Despite everything, I'm still here; I'm still striving. My parents never graduated, or even went to high school. My dad can only do basic multiplication, while my mom can't really even write that well, much less do math. Due to this, they were never able to get a well-paying job. Instead, they work grueling hours in the fields, picking or packing fruit, gaining very little money despite their hard-earned work. My parent's dream was to get their children educated so that they don't have to work in the fields like they have their entire life. I dream of the day where I get a good job that makes enough money so that they don't have to work anymore. I work hard, getting the best grades I can. Even though it's stressful at times, having an immense workload, seeing my parents come home at night covered in dirt to see my A on the test, the look of happiness makes it all worth it. I remember every time that my mom would cry and hug me, thanking me for getting a good grade. It's the least I can do for them. My goal is to get the highest GPA possible; a 4.32 GPA. Despite these financial disadvantages, I was able to persevere, to stay determined. I will continue to strive, not only for me but for my family. Without them supporting me and telling me their life without education, I doubt I would stand here as the person I am today. They risked their lives coming here, not knowing anything about the U.S, in order to give me and my sister a better life. It's not only my dream but the dreams of my relatives who were never able to get the same opportunity as I did. I wouldn't call it luck, not at all. It wasn't by some mere chance that I got to where I was. It was love and hope that got me here. The love and hope from my parents, wanting a different life for their children. It was the love and hope I had to make my parents proud, It was love and hope that helps my entire family keep going, despite everything that stood in our way. And with it, we will continue to strive, no matter what may happen. My dream is to become a dietitian. The reason is to help others live a healthier lifestyle. I have always been a sick child, but mostly due to things that were out of my control. My nutrition has been a big part of my life to help me keep going strong and energized. Despite not being able to prevent my medical conditions, I want to help others prevent, cure, or treat theirs. I'm planning on using the scholarship money to help either pay for college or pay for college books, both of which will be difficult to pay for as my parent can't afford to pay such expenses. Thank you.

My most significant challenge was something that was mostly out of my control; my health. I’ve dealt with excruciating migraines, dizziness spells, mental disorders, neurological disorders, and much more. The worst is not only do I experience these pains but so does my family. Do you know how torturous it is to look into a mother, father, or sibling’s eyes and see their pain from seeing you suffer? I always thought to myself, "If only I wasn’t born this way.” Why had I had to make so many people suffer? School wasn’t much different. Everyone knows me as the ‘sick’ student and it only made me feel worse about my situation. My academics were also in peril. Having constant appointments or simply being too unwell to be in school made it hard to grapple with keeping my own high expectations of grades. I constantly was in danger of falling behind, spending endless nights catching up. The stress sent me into a spiral of meltdowns, low self-esteem, and worsening of symptoms. So, how is it that despite all these obstacles these cause me I continue? I had support. Support from my family and teachers. My family gave me the reassurance that one day I'll get better and that they'll always be there for me. And teachers, who extended deadlines, helped me through emotional episodes, and when I became unwell. I still continue to deal with these medical problems on a day-to-day basis, yet despite this, I not only survive, but I thrive. I won't let this define me. I am not ‘the sick kid’. I am Sandra Santiago. A girl who has surpassed all odds from the day she was born and will continue to defy all odds no matter what may come her way, thanks to those around her.

I try to make a positive impact on the world in a religious way. I do religious community service for Jehovah's Witness Organization. I am Jehovah’s Witness and in my spare time, I volunteer to do various tasks. Before the pandemic, we would go door to door with a biblical text of the month. We would write our conversation with the biblical text in mind and if the person answered, engage with them. We would typically ask a question, hear their response, and then show the biblical text whilst explaining its meaning and how it corresponds to the question we gave them. Finally, we end the lesson with a postponing question. If they wish to continue learning, we come back next week. If not, we thank them for their time and move to the next door. We do this to have people learn about the bible and its true meaning. Not only that, but some texts give people hope for a better future as well as calm their nerves about a situation. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, this type of volunteering has been postponed until further notice. Instead, we write cards. It retains all the information we would usually give in a face-to-face conversation. I mostly do hours on the weekends and try to maintain a goal of at least 10 hours per month. Although tiring, it's worth it. Some respond asking for more information, others thank us for giving a reassuring biblical text. Many send threats, but this does not stop me from doing what I love. It brings me joy to see that we help people not only get a closer connection with God but also lift their spirits up. I plan to continue this until I pass away.

I love my determination to keep on going despite any obstacles I face. My most significant challenge was something that was mostly out of my control; my health. I’ve dealt with excruciating migraines, dizziness spells, mental disorders, neurological disorders, and so much more. The worst is not only do I experience these pains but so does my family. Do you know how torturous it is to look into a mother, father, or sibling’s eyes and see their pain from seeing you suffer? I always thought to myself, "If only I wasn’t born this way.” Attending school was difficult. Everyone I've encountered at school knows me as the ‘sick’ student and it only made me feel worse about my situation. My academics were also in peril. Having constant appointments or simply being too unwell to be in school made it hard to grapple with keeping my own high expectations of grades. Constantly in danger of falling behind, I've spent endless nights catching up. The stress sent me into a spiral of meltdowns, low self-esteem, and worsening of symptoms. So, how is it that despite all these obstacles I continue? I had support from my family and teachers. My family gave me the reassurance that one day I'll get better and that they're always there for me. And teachers, who extended deadlines, helped me through emotional episodes and took care of me when I was unwell. I still continue to deal with these medical problems on a day-to-day basis, yet despite this, I not only survive, but I thrive. I won't let this define me. I am not ‘the sick kid’. I am Sandra Santiago. A girl who has surpassed all odds from the day she was born and will continue to defy all odds no matter what may come her way.