I have realized that life has a way of leading you where you need to be. Life will close doors just to open better ones for you. It will take you down the longer path because the reward will be worth it in the end. In my case, life has led me to work as a program assistant at Ocoee Elementary and over the last decade it has ignited in me a passion for teaching. Today, my goal is to graduate with a Bachelors in Elementary Education from UCF (University of Central Florida) and become a teacher at my current school. Ten years ago, I found myself working at my first school, Hiawassee Elementary as a paraprofessional. I instantly fell in love with working with students. I loved how their eyes would light up every time I walked into the classroom to work with them and how excited they would get when they finally understood something they had been struggling with. This is when I realized that I could have a future in education. Two years later, I moved on to become a program assistant at Ocoee Elementary School. At Ocoee, I was with students that were just like me. Immigrants with similar backgrounds as mine. In them I saw myself, the wide-eyed student who did not speak a word of English, the quiet student that hoped they would not get called on and the student that was trying their best. It was at this school that I realized I had the power to influence these students, to help them build confidence and succeed. After many years of working as a program assistant, my school district offered the opportunity for people in my position to complete their bachelor’s degree in elementary education at UCF. This opportunity also offered a scholarship that would cover the cost of in-state tuition. I applied and got the scholarship, but because of my DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status I was not able to claim residency for tuition purposes at UCF. That left me to pay for out-of-state tuition. I spent hours on the phone with the university, emailed every department that I could think of trying to find a solution to this challenge. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do. It was disheartening to know there is this amazing opportunity out there, but because of my immigration status, I cannot take full advantage of it. However, this did not stop me from accomplishing my goals. I always dreamed of going to UCF, so I assumed financial responsibility to complete my education. As a DACA student, I have faced unique challenges. Navigating an education system as an undocumented immigrant has required persistence and resilience. I have faced uncertainty about my future, financial barriers, and the constant weight of not knowing what tomorrow might bring. However, these challenges have become a source of motivation and give me the drive I need to reach my goals. Since I began my career in education a decade ago, I have had the goal to become a teacher and create a learning environment where every student can thrive. Most importantly, I hope to show my future students that their goals are achievable, that they too can overcome adversity and reach their goals, just as I am striving to do.

It was during Thanksgiving dinner over a decade ago that my dad told us that his dream growing up was to become a doctor. It hit me in that moment just how privileged I was to have an opportunity to go to college. I have always been determined to graduate from college, but it was on that dinner table that becoming the first in my family to graduate from college became my passion. As a first generation Mexican American DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) student pursuing my degree in Elementary Education is not just a personal goal; it is an opportunity to honor the sacrifices of my parents, serve as a role model for future generations, and give back to my community. In my family, education has always been held in high regard. For my parents, education is important because they never had the opportunity to continue theirs. Both of my parents had to quit middle school and begin working to help support their families. Today, my dad works tirelessly in the grueling Florida heat, while my mom works different jobs like taking care of children or working in restaurants to make ends meet. Despite not being able to pursue their own dreams of higher education, they instilled in me a passion for learning and fierce determination to succeed. From them, I have learned that education is a tool for personal success, and a means of creating a lasting change for those around me. Over the last decade I have been working as a Program Assistant in an elementary school which has only ignited my passion for education. Every day, I witness the potential in each of the students I work with, many of whom come from similar backgrounds to mine. Students who can be the first in their families to go to college. Students whose parents never got a chance to continue their own education but are working hard to make sure that they can. I know that in my continued efforts to graduate, I am serving my students as a role model of what can be achieved. My passion for education also extends beyond the classroom. I am always looking for ways to expose students to new experiences. This is why I volunteer my free time to sponsor school like dance club and news crew. For me education is more than just academics, education is also about building character, developing leadership skills, and exploring interests. In conclusion, being the first Mexican American college graduate in my family is not just a personal goal, it is also a way to give back to my community, honor my parents sacrifices and play a role in shaping the future. I understand the importance of this achievement, not just for me and my family, but for the many students who will look to me as a source of inspiration. This scholarship is not just an investment in my future, but also an investment in the future of countless students who will come across my classroom. It will provide me with the opportunity to continue my education and in turn make a lasting impact on the generations to come.

My essay is submitted in video form.