Being a first-generation student is a huge responsibility, but it's also an incredible opportunity. For me, it's proof that with hard work, discipline, and dedication, I can achieve my dreams. Growing up in Honduras, I saw how hard it was for people to access education and opportunities. But when I moved to the U.S. I knew I had a chance to create a better life. As an undocumented student, I faced many challenges. Learning English was tough, but I didn't give up. I challenged myself to learn fast, and it paid off. I became fluent and even started helping other students who were struggling with the language. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work. In high school, I discovered my passion for helping others. I started tutoring students who were new to the U.S. and it was amazing to see them grow. Through this experience, I met some amazing people who are still my friends today. To save up for college, I worked two jobs at 16. It was hard, but I was determined to achieve my dreams. Now, I'm a first-year college student, and my ultimate goal is to attend dental school. I've seen firsthand how dentistry can change people's lives, and I want to help others feel confident and smile more. Becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor's degree and become a doctor will be a source of inspiration to others. It shows that no matter where you come from, your past doesn't define your future. This scholarship will make a huge difference for me. It will lift a significant financial responsibility off my shoulders, and I'll be able to focus on my studies. With this scholarship, I'll be able to pursue my passion for dentistry and make a positive impact in my community.

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, I consider myself an "up-stander" because I've taken action to help others who may be facing similar challenges. When I was in high school, I found myself drowning in depression and anxiety. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. After years of struggling I was able to get back on my feet but with a new perspective of life. This experience sparked an idea - creating an app that would connect students who are going through hardships with each other and with useful resources. Along with two friends, we spent months perfecting the app, and when it was ready, we launched it at our school. We hung flyers with a QR code, and slowly but surely, students started downloading the app and joining our community. Although we had to shut down the app due to lack of funding, I believe that our efforts made a positive impact on our school community. We strengthened bonds between students, provided resources, and created a safe space for people to share their struggles. This experience taught me the importance of community and support, and it showed me that even small actions can make a big difference. Now, I plan to use my voice to build my community by advocating for mental health awareness and resources. I want to create a space where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles and seeking help. Whether it's through volunteering, organizing events, or simply being a listening ear, I'm committed to being an "up-stander" for those who need support. I'm passionate about using my experience to help others, and I'm determined to make a positive impact in my community. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of others, just like my family did for me. I believe that everyone deserves access to resources and support, regardless of their background or financial situation. By sharing my story and using my voice, I hope to inspire others to do the same, and together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I'm excited to see the impact that we can make together, and I am committed to being a part of it.

My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later impact my life in profound ways. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which over time affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities that caused low self-esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a temporary reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. My journey has been a winding road, but it's led me to a dream that's still burning bright, becoming a dentist. I want to help people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, no matter what insecurities they may have. For me, it's not just about fixing teeth, it's about transforming lives. My ultimate goal is to travel to Honduras where I was born and make a real difference in my community. As a first-generation college student, I know the road ahead won't be easy. But I am ready to fight for my dreams, and for the people who have been silenced by their insecurities. Growing up in Central America, I saw firsthand the lack of dental professionals and the impact it had on people's lives. That's why I want to be more than just a dentist; I want to be a source of inspiration for those who feel defined by their socioeconomic background. I want to show them that with hard work and determination, they can achieve their dreams, no matter where they come from. Through my journey I have learned how to fail but most importantly how to take every challenge as an opportunity to grow and help others around me.

My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later impact my life in profound ways. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which over time affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities that caused low self-esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a temporary reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. This experience sparked a newfound passion within me; I wanted to become a dentist. I envisioned myself helping others like me, empowering them to smile and be themselves without the burden of insecurity. My journey through mental health struggles also inspired me to create a support system for others. I conceptualized GoldenLyfe, an app designed to connect students who were going through tough times and couldn't afford professional help. With the help of two friends, we poured our hearts into developing the app, ensuring it was a safe and welcoming space for users to communicate, play games, and gather. We promoted the app in our school, and although it took time, students began to join, sharing their stories and supporting one another. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we had to shut down the app, but the sense of community we fostered remained, and I knew that our efforts had made a difference. When it came time to apply to college, my family expressed concerns about pursuing dentistry due to its cost. However, for me, dentistry was more than just a career, it was my dream, my savior, and the reason I was able to find myself again. I decided to follow my heart and pursue dentistry, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted into Ohio State University. As a first-generation student majoring in biology, I'm excited to take the next step towards dental school. Beyond my academic pursuits, I'm also planning to pitch in on overall health awareness by talking about how to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting healthy habits. It's pretty clear that our physical and mental health are connected, and a complete approach to health is super important for feeling good overall. By teaming up with campus health services and other groups, I'm hoping to push initiatives that encourage healthy living, prevent diseases, and help people get early treatment when they need it.

