My dad, although American born, grew up in extreme poverty in Mexico; raised in a house his dad built out of adobe clay with dirt floors. He did not have much, but grew into a stronger person because of it. My dad joined the Marine Corps and later became a Correctional Peace Officer at San Quentin Prison. My mom grew up fatherless and with a mom who abused her and never let her out of the house; her mother did not even allow her to attend school past 9th grade. When my mom was seventeen, her mom was hit by a drunk driver and killed instantly. Foster care gave my mom a home until she turned eighteen, then she left, met my dad and they began their lives together. Neither of my parents were fortunate enough to go to college and I will be their first child to go. Hearing how my parents were raised has opened my eyes to see how fortunate I am to be blessed with all that my family has provided me. They have worked hard their whole lives to send me to a private school and to give me as many opportunities as possible. Nothing would make me prouder than to be the first in my family to graduate from college.

University of Hawai’i at M_noa would be a great fit for me and I would like to attend for both my undergraduate and masters degrees. I have been working very hard to grow both in academics and serving my community. University of Hawai’i at M_noa’s mission revolves around the relationship between the classroom and community, using what we learn to deeper engage and aid the community. I look forward to using what I learn at University of Hawai’i at M_noa to help me become successful and a strong contributing member of society. I feel that I have already begun my journey in helping those around me.

During my sophomore year of high school, a new family moved in next door. My new neighbor John's son, Austin, had been diagnosed with autism. I wasn’t familiar with how autism affects a person. So I did some research to learn more about its effects and what is done to help them. I discovered the importance of his service dog in his life. Being only thirteen, I knew there wasn’t much I could do, but I found a way to make a difference. My birthday was around the corner and when my parents asked me what I wanted, I told them I wanted to raise a service dog to give to someone who truly needed one. For my fourteenth birthday my parents got me Sandy, a little energetic, yellow Lab. I spent each Sunday morning of my sophomore year at a training center preparing Sandy for her future job in service. By the time Sandy completed her training, my family and I found a young boy with autism who was in need of a dog just like Sandy. Using the adoption center, it was time to let Sandy go start her life of service and love using the love and training we spent many months building.

Currently I am continuing to serve my community through a physical education program at an underfunded elementary school, Kawana Elementary, in Santa Rosa, California. My love for sports and exercise has inspired me to find a way to use my skills to give these students an opportunity to grow and develop a healthy lifestyle. Budget cuts have eliminated the P.E. program at Kawana, so without volunteers, these students would miss out on a part of school that I always looked forward to. I hope to continue volunteering my time to help less fortunate children when I move to Hawai’i.

My parents worked hard all their lives to provide me with the best opportunities to set me up for success. They taught me to work hard, give back to the community whenever I can, and continue learning and growing. I want to use what privileges I have been given to make my community and beyond a better place.