As a bright-eyed freshman, I felt a slurry of emotion as I stepped foot on my college campus less than a month ago. I was completely and utterly overjoyed and excited. However, in the same breath, I will say how overwhelmed I felt. It's hard to explain to my peers the daunting but vitally important task of being a Hispanic first-generation student. I see the pride in the faces of my family but also a lack of understanding. As a byproduct of generational struggle that all Hispanic kids know well, my family never had the opportunity to dream of a college education. The duplicitous nature of my college experience so far has not and will not deter me because I feel a sense of pride and know what is at stake. I have joined my university's first-generation student organization and realize I am not alone. Forty-four percent of all students who are the first in their family to go to college are Latino or Hispanic. Growing up in a minority home, I learned the importance of diplomacy early. My life at home would not mirror the experience of my friends and their families. I had to navigate a world at home and school, each with diverse opinions and traditions. Explaining my day at the dinner table became my first look at the world of political science. I am studying politics to bridge the systemic gap between my two worlds. The minority experience is not easy, and the systematic hard-to-overcome hurdles do not make it any easier. I was taught the ideal of the American nuclear family with Eurocentric features and a white picket fence, and my family never fit that mold. I am immensely proud of my family, but I am ashamed of the systems in place that affirm generational poverty and the monetary and social barriers that surround higher education. Advocacy is the main priority of my career and future. I am majoring in Political Science to enter the government and make change wherever possible. I know the government isn't perfect, and that's why I want to be part of the generation that changes it. I truly want to dedicate my life to service in a field I'm very interested in, and an education in political science will be an invaluable tool to achieve my goals of making the world a better and equal space for everyone. It should be up to the citizens to ensure their government accurately represents them. I am so proud to be able to strive for a higher education, and I intend to fight with every ounce of my being for people like my parents, who gave me unlimited love and emotional support to get me to where I stand today. I hope to be a testament to what Hispanic women can achieve one day, and I'm so excited of what I will achieve.

The human experience is beautifully unquantifiable but its obscurity clears when we meet someone experiencing a different facet of its mystery. Community engagement changed my fundamental beliefs and gave me the passion for service that I have today. In meeting and talking with people from near and far I have learned the importance of differential perspectives. In my time volunteering with the Paper Bridges organization I was tasked with being the pen pal and mentor of a Guatemalan orphan named Lucia. I learned about her reality and the trials and tribulations of living in a third-world country. I did my best to emotionally support her and teach her English and Math but it is hard for any child to focus on multiplication tables when living in a world where seemly no one supported her. It was a tough ride and I was forced to challenge my preconceived notions about poverty, welfare and wealth inequality but ultimately I am eternally grateful for Lucia because she made me realize my passion and how I could truly make a difference. I have worked tirelessly and have achieved high acclaim in academics and in my community so I can dedicate my life to helping regular people like Lucia who have had to overcome so many obstacles and boundaries. It is my belief that everyone should be required in a high school education to explore community service to excavate other aspects of their personality, only found through taking initiative and making change. In high school, I achieved over 250 volunteer hours in 3 years because I recognized the issues that people struggle with that are simply not being met. When I look to my leaders in politics, I am trained to trust beyond belief and have faith in my institutions, but instead, I see chaos, division, and a total and utter lack of empathy. We must fight for the world as it should be and not settle for less. I plan to further prioritize my education to become well-versed in politics and political science to enact influential changes in legislation and the way that underprivileged people are perceived. As the daughter of an immigrant, I know how differences are condemned when they should be celebrated. If life was a race for some people there would be hurdles and for others it would be a flat track. I intend to make the race fair and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the life they deserve.

