I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today, I am a 18-year-old college student tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

Todos los momentos historicos tienen algo en comun: son dirigidos por personas de gran valentia. Yo naci en Estados Unidos, pero mi familia es de origen Dominicana. Somos de una provincia que es la mas pequeña del pais, pero que es punto clave de una gran historia Dominicana. Esta historia, que dejo gran huellas en la vida del pueblo dominicano, fue el cruel asesinato de las Hermanas Mirabal por el gobierno del Dictador Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Las Hermanas Mirabal, quienes le pusieron de sobrenombre Las Mariposas, fueron activistas que lucharon contra la dictadura de Trujillo, quien devasto el pais por mas de 30 años. Las Hermanas, junto a sus esposos, organizaban grupos quienes hacian reuniones clandestinas y eventos de resistencia a la dictadura. Ellos fueron el blanco del dictador por ser revolucionarios en tiempos que Trujillo tenia el pais dominado por su gobierno, tal cual que todas las casas debian portar un cuadro con su fotografia y el decir del pais era "Dios en el Cielo, Trujillo en la Tierra." A pesar de todos los intentos que Trujillo y su gobierno hicieron de detener la rebellion del moviemiento de Las Hermanas Mirabal y sus grupos revolucionarios, ellas continuaron luchando y nunca se rindieron por que ellas sabian que el pais se merecia ser libre de la dictadura de Trujillo. Las Hermanas Mirabal fueron asesinadas por su valentia y su perseverancia. La leccion que aprendimos en el tiempo de la dictadura Dominicana en el siglo pasado que podemos aplicar a lo que estamos viviendo hoy en dia en los Estados Unidos es que hay que tener valentia y perseverancia para levantar la voz en contra de las injusticias. Quiza no estemos enfrentando dictaduras en los Estados Unidos, pero hay muchas cosas que pasan en el gobierno que pudieran mejorar. Asi como las Hermanas Mirabal se organizaron y se opusieron a la dictadura de Trujillo, asi se puede crear un grupo de personas capazes de enfrentar al gobierno actual para que no imponga leyes contra los derechos de las mujeres, de los imigrantes, de las personas LGBTQIA+ o de cualquier grupo de personas que se encuentren sin voz en el actual gobierno estadounidense. Todos los momentos historicos son dirigidos por personas que tiene una vision por un mundo mejor y entienden que eso no se puede lograr si no se levantan a pelear por el mundo que querien establecer para el presente y para el futuro.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather Highschool of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother grew up in the Heights and my father immigrated here from the Dominican Republic. I myself have adopted a blend of both cultures. I believe that my current interests and future intentions make me a good fit to become an influential person in STEAM. Living in an urban area such as the Bronx you don't get much exposure to natural elements except for an occasional sidewalk tree. I want to change that. I want to be the person to bring more natural elements to urban areas not just for ambiance but for our environment. I walk down the street and see a similar shade of grey and brown and it feels bland and tiring. I want to learn to become a landscape architect. I want to bring color to unlikely areas with horticulture. If I go to a college that provides me with the resources needed to pursue this career, I will be able to shape the future that I dream of one day seeing. I want to do my part as a working-class citizen and impact our society while doing so. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard as a cook here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively.

I have two titles, a high school graduate and an incoming college freshman. I have one month left before I have to say goodbye to my family, my friends, and the city I grew up in. As my move in day gets closer It feels like I should have given myself more time to prepare for the financial aspect of college but nothing could have prepared me for this. I was excited to jump right in to my college life but instead I am stressing over a large number that I cannot reach in one month. It is overwhelming because I know that I cannot achieve it on my own. I get frustrated when I cant achieve things on my own and I get embarrassed asking for help. From a young age I was raised to figure things out on my own. However, I am reaching out because I need to. I need to step out of my comfort zone to achieve the goals I have planned for my life. This scholarship support will help build the foundation to my education. I will be going to SUNY Cobleskill, my major will be Landscape management, and I plan to become a landscape architect. At some point, I dream of owning land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and designing areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals because I need to be knowledgeable enough to manage a business and design landscapes for others. I have experience in visual arts such as painting but I have yet to learn about designing in the construction field. Going to a proper college, which can assist me in navigating the construction field, will be the key to my success. I will work tirelessly day and night in said college with my dreams in mind. I want to prove stereotypes wrong and I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work. The only thing that could potentially stop me are the expenses. I do not want the expenses to get in the way of my success. I have such big plans for myself that I do not want to go to waste because of what I lack now. There are some things that people really do need help in and I see that now. I understand I should not be ashamed or embarrassed for asking for help because if I was able to help someone else I would do it in a heartbeat. I ask that my application and all other applications are reviewed with care and I thank you for granting such an amazing opportunity for students in need.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 17-year-old senior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 17-year-old senior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 17-year-old senior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

