I grew up hearing about the winters in Alamosa, Colorado. My mother would wrap my brother up in a sleeping bag and ride her bike to the daycare. She would drop my brother off and head to her college classes. My mother is a remarkable woman and has accomplished incredible things in her life. My father worked to support his new family from far away. He is the most compassionate person I know. I have the heart of strength from...

I have the heart of strength from my mother and the will of hard work from my father. Without my family, I would neither be who nor where I am today. I said goodbye to the people who have encouraged me, reassured me, and directed me. Moving away from the only thing I knew was heartbreaking, but even from miles away, they stood by me. I pulled from those late night conversations about determination, logic, and hope. My family has...