As an immigrant girl growing up in the heart of Texas, I have been witness to the struggles and challenges faced by women in this diverse state. Texas, a land of opportunity, holds within it a deep-rooted gender disparity that has limited the potential and dreams of countless individuals. However, it is precisely this disparity that fuels my determination to confront it head-on. In my pursuit of knowledge and education, I am driven by the desire to uplift my parents' lives and make a lasting impact on the fight against gender inequality in Texas. As the child of immigrants, I have been fortunate to witness the resilience and sacrifices made by my parents to provide a better future for our family. They left their homeland in search of economic stability and security, which often eluded them due to the hardships they faced as immigrants. Their struggles and experiences have become my motivation to succeed academically, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a brighter future for my parents. Texas, like many other regions, grapples with gender disparity across various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and political representation. Through my studies, I aim to unravel the layers of inequality that persist in my state. By highlighting the experiences of immigrant girls and their families, I hope to shed light on the unique challenges they face, raising awareness among policymakers, educators, and the broader community. Education is a powerful catalyst for change, and I firmly believe that it can break the shackles of gender disparity. Armed with a degree, I aspire to become an advocate for gender equality, promoting inclusive policies and initiatives that empower girls and women in Texas. By engaging in research, community outreach, and grassroots activism, I aim to challenge societal norms, dismantle barriers, and create equal opportunities for all. With my future career, I intend to challenge the prevailing stereotypes and biases that hinder the progress of immigrant girls. By pursuing a profession in law or politics, I hope to advocate for policies that protect the rights and dignity of marginalized communities, especially immigrant women. Through legal advocacy, I aspire to empower women, facilitate access to justice, and foster an environment where their voices are not only heard but amplified. Beyond my individual aspirations, I hope to inspire other young girls to dream big, to confront the gender disparity that plagues our society, and to believe in their own potential. By serving as a mentor and role model, I aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment, encouraging more immigrant girls to pursue higher education and challenge societal norms. Through community-based initiatives, workshops, and mentorship programs, I seek to provide the tools and resources necessary for them to realize their dreams and overcome the barriers they may encounter. As an immigrant girl, my journey to confront gender disparity in Texas is deeply personal. I am driven by the desire to honor my parents' sacrifices and provide them with the better life they envisioned. Through my pursuit of education, I aim to expose the gender inequality that persists in our state and inspire change through my future career. By promoting inclusive policies, challenging societal norms, and empowering immigrant girls, I hope to contribute to a more equitable Texas—one where gender disparity is but a distant memory, and all individuals have the opportunity to thrive, irrespective of their background or gender.

“ Hard work pays off “ as cliché as it sounds, this paraphrase is tattooed in my mind. I am confident in myself that a giving and hard-working student will provide me with skills that will enable me to meet my academic objectives. A giving student is one who always offers to assist others in their academic efforts with no expectation of return. I'm always willing to collaborate with my peers and offer my knowledge and abilities in getting work done. I look forward to watching my classmates thrive and am always willing to help them out if I can. I am hoping to be an ambitious business major who is confident that by using my knowledge and abilities to tackle some of the most important issues confronting society, I can have a huge impact on the world. Business graduates may make a difference in a variety of fields in the real world by combining strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication. For instance, I may start my own socially conscious companies that emphasized ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and fair labor standards. As an alternative, I could assist already-existing organizations in enhancing their environmental and social responsibility policies. I may use their abilities to develop original responses to general problems like poverty, access to healthcare, and education. An ambitious business major could change the world and make it a better place for everyone with their rigorous education, commitment, and work ethic. There are certain approaches to envision this: Creating work opportunities: A business major can help their community by launching a successful company and hiring locals. This can support efforts to lower unemployment and give people who might otherwise have difficulty finding employment a reliable source of income. Establishing a sustainable business: An ambitious business major can use their skills to start up a business that is socially and environmentally concerned. This might entail advocating fair labor practices, employing eco-friendly materials, and helping regional communities. Alternatively, a prosperous company can contribute to society by funding charitable initiatives. This could also entail holding fundraising events to support a particular cause or contributing a portion of income to charitable organizations. With these ideas and a strong mind that calls for growth, I aspire to accomplish my goals and grow as a person every day. I visualize myself as a business major and owner who wants to make a positive impact in the world.