Growing up in Honduras, where many lower income individuals struggle to survive and higher education seems unattainable, I knew I wanted to break the mold. I aspired to be the first in my family to achieve something significant, whether it was becoming a doctor, an engineer, or simply the first college graduate. While my parents initially dismissed it as a child's fantasy, it was my heartfelt dream. As I entered my teens, my parents, seeking better opportunities for me, decided to send me to live with my cousin in the U.S. This move brought my dream of earning a college degree closer to reality. However, being away from my parents meant I had to work even harder than my peers. I faced challenges in making friends and learning a new language from scratch. The transition was tough, but with time, I adapted. Eventually, I became fluent in English and started building new friendships. As someone who was now fluent in English, Spanish, and Garifuna, I was eager to make positive changes within my school community. I spoke with my English teacher at the time to ask if I could be her assistant. She was delighted that one of her students was interested in helping students who were new to the U.S. learn a new language. That's how my journey as an English tutor began. At first, it was tough; recruiting people and retaining them in my club was hard, but with patience, people started joining and bringing friends. I did not have a lot of resources, but I did my best with what I had. This experience and feeling of helping others inspired me to do more for my community. After months of brainstorming on my next move, I decided to reflect on my life and all the challenges I have faced throughout the years. I used to struggle with mental health issues, and because of my family's socioeconomic background, we could not afford any professional help. This is how I came up with GoldenLyfe, an app that allows students in my school who are going through or have been through a rough time in life, and who cannot afford professional help, to communicate, play games, and gather with each other. For months, two friends and I spent a lot of time perfecting everything about the app and making sure everything was running smoothly. When the app was ready to be launched, we hung flyers around our school with the QR code that would take them directly to our app. Slowly, a few students started downloading the app, and we were getting more and more people joining. After a few months, due to a lack of funding, we had to shut down and delete our app because it was becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. But regardless of the ending, we felt like we had strengthened our community a little bit. If you were to ask me today what I aspire to be when I'm older, without a doubt, I would say "a doctor and an engineer." But, more realistically, I will pursue my dreams while continuing to uplift those around me at the college of my dreams. This scholarship will help me continue my journey as a biomedical engineering major, with the ultimate goal of attending dental school immediately after. My love and passion for helping others has grown even more and has prepared me for what is yet to come.

Growing up in Honduras, where many lower income individuals struggle to survive and higher education seems unattainable, I knew I wanted to break the mold. I aspired to be the first in my family to achieve something significant, whether it was becoming a doctor, an engineer, or simply the first college graduate. While my parents initially dismissed it as a child's fantasy, it was my heartfelt dream. As I entered my teens, my parents, seeking better opportunities for me, decided to send me to live with my cousin in the U.S. This move brought my dream of earning a college degree closer to reality. However, being away from my parents meant I had to work even harder than my peers. I faced challenges in making friends and learning a new language from scratch. The transition was tough, but with time, I adapted. Eventually, I became fluent in English and started building new friendships. As someone who was now fluent in English, Spanish, and Garifuna, I was eager to make positive changes within my school community. I spoke with my English teacher at the time to ask if I could be her assistant. She was delighted that one of her students was interested in helping students who were new to the U.S. learn a new language. That's how my journey as an English tutor began. At first, it was tough; recruiting people and retaining them in my club was hard, but with patience, people started joining and bringing friends. I did not have a lot of resources, but I did my best with what I had. This experience and feeling of helping others inspired me to do more for my community. After months of brainstorming on my next move, I decided to reflect on my life and all the challenges I have faced throughout the years. I used to struggle with mental health issues, and because of my family's socioeconomic background, we could not afford any professional help. This is how I came up with GoldenLyfe, an app that allows students in my school who are going through or have been through a rough time in life, and who cannot afford professional help, to communicate, play games, and gather with each other. For months, two friends and I spent a lot of time perfecting everything about the app and making sure everything was running smoothly. When the app was ready to be launched, we hung flyers around our school with the QR code that would take them directly to our app. Slowly, a few students started downloading the app, and we were getting more and more people joining. After a few months, due to a lack of funding, we had to shut down and delete our app because it was becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. But regardless of the ending, we felt like we had strengthened our community a little bit. If you were to ask me today what I aspire to be when I'm older, without a doubt, I would say "a doctor and an engineer." But, more realistically, I will pursue my dreams while continuing to uplift those around me at the college of my dreams. There, I will continue my journey as a biomedical engineering major, with the ultimate goal of attending dental school immediately after. My love and passion for helping others has grown even more and has prepared me for what is yet to come.

