As an aspiring aerospace engineer, I am interested in developing technologies that make space more accessible and practical, such as advanced propulsion systems and sustainable habitats. While space exploration is often seen as distant, private companies have already begun transforming it into a commercial industry. I want to contribute to that shift by turning innovative ideas into real-world solutions. I want to be part of scientific breakthroughs and make those seemingly unrealistic sci-fi movies come to life. In recent years, I’ve realized that I naturally think in terms of solutions. Whether it’s designing futuristic habitats or simple everyday products, I am constantly identifying problems and imagining ways to improve them. Entrepreneurship allows me to take those ideas beyond imagination and turn them into something tangible that can benefit others. I think there's never a bad place to start when following your dreams. We are so conditioned to put ourselves down that it can be very hard to believe in our goals. Amidst pursuing my goals, I've tried everything my school has to offer: I played the violin, was on the tennis and badminton team, took AP courses, yet the thing I love the most are my extracurricular activities. I'm president of 4 clubs at my school, and while I'm always busy, running around, I love creating opportunities and, putting it bluntly, being in charge. I know I can be responsible, and I'm not afraid to put myself out there. As president of four clubs, I’ve learned how to build and manage organizations. By promoting through posters and word of mouth, I grew one club to over 200 members, which required communication, organization, and persistence, skills essential in business. Additionally, I helped raise over $600 for scholarships through fundraising efforts, where I focused on maximizing participation and resources, similar to how a business maximizes profit and efficiency. I have come a long way from the shy little girl in kindergarten who couldn't speak a word of English. My confidence isn't conceited; it's years of resolve, molding me to believe in myself. I've gone through my fair share of challenges in life, but I refuse to let them hold me back from living. I will be successful not simply because I work hard, but because I take initiative and follow through. I have already demonstrated this by building organizations, leading large groups, and taking risks in putting my ideas into action. My willingness to step outside my comfort zone, from overcoming a language barrier to leading hundreds of peers, has prepared me to navigate the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship. To me, a successful life is one where I have taken risks, created meaningful impact, and pursued my goals without hesitation. It means not only achieving personal success but also building something that improves the lives of others. I want to look back without “what ifs,” knowing I fully committed to my ambitions.

As I repeat "Hello ma'am/ sir, how is your day going? Would you like a bag?" for the hundredth time, I remember my calculus homework; I need to brush up on my derivatives. I then remember my dirty laundry; 3 hours at the laundromat will set me behind schedule. I also remember my English project that I need to continue. That's just the tip of the iceberg. When I get home from work, it's time to tackle all of the problems mentioned above, and many, many more. My room is filled with to-do lists and schedules --- things organized in order of importance and due dates. Sometimes, when I go to school with large bags under my eyes and have to drink 2 energy drinks to stay awake for my math test, I wish I didn't have to work. I don't dislike my job, and the money definitely helps, but the hours are long. New York state says I can't work more than 28 hours a week. Sometimes I cut it too close. I want to be able to balance my school and job because I need both of them. Scholarships would help to ensure I have some money to fall back on for school and future education, while ensuring I can cut down on my hours and not be so worn out. I would love to spend more time doing the extracurriculars I enjoy and being able to hang out with my friends guilt-free. I can't quit my job because, as a daughter of a single mom with an older sister in college, I'm expected to pay for my own education. My sister and I both know that our mom can't afford it, and federal grants don't cover all costs associated with continued education, so we have our jobs to try and save money to pursue our desired careers. We know our mom is trying her best, and we have to work hard to make her and ourselves proud of all our efforts. I want to go to college without worries of financial instability so that I can get my master's in aerospace engineering. I would love to help engineer spacecraft and, hopefully, get a job at NASA. At the moment, I am in 2 after-school programs that help me learn more about careers and education in STEM, and even more clubs that have helped me narrow down what I want to do after high school.

