Receiving this scholarship would be a dream come true for me. As someone who has always struggled to make ends meet, financial support has been a major obstacle in reaching my goals. However, with the help of this scholarship, I will be able to pursue my dreams and make a difference in the world. My goal has always been to become a doctor. I have always been fascinated by the human body, and the idea of being able to help others in their times of need has always been deeply fulfilling to me. However, the road to becoming a doctor is a long and arduous one, and it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been the financial burden of pursuing my education. Medical school is notoriously expensive, and the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses can quickly add up. As someone who comes from a low-income family, I have always had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and I have had to rely on loans and scholarships to pay for my education. Receiving this scholarship would be a huge weight off my shoulders. It would allow me to focus on my studies and my future career, without having to worry about how I am going to pay for it all. It would also allow me to pursue other opportunities, such as internships and research Navigating life with my neurodiverse condition (which is autism), has brought a set of many different challenges and viewpoints that have deeply connected with my influence and decisions. From my sensory sensitivities to social interactions, it can be very overwhelming at times. These difficulties have helped me foster resilience, empathy, and a better understanding of neurodiversity. Reflecting on what I've gone through in my life so far, I see the importance of spreading positivity and awareness about those who are neurodivergent. My willingness to give back to those who have to suffer because of their neurodivergence is backed up by my educational and professional aspirations. Growing up, I did feel different from my peers and family. Social interaction was something that others knew how to do almost seamlessly, but it took a lot of effort and energy for me. My sensitivity back then, was skyrocketing. I would get emotional very easily, so my sensory issues were affecting me in public. Despite all of that, I was still able to navigate throughout my life thanks to my family helping me out along the way. Over time drawing became something I started doing because it helped express my creativity and my thoughts, as well as being a way to share my perspective.

Navigating life with my neurodiverse condition (which is autism), has brought a set of many different challenges and viewpoints that have deeply connected with my influence and decisions. From my sensory sensitivities to social interactions, it can be very overwhelming at times. Although, these difficulties have helped me foster resilience, empathy, and a better understanding of neurodiversity. Reflecting on what I've gone through in my life so far, I see the importance of spreading positivity and awareness about those who are neurodivergent. My willingness to give back to those who have to suffer because of their neurodivergence is backed up by my educational and professional aspirations. Growing up, I did feel different from my peers and family. Social interaction was something that others knew how to do almost seamlessly, but took a lot of effort and energy for me. My sensitivity back then, was skyrocketing. I would get emotional very easily, so my sensory issues were affecting me in public. Despite all of that, I was still able to navigate throughout my life thanks to my family helping me out along the way. Over time drawing became something I started doing because it helped express my creativity and my thoughts, as well as being a way to share my perspective. Dance is something that I've been doing for as long as I can remember. I just always loved how the body was able to work while dancing, such as making moves people didn't think would be possible. I started with just dancing to music freely while listening to music it gets me moving to the beat as the song goes on. Initially, I never set a choreography for specific songs. I was trying freestyle, but over time I wanted to try certain dance moves with songs so they could tell stories through my movement. I normally did it when I was at home, but when I turned 7 years old, I then wanted to express my love for dance with my peers at school. They didn't take it too well, as they didn't like the idea of me pretending to play instruments as I danced, and over time I stopped doing that for a while because they didn't like it, but I did because I thought it was authentic to do that while dancing. I major in Dance-Interest, and while I'm doing so I'm learning a lot from the dance classes I have taken so far. Normally I wouldn't say I like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I enjoy dancing a lot, but I can never show it with a smile while I'm doing so. Working on my while trying to come up with a choreography takes a while but I don't mind that because I have fewer distractions. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself so that I can be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. When I dance I feel free from everything that's holding me back in my life, like as if they were never there in the first place like I could prove all of my doubters wrong and succeed. Some people have told me that my choice to pursue dance was unique because everyone else's career was usually the same such as business, marketing, and mathematics. And it shows that I want to do this, something different from what people usually choose. I know that I want to try to make a difference by showing people that dance doesn't have to be this one thing where I have to conform to certain genres. Because I think that's just boring, there's no creativity in it and that's what I want to bring to dance, is creativity. Empathy is one of the emotions that I once had trouble feeling. I once discovered empathy when I started to help people with anything: school work, saying how they think, & cheering them on. Discovering this feeling made me feel like I was doing something good. I honestly couldn’t believe that I was starting to help people. Helping others was starting to become a strength for me. I specifically discovered this back when I was in middle school. A lot of the other kids were very annoying. My Passion for helping others happened by accident. It was when I decided to help one of my friends out with a math assignment. And after a few more days of doing so, I finally understood how he felt about himself and math. I slowly started to help others to make them feel good about themselves. Harnessing this emotion takes a lot of practice to see the good in people. It was a better way for me to connect with people who may have different viewpoints than me. I think I should tell them how and why they feel a certain way. And however they feel, I will respectfully tell them what they should do. I would try to give my best input on their situation. Being a people person doesn’t mean you have to talk to people all the time. I just want to understand where some people may be coming from. I’m not gonna relate to everything someone tells me. Some People may not like my opinion on their situation, but I still may be brutally honest with them. So I may know how you feel or not based on how put it and your attitude.

