Choosing Hospitality and Tourism Management as my field of study stems from my passion for creating meaningful experiences, fostering connections, and advocating for inclusivity. Growing up in Cuba and later moving to Miami, I experienced firsthand the value of welcoming environments and diverse cultures. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career where I could blend my love for travel, service, and leadership to make a lasting impact in the world. Hospitality is more than an industry to me—it’s an opportunity to bring people together and create spaces where they feel valued and cared for. My dream is to become a hotel manager or front desk travel supervisor, roles that allow me to lead teams in delivering exceptional guest experiences while championing inclusivity. Inspired by leaders like Arne Sorenson, I aspire to implement innovative practices that not only elevate guest satisfaction but also prioritize employee well-being. My work as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with children with autism has profoundly influenced my approach to hospitality. This role taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of creating supportive environments tailored to individual needs. It reinforced my belief that every person deserves to feel seen and respected, whether in a therapeutic setting or as a hotel guest. I aim to integrate this perspective into my future career by promoting accessible and inclusive practices within the hospitality industry, ensuring that all guests—regardless of ability or background—feel welcome. In addition to my professional aspirations, I am driven by a commitment to mental health advocacy. My own journey with mental health challenges has taught me the importance of self-awareness, balance, and community. As I advance in my career, I hope to use my platform to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace and beyond. By fostering open conversations, providing resources, and implementing policies that support well-being, I aim to create environments where both employees and guests thrive. Pursuing a Pre-Law Certificate alongside my major reflects my desire to merge hospitality with advocacy. I see potential to use legal knowledge to influence policies that promote ethical practices and inclusivity in tourism and beyond. My ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact, not just within the hospitality industry, but in the lives of those I serve. In everything I do, I am motivated by my family, my culture, and my faith. These pillars have shaped my character and drive me to succeed. With every step, I am committed to making a difference—whether through creating memorable guest experiences, advocating for mental health, or fostering inclusive communities. Through my field of study, I see a future where I can turn my passion into purpose.

My experience with mental health has been a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery, shaping my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations in profound ways. As someone who has faced challenges related to mental health, I have come to understand the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and the need for a supportive community. These experiences have influenced the way I view the world and the path I am determined to follow in my personal and professional life. One of the most transformative aspects of my journey has been my work with children with autism and mental health challenges. As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), I have had the privilege of working closely with children and their families to provide support, guidance, and care. This role has taught me invaluable lessons about patience, compassion, and the importance of individualized care. Each child has unique strengths and needs, and being part of their growth and development has been deeply rewarding. Working with children with autism has reinforced my belief in the power of connection and understanding. Many of these children face significant communication and social challenges, but with the right support and strategies, they can achieve remarkable progress. Witnessing their resilience and determination has inspired me to advocate for greater awareness and resources for mental health and developmental disorders. This work has also deepened my understanding of the importance of creating environments that are inclusive, supportive, and empowering for everyone. My experiences with mental health have also taught me the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. In high school, I often overcommitted myself to extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and academic responsibilities, believing that success required constant productivity. While these efforts brought achievements, they also led to burnout. It was during this time that I learned the significance of balance and the need to prioritize my mental health alongside my ambitions. This lesson continues to guide me as I navigate college life and plan for my future career. One of the most impactful aspects of my mental health journey has been its influence on my career aspirations. My experiences have driven me to pursue a career in hospitality and tourism management with a focus on creating inclusive and supportive environments. I envision using my platform to promote mental health awareness within the industry, ensuring that both employees and guests feel valued and supported. For instance, I aim to advocate for workplace policies that prioritize mental well-being, such as providing access to resources, fostering a culture of open communication, and offering flexible schedules to reduce stress. Moreover, I hope to design events and programs that highlight the importance of mental health. As an aspiring event planner, I see opportunities to organize workshops, retreats, and conferences that promote mindfulness, stress management, and community building. These events can serve as spaces for individuals to connect, recharge, and feel empowered to take charge of their mental health. By integrating these values into my work, I hope to contribute to a hospitality industry that not only delivers exceptional experiences but also prioritizes the holistic well-being of its stakeholders. My journey has also deepened my belief in the power of education and advocacy. I am passionate about raising awareness about mental health, particularly within immigrant communities where stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. As someone who has faced these challenges firsthand, I feel a responsibility to share my story and encourage others to prioritize their mental health. Whether through mentorship, public speaking, or community initiatives, I am committed to being a voice for change and a source of support for those in need. In my relationships, my experiences have taught me to value authenticity and vulnerability. I have learned that meaningful connections are built on trust and mutual understanding, and I strive to create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. These principles extend to my leadership style as well. As a sophomore majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management at FIU, and with my work experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, I make it a priority to foster an environment where individuals feel supported and valued. This approach not only strengthens teams but also reinforces my belief in the importance of compassionate leadership. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing both personally and professionally, using my experiences to make a positive impact on the world. I believe that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and I am determined to integrate this understanding into all aspects of my life. Whether through my career in hospitality, my advocacy efforts, or my relationships, I am committed to creating a future where mental health is prioritized, respected, and celebrated. In conclusion, my experience with mental health and my work with children with autism have been transformative journeys that have shaped my beliefs, strengthened my relationships, and inspired my career aspirations. These experiences have taught me the value of resilience, empathy, and self-awareness, and they have given me a purpose that extends beyond personal success. By pursuing a career that combines my passion for hospitality with my dedication to mental health advocacy, I hope to create a lasting impact that uplifts individuals and communities alike.