People have diverse ways of showing love. This is known as love languages. The 5 main love languages are quality time, Acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, and gift giving. I do my best to apply at least one of these love languages to every relationship I partake in. Sometimes my kindness is taken for weakness. I had a friend in high school that would come to school with knotted and dry hair. He slowly became one of my best friends and I offered to learn how to braid so he would have a protective style. Kids often made fun of him for his appearance and his unhygienic demeanor. It always upset me because they have no right to make fun of or point out things not knowing the circumstances behind it. When I went to his house for the first time his family would say his hair is ¨unmanageable¨ and ¨wild¨ and that it would be better to just shave it off. They never bothered learning how to style it. I would go to his house once a week and I progressively got better at braiding. Regardless of the late night walks I took home by myself, the mornings I over slept, the aching pain and cuts on my fingers, the money spent on products, I kept helping my friend because it made him happy. He would show up to school feeling fresh and would always ask people if they liked his hair and say I helped him do it. I saw a change in his confidence and attitude. I braided love into every single braid that I did for him. I´m just glad that my efforts were acknowledged, that´s all I wanted in return. But as I said before my kindness was taken for weakness. We ended up not being friends anymore. It hurt but its not stopping me from showing my kindness to someone else who deserves it and needs it. I will never stop showing my love in any relationship I partake in, even after old and failed attempts. I know that its not my fault if my kindness is taken for granted. I just know i´m responsible for how I carry myself through life and how that can impact others positively, not negatively. I may have only done small acts of kindness in my life so far but I plan to broaden the spectrum of what I can do to help others. My career will be in landscape architecture. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. Just a patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project, I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big because of my impact on it. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction and I hope to become a helpful figure in that field once I finish college.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather Highschool of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother grew up in the Heights and my father immigrated here from the Dominican Republic. I myself have adopted a blend of both cultures. I believe that my current interests and future intentions make me a good fit to become an influential person in STEAM. Living in an urban area such as the Bronx you don't get much exposure to natural elements except for an occasional sidewalk tree. I want to change that. I want to be the person to bring more natural elements to urban areas not just for ambiance but for our environment. I walk down the street and see a similar shade of grey and brown and it feels bland and tiring. I want to learn to become a landscape architect. I want to bring color to unlikely areas with horticulture. If I go to a college that provides me with the resources needed to pursue this career, I will be able to shape the future that I dream of one day seeing. I want to do my part as a working-class citizen and impact our society while doing so. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard as a cook here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively.

I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles, to give me a better life, worth it. At some point, I dream of owning land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and designing areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals because I need to be knowledgeable enough to manage a business and design landscapes for others. I have experience in visual arts such as painting but I have yet to learn about designing in the construction field. Going to a proper college, which can assist me in navigating the construction field, will be the key to my success. I will work tirelessly day and night in said college with my dreams in mind. The desired scenario would be me living where I study. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. My mother was born in the Bronx and has her master's degree in teaching and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to doubt that I would be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. After all, I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I've participated in extracurriculars, advanced placement classes, internships, volunteer work, and even NJROTC to build up my college applications. It's been difficult keeping up with all these things and also maintaining a good grade point average but so far I've stayed motivated because of the prize I have yet to win. My future. It will all be worth it once I achieve my dreams.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather High School of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother grew up in the Heights and my father immigrated here from the Dominican Republic. I myself have adopted a blend of both cultures. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard as a cook here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I sometimes doubt that I will be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. My mother was born here in the Bronx New York and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive.

When I was 11 I was sitting on a park bench looking at my peers. My friends had gone up to this boy named Adrian. I saw they were looking at me while they exchanged words. I had obviously picked up on the social cues that they were talking about me. My mind started to wander until Adrian started walking towards me. My eyes were locked onto him but he couldn't look me in the eyes for some reason beyond my understanding. The girls were still talking amongst themselves and I wondered if they knew my secret. When Adrian finally makes it to my bench he says ¨I don´t like you that way¨ and scurries away obviously nervous from his own words. I sighed out of relief. I had thought the girls sent him to tell me that Liah didnt like me and they all felt uncomfortable being friends with a lesbian. Today I look back at that experience and I believe thats what started my self exploration. It was playground antics. I identified as a lesbian from then on. Liah did actually end up liking me back and she was my first love for one whole month. After we broke up I was single until sophmore year of high school. Suprisingly, when a boy told me ¨you should try men atleast once¨ I fell for it. He took advantage of my lack of experience, and my eagerness to explore my sexuality by suggesting that only sexual acts will let me know if I was attracted to men. That relationship also lasted only one month. I ended up finding healthier relationships, men and women, and came to the conclusion that I was Pansexual. I used to get pride flag banners to put in my room. I changed my flag 3 times. Lesbian, bisexual, and pansexual flags. Today I have a banner of my favorite studio ghibli movie. Not just cause my identity´s forever changing and I dont want to switch the flags all the time, but also because my mother was uncomfortable having guests in my room because of it. My parents went through what I like to call the stages of grief but no death involved, just a queer kid. My mother said it was a phase and ¨I couldn´t decide till I was 15¨ but I think she just needed 4 years of grieving until she could accept me. I ended up buying a coming out cake on my 15th birthday. Half of my family didn´t understand the word gay because they only speak Spanish but the other half caught on very quickly. The half that didnt understand still dont know to this day because no one thought it to be relevant enough to be explained. Ever since 9th grade id been apart of my high school´s Love is Love club and this year Ive been given the title of leader, Ive volunteered at pride parades, attended GSA summits, and Ive held educational meetings about my community. I hope and know that I will continue to give back to my community in more everlasting ways once I go to college. The college is called SUNY Cobleskill and I will soon be an avid member in its community while also studying landscape architecture. I plan on dorming and my parents believe that ¨Since I want to go be independent I'll have no problem paying for my own bills¨ also realistically my mother cant afford it. So I have been applying to as many scholarships as possible. Thank you for reading and I hope to be a candidate.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather High School of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother was raised similarly but my father migrated here from the Dominican Republic. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard, as a cook, here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in architecture and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I will pursue my passion of becoming an architect. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals.

