I was born in Mexico to two loving parents who prioritized education above all else. While they could have easily enrolled me and my brother in a public school like everyone else, they recognized the flaws within the Mexican public school system. Consequently, they took on multiple jobs, sacrificing their own comfort, just to afford a private school for us. At the time, I failed to fully grasp the immense effort my parents were putting in to provide me with a higher level of education. It wasn't until we immigrated to the U.S. that I truly comprehended the extent of their sacrifices. They condensed their entire lives into a small backpack, carrying their hopes and dreams for us as we boarded the plane. Upon arriving in the U.S., we found ourselves living with my uncle for over six months. We shared a single bathroom and scrimped on food, struggling to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, I always witnessed my parents wearing bright smiles as I recounted the wonders and opportunities America offered. While my parents aspired for my brother and me to attend college in the U.S., I knew the financial burden would be insurmountable for them. Nevertheless, I decided to take a chance. I joined clubs, engaged in volunteer work, played sports, and prioritized my academics. Through my own hard work and with unwavering support from my parents, I earned admission to one of the top schools in Texas. My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement—I yearn to provide my parents with a life they never had, where they no longer worry about financial constraints. I want to demonstrate to them that their investment in me was worthwhile. Furthermore, by pursuing and completing my college education, I aspire to inspire other first-generation students. I seek to prove that with relentless determination, perseverance, and the right motivation, success is within reach. This scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also grant me the opportunity to focus more on my academics, rather than divert my attention towards earning money for college. Overall, my journey from Mexico to the United States has been marked by the unyielding dedication of my parents and my unwavering determination to overcome adversity. I am driven to make the most of the opportunities that lie before me and to pay forward the support and sacrifices bestowed upon me. With the assistance of this scholarship, I can continue my pursuit of knowledge, striving to be an inspiration for others and proving that hard work and determination can lead to success against all odds.

I was born in Mexico to two loving parents who valued education over everything. My parents could have easily placed me and my brother in a public school like everyone else, however knowing how broken the public school system in Mexico is they decided to take on multiple jobs in order to barely afford a private school. At the time I did not appreciate how hard my parents were working just to give me the chance to pursue a higher level of education however it was until we all moved to the U.S. that I realized how much they sacrificed, their entire life fitted in a single backpack so small they could carry it with them on the plane. I saw how instead of investing in stocks or shares my parents were investing in me. Arriving in the U.S. we had to live with my uncle for over six months, we had to share a single bathroom and save as much food as possible as we barely had anything to eat. Despite all of this I always saw my parents with a bright smile as I told them how amazing and exciting America is. My parents wanted me and my brother to study college in the US, however I knew it was impossible for my parents to ever afford it yet I decided to give it a chance; I joined clubs, started volunteering, played sports, and most importantly focused on academics. It was with my hard work and my parent’s support that I was able to get into one of the best schools in Texas. I want to study and learn new things, but most importantly I want to give my parents the life they never had, I want them to never worry about money, I want to show them that they made the right choice in investing in me. Furthermore, by pursuing and finishing college I would want to inspire other first-generation students by proving that the only thing one needs to succeed is a lot of hard work, perseverance, and the right motivation.

Tennis became a hobby for my brother and me when we moved to the US. Since we couldn't afford private lessons, we became each other's coaches and relied on YouTube videos to improve our technique. Every single day for five years, we dedicated ourselves to practice, and eventually, my hard work paid off when I made my school's varsity team. However, my most significant achievement was yet to come. One day, while practicing my serve, a kid approached me and asked for tips. Without hesitation, I shared everything I knew, and he eagerly wrote it down on his phone. It was in that moment that I realized I had the knowledge and ability to help other kids who loved tennis but couldn't afford lessons. Inspired by this realization, I decided to open my own tennis academy, offering free lessons to those in need. I started coaching a diverse group of low-income kids of all ages, and it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. To them, I wasn't just a coach; I became a mentor who had once been in their position and understood the challenges of living with financial constraints. Alongside improving their technique, I focused on helping them become mentally strong and respectful players. Through my guidance, I instilled in them the importance of hard work and resilience. I emphasized that mistakes happen, but they don't define who we are as individuals. Teaching them these values went beyond the sport itself; it was about shaping their character and preparing them for life's challenges. I am proud to say that I made a positive impact on their lives, and it is something I aspire to do every day. Being able to offer free lessons and mentorship to these aspiring young tennis players has allowed me to give back to my community and make a meaningful difference. Witnessing their growth, both on and off the court, has been immensely gratifying. I have seen firsthand how my knowledge and experiences can inspire and uplift others. My journey in tennis transformed from a personal hobby to a platform for helping others. Despite the financial constraints I faced, I used the resources available to me, such as YouTube videos, to hone my skills. This not only propelled me to achieve success in the sport but also enabled me to open doors for others. By becoming a mentor and coach, I have been able to positively impact the lives of low-income kids, teaching them valuable lessons beyond tennis. This experience has reinforced my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others and has become an ongoing aspiration for me.

I was born in Mexico City and spent the first 12 years of my life there before my family and I moved to the United States. Adjusting to my new surroundings was initially challenging, but as time passed, I grew fond of my new city while still holding a special place in my heart for Mexico. However, as I grew older, I noticed that my memories of Mexico were gradually fading, and it remained an ideal place in my mind. Little did I know that a significant revelation awaited me. Two years ago, I finally had the long-awaited opportunity to visit my family and return to Mexico City. I was excited to reconnect with my roots and immerse myself in the culture that had always been a part of me. However, what I encountered left me disheartened. The city I once cherished had been plagued by numerous challenges. The sidewalks were in terrible condition, bridges were collapsing, buildings looked dilapidated, and the streets were filled with potholes. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant and lively Mexico I had remembered. Yet, even amid the city's decay, the aspects that had always drawn me to Mexico shone brightly. The unique food and the richness of the culture still managed to bring joy and a sense of security to the people. The kindness and willingness to help one another reaffirmed my love for the country and its resilient spirit. Witnessing the challenges faced by my hometown ignited a strong desire within me to make a difference. I knew I had to take action and contribute in any way I could. Upon returning to the United States and attending school, I immediately enrolled in an engineering class, hoping to gain knowledge about construction and city repair. Little did I know that this journey would lead me to discover my true passion—civil engineering. The more I delved into civil engineering, the more I appreciated its versatility and transformative power. I realized that through civil engineering, I could become a driving force in creating positive change in the world. It was an epiphany that solidified my goals and aspirations: I wanted to study civil engineering so that one day I could return to Mexico and contribute to the restoration of my beloved city. In pursuing my dream, I want to provide Mexicans with the city they genuinely deserve—one they can take pride in and proudly call home. My heart is set on empowering my community by utilizing my skills and knowledge to revitalize the infrastructure, mend the broken bridges, and reconstruct the worn-out streets. My journey has been shaped by love—for the country of my birth, the memories of my childhood, and the passion for civil engineering that now burns within me. I am driven by a deep-rooted determination to make a tangible difference and to repay the place that has given me so much. As I work towards my goal of becoming a civil engineer, I remain steadfast in my commitment to restoring Mexico City to its former glory and creating a brighter future for its people. In this way, I hope to play a part, however small, in making Mexico a better place for generations to come. Furthermore, this scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also grant me the opportunity to focus more on my academics, rather than divert my attention towards earning money for college.