At first, I hated writing, as English was my second language and I hardly spoke it. My mom demanded that I read books so I’d practice my English. In kindergarten, I already had a medal for checking out the most books throughout the year. Soon enough starting elementary I was in a book club and ever since I devoured books of all genres and dreamed of one day writing my own stories. As I grew older, my passion for writing only intensified, and I began to realize the importance of honing my craft. I always knew that writing was not just about putting words on paper; it was about expressing oneself and connecting with others. Once I realized that writing could help me to explore my thoughts and feelings in a way that was both therapeutic and enlightening. Through writing, I could share my unique perspective with the world and leave a lasting impact on others or so I thought. As I pursued my dream of writing, I came to learn that writing was also a process of self-discovery. It allowed me to uncover the hidden depths of my imagination and explore the intricacies of the human experience. Through writing, I was able to create whole new worlds and bring characters to life, each with their unique personalities and stories. Similar to an author and this filled me with such joy. Though, writing was not always easy. I would constantly have writer’s block for English assignments for school. There were times when I struggled to find the right words or to make sense of my ideas. That’s where I also faced rejection and criticism, but I persevered, knowing that writing was too important to give up on. It was my passion and I am no quitter. Over time, I honed my skills as a writer, and my essays began to resonate with their readers. I received letters from people who read my writing, thanking me for sharing my thoughts and for inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Through my experiences, I have come to understand the true importance of writing for those who wish to become authors as I do. Writing is not just a means to an end; it is a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. It is a way to connect with others and leave a lasting impact on the world. And for those who are willing to put in the time and effort, it can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling path to follow.

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, I would choose "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari. This book provides a fascinating overview of the history of our species, from our early evolution as primates to our current domination of the planet. It explores the various factors that have shaped human societies over time, including biological, cultural, and technological developments. One of the reasons I would choose this book is that it provides a big-picture perspective on human history and the challenges we face as a species. It helps readers understand how our current societies and systems have evolved, and how they are interconnected. This knowledge is critical for making informed decisions about the future, as it helps us to better understand the consequences of our actions and the potential impact they could have on the world. Another reason I would recommend "Sapiens" is that it is engaging and accessible, making it a great read for people of all backgrounds and levels of education. Harari has a gift for explaining complex concepts in clear and simple language, and he draws on a range of disciplines, including biology, anthropology, and history, to present a comprehensive and compelling narrative. Overall, I believe that "Sapiens" is a book that everyone should read at some point in their lives. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on the human condition and the challenges we face as a species, and it offers insights into how we can create a better future for ourselves and the planet we inhabit. By sharing this book with as many people as possible, we can help to build a more informed and compassionate global community.

Like most individuals in this world, I encounter my fair share of difficulties and hardships in life. One of the most lasting and recent problems is my inability to keep up a regular sleeping schedule. Even though I try to avoid it, I frequently end up remaining up late to scroll through social media or binge-watch Netflix, HULU, and HBO Max shows. As a consequence, I feel sleepy and drowsy when I wake up, and it takes me some time to get myself going. For a while, I tried using various sleep aids, such as white noise machines, sleep apps, and herbal teas. While these things helped to some extent, they didn't address the underlying problem - my habits and mindset. So I decided to design a customized sleep program for myself for me to stop having an unhealthy sleeping schedule. The plan was to establish certain guidelines and procedures that would help me unwind and get ready for bed and to follow them regularly. Firstly, I identified the things that tend to keep me up at night, such as caffeine, bright screens, and stressful news. I made a conscious effort to avoid these things after a certain time of day, and replace them with calming activities like reading romance books, stretching, or taking a warm bath or shower. Next, I would set up strict bedtime for myself and make sure to stick to it as much as possible. To help me wind down and transition to sleep, I created a procedure that included dimming the lights, turning on some relaxing music, and doing some light yoga or meditation. To keep track of my progress and hold myself accountable, I created a sleeping log where I recorded my bedtime, wake-up time, and any observations about how well I slept. Over time, I was able to recognize patterns and adjust my routine accordingly. It wasn't easy, and there were certainly nights when I slipped up and stayed up too late. Though by creating a personal sleep program and committing to it, I was able to make real progress in improving my sleep habits and feeling more rested and refreshed in the morning. Ultimately, I learned that the best solutions to our problems often come from within ourselves. By taking the time to understand our habits and tendencies, and creating personalized solutions that work for us, we can overcome even the most stubborn challenges.

