Personal Statement

Growing up I understood that there were problems in the education system that many students, like my brother and me from low-income households and students of color, face. These are institutional issues that de-voice and suppress bright minds. Determined to be the change, I got involved with the New York Civil Liberties Union’s Teen Activist Project. I testified and gave speeches at public hearings and forums to Department of Education officials, legislators, and hundreds of others, topics ranging from the education budget, school to prison pipeline, and service concerns for students with disabilities. On-campus my passion for education equity is fueled through my involvement in the Hispanic Alliance where I research and analyze Connecticut education policies. I aim to publish key findings with recommendations to address trends of inequality. Additionally, I mentor a Hispanic high school senior navigating the college application process and tutor a refugee connected to Paper Airplanes. These involvements demonstrate my commitment to intervening in barriers that suppress individuals from underserved communities. Lastly, I am committed to fostering spaces of inclusivity, activism, and awareness through my leadership role with campus-based affinity groups Women of Color Collective and the newly co-founded People of Color Alliance.