My past collaborations and experiences have transfigured me into a new and enlightened individual capable of understanding different perspectives

and beliefs from multifarious spectrums. Collaborating with people and uncovering my true beliefs are some of the most imperative tasks I have engaged in. In order for one to achieve a sense of assertion, one must understand the beliefs and dogmas of others. One must look at the dogmas and opinions of others as strongly as one views their own dogmas and opinions. My core beliefs have undergone a metamorphosis. I've had many encounters with many people with many beliefs; therefore, I've thought of many different permutations of what I truly believe and feel. Some of these encounters have been mystifying and edifying, while others have been strange and intimidating. Regardless of the auras the encounters gave off, these experiences have greatly shaped my way of thinking. My family comes from a country where its people view the United States as place where it is acceptable to solicit. They view this country as pliable but headstrong. Their views linger on the socialist side of the spectrum. And Because of that, Hispanics feels alienated and run away from the conservative republicans. The conservatives are viewed as immoral, adamant, narrow-minded people that only care about what benefits them. My parents are exactly what they despise most, Food stamp-dependent illegal immigrants that have no right to be in this country. Because of where I come from, socially and economically, I cannot relate to them. Well, so I thought. I learned to not judge people on where they come from and how they think. If there is prosperity, let us all share it. If there is crisis, let us struggle and rise together. During the careless and wonderful period known as "childhood," the majority of

people tend to have a set of very liberal views. My coincidental encounter with a teacher allowed to me to analyze the differences between the two opposing forces in the United States. The label "republican" has very bad connotations among most people in my daily life. They're described as being greedy and having a great avarice for capital. The portrayal of their position on immigration daunts many people around me. I have come to believe that these so called "bad people" are belied. There are wonderful and generous people on both sides of the political spectrum. I have come to respect both sides of the spectrum. In the summer of 2013, I went on a mission trip to Nicaragua as a translator. I was accompanied by many people. If anyone had extreme beliefs in our mission group, it was me. The people I went with were all from a local evangelical church; they were all conservative and pretty wealthy compared to my poor-self. However, I never felt pressured to conform to their ideals. They were all very nice and interesting people. We did many activities. We, my mission group, painted a church, provided clothes for the needy kids, and fed many kids while we were down there. Sadly, it was a very hot and miserable location; the level of poverty down in Central America was daunting. Nevertheless, it was very exciting and life-changing. Collaborating with people you would not normally collaborate with is very enlightening. I am very grateful for the lessons and morals I learned during these encounters. Contrary to what many people have to say about culturally or politically disparate people, I never felt patronized or condescended while I was near the group. The stereotypical thoughts many people tend to hold about such people are wrong. Thanks to my mission group, I have actually developed a better work

ethic. My views, due to the influence of others, have changed dramatically. Before I ever cared about any of this "academic stuff," I was a sluggish, horrible, almost introvert, student uninterested in matters related to my school or community. My early years of high school will forever haunt me, especially that grade point average. The absorption of new ideas and morals has greatly benefited me. I owe it all to these different values I acquired during the encounters and collaborations with people of different backgrounds for my recent upsurge in academic seriousness. Some of these encounters have been mystifying and edifying, while others have been strange and intimidating. Regardless of the auras the encounters gave off, these encounters/experiences have greatly shaped my way of thinking. Words cannot describe the transformation I went through. I owe it to these encounters, collaborations, and history for the crucial improvements and values I have acquired or been granted in such a small period of precious time.