My name is Tabitha Velasquez. My birthday is December 30, 1997. I grew up in a big family of 4 brothers and 2 younger sisters, which including me is 7 kids in total, plus my mom and dad. I am a middle child, which isn't as bad as I thought. It just meant that I got along with my siblings that much better. As a young child, I knew that I wanted to be involved in criminal justice work. It has always fascinated me that police risk their lives everyday for the safety of strangers. I love the work that they put in their community. Growing up in a big family was a great experience for me. I learned that no matter what, I was never alone. I had so many other people in my family to talk to. Although I love my family, the fact that I'm the first to be going to college dissatisfies me. My siblings are incredibly proud that I've gotten accepted to colleges, but I wish my older brothers would've considered it. I can't change the past, but I can redirect my future. I want to be a better example for my younger siblings and the younger generation. I want them to know that they have other options other than community college, or just staying home. They need to realize it's a big word, and whether they believe it or not, everyone is capable of doing something amazing. I am nervous about the future, but I'm determined. I have the grit, and I'm not backing down from my well deserved future. I have what it takes whether anyone else believes it or not. I have been accepted to the university that I've always wanted to go to, which is Chico. I am majoring in criminal justice in hopes to one day be a criminal detective. I have been told many negative things throughout my life, but I have the opportunity to prove them wrong, and I intend to. It is my future, and I'm in control of it.