Coming to this country when you are 16 years old with a single mother and a little sister is not easy. In the beginning, it was very difficult for me. There was a point where I felt disoriented about what I had to do, where I had to go, or worse, I started to doubt why I was here in this country. Everything seemed to be falling apart and spinning out of control. However, thanks to the support from my school counselors, ACES coaches, my mother, and other kind people, I was able to find the path where I am right now. I started to get involved in extracurricular activities at school and in my community, such as being elected to be the president for Liberty’s Promise. Hard work and dedication allowed me to earn A’s and be listed on Honor Roll for every quarter since I started to study in this country and college has not been an exception.
The past year at Montgomery College has been full of challenges and successes. I was selected to be part of the Macklin Business Institute (MBI), a highly selective honors program for business students. I also participated in a social entrepreneurial program, Raptor for Change, where my team won first place. Furthermore, due to my outstanding academic performance, I have been invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa. While at Montgomery College, I hope to keep an outstanding academic performance. My reason for being here is to build on the foundation for a better life for everyone in my family – to become a role model for my little sister and to everyone who can reflect themselves on my experiences. I expect to learn the necessary skills to succeed in the future and through that contribute to the well-being of my community. But mainly, I hope one day to be able to become that light of hope for someone in need just as you are for me now. I am conscious that my educational pursuits would not be attainable without the generous support from people like you.