I took a trip to Saratoga in New York State volunteering to help out with trail work, I stayed over there for a week camping. I was able to learn to cook and build a tent and survive in the wild for a week with no roof over my head while I rested. The trail work we did was by hand. Our goal was to grow more of a certain grass species in that area because it was a historic site that originally was dominated by that species. Our first step was to remove the granite pebbles covering the trail using a shovel, a metal rake, and a wheelbarrow. We immediately formed a system and our teamwork was what got us through the process. After shoveling and rolling out piles of the pebbles the landscape was left with just a dry soil path. Our next assignment was to place new soil on the trail evenly using the same tools. It was a tedious process and the sun was beating down on me. Eventually, the hard part was finished and all we had to do next was sprinkle grass seeds on the soil and protect those seeds by covering them with hay. Now I'm back home and our supervisor still sends me pictures of how the trail is coming along slowly but surely to congratulate our hard work. I showed responsibility because I woke up every morning at 5 a.m. to make breakfast and lunch for everyone. I collaborated with my peers, I showed craftsmanship, I was conscientious and aware, and I took positive risks. This will be helpful for my future and my career goals because I aspire to be a landscape architect and to become one I need to be responsible, collaborative, crafty, conscientious, aware, and a positive risk-taker. Embarking on a journey to Saratoga in New York State, I immersed myself in a week-long camping adventure while volunteering for trail work. The wilderness became my classroom, teaching me essential survival skills such as cooking, tent-building, and adapting to life without shelter. Our mission was to revive a historic site dominated by a specific grass species. Armed with shovels, metal rakes, and wheelbarrows, our team's hands-on approach began with the removal of granite pebbles that veiled the trail. Our collaborative efforts transformed the landscape, leaving behind a dry soil path as a blank canvas for restoration. The scorching sun bore down on us as we meticulously spread soil on the trail, employing the same tools that had cleared the path. The arduous process tested our teamwork and perseverance. With the groundwork laid, our focus shifted to fostering the growth of the targeted grass species. Sprinkling grass seeds onto the prepared soil, we meticulously covered them with hay to shield them against the elements. As I reflect on the challenging yet rewarding experience, it's evident that our collective dedication shaped the trail's metamorphosis. Returning home, the connection persists as our supervisor shares progress pictures, a testament to the impact of our hard work. Beyond the physical labor, I demonstrated responsibility by rising at 5 a.m. to prepare breakfast and lunch for the team. Collaborating with peers, exhibiting craftsmanship, maintaining conscientiousness, and taking positive risks were ingrained in the fabric of our daily activities. This transformative journey serves as a foundation for my future aspirations as a landscape architect. The experience underscored the importance of responsibility, collaboration, craftsmanship, conscientiousness, awareness, and positive risk-taking – qualities essential for success in my chosen career path.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 17-year-old senior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 17-year-old senior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather High School of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother was raised similarly but my father migrated here from the Dominican Republic. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard, as a cook, here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in architecture and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I will pursue my passion of becoming an architect. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather High School of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard, as a cook, here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in architecture and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles, to give me a better life, worth it. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I will pursue my passion of becoming an architect. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 16-year-old junior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard, as a cook, here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in architecture and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I sometimes doubt that I will be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. My mother was born here in the Bronx New York and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I will pursue my passion of becoming an architect.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather High School of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother grew up in the Heights and my father immigrated here from the Dominican Republic. I myself have adopted a blend of both cultures. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard as a cook here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I sometimes doubt that I will be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. My mother was born here in the Bronx New York and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive.