I was born in Mexico City and spent the first 12 years of my life there before my family and I moved to the United States. Adjusting to my new surroundings was initially challenging, but as time passed, I grew fond of my new city while still holding a special place in my heart for Mexico. However, as I grew older, I noticed that my memories of Mexico were gradually fading, and it remained an ideal place in my mind. Little did I know that a significant revelation awaited me. Two years ago, I finally had the long-awaited opportunity to visit my family and return to Mexico City. I was excited to reconnect with my roots and immerse myself in the culture that had always been a part of me. However, what I encountered left me disheartened. The city I once cherished had been plagued by numerous challenges. The sidewalks were in terrible condition, bridges were collapsing, buildings looked dilapidated, and the streets were filled with potholes. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant and lively Mexico I had remembered. Yet, even amid the city's decay, the aspects that had always drawn me to Mexico shone brightly. The unique food and the richness of the culture still managed to bring joy and a sense of security to the people. The kindness and willingness to help one another reaffirmed my love for the country and its resilient spirit. Witnessing the challenges faced by my hometown ignited a strong desire within me to make a difference. I knew I had to take action and contribute in any way I could. Upon returning to the United States and attending school, I immediately enrolled in an engineering class, hoping to gain knowledge about construction and city repair. Little did I know that this journey would lead me to discover my true passion—civil engineering. The more I delved into civil engineering, the more I appreciated its versatility and transformative power. I realized that through civil engineering, I could become a driving force in creating positive change in the world. It was an epiphany that solidified my goals and aspirations: I wanted to study civil engineering so that one day I could return to Mexico and contribute to the restoration of my beloved city. In pursuing my dream, I want to provide Mexicans with the city they genuinely deserve—one they can take pride in and proudly call home. My heart is set on empowering my community by utilizing my skills and knowledge to revitalize the infrastructure, mend the broken bridges, and reconstruct the worn-out streets. My journey has been shaped by love—for the country of my birth, the memories of my childhood, and the passion for civil engineering that now burns within me. I am driven by a deep-rooted determination to make a tangible difference, and to repay the place that has given me so much. As I work towards my goal of becoming a civil engineer, I remain steadfast in my commitment to restoring Mexico City to its former glory and creating a brighter future for its people. In this way, I hope to play a part, however small, in making Mexico a better place for generations to come. Furthermore, this scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also grant me the opportunity to focus more on my academics, rather than divert my attention towards earning money for college.

The concept of the "American Dream" has been a topic of debate and interpretation for many years. To some, it represents the belief that anyone can achieve their aspirations and desires through hard work, determination, and perseverance. However, I have come to realize that the "American Dream" is not about wishful thinking but rather a chance, an opportunity to showcase one's potential and worth in a land of possibilities. My family's journey to the United States from Mexico was driven by the pursuit of a better life and greater opportunities. From the moment we arrived, I understood that it was my responsibility to strive for greatness and become the best version of myself. The American education system played a crucial role in enabling me to adapt and grow in this new environment. Within two years, I became fluent in English and transitioned to being a regular student. This provided me with the chance to take advanced classes and participate in numerous extracurricular activities. Through sheer determination and hard work, I managed to secure a spot at my dream college, one of the best in Texas. This achievement was a testament to the opportunities that the United States offered, allowing individuals like me, regardless of their background, to carve their path towards success. Yet, it saddens me when I hear people claim that the American Dream is dead, that upward mobility is no longer attainable through hard work. Having grown up in a low-income household, I can confidently say that the United States has provided me with more chances to strive than ever before. While I acknowledge that obstacles and challenges will inevitably arise, I firmly believe that individuals have the power to overcome them and make their dreams a reality. In pursuit of the American Dream, one doesn't require wealth, material possessions, or a prestigious family legacy. All that is needed is a chance, an opportunity to prove oneself. This country is abundant with opportunities waiting to be seized by those willing to put in the effort. Every person is given the same tools to start their journey—a desk and a piece of paper—but it is with that pencil that they write their own stories and create their futures. The American Dream is not a guarantee of success but rather an assurance of possibility. It is not an entitlement but a potential opportunity. It does not promise an easy path, but it does promise that with dedication, determination, and resilience, one can move closer to their goals. I firmly believe that the American Dream still exists, although it might have taken on a new meaning. It is not about an effortless accomplishment but about the prospect of progress. The United States remains a land of promise and prospects, where hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements. The "American Dream" is not an elusive fantasy but a chance, a chance to seize opportunities and strive for a better life. My personal journey is a testament to the possibilities that lie within this great nation. It is up to each individual to embrace these opportunities, work tirelessly, and turn their dreams into reality. The "American Dream" lives on, and it is within reach of those who are willing to pursue it with unwavering determination.

I was born in Mexico City to two loving parents who prioritized education above all else. While they could have easily enrolled me and my brother in a public school like everyone else, they recognized the flaws within the Mexican public school system. Consequently, they took on multiple jobs, sacrificing their own comfort, just to afford a private school for both of us. At the time, I failed to fully grasp the immense effort my parents were putting in to provide me with a higher level of education. It was not until we immigrated to the United States that I truly comprehended the extent of their sacrifices. They condensed their entire lives into a small backpack, carrying their hopes and dreams for us as we boarded the plane. Upon arriving in the United States, we found ourselves living with my uncle for over six months. We shared a single bathroom and scrimped on food, struggling to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, I always witnessed my parents wearing bright smiles as I recounted the wonders and opportunities America offered. While my parents aspired for my brother and me to attend college in the United States, I knew the financial burden would be insurmountable for them. Nevertheless, I decided to take a chance. I joined clubs, engaged in volunteer work, played sports, and prioritized my academics. Through my own hard work and with unwavering support from my parents, I earned admission to one of the top schools in Texas. My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement—I yearn to provide my parents with a life they never had, where they no longer worry about financial constraints. I want to demonstrate to them that their investment in me was worthwhile. Furthermore, by pursuing and completing my college education, I aspire to inspire other first-generation students. I seek to prove that with relentless determination, perseverance, and the right motivation, success is within reach. This scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also grant me the opportunity to focus more on my academics, rather than divert my attention towards earning money for college. Overall, my journey from Mexico to the United States has been marked by the unyielding dedication of my parents and my unwavering determination to overcome adversity. I am driven to make the most of the opportunities that lie before me and to pay forward the support and sacrifices bestowed upon me.

I was born in Mexico to two loving parents who prioritized education above all else. While they could have easily enrolled me and my brother in a public school like everyone else, they recognized the flaws within the Mexican public school system. Consequently, they took on multiple jobs, sacrificing their own comfort, just to afford a private school for us. At the time, I failed to fully grasp the immense effort my parents were putting in to provide me with a higher level of education. It wasn't until we immigrated to the U.S. that I truly comprehended the extent of their sacrifices. They condensed their entire lives into a small backpack, carrying their hopes and dreams for us as we boarded the plane. Upon arriving in the U.S., we found ourselves living with my uncle for over six months. We shared a single bathroom and scrimped on food, struggling to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, I always witnessed my parents wearing bright smiles as I recounted the wonders and opportunities America offered. While my parents aspired for my brother and me to attend college in the U.S., I knew the financial burden would be insurmountable for them. Nevertheless, I decided to take a chance. I joined clubs, engaged in volunteer work, played sports, and prioritized my academics. Through my own hard work and with unwavering support from my parents, I earned admission to one of the top schools in Texas. My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement—I yearn to provide my parents with a life they never had, where they no longer worry about financial constraints. I want to demonstrate to them that their investment in me was worthwhile. Furthermore, by pursuing and completing my college education, I aspire to inspire other first-generation students. I seek to prove that with relentless determination, perseverance, and the right motivation, success is within reach. This scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also grant me the opportunity to focus more on my academics, rather than divert my attention towards earning money for college. Overall, my journey from Mexico to the United States has been marked by the unyielding dedication of my parents and my unwavering determination to overcome adversity. I am driven to make the most of the opportunities that lie before me and to pay forward the support and sacrifices bestowed upon me.

