As I sit here, reflecting on my journey as a lesbian student, I am met with a mix of emotions - sadness, anger, but also hope and resilience. Growing up in a strict Christian household, I was taught that being gay was a sin, and that I needed to "pray the gay away." The internalized shame and self-loathing that resulted from this toxic environment took a significant toll on my mental health. I remember the countless nights I spent crying myself to sleep, feeling like I was broken and unworthy of love. I remember the anxiety that gripped my heart every time I heard a homophobic slur or saw a derogatory post on social media. I felt like I was living in a constant state of fear, never knowing when someone would discover my secret and reject me. But despite the pain and the struggle, I found a way to survive. I found solace in the words of LGBTQ+ authors and activists, who reminded me that I was not alone, that I was worthy of love and acceptance. I found comfort in the arms of friends who accepted me for who I was, without condition or judgment. As I navigated the challenges of college, I began to find my voice. I started attending LGBTQ+ events and joining advocacy groups, where I met others who shared my story. I began to see that I was not alone, that there were others out there who understood my struggle. But even as I found community and support, I couldn't shake the feeling of sadness that lingered inside me. I thought about all the years I had wasted, hiding in the shadows, afraid to be myself. I thought about all the pain I had endured, the sleepless nights and the anxious days. And yet, even in the midst of that sadness, I found a spark of hope. I realized that my story was not unique, that there were countless others out there who were struggling to find their place in the world. I realized that I had a responsibility to use my voice, to share my story, and to help create a world that was more just and more loving. As I look to the future, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination. I know that there will be challenges ahead, that there will be times when I feel like giving up. But I also know that I am not alone, that there are others out there who are fighting for the same thing - a world that is more just, more loving, and more accepting. In the end, it is not the pain or the struggle that defines me, but the resilience and the hope that I have found. It is the knowledge that I am not alone, that there are others out there who understand my story and who are fighting for the same thing. And it is the determination to use my voice, to share my story, and to help create a world that is more just and more loving for all.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of a pivotal moment that changed my life forever. It was a conversation with a remarkable individual, Sarah, a trans woman who shared her story with me during a campus pride event. Her courage, resilience, and authenticity had a profound impact on me, and I am forever grateful. Sarah's testimony was a turning point for me. Her words resonated deeply, and I found myself reflecting on my own identity and sense of self. For years, I had struggled with my own sexuality, feeling like I didn't quite fit into the heteronormative mold that society had expected of me. But hearing Sarah's story, seeing her confidence and self-assurance, gave me the courage to confront my own truth. Because of Sarah, I found the strength to come out as a lesbian. Her story showed me that I didn't have to hide, that I could be proud of who I am, and that I deserved to live a life that was authentic and true to myself. Coming out was not easy, but knowing that I had a community that accepted and supported me made all the difference. As I navigated the complexities of coming out, I realized that I was not alone. There were countless others who had walked this path before me, and who continued to face challenges and obstacles along the way. I began to educate myself on the issues affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals, learning about the systemic barriers and biases that perpetuated inequality and injustice. Sarah's impact on my life extends far beyond my own coming-out journey. She inspired me to become a stronger ally and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. I began to volunteer with local organizations, using my privilege and platform to amplify the voices and stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals. I also started to speak out against injustice and inequality, using my voice to challenge systemic barriers and biases. As I look back on my journey, I am reminded of the power of storytelling and the importance of community. Sarah's story changed my life, giving me the courage to be myself and to live a life that is authentic and true. Her legacy continues to inspire me, motivating me to be a stronger ally and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. In the years since, I have continued to grow and learn, but I will never forget the debt of gratitude I owe to Sarah. Her bravery and vulnerability gave me the gift of self-acceptance, and for that, I am eternally grateful. As I move forward in my journey, I will continue to honor Sarah's legacy, using my voice and my actions to create a world that is more just, equitable, and loving for all.