My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later profoundly impact my life. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which, over time, affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities, which in turn caused low self-esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. This experience sparked a newfound passion within me, and I wanted to become a dentist. I envisioned myself helping others like me, empowering them to smile and be themselves without the burden of insecurity. My journey through mental health struggles also inspired me to create a support system for others. I conceptualized GoldenLyfe, an app designed to connect students who were going through tough times and couldn't afford professional help. With the help of two friends, we poured our hearts into developing the app, ensuring it was a safe and welcoming space for users to communicate, play games, and gather. We promoted the app in our school, and although it took time, students began to join, sharing their stories and supporting one another. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we had to shut down the app, but the sense of community we fostered remained, and I knew that our efforts had made a difference. When it came time to apply to college, my family expressed concerns about pursuing dentistry due to its cost. However, for me, dentistry was more than just a career; it was my dream, my savior, and the reason I was able to find myself again. I decided to follow my heart and pursue dentistry, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted into Ohio State University. As a first-generation student majoring in biology, I'm excited to take the next step towards dental school. Beyond my academic pursuits, I'm also planning to pitch in on overall health awareness by talking about how to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting healthy habits. It's pretty clear that our physical and mental health are connected, and a complete approach to health is super important for feeling good overall. By teaming up with campus health services and other groups, I'm hoping to push initiatives that encourage healthy living, prevent diseases, and help people get early treatment when they need it.

As someone who moved to this country without both of my parent, seeking better opportunities, I had to mature quickly and adapt to my new beginning. Life was not easy; I struggled a lot with making friends and learning a new language from scratch. The change was difficult, but over time, I got used to it. I could soon speak a new language fluently, and I was finally making new friends. With the grace of God, I was able to do great things during my high school journey. To be a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member means to be driven by a sense of direction and meaning, while also being accountable for the impact you have on those around you. It involves utilizing your skills, knowledge, and experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of others. For me, this concept is embodied in the words of Professor Joseph Badaracco, who said, “Hoarding knowledge ultimately erodes your power. If you know something important, the way to get power is by sharing it." As someone fluent in English, Spanish, and Garifuna, I've had the opportunity to share my knowledge with others. My journey as an English tutor began when I approached my English teacher about assisting students who were new to the US and struggling with language barriers. She was delighted that one of her students was interested in helping others become a better version of themselves. Despite initial challenges in recruiting members and retaining them, I persevered and eventually built a thriving community of learners. Through this experience, I learned the value of being purposeful and caring for those around me. By utilizing my own struggles to help others, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a community member. As a responsible community member, I believe it's essential to recognize the impact we have on others. We inspire people through our actions and words, and it's up to us to make a positive impact. As a mental health advocate, I plan to continue helping individuals find purpose and meaning in life, while also supporting those who care for them. Additionally, I aim to expand my language tutoring efforts to provide more opportunities for newcomers to learn and thrive. By being purposeful, responsible, and productive, I hope to make a lasting impact in my community. I believe that by sharing our knowledge, skills, and experiences, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that benefits everyone. As I look to the future, I'm committed to continuing my work as a community member, advocate, and leader, using my skills and experiences to make a difference in the lives of others.