People think of me as a flower. People say I have strong and unwavering self-confidence. That I know who I am and what I stand for, and how I don't let the opinions of others influence me. I embrace my quirks and idiosyncrasies, understanding that they are part of what makes me special. I had a lot of self-growth to be like the way I am. When I was younger, I was the target of bullying. I remember the first time I realized that I was being bullied; it was during recess when a group of kids cornered me and started calling me names. The bullying continued, and when I stood up for myself it got worse, and I dreaded going to school. The worst part of being bullied was the constant fear and anxiety. It wasn't until I reached out for help that things started to change. I talked to a teacher who was able to intervene and put a stop to the bullying. It wasn't an easy process, but it was worth it. Looking back on my experience, I realize that no one deserves to be bullied. I surround myself with people to cope with my lonesome post-bullying. Where my community service hours were required for me to graduate, where I signed up for a project. I was eager to work in a community garden where I met new people. We started doing renovations, cleaning the place up, painting the walls, and fixing broken windows. I also planted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and tomato plants. I would water the flower garden and as I worked, I saw the beauty of the center coming to life. The place was starting to look new and inviting. They also realized how much this project meant to the community. How the distribution to the food bank made a difference or how free meals could lighten up someone’s day. I loved how this organization flourished in no time. I plan to do this volunteer work throughout the rest of my life because participating in community service helped me when I needed it the most. I got to meet new people, do acts of kindness from my heart, and have new experiences that give me joy. Giving back to the community isn’t a big commitment, though the attitude you do it with is important. Even small acts of kindness or volunteering can make a big difference in someone's life or your own.

“ Hard work pays off “ as cliché as it sounds, this paraphrase is tattooed in my mind. I am confident in myself that a giving and hard-working student will provide me with skills that will enable me to meet my academic objectives. A giving student is one who always offers to assist others in their academic efforts with no expectation of return. I'm always willing to collaborate with my peers and offer my knowledge and abilities in getting work done. I look forward to watching my classmates thrive and am always willing to help them out if I can. I am hoping to be an ambitious business major who is confident that by using my knowledge and abilities to tackle some of the most important issues confronting society, I can have a huge impact on the world. Business graduates may make a difference in a variety of fields in the real world by combining strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication. For instance, I may start my own socially conscious companies that emphasized ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and fair labor standards. As an alternative, I could assist already-existing organizations in enhancing their environmental and social responsibility policies. I may use their abilities to develop original responses to general problems like poverty, access to healthcare, and education. An ambitious business major could change the world and make it a better place for everyone with their rigorous education, commitment, and work ethic. There are certain approaches to envision this: Creating work opportunities: A business major can help their community by launching a successful company and hiring locals. This can support efforts to lower unemployment and give people who might otherwise have difficulty finding employment a reliable source of income. Establishing a sustainable business: An ambitious business major can use their skills to start up a business that is socially and environmentally concerned. This might entail advocating for fair labor practices in the workforce, employing eco-friendly materials for products, and helping regional communities. Alternatively, a prosperous company can contribute to society by funding charitable initiatives. This could also entail holding fundraising events to support a particular cause or contributing a portion of income to charitable organizations. With these ideas and a strong mind that calls for growth, I aspire to accomplish my goals and grow as a person every day with the most financial aid I can receive. I visualize myself as a business major and owner who wants to make a positive impact in the world.