Navigating life with my neurodiverse condition (which is autism), has brought a set of many different challenges and viewpoints that have deeply connected with my influence and decisions. From my sensory sensitivities to social interactions, it can be very overwhelming at times. Although, these difficulties have helped me foster resilience, empathy, and a better understanding of neurodiversity. Reflecting on what I've gone through in my life so far, I see the importance of spreading positivity and awareness about those who are neurodivergent. My willingness to give back to those who have to suffer because of their neurodivergence is backed up by my educational and professional aspirations. Growing up, I did feel different from my peers and family. Social interaction was something that others knew how to do almost seamlessly, but took a lot of effort and energy for me. My sensitivity back then, was skyrocketing. I would get emotional very easily, so my sensory issues were affecting me in public. Despite all of that, I was still able to navigate throughout my life thanks to my family helping me out along the way. Over time drawing became something I started doing because it helped express my creativity and my thoughts, as well as being a way to share my perspective. Being educated on my neurodivergence has played a role in my life, as there have been teachers who've seen my potential and helped me with my accommodations for success. they often provided support for me in an environment where I could thrive. Their understanding showed me the impact of empathy on one's self, like how I can use what I've learned and show that to the rest of the world or those like me. My academics throughout my life have given me knowledge and skills to help those with neurodivergent symptoms. I have also looked into the psychology and social network, gaining a good understanding of the many barriers that I have to face. This knowledge has also helped me understand the importance of inclusivity and tailored support of others. In addition to my knowledge, I am also committed to advocating for support for underserved communities. That also includes pushing for equal opportunities for education, healthcare, and employment for those with disabilities. I'm committed to changing the narrative that's often said about people with disabilities. I want to use the art of drawing to better raise awareness about neurodiversity and other disabilities. To me, art is a powerful tool to use to help represent people who are like you to the rest of the world, whether that be through workshops, exhibitions, or community art projects. I just hope to create spaces where people like me feel included and not left out, by sharing stories, breaking the stereotypes and barriers, and building a more inclusive society. In conclusion, my neurodiverse experiences have shaped my worldview and fueled my passion for advocacy and support. By using my education and skills, I am dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for underserved communities. Whether through educational initiatives, policy advocacy, or artistic expression, I am committed to making a positive impact and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Normally I wouldn't say I like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I enjoy dancing a lot, but I can never show it with a smile while I'm doing so. Working on my while trying to come up with a choreography takes a while but I don't mind that because I have fewer distractions. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself to be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. During all this of me trying to achieve my career goal, I have been playing a little bit of chess. I have already been well acquainted with it, I know the basic rules and such. One of the things that I have learned while playing chess, is strategic thinking. I try to use it whenever when I have to do choreography with others and we come to a stop when no one has a direct idea of what to do next. Decision-making is another thing I've learned while playing chest, usually helps when I have to be the leader when we're doing choreography or an organized routine. Memory improvement is also something I bring to dance more often, knowing my placement in the routine every time we practice in the studio. Lastly, I was able to put me being stress-free while doing it because both chess and dance kept me engaged. What I want to bring into the dance industry, is to not limit people of their creativity when it comes to dance genres. As in hip-hop, modern, or maybe even ballet. I want people to think more outside of the box when it comes to these types of genres to dance, so they'll be more comfortable in their role in the industry. I want to try to be a difference maker by being that role model to others and helping pave the way for others like me. I have autism, I'm sure that there have been people like me in the field before but I want to be the one that makes a massive impact in this field. By showing the rest we also can do this just as good if not better, That we're not just one thing but something more, that we're capable of handling difficult tasks at hand, as well as being able to thrive through this field.

My name is Matthew Montelongo, I'm 19 years old and I'm currently going to enter my sophomore year of College. I currently major in Dance and minor in Sociology. I love Music and dancing, but I wouldn't say I like crowds or loud noises (unless it's music). I have autism, so I have always wanted to make a difference for those who are like me and are looking to work in this field. Dance is something that I've been doing for as long as I can remember. I just always loved how the body was able to work while dancing, such as making moves people didn't think would be possible. I started with just dancing to music freely while listening to music it gets me moving to the beat as the song goes on. Initially, I was never setting a choreography for specific songs. I was trying freestyle, but over time I wanted to try certain dance moves with songs so they could tell stories through my movement. I normally did it when I was at home, but when I turned 7 years old, I then wanted to express my love for dance with my peers at school. They didn't take it too well, as they didn't like the idea of me pretending to play instruments as I danced, and over time I stopped doing that for a while because they didn't like it, but I did because I thought it was authentic to do that while dancing. I major in Dance-Interest, and while I'm doing so I'm learning a lot from the dance classes I have taken so far. During those classes, there were a couple of times when I would get frustrated, but then again I would get a reminder from someone, that I won't be able to learn all of this on the first try. So over time, I would take that I remind myself to take a breather before getting frustrated at all. Normally I wouldn't say I like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I enjoy dancing a lot, but I can never show it with a smile while I'm doing so. Working on my while trying to come up with a choreography takes a while but I don't mind that because I have fewer distractions. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself to be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. What I want to bring into the dance industry, is to not limit people of their creativity when it comes to dance genres. As in hip-hop, modern, or maybe even ballet. I want people to think more outside of the box when it comes to these types of genres to dance, so they'll be more comfortable in their role in the industry. I want to try to be a difference maker by being that role model to others and helping pave the way for others like me. I have autism, I'm sure that there have been people like me in the field before but I want to be the one that makes a massive impact in this field. By showing the rest we also can do this just as good if not better, That we're not just one thing but something more, that we're capable of handling difficult tasks at hand, as well as being able to thrive through this field. When I dance I feel free from everything that's holding me back in my life, like as if they were never there in the first place like I could prove all of my doubters wrong and succeed. Some people have told me that my choice to pursue dance was unique because everyone else's career was usually the same such as business, marketing, and mathematics. And it shows that I want to do this, something different from what people usually choose. I know that I want to try to make a difference by showing people that dance doesn't have to be this one thing where I have to conform to certain genres. Because I think that's just boring, there's no creativity in it and that's what I want to bring to dance, is creativity.

