I remember as a child, my grandpa was always fond of nature, and fascinated by the savannas. Together, on the nature channels that would be on during the morning, we would watch the animals graze the vast, endless lands. The world seemed so vibrant and brilliant, and captivated my youthful eyes. Since my family’s Christian, we believe that nature and life itself is nothing short of a miracle, and marvel at the sight which God has given us the ability to see. At times, though, the animals being filmed would be portrayed at risk. Sometimes they were injured, sometimes they were being chased by carnivorous predators, and sometimes their lives were coming to a close. "Porque?" I asked my grandpa, wanting to know why these circumstances happened. "Así es la naturaleza, Luisito" he responded, in a consoling voice, explaining that's just how nature is. I didn't want to accept the truth. I thought it was unfair, especially for animals who have no way of getting treatment for their wounds. As I grew older, my grandpa’s words still held close, and although I understood that I can’t change nature's cycle, with the right resources and education, I can have a chance at changing something else–human lives. I felt as if it was my calling, and when I read Matthew 7:24, the same date as my birthday, I knew it had to be. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock”–these words resonated with me, as I want to share the same love and care that Jesus holds towards us, all while following my passion of helping others. I later joined my local gym, and started to learn more and more about the human body, only becoming more curious as to how it functions. "How does my body do it? What moves inside my body? Why?" These questions filled my head and captivated me, only amplifying my curiosity. With the knowledge I gained from exercising, I started to form a peer wellness group. In it, I promoted maintaining a healthy lifestyle by providing exercise selections, healthy foods, and a positive, inclusive environment for all. I realized that if I can already make an impact in my community with the resources I have, I can make an even greater one with access to college. So, I started to take more rigorous courses to test my academic drive and further my chances into getting into a college with a great Biomedical Engineering program, the field I wish to study in. Even as I study for my own classes, I try my best to help others study for theirs too, understanding Proverbs 27:17, stating, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. Despite my financial situation and the barriers I've been faced with, I still continue my dream of creating a better tomorrow for humanity, one that serves each other and encourages innovation. With the financial help of this scholarship, I'd be able to take a chance at building new connections and foster a stronger drive for inclusivity, equity, and academics at college. I'd bring into fruition the knowledge I'd acquire through college in my future, and help the next generations of scholars in their academic journeys as well. I want to show other students who are just like me that success is possible, and that just like Philippians 4:13, through faith in Christ, you too can have the strength to do all things.

“¡Te vas a romper la espalda!” From when I was a kid in elementary school, I was always the one in my family who tried to carry in the most groceries after shopping. It didn't matter whether it be bags of potatoes, packages of fruits, or even watermelons: I was never afraid of the challenge. Needless to say, I would continually get scolded by my mom and grandparents. "¡Te vas a romper la espalda!" would be their go-to towards me, saying that I'll break my back if I kept carrying heavy groceries the way I did. Of course, I used proper precautions, though. From my perspective, the best way to unload groceries would be by unloading all the heaviest items first–the water packs, sodas, and especially rice bags. Using my shorter stature to my advantage, I was able to fit inside tighter spaces, maneuver around the seats, and move aside lighter groceries for the bulky items. When the time came, I would load my arms with those heavy items, then carefully step out of the car onto the crooked driveway of my home. From there I would stagger along with my kiddish legs and aim for the staircase to the home door. "One, two, one, two" I repeated in my head as I brought my right then left foot up each step. Strenuous? Absolutely. Yet, that’s why I loved it. I saw it as a “ test of willpower": will I reach my limit, or surpass it? In the end, I always managed to finish the task and gain a small victory. Then I’d repeat it all again, over and over, until no grocery was left uncarried by my boyish arms. "It's my duty!" I thought to myself, thinking that it wasn't a choice, but a need to carry out that physical work. My mom already has to deal with work, bills, cooking, and cleaning, and my grandparents deserve to rest, as their bodies have already experienced much physical labor. I thought that the least a kid like me could do was most, if not all of the physically demanding work. I'd increase my endurance while providing physical relief, and if my mom and grandparents choose to help, they would still get exercise from lighter foods without straining on heavier loads. "It's a win-win!" I reasoned. "It's my pride!" I told myself, believing that I have to carry on my family's history. Coming from an El Salvadorean family, much of my parents' and grandparents' daily lives involved physical labor. They told me everyone had several chores and loads of responsibilities every day. People would do laundry by hand, go to school on foot, and work diligently for pay. The idea of all that work each day of their lives baffled me. "They're so strong!" I thought. “I have to do this, I have to carry on that legacy.” "It's my inspiration!" I reminded myself, now in the present. Due to all that grocery lifting, I grew curious about how I was even able to carry out the task. "How does my body do it? What moves inside my body? Why?" These questions harbored inside me and led me to discover exercise, weightlifting, and now the human body. My curiosity for biology and physiology flourished the more I delved into physical activity. I find it fascinating how every part of the human body has its own function. From now into the future, I carry the dreams of my past self and hopes of my future self, knowing that no matter the obstacle, I'll push forward, step by step, and even if the path is jagged towards my goal, I'll find my way or carve it myself. The strides I'll make towards a better tomorrow will be proof of how I can and will surpass my limits, all while expanding my ever-growing curiosity.