For as long as I can remember, neurodegenerative disease has been an uninvited presence in my family’s life. My great-grandmother lived with Alzheimer’s disease, and though I would sit and talk with her as a child, she never truly knew who I was. Seeing a loved one look at you with blank eyes leaves a quiet ache—a realization that while the body is present, the connection has been severed. Years later, Parkinson’s disease took hold of my grandfather’s body. Watching his physical independence strip away left us grieving the conversations, activities, and moments we never got to share. Recently, the emotional weight of these conditions hit close to home once again when a close family friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just five months ago. Living through this alongside his family has reinforced that dementia is far more than mere forgetfulness. It is a slow fading of personality, independence, and essence that exacts a profound emotional toll on everyone in its orbit. Every interaction becomes more complex, a gentle balancing act between preserving dignity and coping with irreversible loss. These painful personal encounters did not lead me to despair; instead, they ignited a fierce curiosity to understand what was happening beneath the surface. Driven by these experiences, I pursued two years of undergraduate research on Alzheimer’s disease in the Simmons Lab at Baylor University. Translating my personal grief into scientific inquiry allowed me to study the physiological mechanisms behind neurodegeneration—to see the pathology not just as an abstract tragedy, but as a biological problem demanding answers. My lab work was further enriched by a course in the Neurobiology of Aging, which bridged the gap between scientific reality and common misconceptions surrounding dementia. Learning about the cellular pathways of aging dismantled early skepticism and clarified how misconceptions often delay proper care and understanding. Living through the human cost of neurodegenerative disease showed me what is at stake, while my research in the Simmons Lab gave me the purpose and direction to fight back. These experiences have solidified my commitment to a career in neurodegenerative research, where I hope to contribute to breakthroughs that ensure future families no longer have to watch their loved ones fade away. Beyond the scientific research and advances, we must remember that they are patients, real people, and not just an interesting neurodegenerative disease case. Beyond the science, we must have humanity and compassion, treating people like people and not like a science project, as proven to be more effective than just forcing science and medicine into it. People often are the best medicine.

ESL classroom with more than thirty students and a single white teacher relying on Google Translate—quality education at its finest. When I moved to the United States, I arrived with only a basic grasp of English. It wasn't anyone's fault, but it was an uphill battle nonetheless. While traditional coursework helped with the fundamentals, I had to take my learning into my own hands to bridge the gap. I immersed myself in books, YouTube videos, and movies, using pop culture to decode conversational slang and translate complex scientific concepts I already understood in my native language. Thanks to my own grit and the support of key mentors in high school who genuinely believed in my potential, I made it to college. Yet, navigating two cultures continues to bring unexpected moments. I often receive a compliment that leaves me conflicted: "You have such a great accent!" I am left wondering how to process it—should I take pride in speaking fluently enough that my origins become ambiguous, or should I feel a tinge of loss that part of my identity is masked? Having lived through the isolation of stepping into a place where you don't understand anyone—and no one understands you—I felt a strong calling to give back and bridge that divide for others. What began as a simple volunteer commitment teaching ESL once a week at a local church quickly evolved. Seeing my students' fierce drive to learn and their determination to build better lives inspired me to step up. Today, I serve as both a lead teacher and the coordinator of the ESL program at La Puerta in Waco, Texas. What started as a modest community vision has grown exponentially to meet a critical need. While our doors are open to everyone in the greater Waco area, our core mission focuses on empowering the Hispanic community. By providing accessible, high-quality language education, we ensure that no student has to rely on a translation app to feel heard, understood, and valued. Seeing the impact made on a relatively small scale fills my heart with purpose and deepens my desire to continue doing what I do everywhere I go. The majority of the students are parents, ranging in age from their early 20s to their late 60s, meaning everyone wants to learn, and everyone should have the opportunity to do so. They have been able to better their communication at work, opening up new opportunities to grow within a company, opening up the space for conversations with their kids and grandkids, bringing families together in every aspect. Language is a gap that we can bridge, and with that bridge we create new avenues for more human connections. I know my job description is to teach English, but it goes beyond that; it means helping create connections, emotions, growth, and opportunities beyond the professional world.

I am a senior at Baylor University majoring in Biology on the pre-med track, with the aspiration of becoming a neurosurgeon. My journey to this point has been shaped by resilience, dedication, and a deep desire to give back to others. Originally from Honduras, I moved to Texas about eight years ago and faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture, language, and educational system. Spanish is my first language, and navigating the transition to English was difficult, but it also strengthened my determination to succeed. When I first began high school in Texas, I learned about Baylor University and its strong pre-med program. From that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue my education there and dedicate myself to preparing for a career in medicine. My father, a single parent, worked tirelessly to support me and my three siblings. As the second eldest of four, I have seen firsthand how difficult it is to put multiple children through college in today’s economy. To make my education possible, I relied on student loans, which have been both a blessing and a responsibility I take seriously. My career aspiration is to become a neurosurgeon, a path that requires many years of rigorous training, discipline, and perseverance. The human brain has always fascinated me, and I believe that pursuing neurosurgery will allow me to combine my passion for science with my desire to make a direct impact on patients’ lives. I want to serve as both a skilled physician and a role model for other first-generation students and immigrants who dream of entering medicine. Community involvement has also been an important part of my journey. At Baylor, I have been able to contribute to student organizations and connect with others who share my commitment to service, diversity, and leadership. Beyond campus, I hope to use my skills and experiences to serve underserved communities, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, much like the community I came from in Honduras. Among my accomplishments, I am most proud of being the first in my family to pursue medicine at a major university. It is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of my father’s sacrifices and the example I hope to set for my younger siblings. Balancing academics, family responsibilities, and financial challenges has not been easy, but it has instilled in me a strong work ethic and resilience that will serve me well in medical school and beyond. Paying down my student loans would significantly reduce the financial pressure I face and allow me to focus more fully on my educational and professional goals. The money I save would help me prepare for the expenses of medical school, invest in opportunities such as research or volunteering, and ease the burden on my family as my siblings continue their own college journeys. Most importantly, it would give me greater freedom to pursue my career in medicine without being constrained by debt, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to patient care and community service. Receiving support in paying down my loans would not only relieve a financial burden but also bring me closer to achieving my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. It would empower me to honor my family’s sacrifices, represent my community, and contribute meaningfully to the field of medicine.