As someone who moved to this country without my parents, seeking better opportunities, I had to mature quickly and adapt to my new beginning. Life was not easy; I struggled a lot with making friends and learning a new language from scratch. The change was difficult, but over time, I got used to it. I could soon speak a new language fluently, and I was finally making new friends. With the grace of God, I was able to do great things during my high school journey. Professor Joseph Badaracco once said, “Hoarding knowledge ultimately erodes your power. If you know something important, the way to get power is by sharing it." This quote resonates with my personal experience. As someone fluent in English, Spanish, and Garifuna, I was eager to make positive changes within my school community. I spoke with my English teacher at the time to ask if I could be her assistant. She was delighted that one of her students was interested in helping students who were new to the US learn a new language. That's how my journey as an English tutor began. At first, it was tough; recruiting people and retaining them in my club was hard, but with patience, people started joining and bringing friends. I did not have a lot of resources, but I did my best with what I had. I understand the challenges and frustration that come with learning something new. My goal was to create a supportive and encouraging environment. In this experience, I developed an understanding of different learning styles. I understood more about their backgrounds, which helped me connect with them on a much deeper level, unlocking a growth mindset within me. This experience and feeling of helping others inspired me to do more for my community. After months of brainstorming on my next move, I decided to reflect on my life and all the challenges I have faced throughout the years. I used to struggle with mental health issues, and because of my family's socioeconomic background, we could not afford any type of professional help. This is how I came up with GoldenLyfe, an app that allows students in my school who are going through or have been through a rough time in life, and who cannot afford professional help, to communicate, play games, and gather with each other. For months, two friends and I spent a lot of time perfecting everything about the app and making sure everything was running smoothly. When the app was ready to be launched, we hung flyers around our school with the QR code that would take them directly to our app. Slowly, a few students started downloading the app, and we were getting more and more people joining. After a few months, due to a lack of funding, we had to shut down and delete our app because it was getting expensive to keep it running. But regardless of the ending, we felt like we had strengthened our community a little bit. I am glad I was able to help others through my experience; there is always someone watching us who we could inspire. Giving does not have to be something physical; sharing your knowledge is also one of the most important forms of giving. I am beyond grateful for never giving up and turning my challenges into opportunities to help others. Therefore, sharing my knowledge and personal experiences helped me empower not only my community but also myself.

As someone who moved to this country without my parents, seeking better opportunities, I had to mature quickly and adapt to my new beginning. Life was not easy; I struggled a lot with making friends and learning a new language from scratch. The change was difficult, but over time, I got used to it. I could soon speak a new language fluently, and I was finally making new friends. With the grace of God, I was able to do great things during my high school journey. Professor Joseph Badaracco once said, “Hoarding knowledge ultimately erodes your power. If you know something important, the way to get power is by sharing it." This quote resonates with my personal experience. As someone fluent in English, Spanish, and Garifuna, I was eager to make positive changes within my school community. I spoke with my English teacher at the time to ask if I could be her assistant. She was delighted that one of her students was interested in helping students who were new to the US learn a new language. That's how my journey as an English tutor began. At first, it was tough; recruiting people and retaining them in my club was hard, but with patience, people started joining and bringing friends. I did not have a lot of resources, but I did my best with what I had. I understand the challenges and frustration that come with learning something new. My goal was to create a supportive and encouraging environment. In this experience, I developed an understanding of different learning styles. I understood more about their backgrounds, which helped me connect with them on a much deeper level, unlocking a growth mindset within me. This experience and feeling of helping others inspired me to do more for my community. After months of brainstorming on my next move, I decided to reflect on my life and all the challenges I have faced throughout the years. I used to struggle with mental health issues, and because of my family's socioeconomic background, we could not afford any type of professional help. This is how I came up with GoldenLyfe, an app that allows students in my school who are going through or have been through a rough time in life, and who cannot afford professional help, to communicate, play games, and gather with each other. For months, two friends and I spent a lot of time perfecting everything about the app and making sure everything was running smoothly. When the app was ready to be launched, we hung flyers around our school with the QR code that would take them directly to our app. Slowly, a few students started downloading the app, and we were getting more and more people joining. After a few months, due to a lack of funding, we had to shut down and delete our app because it was getting expensive to keep it running. But regardless of the ending, we felt like we had strengthened our community a little bit. I am glad I was able to help others through my experience; there is always someone watching us who we could inspire. Giving does not have to be something physical; sharing your knowledge is also one of the most important forms of giving. I am beyond grateful for never giving up and turning my challenges into opportunities to help others. Therefore, sharing my knowledge and personal experiences helped me empower not only my community but also myself.