The tapestry of my identity is intricately woven from the threads of my heritage as a second-generation Puerto Rican. Growing up in a household where stories of resilience, cultural pride, and the pursuit of dreams were shared across generations, I have come to understand the profound influence of my family's experiences on my beliefs about the world, especially because I am a first-generation college student on my father's side. Moreover, the power of music has emerged as a beacon through which I envision making a positive impact on society. As I embark on this transformative journey, I am determined to harmonize my heritage, beliefs, and passion for music to create a better world. Being a second-generation Puerto Rican has shaped me in profound ways. My family's history is a testament to the unyielding strength and determination of the Puerto Rican spirit. The tales of my grandparents' journey to the United States in search of a better life, their struggles to overcome adversities, and their unwavering connection to our cultural heritage have imprinted upon me a deep sense of pride and resilience. As I heard these stories recounted around the family dinner table, I absorbed the importance of preserving our cultural identity while embracing the opportunities of a new world. The stories of my family have cultivated a unique perspective on the world. Through their eyes, I have witnessed the power of unity, community, and compassion. The values of hard work, empathy, and respect for diverse backgrounds have been ingrained in me from an early age. I believe that understanding and celebrating our differences can foster an environment of mutual respect, leading to a more harmonious world. My family's tales have also underscored the significance of education and continuous learning as catalysts for change, inspiring me to seek knowledge and broaden my horizons. Music, like a universal language, has the potential to transcend boundaries and create connections. Drawing from my Puerto Rican heritage and the rich musical traditions that course through it, I have found my medium for effecting positive change. Music has the unique ability to evoke emotions, inspire movements, and ignite conversations. Through the rhythms of salsa, the soulfulness of bolero, and the vibrancy of reggaeton, I aim to bridge cultures, evoke empathy, and convey messages of unity and social justice. My vision is to leverage my passion for music as a vehicle for positive transformation. I am driven to compose melodies that resonate with the experiences of marginalized communities, shedding light on their stories and amplifying their voices. Through collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds, I aspire to create harmonious blends that embody the beauty of cultural fusion. Music festivals, workshops, and community events will serve as platforms to engage individuals in conversations about social issues, encouraging them to become advocates for change. As a second-generation Puerto Rican, my family's stories of perseverance and cultural pride have instilled in me a unique perspective on the world. Guided by the transformative power of music, I am committed to using my talents to foster unity, empathy, and positive change. Through the melodies I compose and the connections I forge, I aspire to create a harmonious world where diversity is celebrated, voices are amplified, and the legacy of my family's journey is woven into the fabric of a better future. Thank you for your consideration.

I was named after my grandfather, but unfortunately, I was never able to meet him in person. He died about 6 months before I was born, by suicide. My mom has always talked about him and I have sensed that the way he died, was always a secret in our extended family. When I was about 12, my mom participated in a walk for suicide and shared that suicide was how her father passed. I remember her fighting back tears, and she walked all night, alone. She said she needed to. I found out later that my mom had never been able to grieve the loss of her father properly because she had to lie about how he died. Apparently, her family was ashamed and none of them have really accepted or dealt with the pain of losing such an important part of their lives. It made me feel pretty terrible, knowing how much pain she had endured, on her own. Since then, I have walked alongside my mom. Our extended family will still not talk about my grandfather's death, but my mom does. She made a choice to keep talking in order to help other people. Maybe since I was part of her and alive inside of her when my grandfather died, we have a special connection. Maybe that's silly, but I feel like I have a duty to him to help others. I know that suicide is a desperate act - it is a calling out and that depression can be debilitating. I am taking my mom's lead and stepping up. I did not know my grandfather but I've heard plenty of stories about how funny, and musical he was, and how he could light up a room. But, even though he seemed to appear to be amazing, he was suffering. I have studied music for years and that is my passion. It has also helped lift me in times of trouble. I hope that by studying psychology and learning more about how music therapy can help people fight depression, I can make a difference in this world. Even though I never met my grandfather, I feel like he is a part of me. My mom has taught me to talk about my feelings and she is active in suicide prevention. I know I can continue this work with her. Together we can make a difference and help prevent suicide.