“Get up, build a fire that’ll overtake the ice, (gonna wipe it out), get up build a fire that

is gonna
dry the tears I’ve cried.” –Hwaa by G(idle).

I chose this quote because it has helped motivate me to get through the very difficult times in
my life. The whole song has been healing for me but this line really stood out. Sometimes it felt
like I didn’t have any control over anything, and that I wasn’t going to be happy. I am realizing
now that I have so much to live for, and that these difficult times will pass.

Hi, my name is Maria and I am now finally graduating high school. I am a very quiet person, but
I always try to be as kind as possible to everyone around me. I like to keep to myself while
listening to music. One of my favorite things to do is foster kittens for Paws Shelter of Central
Texas. Fostering has helped me grow as a person and become more patient and responsible. I
hope to foster as many kittens as possible this summer now that I have the time to deal with
little animals running amok and mewing every minute of the day.

Looking back, it’s been a long journey through high school, but I am so grateful for the people
who have helped me along the way. I would like to thank my mom, for picking me up early when
I couldn’t make it through the day and for helping me every night with precalculus. I would also
like to thank Mr. Kapasi for helping me with math, especially the section on parametric
equations. I would like to thank Mr. Cook for helping me love social studies again, as well as
being so patient with me when I would constantly put off economics. I want to thank Ms. Hoover
and Ms. Chamchot for letting me take a break when I needed one. Every teacher that I’ve met
here has been so nice and welcoming, and I will always thank them for it. Garza has allowed me
to do my work, knowing that every teacher I’ve had wants the best for me.

I plan to attend the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth this fall to study marine biology. I
hope to one day become a scientist, and study the ocean and the life it holds. I also plan to stay
in the New England area because I prefer their 80-degree summers over the 105-degree ones
here in Austin. I will miss this city and my home, but I’m ready for a chance.

Reflecting on the quote I chose, I now know that I have the strength to keep going. Even if it felt
like too much, I could dust myself off and continue in this journey called life. I can build that fire
that’ll dry my tears. I am ready for the future. It hasn’t been easy, but here I am today, done with
high school. I made it!