Family is more than where I come from, it is the foundation of who I am. The values, sacrifices, and lessons passed down to me have shaped how I see the world and guided the goals I hold for my future. Their story is one of resilience, creativity, and service, and it has taught me that pursuing a career is not just about personal success, but about carrying forward the spirit of those who shaped me. One of the most influential figures in my life was my grandfather. After years of hard work while moving to a new country, he was no longer the loud, boastful man my father described, but a quiet soul with tough hands who always fixed my posture while I drew. He was my greatest supporter, encouraging me to believe in my abilities and pursue my passions wholeheartedly. When he passed away, I realized how deeply his words had taken root. Even in his absence, I carry his lessons, about perseverance, pride in my Peruvian identity, and the responsibility of using one’s gifts to uplift others. His belief in me inspired my own belief that art can be more than a hobby; it can be a meaningful career path that influences and inspires others. My parents also shaped my values. Showing me that hard work and compassion are inseparable. From them, I learned that success is not measured only by achievement, but by how your efforts touch the lives of others. Through their sacrifices for my education and their service to our community, they instilled in me the belief that we are responsible not just for ourselves, but for those around us. At the same time, my family’s story has taught me that self-expression is not a luxury, it is a necessity. My love for painting and design stems from both a need to process emotions and a desire to celebrate my Peruvian heritage. Growing up in bilingual spaces, I was drawn to moments of duality, where tradition meets modernity, and where art carries meaning that language sometimes cannot. Through color, pattern, and storytelling, I weave pieces of my culture into my art, whether it’s the warmth of family gatherings, the rhythms of traditions, or the strength of our history. What motivates me most is the chance to represent communities that are often overlooked. I have seen how moved people are when they feel truly seen in a piece of art. When someone points and smiles at a painting I created in reference to Hispanic culture, whether it be a blanket, a textile, or a home remedy, that moment makes every late night worth it. My art has become a bridge, grief turns to healing, joy to euphoria, and conversations begin between people who might otherwise never connect. My family has encouraged this journey at every step, reminding me that creativity can be a form of service when it comforts, inspires, or unites others. With this scholarship, I hope to carry this spirit into my first year as a student at Rhode Island School of Design and beyond by using art as a form of cultural bridge building. Creating work that honors underrepresented voices, particularly immigrants and first-generation youth who, like me, live between two cultures. My family’s resilience and belief in me have shaped not only who I am, but also who I hope to become. Their sacrifices remind me that my dreams are part of a larger family journey, one I am proud to carry forward through my art.