“ Hard work pays off “ as cliché as it sounds, this paraphrase is tattooed in my mind. I am confident in myself that a giving and hard-working student will provide me with skills that will enable me to meet my academic objectives. A giving student is one who always offers to assist others in their academic efforts with no expectation of return. I'm always willing to collaborate with my peers and offer my knowledge and abilities in getting work done. I look forward to watching my classmates thrive and am always willing to help them out if I can. I am hoping to be an ambitious business major who is confident that by using my knowledge and abilities to tackle some of the most important issues confronting society, I can have a huge impact on the world. Business graduates may make a difference in a variety of fields in the real world by combining strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication. For instance, I may start my own socially conscious companies that emphasized ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and fair labor standards. As an alternative, I could assist already-existing organizations in enhancing their environmental and social responsibility policies. I may use their abilities to develop original responses to general problems like poverty, access to healthcare, and education. An ambitious business major could change the world and make it a better place for everyone with their rigorous education, commitment, and work ethic. There are certain approaches to envision this: Creating work opportunities: A business major can help their community by launching a successful company and hiring locals. This can support efforts to lower unemployment and give people who might otherwise have difficulty finding employment a reliable source of income. Establishing a sustainable business: An ambitious business major can use their skills to start up a business that is socially and environmentally concerned. This might entail advocating fair labor practices, employing eco-friendly materials, and helping regional communities. Alternatively, a prosperous company can contribute to society by funding charitable initiatives. This could also entail holding fundraising events to support a particular cause or contributing a portion of income to charitable organizations. With these ideas and a strong mind that calls for growth, I aspire to accomplish my goals and grow as a person every day. I visualize myself as a business major and owner who wants to make a positive impact in the world.

I got a glimpse of my father's financial education. Those excruciatingly long lectures and dull "pep talks" seemed to have no purpose. I used to argue with him all the time about why he had me read books on money. Sincerely though, I think I have a solid foundation in financial knowledge thanks to him, and I couldn't be more appreciative. My inexperience had so completely blinded me. He would get annoyed with me because I would insist that these books couldn't possibly ever physically enhance my financial situation. Until I read Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad. The novel centers on the concept of expanding your wealth and mindset. The author begins by discussing his two fathers as a young boy. One who works a job and has less financial flexibility, as opposed to his second dad who owns a business and has more financial independence. The author begins by earning a generous salary for his second father. When the child becomes angry and frustrated over his payment, he sets an appointment to confront the second father. The second father argues with the child that this is a lesson on how to become wealthy. The little boy, who is still unable to understand his father, will not listen until his father takes him through the steps of the plan he has had in place the entire time. As the boy grows older his Rich Dad gives him lessons while learning rules about money to become financially free. This book taught me valuable and highly recommended entrepreneurship strategies. I'll use this to prepare a financial plan for myself. I believe that starting a new business will be difficult, especially on my own, but I believe that reading this book provides excellent guidance and is accessible to anyone. I've always been interested in business, but who would have thought a book could open doors when you didn't know they existed? When I open my hotel and start my chain of hotels, I will be grateful that my father still fought for me and my stubbornness. This book will always serve as a guide for me to make better financial decisions and continue to improve the way I manage my expenses. I never imagined that learning these lessons would change the way I think about and feel about wealth. My future self will be grateful that I managed to learn, started listening, and applied these lessons to my finances. Increasing my knowledge through reading works like George Samuel Clason's The Richest Man in Babylon, which embodies how the richest character overcame adversity to become prosperous. His childhood friends become inquisitive and want to seek advice from their "old" friends. Just like in this book, I choose to do the same with the ones who supported me and stood with me to walk alongside me on the ladder of success.

I am thankful to be a DACA participant. My good attitude is reflected in the gifts of each day. I knew that being a DACA has impacted my life in such a positive way: I finally have a social security number and now have a valid driver’s license. My journey hasn’t been easy, given that I am an immigrant, but I always feel encouraged to give more for my future. At first, my priority was to finish 100 volunteering hours for school, but now people ask me why I volunteer, and my response has always been the same: I volunteer because it has a positive impact. A summer ago when I participated in a summer camp for children at my local church, I made the most memorable moments by donating my time to the community. We did arts and crafts, made notes for the local Food Bank distributors, musicals for family and friends, and made sandwiches to be distributed through Houston. The kids loved coming to camp every day. The most wonderful memories I have from that summer were the moments when a camper accomplished something, whether it was a craft that was frustrating at first or getting their solo lead in the musical, that made them proud. Many of the children I met and formed unique friendships with. It was my responsibility to lead them, take part in their activities, and supervise them. I experienced the atmosphere's tranquility and brightness. Being aware that every child in the room was going to make a difference with their tiny deeds of kindness. The act emanates from their hearts and is performed with such sincerity that even a high school student is moved by the way the children see the world. That is the beauty of it. They don't expect anything in return, and I learned a lot from them as well. The children taught me a lesson that the most important things are made out of love. So from them, I took the vow to myself to always give back from my heart. I plan to make a difference by continuing my acts of service regardless of my career choice. The summer camp was the most rewarding experience and it reminded me how important it is to treat everyone with humanity and dignity and to give to others as often as I can, without judgment. That camp was a few months ago, but I still participate in volunteering hours not because there is a high school requirement but because I wholeheartedly want to. Though volunteering is indeed exhausting, however, there were times when someone would hold eye contact for a few extra seconds or compliment a smile when we do the distributions, and we would realize that, no matter how tiny our effect, if we could make just one person's day brighter, then we were making progress toward a better world.

