Carts for Community

I am Washington, D.C. born and raised. As the son of a hardworking food cart vendor from Puerto Rico, I observed my dad’s devotion to provide for our family. His persistent work ethic inspired me to form an organization to fundraise for food cart sellers like him. My organization, "Carts for Community," aimed to raise money and offer tools to food cart vendors so they could make ends meet. We planned fundraising events, started crowdfunding campaigns, and worked with nearby companies to increase our impact. Through Carts for Community, we strengthened the plight of food cart vendors while also raising a sizable amount of money.

I couldn't help but feel a strong feeling of satisfaction in this organization when I started the college application process. I discussed my experiences in my personal statement and supplemental essays. I mentioned that my father was an immigrant vendor and his unwavering devotion to our family. I also emphasized the sense of togetherness that grew as a result of my attempts to help him and other vendors.

Sharing Carts for Community's narrative in my college applications helped me demonstrate my leadership abilities and dedication to social change. It showed my ability to see a need in my community and take action to meet it. To my surprise and delight, my work with Carts for Community played a significant role in my entrance to an Ivy League school. I want to reassure any first-generation student who is reading this that you can also excel in this process and succeed.

Steven H.