In middle and high school, I volunteered in the Our Lady of Peace Confirmation program and youth group, where I began to grow as a leader. This was the beginning of making the faith that my parents had passed down to me, my own. At around 10 years old, I moved with my siblings and mom to Mexico for a year to care for my great-grandmother. After returning, my interest in global affairs began to grow. This later led to my majoring in international business at The Catholic University of America. 

After graduating from University, I volunteered for seven months with Volunteers in Development, Education, and Solidarity, a volunteer program run by the Salesian sisters in El Salvador and Guatemala. I also completed an internship at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva with Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice, the Human Rights Office of the Salesian Sisters. This experience allowed me to encounter God in a special way by working alongside people from diverse backgrounds. The experience emphasized the importance of upholding human dignity, regardless of the situation. I applied for the Fulbright scholarship the summer after I came back from volunteering.  

My faith has always been a guiding force in my life, influencing my decisions and aspirations. The Binational Business Program is a unique Fulbright academic exchange opportunity where I will be working in a Mexican company for 10 months. Additionally, I will be taking a couple of business classes at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. I applied for the Fulbright Binational Business Program because I felt it would provide me with the skills and experience I need to achieve my goal: to one day start a social enterprise that helps small Mexican businesses grow, a goal that is deeply rooted in my faith and desire to serve others.  

Applying for a Fulbright is a very long and arduous process. I began preparing my essays in summer 2024 and completed the multiple interviews and applications by February 2025. I was then notified that I had won the scholarship in May of this year. There were many times when I felt impatient or discouraged; however, the unwavering support of my friends and family, and the comforting presence of God, kept me going during this challenging time. 

Throughout the past year, God has taught me the value of patience and the importance of listening to His guidance. This was particularly difficult, especially in an age when we can obtain answers to questions in seconds. However, after winning the scholarship, I now see that God was preparing me for what was to come. 

I have only been able to get this far because of Christ. All the honor belongs to God because I could not have done it otherwise. Life has been such an adventure of trusting in God in difficult moments. His plans are bigger than ours! Winning this scholarship has deepened my relationship with Christ, as it has reaffirmed that God always has a plan even when we cannot see it.  

For students seeking their life's mission, I encourage you to put God first in all things. Take an hour to sit in silence with God in adoration and listen to what He has to say. God has a plan for your life; first and foremost, He wants to pursue and love you! We only need to sit still and listen. The second part is to put into action what God has revealed to you. 

 As Pope Francis said, “¡Hagan lio!” In other words, make a mess and stir things up! The Church needs your energy and creativity. Do not be afraid to try different ideas, fail, or explore uncharted waters because God will be with you every step of the way.