I care too much about what people think. For a long time, I saw that as a weakness. In a world where we are constantly interacting with others, it is easy to get caught up in people’s opinions, expectations, and judgments. For many of my younger years, I let that affect me more than I wanted to admit. I wanted to prove people wrong, but I also wanted to make the people who believed in me proud. Over time, I realized that instead of letting this hold me back, I could use it as motivation. This is one of the reasons I want to pursue marketing. I have always been a people person, and I knew I wanted a career that involved creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. I also wanted something that would challenge me and allow me to keep learning. When I discovered marketing, it felt like the right fit because it connects business with people. I saw this connection through my involvement in a Caribbean student organization on campus. When we promoted events, I noticed that the way we presented them made a big difference. If we only posted the basic information, some students might scroll past it. But when we highlighted things like free food, prizes, music, or the chance to be in a welcoming space, more students became interested and actually showed up. That experience helped me understand a real marketing lesson: people are more likely to engage when they clearly see value. The incentives may have caught their attention, but the message helped them feel like the event was worth their time. Marketing is not just about promoting a product or making nice flyers. It is about understanding what people need, what they care about, and how to communicate with them in a way that feels real. A business or organization can have something valuable to offer, but if it does not know how to reach its audience, its message can easily be ignored. That is what interests me about marketing. It gives me the chance to study people’s thoughts, emotions, and choices, then use that understanding to create messages that matter. The more I learn about marketing, the more I realize how complex and important it is. It requires creativity, strategy, psychology, and the ability to adapt. With social media and AI becoming more common, it is harder to create ideas that feel original. That motivates me even more. I want to continue building my skills in branding, digital marketing, and consumer behavior so I can help businesses and organizations communicate in ways that feel creative, honest, and meaningful. In the future, I hope to use marketing to support brands that value culture, community, and real connection. I still care about what people think, but now I see it differently. I care because people matter. Their opinions, needs, and stories matter. Marketing gives me a way to turn something I once saw as a flaw into a strength: the ability to understand people and connect with them through purpose.

As a first-generation college student, I have always understood that my education was bigger than me. It was in the early mornings, the long workdays, the sacrifices my family made without always naming them, and the quiet hope that I would have access to opportunities they did not. Growing up Dominican and Afro-Latina, I was surrounded by people who taught me strength through action. My family showed me that perseverance is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like showing up every day, doing what needs to be done, and believing that the next generation can go further. When I arrived at Stony Brook University, I quickly realized that being first-generation meant more than being the first to attend college. It meant becoming my own guide while still carrying the expectations, pride, and love of everyone who helped me get there. There were moments when I felt uncertain, moments when I had to figure out offices, applications, career language, and academic expectations that seemed familiar to everyone else. But each challenge reminded me why I was there. I was not only earning a degree; I was learning how to turn unfamiliar spaces into places where I belonged. My path toward marketing comes from the same place as my first-generation story: the desire to be seen and to help others feel seen. I have always been drawn to creative expression, whether through music, dance, culture, or community. As part of my university’s Caribbean student organization and Caribbean dance team, I learned that storytelling does not only happen through words. It happens through movement, rhythm, fashion, food, events, and the way people gather to celebrate who they are. Those experiences showed me the power of culture to build connection. That is what drew me to marketing. I see marketing as more than promoting a product. To me, it is the art of understanding people deeply enough to tell stories that feel honest. As a Business Management major specializing in Marketing, with a minor in Communications and Innovation, I have learned how strategy can strengthen creativity. I want to use those skills to create campaigns that are not only beautiful and effective, but also thoughtful, inclusive, and culturally aware. Working as a front desk student assistant at the U.N.I.T.I Cultural Center has also shaped my purpose. I have seen students walk in looking for community, comfort, or simply a space where they do not have to explain who they are. That experience has reminded me that representation is not just visual; it is emotional. It is the feeling of being understood before you even speak. My motivation is to build a career where my identity, creativity, and education can work together. I hope to become a marketing strategist in the beauty and lifestyle industries, creating campaigns that reflect real communities with care and intention. Eventually, I want to create opportunities for other students like me through mentorship, scholarships, and community investment. My story is one of becoming: becoming confident, becoming educated, becoming the person my family dreamed I could be, and becoming the kind of professional who leaves the door open behind her. As a first-generation student, I carry both gratitude and responsibility. Through marketing, I want to transform that responsibility into impact.