Tennis became a hobby for my brother and me when we moved to the US. Since we couldn't afford private lessons, we became each other's coaches and relied on YouTube videos to improve our technique. Every single day for five years, we dedicated ourselves to practice, and eventually, my hard work paid off when I made my school's varsity team. However, my most significant achievement was yet to come. One day, while practicing my serve, a kid approached me and asked for tips. Without hesitation, I shared everything I knew, and he eagerly wrote it down on his phone. It was in that moment that I realized I had the knowledge and ability to help other kids who loved tennis but couldn't afford lessons. Inspired by this realization, I decided to open my own tennis academy, offering free lessons to those in need. I started coaching a diverse group of low-income kids of all ages, and it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. To them, I wasn't just a coach; I became a mentor who had once been in their position and understood the challenges of living with financial constraints. Alongside improving their technique, I focused on helping them become mentally strong and respectful players. Through my guidance, I instilled in them the importance of hard work and resilience. I emphasized that mistakes happen, but they don't define who we are as individuals. Teaching them these values went beyond the sport itself; it was about shaping their character and preparing them for life's challenges. I am proud to say that I made a positive impact on their lives, and it is something I aspire to do every day. Being able to offer free lessons and mentorship to these aspiring young tennis players has allowed me to give back to my community and make a meaningful difference. Witnessing their growth, both on and off the court has been immensely gratifying. I have seen firsthand how my knowledge and experiences can inspire and uplift others. My journey in tennis transformed from a personal hobby to a platform for helping others. Despite the financial constraints I faced, I used the resources available to me, such as YouTube videos, to hone my skills. This not only propelled me to achieve success in the sport but also enabled me to open doors for others. By becoming a mentor and coach, I have been able to positively impact the lives of low-income kids, teaching them valuable lessons beyond tennis. This experience has reinforced my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others and has become an ongoing aspiration for me.

I was born in Mexico to two loving parents who prioritized education above all else. While they could have easily enrolled me and my brother in a public school like everyone else, they recognized the flaws within the Mexican public school system. Consequently, they took on multiple jobs, sacrificing their own comfort, just to afford a private school for us. At the time, I failed to fully grasp the immense effort my parents were putting in to provide me and my brother with a higher level of education. It was not until we immigrated to the United States, that I truly comprehended the extent of their sacrifices. They condensed their entire lives into a small backpack, carrying their hopes and dreams for us as we boarded the plane. Upon arriving in the United States, we found ourselves living with my uncle for over six months. We shared a single bathroom and scrimped on food, struggling to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, I always witnessed my parents wearing bright smiles as I recounted the wonders and opportunities America offered. While my parents aspired for my brother and me to attend college in the United States, I knew the financial burden would be insurmountable for them. Nevertheless, I decided to take a chance. I joined clubs, engaged in volunteer work, played sports, and prioritized my academics. Through my own hard work and with unwavering support from my parents, I earned admission to one of the top schools in Texas. My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement—I yearn to provide my parents with a life they never had, where they no longer worry about financial constraints. I want to demonstrate to them that their investment in me was worthwhile. Furthermore, by pursuing and completing my college education, I aspire to inspire other first-generation students. I seek to prove that with relentless determination, perseverance, and the right motivation, success is within reach. This scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burden but also grant me the opportunity to focus more on my academics, rather than divert my attention towards earning money for college. Overall, my journey from Mexico to the United States has been marked by the unyielding dedication of my parents and my unwavering determination to overcome adversity. I am driven to make the most of the opportunities that lie before me and to pay forward the support and sacrifices bestowed upon me.

I was born in Mexico to two loving parents who gave everything they had to create a good future for me and my brother. Despite the challenges they faced, my mom managed to juggle two jobs as a professor, while my dad, a dedicated graphic designer, worked overnight shifts every day. Despite their tireless efforts, it was difficult for them to make ends meet and provide us with basic necessities. It was during this time that my uncle presented an opportunity for a better life in the United States. Without hesitation, my parents made the life-altering decision to leave everything behind, hoping for a brighter future. With hearts full of determination and optimism, they embarked on a journey to a new country, leaving behind their entire lives in search of new opportunities and a fresh start. Throughout this time, my aspiration had been to be the most athletic individual in my school, a feat I had achieved back in Mexico. However, upon moving to the United States, I quickly realized how "average" I appeared compared to my new peers. Determined to prove myself, I eagerly tried out for every school sport, only to face rejection from each one. This rejection sent me spiraling into a dark place, questioning my own identity. One fateful day, as I returned home from yet another disappointment, my father noticed the dejection in my demeanor and posed a simple yet profound question: "What are you going to do about it?" That night, sleep eluded me as I contemplated the circumstances. It became evident that many of my classmates had the financial means to hire private coaches, join clubs, and participate in tournaments, whereas our own financial situation made such options impossible. However, I refused to let this hinder my progress. I realized that, like anything else in life, sports came down to consistent practice and dedication. The very next day, I seized my racket and summoned my brother to meet me at the tennis courts. Day after day, we immersed ourselves in rigorous practice, studying instructional videos, recording our own gameplay, and striving to improve. After a year of relentless effort, not only did I secure a place on the tennis team, but I also ranked among the top three players in the entire school. While I take great pride in this achievement, what truly fills me with pride is the fact that I persevered even when the odds seemed stacked against me. This experience became my inspiration and shaped my mindset. Life, I realized, would inevitably present obstacles, but it is up to us to overcome them. We must rise above adversities, maintain unwavering determination, and relentlessly strive to move forward. This newfound perspective has taught me the power of resilience and the importance of pushing beyond limitations, proving that with unwavering dedication, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way.

During my young teenage years I alwasy wondered if people were nice and kind solely because they expected something in return or if true kindess existed. Unfortunately I was never able to find the answer to this question, I realized that people are biased and do certain things for different resons but as I answered this question a new question arose, am I kind? This life is full of ups and downs and it does not matter how much one tries to avoid it one is going to suffer, this idea was stuck in my brain, every time I saw a little kid or a baby I imagined the innocnece that they brought but regardless of how pure they were they were going to suffer. For a time this idea haunted me, I started questioning the purpose of living itself if the only thing for certain was pain why was there a point in living overall. I remember clearly in my saddest day I had to write a english essay of why it was important to have a posiitive mindset and clearly I had a different idea, as I struggle to write a essay whose prompt I did not support I looked at my teacher and he gave me a small smile, it was the brightest, most aunthetic, and trutful smile I had ever seen in my life. That smile lighten my day and probably my whole life, with that smile I was able to see that true kindness does exist in a world full of pain. The smile that my teacher gave me inspired me to have a new way of thinking and seeing the world, despite the world being full off disapointments and suffering it is those small acts of kidness that are able to change a person's lives. With this new idea in mind I started to change who I was, I realized that I want to be someone's english teacher that smiles at them, I want to be the person that reasures other people that this world still has kind people who do good things solely for the act of doing them. During this time I started to give either reduced or free lessons to many people struggling financially who wanted to imrpove their tennis skill, as a current tennis player I knew how hard it was to improve in a sport without spending a lot of money however I wanted to inroduce a new way of coaching which would open the doors to individuals who always had that strive to improve their game but were never abel to because of the lack of money. By just seeing the eyes of my clients I saw myself making a change, regardless of how small it was even if the person who I coached hated my lesson it did not matter to me because at least I made a change in them, I might have reasured them that tennis was not their sport or maybe I might've lighten a spark which was about to become a burnring flame. During this time I was also extremely focused on kids or even babies I wanted to make sure they had a prosperous future, because of this I started to volunteer in libraries and even schools which would help not only the comunity but also my targeted audience, I started donating blood to children hospitals and even if my arm hurted and it was bruised for a week and I could not even move it, I was happy that my blood would help someone.

