From an early age, my parents gave up so much for me without me realizing. Only later did I begin to grasp the magnitude of their sacrifice. When I was six years old, my parents made an unexpected yet confusing decision to move to the United States. During that time, my mother was in nursing school and unfortunately, she had to give that up for me. But for my mom this meant an even greater sacrifice — leaving my older brothers to move with my father and I. As a six year old, I didn’t quite understand the crucial yet hard decision she made for my future. But as time progressed, I started to understand why she made this decision. So I decided that I had to make the most of it because she gave up her passion to give me an opportunity to have a better future. However, my mother wasn’t the only one that gave up something. During elementary school, my dad took time out of his day to help me with my homework. Most of the time I could manage on my own; but when I struggled, I would ask for his assistance. Even though he was always tired from work, he still tried his best to help me figure things out. Through this, I began to recognize the support he was giving me. This sparked something in me that I grew to appreciate, and it pushed me to strive for more. Although I was already a good student, I had to show up for my parents like they showed up for me. At first, I thought the only answer to this prompt would be my parents; however, I've been shaped by so many others as well. Friends and teachers who have encouraged me to be the best version of myself by introducing me to extracurriculars, classes that challenge and strengthen me academically. Friends who were there for me through the ups and downs of my academic journey. Including assisting when applying to college by guiding me through the application process and editing my essay. Their support did more than they could imagine, it gave me confidence and I'm thankful for that. One day I hope to become a tool of assistance to others, like they were for me. To give back to them, I seek to continue the education that my parents didn’t get to achieve themselves. Not only do I wish my education to end with personal achievements, but in the future aid other first generation, or underclassmen students who are in a similar position as me. I intend to guide them through college applications, as well as sharing my own experience with college. This will not only be me paying forward to my parents but also to friends and teachers who have shown me continuous support. I would love to mentor others so they don't go in blindly, and most importantly not feel alone during it all. Above all, I'm forever grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received throughout my life. Every step I take is a reflection of the sacrifices my parents made so that I could go further than they ever had the chance to.