My commitment to earning a business degree is grounded in a vision of positively influencing my community. The field of business can act as a catalyst for positive change and significantly contribute to community development. The attractiveness of a business degree lies in its capacity to furnish a versatile skill set extending beyond traditional business boundaries. This includes crucial attributes like leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, all recognized as invaluable for instigating positive change. Equipped with a solid understanding of fundamental business principles, my overarching objective is to foster economic growth and stability within my community. At the core of my aspirations is the aim to promote entrepreneurship locally. Leveraging insights from my business studies, I envision empowering individuals to assume leadership roles in their enterprises. I believe this has the potential to kickstart economic growth, create employment opportunities, and significantly contribute to the community's overall well-being. Whether I create a business that helps minorities rise higher in the business industry or use my power in the business industry to help individuals start is one of my main goals. Furthermore, my educational journey is a platform for advocating sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Businesses should actively address these challenges in an era where environmental and social concerns take precedence. With a business degree, I intend to champion ethical business practices and actively contribute to formulating sustainable initiatives within the community. This involves adopting a comprehensive perspective beyond mere profit-making, considering businesses' impact on the environment and society. In my view, business is a platform for reshaping how the world operates, aiming to demonstrate that business interactions can positively influence our environment, making it more sustainable for future generations. Beyond these aspirations, I fully commit to engaging with the community and supporting education. I aim to share my learning experiences, particularly in financial management and business understanding. I want to help individuals make wise money choices, dive into their business journeys, and add a spark to the community's economic life. Also, I'm passionate about giving educational chances to those dealing with challenges in getting a degree due to different situations. I want to empower them with knowledge about the business world, mainly focusing on assisting low-income families, minorities, women, and individuals who lack the resources to get educated. In essence, my pursuit of a business degree is my desire to influence my community positively. Whether advocating for more local businesses, promoting ethical business practices, or contributing to financial education, I see my education as a crucial tool for uplifting and fortifying community connections that hold significant importance to me.

Embarking on this college journey as a first-time Hispanic and Native American student has been a wild ride – a mix of excitement and challenges that have truly shaped who I am becoming. Transitioning from high school to college felt like entering a whole new universe. It wasn't just about adjusting to a new academic scene but also about diving into a vibrant, diverse social environment. As a member of both the Hispanic and Native American communities, those first days on campus were a whirlwind of feelings – from sheer exhilaration to moments of feeling a bit overwhelmed. With its challenging academic demands and cultural mix, the college classroom threw me some curveballs quite different from the high school routine. But you know what? These challenges have become my educational aspirations. They've fueled my determination to turn tough times into stepping stones. The hurdles I faced weren't roadblocks; they were more like a crucible for personal growth. I discovered resilience, adaptability, and the art of reaching out to friends and mentors when things got tough. Celebrating the richness of diversity in my educational journey became a game-changer, turning what might seem like barriers into sources of strength. In this adventure, role models have been my North Star, guiding me towards higher education. Whether it's been family members, teachers, or community leaders from my Hispanic and Native American backgrounds, their stories of overcoming challenges have shaped my choices and aspirations and how most wished they went to college to achieve more. Their tales have ingrained in me a belief that education is not just a ticket to personal growth but a powerful tool for lifting entire communities. Navigating financial constraints, academic roadblocks, and personal struggles has been a rollercoaster. Each challenge turned out to be an unexpected opportunity for growth. Perseverance, reaching out for guidance, and a positive mindset became my trusty companions on this bumpy ride. Through these experiences, I've come to appreciate the importance of resilience, the skill of being resourceful, and the tremendous value of having a support system. The legacy of Jose Prado, a highly regarded figure who advocated for education, is a wellspring of inspiration for me. His commitment to offering educational opportunities motivates me to pursue my academic goals and pay it forward by aiding others in their journey to success. Those who champion higher education and strive to assist students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly significant to me, as they believe in our potential for success. My drive originates from a wish to contribute to the lasting legacy of educational empowerment within the Hispanic and Native American communities. If I were to establish a scholarship, its focus would extend beyond financial assistance. It would incorporate financial support, mentorship, and community engagement. The ideal recipients would mirror individuals like myself, demonstrating resilience, a commitment to academic excellence, and a desire to contribute positively to their communities. This scholarship would serve as a means to empower those facing similar challenges, particularly those from minority backgrounds, fostering a network of belonging and support. I firmly hold the belief in the transformative influence of education. It transcends the mere accumulation of facts; it is a transformative journey that molds critical thinking skills, nurtures creativity, and establishes the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. As a Native American and Hispanic student in a middle-college program, I perceive education not only as a force that shapes individual destinies but as a catalyst with the potential to uplift entire communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change. This, to me, encapsulates the genuine magic inherent in education.

