My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I come from a small Hispanic family that is Puerto Rican and Dominican. Both sides of my family immigrated during the 1990s to the small state of Rhode Island. By that time, my mother had recently graduated from high school but was unable to attend college due to moving from her home country and not knowing English, all while taking care of her disabled sister. During this time, my father had been working his entire life and had only gone to school up until fifth grade. As one reads this, one may think that my parents did not do much for the rest of their lives, but they worked harder than any other people I have met in my life. As I grew up, I recognized the painful and sleepless nights of my parents and how much they sacrificed to come to the U.S., but also how much they did not hesitate to sacrifice for their children. The sacrifices my family has made were what put me where I am today. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness and hardships for minorities. As a student of color, especially in the Honors program at my institution, I am often looked down on because of who I am as a person and those who question my placement with people who look nothing like myself. I have faced this issue throughout all of my life as someone who has worked hard academically which is typically not usual. However, I have never let these obstacles allow me to back down from fighting for my education and my place in the world. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color, we are not a stereotype. As people of color, we are not labels or racial slurs. We are not lowlifes and unintelligent. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. The world may not always be positive, but you can be the change you seek. Be the change.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I come from a small Hispanic family that is Puerto Rican and Dominican. Both sides of my family immigrated during the 1990s to the small state of Rhode Island. By that time, my mother had recently graduated from high school but was unable to attend college due to moving from her home country and not knowing English, all while taking care of her disabled sister. During this time, my father had been working his entire life and had only gone to school up until fifth grade. As one reads this, one may think that my parents did not do much for the rest of their lives, but they worked harder than any other people I have met in my life. As I grew up, I recognized the painful and sleepless nights of my parents and how much they sacrificed to come to the U.S., but also how much they did not hesitate to sacrifice for their children. The sacrifices my family has made were what put me where I am today. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness and hardships for minorities. As a student of color, especially in the Honors program at my institution, I am often looked down on because of who I am as a person and those who question my placement with people who look nothing like myself. I have faced this issue throughout all of my life as someone who has worked hard academically which is typically not usual. However, I have never let these obstacles allow me to back down from fighting for my education and my place in the world. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color, we are not a stereotype. As people of color, we are not labels or racial slurs. We are not lowlifes and unintelligent. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. The world may not always be positive, but you can be the change you seek. Be the change.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I come from a small Hispanic family that is Puerto Rican and Dominican. Both sides of my family immigrated during the 1990s to the small state of Rhode Island. By that time, my mother had recently graduated from high school but was unable to attend college due to moving from her home country and not knowing English, all while taking care of her disabled sister. During this time, my father had been working his entire life and had only gone to school up until fifth grade. As one reads this, one may think that my parents did not do much for the rest of their lives, but they worked harder than any other people I have met in my life. As I grew up, I recognized the painful and sleepless nights of my parents and how much they sacrificed to come to the U.S., but also how much they did not hesitate to sacrifice for their children. The sacrifices my family has made were what put me where I am today. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness and hardships for minorities. As a student of color, especially in the Honors program at my institution, I am often looked down on because of who I am as a person and those who question my placement with people who look nothing like myself. I have faced this issue throughout all of my life as someone who has worked hard academically which is typically not usual. However, I have never let these obstacles allow me to back down from fighting for my education and my place in the world. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color, we are not a stereotype. As people of color, we are not labels or racial slurs. We are not lowlifes and unintelligent. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. The world may not always be positive, but you can be the change you seek. Be the change.

