Social work is my passion. There is no better sentence to start off my essay than that simple statement. “Social work is my passion.” There has not been any other interest that has intrigued me or ignited a sense of inspiration or motivation than this career path. It has been my honor to be a student for UTRGVs School of Social Work program. Becoming the first in my family to achieve this tremendous step in my future. Seeking an undergraduate and graduate degree has been my dream. Ever since I was a child. As I have matured, I witnessed and acknowledged my mothers hard work. My aspiration is to be somebody that represents, not only my family, but her. A strong independent woman. A woman of vigor and exemplary principles. Being an educated Latina, she has continued to be a voice for the Latino community. She has continued to stay my inspiration. When I discovered social work, it reminded me of my mom. I would finally be able to prove that my moms hard work and constant support got me where I am today. So, I am writing this essay in her honor. In (micro) social work I would be able to understand individuals and their family dynamics. Latinos are a severely underrepresented minority. Latinos continue to cover areas such as the labor markets, yet experience substantially different wage gaps than that of their non-Latino peers. A continuous lack of cultural understanding and statistics on the Latino community has led me to this career path. Which would allow for representation to be made on behalf of my ethnicity and culture. The Hispanic/Latino population make up 12.3% of all social workers in the United States. This being said, 7% of the entire Hispanic/Latino population have obtained a graduate degree. It would be my privilege and honor to contribute to both of these statistics. My ambition drives me to be a voice of justice and reason. Whether it's on the level of an individual or a community. This has led me to be an active volunteer in my community. All my life I have volunteered for organizations such as Mercy Ministries, Casa De Misericordia, L.A.P.S, Bethany House, A.H.E.C, and PILLAR. I have marched in protests (such as; No Border Wall, I have a Dream Laredo March, and BLM), prayed alongside Indigenous Latinos/organizations in our local rivers, and have attended local events hosted by ‘956 Pride’ (Pride Parades and HIV/AIDS Health Seminars hosted by the City of Laredos Health Department). I witnessed their passion and listened to their motivational speeches on what has inspired Nonprofit leaders and their missions. I have spoken to local social workers employed at these organizations. Understanding what motivated them, to in turn, inspire their local community. Becoming a voice for an unrepresented community, promoting social justice and opportunity, empowering individuals to join a cause, providing adequate listening skills, advocating for reform, taking action, and staying receptive and unbiased. All subjects which have heightened my cultural awareness. Am I somebody special? No. Am I somebody that you may deem deserving of such a special opportunity such as this? Maybe. However, one thing you can always count on is me staying true to myself. Which in turn means believing in myself. So when considering me for this scholarship, I hope to express my determination to my education. As well as my profession. There is truly nothing I have wanted more in life than this moment right now. The time where I am fulfilling my biggest dream. A dream that I will honor for my family, my mother, and lastly, myself.