Gene Denton 24

Within my community I see many things that need improvement. I have noticed that there is a rapidly increasing population of Latinos in Kansas City. Seeing and being around that I see that the Latin community is separated and isn’t close in unity as it should be. I also know that many Latinos and people within the community face challenges in the financial system regarding things like taxes, debts, and legal help. As a first-generation Latino living in the United States, I have learned to value my culture and roots to the full extent. I am thankful to say that I was raised by both of my amazing parents, who have given me a love to help and serve people in my community. Culture is a very important thing to me; I am heavily cultivated in my Mexican and Colombian background and what it has to offer. What I value most of my community is unity; It is what brings people together, simply coming to school and being around people who look like and who can relate to me, helps me prosper. I have always had a heart to help people and provide especially within the Latin community, therefore I would like to open a food truck at some point early in my life, involving Mexican and Colombian food. I have noticed that the love of food is something that is a big part of Latin culture as well as other cultures. I believe this will impact the community greatly, especially if there isn’t much around that involves Latin culture. This idea will also benefit people outside of the culture in the community allowing them to try new foods and be involved in another aspect of the community. With this food truck I can help strengthen the Latino community bringing them closer together having a place to socialize and eat, while being in a place that accepts and expresses our culture and delicious food. The design of the food truck would be very eye catching and will involve something that is a key symbol of Mexican and Colombian culture. In addition to opening a food truck, I also plan to create a local tax business to provide services to the community. I know that many Latinos and people in the community face challenges in the financial system especially new incoming Latinos. With this business I can provide a variety of services to help excel the community around me providing tax services and help with financial issues. I can help families with support in making important decisions to help them reach their goals and financial success. I am dedicated to using my skills, knowledge, and resources to help those who need it most. To act on these ideas, I plan to go to the University of Missouri-Kansas City to study Business Administration with an emphasis of Analytics and Business Intelligence. With this degree I will learn many fundamentals of business including finance, accounting, data, and entrepreneurship which will all benefit me greatly in my future. I am confident in my choices for after High School and I am set on my goals of helping the community and following my dreams. I am excited about going to college and one of the reasons I am going to UMKC is because of the community, its diversity, and inclusiveness. I am excited to continue and plan to help my community prosper and grow one step at a time, and I think I am on the right track. I am extremely proud to be a part of this community and hope I can leave a positive impact and continue to honor my community.