I am thankful to be a DACA participant. My good attitude is reflected in the gifts of each day. I knew that being a DACA has impacted my life in such a positive way: I finally have a social security number and now have a valid driver’s license. My journey hasn’t been easy, given that I am an immigrant, but I always feel encouraged. At first, my priority was to finish 100 volunteering hours for school, but now people ask me why I volunteer, and my response has always been the same: I volunteer because it has a positive impact. A summer ago when I participated in a summer camp for children at my local church, I made the most memorable moments by donating my time to the community. We did arts and crafts, made notes for the local Food Bank distributors, musicals for family and friends, and made sandwiches to be distributed through Houston. The kids loved coming to camp every day. The most wonderful memories I have from that summer were the moments when a camper accomplished something, whether it was a craft that was frustrating at first or getting their solo lead in the musical, that made them proud. Many of the children I met and formed unique friendships with. It was my responsibility to lead them, take part in their activities, and supervise them. I experienced the atmosphere's tranquility and brightness. Being aware that every child in the room was going to make a difference with their tiny deeds of kindness. The act emanates from their hearts and is performed with such sincerity that even a high school student is moved by the way the children see the world. That is the beauty of it. They don't expect anything in return, and I learned a lot from them as well. The children taught me a lesson that the most important things are made out of love. So from them, I took the vow to myself to always give back from my heart. I plan to make a difference by continuing my acts of service regardless of my career choice. The summer camp was the most rewarding experience and it reminded me how important it is to treat everyone with humanity and dignity and to give to others as often as I can, without judgment. That camp was a few months ago, but I still participate in volunteering hours not because there is a high school requirement but because I wholeheartedly want to.

I'm the daughter of an immigrant man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. On the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. My teenage father sacrificed his life so I could have a better one, so I felt like I had to do better to compensate for his hard work. My dad sacrificed his dreams in El Salvador, his career, and his honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in the fundraising committee of my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy, we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it. I want to show him that his work didn't go unnoticed and his immigrant daughter fights every day so he can have a better future. I want to show everyone that told me "no", that it was possible to still find a way. When my will was bigger and I proved them wrong about being an "immigrant that couldn't" to being an immigrant who did.

I'm the daughter of an immigrant man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. On the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. My teenage father sacrificed his life so I could have a better one, so I felt like I had to do better to compensate for his hard work. My dad sacrificed his dreams in El Salvador, his career, and his honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in the fundraising committee of my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy, we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it. I want to show him that his work didn't go unnoticed and his immigrant daughter fights every day so he can have a better future. I want to show everyone that told me "no", that it was possible to still find a way. When my will was bigger and I proved them wrong about being an "immigrant that couldn't" to being an immigrant who did.