I believe in the power of education and equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of their race or background. As a Hispanic student, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that students from minority groups often face. From a lack of representation in curriculum to unequal access to resources and opportunities, these disparities can create barriers that prevent many students from reaching their full potential. I want to change that. My mission is to ensure that all students—especially Hispanic and other minority groups—have the same opportunities to succeed as anyone else. This starts with raising awareness about the challenges faced by minority students, whether it’s through systemic inequalities, limited access to quality education, or cultural biases in schools. I plan to advocate for policies that promote inclusion, diversity, and equity in the classroom. For example, I am working to bring attention to the importance of culturally relevant curriculum and support systems that reflect the diversity of our student population. Whether it’s by organizing workshops, hosting discussions, or collaborating with local organizations, I’m dedicated to creating spaces where these issues can be discussed openly. I also want to encourage young people from my community to pursue their dreams and show them that their voices matter. Everyone deserves an education that empowers them, and that starts with ensuring all students—no matter their race—have access to the same opportunities. In my family, I strive to be a role model and a source of inspiration. Many of my relatives came to this country seeking a better life, and I want to honor their sacrifices by breaking down barriers and showing them what is possible. I want to demonstrate that no dream is too big, and that through education, hard work, and persistence, we can all achieve our goals. I also understand the importance of fostering a sense of unity and support within my family. By sharing what I learn and encouraging open conversations about our cultural heritage, I hope to strengthen our bond and help my relatives feel empowered in their own journeys. Whether it's supporting them in their personal goals or helping them navigate the challenges they face as immigrants or children of immigrants, I want to be someone who makes a tangible difference in their lives. In addition to my passion for advocating for equality, I am also an adventurous person who believes in exploring new horizons. I see adventure not just as physical exploration, but as a mindset that encourages growth, curiosity, and resilience. Traveling, meeting new people, and embracing different cultures has allowed me to see the world from many perspectives, and this shapes the way I view opportunities for change. I bring this adventurous spirit to everything I do, whether it’s in my activism or in how I approach my own education. I’m not afraid to step outside my comfort zone, ask questions, and take risks, because I believe that’s how real growth happens. By showing others that it’s okay to be bold and pursue dreams—even if it’s scary—I hope to inspire those around me, including my family and my peers, to take their own leaps of faith. In all that I do, whether it's advocating for equal rights for Hispanic students, supporting my family, or embracing adventure, I aim to make a positive impact. I believe in the power of community, education, and resilience, and I’m committed to creating a world where everyone has the chance to succeed—no matter their race, background, or where they come from. Through every challenge, I’ll keep pushing forward, inspired by the belief that each of us has the ability to make a difference.

"A Second Mother's Journey: Shaping My Identity" As I was growing up, I became the default second mother to my siblings and my grandparents. My mother, bless her heart, worked tirelessly to put food on the table. In turn, I unwittingly took on the role of primary caregiver, making sure that the household runs smoothly and that everybody is gets their needs met. My experience as a second mother has helped mold me into the resilient and compassionate individual that I am today. I can no longer remember what year I took on the role of a caregiver. All I know is that I did what I felt was right and I did everything I could to help out. I oversaw my siblings’ daily routines, I helped with their homework, I cooked their meals, and I cleaned the house. Aside from that, I took care of my grandparents, who were respectively suffering from depression and Alzheimer’s. I took on these responsibilities and I also pushed hard to excel at school. I taught myself how to manage my time properly, making sure that I get to finish my homework, study, and do my extracurricular activities, aside from my caregiving duties. On the other hand, this journey is not without its sacrifices. I had to forego social activities and personal interests. It also pains me to admit it, but I was not able to take care of my emotional well-being and physical health. I also felt abandoned by my mother’s 24/7 work schedule. However, I chose to see things in a different light. I watched as my mother tirelessly made her own sacrifices to ensure that we always had what we needed. She is the inspiration for my work ethic and my determination. But what else did I do to help out in my own way? I knew for a fact that my mother deserved to take a break. I wanted her to reap the fruits of her labor as well. I took the initiative to take on babysitting jobs to contribute financially to the household. I also secured a job at Synergy Freight Inc., which allowed me to work from home and at the same time, fulfill my duties as a caregiver. While our family is still a long way from living a life of luxury, I can honestly say that we have survived many storms together. For that, we emerged as a stronger and better family, well-equipped to fight through battles and support each other. Through this journey, I learned the importance of family, support, hard work, and persevering against all odds. My role as a second mother also developed my compassion and nurturing nature, taught me how to be resilient and adaptable, and has prepared me for challenges in the future. Despite everything, I never saw my family as a burden, for they are my inspiration. They are the reason why I am writing this essay, determined to make a good life for them. I love to volunteer in food drives and animal shelters helping the community. I also clean all the trash all over my community. I will do community meetings to here about the problems in my city and do something about it. i'll create a program where we donate hygine productes, etc to help out anyone in the community. I will help out all the single parents to, by proving caregiving services or ways to have their kids get taken care of withought having to affect one of their children like it did to me. I will make a change in

