"The mother is the first teacher of the child. The message she gives that child, that child gives to the world.” These are the words of Malcolm X. These words embodies the relationship and views I have of my mother. I was born and raised in Belize, Central America by mother. While living there, she was a police officer while also doing her best to take care of my siblings and I. I have always watched and learned so many things from my mom. She attempted to attend college but later dropped out because of the cost. Not once have I seen her allow that failed attempt to define her as a person or what she can actually achieve in her life. We later moved to the United States in 2017. She took some training courses to become a CNA. This is one way that I have noticed whereby she still attempted some sort of schooling after dropping out. My mother has always been the one to show me that above everything, perseverance is key when navigating life. She continues to show this through her actions and also emotional support. Her being a single mother has impacted me in many great ways. Too many great ways to the point where it is hard for me to point out the cons of having a single mother. One great way that this has impacted me is through my character development throughout the years. My mother is the most selfless person I know. She would use her last in order to provide and support those in need. It does not matter how many issues she might have to go through in order to help those around, she will make a wat to do so. This trait of hers has allowed me to slowly grow into a selfless person and always help those in need whenever I am able to. Another lesson that I have learned from her is that while you are constantly supporting those in need, make time for yourself. My mother always seem to find time to spend time with herself in order to power up and be in a better mood. Like the quote in my introduction, my mother is indeed my first teacher. She was the first person to teach and show me what perseverance looks like. She was the first person to teach me that my education is important. She was the first person to teach me that having manners will get you far in life. Most importantly, she was the first to show me what genuine support really feels like. No matter, the choices that I make, my mother is always there to support me. The quote also stated, "the message she gives that child, the child gives to the world". This is a very important part for many reasons. One reason being the fact that indeed, I will use my mother's lesson of perseverance to impact the world. Not only the world as a whole, but going back home to share opportunities and knowledge I will receive here in the United States. I will use her lesson of selflessness to always help when it is needed. Overall, my mom being a single mother has impacted me in ways that I will forever be grateful for. Lastly, her character will continue to inspire me to be great and touch those around me with the kindness of my heart.

"You can always join college later in life, try joining the military as soon as possible". Those were the words of a family member after I graduated high school in 2021. Being born and raised in Belize, Central America, life was not always easy to navigate. It is indeed a beautiful country where you can have a peace of mind as a tourist. However, as a citizen, specifically a resident, it takes a lot of trials and so many errors in order to actually make something of yourself. Attending high school is expensive, regardless if it is public or private. There is a huge percentage of adults with their Master's degree that are still finding it more than difficult to find jobs. When I moved to the United States in 2017, I was happy that I would be able to attend public school free of charge. I was also excited at the fact that my mom was able to find a job that can sustain us as a family. I continued my studies and during my senior year of high school I was able to start my part time job at a grocery store. As a Belizean teen I was super excited for this. I was excited because there would have been a low percent chance of me getting a job at that age, if I was still living back home. During that same year, which was 2021, I was able to successfully graduate high school. In fall of 2021, I attended college which I would say is my greatest accomplishment to date. I remember when I was around seven years old my mother started to attend college in Belize. I remember being so excited and proud of her. This is because she was a police officer, while trying to also juggle in-person education and also taking care of her children. Unfortunately, she later dropped out before completing her first year. It was too expensive to attend and she could not afford it. This is one of the reasons behind my academic drive. I am also driven by the children back home who are unable to attend post-secondary education due to the cost and lack of career opportunities after college contribute to that. The lack of career opportunities really do discouraged many from even attending college. This accomplishment of mine might seem common to those living in the United States, however it is a huge achievement in mine and my family's eyes. I have learned so many things about myself during this process of attending college while also working part-time. I have learned that I am someone who is persistent. No matter the obstacles and personal issues I might face, I am always willing to continue. I have also learned that when I want to accomplish something, I always place strict focus on it in order to complete it. These lessons that I have learned about myself have shaped me into the person I am today. They have also shaped me into someone who is determined to complete college. Contributing and offering better career path opportunities after post secondary education in Belize is what I would love to achieve. Before anything, I will aim to complete college and start a career within my study field. This will allow me to go back home and be an actual example to those that would need assistance with doing the same. I hope to open up new career opportunities for children in need in Belize. Leading the youths by great example is one of my top goals. Finding the quickest route to gain money or achieve certain goals is not always the best choice. So to that family member, no I will not join the military in order to just gain money or reach somewhere in life quicker. I will persevere through every step of the way in order to finish college. I am doing this for my mother, the children back home, and most importantly; Belize.