A pencil is much lighter than a shovel. These words are my grandpa’s constant reminder as to why an education is so important. Coming from a third world country, the Dominican Republic, where opportunities are limited and one can only advance in life if financially superior; my family and I migrated to the United States in the search for the “American Dream.” The possibility to succeed and establish a lifestyle which seems foreign, almost like a dream, to those individuals coming from where I came from. The possibility of actually being paid in return for your sacrifices and your hard efforts, and being able to reach for the intangible. Education has always been a priority. Since my parents and past relatives never received any type of former college education, they comprehend the struggles that come along not having a degree. Having to conform with the bare minimum, having to endure racism and harsh critics, having to complete undesirable tasks, and having to live with the fact that there’s more as to what they could’ve accomplished regarding their lives. Through my accomplishments, I’m able to fulfill my family’s dreams and goals, and set an example for future generations. Not only do I represent myself, but also my family’s sacrifices. Whether it’s by enrolling in numerous different AP and honor classes since my freshman year, in order to enhance my knowledge and to take advantage of something which wasn’t offered to me in the past. Or, it’s by joining diverse clubs and organizations to cultivate an understanding of different communities, hardships, and backgrounds. Or, it’s by using technological opportunities, which were nonexistent, to simplify the learning process. Or, it’s the act of simply being able to go to a nearby library, or even classroom, to grab a book in order to further expand your knowledge. Such things can often, and easily, be taken for granted. Nonetheless, like many often claim, “You have to know what it feels like to have nothing in order to appreciate when you have something.” After high school, I plan to attend a four-year university and major in Political Science. Due to personal experiences battling racism and inequalities since a young age, I have developed a deep interest in issues like gender equality, race inequities, and economic disparities. Since a young age, I’ve been inclined to helping those in need, which is probably why I’ve always been a part of so many community-based organizations. As a colored woman, I understand the many struggles which many communities face. The reality of inequality and discrimination. Through my high school years, I’ve played a part in improving such discriminatory environments by joining several community service organizations, creating and presenting extensive presentations to school classes on the issues of systemic racism, by creating a donation system to children working at the border, and so on. Eventually, I plan on receiving a degree in law, and continue on helping the community as a lawyer. As a first generation student, by accomplishing such a goal, I will not only be representing my hard efforts but also my family’s. I will be representing their many sacrifices, the dreams they put on hold to prioritize my own, and the many hardships they’ve faced. Such scholarship, financial assistance, will allow me to make a difference. To make such dreams into a reality.

“Un lápiz es mucho más liviano que una pala,” or as it translates, “A pencil is much lighter than a shovel.” These words are my grandpa’s constant reminder as to why an education is so important. Coming from a third world country, the Dominican Republic, where opportunities are limited and one can only advance in life if financially superior; my family and I migrated to the United States in the search for the “American Dream.” The possibility to succeed and establish a lifestyle which seems foreign, almost like a dream, to those individuals coming from where I came from. The possibility of actually being paid in return for your sacrifices and your hard efforts, and being able to reach for the intangible. Education has always been a priority. Since my parents and past relatives never received any type of former college education, they comprehend the struggles that come along not having a degree. Having to conform with the bare minimum, having to endure racism and harsh critics, having to complete undesirable tasks, and having to live with the fact that there’s more as to what they could’ve accomplished regarding their lives. Through my accomplishments, I’m able to fulfill my family’s dreams and goals, and set an example for future generations. Not only do I represent myself, but also my family’s sacrifices. Whether it’s by enrolling in numerous different AP and honor classes since my freshman year, in order to enhance my knowledge and to take advantage of something which wasn’t offered to me in the past. Or, it’s by joining diverse clubs and organizations to cultivate an understanding of different communities, hardships, and backgrounds. Or, it’s by using technological opportunities, which were nonexistent, to simplify the learning process. Or, it’s the act of simply being able to go to a nearby library, or even classroom, to grab a book in order to further expand your knowledge. Such things can often, and easily, be taken for granted. Nonetheless, like many often claim, “You have to know what it feels like to have nothing in order to appreciate when you have something.” After high school, I plan to attend a four-year university and major in Political Science. Since a young age, I’ve been inclined to helping those in need, which is probably why I’ve always been a part of so many community-based organizations. As a colored woman, I understand the many struggles which many communities face. The reality of inequality and discrimination. Through my high school years, I’ve played a part in improving such discriminatory environments by joining several community service organizations, creating and presenting extensive presentations to school classes on the issues of systemic racism, by creating a donation system to children working at the border, and so on. Eventually, I plan on receiving a degree in law, and continue on helping the community as a lawyer. As a first generation student, by accomplishing such a goal, I will not only be representing my hard efforts but also my family’s. I will be representing their many sacrifices, the dreams they put on hold to prioritize my own, and the many hardships they’ve faced.

The importance of helping those in need was established in my life from a young age. Coming from a third world country, the Dominican Republic, and a family who barely managed to make ends meet; I understand the struggles that come along being in a position of need. Despite the fact that my family has never done the best economically wise, I was raised by having an understanding that there’s always someone who is less fortunate. Having such a mentality, I’ve always been inclined towards helping others. Whether it’s a big or small change, some impact can always be created. To create change, one has to acknowledge places that lack such utensils and strive towards improvement. Due to personal experiences battling racism and inequalities since a young age, I have developed a deep interest in issues like gender equality, race inequities, and economic disparities. As a colored woman, I understand the many struggles which many communities face. The reality of inequality and discrimination. Through my high school years, I’ve played a part in improving such discriminatory environments by joining several community service organizations, creating and presenting extensive presentations to high school classes on the issues of systemic racism, by creating a donation system to children working at the border, and so on. I’ve joined organizations such as Jurupa Youth United, Youth Advisory Council, AYSO Community Service, and so on, in order to develop a deeper understanding of my community. In addition, I also hold other leadership positions in other organizations like my school’s AVID program, where I am the president, Link Crew, Interact Club, Black Student Union Club, Feminist Club, Film Club, Book Club, and so on. Nevertheless, such acts of services have not only allowed me to learn about my community, but also myself. Through such organizations, I found my passion for social justice and my future calling in law so that I can help the underserved. I plan on attending a four year university in order to accomplish this goal. As a first generation student, by accomplishing such a goal, I will not only be representing my hard efforts but also my family’s. I will be representing their many sacrifices, the dreams they put on hold to prioritize my own, and the many hardships they’ve faced. In my family, college is like the golden ticket to success. Since they were never able to pursue an education of their own, they comprehend the struggles of not having a degree. Nonetheless, exposing myself to such community service opportunities, enabled me to truly comprehend the impact of service in a community. However, it also allowed me to open several doors and truly learn about the person I am, and wish to eventually become.