My experience with mental health has been one of the most defining aspects of my personal growth. While it has come with moments of difficulty, it has also shaped my beliefs, influenced the way I build relationships, and guided my career aspirations. What once felt like a private struggle has transformed into a source of strength and clarity, allowing me to better understand myself and the people around me. One of the most important ways my experience has influenced me is through my beliefs. I used to think strength meant pushing forward no matter what, even if it came at the expense of my well-being. Over time, I learned that true strength lies in acknowledging when I need help, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental health. I began to believe that vulnerability is not a weakness but an act of courage. This shift has changed the way I view success, too—no longer measured only by achievements, but by balance, resilience, and the ability to care for myself and others. My mental health journey has made me more compassionate and aware of the hidden battles people face, and I carry that belief into every space I enter. These lessons have deeply influenced my relationships. There was a time when I kept my struggles to myself, afraid that being honest would burden others. Over time, I realized that openness fosters connection rather than distance. By sharing my experiences, I have built stronger and more authentic relationships with family and friends. I’ve also become a better listener, recognizing the importance of being present for others without judgment. My mental health journey has taught me to approach relationships with empathy, patience, and understanding—qualities that not only strengthen my personal connections but also create a sense of community and trust. Just as importantly, my experiences have shaped my career aspirations. Living through the challenges of mental health has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of supportive environments—whether in schools, workplaces, or healthcare. I feel driven to pursue a career where I can use my experiences to help others feel seen, supported, and understood. Whether through advocacy, education, or direct service, I want to contribute to creating spaces where people’s mental health is prioritized rather than overlooked. My struggles have given me perspective and motivation; they’ve shown me that meaningful work is not only about personal achievement but about making a difference in the lives of others. In reflecting on how mental health has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career goals, I see that what once felt like an obstacle has instead become a foundation. It has taught me the value of compassion, deepened my connections with others, and pointed me toward a career path rooted in purpose and empathy. Most of all, it has given me the determination to turn personal challenges into opportunities to uplift others.

My experience with mental health has been one of the most defining aspects of my personal journey. What started as an overwhelming challenge eventually grew into a source of strength, perspective, and direction. It has influenced the way I see myself and others, the way I build and maintain relationships, and the career aspirations I am now pursuing with purpose. By reflecting on my own experiences, I have come to understand that mental health is not just a private matter but a deeply human issue that shapes every area of our lives. When I think about how mental health has influenced my beliefs, I realize that it has fundamentally changed the lens through which I view the world. For much of my life, I held the belief that strength meant carrying on regardless of circumstances, never pausing, never slowing down, and certainly never admitting that I was struggling. I equated productivity and external achievement with worth, and I assumed that asking for help was a sign of failure. Over time, though, I began to see the cracks in this way of thinking. Pushing myself to the limit came with costs, stress, burnout, and feelings of isolation. I came to understand that strength is not about ignoring pain but about confronting it with honesty. It is about acknowledging limits and giving myself permission to heal, and to grow. I now see vulnerability as an act of courage, not a weakness. This change in perspective has redefined success for me as well. Instead of measuring success solely by external accomplishments, I now value balance, inner peace, and the ability to support others. I believe that prioritizing well-being is just as important as pursuing goals. My journey with mental health has also transformed the way I approach relationships. In the past, I often struggled with being open about my feelings. I worried that admitting I was struggling would burden the people around me or cause them to see me differently. Because of this, I often carried my challenges quietly and alone. Over time, I discovered that isolation only deepened the struggle. It was through small moments of vulnerability, confiding in a close friend, opening up to a family member, or reaching out for support, that I began to realize how honesty could strengthen my connections. Sharing my experiences more openly, I found that people responded with empathy and understanding. In fact, many confided that they had been through similar struggles, which helped me see that I was not alone. This has taught me the value of honest communication and has made my relationships deeper and more authentic. I have also become more intentional about how I show up for others. I listen with greater patience, recognizing that often what people need most is not advice but compassion and presence. My own experiences have made me more sensitive to the unseen battles others might be fighting. Because of this, I am more proactive about checking in on my friends and family, even with a simple message or phone call. I have learned that relationships flourish when people feel safe enough to be their whole selves, and I try to create that sense of safety and trust in the connections I build. These lessons have also influenced my career aspirations in profound ways. Going through challenges has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of supportive environments, whether in education, healthcare, or the workplace. I want to dedicate my career to fostering those kinds of spaces, where people feel seen, valued, and supported. My experiences have made me passionate about advocacy and education, particularly around issues of mental health awareness and accessibility. I know how difficult it can be to ask for help, and I know how isolating it can feel when support systems are lacking. Because of this, I aspire to work in a field where I can help reduce those barriers and provide encouragement for others to seek the support they need. My own journey has given me practical strengths that I can carry into my career. The resilience I built from navigating difficult periods has translated into persistence in my studies and personal goals. The empathy I developed allows me to connect meaningfully with others, which is essential in any professional setting. The awareness I gained about the importance of mental health has made me committed to creating environments where well-being is prioritized. I believe that whatever specific career path I follow I will carry these values with me and use them to guide my work. Reflecting on my mental health journey, I see how interconnected these areas of life are. My beliefs shifted toward compassion and balance because of the struggles I faced. Those new beliefs helped me to open up in relationships, which in turn taught me the power of connection and support. And those relationships, combined with my values, have inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to improving the lives of others. In this way, what once felt like an obstacle has become a foundation for growth and direction. Perhaps the most powerful lesson I have taken from my experiences is that challenges can be transformative. Mental health struggles are often framed as setbacks, but I have learned that they can also be opportunities for growth, empathy, and purpose. They have taught me to see humanity in its fullness, the struggles, the resilience, and the capacity for healing. They have shown me that success is not about never falling, but about finding the strength to rise again and extend a hand to others along the way. In many ways, my journey with mental health has given me a sense of purpose that I would not have discovered otherwise. It has clarified my values, deepened my relationships, and inspired my career aspirations. Most of all, it has shown me the importance of turning personal growth into collective good. I want to use my experiences not only to better myself but also to uplift others, to advocate for mental health awareness, and to contribute to a world where well-being is not a privilege but a priority. What once felt like a source of shame has become a source of strength. My experiences with mental health have shaped who I am and who I aspire to be. They have taught me that resilience and compassion can coexist, that vulnerability and strength are not opposites, and that our struggles can connect us more deeply to others. These lessons continue to guide me in my daily life, in my relationships, and in the future I am working toward.

