I am 17 years old and I am a senior at South Gate. I was born and raised in South L.A., but I always went to school outside the city. Both my parents are immigrants, both also being from Guatemala. Knowing this at a very young age, I learned the value of hard work; my life experiences make me who I am today— ambitious, determined and hard working. Despite every challenge I’ve faced, I carry forward the strength of my roots, and the drive to keep building a better and bigger future that I— and my family— will be proud of.