As a fan of Love Island, I know the best challenges are bright, messy, chaotic, and just awkward enough to make everyone in the villa start questioning things. My challenge is called “Wrecked!” It would happen around the halfway point of the season, when couples are comfortable, but not fully secure. This is the perfect time to test if people are truly happy in their couple or if they are just playing it safe. For this challenge, Islanders would not compete with their actual partners. Instead, the audience would vote through the app to create temporary couples. This would make viewers feel more involved because they are not just watching the drama happen, they are helping create it. The challenge would have a shipwreck theme. Each pair would dress as a captain and sailor, and their goal would be to “survive the wreck” together. Before the obstacle course begins, each temporary couple would enter the Captain’s Cabin. They would have one minute to answer quick, flirty questions like, “What was your first impression of me?” or “What is one thing you think people misunderstand about you?” This gives the pair a chance to laugh, flirt, and maybe notice a spark before the messy part starts. After that, the sailor would be blindfolded while the captain guides them through a messy course filled with water, foam, slippery floors, and hidden tasks. At the first station, the sailor would crawl through “storm waters” while the captain directs them toward floating puzzle pieces. They would collect the pieces and build a small ship symbol before moving on. At the second station, they would collect “lost cargo” and place it into the correct treasure chest. The cargo would be covered in slime, making it harder to grab and easier to drop. This would be funny, but also test how patient the captain is with the sailor. Then, at the Message in a Bottle station, the sailor would find a bottle with a question inside, but the captain would answer it for them. The questions could be, “Do you think this person is your type?” or “Would you trust this person outside the villa?” This could reveal real feelings or unexpected attraction. At the final station, the sailor would unlock a “rescue raft” using clues from the captain while other couples rush around them. Before crossing the finish line, the pair would take a quick survival photo together. They could pose, hug, or give a cheeky kiss on the cheek for bonus points. What makes “Wrecked!” interesting is that it is not only about winning. It is about trust, communication, and chemistry. The sailor has to depend on someone they may not know well, and the captain has to stay calm under pressure. If two Islanders work well together, laugh naturally, or have a cute moment, everyone would notice. This connects to my interest in marketing because audience engagement is a huge part of what keeps shows like Love Island exciting. By letting fans vote on the temporary couples, viewers get to feel like they are part of the experience. Overall, “Wrecked!” fits the Love Island vibe because it is messy, flirty, funny, and dramatic. It gives the couples a real test, gives the audience power, and creates moments fans would want to talk about after the episode ends.

Being a first-generation student means rewriting the story of what’s possible in my family. My brother made it to college before me, but he never got the chance to finish. Watching someone I look up to come so close without reaching the end changed something in me. It made the finish line more important now than ever, not just for myself, but for the people who started the journey before me. I’m motivated by the belief that someone has to be the first to close the gap, and that person can be me. I’m working toward a career in Marketing and Public Relations, where opportunities are often tied to who you’re connected to. Many students enter with industry contacts, event invites, mentors, or family friends who can connect them to the right spaces early on. I didn’t grow up with those connections. I come from a household where affording the opportunity itself was the biggest hurdle. In an industry built on relationships, starting without them means learning how to build my own doors instead of waiting for someone to open one for me. That mindset was shaped long before college. Being a first-generation student taught me how to figure things out quickly, adjust when plans shift, and stretch every available resource. When I interned for Society’s Justice, a nonprofit focused on youth advocacy & intervention, I leaned on that same instinct. I helped write marketing pitches, organize outreach through email campaigns, and support event promotion without formal training or a built-in network. I had to trust my ability to learn fast, stay consistent, and contribute meaningfully even when the path wasn’t clearly drawn. That experience reminded me that potential doesn’t need permission to exist. My goal is to work in Marketing & Public Relations to help brands and organizations communicate in ways that actually reach people, especially communities that don’t always get prioritized in marketing conversations. What motivates me is the idea that I can eventually become a connector for others who start their careers without guidance or access, just like I did. This scholarship would help me continue my education without adding financial pressure to my family, and it would give me access to industry spaces where opportunities take shape in real time. Conferences, events, and professional development tools are where ideas turn into collaborations, and where careers shift forward. This support would allow me to show up in those rooms prepared, focused, and ready to contribute. I’m chasing progress, not perfection. I’m committed to finishing what my family once reached for, and building a future where access isn’t a barrier, but something I help expand for others.

