for as long as I can remember. I want to continue that tradition and hike even larger and more remote mountains. I also want to travel globally, a few years ago I did my first bit of traveling abroad; my mom and I traveled to Ecuador, then the Galapagos islands in a 2 week latin-american trip. We visited the country in which my mom and her family/ancestors are from so beyond just traveling outside of the US, the fact that it was in a place that contained so many people who looked like me and shared some of the same family history as me made it that much more special. I hope to continue this global traveling either through future work/educational opportunities or on my own time. I want to experience and learn about as many different cultures and traditions as I can for the rest of my life.

Listening and learning from the people around me has always been something really important in my life, as it is impossible to live life without the effect of others, influence is inevitable. Whether that be from parents, friends, family, teachers or even strangers, learning opportunities can present themselves in many different forms. Much of who I am today, habits, desires, work ethic, came from listening to others. In many instances it is perceived that the way to listen to others is by taking the advice that they give, but in many cases some of the most influential lessons I’ve received arrived through observation and presence. As the saying goes, "imitation can be the best form of flattery." This has become most apparent in my love for basketball, which started at a very young age. I’ve always been shorter than the rest of the players, underestimated and less confident. Very early on I wanted to quit, is discomfort is hard to face. That was until I learned how rewarding hard work could be. I gave in to the sport and the love for the sport solidified. Of all the hours spent playing, the times I remember most was having the ability to emulate a move, execute a play, hit a shot that someone told me I should take and make myself and others proud. The value of listening can take so many different forms and reward you in just as many ways. I wouldn’t have known that unless I listened to others say the same thing and they wouldn’t unless somebody told them. Listening is inevitable, but it is important to know why to listen, why to hear others out, regardless of if it may matter to you or not; to know the purpose of others' experiences is invaluable.

I think happiness and physical health go hand in hand in providing two different aspects of living a long and healthy life. Finding a physical activity, a sport, a form of motion, a form of physical expression can be so important. For me that has taken the form of basketball, football, working out or really any type of physical activity. Though basketball has always been the number one physical activity, I have ventured into water sports, hiking, and even running. Sport, competition and activity can be a way to escape your daily struggles, to refocus yourself mentally and to let out pent up energy. It's become a form of healthy and habitual resource for me. Infact, I struggle with overall wellness if I go a few days without some form of physical exercise. It has started to affect my mental health more and more and is something that I am so grateful. The fact that staying physically fit and healthy results in a more positive form of thinking is something I don’t take for granted. Ultimately, there is only so much you can do to maintain a natural healthy mind and physique as there are pitfalls and temptations that can veer you off path. I know that health and longevity is not by any means a one size fits all and that is why I enjoy hearing from others on their ways of maintaining physical and mental health; but I do believe everyone needs a healthy vice. Everyone needs somewhere, someone, something to go to, to recollect and recover. My parents have instilled in me the desire to live a healthy life style and support others in searching for theirs.

I hope to be seen more than anything else as a person who was always present and attentive. Yes, I desire great academic and financial success in my life - relish in the rewards of years of unwavering focus and dedication. However, I don’t want all of that to distract from my relationships. I want my family, friends, and loved ones to remember me as a genuine person. I love traveling and going on vacations with the people I love, sharing and remembering the experiences for many years to come. I want to be able to do that with as many people as possible as I grow older and begin to have the financial ability to do so. It's not the locations or expenses given, it is, as my grandmother always says, about the "sharing of stories and laughter that matter most". I want to be remembered for all the different experiences I’ve had with people in my life. Most importantly when embarking on those experiences I want to spend as much of that time disengaged from the stress of life and any other things that may be going on and just focus on the experience itself. To be remembered for my respect and courtesy for others is the goal. I was raised with the importance of cordial actions and kindness. I want to get to a point where I can help out others financially as well as be there for them emotionally. There is certainly not just one characteristic I want to be remembered for; but I hope to always be known for sticking true to who I am and what I wanted to be and if at the end of it all people remembered my presence and I how I made them feel, than I would be happy.

