We are taught the primary colors way before we learn how to ride a bike, tie our shoes, or even write our own name. Starting at a young age, these three colors, yellow, red, and blue, become the foundation of our world. They create the vibrance and beauty we see in our everyday lives. With these three colors, anything is possible. They are the building blocks of hues and creativity. In the same way, with these three colors, I am able to conquer anything I set my mind to.

Yellow in my life has always been curiosity, shaped by years of observing how things work, how people collaborate, and why the world functions the way it does. Growing up, I have been a natural observer. Long car rides were spent looking out the window, family parties were spent admiring the smallest details, and conversations of adults filled the air as I quietly listened. Observation fueled my fire for knowledge. Questions were constant visitors in my mind, the letters w-h-y following everything I didn’t yet understand. Curiosity became the driving force that allowed me to understand the world and the people around me.

Red represents my passionate drive to complete anything I set my mind to. Being a first-generation student in the United States has filled me with pride and pushed me to pursue every opportunity available. Growing up with parents for whom English was not their first language meant I often had to navigate challenges independently. However, instead of seeing this as a limitation, I allowed it to fuel my commitment. I learned to take initiative, seek resources, and face challenges with resilience, patience, and determination. My drive is rooted in honoring my parents’ sacrifices by making the most of the opportunities they worked so hard to provide me.

Blue, in my life, represents leadership through connection. As someone who spent years listening before speaking, I learned early on that leadership does not begin with being the loudest voice in the room. But rather, it begins with understanding others. Over time, I stepped into roles where I was responsible for bringing people together, such as being a Volunteer Counselor for RYLA. Students from different backgrounds, personalities, and experiences came together. By asking questions, creating common ground, and building trust, I learned how to transform quiet spaces into connected communities. Blue taught me the art of connection and how creating an environment where everyone feels seen and supported creates the best environments for growth.

When painted in order, yellow, red, and blue illustrate the foundation I was built on, a reflection of my culture's flag, Ecuador. A quiet reminder of my roots and the pillars that shape me into the person I am today. Like shadows in a painting, challenges add depth, teaching resilience, and perspective. By blending my colors, creating purple, orange or green, I create new shades of myself to face whatever comes next. With the light, color, and love of my family and background, the vibrance of my life emerges. I am reminded that even in moments of darkness, I hold the brush. I hold the light, I am the artist of my own story, and the colors I am able to create are limitless!