As a first-generation immigrant, my family has worked hard, tirelessly, and sacrificed much to provide me with a life that they never had. In return, I have made it my goal to achieve higher education and bring my family out of poverty by ensuring economic security through a degree. I am hindered by my economic and legal status. However, I do not let this hindrance limit my possibilities and vision on what I can achieve. For this reason, I have worked hard academically to succeed and obtain a 4.3 GPA and earn a class rank of 73 out of 653 in a highly competitive high school full of gifted and talented individuals. I was blessed to join those individuals in McKinney’s Gifted and Talented Program in which our academic potential is nurtured.

As a first-generation student, I have had to navigate high school and everyday processes that many may not think about, but I had to navigate alone. All my dreams and hopes came crashing down when my father was deported in late 2019 before financial struggles were caused by the pandemic. The stress caused by his deportation was almost unbearable, having to go to school as if everything were okay. I had to grow up and mature quickly to support my mother and my sister to ensure that we had food on our table and a roof over our heads. I knew college was expensive, but with my father not being able to support me financially anymore, I knew I needed to apply for scholarships.

With the grace of God, I received two scholarships, one from my school district and one form my high school. With this help, I was able to afford my first year of college. Through the help of supportive teachers and my determination to better my family, I enrolled into Texas Tech University as well as the Texas Tech Honors College. After attending Texas Tech for a year, I have realized that there was hope for me, and that with God’s grace I could better my family’s situation.

I am now in my second year of college, and I have realized that there is much more that I can do. As an undocumented immigrant myself, my mere existence in this country is an obstacle that I must face every day, and there are countless challenges that I must face and endure to strive for my goals and aspirations that I have set for myself. Having the ability to graduate early, I have my eyes set on Texas Techs accelerated BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering Program. Financial hardship is still the greatest barrier to obtaining a master’s in mechanical engineering as I still believe that I can bring the American dream to my family and to inspire the lives of many across the world.