For the past seventeen years of my life, I have spent a week of each summer in Summit Lake Wisconsin for a family reunion. A place that a kid who has lived his entire life in New York City probably shouldn’t feel too comfortable. Trading my cozy apartment for service-less log cabins where things like hot showers are a luxury, where blending into a city of diverse people turns into glaring inquisitive stares implying “you don’t belong here” took some getting used to. I have learned to love this feeling of not belonging - no expectations, just people who don’t care much about you, besides wanting you gone quickly. An outsider who is allowed to peer into how others live and then leave. I am ethnically half white American of English decent and half Latino American of indigenous and European decent. When I first traveled to Peru and Ecuador, despite not understanding the language fully, I was immediately welcomed. Not being fluent in Spanish meant I had to communicate in my mother’s native language. These impulsive and random conversations forced connections with others, whether it was street vendors pushing pamphlets or relying on basic recommendations for food, I was practicing. It was this loving spontaneity that propelled my trips forward with enthusiasm and beauty. I was an outsider in these Andean countries, but because I put myself out there, the differences between “I” and “them” became less. I realized that after seventeen years visiting northern Wisconsin, the reason that familiar and yet distant place never felt like home was that I had never ventured out beyond the expectations I had placed on the people and the expectations assumed from the people placed on me. My experiences ground me and remind me that there is more likenss than not.

The jump I took from my public elementary school to Berkeley Carroll as my private middle-high school has had a major effect on my educational ambitions which have become especially evident as I look towards my college experience. At Berkeley Carroll I went from being the top of my class in grades to an average and in some classes below-average student. The standard for learning was immediately raised and instead of a group mentality for progression a more independent approach was adopted. In this method kids who understood the topic or had passion in learning it were allowed to move slightly ahead. This, though very unnatural to me, promoted a healthy competition in education which has lasted me throughout my middle through high school experience. On top of a change in classroom dynamic and overall school culture I also was forced to get used to being a minority at a majority white private institution. I had to learn where my background and ethnicity could help me approach certain conversations and topics differently as well as where to avoid being put in certain situations that labeled me as a token sign of diversity. This has taught me to appreciate my Latin-American heritage even more as a person from Ecuadorian and Peruvian descent as well as develop a keen eye to where your diversity is being appreciated vs. appropriated and how to avoid those situations. I'm sure I can use the experience of being thrown into the sometimes confusing but beneficial private institution community to navigate any type of field in which I choose to join in the future, whether that be academically or professionally.

I hope to avoid college debt by continuing to apply to as many scholarships as I can as well as communicating with schools that have accepted me, in order to figure out the best scholarships in which to apply. I hope to go beyond the money that my fafsa and estimated family contribution gives me off from my full tuition and in doing so give less stress to my mother in her attempts to help with my college costs. Another way avoiding college debt is changing how I am approaching this college process is the fact that I am holding out as long as possible before committing to a college. I want to gauge the level of education to the cost of attendance, I want to be sure I am getting an education that makes sense for me financially and not just committing to a school for their name. I’ve been extremely fortunate to go to a private institution through middle and high school due to financial aid that the school has given me through each year I've attended. The jump I took from my public elementary school to my private middle-high school has had a major effect on my educational ambitions which have become especially evident as I look towards my college experience. At Berkeley Carroll I went from being the top of my class in grades to an average and in some classes below-average student. The standard for learning was immediately raised and instead of a group mentality for progression a more independent approach was adopted. In this method kids who understood the topic or had passion in learning it were allowed to move slightly ahead. This, though very unnatural to me, promoted a healthy competition in education which has lasted me throughout my middle through high school experience. The eight years that I have spent navigating the private institution in which I attended has made me feel a little more prepared in tackling the challenges in which financing a college education presents.