The sun shone through the translucent ceilings making refracted rainbows dance across the floor. The Heathrow Airport isn’t known for its natural beauty, but this was the farthest I had ever been from home. Somehow this familiar light show was a case study of European life. I don’t know what expected, maybe for the air to be dusted in a brown hue like in old Western movies, but despite my 13-year-old ignorance, the sun remained yellow and the sky blue. Being half Hispanic and Jewish, I never felt accepted entirely into one culture. My Aunt recognized this, and for my 13th birthday, she thought of doing something non-traditional like our blended family was and concocted a plan only her brilliant mind could think up. She gave me a few weeks to decide on a location and flew me across the world to celebrate the milestone. There was nothing spectacular about this time in the terminal to anyone around us. Still, it sticks out to me In my existentialism. Once that plane landed my universe went from revolving around my community and family to knowing that a world of people unlike me existed and were living unique lives. This revelation comes back to me frequently and has inspired me to work hard for those people, just trying to commute, travel, and coexist. My aunt and I had a wonderful trip. It’s difficult to articulate how much her zany individualism means to me. Through her, I know the importance of self-love and gratitude. It’s mesmerizing being able to observe her power as she moves through her life with confidence and ambition that I’ve seen very few people recreate. Her ethical principles surround not being scared of death. She often stated that death was a companion holding your hand throughout life. I always thought that was a beautiful sentiment but excessive. I didn’t recognize the omnipresent nature of death. I was all too assured that it was never really around the corner, until it was. My aunt was diagnosed with stage four metastasized brain cancer. Her ideals fluctuated as the disease ravaged her body. She became terrified of dying, and though she would be standing next to me, I had to mourn the person she was while confronting the person she had become. Compartmentalization became my world as I hid how devastated I was to be the stability she needed. She passed away less than a year after she was diagnosed. We held her funeral in my backyard. I was surprised by the guest list. People I had never met, talked about how their lives had been impacted and benefited by her unique wisdom. Powerpoints of beautiful memories encased in photographs played, and I thought about my aunt’s impact on me. I didn’t want to be withered by tragedy and knew her memory deserved a legacy. Going into politics for me means having a lasting impact on people, such as she did. I know that my Aunt’s memory is in my corner as I aspire to be the woman and light that she was for me, and everyone in need. She always told me to follow my dreams and through my education that is exactly what I am doing. Even though I am a first-generation American and college student whose parents have experienced homelessness and poverty I persevered. I believe that I wouldn't be where I am now if not for the light and encouragement that she shone into my life. Every day I am blessed with, I dedicate to my Aunt Signe because her legacy is worth fighting for.

I dream of an equal and representative world where no one has to wonder if their worth is devalued by any aspect of their extraordinary multifaceted identities. I am going into government and studying political science because I know what it feels like to be discouraged by a political system that doesnt best represents your interests and oppress people that look like you. Government and politics are the backbones of American society. Government has involvement in everything that we do, whether that be passing vital legislation or simply being involved when a citizen gets a driver's license. When the government is inefficient or corrupt, the very foundation of the country crumbles, and people suffer. I believe that there is a bit of humanitarianism in everyone, and the interest to help is everywhere among people that can afford a helping hand. Having a hand in government is the easiest way to truly change society and ensure a more equitable system. I truly want to dedicate my life to service in a field I'm very interested in, and education in political science will be an invaluable tool to achieve my goals of making the world a better and equal space for everyone. I know the privilege of being able to participate in a democracy and get an education because my lineage was not provided such an opportunity. My father is an immigrant from Cuba and has spent my whole life telling me about how he escaped persecution and famine to ensure me better opportunities and a higher quality of life. My mother is Jewish and had grandparents that had to flee to avoid the genocide of World War 2. This is precisely why I dream of change and truly understand how rare this opportunity is. Both of my parents took more than four years to graduate high school and experienced homelessness so a college degree was never an option for them, but it finally is for me. From their stifled dreams mine rose. I have worked tirelessly and have achieved high acclaim in academics and my community so my dream of providing a better life for people like my parents will come true. It should be up to the citizens to make sure that their government accurately represents them. I've seen changes in my community as De jure racism and discrimination are seen as valid and real as explicit racism. The Black Lives Matter Movement was very important to me and helped me realize my dream of change and what is possible to amend the shortcomings in representation. This was, of course, a time that the people demanded reform in their justice systems, in the police, in society and addressing jarring systemic issues. When I saw prolific celebrities and public figures posting about issues that they believe in and protesting alongside me I realized that the best leaders sometimes need to join the pack. I think leadership when it comes to advocacy is having the courage to make space for those whose identities are being questioned. A united voice is more powerful than even two separate ones and learning when to listen and being brave enough to face the reproductions of choices that you did not make.