I have always been a curious person. As a kid, I spent every day asking questions and trying to find the answers. I spent hours analyzing plants, machines, and even toys. I wanted to know how everything worked and why it worked. Starting High School, I felt pressured to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I began taking different approaches to things that matched my personality. I was reluctant to take engineering classes because I had always struggled with math but fortunately the digital art class I signed up for was full and I was placed in Principles of Applied Engineering. A class that completely changed my life. My Engineering teacher, Mr. Kirk was fascinated by math. In every lesson he taught, he explained how math played a vital role in our everyday life. He helped me understand math beyond the classroom and for the first time in my life, I enjoyed math. I stopped seeing it as just problems and equations. I understood the power of math and saw it as a gate to solve all my questions. The final project for this class was a competition, in which engineering students would create a catapult to throw pumpkins. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit, and the competition was canceled, however, knowing how much I cared about the event, my brother helped me create a mini catapult out of supplies around our house. My catapult was not able to throw pumpkins, but it was able to throw rubber balls and hit cups. The process of completing that project sparked my interest in engineering. The feeling of using my hands to build something. Finding a problem, using math and creativity to solve it, and seeing the rubber ball hitting a target was not comparable to anything. For the first time in my life, I felt proud of my work. My passion for engineering continued to grow and shaped me into the person that I am today. Math has become part of my life and I use it to help me to solve any challenge that I face. I want to be an engineer not only to gain the skills to answer the questions my inner child still has but to have the ability to solve bigger problems affecting millions of people. I want to create a positive impact in the world by making new technologies more efficient and leading the way for a better world. .

Our first few years in the U.S. were very hard, we were kicked out of our house because we didn’t pay rent, we barely had anything to eat and we didn’t even know how to speak English. Despite the harsh conditions, my family always remained close. My brother and I became closer than ever and we found our safe space on the tennis court. Granted, two $15 rackets and three balls that we found under the bleachers weren’t ideal, but we made the best out of it. We played until dark, gave each other tips based on YouTube videos, and most importantly we had fun. During high school, despite working extremely hard to learn English, I still had an accent and was not able to pronounce some words. I watched YouTube videos, read books out loud, and avoid saying words that would accentuate my accent. At this time, I also changed how I looked in order to fit in. I cut my curly hair as short as possible and changed the way I dressed to look like the other kids. At the end of my freshmen year, one of my biggest fears became a reality. I had to do a group presentation for my biology class. When choosing groups for the project, nobody chose me so I did the project on my own. When I presented in front of everyone my brain froze. I forgot everything I had learned and felt embarrassed. I was afraid the other kids were laughing at me but when I looked around I realized no one was looking at me. Nobody even knew my name and I thought to myself, “no one cares about you” and surprisingly that made me happy. I realized I was the only person judging myself. No one cared about my looks, actions, or accent. I tried so hard to fit in that I lost my identity, so I decided to let loose and do what made me happy. I let my hair grow as much as possible and embraced my curls, started talking more with my accent, and challenged myself by taking AP classes and joining clubs. I also began to help those around me, not only at my house but also by volunteering to help the community that had given me so many opportunities. Through my journey of self-discovery, I learned to appreciate every moment, from a sweaty bike ride at 10 o’clock to playing tennis with dead balls at night. I am proud of my roots, and my family. My parents gave up everything for me to have a better life and now it is my turn to exceed. I will live up to the “American dream” and become the person my parents want me to be: someone who is not scared of showing his accent, his hair, and his talent to the world. I will continue to work hard and challenge myself so that one day I can give back to my parents for everything they have done for me.

Growing up in an immigrant, low income family has had a profound impact on the person I am today. While it certainly had its challenges, it has also instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination that I value deeply. As a child of immigrant parents, I was constantly reminded of the sacrifices my parents had made in order to provide a better life for myself and my siblings. Seeing their hard work and dedication instilled in me a strong work ethic and a belief in the power of perseverance. Despite the financial struggles we faced, my parents always made sure to instill in us a sense of optimism and hope for the future. They emphasized the importance of education and encouraged us to pursue our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. This positive outlook on life has stayed with me and has helped me to navigate challenges and setbacks throughout my life. In addition to the lessons I learned from my parents, being part of a low income family also gave me a unique perspective on the world. I learned to be resourceful and to make the most out of what we had. This taught me to be creative and to think outside the box, skills that have proven invaluable in both my personal and professional life. Despite the challenges we faced, my family was always close knit and supportive of one another. We learned to rely on each other and to work together to overcome obstacles. This sense of community and togetherness has stayed with me and has helped me to develop strong relationships with others. Overall, coming from an immigrant, the low income family has shaped me in countless ways. It has taught me the value of hard work, determination, and optimism, and has given me a unique perspective on the world. While it was not always easy, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the person it has helped me to become. I believe having this characteristic will allow me to always keep my head up. Even in the toughest situations, I will keep a positive attitude and this will allow me to strive. I migrated to the US and came with twenty dollars and a backpack and even then I had a huge dream to follow, so even on the toughest situations I will never give up because that is who I am.

Moving to the United States was a big dream come true for me and my family. We had always hoped to have the opportunity to live in this country and take advantage of the many opportunities it offers. However, when we first arrived, we faced many challenges, including financial hardship. We had always been a lower-income family in our home country, and moving to the United States meant that we had to start over and build our lives from scratch. We had no savings and no way to make a living. We struggled to find work and make ends meet, and at times, it felt like we were barely scraping by. Despite these challenges, I refused to give up. I knew that with hard work and determination, I could overcome any obstacle and create a better future for myself and my family. I began working and saving every penny I could, determined to create a better life for myself. One thing that always gave me hope and motivation was my love for tennis. I had always been passionate about the sport and had even played on my high school team in my home country. When I arrived in the United States, I discovered that there were few affordable options for low-income kids to play tennis. This inspired me to start my own tennis academy, where I could teach kids from low-income families the sport I loved and provide them with the same opportunities that I had never had. Starting my own business was no easy feat. It required a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. But it was worth it. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on the faces of the kids who attended my academy made all the struggles worth it. I was able to provide a safe, welcoming environment where kids could learn, grow, and have fun. Over time, my tennis academy grew and became a thriving business. I was able to hire other coaches and provide even more opportunities for kids to learn and play tennis. I also used my business as a platform to give back to my community, hosting charity events and donating a portion of my profits to local organizations that supported low-income families. Looking back on my journey, I am proud of what I have achieved and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. My experience of financial hardship and the struggles we faced when moving to the United States taught me the value of hard work and determination. It also showed me the power of using my passions and skills to make a positive impact on the world. I am grateful for the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned, and I will always strive to use my experiences to help others.

“PUSH” I yelled to my mom and brother. My legs were cramping, my arms were weak, and my eyes were red from the sweat. Eventually, we got home, a usual Friday afternoon getting groceries. Ever since we moved to the U.S. buying groceries was a struggle. My mom left the house at 7 PM while my brother and I finished our homework and practiced tennis. At 9:00 PM, we would meet at the parking lot, each of us with a backpack to carry the food. After a long mental break, we rode our bikes for two miles back home. I never cared that we didn’t have a car or maybe I just knew there was no point in complaining. From a young age, I understood our situation: parents leaving everything behind to migrate to the U.S. seeking better opportunities for their family. We struggled for years and despite arriving in a new country with just 20 dollars to spare, the desire for a better life was the only thing on our minds. During high school, despite working extremely hard to learn English, I still had an accent and was not able to pronounce some words. I watched YouTube videos, read books out loud, and avoided saying words that would accentuate my accent. At this time, I also changed how I looked in order to fit in. I cut my curly hair as short as possible and changed the way I dressed to look like the other kids. At the end of my freshmen year, one of my biggest fears became a reality. I had to do a group presentation for my biology class. When choosing groups for the project, nobody chose me so I did the project on my own. When I presented in front of everyone my brain froze. I forgot everything I learned and felt embarrassed. I was afraid the other kids were laughing at me but when I looked around I realized no one was looking at me. Nobody even knew my name and I thought to myself, “no one cares about you” and surprisingly that made me happy. I realized I was the only person judging myself. No one cared about my looks, actions, or accent. I tried so hard to fit in that I lost my identity, so I decided to let loose and do what made me happy. I let my hair grow as much as possible and embraced my curls, started talking more with my accent and challenged myself by taking AP classes and joining clubs. I also began to help those around me, not only at my house but also by volunteering to help the community that had given me so many opportunities. Through my journey of self-discovery, I learned to appreciate every moment, from a sweaty bike ride at 10 o’clock to playing tennis with dead balls at night. I am proud of my roots, and my family. My parents gave up everything for me to have a better life and now it is my turn to exceed. I will live up to the “American dream” and become the person my parents want me to be: someone who is not scared of showing his accent, his hair, and his talent to the world. I will continue to work hard and challenge myself so that one day I can give back to my parents for everything they have done for me.