Dance is something that I've been doing for as long as I can remember. I just always loved how the body was able to work while dancing, such as making moves people didn't think would be possible. I started with just dancing to music freely while listening to music it gets me moving to the beat as the song goes on. Initially, I was never setting a choreography for specific songs. I was trying freestyle, but over time I wanted to try certain dance moves with songs so they could tell stories through my movement. I normally did it when I was at home, but when I turned 7 years old, I then wanted to express my love for dance with my peers at school. They didn't take it too well, as they didn't like the idea of me pretending to play instruments as I danced, and over time I stopped doing that for a while because they didn't like it, but I did because I thought it was authentic to do that while dancing. I major in Dance-Interest, and while I'm doing so I'm learning a lot from the dance classes I have taken so far. Normally I wouldn't say I like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I enjoy dancing a lot, but I can never show it with a smile while I'm doing so. Working on my while trying to come up with a choreography takes a while but I don't mind that because I have fewer distractions. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself so that I can be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. When I dance I feel free from everything that's holding me back in my life, like as if they were never there in the first place like I could prove all of my doubters wrong and succeed. Some people have told me that my choice to pursue dance was unique because everyone else's career was usually the same such as business, marketing, and mathematics. And it shows that I want to do this, something different from what people usually choose. I know that I want to try to make a difference by showing people that dance doesn't have to be this one thing where I have to conform to certain genres. Because I think that's just boring, there's no creativity in it and that's what I want to bring to dance, is creativity.

The Labyrinth of mental health during this journey has often been filled with ups and downs, and each time those ups and downs occur, I continue to dig deeper into being self-aware and having profound insights about the world. My experience with mental health has shaped everything that has happened to me in the long run, making me into the person I am today. Struggles with mental health brings life into focus. The struggles I've faced have made me prioritize my responsibilities, sticking to my core values with a form of integrity. I have learned to value myself a little more than I have been, as well as my well-being over superficial achievements. My main goal is to maintain my mental health and well-being, and it's not just a thought, it is one of the pillars of my life. I'm usually drawn to people who are psychologists, social workers, or just any role that helps me raise awareness for mental health. Assisting others to navigate through their mental health is something I hold close to my heart. I want to let people know there's nothing wrong with saying what's wrong, no matter who the person is. Struggling with your mental health can strain relationships, but they can be strengthened with communication, honesty, and support. My journey has taught me the importance of vulnerability. Even nowadays, I still have trouble with being open to something that's bothering me. But I'm still learning to do so with the help of my family. Empathy has been something I've had since I was in Middle School, it all started when I just saw myself in other people's shoes. When someone struggles, I have more patience to listen to them. This pillar isn't fully built yet, but I'm still going to continue to make my way up with this pillar of my life. Experiencing struggles with my mental health has given me a new perspective on the world. I now have a better understanding of the complexities of human life, and that everyone isn't so ordinary. This awareness that I now have, has made me understand that what people show from their exterior isn't the same as what they have on their interior. The stigma around mental health has only made me more of an advocate for mental health. I'm willing to dismantle the social stigma by educating advocating, and destroying the misconceptions. I see that this world is in dire need of empathy and more support systems to help those who are seeing themselves in a dark light. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has been quite an interesting journey. It has shaped every decision, and goal while guiding me towards empathy and advocacy. I, myself still tend to struggle with opening up about anything to my family. But I'm still willing to learn and move on from my past negative experiences with time. This has helped me see the world from a whole new perspective, While having this being a mission, the goal for me is to create a place where we can help anyone who sees themselves in a dark light.

Dance is something that I've been doing for as long as I can remember. I just always loved how the body was able to work while dancing, such as making moves people didn't think would be possible. I started with just dancing to music freely while listening to music it gets me moving to the beat as the song goes on. Initially, I was never setting a choreography for specific songs. I was trying freestyle, but over time I wanted to try certain dance moves with songs so they could tell stories through my movement. I normally did it when I was at home, but when I turned 7 years old, I then wanted to express my love for dance with my peers at school. They didn't take it too well, as they didn't like the idea of me pretending to play instruments as I danced, and over time I stopped doing that for a while because they didn't like it, but I did because I thought it was authentic to do that while dancing. I major in Dance-Interest, and while I'm doing so I'm learning a lot from the dance classes I have taken so far. Normally I wouldn't say I like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I enjoy dancing a lot, but I can never show it with a smile while I'm doing so. Working on my while trying to come up with a choreography takes a while but I don't mind that because I have fewer distractions. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself, so I can be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. When I dance I feel free from everything that's holding me back in my life, like as if they were never there in the first place like I could prove all of my doubters wrong and succeed. Some people have told me that my choice to pursue dance as a career was unique because everyone else's career was usually the same such as business, marketing, and mathematics. And it shows that I want to do this, something different from what people usually choose. I know that I want to try to make a difference by showing people that dance doesn't have to be this one thing where I have to conform to certain genres. Because I think that's just boring, there's no difference in it and that's what I want to bring to dance, is a difference.