Looking in the mirror became hard, waking up in the morning felt like a burden and life started to fade. I was a spectator in my own life. I needed a change, I needed to prioritize myself and realize that I was born to live my life in an enjoyable way, it was unacceptable that a 17-year-old was ready to give up on life even though I had barely even lived at all, what did I even know about life, what had sucked that happiness and drive out of me? I had taken on too much, I wanted to do everything, but I failed to realize that a single person can only do so much. I decided to make a change, I decided to change my mindset. I did not just wake up one-day thinking life is beautiful and everything was rainbow and butterflies, but I did set my mindset for change, I decided I was ready to be happy and change. I reached out for help, I talked to one of the people I know I can rely on, one of my main support system people, my dad. I decided to just talk to him about what worried me, and how I felt overall and as expected, he offered me some advice and I took it, he offered to take me with a counselor because he knew his limited knowledge and a professional would be fitter to help me. I began to work with a counselor who helped me find ways to cope with situations in my life, guided me through difficult times and helped me realize multiple things about myself to be better. I also realized that I was doing very few things that I enjoyed, I was part of many clubs but for the wrong reasons, I had a job that did not value me and I was just going through the motions. I discovered a new passion for working out, I got a gym membership for $20 a month, which I began to see as an investment, the pay for 3hrs of work was going into my physical and mental health. The time I would spend in the gym was my break from the world, I made it my safe space, my happy place. I began to see myself being happier, I was happy to wake up in the mornings, I felt accomplished at the end of the night and now I have integrated therapy and working out into my daily routine. The two things that take up about seven hours of my life each week have been the best investment. I attend therapy with a free church counselor which I was so lucky to find because I know how expensive mental healthcare can be, the gym since I made it a priority in my life I found a way to fit it into my budget. I am still working on myself, I have come a long way but there is still a long way to go, I continue to find myself looking for ways to maintain my mental and physical health because it is a journey and we must learn to enjoy it. I am glad to say that I am now happy to be where I am and excited to see where I will go.

Sheila Hernandez. That is my name, more than half of my identity if not all contained in it. I am many things but the ones that describe me the most are "big-sister, caring, determined and a go-getter." I aspire to someday become a person who sets change in the world, I aspire to become a doctor, a neurosurgeon to be more specific. I want to help people, I want to become a person from who people can seek help, not just medical but any kind of help my capabilities allow me to provide. I have already started my journey on this, a while ago really. I have been a certified lifeguard since I turned 15, then I started working towards my acceptance in the EMT certification class at my school, I took all of the pre-required courses, did volunteering and ended up falling in love with it, maintained a GPA and more, senior year I took the class and became a certified EMT. The class allowed me to experience many things, within those come teamwork, life-changing events and honestly things I never thought I would have ever had to witness at this age, all of the things I have encountered in my life have helped me become who I am, all of the experiences have opened my mind and shaped my persona. I love helping people in any way, I started tutoring and giving classes to ESL learners, and I found a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge that I did not know I had, being able to share my knowledge with people and see it change lives is something priceless, seeing the smile on people's faces when they understand a greeting instead of just following a script is something unmatched. I love helping people and being part of the change I hope to see in the world one day. To become the professional I want to become I need to attend school for several years, I need to prepare myself the best I can, for which I need funds, funds that I don't have and I still have to figure out how to get, I will continue to do my best work, maintaining my GPA to get merit scholarships, working my part-time job and applying to any aid I can find that includes this scholarship, I will use this money for my education for me to become a qualified professional in the future and give back to my community even ten times more. I will use this money to better serve my community through more than just economic help but rather a healthcare and education, that way we can keep advancing and making the world a better place with equity and opportunities for everyone.