I got a glimpse of my father's financial education. Those excruciatingly long lectures and dull "pep talks" seemed to have no purpose. I used to argue with him all the time about why he had me read books on money. Sincerely though, I think I have a solid foundation in financial knowledge thanks to him, and I couldn't be more appreciative. My inexperience had so completely blinded me. He would get annoyed with me because I would insist that these books couldn't possibly ever physically enhance my financial situation. Until I read Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad. The novel centers on the concept of expanding your wealth and mindset. The author begins by discussing his two fathers as a young boy. One who works a job and has less financial flexibility, as opposed to his second dad who owns a business and has more financial independence. The author begins by earning a generous salary for his second father. When the child becomes angry and frustrated over his payment, he sets an appointment to confront the second father. The second father argues with the child that this is a lesson on how to become wealthy. The little boy, who is still unable to understand his father, will not listen until his father takes him through the steps of the plan he has had in place the entire time. As the boy grows older his Rich Dad gives him lessons while learning rules about money to become financially free. This book taught me valuable and highly recommended entrepreneurship strategies. I'll use this to prepare a financial plan for myself. I believe that starting a new business will be difficult, especially on my own, but I believe that reading this book provides excellent guidance and is accessible to anyone. I've always been interested in business, but who would have thought a book could open doors when you didn't know it existed? When I open my hotel and start my chain of hotels, I will be grateful that my father still fought for me and my stubbornness. This book will always serve as a guide for me to make better financial decisions and continue to improve the way I manage my expenses. I never imagined that learning these lessons would change the way I think about and feel about wealth. My future self will be grateful that I managed to learn, started listening, and applied these lessons to my finances. Increasing my knowledge through reading works like George Samuel Clason's The Richest Man in Babylon, which embodies how the richest character overcame adversity to become prosperous. His childhood friends become inquisitive and want to seek advice from their "old" friends. Just like in this book, I choose to do the same with the ones who supported me and stood with me to walk alongside me to the ladder of success.

I'm the daughter of an immigrant man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. On the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. My teenage father sacrificed his life so I could have a better one, so I felt like I had to do better to compensate for his hard work. My dad sacrificed his dreams in El Salvador, his career, and his honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in the fundraising committee of my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy, we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it. I want to show him that his work didn't go unnoticed and his immigrant daughter fights every day so he can have a better future. I want to show everyone that told me "no", that it was possible to still find a way. When my will was bigger and I proved them wrong about being an "immigrant that couldn't" to being an immigrant that did.

I'm the daughter of an immigrant man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. On the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. My teenage father sacrificed his life so I could have a better one, so I felt like I had to do better to compensate for his hard work. My dad sacrificed his dreams in El Salvador, his career, and his honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in the fundraising committee of my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy, we shared memories throughout my high school experience. The fundraising committee sparked an interest in me doing business. I handled doing events quite well and I found that I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it. My long-term aspirations are to show him that his work didn't go unnoticed and his immigrant daughter fights every day so he can have a better future which comes tied with some experiences that expanded my interest in the business which now will play a role in a major decision. I hope to major in business because even though, the fundraising committee is a far stretch from a business major. I would like to get more involved with those branches to excel in my success and my father's pride.

I'm the daughter of an immigrant man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. On the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. My teenage father sacrificed his life so I could have a better one, so I felt like I had to do better to compensate for his hard work. My dad sacrificed his dreams in El Salvador, his career, and his honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in the fundraising committee of my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy, we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it. I want to show him that his work didn't go unnoticed and his immigrant daughter fights every day so he can have a better future. I want to show everyone that told me "no", that it was possible to still find a way. When my will, was bigger and I proved them wrong about being an "immigrant that couldn't" to being an immigrant who did.

Being an immigrant myself, I understand what it's like to be told that you can't accomplish anything, that you can't attend college, or that you don't have the necessary funds. I was able to hear everything that I am unable to presume. Instead of being told, Yes, you can major in management, Yes, you can go to college as an immigrant or more so yes, you can earn the right funding. My goal was to, no matter how discouraged I was, not give up. That, with tears in my eyes, to keep applying for scholarships, on my restless nights to keep fighting for what I know I’m worth. I am a hard-working student who has a certification in hospitality and tourism management, and a second one in hospitality and tourism completion curriculum. I was never certain about anything, but the only thing that I was certain about was to never giving up on myself. If I had to trust someone, that person would be me. Because in my mind, I knew I would have the capabilities of achieving whatever I strived for, that being studying for my career, scholarships, and working hand in hand to succeed in my life. The only thing I couldn’t do and I can’t do and I stand by never doing, is giving up by myself. I myself as an immigrant have fought too hard for my education and can’t turn back now from my career goals so I know now, regardless of whatever happens, I will always have the will to achieve my success. For everyone who got told no, I did it, for everyone who got rejected, for everyone who gave up, I made it.

I'm the daughter of an immigrant man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. On the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. My teenage father sacrificed his life so I could have a better one, so I felt like I had to do better to compensate for his hard work. My dad sacrificed his dreams in El Salvador, his career, and his honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in the fundraising committee of my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy, we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it. I want to show him that his work didn't go unnoticed and his immigrant daughter fights every day so he can have a better future. I want to show everyone that told me "no", that it was possible to still find a way. When my will, was bigger and I proved them wrong about being an "immigrant that couldn't" to being an immigrant that did.