Being a first-generation High School graduate is a source of passion and pride for me, being rooted in support from my family over the years for my success. despite the struggles me and family have faced, we've endured throughout. My graduation isn't just an individual achievement, it's a testament to the resilience, sacrifice, and hope that defined the experiences my Family has gone through. It embodies the convergence of personal growth and cultural heritage, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and very important. Growing up in a divorced family, my Father is Mexican. And I witnessed how much he was struggling to make it to the end. At the same time, he was trying to provide for me and my Sister. While he was raising us, he had to sacrifice a lot for me and my sister to have a better future. Luckily my Father didn't face any form of discrimination, but it felt like he couldn't make more from what he was making financially. He wants us to have a life where we don't live from paycheck to paycheck because he's had to do that to provide for us. And wants to make sure that before he leaves this world, we know how to take care of ourselves in adulthood. The journey for me as a first-generation student has often been fought with obstacles that are usually seen as invisible to others. Navigating through education throughout the years was complicated, as I have autism. So certain schools wouldn't take me due to my disability, but fortunately, my father was able to get me into a public school and helped me up til' I graduated from High school. And throughout the years I was taught, resilience, hard work, and the importance of seeking help from mentors and resources where family couldn't. My passion for being a first-generation Mexican-American High school graduate, makes me want to give a path for others to follow. I'm committed to using my education and experiences to advocate for higher education equity. Sharing my story and helping others, I hope to do more for the community so I can support those who seek higher education. Regardless whatever their background, I'm willing to support their endeavors. In conclusion, being a first-generation Mexican-American is a source of passion and pride for me. It shows how much resilience can do over adversity, and fulfillment of dreams that can be reached with hard work and commitment. It's a testament to enduring the struggles of a Mexican-American while trying to navigate life and education, so this way I'll be paving the way for more Mexican-American people for a chance at higher education. This journey has instilled in me to give back to the community by telling them this story, and that it is possible to seek higher education despite our identities, race, and backgrounds. So we must advocate for educational and social equity in our society.

Struggles with mental health brings life into focus. The struggles I've faced have made me prioritize my responsibilities, sticking to my core values with a form of integrity. I have learned to value myself a little more than I have been, as well as my well-being over superficial achievements. My main goal is to maintain my mental health and well-being, and it's not just a thought, it a one of the pillars of my life. I'm usually drawn to people who are psychologists, social workers, or just any role that helps me raise awareness for mental health. Assisting others to navigate through their mental health is something I hold close to my heart. I want to let people know there's nothing wrong with saying what's wrong, no matter who the person is. Struggling with your mental health can strain relationships, but they can be strengthened with communication, honesty, and support. My journey has taught me the importance of vulnerability. Even nowadays, I still have trouble with being open to something that's bothering me. But I'm still learning to do so with the help of my family. Empathy has been something I've had since I was in Middle School, it all started when I just saw myself in other people's shoes. When someone struggles, I have more patience to listen to them. This pillar isn't fully built yet, but I'm still going to continue to make my way up with this pillar of my life. Experiencing struggles with my mental health has given me a new perspective on the world. I now have a better understanding of the complexities of human life, and that everyone isn't so ordinary. This awareness that I now have, has made me understand that what people show from their exterior isn't the same as what they have on their interior. The stigma around mental health has only made me more of an advocate for mental health. I'm willing to dismantle the social stigma by educating advocating, and destroying the misconceptions. I see that this world is in dire need of empathy and more support systems to help those who are seeing themselves in a dark light. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has been quite an interesting journey. It has shaped every decision, and goal while guiding me towards empathy and advocacy. I, myself still tend to struggle with opening up about anything to my family. But I'm still willing to learn and move on from my past negative experiences with time. This has helped me see the world from a whole new perspective, While having this being a mission, the goal for me is to create a place where we can help anyone who sees themselves in a dark light.

The Labyrinth of mental health during this journey has been often filled with ups and downs, and each time those ups and downs occur, I continue to dig deeper into being self-aware and having profound insights about the world. My experience with mental health has shaped everything that has happened to me in the long run, making me into the person I am today. Struggles with mental health brings life into focus. The struggles I've faced have made me prioritize my responsibilities, sticking to my core values with a form of integrity. I have learned to value myself a little more than I have been, as well as my well-being over superficial achievements. My main goal is to maintain my mental health and well-being, and it's not just a thought, it a one of the pillars of my life. I'm usually drawn to people who are psychologists, social workers, or just any role that helps me raise awareness for mental health. Assisting others to navigate through their mental health is something I hold close to my heart. I want to let people know that there's nothing wrong with saying what's wrong, no matter who the person is. Struggling with your mental health can strain relationships, but they can be strengthened with communication, honesty, and support. My journey has taught me the importance of vulnerability. Even nowadays, I still have trouble with being open to something that's bothering me. But I'm still learning to do so with the help of my family. Empathy has been something I've had since I was in Middle School, it all started when I just saw myself in other people's shoes. When someone is having struggles, I have more patience to listen to them. This pillar isn't fully built yet, but I'm still going to continue to make my way up with this pillar of my life. Experiencing struggles with my mental health has given me a new perspective on the world. I now have a better understanding of the complexities of human life, and that everyone isn't so ordinary. This awareness that I now have, has made me understand that what people show from their exterior isn't the same as what they have on their interior. The stigma around mental health has only made me more of an advocate for mental health. I'm willing to dismantle the social stigma by educating advocating, and destroying the misconceptions. I see that this world is in dire need of empathy and more support systems to help those who are seeing themselves in a dark light. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has been quite an interesting journey. It has shaped every decision, and goal while guiding me towards empathy and advocacy. I, myself still tend to struggle with opening up about anything to my family. But I'm still willing to learn and move on from my past negative experiences with time. This has helped me see the world from a whole new perspective, While having this being a mission, the goal for me is to create a place where we can help anyone who sees themselves in a dark light.

