Made from struggle, built for greatness! I didn’t grow up knowing what the Ivy League was. It wasn’t something people in my neighborhood talked about, and it definitely wasn’t something anyone in my family had experienced. Im graduating as a Columbia University graduate, the first in my family to do so! This moment means everything. It’s not just a diploma, it’s proof. Proof that where you start doesn’t define where you’re headed. Proof that sacrifice, faith, and hard work can open doors that once felt out of reach. My family didn’t hand me a blueprint, but they gave me values that built a foundation stronger than any institution could teach. Respect, resilience, and love. Basketball was my entry point, it taught me discipline, gave me purpose, and opened doors I never imagined. From Texas to the Ivy, from concrete courts to Columbia. It was never just a game. It was a passport, a teacher, and a lifeline. From early mornings on the court to late nights in the library, I carried that same hustle into every space and situation I entered. Not many people in my family have had this kind of opportunity. Not many in my community even get the chance. That’s why this has never been just about me. It’s for my people, mi familia, my culture, everyone that played a role in my journey. It’s for every young mixed kid who dreams big but doesn’t see a path forward. I’m living proof that we belong here too! -Noah Robledo