I would rather solve thousands of math problems than write one essay. My passion for math started in elementary school and I would like to continue studying math in college. Math brings me a sense of comfort. English isn’t my first language, so I struggled with an English barrier. While I struggled in English, it didn’t discredit my value as a student because I was good at math. Fourth grade was my wake-up call moment. I went to a parent-teacher conference with my mom, and my teacher said I was behind in my English. Those words struck me deeply and shook my confidence. I stared at my report card and saw twos in the English sections, where the highest number you can get is four. I felt unaccomplished and disappointed in myself. I set high expectations because I believe it’s possible to achieve many things if I put my mind to it. My frown slowly disappeared when I saw my math grades - they were all fours! I felt like the bad news was given first then the good news came afterwards. I was excited and forgot about my English grades. Being good in math gave me a sense of hope that pushed me to believe in myself. It fueled my motivation and my desire to prove that even though I might be behind in English, I will improve. In high school, as classes became harder, I questioned if I was at the standard to be able to enroll in advanced classes. I spent countless hours crying, reading novels, and rewriting drafts because I didn’t like my essays for my literature classes. Many times I told myself I made a mistake in signing up for the honor classes. However math consoled me! I was moving up in math every year, and while the classes were harder, I was quick to understand the math concepts. The lessons came easy to me. Freshman year, I was in Accelerated Algebra 2. In my junior year, I completed AP Calculus and AP Statistics. Taking rigorous math classes, and getting an A, told me that I do have the ability to take honors classes. I remained persistent because I understood that all the sweat and tears would pay off. There is a saying that says, “no pain, no gain”. I’ve used it in many aspects of my life, especially in my academic journey. In order to see success, I will face challenges, but they will help me grow. I am a first-generation college-bound student who has embraced the challenge of taking honors and AP classes. Taking these classes have allowed me to expand my critical thinking. I focused on the AP classes because passing my AP exams can allow me to earn college credits to get a headstart. Teachers told me if I can manage to have good grades, I open doors to opportunities for scholarships that can help pay for college. Going to college has always been my goal. My obstacle is the financial part of college. My parents say a community college will be the best fit because of the financial relief. However, I would like to go to a four year university directly after high school as I will have access to more resources, programs, and rigorous classes. I am planning to major in mathematics and hope to become a data analyst. I hope to help companies with my passion for math. Additionally, I would like to inspire younger women to not be intimidated by STEM majors. Thank you so much for this opportunity and the sense of hope!

From a young age, my parents have taught me the importance of education. "Go to school to learn. Education is important for you right now and for your future", they told me. Therefore, growing up, I have always taken my education seriously, mainly in high school. In high school, I challenged myself to take honor classes and AP classes because I understood that it would give me an advantage when I go to college. I studied and focused on the AP classes because if I passed my AP exams, I can get college credits. My high school teachers and counselors also stressed the importance of getting good grades and passing my classes. They told me if I can manage to have good grades, I open doors to opportunities for scholarships that can help pay for college. My goal is to go to college after high school. I plan to attend a local community college for two years and then transfer to a four year university. I want to study mathematics and business to later become a data analyst. From what I can remember, I always loved math. I remember being a third grader who quickly understood the commutative property, how two times five equals ten and also five times two equals ten. Then as a junior in high school, I was excited about taking calculus and ended up taking AP Calculus and AP Statistics the same year. I love math and I want to continue to study it in college. I hope to graduate college and have a career that involves math so I can work on something that I love. With my parents' advice and personal journey, I have realized the importance of education. I have read novels about utopian worlds where education is restricted to limit people's knowledge. Education and learning is a person's way of understanding the world around them and expanding their thinking. I value my education and I want to continue to learn in school and in the "real world". I want to gain personal experiences while getting more knowledge in school. Going to college has always been my goal, my only obstacle is the financial part of college. I have good grades and have been doing well in school. I hope to win this scholarship to go to college with less worry or preoccupation with the financial side of college.