The racial injustice and power inequities unveiled in the US from 2019-2022 has left an indefinable awareness in how we understand race, poverty, systemic discrimination. This shift has made us all ask questions, "what do we do?" and "how can I make a difference?" The reality of a separate nation has come to light and the details of that separateness has shown a people lost in false ideology of isolation, marginalization, segregation, and entitlement. Further, what has been unearthed is the ridiculously tragic reality that the issues we are protesting and fighting for - from climate change to body autonomy - are the same injustices and problems of our past. Yet, while the pull to feel overwhelmed is real, this generation seems to carry a vitality and belief that there can be answers to our problems and that injustices can end with one singular action which ripples into change. As a native Brooklynite, I have witnessed a wave of gentrification that has aesthetically affected the infamous neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick, but has also inspired organizations to support its native inhabitants to stay and keep their homes. Programs like Neighborhood Lift and IMPAACT have supported residents in all five boroughs, opportunities to become viable contenders in their own neighborhoods and keep investors from overtaking and reclaiming family history and legacy. My positive impact on the world will be becoming an enviornmental protection attorney. Perhaps the greatest social justice emphasis, for me, has been the awareness and need for agency in climate change and the need to act globally to protect what remains of mother earth. It is the reason I am on a pre-law track to study environmental law and someday soon advocate for protection of the earth.

My goal is to attend law school and become a successful lawyer and by successful, I mean that everyday I am present at work, it is with the aim at being at service for others and their well being. I want to become an expert in my field, whatever that may be, and I recognize how much work that will take. Whether it requires master's degrees, a doctorate, or years of pro bono work, I am prepared. Law school has been a present goal for me as I've neared closer to the start of my college experience. I have mentioned environmental law and its pressing demand, now more than ever, but I have also felt inclined towards criminal and restorative justice practices. I do know the field as a whole will allow me opportunities to help people in need, which is something that has always interested me. Whether that be in the criminal justice field or business, I think there's always room for more lawyers that can help break down our sometimes complex and confusing systems of law. My mother has shared the difficulties my grandparents endured with little English and non existent understanding of property and business laws. She's shared the countless losses through swindlers and preditory bank and property laws of the 70s. But she's also shared great examples of people who came to their aid with no expectation or monetary return. I want to be an interpreter of our country's laws to support its citizens and their progress. I hope to use this drive which grounds me to support the cultivation of other's dreams. I do believe every small action makes a difference to a greater good and I will focus on making life better for others.

My goal is to go to law school and become a successful lawyer. I want to become an expert in my field, whatever that may be, and I recognize how much work that will take. Law school has been a more present goal for me as I've neared closer to the start of my college experience. I'm not sure exactly what type of law I want to study in yet, as I am keeping my mind open to the many changes in perception that occur during college. I do know the field as a whole will allow me opportunities to help people in need which is something that has always interested me. Whether that be in the criminal justice field or business, I think there's always room for more lawyers that can help break down our sometimes complex and confusing systems of law. I hope that I can use these skills to have a positive effect on many people throughout my life and hope I can find personal passion in what I choose to do. As for world positivity, that may be a task to grand for me to tackle though I do believe every small action makes a difference to a greater good and I will try my best to make sure I contribute to those differences.

I think there's a large space in between overbearing censorship and complete exposure in which I was fortunate enough to be raised in. One where questioning was encouraged, where I was told there's a time and place to have certain conversations and one which prepared me as a young adult to cautiously examine the world in which I live today. As a young child understanding there are certain things you may not be old enough to understand is a good thing. It makes you at first frustrated that adults think you aren’t mature enough, whilst at the same time want to examine those things even more, because as we all know if you tell a young child they can’t do something, they're only going to want to do it more. There's a certain inevitability that comes with censorship, especially in the political/global climate in which we live, where at a certain point controversial topics will be discussed. So making sure kids understand that their censorship isn’t permanent is essential. It is also important to understand that the level of censorship can vary from kid to kid, it is not necessarily a general rule based on the age of your child. For example my interest in politics experienced a rapid growth at the onset of the 2016 elections, my parents allowed me to question and explore all types of media around the election itself, which led to a healthy interest in local,international, and global politics in which I have today. Those experiences can be formative in a young kid's life as it was for me, so we need to understand when a child's curiosity is coming from a place of healthy interest and that it is always beneficial to let it grow. As far as censorship of media, as a parent you can only maintain that censorship for so long, so instead of focusing on sheltering one from controversial ideas it is more beneficial to educate them on the issues with the media and trusting everything you see. Because while the media is and will continue to be an important tool in our modern society it is still essential to form your own informed opinions.