Changing, saving, preserving and transforming lives. I want to create an impact in society and revolutionize the world in which we live. Becoming a doctor has been my lifelong dream, and ever since I can remember becoming a doctor has been my goal. Why? I want to make a change, I want to see the world become a better place. I know I can make this change we need, especially in healthcare, all of those people suffering because they can't afford a doctor, they can't afford help. I need to do something about it. I know it may sound unrealistic, some have even called it crazy, but hey, if your goals don't terrify you, you are not setting them high enough. I come from an immigrant family, I have seen my dad move the earth and travel the oceans to get help me get where I am now, I am not one to give up easily. Throughout high school, I always felt like an outsider and that is fine, I was focused on things that filled my heart and on helping others, I did have my fun but fitting in was not my priority. I took my pre-required courses from freshman year through the junior year to get into the EMT practicum class, when I finally made it I was so proud of myself, all of the medically oriented classes were paying off. I went on my ambulance rotations and got to see a side of healthcare I had never seen before, people in their most vulnerable states, the way patients rely on you to save their lives, it's not something for the weak. I have worked so hard to get here and did all the checklist items like maintaining a GPA, taking extracurriculars and community service, along that road I fell in love with the process. I knew that moving to the US meant a whole new world of opportunities opening, I knew I had to take advantage of this opportunity presented to me. Life in Honduras is different, I lived a life of conformism but when I moved here, the ambition in me just grew and grew, I opened my eyes to the world and the real issues and that just made me want to help even more, falling in love with helping in any way, from passing food in a food pantry, tutoring to helping save lived in an ambulance, I just want to keep making change, positive change despite the challenges I may face. I have come so far, I know I can go further, helping people. Becoming a doctor means I will be able to help people in their most vulnerable moments, and being bilingual means I will be able to connect with patients despite the language barrier, I will be able to make a change in healthcare, I will be able to change the world one life at a time.

"No entiendo lo que me pide, por que me grita?" Translated to English "I don't understand what he's asking for, why is he yelling at me?" Those words have resonated in my head for quite some time, they served as the fuel for me to take action, to do something. I was working at a fast food restaurant and the concierge was a Hispanic lady who did not speak English, the manager was upset because she had forgotten to put up the wet floor sign in the bathroom and it was a liability for the establishment, which is completely understandable to be upset about that, but it does not excuse the yelling. I walked over and tried to help with the communication, both parties calmed down and I later stayed with the concierge because it felt unfair that she was so scared. I have seen people from my community struggle with the language, even in my own house. I decided I would start teaching English as a second language at a local church to help people communicate better. After a couple of months with my first students, I had learned so much from them, I was simply sharing something that I have been lucky enough to grow up with, a bilingual education thanks to my parents. I saw how something that I used to take for granted created such a change in people's lives. I started to learn from them and value their experiences more and more, the way they felt they had overcome something they thought to be impossible due to economic limitations or time constraints, the smile on their faces when I greeted them in English and they understood what I was saying instead of just following a script, those tiny small things we often take for granted making a huge change to their lives. Volunteering is helping others without any interest in gaining something for yourself, and these people gave something to me too, they opened my eyes to the reality many of them face day to day. I want to keep changing people's lives for the better, I want to continue making an impact, that is why I have decided to attend college to become a physician, I want to help in every way that I can. To do that I need funds for my education. If I am awarded this scholarship I will be able to cut down on my hours at my job and volunteer more, I can help the Hispanic women in the GED class at my church, and I can offer extra tutoring hours while also being a college student with a goal. By earning this scholarship I can fulfill my dream and not go into so much debt that it limits what I can do for others. I have many years of school ahead of me, and with that comes many tuition payments that I still don't know how I will meet, that's why I need to earn this scholarship. To fulfill my goal and help those in my community who need it the most.

We got to Dr. Alvarado's office, a quick examination we thought, but we were rushed to the ER where I was stopped at the door, all I was able to see were some nurses helping with an IV on his little arm, a gown in place of his soccer jersey, he was rushed to the OR, while grandma took my sister and me to an ice cream shop and pretended it was all fine. The reality is nothing was “fine.” In my head, he was in the OR hours after we had just been playing with his Hot-Wheels at home. I begged to go back to the hospital and see my little brother. Grandma took me there and told me to be quiet and to not bother the doctors because they were probably busy enough as it was. As I sat in the waiting room waiting for our names to be called, a doctor came through the glass doors and saw me fidgeting with my hands and the worry on my face. The doctor came closer with a bright smile on his face and then kneeled to ask what flavor ice cream I had gotten earlier; I gave him a confused look. He smiled and then said my brother was okay, his body had just had a little hiccup, but he was going to be alright, and I should be able to see him any minute. I was still confused and upset, I wanted to know what was wrong, the doctor patiently explained the procedure in a way a 12-year-old would understand and not be scared. He did not only make my brother all better but also me and with that the rest of my family. The reality is, ever since I was a little kid, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. That encounter simply reassured me that helping people, not just patients but the impact doctors have on the family, is something I want to pursue. I realized medicine is my calling and I must work hard to get there, so that’s what I did ever since then. Multiple experiences in the US, how hard it has been for my family to gain access to medical attention due to the language barrier and the economic burden it becomes. In high school I had the opportunity to get my EMT license with which I have been able to provide elders, different communities with care through volunteering work, helping with what seems like a minor task but it makes a huge difference in their lives, seeing first-hand what people must go through to get medical attention is heartbreaking. All these experiences simply push me harder to pursue my goal of becoming a doctor. Part of the reason I have decided to pursue a career in medicine is to help the communities like mine, help those who can’t afford it, those who are limited due to the language they speak. I want to become a voice for those who can’t speak. As a Latina woman in STEM from an immigrant family, I have seen and lived experiences first-hand who put me and people I care about on the spot now of need and being able to help and make things accessible for everyone is my goal. Providing quality care and care that we can continue to provide for as long as people may need it, changing the perception of healthcare in the Hispanic community. It may sound like a crazy unreachable goal, but if your goals don’t scare you, then they are not big enough.