One can hand me anything that can be scribbled on, and a writing utensil, and I am off into my own world. Drawing has always been one of my favorite hobbies. To this day, I find myself casually scribbling in my notes and I find joy in being able to create something different and creative. I enjoy drawing because it allows me to let out my ideas in a form that I can understand, and that others can interpret for themselves. Drawing has always been a passion of mine because I am very detail-oriented, but I also enjoy being creative. I find a way to be calm within myself and let my hand flow across any surface I use to draw. Drawing allows me to find peace in that current moment all while focusing on what I am feeling, rather than creating a "perfect" outcome. Just like any other form of art, it can be understood in all kinds of ways, and there is no space for misunderstanding a piece. For myself, I find letting go, creativity, and the ability to be wild when I draw. As a person who is usually picky and an organization fanatic, drawing grants me peace of mind and reminds me to slow down and let myself be present in any space I am in, including my own, rather than honing in on the next five minutes of my day and overanalyzing aspects of my life. As my favorite hobby, it brings me not only joy but also freedom and peace. It allows me to create and form new ideas, and it challenges me to be even more creative in my life in general, but also reminds me of the interpretations and perspectives of myself, and those in the world today.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I come from a small Hispanic family that is Puerto Rican and Dominican. Both sides of my family immigrated during the 1990s to the small state of Rhode Island. By that time, my mother had recently graduated from high school but was unable to attend college due to moving from her home country and not knowing English, all while taking care of her disabled sister. During this time, my father had been working his entire life and had only gone to school up until fifth grade. As one reads this, one may think that my parents did not do much for the rest of their lives, but they worked harder than any other people I have met in my life. As I grew up, I recognized the painful and sleepless nights of my parents and how much they sacrificed to come to the U.S., but also how much they did not hesitate to sacrifice for their children. The sacrifices my family has made were what put me where I am today. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness and hardships for minorities. As a student of color, especially in the Honors program at my institution, I am often looked down on because of who I am as a person and those who question my placement with people who look nothing like myself. I have faced this issue throughout all of my life as someone who has worked hard academically which is typically not usual. However, I have never let these obstacles allow me to back down from fighting for my education and my place in the world. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color, we are not a stereotype. As people of color, we are not labels or racial slurs. We are not lowlifes and unintelligent. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. The world may not always be positive, but you can be the change you seek. Be the change.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. I plan on owning a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. I plan on owning a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

As a little girl, I told anyone who asked what my future would look like that I would buy many buildings and turn them into shelters for animals in need, and across the street would be another set of buildings that would consist of a law firm to keep people safe and centers for therapy and any other health services that could be of use to the community. This is how I aspired to make a positive impact in the world as a young girl. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world today by learning more about the way we think as people and helping advance science, medicine, research, and most importantly, resources for our emerging world. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. Although I don't plan on owning shelters or a law firm, I do see it possible to own a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. Included in this goal, therapy dogs may be an option! There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible. This is what generosity means.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible.

As a little girl, I told anyone who asked what my future would look like that I would buy many buildings and turn them into shelters for animals in need, and across the street would be another set of buildings that would consist of a law firm to keep people safe and centers for therapy and any other health services that could be of use to the community. This is how I aspired to make a positive impact in the world as a young girl. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world today by learning more about the way we think as people and helping advance science, medicine, research, and most importantly, resources for our emerging world. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. Although I don't plan on owning shelters or a law firm, I do see it possible to own a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. Included in this goal, therapy dogs or other animals may be an option. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

One can hand me anything that can be scribbled on, and a writing utensil, and I am off into my own world. Drawing has always been one of my favorite hobbies. To this day, I find myself casually scribbling in my notes and I find joy in being able to create something different and creative. I enjoy drawing because it allows me to let out my ideas in a form that I can understand, and that others can interpret for themselves. Drawing has always been a passion of mine because I am very detail-oriented, but I also enjoy being creative. I find a way to be calm within myself and let my hand flow across any surface I use to draw. Drawing allows me to find peace in that current moment all while focusing on what I am feeling, rather than creating a "perfect" outcome. Just like any other form of art, it can be understood in all kinds of ways, and there is no space for misunderstanding a piece. For myself, I find letting go, creativity, and the ability to be wild when I draw. As a person who is usually picky and an organization fanatic, drawing grants me peace of mind and reminds me to slow down and let myself be present in any space I am in, including my own, rather than honing in on the next five minutes of my day and overanalyzing aspects of my life. As my favorite hobby, it brings me not only joy but also freedom and peace. It allows me to create and form new ideas, and it challenges me to be even more creative in my life in general, but also reminds me of the interpretations and perspectives of myself, and those in the world today.

My mom once told me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. This is one of the wisest things I have ever heard and been told directly. I have taken these words with me everywhere I have gone, especially in the academic world, and have made sure I knew where I was headed. My intelligence is and always will be my greatest weapon, but for the good of the world. I want to use my intelligence to make the world a better place and learn from experiences in order to share with others what my mother once told me. I want to demonstrate to those who do not believe in themselves or feel lost that there is always something that is unique to you, that can never be taken away from you. For some people, that may be their intelligence and their education. I want to move this message forward to those who may have had similar experiences to mine, and let people know that anything is truly possible if you put your mind to it.

