As a Filipino-American, I view the world through a shifted lens. I have the privilege of living and receiving an education in the United States and it has taught me how fortunate I am. It’s an opportunity that many strive for but still do not receive. It was in high school where I realized that my life is not the life that everyone else has. We don’t all have the basic necessities and I am grateful to have more than that. It is my dream to be able to provide for my family here and those in the Philippines by building my career here. My parents made the brave decision to leave the place they called home so that they could seek better opportunities. It was a humble start as my parents took on careers that differed from the education they worked towards back home. My mother was a teacher and is now a travel agent, and my father was an engineer and is now a chef. Though they couldn’t utilize their diplomas in the long run, the life we have now is better than what it would have been in the Philippines. I recognize the sacrifices they made to give us a better future. Growing up, I have been taught by my parents to work hard with integrity. I was told to consistently keep my grades at the best they can be and it was their praise that motivated me to do well in my studies. But it is also the encouragement of my grandma who has always told me to use this opportunity that she did not have to create a good life. She is a constant reminder of my family’s sacrifices. Her parents could not afford to send her to school so she made a living by cooking for others. Though she loved it, she wanted me to venture into the world and find what I love. She is an important figure in my life. It is her words that I will never forget and her cooking that I will forever crave. I wish to pursue a higher education in the hospitality industry as I believe I have the capabilities to serve others well in that field. It is a chance for me to bring the warmth and joy of the service and culture from my country to those facing similar struggles. Whether I end up working at hotels or venues, I want guests to feel welcomed and accommodated. I hope to be a part of someone’s special day by organizing and staging their events. It is a core value as a Filipino to be accepting and hospitable. We are heavily tied to our familial relationships and that has taught me to be empathetic, understanding, and caring. Being raised in one household with my cousins has allowed me to connect with a lot of different people. It is not easy living an ocean away from your family, so I hope that I can comfort those who feel the same. I will bring these values and characteristics to those whom I will serve. This scholarship will ease the financial burden that my parents and I will face when I enter college. As a low income household, this will be extremely helpful since my younger sister will soon be off to college too. Without the financial worry in my mind, I hope to put more of my focus into my studies and spending time with my family. After establishing my career, it is my goal to live a comfortable life and give my family more than they gave me.