Volunteer work has had a profound impact on my mindset, transforming me into an individual who feels deeply connected and involved in my community. Serving as the Secretary of my local Eco Club at school, I have become fully immersed in the pursuit of creating a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Through various activities such as participating in clean-ups, organizing eco-friendly carnivals, and attending eco rallies, I have witnessed firsthand the power of collective action in driving positive change. Being actively engaged in volunteer work has opened my eyes to the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainability. It has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute my efforts toward creating a greener future for generations to come. Witnessing the positive impact we can make as a united force has shaped my perspective and given me a profound sense of purpose. By actively participating in clean-ups, I have witnessed the detrimental effects of pollution firsthand. The sight of litter-strewn streets and polluted waterways has sparked a sense of urgency within me to address these environmental issues. It has made me acutely aware of the impact our actions can have on the overall well-being of our community. Engaging in eco-friendly carnivals and rallies has further broadened my perspective. I have had the privilege of collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a common goal of promoting sustainability. These experiences have exposed me to the incredible potential for positive change when people unite under a shared vision. Witnessing the passion, dedication, and creativity of fellow volunteers has inspired me to think innovatively and take bold action in addressing environmental challenges. Moreover, volunteer work has allowed me to interact with a diverse range of individuals, from residents to community leaders. These interactions have shattered stereotypes and fostered a deeper understanding of the various needs and concerns within my community. By listening to the stories and experiences of others, I have gained empathy and a heightened sense of social responsibility. However, pursuing higher education presents a financial challenge for me. Coming from a low-income family, I am the first in my family to pursue a college education. Regrettably, my parents are unable to provide financial assistance due to their limited resources. So consequently, I must shoulder the burden of paying for my tuition myself. Receiving this scholarship would be a vital lifeline for me in achieving my educational aspirations. Financial support would not only alleviate the financial strain but also enable me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. This scholarship would not just be a means to cover tuition costs but a gateway to empowerment, allowing me to pursue my passion for environmental sustainability and make a lasting impact on my community. By granting me this scholarship, you would be investing in more than just my education; you would be investing in the growth and betterment of society as a whole. With the support of scholarships, I will continue to strive towards my goals, making a positive difference in the world and serving as a role model for future generations.

Living with depression and anxiety has been a significant part of my journey. These conditions have affected me in many ways, including my belief in God. In the past, I believed in a higher power and found comfort in my faith. However, as my depression and anxiety intensified, I found it increasingly difficult to reconcile my beliefs with my experience of the world. I began to question whether there was a purpose to the suffering I was going through, and eventually, I concluded that I no longer believed in God. This was not an easy decision, and it has been challenging to come to terms with it. However, in some ways, it has also been liberating. By letting go of my belief in God, I have been able to focus on the present moment and find purpose and meaning in my life in other ways. I have also found comfort and support in connecting with others who have had similar experiences. My mental health has been a difficult journey, but it has also led me on a path of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. As I struggled to manage my symptoms and find meaning in my life, so I turned to spirituality as a source of comfort and guidance. At first, I wasn't sure where to begin. I had grown up with a religious background but had since drifted away from organized religion. However, I found that there were many different paths to spirituality, and I began to explore different practices and beliefs that resonated with me. Through meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices, I have been able to cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and calm. I have also found inspiration and guidance in the writings of spiritual teachers and philosophers. These practices have helped me to connect with a sense of purpose and meaning beyond my struggles with depression and anxiety. While my beliefs may have changed, my journey with depression and anxiety continues. I am committed to taking care of myself and finding healthy ways to manage my mental health. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others who may be struggling with similar issues. Living with depression has been a challenge for me, particularly when it comes to my relationships with others. I have found that my depression can make it challenging to connect with people and maintain healthy relationships. There have been times when I have felt isolated and alone, even when surrounded by loved ones. However, I am committed to working hard to keep the people I love close. I recognize that my depression can be tough on my relationships, but I try to be open and honest with those around me about what I'm going through. By sharing my struggles and asking for support when I need it, I have deepened my connections with others and strengthened my relationships. I also try to prioritize self-care and seek professional help when necessary. I know that my mental health is essential not just for my well-being but for the health of my relationships as well. By taking care of myself, I am better able to be there for the people I love and maintain healthy, supportive relationships. It hasn't always been easy, but I believe that my struggles with depression have ultimately made me a stronger and more compassionate person. I am grateful for the people in my life who have supported me through the tough times, and I am committed to doing my best to be there for them in return. Living with depression and anxiety has been a difficult journey for me, but it has also led me on a path of self-discovery and personal growth. As I struggled with these conditions, I found that one of the most effective ways for me to cope was to focus on my career aspirations. In particular, I became interested in pursuing a degree in business. I saw this as an opportunity to challenge myself, learn new skills, and ultimately build a career that would be both fulfilling and financially stable. My experience with depression and anxiety gave me a unique perspective on the challenges of navigating the business world. I recognized that mental health can often be overlooked or stigmatized in this environment, and I wanted to work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive culture. As I pursue my degree, I also work hard to manage my mental health. I seek professional help when needed, prioritize self-care, and lean on my support system for guidance and encouragement. I am passionate about the field of business, and I believe that it has the potential to make a positive impact on people's lives. However, I also recognize that there are significant challenges to be addressed, particularly regarding mental health. I plan to use my experiences and knowledge to create a more supportive and inclusive culture in the workplace. This will not only benefit employees who are struggling with mental health challenges but will also lead to better business outcomes. I want to create an environment where mental health is prioritized and individuals are encouraged to seek the help they need. This work is crucial, not just for the business field but for society as a whole.