Playing basketball at Kent State is not only the culmination of my dream, but it's also symbolic of so much more.

It still feels surreal to me.

The sacrifices of my family, particularly those of my brother, are the only reason I am here today. 

To think, it was so close to not happening at all.

My brother and me

I'm very close with my family.

But what my big brother Luis did for me, well, it's hard to put into words.

He saw potential in me that he wanted to see fulfilled. 

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I had a strong sense and love for my family, the community, and the culture. If you ever visit, you'll understand what I mean. Puerto Rico has an energy and vibrance that can never be duplicated. 

However, the things that make it unique can become an obstacle depending on your life goals. For me, I wanted to play basketball, and while our country has plenty of successful players, if you want to test yourself in this sport, you have to go to the United States. 

My family understood this, but I was just a kid. 

My parents weren't comfortable letting me go to the U.S. alone as a minor to get an education and play basketball. 

It was frustrating, but I understood. 

They've been in this situation with my brother, and it went the same way.

So, when my brother Luis volunteered to move with me to Cincinnati and take care of me, it changed my life. 

He made the ultimate sacrifice, putting his life on hold so mine could go places he never did. 

We often talk about the sacrifices our parents make, but we are raised by more than just our parents. Puerto Rico helped make me who I am, but Luis helped me become my best self. 

Mission accomplished

Choosing Kent State was a no-brainer. I loved the coaching staff quality of the team, and given its location, my brother could come to my home games. 

With the rest of my family still in Puerto Rico, it means a lot to know he's in the stands cheering me on. Knowing he's out there gives me just that extra little bit of motivation I need to give my all. 

I still remember when I signed. 

It was one of the greatest moments of my life.

My family was all with me, and I felt such pride and emotion as I signed the papers and finally achieved my dream of playing Division I basketball in America. I broke down the barriers my brother couldn't, and I did it with him by my side. 

Once I got here, that's when the work began.

I know the sacrifices people made for me, and I'm not letting anyone down! 

I'm locked in to be the greatest player I can possibly be.

More importantly, the greatest representative of my family I can be.

That's why I put the words "Blessed" on my left shoe and "I do this for my family" on my right. 

At the end of the day, I'm an extension of them and my culture. 

Weathering the storm

As good as things are going for me here, I'll never forget my roots and where I come from.

The things that happen in Puerto Rico still affect me, including the hurricanes like Fiona, which impacted everyone and everything on the island. 

It's always scary when nature attacks your home that way, and it was nerve-wracking during the storm not to know how things were going for my loved ones. 

I kept up on social media and contacted them here and there, but with days with no electricity and water, it was tough. 

Luckily, my family was generally okay, but others weren't so lucky. 

You can feel helpless during a natural disaster, but there are a few ways we can help. 

You can either donate to help those affected, volunteer in the area, or raise awareness of the issues at hand. 

Not everyone can do all of these, but all of us can do something. 

I focused on awareness and continuing to put my best foot forward here at Kent State. 

I like to think that's one of the most impactful roles I can play right now.

Representing Puerto Rico 

Thanks to my family and the game of basketball, I've gotten to do incredible things. I compete for a DI school, played for the Puerto Rican national team, and get to be an ambassador of my culture and heritage.

I'll forever be in debt to my brother and my family for understanding my potential and allowing me to realize it.

It's because of them I get to experience all of this.

I just hope I make them and the rest of my country proud!

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