This scholarship allows me to pursue my dreams, but also to give back to my community. Additionally, it’s a validation of all the work I’ve done and all the work our community does. That to me is very special, and I’m so grateful to be here.
Outside of my parents, brother and sister, la comunidad motivates me. Pero, not just the academic and local community, but also las comunidades that helped us get thus far. My familia in Mexico, and la comunidad that helped them thrive, laugh, and love. Additionally, las comunidades we have built y las comunidades we have yet to build. The comunidades that our youth will build and the comunidades that will outlive all of us. This has always and continues to light my fire.