Empathy is one of the emotions that I once had trouble feeling. I once discovered empathy when I started to help people with anything: school work, saying how they feel, & cheering them on. Discovering this feeling made me feel like I was doing something good. I honestly couldn’t believe that I was starting to help people. Helping others was starting to become a strength for me. I specifically discovered this back when I was in middle school. A lot of the other kids were very annoying. My Passion for helping others happened by accident. It was when I decided to help one of my friends out with a math assignment. And after a few more days of doing so, I finally understood how he felt about himself and math. I slowly started to help others to make them feel good about themselves. Harnessing this emotion takes a lot of practice to see the good in people. It was a better way for me to connect with people who may have different viewpoints than me. I think I should tell them how and why they feel a certain way. And however they feel, I will respectfully tell them what they should do. I would try to give my best input on their situation. Being a people person doesn’t mean you have to talk to people all the time. I just want to understand where some people may be coming from. I’m not gonna relate to everything someone tells me. Some People may not like my opinion on their situation, but I still may be brutally honest with them. So I may know how you feel or not based on how put it and your attitude.

The journey for me as a first-generation student has often been fought with obstacles that are usually seen as invisible to others. Navigating through education throughout the years was complicated, as I have autism. So certain schools wouldn't take me due to my disability, but fortunately, my father was able to get me into a public school and helped me up til' I graduated from High school. And throughout the years I was taught, resilience, hard work, and the importance of seeking help from mentors and resources where family couldn't. My passion for being a first-generation Mexican-American High school graduate, makes me want to give a path for others to follow. I'm committed to using my education and experiences to advocate for higher education equity. Sharing my story and helping others, I hope to do more for the community so I can support those who seek higher education. Regardless whatever their background, I'm willing to support their endeavors. Throughout my school years, I encountered many challenges that made me feel like giving up. However, I persevered and refused to let my struggles define me. One of my biggest obstacles was with my grades. I felt like I couldn't keep up with the work and was always behind. It was frustrating, but I put in extra effort and sought help from teachers and peers. Gradually, I began to see progress, and I learned the value of hard work and determination. Another challenge I faced was my social life. I was shy and found it hard to make friends, feeling like an outcast. I joined clubs and activities to connect with others and be more outgoing. It wasn't easy, but I gradually made friends and learned the importance of seeking support from others. Looking back, I realize that my struggles taught me valuable lessons. They taught me to persevere, work hard, and never give up. They also taught me to seek help and support from others when needed. Today, I am proud of everything I accomplished in school, despite the obstacles I faced. In the end, what matters most is that I persevered and succeeded. In the end, what matters most is that I persevered and succeeded. As you reflect on your own challenges, remember that you are not alone. It is normal to face obstacles and feel discouraged at times. But with perseverance and determination, you can overcome anything. Don't be afraid to seek support from others, whether it is from teachers, friends, or family members. They can offer valuable advice and encouragement to help you stay motivated and on track. Remember, success is not just about achieving your goals, but also about the journey you take to get there. Your struggles can teach you valuable lessons and make you a stronger, more resilient person. So, keep pushing forward and never give up on your dreams. With hard work and determination, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. In conclusion, I'm set to pave the way for others for the foreseeable future. Having fought through many challenges and adversities, to show those that are currently facing those challenges, that they can get through the tough times through their education. No matter who they are.

Discovering Empathy Empathy is one of the emotions that I once had trouble feeling. I once discovered empathy when I started to help people with anything: school work, saying how they feel, & cheering them on. Discovering this feeling made me feel like I was doing something good.I honestly couldn’t believe that I was starting to help people. Helping others was starting to become a strength for me. I specifically discovered this back when I was in middle school. A lot of the other kids were very annoying. My Passion for helping others happened by accident. It was when I decided to help one of my friends out with a math assignment. And after a few more days of doing so, I finally understood how he felt about himself and math.I slowly started to help others to make them feel good about themselves. Harnessing this emotion takes a lot of practice to see the good in people. It was a better way for me to connect with people who may have different viewpoints than me. I think I should tell them how and why they feel a certain way. And however they feel, I will respectfully tell them what they should do.I would try to give my best input on their situation. Being a people person doesn’t mean you have to talk to people all the time. I just want to understand where some people may be coming from. I’m not gonna relate to everything someone tells me. Some People may not like my opinion on their situation, but I still may be brutally honest with them. So I may know you feel or not based on how put it and your attitude. Being a part of a family that has split up into two for my life, I can't tell if it has changed for the better or worse. I have been with my Mother for 11 years and spent only 7 years with my Father. I've often been skeptical of my actions based on what my Mother and Father told me because they told me different things for my good. Early in my life, I could never speak for myself due to my young age. Having a voice was something I've been looking for. I have support from my family, but there has been constant wondering if I have what it takes to defend myself in the real world. My Parents have always argued about something involving me, at least it was before I was 13 years old. Given their intentions, they just want nothing but the best for me. It's better to have to at least have someone to trust than no one to trust. I find being the one who needs fixing very harmful to me. My Mother is the one who I have lived with for 11 years. She has been not the best when it came to taking care of me and my sister. being with her when I was young, I was usually told how much I should defend myself even if it meant fighting someone. I was for it because I was always seeing people trying to put me down. But I was just known for being dangerous at that time despite my young age. Having that support from her was all that I needed.