My goal is to go to law school and become a successful lawyer and by successful, I mean that everyday I am present at work it is with the aim at being at service for others and their well being. I want to become an expert in my field, whatever that may be, and I recognize how much work that will take. This may require a master's degree, a doctorate, or perhaps years of internships or volunteer service in or out of this country. Law school has been a more present goal for me as I've neared closer to the start of my college experience. I'm not sure exactly what type of law I want to study in yet, as I am keeping my mind open to the many changes in perception that occur during college. I have mentioned environmental law and its pressing demand, now more than ever, but I have also felt inclined towards criminal and restorative justice practices. I do know the field as a whole will allow me opportunities to help people in need, which is something that has always interested me. Whether that be in the criminal justice field or business, I think there's always room for more lawyers that can help break down our sometimes complex and confusing systems of law. My mother tells me stories of how difficult it was for my grandparents to maneuver themselves in this country with very little ability to speak English and almost non-existent understanding of what it would mean to be property owners, business owners, or manage their finances. She has shared with me the countless losses through swindlers and people who simply took advantage of immigrants to this country attempting to raise a family and understand how the law worked. However, she has also shared with me great examples of people who did understand the laws of this country and came to the aid of my grandparents, even if it was to no economic gain on their parts. I want to be an interpreter of our country's laws and regulations for its citizens or people who are seeking citizenship and their benefit. I hope that I can use these skills to have a positive effect on many people throughout my life and hope I can find personal passion in what I choose to do. As for world positivity, that may be a task to grand for me to tackle though I do believe every small action makes a difference to a greater good and I will try my best to make sure I contribute to those differences.

Given the opportunity to address a social malice in America, I would have to focus on poverty and homelessness. With the support of high profile people, social media, and government officials, I would begin a wave to jolt awareness and human investment strong enough to dismantle the cloak of entitlement in my generation. Through speaking events, benefit concerts, and forums, I would assure the attention be given the problems that greatly contribute to homelessness and poverty. It is the responsibility of this country to house, employ, and provide mental wellness to all its citizens. A strong economy is dependent on the participation and collaboration of its people and this falls array when basic needs and systems cease to exist for groups. Poverty moves beyond the scarcity of things; it means lacking prospects, access, connection, and hope. If artists can write and perform music and movies based on heartbreak and make millions on their creative energy, then surely, we the next generation of voting and vital citizens of this country can move legislation to assure the end of mental illness and homelessness in our country. Examining the socio-economic perspective, the intricacies of poverty and homelessness include the lack of education, unemployment, discrimination (cultural and religious), as well as overpopulation. These dimensions apply to both the United States and the world and represent challenges with which individuals experiencing poverty live in on a regular basis. The disparities of the wealthy and poor have grown deeper in the trauma people have had to endure due to the marginalized existence that has followed them in generational poverty. The inheritance of fear, scarcity, dismal prospects, and stunted human development has been a cancer in this country that continues to grow. Living in unsatisfactory conditions creates a mental instability that convinces a separation from our basic dignity and humanity. According to the Census Bureau of the United States, the national poverty rate in 2018 was 14.9%, making it roughly 41 million people in poverty. These statistics have only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment and the decline of available public assistance (welfare, section-8 or public housing, EBT or food assistance benefits) are major contributing factors to our country’s current situation, but I believe, a lack of prioritizing and therefore valuing specific social supports have significantly played a role in the sobering desperate state we find ourselves in: Lack of affordable health care (which became most apparent during the pandemic) and accessibility to specific health care providers needed, lack of programs that support families with domestic violence, child care and wellness and addiction. With such sources of support not available, the underlying issues are not addressed and the blanket of homelessness is deemed the reason for all that follows as a result of such pivotal pillars in the development of families and communities. My focus would be placed on the education of my generation to learn and know the laws of our country. I would encourage an earnest investment in our cities and communities by providing leadership and mentorship to help solidify and cultivate the programs aforementioned and include the voices of elders by providing roles where their engagement would be needed. I would make civic courses in community development a priority in all schools and where scholarship opportunities could be granted for youth participation and dedication to these programs. I know I do not hold the answers to all of the problems that contribute to poverty and homelessness, but I am certain that I have the compassion and ability to encourage awareness to be part of the solution.