I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles, to give me a better life, worth it. At some point, I dream of owning land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and designing areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals because I need to be knowledgeable enough to manage a business and design landscapes for others. I have experience in visual arts such as painting but I have yet to learn about designing in the construction field. Going to a proper college, which can assist me in navigating the construction field, will be the key to my success. I will work tirelessly day and night in said college with my dreams in mind. The desired scenario would be me living where I study. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. My mother was born in the Bronx New York and has her master's degree in teaching and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to doubt that I would be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. After all, I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I've participated in extracurriculars, advanced placement classes, internships, volunteer work, and even NJROTC to build up my college applications. It's been difficult keeping up with all these things and also maintaining a good grade point average but so far I've stayed motivated because of the prize I haven't even won yet. My future. It will all be worth it once I achieve my dreams.

I took a trip to Saratoga in New York State volunteering to help out with trail work, I stayed over there for a week camping. I was able to learn to cook and build a tent and survive in the wild for a week with no roof over my head while I rested. The trail work we did was by hand. The trail work that we did was by hand. Our goal was to grow more of a certain grass species in that area because it was a historic site that originally was dominated by that species. Our first step was to remove the granite pebbles covering the trail using a shovel, a metal rake, and a wheelbarrow. We immediately formed a system and our teamwork was what got us through the process. After shoveling and rolling out piles of the pebbles the landscape was left with just a dry soil path. Our next assignment was to place soil on the trail evenly using the same tools. It was a tedious process and the sun was beating down on me. Eventually, the hard part was finished and all we had to do next was sprinkle grass seeds on the soil and protect those seeds by covering them with hay. Now I'm back home and our supervisor still sends me pictures of how the trail is coming along slowly but surely to congratulate our hard work. I showed responsibility because I woke up every morning at 5 a.m. to make breakfast and lunch for everyone. I collaborated with my peers, I showed craftsmanship, I was conscientious and aware, and I took positive risks. This will be helpful for my future and my career goals because I aspire to be a landscape architect and to become one I need to be responsible, collaborative, crafty, conscientious, aware, and a positive risk-taker. Embarking on a journey to Saratoga in New York State, I immersed myself in a week-long camping adventure while volunteering for trail work. The wilderness became my classroom, teaching me essential survival skills such as cooking, tent-building, and adapting to life without shelter. Our mission was to revive a historic site dominated by a specific grass species. Armed with shovels, metal rakes, and wheelbarrows, our team's hands-on approach began with the removal of granite pebbles that veiled the trail. Our collaborative efforts transformed the landscape, leaving behind a dry soil path as a blank canvas for restoration. The scorching sun bore down on us as we meticulously spread soil on the trail, employing the same tools that had cleared the path. The arduous process tested our teamwork and perseverance. With the groundwork laid, our focus shifted to fostering the growth of the targeted grass species. Sprinkling grass seeds onto the prepared soil, we meticulously covered them with hay to shield them against the elements. As I reflect on the challenging yet rewarding experience, it's evident that our collective dedication shaped the trail's metamorphosis. Returning home, the connection persists as our supervisor shares progress pictures, a testament to the impact of our hard work. Beyond the physical labor, I demonstrated responsibility by rising at 5 a.m. to prepare breakfast and lunch for the team. Collaborating with peers, exhibiting craftsmanship, maintaining conscientiousness, and taking positive risks were ingrained in the fabric of our daily activities. This transformative journey serves as a foundation for my future aspirations as a landscape architect. The experience underscored the importance of responsibility, collaboration, craftsmanship, conscientiousness, awareness, and positive risk-taking – qualities essential for success in my chosen career path.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. So to answer your question that's how I exemplify leadership in my everyday life. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 16-year-old junior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to think that I wouldn't be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream of owning land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and designing areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. So to answer your question that's how I exemplify leadership in my everyday life. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 16-year-old junior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to think that I wouldn't be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream of owning land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and designing areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles, to give me a better life, worth it. At some point, I dream of owning land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and designing areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals because I need to be knowledgeable enough to manage a business and design landscapes for others. I have experience in visual arts such as painting but I have yet to learn about designing in the construction field. Going to a proper college, which can assist me in navigating the construction field, will be the key to my success. I will work tirelessly day and night in said college with my dreams in mind. The desired scenario would be me living where I study. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. My mother was born in the Bronx New York and has her master's degree in teaching and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to doubt that I would be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. After all, I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I've participated in extracurriculars, advanced placement classes, internships, volunteer work, and even NJROTC to build up my college applications. It's been difficult keeping up with all these things and also maintaining a good grade point average but so far I've stayed motivated because of the prize I haven't even won yet. My future. It will all be worth it once I achieve my dreams.