I am a leader because of my passion and determination to do more for myself and those around me. The best leaders are not born; they are made, and that is very much my story. I didn't used to be inspired by civil rights or equality movements, but my position as a woman and a Latina made it, from my understanding, impossible to not long for more. I know that my position in society is, first and foremost, defined by what I am not. I am not white, and I am not a man, but still, despite all the odds, I try. I try because that is the minority condition: to persevere. I have dedicated my life to this notion because I think of those around me and before me who lived with the ideal of inequality, and I refuse to waste my chance to change what they could not. I am a leader because when I look to my leaders in politics, I am trained to trust beyond belief and have faith in my institutions, but instead, I see chaos, division, and a total and utter lack of empathy. My mission is to be the kind of leader I needed growing up but did not have. We must fight for the world as it should be and not settle for less. I am led by my determination every day, and this revelation is what earned me several service awards and over 300 hours of community service in 3 years. This feeling is what got me a coveted internship with my city's government, where I was able to work with people experiencing homelessness and provide community resources. Among many other instances, one of my proudest moments is raising 3000 dollars with my classmates for an orphanage in Guatemala. I am a first-generation American, and that reality is apparent to me every day. My life is about breaking generational tendencies caused by racism and poverty. My parents experienced homelessness, and no one in my family has ever attended college. Despite the odds, succeeding in school and applying to college without aid is a testament to my belief in education and how it can change lives. My degree in political science will get me where I need to go, and seeing how rare it is and how hard I had to fight for this privilege and opportunity, I promise not to let it go to waste.

I truly do love movies. No other art form has the power to educate, inform and encapsulate the human experience all at the same time. I love movies for their power to support me through all situations and leave me feeling capable and inspired to weather all storms. I especially love it when movies show a new culture or way of thinking that can make us sit up and take notice. I watch movies because they're entertaining but more importantly because they make me think about issues in new ways. The first instance a movie changed my perspective like this is when I saw To Kill A Mockingbird with Gregory Peck. This movie changed my life because of the circumstances in which I saw it. I went to a predominately white middle school where people of other races or cultures such as myself were often criticized for being different than the social norm. This movie opened my eyes to the extent of power that advocacy and understanding could have. This movie mirrored my life as the main character Scout meets a diverse group of African American people who give her a new insight into what being a person of color could mean. To my young mind, this movie perfectly articulated the realities and systemic conditions of racism in a way that perfectly resonated with me. in its ability to vividly demonstrate the effects of racial discrimination in a simple, but startling, manner it really struck a cord. After I saw this movie I began seeing the human condition as more abstract and it opened my eyes to the extent that my universe was not the only one that was being experienced. My perspective went from revolving around my school and family to knowing that a world of people unlike me existed and were living unique lives. This revelation comes back to me frequently and has inspired me to work hard for people that need support to live their truest lives unadulterated by prejudice. During my work in advocacy and community service, I find myself having this revelation over and over again. Just when I think I have seen it all or learned all, I will be hit with another lesson. I am so thankful for this phenomenon because I want to dedicate my life to community service and my ever-changing perspective is the greatest gift I could've asked for to best serve the people in my community and world.

