-
I was born on May 1, 2003 in Mt Kisco and my parents were surprised because the doctors had told them I was suppose to be a boy and surprise I wasn't. I was my parents first ever child and I was born to a young 19 year old mother. That younger hardworking mother would be my inspiration to work hard everyday because I would see how hard she and my father would struggle to provide for me. I would grew up with my extended family and cousin, whose like a brother to me, in a cramped apartment.
-
I was 4 years old when I first learned of soccer. I never got to spend time with my dad so when he took me to the park and played soccer I of course wanted to also play. I always wanted to be like my dad because while he worked hard he also found time to hang out with me. Soon I starting going to the park with my dad every weekend and played with his friends kids. I noticed I wasn't just playing soccer to hang out with my dad and had become in love with the sport just like he had.
-
My brother Alejandro Maza was born July 12, 2012 at 10:45pm and his birth was complicated from the start because since my mother had previous miscarriages, they didn't know if he would make it and after a few months they said he would have birth defects. My mother was given the choice to abort or keep the child and she decided to keep it. The day came and he was born at 7 lbs and perfectly fine and somehow wasn't born with any defects. It was a miracle and I would always take care of him.
-
I was 10 years old when I faced racism. I was playing basketball with my family when a hispanic teenager on a skateboard starting screaming that we should get out the way or he would call immigration on us. I didn't what that was and was surprised he was yelling because we were both hispanic. Later when we got home my mom explained that he meant he was going to get my parents sent away because they came for a better future.That day I learned of the hate some people had towards those of color.
-
It was spring break and I went with my friends to the Leonard Park in my hometown to play soccer. That day my parents told me not to go but we all decided to play soccer and I decided to play without shoes. I was playing with my friends when things started to get serious and she pushed me and I pushed her back with so much force we both fell and my shoulder hit the ground first and I felt a snap. I got yelled at while in the hospital and always told my parents where I would be
-
I lived my entire life in Bedford Hills up until I was 11. My parents decided it was time to buy a house and moved to Brewster. I was nervous because I never thought I would move away from my hometown and friends to a place where none of family has ever gone. My parents bought a multifamily home and we brought my aunt and her kids who were are very close to with us because of her living situation. It was a hard transition, but I learned that change isn't always bad.
-
It was during the summer and I went to a waterpark. I went with my friends and after a few hours of being there we noticed it started to drizzle and they starting closing off the rides. We hide in a store but I forgot my bag on a ride and decided to run and get it. I forgot it was raining and jumped over the stairs and feel in front of everyone in the park. I felt really embarrassed because everyone saw me, but that day I learned to let things go and not to take things so seriously.
-
I was visiting my family in Ecuador when I felt an intense pain in my stomach, I'm a stubborn person who avoids hospitals so I ignored the pain.I couldn't anymore so I let my grandma know and she knows how stubborn I am so she knew it was serious. In a city where hospital weren't open 24/7 it's hard to get a doctor,finally I found one that told me that I had to get my appendix removed quick or it would burst and led to death.Luckily all went well and all I have are scars to remember that moment.
-
Danny Maza was born January 22, 2017 and I wanted to meet him, but no one would take me.I decided to take a train,but was so tired I fell asleep again and I missed my stop and had to get off at the next one.I used the taxi money to buy another ticket to my original stop.I didn't enough money for a taxi and I had to walk in hail.I didn't call my dad because he would of yelled at me for missing my stop. After walking in hail for 20 min I had finally made it the hospital and finally say my brother.
-
It was one of my first tests in High School and I wasn't the best in science. I had studied a bit the night before,but I thought I would at least have a passing grade. When I had gotten the test back,it was given to me face down so I knew it wasn't a good grade.I flipped it over and all I saw was a 47 on it and froze because I had always managed to pass a test but to have actually failed made me feel like a disappoint and a failure to my parents who work so hard to provide for my brothers and I.
-
November 13 I had my appointment for my road test and I was the first people at the road test site.I learned to parallel park in a week and didn't know if I would pass. I was so nervous I asked the women if I could turn on the car and she said it's already on.I got in the car and it felt like the longest 10 minutes of my life. When we finally finished she told me about what I did wrong and I thought I failed until she said you passed and this will be your temporary license and have more freedom.
-
It was Sophomore year and I had gotten 3 high honor rolls this year and never thought I would be getting a fourth because I would always get lazy.I used to be the person to never put much effort into my work and as long as I passed that was fine with me.It was near the end of the year when I received my fourth one for the first time and I was surprised and shocked because I never thought I would get it.I felt really accomplished and proud and that moment really pushed me to try harder in school.
-
I had a same day soccer tournament where if your team won you would move up and I didnt want to go because I didn't would be there for hours, but I ended up going. I was exhausted of being there for so long I wanted to leave but I ended up staying and after playing back to back games we made it to the final. During the final game I ended up helping my team by scoring a goal and assisting and we won the cup and I go a $200 cut from the prize money and I learned that I should always push myself.
