I can proudly say my mother has been my number-one hero throughout my whole life. Seeing this scholarship made me light up since I know there's lots to say about her. Ever since we lived in Honduras she was always looking for ways to improve my and my siblings' lives. So much so that when she got the opportunity to bring us to the United States she took it. She took the opportunity without the support of my father, he did not give her one cent. She was essentially on her own with little support from my grandma and aunts. My mother would leave me and my siblings with my grandma while she went out to look for work. At one point my grandma had enough so my mom took me and my siblings to move from Houston to Miami. We practically lived in her car at one point living off mc chickens from McDonald's since she couldn't afford much. We eventually ended up living in Charlotte NC with one of my aunts and my mother's stepmom. My mom was finally able to find work and afford a little apartment! My mom would sleep on the couch since there were only two rooms and she wanted me and my siblings to sleep comfortably. She would work nights but would still sacrifice her sleep in the day to take us out and hang out with us. She never made us feel like work was more important to her, she was always present. After a few months, we found out the apartment was infested with roaches and in addition to that my sister, who was in high school, was skipping school and misbehaving. She also acknowledged that I came home with headaches every day due to the kids in my school being loud and bad. She worked as hard as she could to finally move us to a better area in Charlotte. She managed to move us to an area where my sister improved in school and I felt more comfortable. She always supported what I wanted out of school and she also helped me by giving me a leadership role in her company while I was at my lowest due to my waiting to become a citizen. I couldn't work anywhere and she allowed me to grow while I waited to be able to study again. I know my mom will always be there for me now that I'm starting my journey to start college, her support has taught me to be strong, patient and kind.

Walking isn't everyone's first choice of transportation when getting from place to place of course. When you have the choice to decide between walking or driving most people will choose driving to make their lives easier. I choose walking because I know it's the best option for the environment. I walk every day from and to work or if I have any errands to run. I have the privilege of living in a safe neighborhood and I do not have any health problems that stop me from choosing the most environmentally friendly choice. I like to also pick up any trash I come across outside, the trash in my neighborhood is eaten by squirrels and geese so I like to pick it up before they mistake the trash for food. Anytime I go to the beach I keep myself aware to pick up any trash as well because of how it has affected the ocean. Over the past year, I have become aware of how badly the environment has been affected over the years and how scientists who try to warn us about climate change are pushed to the side. We are taught about pollution and climate change in school but it feels like as we get older it's something that can get talked about less and less. I believe it's one of if not the MOST important things we can think about right now. If we don't take care of our planet then nothing else will matter since the earth will be unlivable for us all. I also think it's important to remember that even though not everyone around you will do the same, you should still do your part. Just one person helping and being aware is enough because it can set an example for those who weren't aware before. I will continue to do my part be that by walking, cycling or skateboarding places I know I can make without polluting the planet. I will continue to pick up trash and make sure other people are aware of how badly it affects our environment. Climate activists can sometimes be seen in a bad light just like those scientists who try to warn us but in the end, they have a reason. They are the ones warning us and if those who listen do their part then we know that we tried to make a difference to stop climate change.

Caption: "I think that's enough derp for today!" Instagram- __yadira.s Pet Name- Maya