Braelyn
My story starts in a house that had more people than rooms. I was born on a hot summer day, and the first time I ever saw home I realized it wasn’t just mine. For the first five years of my life I grew up surrounded by my grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Since I’ve always been surrounded by people who love me, family is the most important thing to me. After those first five years, my parents decided to move out of my grandparents house and find our own home. That is how I ended up in El Cajon. I have been living in the same mobile home for 10 years.
My parents were relatively young when they had me. Being the first born in an immigrant family you are expected to do a lot, but you also learn a whole lot. Hard work and responsibility are traits I was taught and learned young. I try to be as grateful as I possibly can, because I understand that I have a lot more now then my parents ever did when they were my age. My Dad is the only source of income in my household, and my Mom is a housewife. I have both of their support and they have mine. I help clean the house and take care of my two siblings. My parents are two grown ups with a lot more things on their mind than me. By doing my obligations, I like to think I’m giving them a hand.
In my household, school and the future are important conversation topics. My parents didn’t get the opportunity for a quality education. Now that I have a whole lot of chances to do something with my life, they want me to become something more. All of my school journey I have tried my hardest to be top in my class, “a nerd” or “tryhard” the other kids would call me. Yet, it never quite bothered me. This is because the reward of knowing what I was accomplishing was worth the name calling for me. I feel like the first time I said I wanted to go to Harvard was after I had received a medal for my academic achievements. I was in first grade and as a 6 year-old little girl that was definitely one of my core memories. Going to an Ivy League University is not just a goal but also a dream. I feel like getting into a prestigious school would help me get a little closer to the lifestyle I wish for.
At 15 years-old I stand strong on becoming a pediatric surgeon. I chose to specifically go into the medical field because of two reasons, I love kids and science. I really dream about causing a positive impact in my society. For that reason, I want to improve a kid’s health and impact them and their family. Of course, the fact that it includes science and some adrenaline from being a surgeon, makes this job an appealing mixture of what I like. Becoming a successful and happy person that can take care of their own family and parents. That would be my way of thanking the people who gave me life.
As for my school career now, I’m a sophomore in El Cajon Valley High School. I was ranked 4th in my class my freshman year. I’m not saying that is bad but I want to be more, a Valedictorian/Honor Roll. That is another of my goals. On another note, my life doesn’t exactly revolve just around school. I actually play two sports, girls volleyball and girls basketball. I have been playing these two sports since 7th Grade. In volleyball I’m JV, so getting to Varsity is something I am working towards. On the other hand, I started basketball in JV but got moved up to Varsity towards the end of the season. Improving my skills in both sports is one of my main focuses during my high school career. I truly find joy when I play either of these sports. Besides, I like how it keeps me busy and serves as a distraction when I’m stressed from schoolwork. Not to mention that I’m a part of the Medical Club, Class of 2027 and Club Cristiano (Christian Club). In addition, I spend some of my freetime doing some arts and crafts. As long as it isn’t drawing I do anything else that is artsy. With $1,000 I would buy equipment like balls and a net to improve my athletic skills. As well as my own computer and interesting science models. Honestly, my spending money would consist of materials that would expand my knowledge and extracurriculars mentioned above.
Some people think that my dreams are too idealistic for me to accomplish. Especially considering that I’m not exactly that girl who goes to a private school and lives in the rich neighborhood. Despite the odds, I know I have a chance. I still have many goals to accomplish. I’m sure that as my life goes on I will create more goals. Those things are my motivation and the reason for why I do what I do. Although, I make sure to not be 110% focused on the future. I acknowledge that it is valuable to live in the moment and experience or explore. At the end of the day, I’m Braelyn Rojas, a high school girl who is working towards growing and improving herself and her life. Some people may see my journey is just starting. Well, I hope I can get the best out of that journey and reach the best outcome possible.