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Yesterday I had the opportunity to take a tour of Georgetown University, located in Washington D.C. I’ve been drawn to Georgetown University for some time now, and not because of the school’s prestige and rank, but because of everything the University offers. For example, Georgetown offers majors that I’m deeply interested in pursuing (engineering or medicine). Also, the academic rigor is very challenging and I love a challenge. Most importantly the school lives by the quote “Women and Men for others”, something I think I’ve accomplished these past two years.

If you were to ask me who inspires me and motivates me through thick and thin, I would answer with my grandmother. My grandmother has been my number one supporter in everything since the day I was born. We had a very close emotional connection since she lived with my family since the day one (my birth). My grandmother passed away in 2011, I found her when she passed and I was devastated. That year and 2012 alone were the hardest years of my life to get through. I lost the one person I could talk to about everything, the one person I could really confide in. Concentrating myself in school became and issue and before I knew it, I wasn’t doing as well as I should have. By the time Spring Break 2012 came by, I just couldn’t concentrate myself anymore to do better and each day I wondered what did my hard work matter for if I lost the one person who actually cared and valued my effort? I even thought myself of diverging myself from pursuing a college education. My negative thoughts became an impediment for me. I guess my depression/negative thoughts finally ended when I realized that I shouldn’t have let my grandmother’s passing effect me as much as it did. I realized that I should keep on going with life because she watching over me from wherever she may be.

My grandmother always helped others through whatever means possible. I decided to build on my own leadership by signing up for a summer program called the Hispanic Youth Institute. The program lasted for days and by the end I was empowered by the many other (including my own) stories from students who had also faced hardships and struggles. The stories I heard empowered me to make a difference in my own community to teens who also deal with struggles of their own. I decided to start a program called Steps for College Success, a one day event that brings together both parents and students for a day of learning about the college application process and personal bonding time.

2013 has been much more rewarding with my efforts during school and my dedication the the community. My goal of attending a University (as the first person in my family) and making my grandmother proud of everything I do has taken me a very long way. My dream is to become a Hoya Saxa and I’m putting all my effort in achieving my dream.

Thanks abuelita, for all you’ve done for me and for making me the person I am today.