"Speak your truth" is something my former high school Biology teacher would always tell me and I have lived by this quote ever since.As a gay Latino man who grew up in a predominantly conservative, non-diverse hometown, it really affected me and shaped how I see the world. Growing up in this environment was detrimental to my mental health, but I turned this negative situation into a positive one. Being seen as different has given me the ability to understand people from all backgrounds and have empathy for them. When I turned 17, I finally championed who I was and knew I wanted to fight for others who cannot "speak their truth."Now a Junior at the University of Southern California, I have continued my passion for Politics, Law, Social Justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a lawyer, but my teenage upbringing really taught me that I want to change the system rather than uphold it. My interest in social media has also grown, as I see it as a powerful tool for advocacy and raising awareness about important issues. I actively use platforms to connect with diverse communities, share stories, and amplify voices that need to be heard.I am very excited to see where I end up and what truths I will discover as I go on this journey we call life. Fight On!