The Labyrinth of mental health during this journey has been often filled with ups and downs, and each time those ups and downs occur, I continue to dig deeper into being self-aware and having profound insights about the world. My experience with mental health has shaped everything that has happened to me in the long run, making me into the person I am today. Struggles with mental health brings life into focus. The struggles I've faced have made me prioritize my responsibilities, sticking to my core values with a form of integrity. I have learned to value myself a little more than I have been, as well as my well-being over superficial achievements. My main goal is to maintain my mental health and well-being, and it's not just a thought, it a one of the pillars of my life. I'm usually drawn to people who are psychologists, social workers, or just any role that helps me raise awareness for mental health. Assisting others to navigate through their mental health is something I hold close to my heart. I want to let people know that there's nothing wrong with saying what's wrong, no matter who the person is. Struggling with your mental health can strain relationships, but they can be strengthened with communication, honesty, and support. My journey has taught me the importance of vulnerability. Even nowadays, I still have trouble with being open to something that's bothering me. But I'm still learning to do so with the help of my family. Empathy has been something I've had since I was in Middle School, it all started when I just saw myself in other people's shoes. When someone is having struggles, I have more patience to listen to them. This pillar isn't fully built yet, but I'm still going to continue to make my way up with this pillar of my life. Experiencing struggles with my mental health has given me a new perspective on the world. I now have a better understanding of the complexities of human life, and that everyone isn't so ordinary. This awareness that I now have, has made me understand that what people show from their exterior isn't the same as what they have on their interior. The stigma around mental health has only made me more of an advocate for mental health. I'm willing to dismantle the social stigma by educating advocating, and destroying the misconceptions. I see that this world is in dire need of empathy and more support systems to help those who are seeing themselves in a dark light. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has been quite an interesting journey. It has shaped every decision, and goal while guiding me towards empathy and advocacy. I, myself still tend to struggle with opening up about anything to my family. But I'm still willing to learn and move on from my past negative experiences with time. This has helped me see the world from a whole new perspective, While having this being a mission, the goal for me is to create a place where we can help anyone who sees themselves in a dark light.

Dance is something that I've been doing for as long as I can remember. It's a part of theater that I want to do because it's always so expressive with how the actors are. I Initially, was never setting a choreography for specific songs. I was trying freestyle, but over time I wanted to try certain dance moves with songs so they could tell stories through my movement. That's something I also love about theater dancers, is that they're so expressive with their movements and facial expressions. I normally did it when I was at home, but when I turned 7 years old, I then wanted to express my love for dance with my peers at school. They didn't take it too well, as they didn't like the idea of me pretending to play instruments as I danced, and over time I stopped doing that for a while because they didn't like it, but I did because I thought it was authentic to do that while dancing. I major in Dance-Interest, and while I'm doing so I'm learning a lot from the dance classes I have taken so far. Normally I wouldn't say I like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I once did try to do theater back in my freshman year of high school, dance was a part of it but was never the main thing for it. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself, so I can be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. When I dance I feel free from everything that's holding me back in my life, like as if they were never there in the first place like I could prove all of my doubters wrong and succeed. Some people have told me that my choice to pursue dance as a career was unique because everyone else's career was usually the same such as business, marketing, and mathematics. And it shows that I want to do this, something different from what people usually choose. Theater is still an option for me as a dancer because it has piqued my interest in that field. Theater has just been an interesting career choice for me because dance is a part of theater, but my first experience with it wasn't the best. But I'm willing to try again for a career choice because it's seen as an opportunity in my field.

Dance is something that I've been doing for as long as I can remember. I just always loved how the body was able to work while dancing, such as making moves people didn't think would be possible. I started with just dancing to music freely while listening to music it gets me moving to the beat as the song goes on. Initially, I was never setting a choreography for specific songs. I was trying freestyle, but over time I wanted to try certain dance moves with songs so they could tell stories through my movement. I normally did it when I was at home, but when I turned 7 years old, I then wanted to express my love for dance with my peers at school. They didn't take it too well, as they didn't like the idea of me pretending to play instruments as I danced, and over time I stopped doing that for a while because they didn't like it, but I did because I thought it was authentic to do that while dancing. I major in Dance-Interest, and while I'm doing so I'm learning a lot from the dance classes I have taken so far. Normally I wouldn't say I like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I enjoy dancing a lot, but I can never show it with a smile while I'm doing so. Working on my while trying to come up with a choreography takes a while but I don't mind that because I have fewer distractions. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself, so I can be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. When I dance I feel free from everything that's holding me back in my life, like as if they were never there in the first place like I could prove all of my doubters wrong and succeed. Some people have told me that my choice to pursue dance as a career was unique because everyone else's career was usually the same such as business, marketing, and mathematics. And it shows that I want to do this, something different from what people usually choose. I know that I want to try to make a difference by showing people that dance doesn't have to be this one thing where I have to conform to certain genres. Because I think that's just boring, there's no creativity in it and that's what I want to bring to dance, is creativity.