I have always been a curious person. As a kid, I spent every day asking questions and trying to find the answers. I spent hours analyzing plants, machines, and even toys. I wanted to know how everything worked and why it worked. Starting High School, I felt pressured to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I began taking different approaches to things that matched my personality. I was reluctant to take engineering classes because I had always struggled with math but fortunately the digital art class I signed up for was full and I was placed in Principles of Applied Engineering. A class that completely changed my life. My Engineering teacher, Mr. Kirk was fascinated by math. In every lesson he taught he explained how math played a vital role in our everyday life. He helped me understand math beyond the classroom and for the first time in my life, I enjoyed math. I stopped seeing it as just problems and equations. I understood the power of math and saw it as a gate to solve all my questions. The final project for this class was a competition, in which engineering students would create a catapult to throw pumpkins. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit, and the competition was canceled, however, knowing how much I cared about the event, my brother helped me create a mini catapult out of supplies around our house. My catapult was not able to throw pumpkins, but it was able to throw rubber balls and hit cups. The process of completing that project sparked my interest in engineering. The feeling of using my hands to build something. Finding a problem, using math and creativity to solve it, and seeing the rubber ball hitting a target was not comparable to anything. For the first time in my life, I felt proud of my work. My passion for engineering continued to grow and shaped me into the person that I am today. Math has become part of my life and I use it to help me to solve any challenge that I face. I want to be an engineer not only to gain the skills to answer the questions my inner child still has but to have the ability to solve bigger problems affecting millions of people. I want to create a positive impact in the world by making new technologies more efficient and leading the way for a better world.

Growing up in a low income immigrant family has been a major source of motivation for me to become successful. From a young age, I have seen firsthand the struggles and challenges that my parents have faced as they have worked hard to provide for our family and make a better life for themselves and for me. Watching my parents work long hours at low-paying jobs, often sacrificing their own dreams and aspirations in order to provide for us, has instilled in me a strong sense of determination and a desire to succeed. I want to be able to give back to my parents for all that they have done for me and to create a better future for myself and my family. In addition to providing me with motivation, my background has also given me a unique perspective and a set of experiences that have shaped my worldview and my approach to life. Seeing the challenges and obstacles that my parents have had to overcome has taught me the importance of resilience, hard work, and determination. It has also taught me the value of education and the doors that it can open, and I have always been driven to excel academically and make the most of the opportunities that have been presented to me. Despite the many challenges and struggles that I have faced, I have always been motivated by the belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. I know that my parents have made many sacrifices in order to give me the opportunities that they never had, and I am determined to make the most of those opportunities and to build a better future for myself and my family. In the future, I hope to use my education and my experiences to make a positive impact on my community and to help others who are facing similar challenges. I want to be able to give back and to be a role model and a source of inspiration for others who may be struggling. I believe that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their goals and create a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. I believe it is important for me to pursue education because I know how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. I live in a country full of opportunities and if I have the huge opportunity to learn and make my family proud, I will not waste it.

“PUSH” I yelled to my mom and brother. My legs were cramping, my arms were weak, and my eyes were red from the sweat. Eventually, we got home, a usual Friday afternoon getting groceries. Ever since we moved to the U.S. buying groceries was a struggle. My mom left the house at 7 PM while my brother and I finished our homework and practiced tennis. At 9:00 PM, we would meet at the parking lot, each of us with a backpack to carry the food. After a long mental break, we rode our bikes for two miles back home. I never cared that we didn’t have a car or maybe I just knew there was no point in complaining. From a young age, I understood our situation: parents leaving everything behind to migrate to the U.S. seeking better opportunities for their family. We struggled for years and despite arriving in a new country with just 20 dollars to spare, the desire for a better life was the only thing on our minds. During high school, despite working extremely hard to learn English, I still had an accent and was not able to pronounce some words. I watched YouTube videos, read books out loud, and avoided saying words that would accentuate my accent. At this time, I also changed how I looked in order to fit in. I cut my curly hair as short as possible and changed the way I dressed to look like the other kids. At the end of my freshmen year, one of my biggest fears became a reality. I had to do a group presentation for my biology class. When choosing groups for the project, nobody chose me so I did the project on my own. When I presented in front of everyone my brain froze. I forgot everything I learned and felt embarrassed. I was afraid the other kids were laughing at me but when I looked around I realized no one was looking at me. Nobody even knew my name and I thought to myself, “no one cares about you” and surprisingly that made me happy. I realized I was the only person judging myself. No one cared about my looks, actions, or accent. I tried so hard to fit in that I lost my identity, so I decided to let loose and do what made me happy. I let my hair grow as much as possible and embraced my curls, started talking more with my accent and challenged myself by taking AP classes and joining clubs. I also began to help those around me, not only at my house but also by volunteering to help the community that had given me so many opportunities. Through my journey of self-discovery, I learned to appreciate every moment, from a sweaty bike ride at 10 o’clock to playing tennis with dead balls at night. I am proud of my roots, and my family. My parents gave up everything for me to have a better life and now it is my turn to exceed. I will live up to the “American dream” and become the person my parents want me to be: someone who is not scared of showing his accent, his hair, and his talent to the world. I will continue to work hard and challenge myself so that one day I can give back to my parents for everything they have done for me.

As someone who is deeply committed to giving back to my community, I have always been passionate about volunteering my time and resources to help others. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of volunteer activities, from helping to feed the homeless to working with at-risk youth. Through these experiences, I have learned firsthand the power of service and the positive impact that it can have on the lives of others. One of the ways in which I have been able to make a difference in my community is through my work as a volunteer coach at a local tennis academy. The academy, which is open to low-income kids from all around the city, provides affordable, high-quality tennis instruction to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn the sport. As a coach at the academy, I have had the chance to work with kids of all ages and skill levels, helping them to develop their skills and achieve their goals on the court. I have also had the opportunity to serve as a mentor and role model for many of the kids, providing guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and learn to set and achieve their own goals. In addition to coaching at the academy, I have also been involved in a number of other volunteer activities in my community. These have included everything from helping to organize food drives and community clean-up events to supporting local schools and youth organizations. Through all of these activities, I have been able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to the well-being of my community in a very tangible way. I believe that by volunteering my time and resources, I am able to make a positive impact on the world around me, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do so. In the future, I hope to continue working to make a difference in my community through volunteering and other charitable endeavors. I am also considering the possibility of opening my own tennis academy for low-income kids, as I believe that this would be a great way to give back to my community and make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Whether through volunteering or through other initiatives, I am determined to continue working to make a difference in my community and to use my skills and resources to help others. I believe that by giving back and working to create positive change in the world, we can all make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and help to create a better, more just and equitable society.

