Tell us a little bit about yourself and your plans for college.

Why do I want to study Kinesiology?


My family consists of my 19-year-old brother David and me, 17 years old. My parents, Norma and John Gutierrez, are Colombians who emigrated to the United States over 23 years ago with the sole dream of building a family in a country full of opportunities. I believe that my parents' American dream has never been about luxuries or material things. Their ultimate dream has always been to instill values in us, provide us with education, and see us grow in life as happy individuals, and they have certainly achieved that.
At every moment in my life, in every way and through all the examples, my parents have taught me to appreciate what I have, something that others would wish for. They have educated me to be grateful and ambitious in my studies. They have raised me with the principle that education is the best weapon for achieving dreams. My parents left Colombia not only because of the lack of opportunities this country offered but also because of the violence in its streets and a declining economy. They left their family behind, along with a series of untold life stories.
They taught us to love a land that didn't see us grow up but that we feel full of love when we visit it—a land with a variety of fruits and colors in its landscapes very different from what surrounds us in our daily lives. Whenever we walk its streets, we find ourselves immersed in outdated technology but filled with joy for life. Its people, its food, its flavors, and its way of showing affection are unique. Although I was born here, I am very proud to say that my heart is Colombian, and any opportunity to pursue advanced studies in my life will be dedicated to serving my Hispanic community.
Sports, music, and the arts have always prevailed in our home. Since we were young, we have spent many free moments playing soccer, swimming, painting, and music has always filled my house. So much so that my brother and I have been athletes throughout high school. I have play

Sara from New Jersey
High School Senior
Cedar Creek H.S.