I intend to improve the world through my career through advocacy in a degree in political science. My priority is to support those who feel they are not being heard and to ensure they are taken seriously and that their rights are respected. I intend to make a change in the political sphere because it is my belief that government and politics are the primary roots of change in the United States. Advocating for change in our communities is the only way that policymakers will hear the voice of the public and have the information they need to influence legislation. I believe there is a bit of humanitarianism in everyone, and the interest to help is everywhere among people who can afford a helping hand. Having a hand in government is the easiest way to truly change society and to ensure a more equitable system. I want to dedicate my life to service in a field I'm very interested in, and education in Political Science will be an invaluable tool to achieve my goals of making the world a better and equal space for everyone. I have a history of making positive changes in my community of Austin, Texas. I intend to use my drive and determination to make large-scale changes throughout the country and the world. In my 300 hours of community service, time on a senate campaign, and government internship, I have learned that people are motivated to make a change and are not complicit, just many people do not have the resources, education, time, or privilege to spend hours trying to contact members of an antiquated government that does not have its citizens best interests in mind. I firmly believe that it is the right and responsibility of citizens to advocate for issues they believe in. Through my citizenship, I have never stopped protesting, volunteering, and writing to support organizations and topics that have influence, and this is what I intend to do for the rest of my career. I will be a government member who does not lose their drive or sight of what made them choose this field: the people. I live with the knowledge and realization that the government is the last resort in seeking assistance for many people, and it should remain a beacon of hope, not a frustration filled with inaction and gridlock. An education filled with determination, perspective and openmindedness is the first stepping stone to actualizing my goals.

The prospect of attending college fills me with immense excitement and anticipation, as it signifies a new chapter in my life – one filled with opportunities for personal growth, intellectual discovery, and meaningful connections. The aspects that excite me the most about college include the diverse learning environment, the chance to explore new interests, and the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships. College offers an unparalleled academic experience, where I will be exposed to a rich tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and cultures. This diverse learning environment will challenge me to think critically, engage in stimulating debates, and expand my worldview. Furthermore, the vast array of courses available will enable me to delve into my passions of Government while also exploring new fields of interest such as health and wellness. Another thrilling aspect of college is the opportunity to form new friendships and connections. Meeting individuals from different backgrounds, each with their unique stories and experiences, will enrich my life and broaden my understanding of the world. By engaging in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities, I look forward to forging strong bonds and creating a support network that will last a lifetime. Amidst the excitement of college life, it is crucial to maintain a healthy balance to ensure overall well-being. One way I plan to nurture my mind is by practicing effective time management, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing self-care. viMy University has a wellness center that is run by wellness, fitness and mental health professionals and this resource will assure me that this vital area of need is met. I plan to allocate sufficient time for relaxation, reflection, and meditation as in the past I've seen real results in doing so I can attribute to its essential benefits. I will prioritize regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. I've taken to running and yoga in the past year but any Physical activity has greatly lessened my stress and improved my mental clarity. Additionally, I will strive to make nutritious food choices and have a wellness routine to support my overall health and performance in school. Nurturing the soul is equally important, as it provides a sense of purpose and connection. I will cultivate an attitude of gratitude and maintain a strong support network of friends and family who share my values and aspirations. In conclusion, the college experience offers a wealth of opportunities that excite and inspire me. From the dynamic learning environment to the chance to explore new interests and form lasting relationships, I eagerly anticipate this next phase of my life. By maintaining a healthy balance between mind, body, and soul, I will be well-equipped to embrace the challenges and rewards that await me in college and beyond.