As a native of Mexico City, I have always been deeply connected to my community and deeply invested in its well-being. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and struggles that many people in my hometown face on a daily basis. From inadequate infrastructure and poor living conditions to environmental degradation and limited access to basic services, I saw firsthand the ways in which these issues can have a profound impact on people's lives. It is for these reasons that I have always been drawn to the field of civil engineering. I believe that by pursuing a career in this field, I can make a real difference in my community, helping to address some of the most pressing problems that it faces. I am particularly interested in the ways in which civil engineering can be used to improve the quality of life for people in my hometown. This includes everything from designing and building new infrastructure to upgrading and maintaining existing systems. I believe that by improving the infrastructure of my community, I can help to create a more sustainable and livable environment for everyone who calls Mexico City home. In addition to improving infrastructure, I am also interested in using my skills as a civil engineer to address environmental issues in my community. From helping to mitigate the impact of natural disasters to developing strategies for conserving natural resources, I believe that I can make a positive contribution to the health and well-being of my community by focusing on these issues. Ultimately, my dream is to use my expertise as a civil engineer to make a real difference in the lives of the people of Mexico City. Whether I am working on a major construction project or developing a new plan to address a pressing problem, I am determined to use my skills and knowledge to help create a better future for my community. In order to achieve these dreams, I know that I will need to work hard and dedicate myself to my studies and my career. I am confident that with hard work, determination, and a passion for helping others, I can become the kind of civil engineer who can truly make a difference in my community. So, I am fully committed to pursuing a career in this field and using my skills and knowledge to help make my hometown a better place for everyone who lives there.

As a native of Mexico City, I have always been deeply connected to my community and deeply invested in its well-being. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and struggles that many people in my hometown face on a daily basis. From inadequate infrastructure and poor living conditions to environmental degradation and limited access to basic services, I saw firsthand the ways in which these issues can have a profound impact on people's lives. It is for these reasons that I have always been drawn to the field of civil engineering. I believe that by pursuing a career in this field, I can make a real difference in my community, helping to address some of the most pressing problems that it faces. I am particularly interested in the ways in which civil engineering can be used to improve the quality of life for people in my hometown. This includes everything from designing and building new infrastructure to upgrading and maintaining existing systems. I believe that by improving the infrastructure of my community, I can help to create a more sustainable and livable environment for everyone who calls Mexico City home. In addition to improving infrastructure, I am also interested in using my skills as a civil engineer to address environmental issues in my community. From helping to mitigate the impact of natural disasters to developing strategies for conserving natural resources, I believe that I can make a positive contribution to the health and well-being of my community by focusing on these issues. Ultimately, my goal is to use my expertise as a civil engineer to make a real difference in the lives of the people of Mexico City. Whether I am working on a major construction project or developing a new plan to address a pressing problem, I am determined to use my skills and knowledge to help create a better future for my community. In order to achieve these goals, I know that I will need to work hard and dedicate myself to my studies and my career. I am confident that with hard work, determination, and a passion for helping others, I can become the kind of civil engineer who can truly make a difference in my community. So, I am fully committed to pursuing a career in this field and using my skills and knowledge to help make my hometown a better place for everyone who lives there.

Volunteering has had a profound impact on my perspective in life and who I am today. It has taught me the value of giving back to my community and has allowed me to develop a sense of empathy and compassion for others. One of the most impactful experiences I have had through volunteering was working with a local soup kitchen. Serving meals to those in need not only provided them with nourishment, but it also gave me the opportunity to connect with and listen to their stories. I was able to learn about the challenges and struggles they faced on a daily basis, and this helped me to understand and appreciate my own privileges and blessings in life. Volunteering has also helped me to develop a stronger sense of purpose and meaning in my own life. By contributing my time and energy to helping others, I have been able to find a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that goes beyond material wealth or success. It has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that I am making a difference, no matter how small, in the lives of those around me. In addition to the personal growth and fulfillment that volunteering has brought me, it has also had a lasting impact on my career goals and aspirations. Through my volunteer work, I have been exposed to a variety of organizations and causes that I am passionate about, and this has helped me to identify what I want to do with my career. I have learned valuable skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork that have helped me to stand out in my professional pursuits. Overall, volunteering has shaped my perspective in life by showing me the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around me. It has helped me to develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose, and has had a lasting impact on my career goals and aspirations. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve others and believe that volunteering is an essential part of living a meaningful and fulfilling life. Money has always been a source of stress and tension in my house. My parents have never been able to save much money, and as a result, we have always lived paycheck to paycheck. There has never been any extra money for things like family vacations or special treats. One of the biggest problems is that my parents never really learned how to budget or manage their finances. They both grew up in households where money was tight, so they never really learned the skills they needed to make ends meet. This has resulted in a lot of financial insecurity and worry for our family. One of the biggest concerns for me and my brother is that my parents don't have any savings set aside for our future. We worry about what will happen if they can't continue to work, or if something unexpected happens. We also worry about how we will be able to afford college or other expenses without any financial support. I have tried to talk to my parents about this issue, but they are always so focused on just getting through the next month that it's hard to have a long-term conversation. I know they want the best for us, but it's frustrating to feel like we don't have any options or security when it comes to our future.

Tennis has always been a big part of my life. I started playing when I was just a child, and over the years, I've come to love the sport not just for the physical challenges it presents, but also for the lessons it has taught me about integrity. One of the things that I admire most about tennis is the importance of honesty and sportsmanship. In tennis, players are expected to call their own shots, whether they land in or out. This means that there is no room for cheating or trying to deceive your opponent. As a result, I've learned that integrity is about more than just avoiding dishonesty – it's also about being fair and upholding the rules of the game. In addition to honesty and fairness, I've also learned that integrity means standing up for what you believe in, even when it's not popular or easy to do so. I've seen firsthand how players who are willing to take a stand for their beliefs – whether it's by speaking out against discrimination or supporting a worthy cause – can inspire others to do the same. Another aspect of integrity that I've come to appreciate through my experience with tennis is the importance of accountability. In tennis, players are responsible for their own actions, and this includes being accountable for mistakes or poor performance. This has taught me that integrity means being willing to admit when you're wrong and being willing to work to improve yourself. Finally, I've learned that integrity is about being true to yourself and your values. In tennis, players are expected to be respectful and gracious, both on and off the court. This means that they must be true to their own values and beliefs, even when it means standing up to others or going against the norm. Overall, my experience with tennis has taught me that integrity is about being honest, fair, accountable, and true to oneself. It's about upholding the values that are important to you, even when it's not easy to do so.

Moving to the United States was a big dream come true for me and my family. We had always hoped to have the opportunity to live in this country and take advantage of the many opportunities it offers. However, when we first arrived, we faced many challenges, including financial hardship. We had always been a lower-income family in our home country, and moving to the United States meant that we had to start over and build our lives from scratch. We had no savings and no way to make a living. We struggled to find work and make ends meet, and at times, it felt like we were barely scraping by. Despite these challenges, I refused to give up. I knew that with hard work and determination, I could overcome any obstacle and create a better future for myself and my family. I began working and saving every penny I could, determined to create a better life for myself. One thing that always gave me hope and motivation was my love for tennis. I had always been passionate about the sport and had even played on my high school team in my home country. When I arrived in the United States, I discovered that there were few affordable options for low-income kids to play tennis. This inspired me to start my own tennis academy, where I could teach kids from low-income families the sport I loved and provide them with the same opportunities that I had never had. Starting my own business was no easy feat. It required a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. But it was worth it. Seeing the joy and satisfaction on the faces of the kids who attended my academy made all the struggles worth it. I was able to provide a safe, welcoming environment where kids could learn, grow, and have fun. Over time, my tennis academy grew and became a thriving business. I was able to hire other coaches and provide even more opportunities for kids to learn and play tennis. I also used my business as a platform to give back to my community, hosting charity events and donating a portion of my profits to local organizations that supported low-income families. Looking back on my journey, I am proud of what I have achieved and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. My experience of financial hardship and the struggles we faced when moving to the United States taught me the value of hard work and determination. It also showed me the power of using my passions and skills to make a positive impact on the world. I am grateful for the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned, and I will always strive to use my experiences to help others.

