[Hope Ambassadors]

This is really touching, @MissAngie . Some of the little things of life really matter.

[brazilformula]

This is deep.

Here is my own contribution.

Life is a tapestry woven from innumerable experiences, both mundane and extraordinary. Among these countless threads, some stand out vividly, imprinted in our memory like a painter’s most cherished masterpieces. There is one experience that forever altered my perspective and enriched my understanding of the world—a trip to a small village in the foothills of the Himalayas.

It was the summer of 2019 when I embarked on a journey to India, driven by an insatiable desire to explore and experience a culture so different from my own. After days of bustling city exploration in Delhi and Agra, I found myself on a winding road lined with lush green fields and tiny roadside shops, heading toward a village called Pahari.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the warm smiles of the villagers, whose hospitality was as rich as their traditions. The backdrop of the majestic mountains served not only as a breathtaking scenery but also as a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of life away from the chaos of urban existence. The village itself was a living canvas of vibrant colors, where marigold flowers adorned doorways, and hand-painted murals brought walls to life.

During my stay, I had the opportunity to participate in the village’s annual festival, a vibrant celebration of harvest and gratitude. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the village square transformed into a lively gathering place filled with laughter, music, and dancing. The villagers invited me to join their traditional dance, a circular formation that embodied both inclusivity and joy. With each twirl and every clap, I felt barriers dissolve, and in that moment, I wasn’t just a tourist; I was part of something greater, a lineage of culture passed down through generations.

What made this experience unforgettable wasn’t just the festivities nor the enchanted landscape but rather the profound lessons shared around a communal fire that night. It was here, nestled between the glow of embers and the soft sounds of the night, that the village elder shared stories of their ancestors. He spoke of resilience in the face of adversity, illustrating how the community came together during challenging times. His words resonated deeply with me, reminding me that unity, empathy, and support are what truly define humanity.

The following day, I joined a group of villagers for a trek into the nearby hills. The path was less traveled, taking us through fields of wildflowers and dense forests. As we hiked, I was struck by the sheer beauty surrounding me—every rustle of leaves, every distant bird call felt like nature’s invitation to slow down and appreciate the present. We reached a viewpoint that overlooked the valley, where the sky met the mountains in a stunning display of colors. It was here that I realized the importance of moments spent in silence—moments that allow us to reflect and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

As my time in Pahari came to an end, I felt an aching sense of gratitude. I had gained more than just memories; I had formed connections that transcended language and cultural barriers. The villagers had shared their existence with me—simple yet rich in meaning. I had learned the value of community, the beauty of tradition, and the power of storytelling.

Returning home, I carried with me not just souvenirs but also a renewed sense of purpose. The experience taught me to embrace life with an open heart, cherishing every connection and every moment. It was a reminder that behind every smile lies a story, and in every encounter lies a lesson.

In an increasingly fast-paced world, we often forget to pause and appreciate the richness of human experiences. My journey to Pahari may have come to an end, but the lessons learned and the bonds formed remain etched in my heart—a treasure trove of memories that I will carry with me forever. Indeed, this experience is one I will never forget, for it has fundamentally shaped who I am and how I view the world around me.

[Hope Ambassadors]

So, one of our ambassadors stumbled upon this touching story:

At the beginning of Senior year, I had very low expectations of myself. Yes, I was a contender for valedictorian, but ACT was so low and I didn’t think of myself as a very competitive applicant. As such, I decided to only apply to state schools or less-competitive schools like Hofstra, NJIT, Ramapo, RIT. This isn’t to say these schools are any less, I’m so glad I applied to them, but my guidance counselor and teachers advised me to apply to BU, Tufts, Vanderbilt, Rice, and maybe an Ivy. At that point, I just wanted to go to college and didn’t care for status. I sat down for the last review session of my college essay with my English teacher and she said it was in very good shape. Then we talked about which schools I was applying to and she suggested Princeton and NYU. I told her I really didn’t want to because I wasn’t going to get in and even if I did I wouldn’t be able to afford 80K a year. She insisted I do because I had no idea what aid would be given to me since I am a first-generation, Latina volunteer EMT who has good grades. I should probably say now that I was experiencing imposter syndrome. I honestly didn’t think I was qualified enough to apply to these competitive schools nor to be ranked so high within my school. As such, I simply dismissed what she said. That night I researched more about the schools and said screw we’ll see what happens, the worst that could happen is I get rejected.

I ended up applying to 14 schools. I applied to a range of them. I applied to Hofstra, RIT, Seton Hall, King’s College, and NJIT as a biology major applying for the accelerated PA program (those are SUPER competitive). Then I applied to Rutgers and Ramapo. My reaches ended up being Northeastern, Swarthmore, Johns Hopkins, and Brown. I figured I’d get into at least 5 or 6 and maybe a couple of waitlist from my PA programs, but I expected a full-on rejection from all of my reaches. As the months after I submitted my applications went on I began receiving my admissions decisions. By March 25 (the day before Ivy Day) I had been admitted to 13 schools, including Hopkins, Northeastern, and Swarthmore. Then it was Ivy Day and I wholly expected to get rejected, I figured that getting into 4/4 reaches was IMPOSSIBLE especially for an underqualified student. I sat down at 7pm to check and I was thinking that after I got rejected from Brown I would commit to Ramapo College (they offered me a free tuition and fees). I even had the Ramapo tab open. I clicked on view admission decision for Brown and it said I was accepted. I was like WHAT?? Then I clicked the financial aid and it was unbelievable. I asked my mom what she thought and she said “Honey, you’re going to Brown!” When I tell you I NEVER expected to get in and let alone be able to afford it I am understating it. I cried when I got into my first school because I didn’t think I would be going anywhere next year. So yes, I am Brown 2024 and I am so happy.

To answer your question, my English teacher’s encouragement was the most impactful for me. If she hadn’t said that I wouldn’t have applied. She truly believed in me and I am so grateful. After I got my acceptance I emailed her and thanked her for her encouragement.

Credit : Melissa Aldana