My name is Raquel Guerrero, and I am a sophomore at Florida International University (FIU), majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management while pursuing a Pre-Law Certificate. Born and raised in Cuba, I moved to Miami at age 12, where my experiences shaped my resilience and inspired my passion for creating meaningful connections. My academic and professional journey reflects my dedication to fostering memorable experiences and building strong communities, which aligns perfectly with the goals of event planning. My passion for event planning began in high school, where I held leadership roles such as president of the DECA Club and a board member of the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. Organizing events, from school fundraisers to travel competitions, taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability, skills that are essential for success in this field. Representing Florida as a finalist at the International Career Development Conference deepened my commitment to bringing people together through well-executed events. These experiences taught me the significance of planning events that are not only engaging but also purposeful in creating positive impacts on others. At FIU, I am honing my leadership and organizational skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry. Beyond academics, my current role as a front desk representative at CS Behavioral Services allows me to develop essential customer service and problem-solving skills that I know will serve me well as an event planner. I am also pursuing opportunities to connect with industry professionals, participate in internships, and attend workshops that will enhance my abilities to manage projects and oversee event logistics. Every new experience helps me refine my ability to create events that are impactful and memorable. My goal is to become a skilled project leader who uses creativity and innovation to make a positive impact. I envision planning events that promote cultural diversity, support local communities, and inspire lasting connections. For example, I aspire to organize conferences that empower young professionals, charity events that give back to underserved communities, and destination weddings that celebrate love across cultures. These events not only bring joy and inspiration to participants but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. By obtaining skills as an event planner, I aim to create spaces where people feel valued and connected. I believe that well-planned events have the power to transform lives, foster relationships, and address important societal issues. Events can be powerful tools for raising awareness, celebrating achievements, and driving social change. My vision is to create events that leave lasting impressions while addressing the unique needs of diverse audiences. For instance, I would love to organize fundraisers for environmental initiatives or cultural festivals that highlight the beauty of inclusivity and global traditions. This scholarship will enable me to further my education, gain hands-on experience, and ultimately make a meaningful impact on the world through the art of event planning. With the support of this opportunity, I plan to continue developing my skills, expanding my network, and embracing every chance to bring my vision for transformative events to life. Event planning is more than a career for me it is a way to touch lives, create shared memories, and contribute to a better world.

My name is Raquel Guerrero, I am a senior at Miami Sunset Senior High school. Despite the fact of being raised in a low-income household in Cuba, I was able to experience the abundance of opportunities that though her the importance of wants and needs. These past experiences helped me gain most of the characteristics that describe me presently. I consider myself charismatic, loving, compassionate, perseverant, and a perfectionist. I do not enjoy cooking; however, my perseverance helped me learn how to prepare meals when I was only ten, today I am the one who cooks for my entire family with the help of my sister. Family is one of the most important pillars of my life, throughout my childhood and now as a young adult I love to encourage others to build long and stable relationships with strong values that will help create strong bonds for future generations. Faith has always been a part of my life, as a Christian I love God over all things, yet I accept and understand that there is other people's point of view regarding my religion. I am a pacifist who tries to avoid any type of conflict especially if it is related to school. I am currently enrolled in High school and simultaneously in college through the dual enrollment program which is assisting and helping me create a plan and a set of goals for my future major in political science. Although numerous people have tried to change my perspective on going into a law career, I continue to follow my dream of becoming a lawyer. I have applied to Florida International University with the purpose of becoming a prelaw student eventually. I plan to study and get my associate degree from Miami Dade College and later transferred to FIU. My plan is to study and travel the world before I get married and start a family. I do not intend to live in Miami until my retirement, which is why I am designing a ten-year plan in which by 2032 I have finished school, moved out of Florida, bought a house, and work as a corporate lawyer in a big company in the middle of a big city. Despite the plans I have created I believe that living one day at a time is my only objective for the future. Finding myself and the amazing things I could create without having to limit my learning capabilities is my main goal in the time to come.

My name is Raquel Guerrero, I am a senior at Miami Sunset Senior High school. I am currently enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism Academy and I plan to pursuit the same career path in college. Although numerous people have tried to change my perspective on going into a hospitality career, I continue to follow my dream of becoming a hotel manager. I have has applied to Florida International University with the purpose of becoming a hospitality and tourism student eventually. I plan to study and get my associate degree from Miami Dade College and later transferred to FIU. My plan is to study and travel the world before she gets married and starts a family. I do not intend to live in Miami until my retirement, which is why I am designing a ten-year plan in which by 2032 I have finished school, moved out of Florida, bought a house, and work as a corporate hotel manager in a big hotel in the middle of a big city. Despite the plans I have created I believe that living one day at a time is my only objective for the future. Finding myself and the amazing things I could create without having to limit my learning capabilities is my main goal in the time to come. I like to compare myself with Monica from the TV show called Friends since I have high expectations for both myself and other people, and I strive for perfection. I enjoy establishing structure and order in my immediate environment. Furthermore, I may be a bit of a control freak who enjoys being in charge and making sure everything is done according to my standards. I consider myself charismatic, loving, compassionate, perseverant, and a perfectionist. Family is one of the most important pillars in my life, throughout my childhood and now as a young adult I love to encourage others to build long and stable relationships with strong values that will help create strong bonds for future generations.