I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles, to give me a better life, worth it. At some point, I dream of owning land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and designing areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals because I need to be knowledgeable enough to manage a business and design landscapes for others. I have experience in visual arts such as painting but I have yet to learn about designing in the construction field. Going to a proper college, which can assist me in navigating the construction field, will be the key to my success. I will work tirelessly day and night in said college with my dreams in mind. The desired scenario would be me living where I study. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. My mother was born in the Bronx New York and has her master's degree in teaching and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to doubt that I would be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. After all, I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I've participated in extracurriculars, advanced placement classes, internships, volunteer work, and even NJROTC to build up my college applications. It's been difficult keeping up with all these things and also maintaining a good grade point average but so far I've stayed motivated because of the prize I haven't even won yet. My future. It will all be worth it once I achieve my dreams.

My name is Yalissa and I grew up in the Bronx near Fordham. I lived in an old apartment building that was not maintained well enough but was habitable. My family of 5 made do with just 1 bedroom. My neighbors were loud but also the life of the party. I had their music and fireworks as white noise to go to sleep. Sometimes even my parents would take out their foldable chairs and sit out in front of the apartment with the rest of the neighbors while me, my brother and sister would play with the rest of the kids. We had a makeshift basketball hoop, for the winter we just made snow forts and for the summer we used the fire hydrant to fill up our blow-up pool, and of course, we used chalk for hopscotch. Up the block, we had our essentials. There was a Barbershop that only knew people from our block, a bodega that my grandma hated going to because of the smell, the fast food restaurants, the clothing stores that everyone would buy from and make everyone match, and the discount stores. The 4 train was our mode of transportation and on rare occasions, my grandpa would take us out in his red minivan. My childhood was pleasant and very distinct because of where I grew up. Many other kids that grew up in my neighborhood can say the same. No one had our childhood. It wasn't necessarily a struggle. I find it to be amazing how people can make a home with just each other's presence. Money isn't always required but it is favored. It's hard to grow from being less fortunate and it's easier to have a headstart. I learned that I don't have that headstart, I have to give it to the next generation in my family. I have to put in the work to lighten the load for others and also be at peace myself. So because of this, I challenge myself every day. I embrace them. I challenge myself to finish my studies and excel. I challenge myself to build my relationships and social skills. I challenge myself to start things and finish them. I challenge myself to think creatively. I challenge myself every day. Challenges are what you make of them. Genuinely the worst challenge I've overcome is my lack of self-worth. I felt that I was 1 in a billion. I felt like a small person in a big world. The earth would keep spinning with or without me. But some people impact the world one by one. People earlier in history like Harriet Tubbman, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, and the Mirabal sisters and people in modern history like Sonia Sotomayor, AOC, and Malala. They single-handedly made a difference in the world. If they can I can as well no matter my background, I still feel very fortunate for the community I grew up with regardless of it being impoverished. I always tell myself my life is the best and only life I'll live and I have to make the best of it. Hopefully, with the right education, I can do so.

My name is Yalissa and I grew up in the Bronx near Fordham. I lived in an old apartment building that was not maintained well enough but was habitable. My family of 5 made do with just 1 bedroom. My neighbors were loud but also the life of the party. I had their music and fireworks as white noise to go to sleep. Sometimes even my parents would take out their foldable chairs and sit out in front of the apartment with the rest of the neighbors while me, my brother and sister would play with the rest of the kids. We had a makeshift basketball hoop, for the winter we just made snow forts and for the summer we used the fire hydrant to fill up our blow-up pool, and of course, we used chalk for hopscotch. Up the block, we had our essentials. There was a Barbershop that only knew people from our block, a bodega that my grandma hated going to because of the smell, the fast food restaurants, the clothing stores that everyone would buy from and make everyone match, and the discount stores. The 4 train was our mode of transportation and on rare occasions, my grandpa would take us out in his red minivan. My childhood was pleasant and very distinct because of where I grew up. Many other kids that grew up in my neighborhood can say the same. No one had our childhood. It wasn't necessarily a struggle. I find it to be amazing how people can make a home with just each other's presence. Money isn't always required but it is favored. It's hard to grow from being less fortunate and it's easier to have a headstart. I learned that I don't have that headstart, I have to give it to the next generation in my family. I have to put in the work to lighten the load for others and also be at peace myself. So because of this, I challenge myself every day. I embrace them. I challenge myself to finish my studies and excel. I challenge myself to build my relationships and social skills. I challenge myself to start things and finish them. I challenge myself to think creatively. I challenge myself every day. Challenges are what you make of them. Genuinely the worst challenge I've overcome is my lack of self-worth. I felt that I was 1 in a billion. I felt like a small person in a big world. The earth would keep spinning with or without me. But there are people who impact the world one by one. People earlier in history like Harriet Tubbman, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, and the Mirabal sisters and people in modern history like Sonia Sotomayor, AOC, and Malala. They single-handedly made a difference in the world. If they can I can as well no matter my background, I still feel very fortunate for the community I grew up with regardless of it being impoverished. I always tell myself my life is the best and only life ill live and I have to make the best of it. Hopefully with the right education I can do so.