Throughout life, we are influenced by multiple things such as people, circumstances, opportunities, failures, and successes. I am the second oldest daughter, I was the first girl in the family, and my dad always tells me how much I changed his life for the better. I see him as my biggest inspiration, the biggest influence in my life. I have seen my dad go through incredibly hard and life-changing situations yet he always pulls through, he always keeps going, and never gives up. My dad is my role model, he may not be a billionaire, a well-known CEO, or anything fancy, but to me, he is the real definition of hard work and success. I have always been pushed to be the best I can be, he always inspired me to strive for the best, seek opportunities and fight for what I want. He has been the influence that has pushed me past my limits, he has aided my growth. All of his inspiring words and encouraging actions have led me to believe in myself, he has inspired me to think that I can do whatever I set myself for as long as I am honest, hard-working, and dedicated. He has always supported my decision and intervened when he saw it necessary. I will say my dad has been the best influence in my life, he, of course, has his flaws because it is what makes us all human, but in the end, I don't think I could have had a better example of self superation, perseverance, dedication, discipline and no one could ever show me what true love and caring for another person is like better than him. Having this great influence has been the best thing in my life.

Technology has continuously been evolving throughout the years, humanity has been able to experience it and be a witness to its evolution. Being aware of all the advances and the way it all has aided society inspires me to keep on going and researching. The piece of technology that has inspired me the most and the one I feel has had the biggest impact on humanity is the smartphone, although it seems like a given and as everyone has it nowadays it has been a huge aid for humanity. It serves as an aid by distracting us which can be seen as a simple thing but if we think about it, all the capacities it has, all the power it holds, and how it aids the widest range of people from the youngest to the eldest is truly amusing. Smartphones are a relatively new technology to which we have rapidly adapted, as humans we tend to adapt to our circumstances and environments. Adapting to a new gadget that facilitates our lives through communication, entertainment, information source and more is truly an advantage that most of us are able to have access to. I believe that with the jumpstart of smartphones we are able to pursue more and more innovative technologies that will continue to facilitate our lives. It will aid in the development of medicine, entertainment, engineering, and many more STEM drive careers for the benefit of the public which in the end will ultimately make the world a better place for humanity.

Over the course of my high school career, I have pursued the STEM pathway. I have always demonstrated an interest in STEM, specifically in sciences yielding towards human anatomy and healthcare. Being part of a minority which is the Hispanic background and even more prominent, being a Hispanic woman pursuing a STEM career I have faced multiple challenges from closing doors, people not believing in me, or simply not being taken seriously due to the simple fact that I am a girl and my Hispanic background. Another limiting factor has been the financial part of it all, I am not some heirs nor do I come from a wealthy family, that is why I have always felt like money is a factor that controls a huge part of my life, I always find a way, it being by asking for help or working to get the money I need, it is hard but not impossible. None of it has stopped me from pushing myself past my limits and facing every day as a new opportunity. I have always had my heart set on the medical pathway, my main goal is to someday become a neurosurgeon which involves a lot of hard work and dedication. My main motivation is that someday I will be able to give back to my community by helping those in need with research and-or treatments. I aspire to come up with innovative treatments and discoveries that will provide the future of medicine with important breakthroughs that will improve the living conditions of every person on the planet. I am not scared of dreaming big, I once read "If your dreams don't scare you, you are not dreaming big enough." That is the reason why I am not afraid of setting high goals for myself. Being the recipient of this scholarship will aid my growth and help me pursue my career in STEM to one day become an exemplary neurosurgeon who will help millions and improve their quality of life.

The common things everyone wants to know: My name is Sheila, I am 19-years-old, I am Hispanic, my nationality is Honduran and I am a middle child. That is not really me... I am more than statistics and more than a middle child, I am a passionate student with hopes and dreams, I have hobbies, I love to paint, swim, lift weights at the gym and play the guitar. I am an outgoing person when I am comfortable with people, I am shy around new people and I love helping others. I have a passion for medicine and my lifelong dream is to become a neurosurgeon. I have a deep desire to be able to help people and become someone admirable, I want to be an inspiration and achieve my goals. If I could do anything in life, I would explore the world, every little corner, I would indulge myself in every culture, and find a way to help those in need. My motivation is the world and myself. I want to be better for myself and for everyone. I hope that one day I can make a difference and that the world is able to come to me for help. I want to help and be that change I wish to see in the world and improve in every sense. Being part of the STEM field is a major goal of mine, my major interest in STEM is science, I am intrigued by the impact of science in the world. The way the STEM field is predominantly male makes me want to be part of it, I want to demonstrate to the world that women are capable. The constant discoveries and innovations happening in the STEM field are amusing, said discoveries have led to improvements in the medical field that have saved lives and continue to help those in need, also the improvements in technology that have helped people communicate, made the world an innovative modern place, the STEM field is the future and I want to be a part of it. I want to be part of that innovation that helps those in need. Once I am in the STEM field I will be able to take part in research and innovation, I will be able to help others and give my input and contribute with research.

