The Dream Academy gave me the opportunity to go visit some of the most prestigious universities and hear students’ stories with similar backgrounds as me of how they persisted and accomplished their goal. As a senior in Dream Academy, I was reassured that being a Latina woman going into UC Berkeley and pursuing Law School was not impossible. Looking back now, I realize that community brings forth grit and resilience, characteristics that were strengthened through my involvement in Dream Academy and has helped me through my educational journey. Dream Academy created such a positive experience for me and it is because of this organization that I am most proud to be from Salinas. My one advice to students always, take advantage of every opportunity, because it’s programs like Dream Academy that allow students, as I did, to learn, grow, and be prepared for the journey that awaits!