Being a first-generation High School graduate is a source of passion and pride for me, being rooted in support from my family over the years for my success. despite the struggles me and family have faced, we've endured throughout. My graduation isn't just an individual achievement, it's a testament to the resilience, sacrifice, and hope that defined the experiences my Family has gone through. It embodies the convergence of personal growth and cultural heritage, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and very important. Growing up in a divorced family, my Father is Mexican. And I witnessed how much he was struggling to make it to the end. At the same time, he was trying to provide for me and my Sister. While he was raising us, he had to sacrifice a lot for me and my sister to have a better future. Luckily my Father didn't face any form of discrimination, but it felt like he couldn't make more from what he was making financially. He wants us to have a life where we don't live from paycheck to paycheck because he's had to do that to provide for us. And wants to make sure that before he leaves this world, we know how to take care of ourselves in adulthood. The journey for me as a first-generation student has often been fought with obstacles that are usually seen as invisible to others. Navigating through education throughout the years was complicated, as I have autism. So certain schools wouldn't take me due to my disability, but fortunately, my father was able to get me into a public school and helped me up til' I graduated from High school. And throughout the years I was taught, resilience, hard work, and the importance of seeking help from mentors and resources where family couldn't. My passion for being a first-generation Mexican-American High school graduate, makes me want to give a path for others to follow. I'm committed to using my education and experiences to advocate for higher education equity. Sharing my story and helping others, I hope to do more for the community so I can support those who seek higher education. Regardless whatever their background, I'm willing to support their endeavors. In conclusion, being a first-generation Mexican-American is a source of passion and pride for me. It shows how much resilience can do over adversity, and fulfillment of dreams that can be reached with hard work and commitment. It's a testament to enduring the struggles of a Mexican-American while trying to navigate life and education, so this way I'll be paving the way for more Mexican-American people for a chance at higher education. This journey has instilled in me to give back to the community by telling them this story, and that it is possible to seek higher education despite our identities, race, and backgrounds. So we must advocate for educational and social equity in our society.

The Labyrinth of mental health during this journey has been often filled with ups and downs, and each time those ups and downs occur, I continue to dig deeper into being self-aware and having profound insights about the world. My experience with mental health has shaped everything that has happened to me in the long run, making me into the person I am today. Struggles with mental health brings life into focus. The struggles I've faced have made me prioritize my responsibilities, sticking to my core values with a form of integrity. I have learned to value myself a little more than I have been, as well as my well-being over superficial achievements. My main goal is to maintain my mental health and well-being, and it's not just a thought, it a one of the pillars of my life. I'm usually drawn to people who are psychologists, social workers, or just any role that helps me raise awareness for mental health. Assisting others to navigate through their mental health is something I hold close to my heart. I want to let people know that there's nothing wrong with saying what's wrong, no matter who the person is. Struggling with your mental health can strain relationships, but they can be strengthened with communication, honesty, and support. My journey has taught me the importance of vulnerability. Even nowadays, I still have trouble with being open to something that's bothering me. But I'm still learning to do so with the help of my family. Empathy has been something I've had since I was in Middle School, it all started when I just saw myself in other people's shoes. When someone is having struggles, I have more patience to listen to them. This pillar isn't fully built yet, but I'm still going to continue to make my way up with this pillar of my life. Experiencing struggles with my mental health has given me a new perspective on the world. I now have a better understanding of the complexities of human life, and that everyone isn't so ordinary. This awareness that I now have, has made me understand that what people show from their exterior isn't the same as what they have on their interior. The stigma around mental health has only made me more of an advocate for mental health. I'm willing to dismantle the social stigma by educating advocating, and destroying the misconceptions. I see that this world is in dire need of empathy and more support systems to help those who are seeing themselves in a dark light. In conclusion, my experience with mental health has been quite an interesting journey. It has shaped every decision, and goal while guiding me towards empathy and advocacy. I, myself still tend to struggle with opening up about anything to my family. But I'm still willing to learn and move on from my past negative experiences with time. This has helped me see the world from a whole new perspective, While having this being a mission, the goal for me is to create a place where we can help anyone who sees themselves in a dark light.

Video games have usually been criticized by society due to the idea that it's a distraction to younger kids or kids in general. But they have had a positive impact on my life, a form of entertainment, and enjoyment, and help with cognitive skills, and personal skills of that nature. One of the benefits of video games is that it can enhance our cognitive skills. Many games usually require strategy, skill, problem-solving, and quick decisions. Decision-based games reflect generally real-life situations, helping me to have a more logical approach to problems more efficiently. Video games are often stereotyped as isolated individuals, but video games have often helped me when it comes to social interactions and connections with other people around the world. A game like "Minecraft" was the game I used to play day in and day out with people online, and with that I could communicate with different people. And took teamwork and communication to help my ability to work with my friends online. It also gave me a sense of belonging because I had never seen different people who have different views maybe on life, dating, school, etc talk to one another. When it comes to life, it can be stressful. So video games are like an escape from all of that stress I have at certain moments. It lets me be free of expectations and unwind during the times when I need it the most. While video games are usually fiction, they create an imaginary and creative mindset for me to let my imagination run wild. As games often encourage players to build and create, while having a virtual space where its limit is to one's imagination. It would also let me think outside the box more often, to try to come up with new ideas for the future. Just like in life, there can be some challenges. Some games like "Dark Souls" offer a greater difficulty than your average game. As it can help build resilience and patience, and how commanding it is to repeat any level you made a mistake in causing you to have to retry it again. It helps me to learn from failure and build up new strategies, something that is taught beyond gaming. In conclusion, Games have made a positive impact on my life. They have strengthened my cognitive skills, and social interactions, and provide stress relief, creativity, and resilience. Miles away from being entertaining, it has been a tool for personal growth and my well-being.