From the day I was born, my life was irrevocably impacted by the restaurant industry. Growing up in a family that owned a small yet bustling restaurant not only shaped my character but also fueled my passion for hard work. Watching how my parents and their staff put everything into the restaurant indelibly impacted who I am today and inspired my passion for government and advocacy. My parents' restaurant was on the Gulf Coast of Florida, where hurricanes, the tourist season, and eventually the BP oil spill added an extra layer of complexity to their success. Through these tough years, I learned important life lessons about resilience and the importance of adapting in order to survive. A skill that is particularly useful in my aspirational career in government. I learned the importance of collaboration and teamwork. The restaurant's success hinged on the collaboration of its staff, from the chefs to the servers to the dishwashers. This sense of unity fostered a supportive environment where everyone willingly lent a helping hand when needed. As a result, I became an empathetic individual who values cooperation and communication. This experience has translated into my academic and extracurricular pursuits, where I strive to be a reliable, contributing team member. Another crucial aspect of my growth was the development of interpersonal skills. Interacting with a diverse clientele, each with their unique preferences, taught me the art of active listening and effective communication. I learned to comprehend and cater to the needs of each customer while maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor. These skills have been instrumental in establishing strong relationships, both personally and professionally, and I believe they will continue to serve me well in the future. The family restaurant also opened my eyes to the challenges facing the industry, inspiring me to envision innovative solutions and fight for workers equality and resources for small businesses. One pressing issue is the environmental impact of restaurants, particularly the massive amounts of food waste generated. To address this, I would advocate for the implementation of sustainable practices, such as offering smaller portion sizes, repurposing leftovers, and composting organic waste. Additionally, I would encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging for takeout orders and the elimination of single-use plastics. Another area in need of attention is the well-being of restaurant employees. The industry is notorious for its long hours, low wages, and lack of benefits. To improve working conditions, I propose advocating for living wages and implementing policies that promote a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, providing ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement can help foster a sense of loyalty and motivation among employees. In conclusion, my experience growing up in a family restaurant has profoundly influenced who I am today. The valuable lessons I learned about teamwork, communication, and empathy have shaped my character and prepared me for future challenges. Moreover, witnessing the struggles and opportunities within the industry has inspired me to envision changes that could benefit both restaurateurs and consumers. By addressing environmental concerns, improving employee welfare, and leveraging technology, I believe we can create a more sustainable and enjoyable dining experience for all.

Majoring in political science means an opportunity to enact change where it is needed. I want to stand up for those who don't have a voice that adequately represents them in our current political system. As a person that belongs to marginalized and minority groups, I know how disheartening it is to see lawmakers pass laws concerning your autonomy and lifestyle to which they cannot relate. advocacy is the main priority of my career and future. I am majoring in political science to enter the government and make change where ever I can. I know the government isn't perfect and that's exactly why I want to be part of the generation that changes it. When the government is inefficient or corrupt, the very foundation of the country crumbles, and people suffer. I believe that there is a bit of humanitarianism in everyone, and the interest to help is everywhere among people that can afford a helping hand. Having a hand in government is the easiest way to truly change society and ensure a more equitable system. I truly want to dedicate my life to service in a field I'm very interested in, and an education in politics will be an invaluable tool to achieve my goals of making the world a better and equal space for everyone. A college education is immensely valuable for me because of my unique perspective as a first-generation Hispanic LGBTQ+ woman. My father is an immigrant from Cuba and has spent my whole life telling me about how he escaped persecution and famine to ensure me better opportunities and a higher quality of life. This is precisely why I value higher education and truly understand how rare this opportunity is. Both of my parents took more than four years to graduate high school and experienced homelessness so a college degree was never an option for them, but it finally is for me. I have worked tirelessly and have achieved high acclaim in academics and my community so I can dedicate my life to helping regular people like my parents who have had to overcome so many obstacles and boundaries. Government is a male-dominated field and politics has not been kind to women in the past. I know that it will take more than one Political Science major to turn the tides on inequality but I have seen how motivated my generation is for change and not tolerating the mistreatment of marginalized individuals is the baseline of our ideology. I know this to be a fact because I have protested alongside my peers for issues such as The Black Lives Matter movement and in the fight for reproductive rights for women. When earning my education I vow every day to show up and work as hard as I can despite the prejudice and I will make a change even though it is difficult because it is what fundamentally what people deserve.

My dream is to be able to enact change where it matters and help people that need it, through working in government and participating in activism where ever I can.

