Growing up, I’ve always looked up to my mom and the example she set for me. After losing my father when I was 12, she raised my sister and me as a single parent while building a towing company from the ground up in a male-dominated industry. Watching her work long hours, overcome challenges, and turn the business into something successful taught me the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance. No matter how difficult things became, she continued pushing forward for our family, and her strength inspired me to pursue a future in the automotive industry and continue building on the foundation she created.
In addition to the challenges my family faced, I was also diagnosed with ADHD inattentive-type at a young age. Throughout school, I often struggled with focus, organization, time management, and self-confidence. While many people assume ADHD only affects hyperactivity, inattentive ADHD can make it difficult to stay organized, process information efficiently, and keep up with academic expectations even when you are trying your hardest. There were times when I became frustrated with myself because I knew I was capable of more than my grades sometimes reflected. I had to work harder than many of my peers to stay on track, complete assignments, and remain focused in class.
Over time, I learned how to adapt and develop strategies that helped me succeed. I learned the importance of structure, persistence, and asking for support when needed. Roller derby, work responsibilities, and hands-on learning environments helped me discover that I thrive when I am actively engaged and challenged. Instead of allowing ADHD to define my limitations, I used it as motivation to become more determined, resilient, and disciplined. Managing these challenges while balancing school, athletics, work, and family responsibilities has taught me how to persevere even when things feel overwhelming. It has also given me empathy for others who face struggles that are not always visible.
I am graduating this June and plan to attend De Anza College to pursue an Auto Repair Technology degree while also taking welding and EMT classes at Cabrillo College. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and learning how things work, especially when it comes to vehicles. Some of my favorite memories are spending time at my mom’s shop, watching repairs being done, riding in tow trucks, and learning about the business from the ground up. Traditional classroom environments were not always easy for me because of my ADHD, but hands-on technical learning has always been where I feel most focused and confident. I enjoy solving problems, diagnosing issues, and learning practical skills that produce real results.
My goal is to use my education and technical training to help grow our family towing company by expanding into automotive repair services. In the future, I also hope to start my own related business that complements the company my mom worked so hard to build. I want to continue creating opportunities not only for myself, but also for my family and community. Growing up in a family business taught me the importance of dedication, customer service, and building strong relationships with people.
Outside of school and work, I have spent the last 11 years playing competitive roller derby with the Santa Cruz Derby Groms through the US Junior Roller Derby Association. Roller derby has given me the opportunity to travel across the country, compete at a high level, and meet people from many different backgrounds. The sport has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership, and commitment. It has also helped me become more confident, resilient, and able to stay calm under pressure, skills that I know will help me in both my education and future career. Balancing practices, competitions, travel, school, and work responsibilities also helped me strengthen the organizational skills that were especially challenging because of my ADHD.
I also volunteer with Tails for Redwood Trails, a local equine rescue that offers riding lessons and programs for children. I help care for the horses, clean stalls, and assist with camps, lessons, and community events. Volunteering there has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of giving back to the community. In addition, I am certified in American Red Cross Deep Water Rescue and CPR. I currently work as a lifeguard for the City of Santa Cruz and also work shifts with IHSS, providing in-home support for disabled individuals in our community. These experiences have strengthened my communication skills and shown me how rewarding it is to help others.
In my free time, I enjoy spending as much time as possible at my mom’s shop working on my project truck, a 1985 Chevrolet K20 that I have been restoring. Working on that truck has strengthened my passion for the automotive field and motivated me to continue learning new skills. Through my education, work experience, athletics, volunteer service, and personal challenges, I hope to build a successful future while continuing to support my family, contribute to my community, and carry on the legacy my mom worked so hard to create. My experiences have taught me that success is not determined by the obstacles a person faces, but by their willingness to keep moving forward despite them.