There are several good qualities and attitudes that we can all strive to achieve in our lives. Like a fairly slow flower, you need to develop these characteristics slowly over time. These positive and personal qualities are given by people from all walks of life. They do not happen by chance, only by chance or blessing. They go through small changes that we get used to making, one step at a time throughout our lives. This is perhaps one of the hardest personal issues to improve on this list. Some things happen at night in life. We use the term “succeed overnight” to describe people who are successful almost immediately. However, we don't think such a nocturnal finish would seem to take years, if not years for humans. To be successful and happy in life, you have to be patient. Only by being diligent can you get the insight you need to overcome the challenges you face in life. If you don't have the patience, you'll stumble upon some brilliant stuff. This condition can cause you to be overwhelmed when it comes to pursuing a career in God.

All my life I have carried faith in a passion that made me happy, dancing. I have been dancing for 6 years. Dancing was and still is my way out of my life. It helps me through difficult and depressing times. When I'm happy, it just makes me happier. The joy he brings to me still carries the same guilt in my heart as when I started. He has extensive experience including baseball, jazz, tap dance, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, behavioral, broadways and Caribbean. Every time you dance you find a new heart. I think dancing like a human. Each style is a different feeling. My first dance was ballet. A 5-year-old can learn a lot on the first day of dance. But after a few years, I learned the real meaning of dancing. Salsa dancing is romantic. As I staggered and walked on the floor, I felt the force of love fill the room and lose all stress. This happiness is dancing. When I pop, rock and pulse, the sky is minimal. Pure joy is a tap. Type like a sweet summer with fun that makes me happy. He can brighten up thousands of days with speed, hop, step, turn. Broadway is what I want to share. Each dance has millions of emotions. Each style just has a different way of expressing my feelings. Whether I'm happy or sad, happy or depressed, I know dancing will lift me up. If I don't pass the test, I express all my thoughts in a ballet class and let myself melt into a ballet barre. After getting high marks on the charts, hip-hop poured my excitement into smooth, black ground. Dancing is a style of thinking. The more you teach, the more it emerges. So I like it a lot.

In a general public where individuals are relied upon to work extended periods of time and elapse holiday days, there is a fundamental conviction that we should consistently be useful – which can eventually pursue away from open doors for self-care. In any case, by getting some down time to participate in self care, you might alleviate the tensions of regular daily existence and reset yourself to return to a sound point where usefulness is by and by expanded. Just to ponder self consideration can be an undertaking in itself. I never truly figured it about it, frankly, however it is a fundamental piece of living. We get so occupied and gotten up to speed living in our regular day to day existences that we disregard the main part, ourselves. I have two small children ages 3 and 5, so my center is consistently to deal with them and ensure their necessities are met, overlooking myself en route. I figure this task will assist me with appreciating and not underestimate the things that I realize I need to accomplish for me and to show love to the main individual, me. I embrace this experience to make more self esteem inside. Setting out earnestly and an unmistakable comprehension of my arrangement will ideally make the inspiration that I need to finish my objectives. Knowing how I am, I need to require this step by step. In the event that I do miss an assignment, rather than thumping on myself as I typically do I will focus on that task the next day. Its less doing the errands that I am stressed over in light of the fact that everything on my rundown I appreciate, it is figuring out how to fit all in.

The most inspiring book I have read is called Wonder. Wonder is a fiercely incredible story of a 10-year-old kid named August Pullman, who has a facial peculiarity. He is a conventional child who plays Xbox, is fixated on Star Wars, yet in spite of the 27 activities accomplished for his face he won't ever look ordinary. August had been self-taught since he was little and he is strikingly keen for offspring of his age. This story starts with August going to a school called Beecher Prep for starting his 5th grade. The story draws out all the good and bad times he faces from his first day of school until his graduation. This book is exceptionally sensible since it portrays how August gets tormented and is socially disengaged for being unique, along these lines I think nearly everybody will identify with this persuasive story. This book proficiently puts light onto the subject of prejudice by society towards somebody who is unique. Is the story that I feel is key for everybody to peruse. This book doesn't utilize highfalutin jargon to be great but instead the manner in which it portrays society is the thing that fixes things such that heart-moving and forcing. The sort of book can carry tears to your eyes inside the initial not many pages, or make them chuckle and accepting that in spite of all the severity on the planet there's consistently motivation to grin. The sort of book will change the manner in which you check out the world and cause you to understand that everybody is battling their own evil presences and nobody should make their lives more troublesome by being cruel. It additionally has a hidden moral that individuals ought not allow their underlying decisions to influence their demeanor towards an individual.