1. Denise Almaraz
Personal Statement
I did not grow up in an adobe house, with beans constantly cooking on the pot, and
Tejano music constantly blasting from the radio in my backyard. I did not grow up in a typical
Mexican household; the kind people love to stereotype as the way we should live. However, my
heritage has always been a part of me. Whether it was my mother telling me stories about our
ancestors, or simply learning the history of my last name, and relatives in the history books. I
have always carried with me that sense of being different, and used it to my advantage. I have
always gone to all white schools, and at times I felt inferior, yes, but I have used that fear and
uncomfortable feeling to really push myself, and prove myself worthy as a great student. I have
certainly done that over the past couple of years and am proud to say that I will be graduating
from three different schools this June. I have studied, worked hard, and pulled all-nighters. I
have cried many tears due to stress, but have always gotten everything done, and have done it
well. I have studied current events, and foreign affairs. I have danced in the streets of Mexico. I
have learned about civil rights in Alabama. I have met people who were part of the movement
in the 1960's. I have been changed. I have seen poverty firsthand and experienced it, in
Arkansas on a ranch that the Heifer organization has created to simulate third world countries
and how they live. I have had my eyes opened. I have written poetry and stories, and spoken for
the people and animals I have learned so much about and care for, but are unable to speak for
themselves. I have been published in many anthologies. I have written songs to express my
feelings, and realize that human emotions are something that need to be tended to. I have
learned that it's okay to fall down sometimes as long as you get right back up. I have gotten
involved in self harming activities and learned that a clean, spiritual life is the way to go. I have
been awarded for my high grades. I have led clubs into marches and peace rallies. I have met
many Nobel peace prize winners, and taken some of their views on life and humanity as some
of my own. I have learned to love the earth and everyone on it, but also know when something
is not right, and change that. I have learned that it's okay to try and change things, and you
should do so. I have had fun, and learned from all of this that the only way I can go from here is
up. I will achieve my goals if I set my mind to them, like I have done just like everything else. I
have been through too much to ever falter. I have trained myself to put school and family first
above anything else. I am very excited for college, and will be attending St. Mary's. However, in
order to achieve my goals and continue my learning, my family and I are in need of extra money
to pay for it all! I am nervous about this situation but I also have faith that everything will work
out. I hope to major in Psychology and eventually go onto learning Law, and hopefully get a
degree in that too. I interned in the field of law for two years and really loved it. I traveled to
Washington, D.C to meet with prestigious people in this area and find out what I need to do to
be successful, so I'm already one step ahead of the game. I have also served as a teen court
judge for the municipal court and learned that I can handle great power with ease. I am many
things. I am a sister, I am a daughter, I am a friend you can lean on, I am honest, I am a fighter, I
am girl who wants to make a difference and help people, but most importantly I am a dreamer
who wants to see just how far I can push the limits of this big bad world.