Having been raised by a strong independent Latina mother who has taught me the value of one’s word, character, and kindness through her actions, I have had few obstacles interrupt my trajectory. But the last few years have jarred and jolted me in ways, I am sure, it has so many under such immediate and sudden changes due to the pandemic. The impact felt by the covid-19 pandemic world-wide has left no stone unturned, whether in direct mortality or significant economic devastation, no one can debate the way we move forward has forever changed. However, the racial injustice and power inequities unveiled in the United States has further left an indefinable awareness and change in how we understand race, poverty, systemic discrimination. This shift has made us all ask the inevitable questions, "what do we do?" and "how can I make a difference?" The reality of how separate a nation we really are has come to light and in the details of that separateness we have felt the radical nature of a people lost in false ideology of isolation, marginalization, segregation, and entitlement. Further, what has been unearthed is the ridiculously tragic and embarrassing reality that the issues we are still protesting and fighting for - from climate change to body autonomy - are the same injustices and problems of our past. Yet, while the pull to feel overwhelmed is real, this generation seems to carry a vitality and belief that there can be answers to our problems and that injustices can end with one singular action that lead to a movement of change. As a native Brooklynite, I have witnessed a wave of gentrification that has aesthetically affected the infamous neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick but has also inspired organizations to support its native inhabitants to stay and keep their homes and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Through programs like Neighborhood Lift and IMPAACT, residents of historical sites in all five boroughs have been granted opportunities to become viable contenders in their own neighborhoods and keep outsiders or investors from overtaking and reclaiming family history and legacy. The pandemic highlighted our country's fragile and inequitable healthcare system with sky rocketing numbers of Black, Latino, and poor people dying from the disease over other social economic and racial groups. This disparity in healthcare, which includes mental wellness has mobilized communities in all boroughs to create greater access and facility to clinics, counseling, rehabilitation, and basic wellness centers for families and young children. Perhaps the greatest social justice emphasis, for me, has been the awareness and need for agency in climate change and the need to act globally to protect what remains of mother earth. It is the reason I am on a pre-law track to study environmental law and someday soon advocate for protection of the earth. Extreme weather across the country and world-wide has cost lives and basic ways of life for billions of people and native animals. Rising sea levels are already approaching communities and shifting and changing land mass affecting the survival of vegetation, animals and the cycle of life. Local jurisdictions are not as effective as federal ones, but recent reductions in emissions and greater uses of natural gas has made significant impacts in larger cities like New York. The optimism is palpable and invigoratingly contagious. I know that I will contribute to finding answers and being part of the solution to social justice everywhere

Given the opportunity to address a social malice in America, I would have to focus on poverty and homelessness. With the support of high profile people, social media, and government officials, I would begin a wave to jolt awareness and human investment strong enough to dismantle the cloak of entitlement in my generation. Through speaking events, benefit concerts, and forums, I would assure the attention be given the problems that greatly contribute to homelessness and poverty. It is the responsibility of this country to house, employ, and provide mental wellness to all its citizens. A strong economy is dependent on the participation and collaboration of its people and this falls array when basic needs and systems cease to exist for groups. Poverty moves beyond the scarcity of things; it means lacking prospects, access, connection, and hope. If artists can write and perform music and movies based on heartbreak and make millions on their creative energy, then surely, we the next generation of voting and vital citizens of this country can move legislation to assure the end of mental illness and homelessness in our country. Examining the socio-economic perspective, the intricacies of poverty and homelessness include the lack of education, unemployment, discrimination (cultural and religious), as well as overpopulation. These dimensions apply to both the United States and the world and represent challenges with which individuals experiencing poverty live in on a regular basis. The disparities of the wealthy and poor have grown deeper in the trauma people have had to endure due to the marginalized existence that has followed them in generational poverty. The inheritance of fear, scarcity, dismal prospects, and stunted human development has been a cancer in this country that continues to grow. Living in unsatisfactory conditions (shopping cart tents, subway platform beds, sheet metal makeshift rooms) creates a mental instability that convinces a separation from our basic dignity and humanity. According to the Census Bureau of the United States, the national poverty rate in 2018 was 14.9%, making it roughly 41 million people in poverty. These statistics have only increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment and the decline of available public assistance (welfare, section-8 or public housing, EBT or food assistance benefits) are major contributing factors to our country’s current situation, but I believe, a lack of prioritizing and therefore valuing specific social supports have significantly played a role in the sobering desperate state we find ourselves in: Lack of affordable health care (which became most apparent during the pandemic) and accessibility to specific health care providers needed, lack of programs that support families with domestic violence, child care and wellness and addiction. With such sources of support not available, the underlying issues are not addressed and the blanket of homelessness is deemed the reason for all that follows as a result of such pivotal pillars in the development of families and communities. My focus would be placed on the education of my generation to learn and know the laws of our country. I would encourage an earnest investment in our cities and communities by providing leadership and mentorship to help solidify and cultivate the programs aforementioned and include the voices of elders by providing roles where their engagement would be needed. I would make civic courses in community development a priority in all schools and where scholarship opportunities could be granted for youth participation and dedication to these programs. I do not hold the answers to the problems that contribute to poverty and homelessness, but I am certain that I have the compassion and ability to encourage awareness to be part of the solution.