As a little girl, I told anyone who asked what my future would look like that I would buy many buildings and turn them into shelters for animals in need, and across the street would be another set of buildings that would consist of a law firm to keep people safe and centers for therapy and any other health services that could be of use to the community. This is how I aspired to make a positive impact in the world as a young girl. Today, I am sure of my dream as a little girl, and how possible it still is today. However, I have narrowed down my focus in life which has shifted my dream slightly. I have always had a passion to help people and be of service to those who are in need, and that is still my passion today. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world today by learning more about the way we think as people and helping advance science, medicine, research, and most importantly, resources for our emerging world. As a young woman in the world today, I have learned to help others when in need, and I have always used my observant skills and warm heart to help people as best as I can. Before high school, I was interested in law enforcement and our country's justice system. Our world is not perfect, but I have always seen a need to help those who make up the majority of our country's prisons and jails. I noticed unfairness and corruption within our system, and I wanted to act at the forefront of changing the way this system worked. As a young woman of color in our world today, I have been exposed to different parts of our society, both good and bad. I have seen harsh realities form in my own family and within those around me, but I have also seen the goodness of my background and that of my family emerge into something extraordinary and beautiful. The experiences I have had have not been many, but they have taught me how to be open to the world and use my gift to the best of my ability. This gift is using my heart and mind to help others. Over time, I fell in love with the subject of psychology. I was first introduced to psychology in high school and it has not left my sight, or my mind since. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. Although I don't plan on owning shelters or a law firm, I do see it possible to own a clinic that offers health services such as therapies of all sorts, and professionals that are able to provide to others. Included in this goal, therapy dogs or other animals may be an option. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. I plan on owning a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

My mom once told me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world today by learning more about the way we think as people and helping advance science, medicine, research, and most importantly, resources for our emerging world. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. I plan on owning a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

As a little girl, I told anyone who asked what my future would look like that I would buy many buildings and turn them into shelters for animals in need, and across the street would be another set of buildings that would consist of a law firm to keep people safe and centers for therapy and any other health services that could be of use to the community. This is how I aspired to make a positive impact in the world as a young girl. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world today by learning more about the way we think as people and helping advance science, medicine, research, and most importantly, resources for our emerging world. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. Although I don't plan on owning shelters or a law firm, I do see it possible to own a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. Included in this goal, therapy dogs or other animals may be an option. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible.

As a little girl, I told anyone who asked what my future would look like that I would buy many buildings and turn them into shelters for animals in need, and across the street would be another set of buildings that would consist of a law firm to keep people safe and centers for therapy and any other health services that could be of use to the community. This is how I aspired to make a positive impact in the world as a young girl. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world today by learning more about the way we think as people and helping advance science, medicine, research, and most importantly, resources for our emerging world. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. Although I don't plan on owning shelters or a law firm, I do see it possible to own a clinic that offers health services to provide to others. Included in this goal, therapy dogs or other animals may be an option. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

My mom once told me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. This is one of the wisest things I have ever heard and been told directly. I have taken these words with me everywhere I have gone, especially in the academic world, and have made sure I knew where I was headed. My intelligence is and always will be my greatest weapon, but for the good of the world. I want to use my intelligence to make the world a better place and learn from experiences in order to share with others what my mother once told me. I want to demonstrate to those who do not believe in themselves or feel lost that there is always something that is unique to you, that can never be taken away from you. For some people, that may be their intelligence and their education. I want to move this message forward to those who may have had similar experiences to mine, and let people know that anything is truly possible if you put your mind to it.

One can hand me anything that can be scribbled on, and a writing utensil, and I am off into my own world. Drawing has always been one of my favorite hobbies. To this day, I find myself casually scribbling in my notes and I find joy in being able to create something different and creative. I enjoy drawing because it allows me to let out my ideas in a form that I can understand, and that others can interpret for themselves. Drawing has always been a passion of mine because I am very detail-oriented, but I also enjoy being creative. I find a way to be calm within myself and let my hand flow across any surface I use to draw. Drawing allows me to find peace in that current moment all while focusing on what I am feeling, rather than creating a "perfect" outcome. Just like any other form of art, it can be understood in all kinds of ways, and there is no space for misunderstanding a piece. For myself, I find letting go, creativity, and the ability to be wild when I draw. As a person who is usually picky and an organization fanatic, drawing grants me peace of mind and reminds me to slow down and let myself be present in any space I am in, including my own, rather than honing in on the next five minutes of my day and overanalyzing aspects of my life. As my favorite hobby, it brings me not only joy but also freedom and peace. It allows me to create and form new ideas, and it challenges me to be even more creative in my life in general, but also reminds me of the interpretations and perspectives of myself, and those in the world today.