I come from a DIY family, which means we do everything ourselves. Growing up in a low-income household, we had to adapt to whatever challenges came our way. If that meant fixing a leak in the roof or changing a light, we saved money by learning how to do it on our own. This mindset taught me independence, resourcefulness, and persistence at a young age. These skills are valuable for my intended career field of Marketing and Public Events. In a competitive and fast-moving environment, being self-driven and able to work through obstacles is essential to producing results. Even when challenges arise, being able to use available resources to create something new is just as important. That same mindset carries over into my academic life. Paying for school out of pocket has added pressure to my household, but it has also pushed me to stay disciplined and focused. Balancing work, coursework, and extracurricular activities has strengthened my time management skills and reinforced my determination to succeed. This past summer, I interned for a nonprofit called Society’s Justice, where I drafted marketing pitches, email campaigns, and social media content for local businesses. This experience showed me how accessible marketing support can create real growth for small businesses. Inspired by this internship, I want to mentor other youth by giving them hands-on experience while also helping small businesses promote themselves at a low cost. My goal is to use my skills to create opportunities and make a meaningful impact in low-income communities like the one I come from. Communities like my own deserve to know that income does not define potential; what matters is how you use what you have to create value.

Growing up in a Caribbean Hispanic household, I learned that love speaks in many languages—sometimes with words, sometimes with a plate of food, and sometimes with just showing up. Being surrounded by so much culture, music, and connection made me see the world as a place full of beauty, opportunity, and people worth understanding. I was raised to celebrate differences, not fear them, and that’s shaped how I move through life, school, and every space I enter. My upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity. It’s not just the language spoken in my house or the spices in the food we share, but the way my family connects with everyone, no matter their background. I grew up learning that showing up for others, understanding their stories, and embracing what makes us different is what makes the world richer. This belief shaped the way I connect with people today, allowing me to approach unfamiliar spaces with curiosity and a go-getter attitude. Whether it’s collaborating on a class project, joining a new club, or interacting with people from all walks of life, I bring that mindset into everything I do. My experiences have taught me that the world is full of untapped opportunities, especially for someone with my background. Growing up, I often found myself in spaces where I didn’t see people who looked like me, but rather than shy away, I was motivated to seek those opportunities. This attitude—always finding a way to adapt, speak up, and create space for myself—has driven me in my academic and extracurricular pursuits at Stony Brook University. I’ve learned to see those moments as opportunities to learn, grow, and even lead. Whether I’m representing the Caribbean student organization, working at the Uniti Cultural Center, or dancing with my team, I’ve learned to bring my full self to every space, just as I was taught to do at home. As a Business Management major specializing in Marketing, I’m driven by the desire to build inclusive brands that reflect the diversity I hold dear. I want to show that Hispanic women not only belong in these spaces but can thrive in them. It’s essential to create connections with a variety of audiences, highlighting stories that often go unheard. The marketing field is a platform for change, one where I can help bring a broader range of voices to the forefront, and where I can contribute to creating brands that celebrate and respect every cultural background. My perspective is shaped by more than just my cultural heritage; it’s fueled by the love and commitment of my family, the resilience we share, and the joy we bring to everything we do. My journey is about more than personal success; it’s about lifting others, embracing our differences, and fostering inclusivity in every space I enter. This scholarship would help me continue to pursue my education and goals, and ultimately help me contribute to a more inclusive and connected world.