The impact felt by the covid-19 pandemic world-wide has left no stone unturned, whether in direct mortality or significant economic devastation, no one can debate the way we move forward has forever changed. However, the racial injustice and power inequities unveiled in the United States has further left an indefinable awareness and change in how we understand race, poverty, systemic discrimination. This shift has made us all ask the inevitable questions, "what do we do?" and "how can I make a difference?" The reality of how separate a nation we really are has come to light and in the details of that separateness we have felt the radical nature of a people lost in false ideology of isolation, marginalization, segregation, and entitlement. Further, what has been unearthed is the ridiculously tragic and embarrassing reality that the issues we are still protesting and fighting for - from climate change to body autonomy - are the same injustices and problems of our past. Yet, while the pull to feel overwhelmed is real, this generation seems to carry a vitality and belief that there can be answers to our problems and that injustices can end with one singular action that lead to a movement of change. As a native Brooklynite, I have witnessed a wave of gentrification that has aesthetically affected the infamous neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick but has also inspired organizations to support its native inhabitants to stay and keep their homes and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Through programs like Neighborhood Lift and IMPAACT, residents of historical sites in all five boroughs have been granted opportunities to become viable contenders in their own neighborhoods and keep outsiders or investors from overtaking and reclaiming family history and legacy. The pandemic highlighted our country's fragile and inequitable healthcare system with sky rocketing numbers of Black, Latino, and poor people dying from the disease over other social economic and racial groups. This disparity in healthcare, which includes mental wellness has mobilized communities in all boroughs to create greater access and facility to clinics, counseling, rehabilitation, and basic wellness centers for families and young children. Only two weeks ago, our mayor announced an initiative to treat diabetes holistically by incorporating both nutritionists and medical doctors, rather than continuous methods through the pharmaceutical realm, which, in fact, has proven to worsen conditions and overall progress. I’ve seen the youth caring and lending a watchful eye on their elders – from volunteering to accompanying them on errands to sweeping or snow shoveling during the winter. Seeing such compassion and empathy bolsters my faith in this generation who seek social justice for all people the world around. Perhaps the greatest social justice emphasis, for me, has been the awareness and need for agency in climate change and the need to act globally to protect what remains of mother earth. It is the reason I am on a pre-law track to study environmental law and someday soon advocate for protection of the earth. Extreme weather across the country and world-wide has cost lives and basic ways of life for billions of people and native animals. Rising sea levels are already approaching communities and shifting and changing land mass affecting the survival of vegetation, animals and the cycle of life. Local jurisdictions are not as effective as federal ones, but recent reductions in emissions and greater uses of natural gas has made significant impacts in larger cities like New York. The optimism is palpable and invigoratingly contagious. I know that I will contribute to finding answers and being part of the solution to social justice everywhere.