The common things everyone wants to know: My name is Sheila, I am 19-years-old, I am Hispanic, my nationality is Honduran and I am a middle child. That is not really me... I am more than statistics and more than a middle child, I am a passionate student with hopes and dreams, I have hobbies, I love to paint, swim, lift weights at the gym and play the guitar. I am an outgoing person when I am comfortable with people, I am shy around new people and I love helping others. I have a passion for medicine and my lifelong dream is to become a neurosurgeon. I have a deep desire to be able to help people and become someone admirable, I want to be an inspiration and achieve my goals. If I could do anything in life, I would explore the world, every little corner, I would indulge myself in every culture, and find a way to help those in need. My motivation is the world and myself. I want to be better for myself and for everyone. I hope that one day I can make a difference and that the world is able to come to me for help. I want to help and be that change I wish to see in the world and improve in every sense. Being part of the STEM field is a major goal of mine, my major interest in STEM is science, I am intrigued by the impact of science in the world. The way the STEM field is predominantly male makes me want to be part of it, I want to demonstrate to the world that women are capable. The constant discoveries and innovations happening in the STEM field are amusing, said discoveries have led to improvements in the medical field that have saved lives and continue to help those in need, also the improvements in technology that have helped people communicate, made the world an innovative modern place, the STEM field is the future and I want to be a part of it. I want to be part of that innovation that helps those in need. Once I am in the STEM field I will be able to take part in research and innovation, I will be able to help others and give my input and contribute with research. I have read multiple books that have helped me become who I am, giving me different perspectives and ways to see and analyze the world. I have read Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde, I have been able to interpret it in multiple ways, the idea that it is the repression of emotions, the idea of what we think of addiction, not just drugs but people, mental disorders are also present and we are able to analyze it. The bible has also been a huge impact in my life, I am religious but I also like to look at the bible as a literary masterpiece, the way it is written and the inspiration of hit have impacted my life and the meaning behind it all has promted me to do research and question multiple things.

1. The common things everyone wants to know, My name is Sheila, I am 19-years-old, I am Hispanic, my nationality is Honduran and I am a middle child. That is not really me... I am more than statistics and more than a middle child, I am a passionate student with hopes and dreams, I have hobbies, I love to paint, swim, lift weights at the gym and play the guitar. I am an outgoing person when I am comfortable with people, I am shy around new people and I love helping others. I have a passion for medicine and my lifelong dream is to become a neurosurgeon. I have a deep desire to be able to help people and become someone admirable, I want to be an inspiration and achieve my goals. If I could do anything in life, I would explore the world, every little corner, I would indulge myself in every culture, and find a way to help those in need. My motivation is the world and myself, I want to be better for myself and for everyone, I hope that one day I can make a difference and that the world is able to come for me for help. I want to help and be that change I wish to see in the world and improve in every sense. 2. STEM is a major goal of mine, my major interest in STEM is science, I am intrigued by the impact of science in the world. The way the STEM field is predominantly male makes me want to be part of it, I want to demonstrate the world that women are capable. The constant discoveries and innovations happening in the STEM field are amusing, said discoveries have led to improvements in the medical field that have saved lives and continue to help those in need, also the improvements in technology that have helped people communicate, made the world an innovative modern place, the STEM field is the future and I want to be a part of it. I want to be part of that innovation that helps those in need. Once I am in the STEM field I will be able to take part in research and innovation, I will be able to help others and give my input and contribute with research. 3. The greatest challenge in my life? Having to change my world as I knew it. My mom made what to me seems like the wrong decision, what I consider not a mistake but rather an act of evil. It may not have been intentional but it was conscious. My mom cheated not only on my dad and their marriage of 25-years but on our whole family, she lied to our faces and destroyed what took 25-years to build. The emotional damage done onto 6-members of a family is irreparable, nothing ever goes back to being the same. I felt like my whole world was falling apart and I was never going to be able to recover. Being betrayed is true harm, it is something that truly hurts and marks you for life. I will not lie and say I have easily gotten over it and that I no longer cry over it, I do. It is a work in progress, I have learned that in life we get challenging things and we can choose to either sink with them or take them as fuel for our ambition. I have learned that it is ok to feel things and demonstrate emotions, I have learned that being vulnerable and seeking help is ok and is part of being human. I have used the pain as fuel, I have learned to see this situation as a lesson, I have taken this situation as a learning experience. It has helped me discover myself. I have gone through harder things physically, economic challenges, different types of pain, and endless lessons but I would take this betrayal, this slap on the face as the most challenging one because it hit where it hurts the most, my family. This situation took a toll on me in every sense and it has been hard to overcome, yet not impossible and I have gained a lot from it.

Poem.

I believe humans have the capability of overcoming any situation, disregarding how challenging it may seem. We see a situation, we adapt and we overcome it. That's how my life for the past two years and a half has been. My dad taught me to call it ambition, that hunger you get, the feeling of aspiring for more, that nothing is ever enough, it pushes you past what you believe to be your limits, having that drive and determination for more. Ever since I can remember working towards outstanding grades has always been one of my main goals, although at times all that work is not enough, and being “good enough” has to do. It's not wrong to want to surpass limits but it is wrong to self-deprecate when you can’t reach those high A’s; it's something I have learned to accept. Learned that everyone has different circumstances that we can’t control but they hold power over us and they affect us in many aspects of our lives. The year 2020 life as I knew it was flipped upside down. My mini-world, which is what I like to call my family, had a 180-degree flip, a stranger and the closest person to me decided to rip apart the most precious thing I had. My mini-world no longer has a population of six, it became five. My mom, best friend, decided to walk out on us. Her lack of morality shredded my mini-world into pieces and did irreparable damage. While anger, sadness, many negative emotions were on edge, waiting to take control over me, I knew I had a decision to make, let this anger fuel my hunger or let myself be held hostage to the overwhelming thoughts. I cannot be dishonest and say that I never let those thoughts consume me, that some nights when all I wanted was to drown in my own sea of sorrow, but the important thing is that the next morning, all that pain served as fuel for the ambition, understanding “things happen for a reason” even when that reason is not clear. Learning to pick up the pieces of a broken heart is hard, trying to pick up the pieces of a confused brain is even harder, trying to make sense of this senseless destruction is almost an impossible task. With time, I have learned to adapt, learned to use this pain as motivation. When it comes to the overcoming part, I will say it is a work in progress. “Adapt and overcome” is an easy fragment, it is complex to execute and involves steps that no one is certain of. Having to “adapt and overcome” multiple times in such a short amount of time has left me valuable lessons, everything matters, everything happens for a reason; good or bad, it has all shaped me into the person I am. These obstacles and advantages have helped me become who I am today. These lessons I will carry with me and will continue to aid my growth as a person will help me face more obstacles and use other advantages in a smarter setting, academically, at a personal or emotional level. Every situation we face has a deeper meaning. We can always make the most of the smallest or the most challenging situations, it's all in knowing how to confront them. Adapting is not always easy, it does not mean “just take it as it is” but understanding what it is, analyzing how it's going to affect you, and making a decision as to what is the best approach to overcome said obstacles and situations.

