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Dayanna ramirez

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Bio

I am a first generation student who was more than education out of college. My plan is strengthen skills that introduce me to good oppurtunies in the future and support my parents, who sacrificed their life in attempt to enhance their life.

Education

Marysville Pilchuck High School

High School
2020 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
    • Computer Science
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      neuroscience

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Cheerleading

      Varsity
      2023 – 20241 year
      Overcoming Adversity Cariño Scholarship
      I have always tried to avoid coins since I was a child. I saw coins as just “change” and never counted them when I would receive some from the cashier. Whenever I saw coins in other people’s hands, I felt hopeless. I looked at them and admired how easily, with no care, they could manage coins. I questioned myself if I would ever be just like them, if I were struggling alone, and if I could express my challenge without feeling criticized. Counting years, not days that passed, it became impossible to do my daily tasks. I looked left and right, and coins were always there anywhere I went. That’s when I felt the need to come forward with knowing the difference between each coin. That moment was in the passenger seat. A stream of redness glowed on my face, and hotness flowed through my body. My sister asked me to count the coins to buy a pizza that was about six dollars from Little Caesars. I looked into the cup holder, grabbed all the coins, and started counting as if I knew what I was doing. I counted a quarter as a dime and a dime as a nickel. My sister examined my face with a question: “Do you not know how to count coins? You are so stupid.” She grabbed the coins out of my hands with annoyance and counted them without a problem. The next couple of minutes were just silent. That was the moment I never wanted to experience. I had a moment that felt like hours of anxiety and humiliation. I could not count or tell the difference between coins. I only felt confident with the coin, which was different from the others, the penny. My thoughts were heavy and going in circles. I did not know why, at the age of 12, I could not do the simple task of counting coins, which was taught in elementary school. I questioned myself about whether I would feel this hopeless every day. After countless doubts, at 13, I started to encourage myself to count coins at my own pace. I was sitting on the floor with my father, gathering all the coins from the jar I had for saving up. Even though I didn't know how much I was earning, I saved all the coins my parents gave me, hoping it was a lot. Weeks passed of practicing counting coins with my father and using money games on Google; I didn't care if I was learning that way. I was just happy that no one would know I finally learned how to manage coins at an older age. After days of extreme frustration, staring at the wall, and trying to count the coins, I finally got it. I realized it was not easy to build my self-confidence, but anything could be done if I worked on my mentality or fixed it. Comparing yourself to other students based on the achievements they’ve made, how fast they get work done, or what classes they take is more than just overthinking. However, going through obstacles to have growth gives you an outcome of improvement and a growth mindset. After so much uncertainty, coins and math are not just minor improvements; they have given me value, strengthened areas in my life that needed to be completed, and helped me visualize what I needed the most for myself. Coins were my way of finding possibilities. My story, could not only show how I became confident with myself, but it can demonstrate to individuals with similar encounters that they are capable of doing challenges no matter what path they take in order to see progress and achievements.