Biography

This personal essay is not so much about me and my accomplishments, but what I have learned through life's experiences and how I have learned who I am.

I was born February 26th, 1989, at the Presbyterian Hospital in Downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. As the first child, my parents said I emerged eager to face the challenges of the world. I had a look in my eyes that said, "Hi world, I'm here!" Since then, I have always desired to learn more about the world around me. This ranged from doing simple puzzles to exploring nature to being involved in sports and music.

Since I was young, the importance of family has been instilled in every aspect of my life. This included attending daily mass, watching movies family reunions, community service, and other such memorable events spent learning who I am. This is largely due to my Hispanic heritage and Catholic faith, which has taught me to have empathy and concern for others. In addition, I value traditions because they keep a family together and unite a community under a common purpose.

I am defined not only by background and accomplishment, but my fits and talents. From my years as a child, I learned what it meant to serve others in my community. As a Girl Scout, I learned to show respect for myself, my country, my family, and others that I might encounter in life. I found a helping hand is always needed. My dedication to service extended from my family to my Church. Starting in sixth grade, I began helping with a three-year old sunday school program to meet the service requirements at my middle school. Now a senior in high school, I am beginning my third year as a teacher of the same program. In helping with three-year-olds for almost seven years, they have taught me how to find joy and happiness in the smallest parts of life. I have also learned patience, how to prepare and teach a class, and the gift of learning starting in youth.

My care has also extended to the elderly secluded in a nursing home. For two years, I have visited with three patients, each one providingtheir own unique story of how they have survived life's challenges. In visiting these isolated members of society, I have come to appreciate wisdom of experience. Also, I have learned to appreciate the dying process. It is not one of sadness, but joy as it is done with dignity. In doing service, I realize now that the more I give, the more I receive. In dealing with children and the elderly, I have learned that dreams are important for all ages. They keep the old young and the young eager to discover and strive for new and better things. But above all, dreams provide a reason to live and to grow.

One of my favorite hobbies is to observe people. This is done by reading books about different cultures and perspectives, research a particular topic for a school assignment, or merely observing the emotions and response of individuals on a day to day basis. Overall, I enjoy celebrating people for who they are and who they might become. In learning about who I am, I have begun to realize what I can become. Because I know that my future is bright and holds promise, I strive to do my best in anything I set mind to.