I believe humans have the capability of overcoming any situation, disregarding how challenging it may seem. We see a situation or issue, we adapt and we overcome it. That is how my life for the past two years and a half has been. My dad taught me to call it ambition. Ambition is that hunger you get, the feeling of aspiring for more and that nothing is ever enough, it pushes you past what you believe to be your limits, having that drive and determination for more. Ever since I can remember working towards outstanding grades has always been one of my main goals, although at times all that work is not enough, and being “good enough” has to do. It's not wrong to want to surpass limits but it is wrong to self-deprecate when you can’t reach those high A’s; that is something I have learned to accept these past few years. Learned that everyone has different circumstances that we can’t control but they hold power over us and they affect us in many aspects of our lives. The year 2020 life as I knew it was flipped upside down. My mini-world, which is what I like to call my family, had a 180-degree flip, a stranger and the closest person to me decided to rip apart the most precious thing I had. My mini-world no longer has a population of six, it became five. My mom, best friend who was my role model, decided to walk out on us. Her lack of morality shredded my mini-world into pieces and did irreparable damage. While anger, sadness, and many negative emotions were on edge, waiting to take control over me, I knew I had a decision to make, let this anger fuel my hunger or let myself be held hostage to the overwhelming thoughts. I cannot be dishonest and say that I never let those thoughts consume me and that some nights when all I wanted was to drown in my own tears and the sea of sorrow, but the important thing is that the next morning when the sun rose again, all that pain served as fuel for the ambition, understanding “things happen for a reason” even when that reason is not clear after a year. Learning to pick up the pieces of a broken heart is hard, trying to pick up the pieces of a confused brain is even harder, trying to make sense of this senseless destruction is almost an impossible task. With the passing of time, I have learned to adapt, learned to use this pain as motivation. When it comes to the overcoming part, I will say it is a work in progress. Although saying “adapt and overcome” is an easy fragment, it is complex to execute and it involves many steps that no one is certain of. Having to “adapt and overcome” multiple times in such a short amount of time has left me valuable lessons, everything matters, everything happens for a reason; good or bad, it has all shaped me into the person I am now. All these obstacles and advantages have helped me become who I am today. These lessons I will carry with me and will continue to aid my growth as a person will help me face more obstacles and use other advantages in a smarter setting, academically, at a personal or emotional level. Every situation we face has a deeper meaning. We can always make the most of the smallest or the most challenging situations, it's all in knowing how to confront them. Adapting is not always easy and it does not mean “just take it as it is” but understanding what it is, analyzing how it's going to affect you and making a decision as to what is the best approach to overcome said obstacles and situations. Short answer- 1. A college education means multiple things to me, it means achieving my goals, personal and academic growth. It means all my effort has been worth it. Being able to attend college has been my dream ever since I can remember, it means one step closer to achieving my dream, it means I am one step closer to being able to contribute and help society, it means more than words to me. College is key to long-term stability, financial and intellectual, being educated means leaving my ignorance behind and being able to contribute to society in multiple ways. 2. A typical day outside of school for me is a busy day, enjoying time doing what I like, a day nurturing my future but also enjoying the moment. Once the bell rings at 2:45 pm the day is mine and whatever I make of it, it is not always the same but most times I get my sister from school, we sing in the car on our way home to relax and let loose a little; once we arrive home I make lunch or sometimes we just heat up leftovers from dinner the night before, then I like to eat in the living room so we can watch T.V together along with my little brother, afterward I like to workout when I don't have work from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. After I do either of those things I go back home or maybe have dinner at a friend's house, get home, and work on homework or if I get the chance I talk with my dad before heading to the shower and going to bed. 3. To feed my curiosity I try to find new hobbies and ways to spend time with friends or family doing fun activities, I like to read fun facts or try new workout routines. I often try to find new spots around town to spend time and go on new adventures in nature. I like going on walks and noticing things in nature. I like thinking about new projects that can help me grow and see things from different perspectives.

In order to empower women there are many things society can do, many manners we must improve and encourage women to become their best selves. I believe women can be empowered by example, for instance, bringing successful women to aspiring female professionals with words and acts of encouragement in order to tear down the negative energy that society often drops on women. Society can empower women with simple words of encouragement, creating opportunities and opening paths in any career not only the typical ones we have labeled as female careers. I believe it all starts at home, so mothers and fathers of little girls, boost their confidence, let them express themselves, and tell them how they can be anything they want as long as they work hard for it and are determined, don't label them with "girls stuff v. guys stuff" let them explore the world and everything in it. Shutting down negative energy, as women, we are held to unrealistic beauty standards from a young age, stop spreading those standards, let girls express themselves, don't let them close themselves up, and hide their true selves. Let women be honest and open. Let women know that being vulnerable is okay, being able to express our concerns and feelings is a must, this will let us be heard and allow us to take action. Let's advocate for our female colleagues, let's embrace and support each other, let's help each other out and not shame on each other. If we see something, say something, we must stand up for each other, we are stronger together. Become mentors, look for mentors, having someone who has struggled and can help guide you better to success is always beneficial. Support young entrepreneurs, if you see a friend start a business support them, buy from them, advertise them and encourage them to keep going. Help other women to know their worth, and also know your own worth. Do not let anyone or anything stop you from achieving your goals, let good things happen and embrace the good. For all of these things to be done, we must stick together, no matter if they call us crazy, let them call us crazy. We deserve a chance to be powerful, we can be powerful and we will be. Any goal we have we can meet and if we stick together to make noise, we will be heard, change will be made. This is a long journey but there are plenty of us to conquer this fight. As a society we must encourage women to be their best selves and never give up, we must create new ways for women to achieve their goals and facilitate things to make them successful.