I grabbed 30 sheets of white paper and folded them in half. I stapled the folded side and began designing my book cover. I drew a girl falling from the sky. That night, I planned to write a sci-fi/mystery novel. However, I was eight, and it was nearing 10 o’clock, so naturally, I fell asleep before I could write a New York Times bestseller. Throughout my upbringing, I've been deeply drawn to the arts—whether literature, painting, music, or dance. My hardworking parents made countless sacrifices to enroll me in my various artistic interests when I was younger, managing to support my interests despite financial challenges. As I grew older, I sacrificed those interests to help them financially. We faced our share of economic challenges, which gave me firsthand insight into the importance of financial literacy and planning. My journey began in a supportive household where every dollar mattered, and it continued in my final year of high school, where I was introduced to business economics. The class taught me about the different aspects of running a business. One of our final assignments was to create a company, considering costs, economics, and marketing. This was the first time I combined my creative interests and skills with the aspects of business. Around the same time, I started working a part-time job to help contribute to the family income and save for college. One of the most impactful experiences was my time as a solo cashier at an organic/vegan deli. There, I learned the importance of understanding customer needs, presenting products compellingly, and building genuine relationships. This experience sparked my interest and revealed a talent for persuading people in ways that felt authentic and beneficial to both parties. My passion for business solidified during my college years, where I excelled academically and took my first psychology class with a professor who specialized in decision sciences. He unknowingly convinced me to pursue business marketing by connecting psychological concepts and theories to how things are marketed in the media. I soon understood that marketing is an industry that constantly evolves, driven by changes in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and cultural trends. As a result, I fell in love with the idea of not only being part of an industry where innovation is necessary for success but also one where I could use my storytelling skills. As I look forward, my career goal is to leverage my education and experiences to make a lasting positive impact on my community. Post-graduation, I hope to create a marketing institution where I can help individuals and small businesses gain traction, spend wisely, and plan for the future by providing sound marketing advice and support to underserved communities. My personal goal is to be able to repay my parents with the comfortable financial life they sacrificed to ensure that I had all the opportunities open to me. From folding those 30 sheets of white paper into a potential novel to navigating the complexities of business economics and discovering my passion for marketing, my journey was shaped by a blend of creativity, perseverance, and the support of my family. Every encounter I have had, from working as a lone cashier to my college courses, has reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact through business and marketing. While I may not be writing any novels soon, I hope to forge new pathways and approaches to marketing that I can teach others.

I used to be a gymnast. When I was 9, I attended gymnastics classes for young girls like myself. I learned all about flexibility, how to flip, and so much more. It was fun for the month it lasted, but it became hard for my family to keep up with the financial demands. My parents, both hardworking individuals, instilled in me the values of dedication, perseverance, and giving back to the community. They made many sacrifices to enroll me in all my artistic interests when I was younger, whether it was painting, dancing, or even playing the piano. As I grew older, I sacrificed those interests to help them in return. We faced our share of financial challenges, which gave me firsthand insight into the importance of financial literacy and planning. My journey began in a modest household where every dollar mattered. It continued in my final year of high school, where I was introduced to business economics. The class taught me about the different aspects of running a business. One of our final assignments was to create a business, considering costs, marketing, and economics. This was the first time I combined my creative interests and skills with the concept of business. Around the same time, I started working a part-time job to help contribute to the family income and save for college. One of the most impactful experiences was my time as a solo cashier at an organic/vegan deli. There, I learned valuable skills in customer service, sales, and community engagement. I also saw the power of small businesses in supporting and uplifting local communities. My decision to donate my shift tips to help homeless individuals afford meals was a small step towards giving back, reinforcing my belief in the importance of community support. My passion for business solidified during my college years, where I excelled academically and took my first psychology class with a professor who specialized in decision sciences. He unknowingly convinced me to pursue business marketing by connecting psychological concepts and theories to how things are marketed in the media. His engagement and dedication to teaching a relatable class paid off in my life, and sent me right down the path I had already built towards throughout my life. Looking ahead, my goal is to leverage my education and experiences to make a lasting positive impact on my community. Post-graduation, I hope to create a marketing institution where I can help individuals and small businesses gain traction, spend wisely, and plan for the future. By providing sound marketing and accounting advice and support to underserved communities, I aim to help others achieve financial success and stability. I would offer workshops, seminars, internships, and one-on-one consultations. I hope to bridge the knowledge gap and empower more people to pursue business. Additionally, I aspire to fund scholarships to support low-income students, ensuring they can pursue higher education without the burden of financial stress. In conclusion, my family environment significantly influenced my aspirations and career goals in business and accounting while growing up. The access to arts and education, which my parents worked hard to provide, allowed me to discover my passion for marketing. Witnessing my family's struggles and triumphs not only motivated me to pursue a minor in accounting but also inspired me to give back to those around me. While I may not be a gymnast anymore, I hope to flip limited outcomes into better ones for more generations to come.

