As a first-generation immigrant and resident of New York City, I have developed a deep appreciation for the power of education and culture. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I witnessed firsthand how access to quality education is a privilege that many do not have. This is why, having moved to NYC, I embraced countless educational opportunities that would have been unattainable back home, from internships to public research libraries and youth groups. My journey has not been without challenges. Moving to a new country with only my mother and older brother taught me resilience and the value of perseverance. I come from a place where professional opportunities are scarce, thus, living in New York has allowed me to harness my educational abilities despite the systemic barriers I have faced being an immigrant in a low-income household. These experiences shaped my understanding of the emotional and financial burdens many families endure. The sense of isolation I felt during those times has fueled my determination to advocate for others and make a difference within my community. Through my volunteer work in my building’s community room—distributing food, toys, and clothing during the holidays—I have seen the impact of providing hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to families who might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience these traditions. These efforts go beyond just meeting basic needs; they embody my commitment to serving others and making a lasting positive impact. Thus, as a prospective Clinical Psychology major, I am drawn to Universities with a focus on social justice and community engagement. I’m excited to dive into research areas like the impact of systemic inequities on mental health, aligning directly with my personal experiences and academic goals. I am eager to be part of a college community that challenges me to think critically and prepares me to advocate for those who need it most. However, despite my academic aspirations, my family’s financial situation presents a significant challenge. My mother is the sole breadwinner in our home, and we live paycheck to paycheck. She will be unable to contribute financially toward my education. I want to help my family rise above the constraints of our financial circumstances, but even with assistance from FAFSA and merit-based aid, studying at a quality institution would place a heavy strain on my family’s income. My dream of attending college and pursuing a career where I can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others often feels at odds with the reality of my family’s economic situation. I am committed to helping my family rise above the constraints of our financial circumstances. I want to ensure that my younger brother and future generations don’t have to face the same barriers. However, the weight of this responsibility makes it even more difficult to navigate the balance between my educational goals and the harsh financial realities we face.

As a first-generation immigrant and resident of New York City, I have developed a deep appreciation for the power of education and culture. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I witnessed firsthand how access to quality education is a privilege that many do not have. This is why, having moved to NYC, I embraced countless educational opportunities that would have been unattainable back home, from internships to public research libraries and youth groups. My journey has not been without challenges. Moving to a new country with only my mother and older brother taught me resilience and the value of perseverance. I come from a place where professional opportunities are scarce, thus, living in New York has allowed me to harness my educational abilities despite the systemic barriers I have faced being an immigrant in a low-income household. These experiences shaped my understanding of the emotional and financial burdens many families endure. The sense of isolation I felt during those times has fueled my determination to advocate for others and make a difference within my community. Through my volunteer work in my building’s community room—distributing food, toys, and clothing during the holidays—I have seen the impact of providing hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging to families who might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience these traditions. These efforts go beyond just meeting basic needs; they embody my commitment to serving others and making a lasting positive impact. Thus, as a prospective Clinical Psychology major, I am drawn to Universities with a focus on social justice and community engagement. I’m excited to dive into research areas like the impact of systemic inequities on mental health, aligning directly with my personal experiences and academic goals. I am eager to be part of a college community that challenges me to think critically and prepares me to advocate for those who need it most.