A book that changed the trajectory of my life and enlightened me about the realities of systemic racism is Between The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I think equality can only be achieved by education and a change in perspective and Coates makes the reader achieve both of these in strides. Coates writes about a concept he believes to be all-encompassing: race and the American dream. Coates understands that his ideas are challenging to understand from an outside perspective and he deals with the tremendous burden of explaining race to his young son. This is a book of examples and personal experiences tied together with the primary objective of explaining the complexities of living as an African American in the United States which few people understand the complexity of. Coates uses allusions to police brutality to conceptualize the catalyst for writing the book, his young son seeing Trayvon Martin on the news. He primarily focuses on the experience of knowing someone who died unjustly from an encounter with the police and relating it to the unchanging momentum of society and how the descents of slavery are stuck in a parallel system. Coates sees the education system as complicit for not telling the truths of the world and pushing information that is not relevant to his struggles as an African American man. He states that this system of education separates the world by race because education is designed for white children in better neighborhoods with funding. He also says that the relevance of the information is not questioned by white children because it's also designed for them. This connects back to education on a global scale where different countries will teach the history of their nation to their students much as we do, but the difference there is because of the diversity of the United States some narratives get left out like in this case with African American perspectives. I think the message in this book will incentivize people to further their understanding of history from differing perspectives and not focus on the retelling of the victors. I believe this book is very important because discrediting the idea of race as immutable, changes the way that we view history because it opens the idea that the country that some worship is not as pristine as it is perceived to be which is a very important realization.

To say the album entitled '1989' by Dr. Taylor Swift is trendsetting would be an understatement. 1989 was a complete tonal shift from Swift's previous discography. It cannot be denied that the music that Taylor creates is immensely popular and each album has its moment in time but the one that transcends boundaries is 1989. Swift who had previously been restrained to the country genre decided to dive into pop with no contemporary references and made her 2014 album with 80's synthetic pop inspirations. 1989 was a smash hit and remains her most popular album to this day and for good reason. This album is my personal favorite from Swift and I think might be one of the best of the 21st century. The genre and 80s inspiration for the album makes it stand out, but her songwriting takes the cake. Swift who had previously been known for writing about her tumultuous relationships, creates a new narrative that makes the listener engulfed in a world of the ups, downs, friendships, love and hate that comes with being in New York City. My favorite song and one that shapes this narrative perfectly is New Romantics. From the opening measures, Swift creates a world of electricity and the lyrics describe a perspective of finding friendship and persevering despite challenges and prejudice. Swift describes the societal pressure she faces with the line "Cause baby, I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me" (Swift) but then immediately describes her coping and choosing not to accept criticism by saying "And every day is like a battle But every night with us is like a dream" (Swift). The reason this song is so captivating to me is that from the first moment of the song the listener is drawn in with an adrenaline-filled beat and then is persuaded by her to stay when hearing excellent lyricism describing the carefree lifestyle that makes her almost forget her worries. The legacy of pop stardom that Swift cultivated began with the fantastic 1989 album. It was indicative and helped define the culture of the late 2010s. This album stands alone without contemporary references and I firmly believe it will stand the test of time. Swift when presented with media criticism and the allegations of serial dating, made revenge anthems such as Bad Blood and stories of legacy and lost love in Style but the song that encapsulates the messaging of perseverance and freedom that is the cornerstone of 1989 remains New Romantics.

I have a unique perspective as a first-generation Hispanic LGBTQ+ woman. My father is an immigrant from Cuba and has spent my whole life telling me about how he escaped persecution and famine to ensure me better opportunities and a higher quality of life. This is precisely why I value higher education and truly understand how rare the opportunity of quality education is. Both of my parents took more than four years to graduate high school and experienced homelessness so a college degree was never an option for them, but it finally is for me. I have worked tirelessly and have achieved high acclaim in academics and in my community so I can dedicate my life to helping regular people like my parents who have had to overcome so many obstacles and boundaries. I have natural ambition and passion when it comes to Political Science and its applications. I have been a dedicated community member and government intern and intend to dedicate my life to bettering the lives of those affected by the federal government by assisting in passing legislation. I strongly believe that it is the right and responsibility of citizens to advocate for issues they believe in and through my citizenship I have never stopped protesting, volunteering and writing to support organizations and issues that have influence. In seeing my parents struggle and face inequality I have learned that there is a lot of work to be done to make our society a more equitable place. Majoring in Political Science means that I have the opportunity to enact real change for people where it matters. I know that the government is not perfect but it takes dedicated civil servants to tackle the flaws of bureaucracy and take the necessary steps to make a society that represents its citizens. I believe in my high school career I have taken great steps toward demonstrating my passion for equality and civil service. I have completed over two hundred hours of community service in three years. I also chose an internship with the City Of Austin where I worked in community engagement. While with the government I got a taste of life in public service and served people from all around the city regardless of economic status or citizenship. With my degree, I want to continue the work I have started on a larger scale and dedicate my life to helping the misunderstood and unrepresented. I know that it will take more than one Political Science major to turn the tides on gender inequality but I have seen how motivated my generation is for change and not tolerating the mistreatment of marginalized individuals is the baseline of our ideology. I am passionate about making a difference despite what may stand in my way. I want to represent and honor the immigrants that have come before me. I know how valuable education is because I am the first member of my family to have the opportunity and honor of pursuing a college education. I have seen discrimination firsthand as people in my life and my community were not provided the same pathways to education as others surrounding them.

