1

As a young Puerto Rican growing up in a tight-knit community, I have always been

motivated to pursue a college degree. My Latino heritage, family, and community have all

played a significant role in shaping my aspirations and motivating me to strive for academic

success.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was immersed in a culture that placed a high value on

education. My parents, both of whom are Puerto Rican, instilled in me from a young age the

importance of obtaining a college degree. They stressed that education was the key to a better

life, and that it was the best way to ensure that I would have the skills and knowledge needed to

succeed in a competitive global economy.

In addition to my family, my community has also played an important role in motivating me

to pursue a college degree. Puerto Rico is a small island, and the community in which I grew up

is very close-knit. I have always felt a strong sense of connection to my community, and I have

been inspired by the stories of others who have gone on to achieve great success in their lives.

As a Latino, I have also been motivated by the many challenges that my community has

faced over the years. Latinos in the United States have long been underrepresented in higher

education, and this has had a significant impact on our communities. Studies have shown that

Latino students are less likely to attend college than their non-Latino peers, and that those who

do attend college are less likely to graduate.

Despite these challenges, I have always been determined to succeed in college. I am currently

studying biology at the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamon, and I am working hard to
 2

maintain a high GPA. My goal is to become a doctor, and I believe that my education will

provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to make a positive impact in my community.

With my college degree, I hope to accomplish several important goals. First and foremost, I

want to use my education to improve the health and well-being of the people in my community.

Puerto Rico is a small island with limited resources, and many people in our community struggle

with health issues that are preventable or treatable with the right care.

As a doctor, I believe that I can make a significant difference in the lives of these individuals.

I plan to work in a community health clinic, providing affordable and accessible care to those

who need it most. I also hope to work with local schools and, in addition to my work in the

medical field, I also plan to give back to my community in other ways. I believe that education is

the key to a better life, and I want to help other young people in my community achieve their

dreams. I plan to volunteer my time and resources to local schools and community organizations,

helping to mentor and support young people who are interested in pursuing higher education.

One of the biggest challenges facing Latino students is the cost of higher education. Many

students are unable to afford the high cost of tuition and fees, which can make it difficult to

pursue a college degree. This was a challenge that I faced as well, as my family is part of the

middle class and we did not have unlimited resources to support my college education. However,

I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship that has helped me pay for my tuition and other

college expenses.

I believe that it is important for individuals and organizations to support Latino students who

are striving to pursue a college degree. This is why I am committed to giving back to my
 3

community, and to helping other young people achieve their dreams. I plan to work with local

organizations and community groups to raise awareness about the importance of higher

education, and to provide financial and other support to students who are struggling to pay for

college.

In conclusion, my Latino heritage, family, and community have all played an important role

in motivating me to pursue a college degree. I am grateful for the support and encouragement

that I have received from my loved ones and my community, and I am determined to use my

education to make a positive impact in the world. With my degree in hand, I plan to become a

doctor and work to improve the health and well-being of the people in my community. I also plan

to give back to my community in other ways, using my time and resources to support other

young people who are striving to achieve their dreams.