Violence has become an overused punchline. As a native New Yorker, my relationship with the city is a mix of love and frustration, shaped by experiences that oscillate between the two extremes. Growing up, we made jokes about the thunderous echoes of bullets hitting street corners that we called our alarm clocks. We laughed about unnerving encounters with strangers that we feared would escalate into something far more sinister.​ The truth is, I don’t think we ever found it funny. We were petrified and the only way we knew to cope was to laugh it off. On February 8th, 2023, the thin veil of humor and ignorance that I was clinging onto had shattered. What was supposed to be a typical school day, a Wednesday took a catastrophic turn. Wednesdays used to be the peak of our week, when we could leave an hour sooner. Our routine, however, was disrupted by an incident that killed any lingering humor and forced us to confront the reality of our situation. Anyone who resides in New York is no stranger to high school brawls; some suspect hormonal teenagers are sure to get into a brawl or two, and perhaps that's all it was. But it wasn't; it was more. It was an example of how third parties interfere. Third parties tend to make decisions about people's lives that aren't their own, and that's exactly what the gunman did that day. He determined that our lives deserved to be more traumatic than innocent. Stealthily, he crept around the corner, clenching metal in his hands, and discharged his weapon aimelessly. His shots struck children uninvolved in the altercation, a guard dutifully performing his job, and the sole outcome for him was a sentence to prison. This is why I don’t laugh anymore because it reminds me of the screeching cries for help of my classmates. It reminds me of piercing lockdown alarms. Most importantly, it serves as a reminder of my past ignorance. It is easy to laugh at a joke you’ve never lived through, but now that I have I will spend every year of my life making sure gun violence is never taken as a joke again. When I began college life, I found myself asking, “How could I possibly contribute back to the gun epidemic in New York in the future?” but the truth is I can start now and I have. My classmates and I began an Instagram page called Harmony Over Harm, dedicated to educating people about gun violence in America and how it affects college students. Truthfully, I soon see us expanding to addressing gun violence as a whole because it’s too big of an issue to specify in one aspect. We want to bring awareness to how prominent gun violence is in our communities. Utilizing the research sources I am acquiring during my college journey, I aim to enlighten the broader public on events that might not be easily accessible to everyone. As an aspiring marketing major, fostering connections with people and captivating audiences will be a crucial aspect of my professional responsibilities. I envision using these skills not just for marketing campaigns or advertisements but, more importantly, for effecting tangible and meaningful change. It may be something simple at the moment yet I envision that, with the right networks and information, this platform will evolve into a formidable force capable of shaping legislation in New York. Perhaps, in the future, the gravity of gun violence will become a mere punchline, no longer a grim reality.

I have an addiction to binge-watching Netflix. My earliest memories of watching Netflix are followed by the elongated experience of finishing a show the same day I started. I have encountered the most unique scripts, tropes, and endings in my electrifying journey to swallow every storyline entered into Netflix. I'd like to honor a show in this essay today called The 100. The 100, first created in 2014, ran on air until 2020, finishing off with seven strong seasons. I loved the way "The 100" seamlessly blended elements of science fiction, dystopian drama, and ethical dilemmas, creating a narrative tapestry that kept me hooked from start to finish. The show's premise, where a group of juvenile delinquents is sent down to a post-apocalyptic Earth to determine if it's habitable, immediately captured my imagination. It's a thought-provoking concept that explores the resilience of humanity in the face of adversity. One of the aspects that truly stood out to me in "The 100" was its character development. Throughout seven seasons, I witnessed characters evolve and adapt to the harsh realities of their world. It wasn't just about survival; it was about the moral choices they made along the way. Main characters like Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake became emblematic of the show's exploration of leadership, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Moreover, "The 100" wasn't afraid to tackle complex themes. It delved into issues like environmental destruction, tribalism, and the consequences of our actions on future generations. These themes resonated with me as someone deeply interested in making a difference in my community. It reminded me that our choices today have lasting effects, just as the characters' decisions in the show shaped the fate of their world. The show's commitment to diversity and representation also deserves applause. As a Latina of African descent, I appreciate seeing characters from diverse backgrounds taking on pivotal roles in the storyline. It reflects the real world in a way that's both refreshing and essential. "The 100" didn't just provide entertainment; it sparked meaningful discussions and encouraged introspection. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to address relevant societal issues. In conclusion, "The 100" isn't just another show I binge-watched on Netflix; it's a series that left a lasting impact on my perspective. Its exploration of humanity, morality, and the consequences of our actions resonated with me on a deep level. I admire its ability to merge thought-provoking themes with compelling characters and applaud its commitment to diversity. "The 100" is not just a show I’d recommend; it's a story that everyone should dive into at least once in their lifetime.

