No one in my household has gone to university, so having this opportunity means the world to me. It is a dream to have the chance to become someone who can lift up my family as we are a family of seven.

For me, studying is about effort, knowledge, and passion for your field. That is what I want: to do something out of passion and hard work. I consider studying a privilege.

I have a great source of motivation: my mom and my sister. They have been my inspiration, supporting me unconditionally in my studies and filling me with love and strength to keep going.

I am also working at a restaurant to save money for university expenses. My parents help me, but I contribute financially as well, since we are five siblings. As I mentioned, we are originally from the south and have been living here for almost five years. It was difficult at first financially, but we received help from others — including, thank God, with our home, where we currently live. We have grown thanks to that support.

I genuinely enjoy studying because I learn something new every day, and that keeps me motivated.

My obstacles are that my mom is a single mother and has to work very late, since our house burned down a year ago and is still under construction — building materials are expensive, and what my mom earns is not a lot.

I have worked hard, taking on multiple jobs throughout high school: babysitting, cleaning houses, selling burritos at school, and currently cleaning at a public pool facility. My mom says that at this rate I’ll end up having more jobs than Barbie herself.

I have always been drawn to the way cities are built and the projects that allow people to live better — roads, bridges, buildings.

My short-term goal is to be accepted into UABC's medicine program; however, it is very competitive, as many students apply and some are given higher priority in admissions. (Note: Although Maily didn't get her first choice, she was invited to join the Architecture school and has found her new home there.)

Going to university would be a small but significant step toward becoming “Someone in Life,” as my mom always says — “So you can be better than me.” But honestly, even with a university degree and ten titles, I wouldn’t be half the woman she is.

My goal is to use what I learn to give back to those who gave me hope and motivation along the way.

I love imagining that I will have the chance to work with children, which fills my heart.