I'm the daughter of a man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. On the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. My teenage father sacrificed his life so I could have a better one, so I felt like I had to do better to compensate for his hard work. My dad sacrificed his dreams, career, and honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in the fundraising committee of my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him proud, we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it.

A glistening trickle of sweat begins at the nape of my neck and runs down my back. I could feel the tingle in my hands, my posture slouching, and I am frozen in place. Re-experiencing and processing my feelings, I realize I only have a limited amount of time left with my father, regardless of the opportunities ahead of me. I'm the daughter of a man who left a mark engraved on me. In the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's immigration case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. He pleaded guilty to something he did not commit, but his selflessness was done so that everything would have closure. My dad sacrificed his dreams, career, and honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in fundraising in my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I’m driven to do whatever it takes to make him feel proud of me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet. My father’s relationship has strengthened friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it.

A glistening trickle of sweat begins at the nape of my neck and runs down my back. I could feel the tingle in my hands, my posture slouching, and I am frozen in place. Re-experiencing and processing my feelings, I realize I only have a limited amount of time left with my father, regardless of the opportunities ahead of me. I'm the daughter of a man who left a sorrowful mark engraved on me. In the corners of my mouth, I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. I am in high school and my father's case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. He pleaded guilty to something he did not commit, but his selflessness was done so that everything would have closure. My dad sacrificed his dreams, career, and honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I had The American Dream or so I thought. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him. I joined clubs and organizations to make him proud. I took the lead in fundraising in my school and forced him to participate in the events I would host in hopes of drawing a smile on his face. My dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. In multiple attempts of making him happy we shared memories throughout my high school experience. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my experience molded me. It taught me a valuable lesson on how I have to make the best of hardships just like I did with my dad. He has done much for me and I will return the favor by keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of taking the bitter with the sweet, but my father’s relationship has strengthened our friendship for the better or the worse we’ll get through it.

A glistening trickle of sweat begins at the nape of my neck and runs down my back. I could feel the tingle in my hands, my posture slouching, and I am frozen in place. Re-experiencing and processing my feelings, I realize I only have a limited amount of time left with my father, regardless of the opportunities ahead of me. I'm the daughter of a man who left a sorrow mark engraved in me. In the corners of my mouth I taste salt, I am reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. When I was a toddler, I was eating salty fries at McDonald's and having fun on the playground with my temporary-family. It was there that I met the man who won my heart over with a large order of fries. My father first saw me when I was four-years-old in that McDonald's in downtown Houston, because I had lived with my Italian grandparents until then. As a young child who only spoke a handful of Spanish, my dominant language was actually Italian. To my dad’s luck, Italian and Spanish are neighboring languages, so he quickly picked up Italian to better nurture me. Now I am in high school and my father's case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. He pleaded guilty to something he did not commit, but his selflessness was done so that everything would have closure. My dad sacrificed his dreams, career, and honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I thought had grasped The American Dream. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. College is no longer as intimidating, because I now have the same opportunities as all other students. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him even though I could make better storylines for us now. I have a pit in my stomach because I am in a losing battle; I wipe away the salty rivers on my cheeks, fix my posture, and pop my fingers. The American Dream is to leave a more fulfilling legacy for him. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my father molded me. My dad has done much for me and I will return the favor keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience is the definition of the American dream to me being resilient in school, successful in a rigorous academic setting, and striving to access secondary options. My determination to do better, the loyalty to my father, myself, and for my future-self as an immigrant will continue to propel me into my success.