Todos los momentos historicos tienen algo en comun: son dirigidos por personas de gran valentia. Yo naci en Estados Unidos, pero mi familia es de origen Dominicana. Somos de una provincia que es la mas pequeña del pais, pero que es punto clave de una gran historia Dominicana. Esta historia, que dejo gran huellas en la vida del pueblo dominicano, fue el cruel asesinato de las Hermanas Mirabal por el gobierno del Dictador Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Las Hermanas Mirabal, quienes le pusieron de sobrenombre Las Mariposas, fueron activistas que lucharon contra la dictadura de Trujillo, quien devasto el pais por mas de 30 años. Las Hermanas, junto a sus esposos, organizaban grupos quienes hacian reuniones clandestinas y eventos de resistencia a la dictadura. Ellos fueron el blanco del dictador por ser revolucionarios en tiempos que Trujillo tenia el pais dominado por su gobierno, tal cual que todas las casas debian portar un cuadro con su fotografia y el decir del pais era "Dios en el Cielo, Trujillo en la Tierra." A pesar de todos los intentos que Trujillo y su gobierno hicieron de detener la rebellion del moviemiento de Las Hermanas Mirabal y sus grupos revolucionarios, ellas continuaron luchando y nunca se rindieron por que ellas sabian que el pais se merecia ser libre de la dictadura de Trujillo. Las Hermanas Mirabal fueron asesinadas por su valentia y su perseverancia. La leccion que aprendimos en el tiempo de la dictadura Dominicana en el siglo pasado que podemos aplicar a lo que estamos viviendo hoy en dia en los Estados Unidos es que hay que tener valentia y perseverancia para levantar la voz en contra de las injusticias. Quiza no estemos enfrentando dictaduras en los Estados Unidos, pero hay muchas cosas que pasan en el gobierno que pudieran mejorar. Asi como las Hermanas Mirabal se organizaron y se opusieron a la dictadura de Trujillo, asi se puede crear un grupo de personas capazes de enfrentar al gobierno actual para que no imponga leyes contra los derechos de las mujeres, de los imigrantes, de las personas LGBTQIA+ o de cualquier grupo de personas que se encuentren sin voz en el actual gobierno estadounidense. Todos los momentos historicos son dirigidos por personas que tiene una vision por un mundo mejor y entienden que eso no se puede lograr si no se levantan a pelear por el mundo que querien establecer para el presente y para el futuro.

My name is Yalissa and I grew up in the Bronx near Fordham. I lived in an old apartment building that was not maintained well enough but was habitable. My family of 5 made do with just 1 bedroom. My neighbors were loud but also the life of the party. I had their music and fireworks as white noise to go to sleep. Sometimes even my parents would take out their foldable chairs and sit out in front of the apartment with the rest of the neighbors while me, my brother and sister would play with the rest of the kids. We had a makeshift basketball hoop, for the winter we just made snow forts and for the summer we used the fire hydrant to fill up our blow-up pool, and of course, we used chalk for hopscotch. Up the block, we had our essentials. There was a Barbershop that only knew people from our block, a bodega that my grandma hated going to because of the smell, the fast food restaurants, the clothing stores that everyone would buy from and make everyone match, and the discount stores. The 4 train was our mode of transportation and on rare occasions, my grandpa would take us out in his red minivan. My childhood was pleasant and very distinct because of where I grew up. Many other kids that grew up in my neighborhood can say the same. No one had our childhood. It wasn't necessarily a struggle. I find it to be amazing how people can make a home with just each other's presence. Money isn't always required but it is favored. It's hard to grow from being less fortunate and it's easier to have a headstart. I learned that I don't have that headstart, I have to give it to the next generation in my family. I have to put in the work to lighten the load for others and also be at peace myself. So because of this, I challenge myself every day. I embrace them. I challenge myself to finish my studies and excel. I challenge myself to build my relationships and social skills. I challenge myself to start things and finish them. I challenge myself to think creatively. I challenge myself every day. Challenges are what you make of them. Genuinely the worst challenge I've overcome is my lack of self-worth. I felt that I was 1 in a billion. I felt like a small person in a big world. The earth would keep spinning with or without me. But there are people who impact the world one by one. People earlier in history like Harriet Tubbman, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, and the Mirabal sisters and people in modern history like Sonia Sotomayor, AOC, and Malala. They single-handedly made a difference in the world. If they can I can as well no matter my background, I still feel very fortunate for the community I grew up with regardless of it being impoverished. I always tell myself my life is the best and only life ill live and I have to make the best of it. Hopefully with the right education I can do so.

