I will always remember one lesson from my last week of high school. Every senior was looking forward to graduation and college was the next step ahead. My English teacher asked my class of nineteen students “who is going to a four-year college”. I proudly raised my hand and looked around at my peers where only half the class had their hands raised. She then asked, “who is going to community college”. Only two people raised their hands, and I noticed the last few that did not raise their hands silently stared at the floor. I then realized that not every student is given the opportunity to attend college. Every individual differs in economic status and college has become a pricey investment that makes it difficult for everyone to afford. This was the moment when I grasped how incredible my parents are. As Hispanic immigrants, both of my parents came to the U.S not knowing English and have ventured through countless obstacles to earn a living. Their continued work ethic has allowed them to triumph and see their dream of earning a college degree within me. Their encouragement and support make me proud to be where I am. I am a first-generation Hispanic college student, and I am beyond proud to have the chance to pave the way for my family and my younger sisters in earning a college degree. After this realization, I have noticed how accustomed I have become to having great responsibilities within my family. I am the translator for my parents, the homework tutor for my sisters, and the person that must figure out how to navigate college. These factors are what embody my sense of independence and caregiving, but nag at my confidence. I constantly feel the need to improve myself and get discouraged when I feel that I am not good enough to get by. During my time at USF, I joined a club called Mexican American Student Association (MASA). I met ambitious, dedicated students who came from similar backgrounds. These students emphasized the idea that Hispanic minorities in higher education are just as capable, and I felt like I have found the confidence to pursue my dreams. I then joined HOSA and a Pre-PA society. This is where I was given the vast knowledge of healthcare and its career opportunities. Attending meetings and listening to healthcare providers and their experiences within the field have solidified my decision to become a physician assistant myself. I want to be a part of the few Hispanic healthcare providers that work to collaborate, inspire, and gain representation in this field. The person I intend to become in the future will be confident in her practice and aid my Latino community. I would not be the person I am today if not been given these opportunities. I am proud to be a first-generation college student. It is because of my background and opportunities that have shaped and will continue to shape the person I will become.

As the oldest sister and a first-generation student, I have the task of setting an example. This may be challenging at times when I often feel that I am not doing enough. Nevertheless, I have made this my greatest motivation: I am capable. Now that I have graduated high school I am free to start my journey. Change seems scary at this point in life, but I am thrilled to grow as an individual. I have always been enticed by biological sciences and aim to become a Physician's assistant. I intend to be a part of the few Latinos that earn a bachelor's degree. Altogether, Hispanic minorities lack representation in the medical field. They struggle from language barriers more than anything. Creating an inclusive medical facility for Hispanics to create a greater comfort zone during their time of need is my goal I believe would impact many.

Tenor Madness, by Sonny Rollins, was my very first chart in my high schools top jazz band. Despite it being my first year of taking on the challenge of learning new literature, this chart let loose both tenor saxophones on an improvisation spree. Alarmed by the idea of gathering the perfect notes and rhythms to express, yet impress was the turning point of my musical ability. The band director often said “music has the power to express the unexplainable”. He wanted to emphasize that improvisation should provide the opportunity for the performer to feel and soulfully relay musical ideas to the audience. As we went down the line waiting for our turn to stand up and improv with the rhythm section I constantly had the fear of "messing up". But how could one mess up if there are no written rhythms to get wrong? I was afraid of the unexpected. Every weekend I sat in my room and listened to other musicians hoping to find the "right way" to lay down the perfect outline to follow. I was caught up in finding perfection that it was difficult to not overthink while performing. Jazz has solidified my stance on living in the moment. Everyday, one has the responsibility to manage their social life, school, work, and that we often lose sight of enjoying our time. A big takeaway from my jazz band experience is that we do not rehearse anything in our lives, instead we work within our comfort zone and find inspiration to improve ourselves. College is ahead of me. I am a first generation student figuring out this path along with my parents. I'd say that life is all about improvisation and living in the moment is the foundation for improvement. Striving through the madness is the tough part.