A glistening trickle of sweat begins at the nape of my neck and runs down my back. I could feel the tingle in my hands, my posture slouching, and I am frozen in place. Re-experiencing and processing my feelings, I realize I only have a limited amount of time left with my father, regardless of the fact that I have so many opportunities ahead of me. I'm the daughter of a man who left a sorrow mark engraved in me. In the corners of my mouth I taste salt, I'm reduced to tears as it dawns on me, life is bittersweet. When I was a toddler, eating salty fries at McDonald's and having fun on the playground with my temporary-family. It was there that I met the man who won my heart over with a large order of fries. My father first saw me when I was four-years-old in that McDonald's in downtown Houston, because I had lived with my Italian grandparents until then. As a young child who only spoke a handful of Spanish, my dominant language was actually Italian. To my dad’s luck, Italian and Spanish are neighboring languages, so he quickly picked up Italian to better nurture me. Now I am in high school and my father's case is always in the back of my mind, creeping up on me even when things are going well. He pleaded guilty to something he did not commit, but his selflessness was done so that everything would have closure. My dad sacrificed his dreams, career, and honor for this. Given that he's a man, and “a man has to do what a man has to do,” his sacrifice went unappreciated because men in society are portrayed as “the provider”. My mind was constantly racing with thoughts that left a sorrowful taste in my mouth. I bit into the delightful aspect of the country's taboo topic of illegal immigrants because after DACA was repealed, I was still a recipient. It was springtime 2021, and I am feeling optimistic about my opportunities. I feel more at ease knowing that in the future, I will be able to drive without having to worry about police officers stopping me and questioning if I had any form of immigration documentation. As a DACA recipient, I can now obtain a job using my work permit and social security number. College is no longer as intimidating, because I now have the same opportunities as all other students. I continue to push myself to perform better in hopes of starting a new storyline for my father. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing that his immigration case is proceeding and that nothing I can do that would help defend him even though I now had the tools to become resilient. I have a pit in my stomach because I am in a losing battle; I wipe away the salty rivers on my cheeks, fix my posture, and pop my fingers. I will continue my life regardless of how many lemons are being thrown at me. I will not become discouraged no matter what, because that is not how my father molded me. My dad has done much for me and I will return the favor keeping his pride alive by making sure I strive to go beyond him. This experience has made me resilient in school, to be successful in a rigorous academic setting, and strive to access prestigious secondary options. My determination to do better, the loyalty to my father, myself, and for my future-self as an immigrant will continue to propel me into my success.

My biggest dreams in life is to be successful in my career, Business Administration, to attend a university, Texas State, and to be beneficial to society by volunteering at church, which allows me to keep improving every day.

His eyes were syrup Thick with anticipation And I was ready to drown in them With absolutely no hesitation And after hearing your laugh I became your mother's biggest fan She had brought to life a work of art The greatest person to ever exist How could he not see it? That with every drawing he made Leaving marks on my heart that sure would never fade I was always slightly nervous so I hid my true feelings away Always making sure to be reading Every time his eyes moved up to look He couldn't see beyond the cover There was more than just books and notes But I was too afraid to let anyone in Love is never like the quotes Then our eyes meet like sailboats To drown in the art of eye contact

I got a glimpse of my father's financial education. Those excruciatingly long lectures and dull "pep talks" seemed to have no purpose. I used to argue with him all the time about why he had me read books on money. Sincerely though, I think I have a solid foundation in financial knowledge thanks to him, and I couldn't be more appreciative. My own inexperience had so completely blinded me. He would get annoyed with me because I would insist that these books couldn't possibly ever physically enhance my financial situation. Until I read Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad. The novel centers on a concept of expanding your wealth and mindset. The author begins by discussing his two fathers as a young boy. One who works a job and has less financial flexibility, as opposed to his second dad who owns a business and has more financial independence. The author begins by earning a generous salary for his second father. When the child becomes angry and frustrated over his payment, he sets an appointment to confront the second father. The second father argues with the child that this is a lesson on how to become wealthy. The little boy, who is still unable to understand his father, will not listen until his father takes him through the steps of the plan he has had in place the entire time. As the boy grows older his Rich Dad gives him lessons while learning rules about money to become financially free. This book taught me valuable and highly recommended entrepreneurship strategies. I'll use this to prepare a financial plan for myself. I believe that starting a new business will be difficult especially on my own, but I believe that reading this book provided excellent guidance and is accessible to anyone. I've always been interested in business, but who would have thought a book could open doors when you didn't know they existed? When I open my hotel and start my chain of hotels, I will be grateful that my father still fought for me and my stubbornness. This book will always serve as a guide for me to make better financial decisions and continue to improve the way I manage my expenses. I never imagined that learning these lessons would change the way I think about and feel about wealth. My future self will be grateful that I managed to learn, started listening, and applied these lessons with my own finances.