As I repeat "Hello ma'am/ sir, how is your day going? Would you like a bag?" for the hundredth time, I remember my calculus homework; I need to brush up on my derivatives. I then remember my dirty laundry; 3 hours at the laundromat will set me behind schedule. I also remember my English project that I need to continue. That's just the tip of the iceberg. When I get home from work, it's time to tackle all of the problems mentioned above, and many, many more. My room is filled with to-do lists and schedules --- things organized in order of importance and due dates. Sometimes, when I go to school with large bags under my eyes and have to drink 2 energy drinks to stay awake for my math test, I wish I didn't have to work. I don't dislike my job, and the money definitely helps, but the hours are long. New York state says I can't work more than 28 hours a week. Sometimes I cut it too close. I want to be able to balance my school and job because I need both of them. Scholarships would help to ensure I have some money to fall back on for school and future education, while ensuring I can cut down on my hours and not be so worn out. I would love to spend more time doing the extracurriculars I enjoy and being able to hang out with my friends guilt-free. I can't quit my job because, as a daughter of a single mom with an older sister in college, I'm expected to pay for my own education. My sister and I both know that our mom can't afford it, and federal grants don't cover all costs associated with continued education, so we have our jobs to try and save money to pursue our desired careers. We know our mom is trying her best, and we have to work hard to make her and ourselves proud of all our efforts. I want to go to college without worries of financial instability so that I can get my master's in aerospace engineering. I would love to help engineer spacecraft and, hopefully, get a job at NASA. At the moment, I am in 2 after-school programs that help me learn more about careers and education in STEM, and even more clubs that have helped me narrow down what I want to do after high school.

The United Nations reports that approximately 251 million children were not enrolled in school in 2024. That's 251 million missed opportunities to find a cure for cancer. 251 million missed opportunities to develop new renewable energy resources. 251 million missed opportunities to make our world a better place. My mom always told me that money doesn't buy happiness. I think she's right. She wouldn't be right, however, if she said money doesn't buy opportunity. A kid can be smart. They can be gifted. They can even be a genius, but if they can't afford school, or don't happen to be extremely lucky and fall under better financial circumstances than most, they'll miss out on the possibilities for their future. I'm not a genius, nor am I gifted, but I'm disciplined. I have opportunities, such as scholarships and grants, that aren't presented to other kids. If I could afford to go to school, I would have a fighting chance to make a positive change in the world. I'm not talking about doing the bare minimum; passing classes and getting my degree. I mean, treating my continued education as the holy grail that it is. Thanks to my single mom, I don't have to be one of those 251 million missed opportunities. But a university is not a public high school. We all know how hard it is on parents to pay for tuition and education fees, but can you imagine knowing your parents can't help? My mom told us very early on that she wouldn't pay for our college tuition. It's not that she doesn't want to;1 her biggest hope for us is to continue our education, but she barely earns enough to pay our rent and bills. Me and my older sister each have jobs. My sister is paying for her own degree. I am expected to do the same. That's why I write essays like this one at 11:41 p.m., after I get back from work, after doing homework, after school. So that I can continue my education, continue "the grind" so that I don't become a missed opportunity.

How much is it? That was the question we asked whenever we bought anything. We weren’t poor, but we weren’t too comfortable either. As the years passed I learned to appreciate very thing we had, but that didn’t stop my inner child from dreaming to have the nice toys I saw on YouTube. Or the luxury cars we would pass on the highway. I'm only 14, but to quote MLKJ “I have a dream”. I want to go to college. I want to graduate high school and get into a good college, right here in America. My mom fought so hard to bring me and my sister here and I will ensure that I do whatever I can to make OUR dream come true. While getting into college may be a bit challenging, I know I can do it if I try. Which I will. Whilst I have thought deep into the future, I have thought deeper into the present. Right now I am doing everything I can to make sure that I get a good job that I enjoy. A job that I could only dream of getting in Honduras. I will break down any, and every obstacle I have to. I will study till the crack of dawn if it mean I can achieve my dream. My mom works harder than anyone I know. She comes form work, runs some errands, makes cleans, makes dinner, washes the dishes, and still has time to listen to OUR problems. I love my mom more than anything. She wishes nothing but the best for us, and I want to show her that we will get it. I want her to know that all that she has suffered is worth it. My mom deserves to be happy, and I know I can do that for her. I can make her even happier when I get into the college of my dreams. I will never stop trying. I will ALWAYS be grateful for every single sacrifice my mom has made to bring us to a country with a great education system. And I will take the most advantage of this education system that I can. I will breakthrough anything to get my mom and my family the happiness and satisfaction we deserve. I will NEVER give up.