Looking at my mother, who was having trouble understanding the heavy English accent of the Taco bell cashier, I decided to take the rest of the order. “Two supreme chicken chalupas” I said. Her face of relief brought me a sense of delight. Translating has always been a major responsibility in my life. Most often I catch myself taking over phone calls, answering emails, or interpreting business documents. Spanish was my first language. On my first day in kindergarten my body ached at the notion of being the new girl. My mother said, “try your best”, these words sounded simple at the time, but my four-year-old self lacked confidence. I examined the colorful walls with the giant words I couldn’t read, “try your best”. The teacher asked about my favorite food, “try your best”. My peers explained the rules of a game, “try your best”. This phrase has clung into my conscience all throughout school. I gradually picked up the language and felt accomplished when asked to translate for my parents. Eventually, the phrase “try your best”has evolved to “I did my best” as I grew older. I found certainty in my fluency that it revealed my voice, independence, and confidence. The knack for translating has driven me to strive for greater Hispanic representation in the medical field. As a translator, I have high hopes that my future patients will feel comfortable and included. I will serve as a communication bridge for Spanish minorities during their time of need. A personal goal is to break through my comfort zone to change the mentality of “I did my best”to “I live for the best”. Greater developing my fluency will be my chance to break the silence of minorities. I have always been and will be a translator.

Looking at my mother, who was having trouble understanding the heavy English accent of the Taco bell cashier, I decided to take the rest of the order. “Two supreme chicken chalupas” I said. Her face of relief brought me a sense of delight. Translating has always been a major responsibility in my life. Most often I catch myself taking over phone calls, answering emails, or interpreting business documents. Spanish was my first language. On my first day in kindergarten my body ached at the notion of being the new girl. My mother said, “try your best”, these words sounded simple at the time, but my four-year-old self lacked confidence. I examined the colorful walls with the giant words I couldn’t read, “try your best”. The teacher asked about my favorite food, “try your best”. My peers explained the rules of a game, “try your best”. This phrase has clung into my conscience all throughout school. I gradually picked up the language and felt accomplished when asked to translate for my parents. Eventually, the phrase “try your best”has evolved to “I did my best” as I grew older. I found certainty in my fluency that it revealed my voice, independence, and confidence. The knack for translating has driven me to strive for greater Hispanic representation in the medical field. As a translator, I have high hopes that my future patients will feel comfortable and included. I will serve as a communication bridge for Spanish minorities during their time of need. A personal goal is to break through my comfort zone to change the mentality of “I did my best”to “I live for the best”. Greater developing my fluency will be my chance to break the silence of minorities. I have always been and will be a translator.

Tenor Madness, by Sonny Rollins, was my very first chart in the high school top jazz band. Despite it being my first year of taking on the challenge of learning new literature, this chart let loose both tenor saxophones on an improvisation spree. Alarmed by the idea of gathering the perfect notes and rhythms to express yet impress was the turning point in my musical ability. The band director quoted “music has the power to express the unexplainable”. Improvisation is about relaying musical ideas and soulfully connecting to the audience. It provides the opportunity for the performer to let go and feel the passion running through one’s heartbeat. Jazz has solidified my stance on living in the moment. Every day one has the responsibility to manage their social life, school, work, and family that we often lose sight of critical thinking. Through experience I taught myself a method for improv: continue, familiar, and new. I would continue the phrase of the previous person, add a few licks of what I heard from previous charts, and conjure up something new within the moment. This exemplifies the idea of spontaneous thinking. A big takeaway from this is that we do not rehearse anything in our lives, instead we work within our comfort zone and find inspiration to improve ourselves. Going through the madness is the tough part.

The number one root of our problems stems from stress. Either from procrastination or the unexpected events brought by life, we the students have a responsibility to put in as much effort as we can into our workload. Hoping for that A will no longer be a problem once people understand that studying can be less "brain frying" if done correctly. The dreaded study sessions can be time consuming and mentally exhausting. To avoid this I've used a method called stop n' go. This gives 30 minutes of studying and a five minute break after. With this I found that the mind feels refreshed every session and does not push one to the limit. Those five minutes allows for snacking, music, walking, or anything to clear the mind and mentally prepare to actively retain the next information. For those with a small attention span, this works wonders. This method allows for me to effectively study without distractions calling for another hour of work. To add in another benefit, stress is then relieved when studying is more tolerable. Stop n' go definitely changed my perception on studying.