A person that I can turn to when in need of a helping hand, or someone to share a special moment with. That is what friendship means to me. People may come and go in our lives, but there are the types of friendships that are always meaningful, whether they are present in the current moment, or they once were. I remember two little girls from my elementary school who always made me giggle when I was sad, taught me how to do a cartwheel when I said I wanted to be a cheerleader one day, and encouraged me to do well with my homework. Although we are no longer in contact, they made an impact in my life and hold a special place in my heart because we were able to share the beautiful moments we had as children. Friendship means having someone by your side who shares accomplishments with you and encourages you to grow. To me, I find a friend in anyone who is proud of my accomplishments and encourages me to grow and learn from failures. I have been exposed to "friendships" that slipped away due to envy and wanting to be better than the other person, but that does not mean friendship to me. In relation to this, I have also met people who I am still friends with today that have always reminded me of what friends should be and are still embodying my definition of friendship. All in all, friendship is a connection that one may hold with another person that emphasizes positivity, growth, encouragement, laughter, goal making, opportunity seeking, learning lessons, and most importantly, demonstrates kindness and love. This is what friendship means to me.

One can hand me anything that can be scribbled on, and a writing utensil, and I am off into my own world. Drawing has always been one of my favorite hobbies ever since I was growing up. To this day, I find myself casually scribbling in my notes or while I am focusing on other things, and I find joy in being able to create something interesting, different, creative, and beautiful all in one. I enjoy drawing because it allows me to let out my thoughts and emotions into an art form that I can understand, and that others can interpret for themselves. Drawing has always been a passion of mine because I am very detail-oriented, but I also enjoy being creative. Throughout my life, I have learned of many mediums such as paint, fabric, marker, ink, and much more. However, I do not focus on the medium itself, but instead, just find a way to be calm within myself and let my hand flow across any surface I use to draw. The surfaces I may use consist of a napkin, paper, sometimes even in my books. Drawing allows me to find peace in that current moment all while focusing on what I am feeling, rather than creating a "perfect" outcome. I find myself drawing and interpreting what I have created in many different ways. This is another reason why it is one of my favorite hobbies. Just like any other form of art, it can be understood in all kinds of ways, and there is no space for misunderstanding a piece as one can find ways to relate to it or find themselves in that work of art. For myself, I find letting go, creativity, and the ability to be wild when I draw. As a person who is usually picky and an organization fanatic, drawing grants me peace of mind and reminds me to slow down and let myself be present in any space I am in, including my own, rather than honing in on the next five minutes of my day and overanalyzing aspects of my life. Drawing is one of my hobbies that let me truly be myself, and it demonstrates my capability of allowing myself to feel "put together" while also being put together in a form that is not typical to people today. It has become a form of expression for myself and it will continue to play that role in my life, as drawing will always be essential to me. As my favorite hobby, it brings me not only joy but also freedom and peace. Drawing grants me the opportunity to give my brain a rest, all while thinking more creatively than I regularly do. It allows me to create and form new ideas, and it challenges me to be even more creative in my life in general, but also reminds me of the many interpretations and perspectives of my growing self, and those who are growing in the world today.