Dance is something that I've been doing for as long as I can remember. I just always loved how the body was able to work while dancing, such as making moves people didn't think would be possible. I started with just dancing to music freely while listening to music it gets me moving to the beat as the song goes on. Initially, I was never setting a choreography for specific songs. I was just trying freestyle, but over time I wanted to try certain dance moves with songs so they could tell stories through my movement. I normally did it when I was at home, but when I turned 7 years old, I then wanted to express my love for dance with my peers at school. They didn't take it too well, as they didn't like the idea of me pretending to play instruments as I danced, and over time I stopped doing that for a while because they didn't like but I did because I thought it was authentic to do that while dancing. I major in Dance-Interest, and while I'm doing so I'm learning a lot from the dance classes I have taken so far. I don't normally like working with others on choreography, but I didn't mind with the people that I have worked with so far. I never tried to show them how much I loved dance because the last time I tried showing that to my peers, they didn't take it too well. I enjoy dancing a lot, but I can never show it with a smile while I'm doing so. Working on my while trying to come up with a choreography takes a while but I don't mind that because I have fewer distractions. Ever since I was diagnosed with Autism, dancing was always something that I could go to because of my constant stimming. As well as being something that I can use to express myself, so I can be free of expectations. While I'm in dance classes, I often get frustrated with something I can't do right away so I would sit there and observe first before trying again. I would only keep to myself when it comes to something I don't think I can do because I don't believe people would believe what I would say about it. When I dance I feel free from everything that's holding me back in my life, like as if they were never there in the first place like I could prove all of my doubters wrong and succeed. Some people have told me that my choice to pursue dance as a career was unique because everyone else's career was usually the same such as business, marketing, and mathematics. And it shows that I want to do this, something different from what people usually choose. I know that I want to try to make a difference by showing people that dance doesn't have to be this one thing where I have to conform to certain genres. Because I think that's just boring, there's no creativity in it and that's what I want to bring to dance, is creativity.

You need to calm down-Taylor Swift I find that song important to me because of the message. The message is telling people that there being too loud about people who come from marginalized groups. People should be accepted for who they are. But we are still living in a world where we have to conform to being "normal".Not everyone is going to be, think, or act the same because each individual has their own story and path to go on. There are still people in this world who can not accept the fact that people who are not "normal" exist. In the United States, we still have not had equal rights under the law. Certain people would try their hardest to make it as if you are not valid because of who you are. Now we live in a society where people can explore for who they truly are as human beings.

Discovering Empathy Empathy is one of the emotions that I once had trouble feeling. I once discovered empathy when I started to help people with anything: school work, saying how they feel, & cheering them on. Discovering this feeling made me feel like I was doing something good.I honestly couldn’t believe that I was starting to help people. Helping others was starting to become a strength for me. I specifically discovered this back when I was in middle school. A lot of the other kids were very annoying. My Passion for helping others happened by accident. It was when I decided to help one of my friends out with a math assignment. And after a few more days of doing so, I finally understood how he felt about himself and math.I slowly started to help others to make them feel good about themselves. Harnessing this emotion takes a lot of practice to see the good in people. It was a better way for me to connect with people who may have different viewpoints than me. I think I should tell them how and why they feel a certain way. And however they feel, I will respectfully tell them what they should do.I would try to give my best input on their situation. Being a people person doesn’t mean you have to talk to people all the time. I just want to understand where some people may be coming from. I’m not gonna relate to everything someone tells me. Some People may not like my opinion on their situation, but I still may be brutally honest with them. So I may know you feel or not based on how put it and your attitude. Gentrification is when a wealthy family comes into a low-income neighborhood which causes prices to increase rapidly. It is a cause of changing areas along with history, culture, minority communities, and increased investment. Atlanta is one of the most gentrified cities in this country According to Galileo.org, “Atlanta is fifth in gentrification.”This implies that Atlanta has higher prices for housing, health care, rent, etc Than the vast majority of cities in America. Atlanta has been losing its sense of place since the 1970s while gentrifying old historic buildings and small businesses. A building that was used for retail distribution in Ponce De Leon was later turned into Ponce City Market in 2011. Gentrification has been causing a rise in income inequality, rent, and homelessness in Atlanta. Families with low income are more likely to get evicted from their homes According to Galileo.org “citizens in Atlanta can not live.”This implies that Atlanta has been failing to provide housing for the homeless population, which creates more people on the street. Gentrification and homelessness are intertwined. Inflation is another factor in gentrification and that is why it is still causing people to struggle financially. When it comes to housing, transformation plays a huge role in why it is a problem for low-income families According to atlantaregional.org “Rent control is not allowed.”Implying that the landlords in Atlanta will not let the people who have housing take control of the rent price.