Personal Statement

My name is Hugo Valdovinos. I live in Merced California on the West Side of Merced. I
say that because it's the ghetto for most people but for me it is home. I will graduate in June of
2024 and after I graduate, if god will let it, I want to go into the welding force so I can start
working and get that big money.

There are two types of ways you grow up in the ghetto and grow up in a good
environment. First of all I grew up in the ghetto but for me it was the same as how everyone has
grown up in the ghetto looking over your shoulder every time you go out but that wasn't all I had
to do to serve in my neighborhood. Secondly I had to carry a pocket knife with my protection just
to go to the store. Also my parents would not make the best income so there will be sometimes
that we didn't have anything to eat. Fourthly you must know at least 20 to 40 people for you
could have discounts at the liquor stores and basically everywhere and you also have to have
respect.

I always told myself if I'm here tomorrow god has a plan for me for that day. Also my
sisters at that point they weren't going to make it out and give my family a better life so I tried to
make money so I could help out so I started doing little jobs here and there. Another thing I will
always go out with my friends or with people that I trust that got my back. Also talking about that
you have to have friends or people that respect you is a good thing because the people that
know you know better than to mess with you.

Getting your life together is the most important thing in life in my opinion. Not only but
also just get your family out of that bad environment because that ain't for them so I'm going to
try to make money out of welding and buy my parents and my siblings a house where we all live
in a good and safe environment. Also to all the people that helped me out in anything I will repay
it trust me because I don't forget the people who did me wrong and the people that helped me
and my family out. Another way that I can be a better person is to get a better relationship with
everyone that I know and get to know more people.