Alondra
If not me, then who? Since I was young, I felt unprepared compared to my peers about the future. They attended educational extracurricular events while I performed plays in my backyard. As I scrambled around my garden for props, I reflected on my future. My peers knew what they wanted to achieve, while I didn’t know what I would have for dinner. Living with a middle school-educated single parent, raised by my older middle school sister, it was difficult to think of all the possibilities and have role models.
Obsessed with my future, I joined clubs and attended field trips for a variety of careers. If I put myself in the shoes of the main character, my purpose would click, I would become the main character. One evening, the click occurred when I read an article about microplastics found inside blood. Humans are so hungry for the future that we don't notice the damage we’re causing. I looked at the bigger picture and realized that I was the main character all along. Though having fewer resources than others, I was always outside fascinated, learning about how plants can grow almost anywhere.
Discovering what education pathway I want to pursue was a big step in preparing for my dream of reaching higher education. Being a first-generation student, I grew up learning about my family's financial hardships and struggles on their ranch in Mexico, I knew that obtaining my degree would help me break the financial generational curse. As my father would say to my sibling and me, “I want you to work with your brain not with your hands” meaning taking advantage of my education is key to having a secure future.
I constantly am challenging myself with my curriculum to familiarize myself with the high education workload and to hopefully become one of the few Latina valedictorians at my high school. There is a lack of minority representation in STEM and I'm determined to be and foster diverse role models for the next generation to look up to. My love for learning will never fail me, and I refuse to let my inexperience in navigating to reach my dreams stop me from succeeding.
Environmental science is my passion, and knowing I can save the planet despite its damage inspires me. I started an environmental club in high school to educate my peers about the state of our environment. I have completed research internships at the Salk Institute to learn how my passion for research can impact climate change. The generations before me motivate me to keep challenging what is deemed impossible. Since I have the privilege to learn whatever it is I set my mind on courtesy of the sacrifice they have made for me, I hope to one day attend Columbia University and pursue a doctorate in Environmental Science. A Bridge for Kids would provide me with resources to explore beyond my backyard and role models to guide me. I would take advantage of being surrounded by like-minded students and guidance from college application counselors to ensure I am navigating my next big steps in life successfully. Being granted a scholarship to pursue my dreams of higher education will ensure that my focus is only on studies and career pathways, as opposed to my family and me navigating a financial hindrance to my education. My passion for the environment will reassure everyone that you can overcome anything with creativity and perseverance no matter what the adversity, and with the support of a Bridge for Kids I know that my dreams are capable. If I don’t act upon this issue, if I don’t believe in myself, then who?
If your are interested in sponsoring this student, please email Grace today at GJO@ABRIDGEFORKIDS.ORG