As a first-generation college student, going back to school is a big step for me. I didn't grow up seeing people in my family attend college, but I always believed that education could lead to something better. Now that I have children of my own, one of the main reasons I chose to pursue higher education is to show them how important it is to work hard, believe in yourself, and never stop learning. I want them to see that even when life gets hard or busy, it's just a possible to chase your dreams. I want my kids to grow up knowing that education can open doors and give them the tools to build a better future by going through this journey myself, I'm hoping to encourage them to stay focused, follow their passions, and never be afraid to dream big. More than anything, I want to break the cycle. I want to change the story for our family and show that going to college is possible and worth it. This isn't just about my education. It's about creating a new path for my children and future generations. That is my biggest inspiration for pursuing higher education. As a first-generation student, preparing for college has taken a lot of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. We didn't have a road map to follow, so I had to figure a lot of things out on my own. Financially, it has been extremely difficult. I've had to make many sacrifices to be able to afford school-from cutting back on personal expenses to making tough choices for my family. But I've always believed that the investment in my education will be rewarded in the long run, not just for me, but for my children as well. One of the biggest reasons I was able to take the first step was because of my husband's support. His encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to believe in myself and pursue my goals. Having someone in my corner reminded me that I wasn't alone, and that kind of support makes a huge difference, especially for a first-generation student. We often carry a lot of pressure, and sometimes doubt, but knowing that someone believes in you makes all the difference. Preparing for college hasn't been easy, but I've stayed focused and committed. I'm proud of how far I've come, and I'm excited for what's ahead for myself, my family and my community.

Growing up as an immigrant child in a low-income family, I faced challenges that many children shouldn't have to endure. The language barrier, the constant pressure to succeed, and the financial struggles were always in the background of my life. But what stood out the most was the feeling of being alone, of not having someone to help me navigate the emotional turmoil that came with adjusting to a new life in a new country. I remember moments of uncertainty, confusion, and fear, where I felt lost in the world around me, struggling to find a place where I truly belonged. It was during these times that I realized how important it is to have someone to turn to, someone who listens, understands and guides you through your struggles. Now as a mother of two I look back on those years and think about how much I wish I had someone to talk to, someone who could have helped me process all the emotions I went through as a child. I don't want my own children to go through the same struggles I faced alone. That's why I've decided to pursue a career in counseling. I want to be the person who helps children navigate the difficult times in their lives, just like I wish I had growing up. I want to be the one who listens, offers support and helps them realize they're not alone. There's something incredibly powerful about being able to guide someone through their pain and seeing them come out stronger on the other side. I want to be that guide for children who need it the most. My journey hasn't been easy. Growing up in a low-income family meant that money was always a barrier to achieving my dreams. There were times when I felt like higher education was out of reach, and I struggled with the thought that my background and financial situation would limit what I could accomplish. But now, as an adult, a wife, and a mother, I’ve made the decision to follow my dreams, despite the obstacles. I want to show my children that education is not just a path to personal success but also a way to create a better life for those around you. I want to break the cycle of financial struggle and show them that no matter where you come from, you can achieve anything if you are determined enough to work for it. Pursuing a career in counseling means not only improving my own life and my family’s life but also making a positive impact on the community. Every step I take toward my degree is a step closer to making a difference in the lives of children who are going through the same struggles I faced. I'm not just pursuing a career for myself, I'm pursuing it because I believe in the power of helping others. I know that becoming a counselor won't just change my life, it will change the lives of the children I work with, their families, and ultimately, our community. That's the driving force behind everything I do: a deep desire to give back, to help others through their pain, and to create a better world for future generations.

Growing up, education was always portrayed as a privilege, not a right. As a first-generation Middle Eastern woman, I understood that the opportunities I had were the result of sacrifices made by those before me. But it wasn't until I became a mother that I truly grasped the weight of my dreams, not just for myself, but for my children. The moment that changed everything for me was one night when my eldest child asked, “Mom, what do you want to be when you grow up?”, I smiled at the innocence of the question, but deep down, it broke something inside me. I had spent so much of my life prioritizing others, putting my aspirations on hold, convincing myself that my dreams could wait. But that night, I realized they couldn't. I wanted to show my children, through actions, not just words, that education is a path to freedom, to making a difference, to becoming who you are meant to be. I wanted them to see that no matter where you start, no matter the obstacles, you can rise. And so, I made the decision to return to school, not just for myself, but for them. But the path has not been easy. Juggling school, motherhood, and life's responsibilities feel like trying to hold the world together with tired hands. There have been nights when I stayed up studying, only to wake up hours later to soothe a crying child. There have been moments when I questioned if I was being selfish for pursuing my education while my family depended on me. The financial strain has been real, with our family living off one income while I push forward, determined not to let money dictate the future I'm trying to build. However, money has always been an obstacle in my life and it frightens me to think that money can once again stop me from reaching my dreams. And yet, through the exhaustion, through the doubts, I remind myself why I started. I remind myself that when my children see me studying, they are learning resilience. When they watch me balance responsibilities, they are learning perseverance. And when they witnessed me earn my degree they will know that dreams are worth chasing, no matter how long the journey takes. I manage because I have to. I manage because I believe in something bigger than myself. It's a constant reminder to myself that my education will benefit my children's lives and make me feel accomplished. And I manage because one day, when my children face their own challenges, I want them to remember their mother, the woman who refused to give up, who built a better future not just for herself, but for them.