Being a first-generation college student means carrying both opportunity and responsibility. As the daughter of Peruvian immigrants, I was raised by parents and grandparents who left behind familiarity in exchange for the hope that each generation after them would have a better life. Their sacrifices gave me opportunities they never had, and because of that, I have never viewed education as something to take for granted. Every accomplishment I achieve is my way of honoring everything they worked for. The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been navigating a path no one in my family could guide me through. My parents encouraged every dream I had, but they couldn’t tell me how to build an art portfolio, apply to one of the nation’s top art schools, or prepare for a career in design because they had never experienced those opportunities themselves. I learned to seek out mentors, ask questions, and create opportunities wherever I could. That determination led me to the Rhode Island School of Design, where I completed my first year on the Honor Roll while adapting to unfamiliar materials, demanding studio courses, and a completely new environment. I also pushed myself beyond the classroom by becoming an illustrator for Brown University’s student newspaper and working as a communications intern for DownCity Design, a nonprofit that uses design to create equitable opportunities for children and Rhode Island communities. This schedule was tiring but I am happy to be tired because I wholeheartedly love everything that I’m doing. These experiences have strengthened my skills as a designer while showing me the impact thoughtful design can have on people. They have confirmed my dream of becoming an art director, creating visual campaigns that connect with people and tell meaningful stories. I often think about the excitement on my family’s faces when they see a painting I’ve completed, a mural I’ve helped create, or an illustration published in print. Those moments remind me why I work so hard. My dream is that one day I’ll be able to point to a billboard, a company logo, or a national advertising campaign and tell them, “I helped create that.” That achievement will belong to all of us because it was built on their sacrifices as much as my own effort. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of attending art school and allow me to continue pursuing internships, professional opportunities, and creative projects that prepare me for a career in design. As a first-generation student, I hope my journey shows future generations of my family that no dream is out of reach when it is met with gratitude, resilience, and determination.

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.