I find motion picture movies to be more aesthetically pleasing than live-action films. There's no limit, restraint, or barrier to what people can illustrate. Knowing this information I became an illustrator myself and I wish to become a skilled landscape architect. Eventually, my illustrations will come to life in gardens, parks or front yards. Animation also comes to life with illustrators. I have always admired animation but I especially grew a liking for studio ghibli animations. This Japanese animation studio gained a strong presence because of its unique storytelling and flawless, detailed animation. I hadn't known about these animations before my roommate showed me. I spent some time in the hospital for my mental health. At the time, nothing sounded exciting to me. IIt's hard to get yourself out of a heavy depression. It didn't help that I was in the hospital either. The hospital is a generally unpleasant place to be. The hospital where I was had no color, no sounds other than yelling, and no materialistic things that we live with day to day and take for granted. However, my roommate encouraged me. She told me that there was a movie playing in a separate room and pulled me out of my theoretical pit. I sat down with the rest of the children there. Everyone had the same outfit as if it was uniform and they were all sitting in their chairs hugging their knees. The tiled floor was white and poorly glazed with scratches, the wooden chairs were small yet heavy with bite marks in unlikely places, and the egg-white wall had a single blue line painted across it as if it made a difference. The nurse rolled in a table with a small box tv and inserted a DVD. The tv came on and suddenly I wasn't in the same place I was a few minutes ago. My surrounding became a blur and I focused all my energy on the screen. The visuals were calming and the voices of the characters were enthusiastic. I felt like I was with them in a field with tall grass, colorful flowers, and peaceful music just following me wherever I went. The people were welcoming and the insects were delicate, not scary. There was no villainous character everything, down to the huge mythical animals, was warm and kind. The food looked delicious and bright. It was everything I wished was my reality. At some point, I leave this wonderland to look at the DVD case trying to remember the movie's name... "My Neighbor Totoro" the case showed a huge fluffy creature and a little girl sitting on top of it. The movie continues and I grow to love the characters even the ones that are non-verbal. Eventually, the movie ends and I'm grateful I got out of bed. I was amazed and temporarily transported out of my unfortunate circumstance to understand and focus on a fictional world that seemed like bliss. It was like a vacation. It felt soothing. I was upset that it ended but I learned from it. The movie taught me how calming nature can be, how family is valuable, and how to dream. If I had stayed in my room that day I don't know if I would've been able to make it out. That movie gave me something to be hopeful about. It gave me a different perspective and I learned there are things I've yet to have in life. Before this movie, my life had been all I'd known. Now I have a different point of view and I want to pursue my dreams.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather Highschool of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother grew up in the Heights and my father immigrated here from the Dominican Republic. I myself have adopted a blend of both cultures. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard as a cook here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively. I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I sometimes doubt that I will be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. My mother was born here in the Bronx New York and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 16-year-old junior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to think that I won't be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

Someday I will become someone my younger self would look up to.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 16-year-old junior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to think that I won't be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather Highschool of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother grew up in the Heights and my father immigrated here from the Dominican Republic. I myself have adopted a blend of both cultures. I believe that my current interests and future intentions make me a good fit to become an influential person in STEAM. Living in an urban area such as the Bronx you don't get much exposure to natural elements except for an occasional sidewalk tree. I want to change that. I want to be the person to bring more natural elements to urban areas not just for ambiance but for our environment. I walk down the street and see a similar shade of grey and brown and it feels bland and tiring. I want to learn to become a landscape architect. I want to bring color to unlikely areas with horticulture. If I go to a college that provides me with the resources needed to pursue this career, I will be able to shape the future that I dream of one day seeing. I want to do my part as a working-class citizen and impact our society while doing so. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard as a cook here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively.

I've been told, more than once, that I was born with adversity. I've been told that it was passed onto me genetically. It was something natural, something I had no say in, something I couldn't change or control. That something was depression. My mother, brother, Uncle, Aunt, and late relatives have and or had it. Most people are unaware of mental health and it isn't considered a real illness compared to being physically unwell. My depression has prevented me from doing things similarly to how a moderate illness would. At times I would not feel motivated or interested in things the way others would be. Regardless of people not validating my mental health to be a real issue, and the proven history in my family, I was able to seek help eventually. I was diagnosed at 15 when I had shown symptoms at 11. My motivation to find a happier more satisfying life caused me to work hard to change my way of thinking and medically stay on top of what I needed to get better. On my own, I have been going in and out of the pharmacy picking up my medication, and attending group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. I was the one staying consistent. It was my effort that got me to where I am now. I can conquer my depression although it is not gone it is more manageable because of my hard work. I can safely and confidently say that I see a future for myself. I learned that it's my effort and not anyone else's that gets me to the places I want to go. Today I am a 16-year-old junior in high school. I am trying to do everything it takes to get to a good college while also tackling my depression and working on my mental health. I am aware and appreciative of all I have learned over the years and I realize that my past self was just deprived of learning a lesson. I don't see myself as wise I see myself as still learning. I look forward to learning more in my life. Today I am someone who is willing to learn. I won't limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I used to think that I won't be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there.

