I grew up in a small town, Zapata, Texas. I lived in Zapata until I was in the seventh grade. I moved to Laredo, Texas when I was 13 years old. I graduated from Alexander High School in 2009 and was heavily involved in the school's dream team.

After high school, I moved to Austin, Texas for my first two years of college. I transfered to Texas State University-San Marcos in the fall of 2011. I am currently in my third semester at TSU, and will be graduating in May 2013 with a BA in Mass Communication-Public Relations.

Coming from a small town, I've learning to be a dedicated, appreciative, family-oriented girl. I appreciate the simple things in life. I'm very proud of my hometown and I will always have a place in my heart for my small town. It's important for me to mention how proud I am of where I come from and that I appreciate the small things in life because the fact of the matter is, many forget to be grateful for who they reallyare.

I never grew up with fancy clothes, fancy cars, electronics or even toys. I grew up in a ranch-like enviornment. I spent my days as a kid running outdoors, playing with water hoses, finding bugs under rocks, and hunting with my family.

As I've grown older in our tech-savvy world, I have learned all but one thing. If you want it, you must work hard for it.

I love technology. I enjoy researching on new demands of society and new expectations we will soon encounter. I'm a huge Apple fan. Yes, I have an iMac, Macbook, iPad, iPod and of course, an iPhone.

Why is that important for me to mention? -- Because, I worked two jobs during my college years and I have bought all my toys with my own money. It's a very rewarding feeling.

I love my family. I thank them everyday for supporting my dreams. I wouldn't be half the woman I am today if I didn't have them as my support team. My mom is my rock. She raised me and my sister on her own when she was 17. She has worked so hard to give us what we have, and if that doesn't motivate me to do better, I don't know what would. She is the main reason I am where I am. I decided to go to college because it would make her proud and I wanted to have the opportunity to share with her an experience she never had.

Life is too short to complain about. Live every moment like it is your last. Love everyone with all your might and appreciate the small things in life.