My family came to this country not only seeking a better life, but a safer life. The things that I went through growing up helped me understand that in this country, there is no age requirement to lend a helping hand. I began to help others in need because I quickly realized that my own family were in the same situation that many others were in. I wanted to be that person my family desperately needed at the time. I began to step up for my family an other members in the community when I was only 10 years old. The first time I officially translated in a Court of Law was on October 20, 2005. I volunteered to help a family friend. This day was eye opening for me because the word got out in the community, and many others came to ask my parents for permission for me to help them translating their documents or simply help them understand their bills a little better. I enjoyed helping people in my community and seeing them smile after helping them was very rewarding. Seeing how many people were in need of help, including my own family, made me realize how important it was for me to pursue a career in Law. These experiences truly built me up for what my family was going to face years later down the road. On December 29, 2016, my father was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).ICE placed a red flag on my dad, because of a Traffic Violation in 2007. I dropped everything, including my education to be able to work multiple jobs to provide and support my mom, my siblings and my family of my own. These were the roughest and toughest days of my life. I knew the risk of dropping out of school meant, but I could not see my siblings depressed nor seeing my family being torn apart in front of me and not do anything about it. After multiple times going to Varrick Street in New York City for Immigration court, I was informed that we had won our case and my father was granted permanent stay. April 4, 2018 was the day my father was to be released from immigration detention and my family to be reunited. Now, after helping my parents, I am seeking to get back in school and continue to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney. As a DACA recipient, things have not been easy. One thing for sure is that I will continue to work hard and not give up hope of becoming an Attorney. I am currently employed by a Law Office and by a great organization that helps Unaccompanied Alien Children that are currently facing the Humanitarian Crisis at the US-Mexico Border. I will be ending my employment with this organization so I can focus on my education. One thing I truly focused while working here was to show these kids that there is people who have been in their shoes. That they have nothing to worry about as long as they stay focused. I tell them everyday that in America, is not only about what they receive, it is about how much they contribute and give back. The only barrier to the American Dream is themselves. If they stay focused, determined, and work hard they too, can reach all of their goals and aspirations. People like Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, Olympian Leo Manzano, and Mr. Carlos F. Garcia Muentes are examples that in America, regardless of where you come from, or how you came, hard work makes everything possible.

Taking the supreme responsibility to raise a child is very rewarding but difficult at the same time. it is also very costly. You get to witness a little you growing up with little dreams of their own. Your job as a parent is not only to provide for them, but to protect the dreams of your little one and guide them towards them. The best part is being part of their journey while trying to provide for them and trying to reach your own dream. Being a parent in today's society is very difficult, especially while trying to continue to obtain a higher education while trying to provide for your family. The cost of living has been going up each and every day and working multiple jobs to be able to afford a decent livable condition is costing more and more everyday. The cost to be able to provide for your family is another factor that places a parent behind a few steps. Daycare costs on top of the other bills you have is like paying a mortgage on top of your rent. I want to be able to obtain a higher education to not only be able to continue to provide better for my family but to be able to spend more time with my family. I want to show my daughter that by obtaining higher education, you can make a difference not only for your family, but for your community. I would also like for my daughter to be proud of me and show her by example that no matter what, you must not give up on your dreams. I want to become an attorney to help people in need. While working as an attorney, I want to be able to save money to make sure that my little one does not have to struggle like I did. I want her not to go through the things I went through. I want to teach her to realize the importance of appreciating the things you have in life and all the sacrifices her mommy and I make everyday to provide better for her. I always talk to my little one about how important education is. I often talk to her of the people I look up to and share their stories with her. Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa and Cesar Vargas are my favorite as they both share something in common. Their economic status and immigration status were big factors for both of them, but they never stopped working hard nor gave up their dreams and aspirations. Which is why I look up to them, since I share the economic and immigration difficulties that they had. Their desire and dedication is what I make sure my daughter focuses, so that she to can have that determination. Being a parent has slowed down my journey to higher education, but will never stop me from my aspiration of becoming an attorney and provide better for my family and serve them and my community.