Music creates a symphony of chords. Living with music enhances the connection with those chords. In the car, the bus, in stores, or at home music clings to every aspect of our lives. The comfort of opening your mind to sound waves and feeling emotions makes life worth enjoying. Whenever one lives another 365 days, they are celebrated with the "happy birthday" song. At church the choir performs to connect to the audience spiritually. Car rides are accompanied by the broadcasted picks of trending songs. Our language allows for people to enhance their emotions through rhythm, dynamic, and tempo. The beauty of music is the ability to express emotions that lie far beyond words. I've been in band since seventh grade, now I am a senior in high school. The adrenaline of performing on stage has never failed to make creating art feel mundane. Each piece has a different background story with a different intended effect to bring on others. Bringing the chords to life with a band and feeling the stage rumble from the intensity highlights the physical and mental impact of simple sound waves. Music is the bridge between words and emotions. One ceases to exist without the other. Music has always been and will always be a part of me.

Tenor Madness, by Sonny Rollins, was my very first chart in the high school top jazz band. Despite it being my first year of taking on the challenge of learning new literature, this chart let loose both tenor saxophones on an improvisation spree. Alarmed by the idea of gathering the perfect notes and rhythms to express yet impress was the turning point in my musical ability. The band director quoted “music has the power to express the unexplainable”. Improvisation is about relaying musical ideas and soulfully connecting to the audience. It provides the opportunity for the performer to let go and feel the passion running through one’s heartbeat. Jazz has solidified my stance on living in the moment. Every day one has the responsibility to manage their social life, school, work, and family that we often lose sight of critical thinking. Through experience I taught myself a method for improv: continue, familiar, and new. I would continue the phrase of the previous person, add a few licks of what I heard from previous charts, and conjure up something new within the moment. This exemplifies the idea of spontaneous thinking. A big takeaway from this is that we do not rehearse anything in our lives, instead we work within our comfort zone and find inspiration to improve ourselves. Going through the madness is the tough part.

She is told to be happy, but strive to thrive She is told to be adventurous, but take your time Firt time New time Small steps right? All eyes on you, whine or strive choose.... Time runs experience comes, You choose? They choose? Pickle jars open for some. Eyes out! new time, first time, closer to mine ...well, it must be nice.

People often ask, “what do you want to be when you grow up?”, and the typical answers are a teacher, a doctor, a cop, but now that I’m a teen in high school I have to think to myself what will make me happy. Going to college is not mandatory in my household it is an option that I can freely choose. My parents did not go to college so I will be the first in my family. I’ve always been told to study enough to where I do not have to work myself for a low pay and little respect, and that always seemed intimidating. Yet, it is the reality that my parents live through. I am very fortunate to be able to have this choice and pursue a career that I hope would make me become a better individual who contributes to the community positively. With that being said education is the knowledge that enlightens the world, people have the ability to create new technology, create cures for diseases, or even become a governor of a city. Opportunities lie everywhere given the knowledge. We can ultimately discover a passion that steers us to success. As of now, I do not have the answer to the question “what do I want to be when I grow up” as there is a vast world of possibility. I am a teen in high school looking to find something I love and make my immigrant family proud of achieving the American dream.

After online school was over, I moved from my laptop to my phone and casually opened TikTok. Scrolling through the “for you” page I came across an influencer, Nabela Noor, who basses her content on self-love, positivity, and pockets of peace. Unknowingly I followed the person that helped me have a sensible outlook on life. As a junior in high school, I am overwhelmed with the responsibility of studying for the SAT, building my resume, and deciding what future career I feel best fits me; I lose track of enjoying each day’s few moments of goodness. Just like every 16-year-old, you want to have fun and enjoy your youth, but as one grows up our future is left in our hands; you have to carve your way to success. Nabela’s motto, “I believe that each day carries a few moments of goodness” highlights the idea that every day is an opportunity to find something you love to do, create a better world, and help those around you. We are given the gift of life to discover who we ultimately are. She is the motivation that reminds me not to miss any chance that could potentially guide me towards a better tomorrow. I am a junior in high school who is still yet to find what I want to pursue, but I know for sure that opportunities lie in every corner; waiting, to change the lives of those willing to look around.