My name is Angelica Melendez and I am currently a Junior at the University of Houston. As some of you may know, I graduated from Lone Star College 10 days before I graduated from my high school in May of 2022. My mom and I worked with my dual credit counselor to take advantage of as many classes as possible. This was a great opportunity because it allowed me to finish my basic requirements and complete my Associates degree for a fraction of the cost. I was the only student in my graduating class to have accomplished such an honor. This was very important to me because my mom is a single mom doing the best she can to raise me and get me through college with as little to no debt if possible. I have seen my mom work all day long and then go to school at night. My mom accomplished her Bachelor's and Masters. My mom is my role model and I want her to know that I appreciate all that she does to support me and my dreams.