"A Second Mother's Journey: Shaping My Identity" As I was growing up, I became the default second mother to my siblings and my grandparents. My mother, bless her heart, worked tirelessly to put food on the table. In turn, I unwittingly took on the role of primary caregiver, making sure that the household runs smoothly and that everybody is gets their needs met. My experience as a second mother has helped mold me into the resilient and compassionate individual that I am today. I can no longer remember what year I took on the role of a caregiver. All I know is that I did what I felt was right and I did everything I could to help out. I oversaw my siblings’ daily routines, I helped with their homework, I cooked their meals, and I cleaned the house. Aside from that, I took care of my grandparents, who were respectively suffering from depression and Alzheimer’s. I took on these responsibilities and I also pushed hard to excel at school. I taught myself how to manage my time properly, making sure that I get to finish my homework, study, and do my extracurricular activities, aside from my caregiving duties. On the other hand, this journey is not without its sacrifices. I had to forego social activities and personal interests. It also pains me to admit it, but I was not able to take care of my emotional well-being and physical health. I also felt abandoned by my mother’s 24/7 work schedule. However, I chose to see things in a different light. I watched as my mother tirelessly made her own sacrifices to ensure that we always had what we needed. She is the inspiration for my work ethic and my determination. But what else did I do to help out in my own way? I knew for a fact that my mother deserved to take a break. I wanted her to reap the fruits of her labor as well. I took the initiative to take on babysitting jobs to contribute financially to the household. I also secured a job at Synergy Freight Inc., which allowed me to work from home and at the same time, fulfill my duties as a caregiver. While our family is still a long way from living a life of luxury, I can honestly say that we have survived many storms together. For that, we emerged as a stronger and better family, well-equipped to fight through battles and support each other. Through this journey, I learned the importance of family, support, hard work, and persevering against all odds. My role as a second mother also developed my compassion and nurturing nature, taught me how to be resilient and adaptable, and has prepared me for challenges in the future. Despite everything, I never saw my family as a burden, for they are my inspiration. They are the reason why I am writing this essay, determined to make a good life for them. I am confident that this experience has made me strong enough to help me navigate through life without breaking a sweat. I have undergone a lot of self-discovery along the way. I am definitely confident that all of the qualities I got will continue to be useful in the next chapter of my life as a college student.

As I prepare to attend the University of Texas, I'm reminded of the harsh realities of gender disparity in our state. The catcalls, whistles, and degrading comments from men who think they can get away with it are a constant reminder that we still have a long way to go in achieving true equality. My personal experiences with gender disparity have been a driving force in my determination to create change. I've been belittled, mocked, and sexualized by men who thought they could assert their power over me. But one incident that still resonates with me was when a guy made fun of my appearance in front of my peers. It was a moment that could have broken me, but instead, it fueled my determination to fight back. I remember feeling helpless and violated, like I was just another victim of a society that doesn't value women. But as I looked around, I saw that I wasn't alone. I saw women who had been through similar experiences, women who had been marginalized, objectified, and silenced. And I knew that I had to do something. That's why I'm committed to studying Law Studies at UT. I want to use my education to amplify the voices of women across Texas, to create a society where we're valued and respected, not objectified and marginalized. I want to be part of a movement that challenges the status quo, that demands change, and that empowers women to speak out against gender disparity. Through volunteer work with organizations like the Texas Women's Foundation and paid internships with feminist advocacy groups, I'm able to make a difference and have a voice. When I arrive at UT, I plan to continue this work. I want to create a movement that empowers women to speak out against gender disparity. I want to create safe spaces for women to share their experiences, to support one another, and to demand change. I want to show men that their actions have consequences, that their words have power, and that we won't be silenced or sexualized anymore. In the end, it's not just about me or my experiences; it's about creating a Texas where women can thrive, free from gender-based discrimination and violence. It's about showing men that we're not objects, but agents of change. And it starts now. I envision a future where women are valued and respected, where we're not judged by our appearance or our gender. I envision a future where women can walk across campus without fear of harassment or assault. And I know that with determination, hard work, and a commitment to change, we can create that future