I have always been a curious person. As a kid, I spent every day asking questions and trying to find the answers. I spent hours analyzing plants, machines, and even toys. I wanted to know how everything worked and why it worked. Starting High School, I felt pressured to decide what I wanted to do with my life. I began taking different approaches to things that matched my personality. I was reluctant to take engineering classes because I had always struggled with math but fortunately the digital art class I signed up for was full and I was placed in Principles of Applied Engineering. A class that completely changed my life. My Engineering teacher, Mr. Kirk was fascinated by math. In every lesson he taught he explained how math played a vital role in our everyday life. He helped me understand math beyond the classroom and for the first time in my life, I enjoyed math. I stopped seeing it as just problems and equations. I understood the power of math and saw it as a gate to solve all my questions. The final project for this class was a competition, in which engineering students would create a catapult to throw pumpkins. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit, and the competition was canceled, however, knowing how much I cared about the event, my brother helped me create a mini catapult out of supplies around our house. My catapult was not able to throw pumpkins, but it was able to throw rubber balls and hit cups. The process of completing that project sparked my interest in engineering. The feeling of using my hands to build something. Finding a problem, using math and creativity to solve it, and seeing the rubber ball hitting a target was not comparable to anything. For the first time in my life, I felt proud of my work. My passion for engineering continued to grow and shaped me into the person that I am today. Math has become part of my life and I use it to help me to solve any challenge that I face. I want to be an engineer not only to gain the skills to answer the questions my inner child still has but to have the ability to solve bigger problems affecting millions of people. I want to create a positive impact in the world by making new technologies more efficient and leading the way for a better world.

I want to attend college and become an engineer, I want to become not only a engineer but I want to make a change in the world, I want to create a better world for the next generation I want them to have the same chances that I was given and I want them to do the same for the next generation. I would do anything in order to achieve this dream just like my parents did everything for me and my brother to even have a dream by migrating to the United States.

Arriving at the united States me and my family had come with $20. From that day until now we have always struggled with money form a young age I always wanted to have more money, I wanted to have the newest iphones, the best laptops, the best shoes it was until my 14th birthday that this idea change. It was 9 am and my dad woke me up with all of my family singing happy birthday like we usually do, he told me to get dressed and get ready, which basically meant take our bikes outside because we did not have a car. The sun hitting my eyes, the wind blowing in my face and my family smiling, today felt different. We arrived to the destination, Burger King. It was the closest restaurant to us and the cheapest one too, we parked our bikes and went inside. The chairs and tables were sticky, the food was cold, and the drinks were flat, yet it was the best birthday I ever had. I had my family next to me they saved as much money as they could to take me to Burger king and to me that is what wealth is, wealth is not money or a number it is the amount of true love that one has. I want to create a family and give them what I wanted as a kid but more specifically what I got as a kid.

1.I was born in 2004, four years after my brother Santiago passed away. He lived for two years and had a huge impact on my family’s life, especially mine. From a young age, I struggled with my identity. I questioned why I was given a chance that my brother did not have. I wondered if my life was worth his or if he could have done better than me. This never-ending cycle of guilt made me feel trapped, and I was slowly losing myself. Thankfully my mom, who had suffered the most from this experience, led me on a path to acceptance and recovery. She made me realize that even if Santiago was my brother, I shouldn’t feel guilty. I was a different person and I was born for a reason. She helped me understand how hard and unfair life is but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it. Life is full of new experiences and too short to dwell on the past. Now I see life from a new perspective. I understand the opportunities I have to experience new things, learn, and grow. I enjoy challenging myself and helping others around me. I still think about my brother but he has become my motivation. I know he is looking at me and I work hard every day to make him feel proud of the man I am becoming.

I was born in 2004, four years after my brother Santiago passed away. He lived for two years and had a huge impact on my family’s life, especially mine. From a young age, I struggled with my identity. I questioned why I was given a chance that my brother did not have. I wondered if my life was worth his or if he could have done better than me. This never-ending cycle of guilt made me feel trapped, and I was slowly losing myself. Thankfully my mom, who had suffered the most from this experience, led me on a path to acceptance and recovery. She made me realize that even if Santiago was my brother, I shouldn’t feel guilty. I was a different person and I was born for a reason. She helped me understand how hard and unfair life is but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it. Life is full of new experiences and too short to dwell on the past. Now I see life from a new perspective. I understand the opportunities I have to experience new things, learn, and grow. I enjoy challenging myself and helping others around me. I still think about my brother but he has become my motivation. I know he is looking at me and I work hard every day to make him feel proud of the man I am becoming.

1. All my life I never knew what I was passionate about. It was when I started to analyze what I lvoed that allowed me to answer this question. I love eating cereal, I love playing tennis, and I love watching movies. I started to think outside of the box and realized that the reason why I love all of these is because of my family. When I was a kid I used to go with a smile on my face every single day before school because me and my dad shared a cereal together. When I moved to the united states I played tennis with my brother every single day. During rainy days I used to watch movies with my mom. Thus, I am passionate about my family. 2. I can overcome any obstacle that I face because I have lost everything when I moved to the united States. I left my extended family behind, I left all of my friends, I did not have any money, and I did not speak English. Even with all of this I was able to exceed and push through and become a scholar. As long as I have my family with me I can always exceed at anything. 3. In the future I hope to become someone who I wish I would have met when I was younger. Someone who would help those less fortunate and someone who would see the potential of others and push them to be the best version of themselves.

I was born in 2004, four years after my brother Santiago passed away. He lived for two years and had a huge impact on my family’s life, especially mine. From a young age, I struggled with my identity. I questioned why I was given a chance that my brother did not have. I wondered if my life was worth his or if he could have done better than me. This never-ending cycle of guilt made me feel trapped, and I was slowly losing myself. Thankfully my mom, who had suffered the most from this experience, led me on a path to acceptance and recovery. She made me realize that even if Santiago was my brother, I shouldn’t feel guilty. I was a different person and I was born for a reason. She helped me understand how hard and unfair life is but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it. Life is full of new experiences and too short to dwell on the past. Now I see life from a new perspective. I understand the opportunities I have to experience new things, learn, and grow. I enjoy challenging myself and helping others around me. I still think about my brother but he has become my motivation. I know he is looking at me and I work hard every day to make him feel proud of the man I am becoming.

As a kid I always hated my name, it was hard to pronounce and most importantly it was so weird it never came in a Coca Cola can or even in a keychain. It was until I was seven years old when I asked my parents why they choose that name for me. My parents- they have been through a lot: their first child was diagnosed with leukemia when he was three years old, after a tough fight and all of their life saving used for the cause, he passed away. After about seven years of sever depression and lack of money they decided to have my brother Maximiliano, he was and still is extremely smart, however according to my parents he lacked social skills and charisma and that is when I come in. I was born in 2004 two years after my brother and I was extremely different from my brother; smart were never my strongest but I never lacked social skill or positivity,. I was always on my feet talking to stranger and asking them questions (which I am sure now were obnoxious), getting along with almost anyone that I met, and of course my specialty- staying positive even in the toughest situation. I think my parents knew who I was going to be even before I was born, they believed that I was going to give them hope and motivation and that is why they named me Luciano. They choose Luciano because of the firsts three letters "Luc" in Spanish the word "Luz" means light and they compared my name with light, they explained to me that they knew that I was always positive and that I always looked for the best not only in places but in people and that incense and sense of positive allowed them to have motivation and hope thus, my name. I believe this mentality played a key role when we moved to the United States, we arrived with only 20 dollars in our pockets and one bag pack each, we had no knowledge of English or even a home to stay in , we had to live in my uncle's house for seven rough months until we were financially stable to live on our own. I specifically remember the first day we went to the grocery store, we had 15 dollars to spend and we only bought three things: ham, cheese, and bread. And that is all the food and money we had for the entire week, everyone was scared but I kept positive, and I like to believe I have always helped my family that way, just by keeping positive it gives them a tiny light of hope which allows them to keep going and I think it is all thanks to my name which now I am proud to have.