It was not until I turned 15 that I started to hear the phrase "mental health". I never necessarily struggled with it or at least never realized I did since mental health was seen as a taboo, therapy was something to be ashamed of, and being sad was not accepted. The past four years I endured major changes in my life, to begin with, I moved from Honduras to the US, leaving all my family and friends back home. Once in the US, I felt all alone although my immediate family was here. I was in a house but not a home, people surrounded me but I always felt alone. Later on, being homesick was no longer an eventuality but it was my constant state, I missed every aspect of home and no one understood me; everyone kept telling me I would get used to it. Fast forward two years later, my parents started having issues with their relationship. I was always on my mom's side for the simple fact that we were closer, little did I know I was being manipulated. After a couple of months of me being on her side and her ruining my relationship with my dad, the truth came out and it hit me like a truck going 100mph hits a bunny on the road, my heart was completely shattered and my mind confused and distraught. I wanted so many explanations and I was feeling many emotions, many things happened after she decided to leave the house and live on her own. I am the oldest so I assumed what my siblings and I call the "mom role." My dad still does all of the things a dad is supposed to do and more, he deeply cares for us and I am certain that if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be writing this essay right now. I am certain that if it wasn't for his incredible support there would've been a picture of me at my friend's ofrenda this past Nov. 2nd. There are many things I can't explain, there are many things I still need an explanation on and so many things that I wish I could say to those who have hurt me. I have been on the verge of harming myself multiple times, but I know God has a plan and at the end of the storm comes the rainbow, the thing is, I don't know how long this storm will last and if my ship can handle it, but for as long as I can I will push through it. Through all of this, I have questioned my faith in God, I have wondered if he ever listens to me if he is so good, how can he let my family fall apart like this, how can he let me feel as if life is not worth living? There is no real answer other than I must trust him, because although I have suffered, he has blessed me immensely and I will never forget that, I will always try to see the good in the midst of the bad. I have been troubled but he always puts a sign in my path to help me keep going, to help me push through. My mental health will never be at 100% but I believe that with the help needed and proving to myself that I can be better, I will be ok. I know that if I seek the help that I need and put in my effort I will get better, I will stop patterns and I will be happy again. I will learn that happiness is not a destination but a journey, I have to enjoy life and not worry too much. I have to start making life happen and not letting life happen for me. After all of the damage was done, after I got tired of crying myself to sleep, after I got tired of eating because I had to and not because I was hungry, I started to see things from different perspectives when people who truly care about me and my well-being showed up. I began to sleep at night because I was tired of laughing and enjoying the day, because my eyes were tired of watching beautiful sunsets and counting the stars, I started eating because I was hungry at lunchtime, I started enjoying people's company. I began to let people in when they showed affection, I let my friends into my house, I let my dad become my friend. Once you accept you deserve better, things get better. It is a long process and you must be willing to let others help you, you must accept that you can't do it all and that it is okay to feel things, it is okay to demonstrate emotion, that is when you realize you are getting there. When you are suffering it is easy to think you are worthless and will never accomplish anything, but it is important to always remember that you are more than your situations or circumstances, that there are things you can't control and those things don't define you. Never let go of a dream before trying to pursue it to the maximum. Always believe in yourself and never give up.

A practical solution in order to help those who struggle with mental health would be providing more mental health awareness to everybody in the community. If we raise awareness at a larger mass, through social media, ads, posters, or even conventions where people can learn about what mental health is, how it is presented and how we can all help each other confront said challenge, we would be able to aid on the toll those who struggle with mental health have. Therefore I believe that spreading awareness and making sure everybody understands what mental health involves could help those who are struggling. It is a practical thing to do since we can spread awareness and even provide help to others from our fingertips through smartphones, computers, and iPads, or tablets.

"Let's go out and play!" Was one of my sister's common phrases once we got home. I am a year older and most of the time I had either guitar lessons, ballet class, swim practice, or simply had homework. I was not rude to her, but she always seemed to get upset, lthough she clearly knew I had things to do, it was as if she didn't understand. Later on, she stopped asking, she would go out by herself or simply get on and watch TV, without asking, at first I didn't notice but after a couple of weeks, I realized I had not been asked to play outside, to watch TV or to talk like we used to. One of those afternoons I went up to her and decided to ask why. She was not mad but understanding although sounded upset. It was not a big deal, she was going ot get over it eventually, but I realized that I kept putting her off over and over again and I prioritized other things on top of family. Ever since that day, I have tried to prioritize things that truly matter, ever since that day my family comes first. I did not disregard my other multiple activities, but I did pick the ones I liked the most and the ones that truly mattered. I never let my guard down in school because grades are important to me, I did not quit swim but I stopped going to practice everyday to three times a week, and so on. I realized there are other important things in life and we must learn to value what we have before it is too late, we must care about our relationships with our loved ones and care for them.