My name is Yalissa Regalado. My first name is a blend of my mother's name Yajaira, and my grandmother's name Luisa. My last name means gifted in Spanish and I hope to prove my name to be right. I am a Junior at Mather Highschool of Building Arts & Craftsmanship. My favorite school subject currently is carpentry. In my free time, I make paintings, sketches, collages, etc. I was born in the Bronx and I still reside here but go to school in Lower Manhattan. My mother grew up in the Heights and my father immigrated here from the Dominican Republic. I myself have adopted a blend of both cultures. I believe that my current interests and future intentions make me a good fit to become an influential person in STEAM. Living in an urban area such as the Bronx you don't get much exposure to natural elements except for an occasional sidewalk tree. I want to change that. I want to be the person to bring more natural elements to urban areas not just for ambiance but for our environment. I walk down the street and see a similar shade of grey and brown and it feels bland and tiring. I want to learn to become a landscape architect. I want to bring color to unlikely areas with horticulture. If I go to a college that provides me with the resources needed to pursue this career, I will be able to shape the future that I dream of one day seeing. I want to do my part as a working-class citizen and impact our society while doing so. My father has always told me about the land in the Dominican Republic that he owns and what he plans on doing with it. He tells me all these extravagant plans when all he has in front of him is a flat patch of soil. To this day he has yet to fulfill those plans. But it's what motivates him the most. It motivates him to work hard as a cook here in America and save up all of his earnings. Just for that patch of soil. When I see him smile and his eyes light up whenever he talks about his project I want to feel something similar. I want something small to become something big. I want to start with nothing and turn it into something. I want to feel proud once it's finished. Someday I even want to help my father finish his project. This is why I have always been interested in engineering and construction. I hope to create something that makes me proud and impacts others positively.

I will not limit myself to what I think is "attainable" and I will go beyond what others in my family have achieved. I sometimes doubt that I will be able to go to college because I live in a low-income household with people who have never even had a whiff of college. My mother was born here in the Bronx New York and my father is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who has no college experience. My mother, a first-grade teacher, is the only person working in our family of five. I used to see college as an impossible dream that was filled with debt and stress. But I've come to learn I can't limit my future because of what we, as a family, lack now. To grow and become the best version of myself, I need to pursue whatever I wish to pursue regardless of obstacles such as lack of experience or income. I cannot limit my education options because it's too far or too expensive. After all, I know that it will be worth it once I have the career I dream of and become someone that my younger self would idolize. I dream to become a woman working in the trades and someday manage my own company for landscape architecture. I dream to design my own garden where I can paint my art. I dream to design large spaces with natural elements in urban areas. I want to prove stereotypes wrong, I want to dominate male-dominated fields of work, and I want to make my family proud and make their struggles, to give me a better life, worth it. At some point, I dream to own land in the Dominican Republic just like my dad and design areas there that are innovative and helpful to my family that live there. My education will be a key part of pursuing these goals because I need to be knowledgeable enough to possibly manage a business and design landscapes for others. I have experience in visual arts such as painting but I have yet to learn about designing in the construction field. Going to a proper college, which can assist me in navigating the construction field, will be the key to my success. I will work tirelessly day and night in said college with my dreams in mind. The desired scenario would be me living where I study.

The image I have attached is an abstract, graphic design, collage of my favorite cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants. The image contains references from a particular episode where he was beginning to lose all senses and do random things such as nail his hat to a wall. Some areas are designed differently, and some may seem more detailed than others. This was an intentional and symbolic decision that I made as the artist because some people have a shield masking what might be going on below the surface. This piece also shows elements of collage. Some cut-out elements were printed and others were hand drawn. I printed out my eyebags because I have been told it's one of my most eye-catching facial features. In this case, it symbolizes exhaustion. I was an intern at the Bronx Museum for about 2 years. My and other interns' artist prompt was to make work similar to that of Catalina Schliebener, a visual artist who creates primarily collages. I was excited to create something based on my favorite cartoon, while also making it personal and original. While it is a funny character, I always look more in-depth into things than I should. I see Spongebob as a middle-class, hard-working person that struggles to get up in the morning so he needs a huge horn to wake him up every day. Although he is a sea sponge, he has a lot of traits I can relate to. In the episode Pickles, he did not have the joyful attitude he usually has because someone broke his spirit. It showed a natural human reaction in a cartoon. People have fight-or-flight defense mechanisms. He isolated and doubted his self-worth because of one mistake. Then his friend supported him through this rough time and he was able to bounce back. I thought it was really important to see something like that in a kid's cartoon. Although it may not be the immediate message that comes to mind, it still represented how another person can help change someone's perspective. Ever since knowing this, I always strived to be that support, the person that gives someone a little push, to my family and friends who deserve it because I too have experienced an all-time low where I needed the support of others. This piece represents overthinking, doubt of self-worth, and exhaustion. These are things that everyone faces at some point in their lives. With proper support, however, people can overcome these things. I continue to use real-life experiences, and lessons I've learned, in my art and I hope to one day have an impact on others through my art.