I am a seventeen year old senior and in my leisure time, I enjoy reading, writing, spending time with family and also listening to music. I attend the Upward Bound Program, at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. This program prepares young students for college and helps them to achieve academic excellence. I was chosen this past summer to participate in the Upward Bound exchange program. Being a participant in this program allows students to travel to different parts of the world and gives them experiences in discovering new cultures. I was chosen to travel to Prescott, Arizona where I attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. There I concentrated on math and science and other college preparatory classes. While participating in this program, I was given the opportunity of attending The University of Colorado at Boulder. I visited the amazing Grand Canyon and exciting Las Vegas, Nevada. I was most impressed with Phoenix, Sedona and Scottsdale Arizona.

I earned an “A” in every college course and was also given the honor of being named and awarded “Best Student in Spanish”. While at home, I have also received the distinct honor of being named to the “Who’s Who Award” among outstanding high school students in America. This award is only given to the top 10% of students in the nation. I have achieved the honor roll every marking period resulting in a GPA of 3.3.

Currently, I sing in the Campus Gospel Choir. I have been asked by the Upward Bound Director to participate and become a “male mentor” for middle school students. I was also asked to be a part of the “Think Quest” team. I understand that most admissions offices look at your extra curricular activities. In the near future, I will look into other clubs that I can affiliate myself with to increase my participation status. Over the last 10 years, I have served my community by participating in various programs. There is a gift giveaway program called Operation Christmas. This program donates gifts to those families with a financial need in my community. My duties included paperwork of the clients, unloading the delivery trucks with packages and distribution of the Christmas gifts.
I also have been very active in my local church where I served in numerous ministries. I volunteered as an usher, worked as the camera man and watched children in the church nursery. I was also fortunate enough to participate in a local shelter called the Food Cabinet. I had to prepare over 1,000 bags of groceries and other necessities for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. This food was distributed to poor and less fortunate families in the community. One of the most important acts of community service that impacted my life was when I volunteered at a nursing home. I went to the nursing home not knowing what to expect but I enjoyed preparing and serving food to the elderly and interacting with them.

I have not decided on a career choice as of yet. I believe the whole world is open to me. I am considering either studying in the fields of law or psychology. I am interested in these major fields of study because I would like to help my fellow man. I have not chosen a college yet but am narrowing my choices. I have been researching and visiting several prospects over the last two years. I am interested in all types of financial aid and would appreciate receiving any scholarships or financial grants.