Every last Mexican "peso" changed into mere $20, we had only one bag pack and a big dream to chase. I was around 12 years old when me and my family moved to the U.S. We had big hope but we also had great fear since we did not know what to do with our lives, especially since no one spoke even a single word of English. I remember clearly my brother telling me "I don't know what we are going to do, how are we going to make it?" and I simply told him not to worry, but he kept insisting telling me how we did not have anything at all, how we barely had money to eat for a week, how we had to sleep in a single bed, and I just told him "it's okay, it doesn't matter, we will make it, because we are Pombo" My grandparents made a house for 10 people without even finishing elementary, my parents raised two kids with minimum wages in the best school there was to offer, so there was not a single doubt in my mind that we were going to make it. After six years despite all the adversities we were able to stabilize, and it is until now that I realized that staying positive not only helps one but it helps the people around one, it gives a small light of hope which nothing can take out, it gives strength, and it gives motivation.

It was late around 3 am and I suddenly wake up and I see a kid, older than me, staring me down, observing and hearing every single move that I made; obviously I started crying so this kid goes to my mom's room and says "mom, your son is crying" That kid that was watching me was my older brother, Maximiliano-at the time 5 and me 3- and that was the very first memory I have of him . Ever since I was born my brother has always protected me and looked after me, every single test he helped me study, every single homework he helped me, every single time I was sad he cheered me up, every time I was happy he was happy for me. I never understood why my brother always cared so much about me, but after some time I realized it was all thanks to my parents. Ever since we were kids our parents told us "you do not have anyone in this world who you can rely on more than your family, we are her for each to help each other, always" I believe this stayed with my brother his entire life because of the way that he is and how caring he is. Even after we moved to the U.S. he still looked over me, even if he was 14 and he had to leave his best friends in Mexico he did not care at all, he just wanted to make sure I was okay and I was because the only friend that I ever had and ever needed was my brother. The Summer of 2017 was the worst financial period our family has been through, my dad was the only one working for a job which did not pay him as he deserved and definitely not enough to maintain a family, I remember clearly the banging in our door BAAM BAMM, the lessor wanted the rent which we owned three months ago, but we did not have enough to pay for it, we had to hide in the bathroom to make it seem as if we were not there, furthermore we did not even have enough to eat. Despite all of these adversities, my brother took me out all day, to play tennis, basketball, soccer, absolutely anything that would get me out of the house so that I did not know how bad things were at home. It was until today that I've realized all the sacrifices that not only my brother but my whole family has done for me, because of this I want to study business because I want to give access and financial services that can help people step out of poverty and build a better life with a safe risk and also give them a face which they can trust the same way I trust my brother.

I remember when I was in seventh grade I had no motivation to improve as a person, I always had the same routine: woke up, went to school, waited for my brother to pick me up, go to my house and sleep, and do the same thing over and over. As a kid I was always active and included in sports however because of a language barrier, I was not able to make that many friends because of this it was very hard for me to play sports outside of school. It was until my brother mention tennis, a sport which I have never played in my entire life but it only required to players. First I was indecisive if I wanted to try it since I did not want to change my routine but after some convincing me and my brother started playing. At first, I hated it with my soul, it was super hard to hit the ball and control it, furthermore I had no control over my body since I was growing, because of this I decided to give up, but my brother as persistent that he is, forced me to play every single day after school. After four years and no private coaches I was able to play varsity tennis for my high school, and it was all because of my brother. I hope to mentor people the same way my brother mentored me, I hope to allow people find their passion and motivate them to be the best version of themselves.

While living in Mexico I always struggled with school, I never did my homework, I did not study for quizzes or tests, and I never paid attention. This was a great concern for my parents since their oldest child, Maximiliano, was the top student of his whole grade level. At first they tried to push me to be as dedicated as he was, however I just saw it as a competition, “who could do better”, and of course I never won. This competition and comparison between us created a barrier between us and I no longer saw us as brothers but more as rivals. After some time my parents started to give up on me and since my parents were my biggest inspiration, I thought to myself “If my parents gave up on me why would I not” and this was the moment when I started to drop most of my classes, lacking the most in class, getting in trouble, and having bad grades. I remember clearly a test that I had for my German, my dad stayed up all night trying to help me. However, after two hours of mere crying and being confused he gave up and told me to go to bed. Of course given the circumstances I was barely able to pass, I got disciplined very harshly and that same evening my mom asked me and my brother to get some bread for dinner. As we walked down the street I remember looking at my brother and asking myself, why are you better than me at everything? As we got the bread my brother started to lecture me of school once again, me of course being irritated with all the lecturing from my parents got frustrated and I started to get angry, since we were both kids we did not how to manage our emotions thus we started pushing each other, it was not long until I hit my brother with the bag of bread causing half of it to completely being wasted. As we walked back to our house, I remember being ashamed, angry, frustrated, but most importantly scared; I was scared of what my parents were going to do with me, what they were going to say. Especially with the German test grade and now this. As we walked to the kitchen my mother asked me what had happened to the bread and when I was about to confess my brother said “sorry mom, I tripped and the bag broke” she obviously was very angry with him but she did nothing. At that exact moment I realized that my brother never wanted to compete with me, he never wanted to be the role model which my parents made me look at, he was just trying his best to be the best older brother he could, one who his little brother was proud of. At that instant I realized that the only person who actually believed in me, the only person who wanted me to be the best version of myself was my brother, after all we were all we had, friends come and go, but siblings you only have one. After that moment I started to gain more and more motivation, raising my grades dramatically and improving myself. I was not trying to make my parents proud, I was trying to be the best little brother there was for my brother.

As a kid, I was always asked what I wanted to do when I grew up and I always had the same answer ,business man, however I always wondered if everyone did what they wanted to do, if everyone was equal and everyone had an opportunity to pursue their dreams. As I grew older I realized that this did hold true, but not in Mexico, so when me and my family had the opportunity to move to the US we did not hesitate. The U.S is known worldwide for the opportunities it gives not only to its citizens but to immigrants, and the main reason why I believe this is true is because the United States was not only created by immigrants but was also shaped by them. When I first arrived to the U.S, I was amazed at the infinite possibilities that it gave to everyone, everyone could be anything they wanted if they worked for it, and my family is known to work hard for everything and anything; My grandparents they did not even finish elementary but they were able to put food on the table for seven kids, my parents with the little money that they were given were able to attend college and get a degree good enough to raise two kids and give them the opportunities they missed, and most importantly they had the bravery to leave their whole lives, family, and friends just to give their teenager kids a better life even if it meant arriving with $20 in their pockets, they knew that they had to risk it all for the future and they held hope that their kids would do the same thing they did for us. Me and my brother were the first generation of immigrants to the US and not knowing a single word in English and being 12 and 14 respectively, we knew it was hard, however that did not slow us down one bit. We were given the opportunity to learn English with different programs such as Newcomer and ESL, and it only took us one year to pass these programs and be integrated into regular students. We were also given the opportunity to play different sports and since we wanted a challenge we taught ourselves how to play tennis and by the little time we have been here, five years, I was able to play varsity level for my school. With the little time that we have been here I realize the many opportunities that my parents gave us by coming to the US, and the meaning of the “American dream” which gives equal opportunities to everyone regardless of their background, furthermore with all of these infinite opportunities I hope to go to college and get a a job, so that my parents and my family realizes the truth that the American dream holds and give back to them for the sacrifices they made to give this opportunity to me and to show them how far working hard and dedication can really take you.