My mom always reminds me that my intelligence is my greatest weapon, and no one will ever take that away from me. This is the reminder that keeps me going every day as I continue to strengthen and expand my knowledge. As a Latinx and first-generation college student, I want to break generational "curses" and show those before me that their efforts and hard work were worth it. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by pursuing my college degree because I will be part of the 16% of Latinx students who have obtained their Bachelor's degrees. In doing this, I can be an example to children and teens that it is possible, and education is so important, despite the many obstacles we face as people of color. I come from a small Hispanic family that is Puerto Rican and Dominican. Both sides of my family immigrated during the 1990s to the small state of Rhode Island. By that time, my mother had recently graduated from high school but was unable to attend college due to moving from her home country and not knowing English, all while taking care of her disabled sister. During this time, my father had been working his entire life and had only gone to school up until fifth grade. As one reads this, one may think that my parents did not do much for the rest of their lives, but they worked harder than any other people I have met in my life. As I grew up, I recognized the painful and sleepless nights of my parents and how much they sacrificed to come to the U.S., but also how much they did not hesitate to sacrifice for their children. The sacrifices my family has made were what put me where I am today. I am currently enrolled in a private, 4-year institution as an Honors student working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as raising awareness for mental illness and hardships for minorities. As a student of color, especially in the Honors program at my institution, I am often looked down on because of who I am as a person and those who question my placement with people who look nothing like myself. I have faced this issue throughout all of my life as someone who has worked hard academically which is typically not usual. However, I have never let these obstacles allow me to back down from fighting for my education and my place in the world. I am on track to earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, along with two minors in Criminal Justice and Anthropology and Sociology. I have always looked at the world today, and ways I can help. Our justice system has been corrupt and damaged, and minorities face hardship in receiving adequate health services. In order to break these patterns of corruption and lack of resources, I plan on using my college degree to not only further my education even more but to also show the world that we must take initiatives into our own hands and as people of color, we are not a stereotype. As people of color, we are not labels or racial slurs. We are not lowlifes and unintelligent. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world by spreading awareness regarding mental illness in BIPOC communities, as well as ending the historic routines of oppression in our world, and demonstrating to younger generations that anything is possible. The world may not always be positive, but you can be the change you seek. Be the change.

As a little girl, I told anyone who asked what my future would look like that I would buy many buildings and turn them into shelters for animals in need, and across the street would be another set of buildings that would consist of a law firm to keep people safe and centers for therapy and any other health services that could be of use to the community. This is how I aspired to make a positive impact in the world as a young girl. Today, I am sure of my dream as a little girl, and how possible it still is today. However, I have narrowed down my focus in life which has shifted my dream slightly. I have always had a passion to help people and be of service to those who are in need, and that is still my passion today. I aspire to make a positive impact in the world today by learning more about the way we think as people and helping advance science, medicine, research, and most importantly, resources for our emerging world. As a young woman in the world today, I have learned to help others when in need, and I have always used my observant skills and warm heart to help people as best as I can. Before high school, I was interested in law enforcement and our country's justice system. Our world is not perfect, but I have always seen a need to help those who make up the majority of our country's prisons and jails. I noticed unfairness and corruption within our system, and I wanted to act at the forefront of changing the way this system worked. As a young woman of color in our world today, I have been exposed to different parts of our society, both good and bad. I have seen harsh realities form in my own family and within those around me, but I have also seen the goodness of my background and that of my family emerge into something extraordinary and beautiful. The experiences I have had have not been many, but they have taught me how to be open to the world and use my gift to the best of my ability. This gift is using my heart and mind to help others. Over time, I fell in love with the subject of psychology. I was first introduced to psychology in high school and it has not left my sight, or my mind since. My goals are to study psychology as much as I can in order to gain a better understanding of how to help those in need. Although I don't plan on owning shelters or a law firm, I do see it possible to own a clinic that offers health services such as therapies of all sorts, and professionals that are able to provide to others. Included in this goal, therapy dogs or other animals may be an option. There is always room for helping others in our world today, and especially after a worldwide pandemic, mental illness has become a huge issue in our world. I aspire to help those in need in order to create a more positive and welcoming environment. In doing this, I also hope to spread awareness of mental illness and hardships people may have psychologically in order to aid in creating a generation that is aware of these issues and ways in which others are able to help as well. Anyone can make a positive impact in this world with as little as one piece of knowledge, and awareness and immersion can make this possible.

"Risita.com," is what everyone used to call me because I laughed all day long. You could show me a wall, a quirky-looking animal, or even a word, and my younger self would giggle away. Today, people call me by my name, but along with acknowledging my name comes "How's school?" and "Do you miss being home?" I will always be "risita.com," but as I have learned more about the world, there is more to who I am as a person. 18, Puertorican/Dominican, curly hair so big that it covers my face, motivated, powerful, intelligent, and grounded. This is me.