I know that a quality education is the first stepping stone to achieving my dreams and aspirations. a college education is immensely valuable for me because of my unique perspective as a first-generation Hispanic LGBTQ+ woman. My father is an immigrant from Cuba and has spent my whole life telling me about how he escaped persecution and famine to ensure me better opportunities and a higher quality of life. This is precisely why I value higher education and truly understand how rare this opportunity is. Both of my parents took more than four years to graduate high school and experienced homelessness so a college degree was never an option for them, but it finally is for me. I have worked tirelessly and have achieved high acclaim in academics and in my community so I can dedicate my life to helping regular people like my parents who have had to overcome so many obstacles and boundaries. I have natural ambition and passion when it comes to Political Science and its applications. I have been a dedicated community member and government intern and intend to dedicate my life to bettering the lives of those affected by the federal government by assisting in passing legislation. I strongly believe that it is the right and responsibility of citizens to advocate for issues they believe in and through my citizenship I have never stopped protesting, volunteering and writing to support organizations and issues that have influence. During the 2022 summer, I participated in a political internship with the City of Austin. Where I was assigned to the onsight location of The Austin Convention Center. After a series of interviews, I was placed with the Community Engagement Department. This was truly a formative experience for me because I was a government employee, and I received a deep level of insight into what it looks like to serve in a political system. I've wanted to work for the government for a very long time, and this felt like achieving my goals. In a few other high school jobs, teenagers get to see what a typical day in the life of accomplished working-class adults and accomplished political figures. I had the opportunity to meet and work alongside many people in various positions, the most notable to me was the City Manager Spencer Cronk and Mayor Adler. I could do this because of my time working for the government and my dedication to political science, which provided a very insightful perspective and irreplaceable experience.

My passion for equality runs deep. It should go without saying that everyone should aspire to live in a more equitable world but few people have the motivation and drive to attempt change. Majoring in Political Science means that I have the opportunity to enact real change for people where it matters. I know that the government is not perfect but it takes dedicated civil servants to tackle the flaws of bureaucracy and take the necessary steps to make a society that represents its citizens. I believe in my high school career I have taken great steps toward demonstrating my passion for equality and civil service. I have completed over two hundred hours of community service in three years, working with people such as orphans, domestic abuse survivors, and women experiencing homelessness. I also chose an internship with the City Of Austin where I worked in community engagement. While with the government I got a taste of life in public service and served people from all around the city regardless of economic status and gender. With my degree, I want to continue the work I have started on a larger scale and dedicate my life to helping the misunderstood and unrepresented. Government is a male-dominated field and politics has not been kind to women in the past. I know that it will take more than one Political Science major to turn the tides on gender inequality but I have seen how motivated my generation is for change and not tolerating the mistreatment of marginalized individuals is the baseline of our ideology. I know this to be a fact because I have protested alongside my peers for issues such as The Black Lives Matter movement and in the fight for reproductive rights for women. When earning my education I vow every day to show up and work as hard as I can despite the prejudice against me as a first-generation Latina LGBTQ+ woman because I am passionate about making a difference despite what may stand in my way. I want to represent and honor the women that have come before me. I know how valuable education is because I am the first member of my family to have the opportunity and honor of pursuing a college education. I have seen discrimination firsthand as women in my life and my community were not provided the same pathways to education as the men surrounding them.