Stepping into the college world as a first-generation black Latina student often feels like I'm treading a delicate tightrope, where the gaps beneath me threaten to swallow my dreams whole, much like a penny disappearing into the depths of a sewage drain. The unexpected setbacks that come my way can be disheartening, and it's clear that some are beyond my control. However, the prospect of securing this scholarship is a glimmer of hope that empowers me to take charge once again. If I'm fortunate enough to earn this scholarship, it won't just be a financial boost; it will be a chance for me to make a lasting impact on my communities.   Looking back at my journey, I can see the profound influence that financial support can have. With this scholarship in hand, I envision using the funds not only to ease the immediate financial strain of my education but also to amplify my influence on a much larger scale. Freed from the constant worry of financial obligations, I'll be able to wholeheartedly immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular activities like music, dancing, and art to maximize my potential.   Beyond the immediate benefits, this scholarship would serve as a stepping stone toward my long-term ambitions. Armed with a degree and unburdened by excessive debt, I'm driven to establish a scholarship program tailored specifically to the needs of first-generation and minority students in my community. This initiative would provide them with the same kind of support that has been instrumental in shaping my own journey. However, this scholarship isn't just a means to an end; it's an opportunity for my personal growth and development. Participating in workshops, seminars, and networking events has made it possible to develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Those experiences have transformed me into a more effective advocate for educational equity and social justice. Unfortunately, most of these events often require professional attire, which can be hard to sustain when facing financial burdens. By investing in myself through these avenues, I firmly believe that I can create tangible, positive changes in the lives of those around me by dressing as a professional and intelligible student worthy of all the same opportunities that non-BIPOC are offered.   Ultimately, this scholarship isn't just about financial aid; it's a catalyst for change and empowerment. With the backing it provides, I'm fully dedicated to crafting a brighter future for myself and, in turn, lifting up my communities through education, passionate advocacy, and hands-on mentorship. This scholarship isn't just an award; it's a tool that I'm determined to use to reshape the landscape of opportunity for those who walk a similar path.

Minecraft has been a multi-generational building block game since 2011, or at least in my family, it has been. I was 7 years old when I first caught a glimpse of the game from the opening of my brother’s cracked open door. The game was vibrant and inviting, yet also very complex for my 7-year-old self to fully comprehend. My first understanding of the game was that the objective was to build, but I learned after years of watching and playing that it is more than that. I soon learned about the world of multiplayer settings, achievements, and even mods, which only expand the game as a whole. My favorite part of it all is the endless creativity it fosters. Over the years, I've discovered that Minecraft isn't just about placing blocks and constructing structures; it's a canvas for imagination. The game has allowed me to bring my wildest ideas to life, whether recreating iconic landmarks, designing intricate redstone contraptions, or crafting fantastical landscapes. This aspect resonates with me profoundly because it empowers me to transform my thoughts into tangible creations. The ability to shape entire worlds, limited only by my ingenuity, instills a sense of accomplishment and freedom that few other games can provide. It's not just about completing objectives; it's about crafting a narrative through architecture, design, and ingenuity. This, in my view, is the true magic of Minecraft—it's a realm where the boundaries between the virtual and the absolute blur, and the only true limit is the extent of one's creativity.

When the college application season began, a gray cloud began to accumulate over me. This cloud shadowed all my decisions and goals because of the fear it would one day begin to rain and drown everything I'm working towards. This is what I like to call the "shadow of educational cost". I’ve heard countless stories of college students who say that college has only put them in debt or that they aren't able to use the major that costs them thousands. This negativity towards pursuing higher education instilled a fear of student loan debt within me. After reaching out to several college students, many told me to make smart decisions but also not to restrict myself within the bounds of income because situations can always change. With this scholarship, I could begin conquering that gray cloud and make a change. I’d be able to attend Stony Brook University despite all the financial limits I have met. This money would essentially finance my dream to become a financial advisor for other low-income families. Whether I major or minor in financing/economics, I know that I want to use the knowledge I have about economics to assist low-income immigrant families who never received formal education on how to manage finances. As a high school senior taking a government & economics course I have already learned so much about finances that my family didn't get the opportunity to learn as immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Many families are stuck within this low income because most don't have access to formal education in finance, and are unable to budget accordingly to their situation. I hope that by using my college education to learn more, I can give back to my community both to those in the USA, but as well as back home in the Dominican Republic. When answering the question of why I should be awarded this scholarship, it is because I desire to help others with the knowledge I will accumulate without the fear that I can not "afford" to make a difference in the world. There are far too many families in America walking around with gray clouds over their heads, that deserve sunnier days, and that deserve to not have to worry their dreams will be flooded by financial costs. I cannot promise clear skies, but I hope that by going to Stony Brook University and at the minimum minoring in finance/economics, I can provide an umbrella to my Hispanic/Latinx community.