We lived humbly in a small rented room, six bodies crammed with my father struggling to find a job and a dream to give his family the best he could. My family had arrived to California in search of a better life; a safer place and an environment where my parents could see their children grow up successfully. Throughout my life, random people would appear and little did I know that it was because of them along with my father’s triumph that my family is where they are today. Little actions committed by teachers whom helped me learn English, provided books and school supplies and perhaps my most memorable memory of all that didn’t even occur to me was the gift of a warm jacket given to my oldest brother during the winter time of his kindergarten year by his teacher, the honorable Mrs. Young. I look back today and remember that little act of kindness that made my brother smile, the one who had to suffer the radical change of culture and environment. The one who had lead the way for his three younger siblings to follow and I graciously thank Mrs. Young for her unselfish act of giving something so invaluable as a jacket but completely valuable to a freezing person. I never knew we were living in poverty, I was a happy child that took an interest in everything around me and to this day I appreciate everything everyone had done for me and my family. I was blessed to encounter the best people in the world.

            I remember many Christmases where local funded programs gave us gifts and food for the holidays. A little Barbie and a turkey on the table may seem simple, banal items, but they put a smile on a young face and filled the tummy of a young, growing child.  I remember receiving lovely clothes from neighbors at a time when I was feeling self conscious about myself. Without them knowing I got a new sense of confidence and with all those simple gestures and deeds done by people that barely knew me, I came to understand the true meaning of giving and what impact it has on the need.

I remember many teachers that had helped my brothers succeed in school, donating old computers and thrusting upon them the visions of going farther in life with college and a higher education. It was all those times I felt myself smile and see the look on my family’s faces as they smiled that I realized that my goal in life was to make others smile as well. I wanted to give the joy that I had felt as a child to others. It was then that I valued life positively and shared my heart through simple acts of kindness, a smile, a “good morning” and sometimes even a hug.

            As I hit my teenage years major changes were coming through my life. At 14 I was cooking dinner and assumed the position as the “lady of the house” for my family as both my parents began to work. With time I began to appreciate and understand everything they had done every day for us children. Little did I know how much work it was to sustain a household clean and productive. I came to admire my mother for all the hard work she put into maintaining the house clean, never did I know it was a lot harder than it had seemed. I had learned to accept the things that occurred in my life and felt an immense pride towards my parents for everything they had done for us and still do. At age 15 I donated my hair to Locks of Love, but before that I had helped my elderly neighbors by cleaning their home and holding a garage sale for a couple of Saturday mornings, they were great people whom helped me experience the great feeling of giving. Through high school, hundreds of teenagers went out on the streets on a day of the year called Kids Day where we sold newspapers from five in the morning to about noon and raised money for the Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno California. I was proud to have stood on the corners of intersections in the freezing mornings and take part of allowing a child to have a chance of living a normal, happy life and experience all the unique experiences of growing healthy. It’s a dream I hope for every child that is lonely, hurting and living in hard conditions, or even the best conditions. True happiness is out there and I want to help make this come true.

            Perhaps the greatest impact of my life was caused by a small group of smiling students I met my freshmen year of high school that viewed the world as a globe full of happiness despite their defects and disabilities. This small group of kids, known as the Blazer Buddies, whom didn’t understand what was going around them but lived in their own world full of happy times, had taught me the greatest lesson in life. They lived with the thoughts of playing video games and watching SpongeBob, or visiting Grandma, or coloring incredible original masterpieces that always took my breath away. Each one of them had a talent whether it was singing or running Track; they were one of a kind and had the biggest hearts. As I spent lunch times and free periods with them I learned to love these kids like they were my family and enjoyed helping them and watching them learn and become independent individuals. They were the sweetest people I had ever met as they smiled, hugged you and danced around you. They were indeed special human beings. I never understood how there were kids out there that had it all and never appreciated that they were in the least healthy. These students with fewer capabilities than others actually shined and “lived.” They educated me more than I educated them. I learned to smile more and look forward to another day. I received the gift of patience and understanding as I stood by them. Judging and jealousy had diminished in my mind and I learned the enormous amount of joy in a smile was real. I learned the true kindness of a heart, its true beauty and I wanted to provide that heart toward others.

            With all those students in my heart I carry my goal of giving and reaching a hand towards the needed as much as I can. In my future I hope to teach that knowledge of giving and understanding to others and spread the purification of a mind so full of that feeling that is perceive from a thankful smile. It is in my best interest to complete my goal by teaching or nursing the most vulnerable. It has passed through my mind millions of times the day that I will one day leave and take my heart to a place that is in need. Whether Africa, Asia or cities in Mexico, or in any other poverty stricken country, my goal will be accomplished. Today, I look at my life and see everything as a possibility. Thanks to all the wonderful people that helped my family succeed in life. My brothers, whom have worked hard all their lives and continue to do so are attending college, the eldest at Fresno State University and the second eldest one in the University of Berkeley.  They are reaching their highest potential reaching for the stars of possibilities and I soon will follow in those endearing steps. I hope to attend Long Beach State University or the University of Santa Barbara, where I hope to major in Education or Biology to further my career in helping others.

            Every day I live in the moment, bettering myself internally and making a difference in the world. I’m proud to say and acknowledge that I have come a long way and all those people, whom gave my family something as small as a jacket, will always hold a special part of me as they taught me the biggest lesson and most beautiful experience of my life: the glimmer of hope peace and giving.