Melody
I am 16 years old and live in City Heights. Growing up has always been a struggle for me since I never knew what might happen in the neighborhood I lived in, I’d always have to be cautious of my surroundings since it was known to have high crime rates. I remember coming home from elementary school and walking by a group of gang members by my house. I felt unsafe because they always looked at my mom and I when we passed. Every time my oldest sisters and I went outside we would always check their surroundings. There were a few incidents in front of my house where gang members shot their guns. On another occasion someone got stabbed and died by the entrance of our home. As years went by the crimes continued. Luckily my parents were able to find a home on another street that seemed safer. We have been living in our current home for about five years now. Unfortunately the area is still unsafe but safer than our old house. My parents have tried to look for a home in other neighborhoods. My dream is that one day I can help my parents financially and get them a home where they never have to worry about their safety.
I am blessed to say that I grew up in a very united family and we have always supported each other. Growing up I remember both of my sisters studying on the kitchen table because education always seemed to be very important to them and set the example for my younger brother and I. They taught me that education is the key to success and I would like to follow that example. My oldest sister Leny is a Project Coordinator for clinical studies and is also serving in the Army Reserves. My sister Mirian is currently working as an advocate for mental health. Thanks to them I have always tried my best in order to get as far as they did in life.
Unfortunately my parents come from a country where they weren't given the opportunity of education. Both of my parents only completed the 6th grade and were forced to work at a young age due to poverty. My dad comes from a very poor family, he lived in a carton house for many years. My mom had to be a caretaker for her younger siblings because my grandmother was a single mom of 5 who had 2 jobs. Both of my parents did not have the opportunity to continue their education.
Since I was little my parents have always helped the community. I have been a volunteer for San Diego Food Bank for many years. My dad is the founder of an organization called Unidos para Bendecir where we make events all over Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and many more countries, so once a year I go to Mexico and other countries to help the less fortunate by providing clothes, food, and toys for children. Sometimes I go to Downtown and give a warm meal to homeless who are struggling to provide themselves with food. I love to help people in need because it gives them an opportunity to keep going. Also it helps me understand life from a different perspective. Helping people has always been a passion of mine because I like helping people who need a hand or who are going through hard times in their life. Helping people has also influenced me in many good ways, it has helped me build my character and personality. It has helped me because I have a weak spot for helping people and has helped me treat people with respect and kindness each person deserves.
I am a very passionate person in many things but one of my favorite passions is music. I have loved music since the day I heard it. I play two instruments, the piano and the electric guitar. I have played the piano for 5 years and the electric guitar for 3 years. One thing I have learned about myself is that music helps me distract myself when I am stressed, it comforts me and it has always been a part of my life and my families.
When I grow up I aspire to be an anesthesiologist. Being an anesthesiologist allows me to help so many people in need because since I was little I’ve always wanted to become a doctor. I know that the career will take a lot of my patients and hard work, but at the end once I become an anesthesiologist I know it will be worth all my effort and hard work.
Bridge for kids will help me greatly because it will open many opportunities in life. With the scholarship I could purchase a computer so I would be able to work on my assignments in a more efficient and hands-on manner. A new computer will also help me stay on track with my assignments and homework. Further I would also be able to buy school supplies, and materials for my musical interest. This in turn would allow me to further pursue and hone my musical talents and aspirations. Bridge for kids will also help me get the resources I need in order to start studying and preparing for my SAT’s.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
If your are interested in sponsoring this student, please email Grace today at GJO@ABRIDGEFORKIDS.ORG