After weeks of preparation, my 10-year-old self was finally in Robles Elementary School’s library setting up my first book delivery for my newly founded service project, “read.repeat.” which eventually developed into a nonprofit I call Eco Brothers. Several news reporters were swarming around my best friend and me, interviewing us while hundreds of kids rushed into the media center excited to pick out their own books. One student, a girl around my age, told me she’d never owned a book before and said that she would “love it, hold it, and read it forever.” At such a young age, I was utterly unaware that students in my community did not have the privilege of exploring the possibilities of reading through a home library. That day, my peers showed me the importance of supporting others and tackling my area’s socioeconomic issues. My passion for creating new pathways for underserved youth and ensuring educational equity amongst students of all backgrounds was born.
During my first book delivery for Eco Brothers, I gained a significant realization. I noticed how empty the school libraries and media center shelves were. Their principal described a Title 1 school and how many students are from low-income households. Issues like poverty and a lack of resources in my local schools created endless setbacks in the future success of my peers. Parents couldn’t focus on providing their kids extra reading materials or academic support; they were trying to keep their families alive. For one of the first times, I grasped the importance of education in breaking these setbacks. I instantly wished I could give every student in America a hug and a book. A mix of discomfort and frustration rose in me; I immediately wanted to do more to solve this issue. Rallying local community members and hosting dozens of book drives a year, I ensured every student in my county and throughout the country felt included and welcome in their schools with each book delivery.
Several years later, I have distributed over 225,000 books and learned how to solve issues facing the educational system effectively. On news interviews, podcasts, and during Board of Education meetings, I have advocated for the importance of banned books and their perspectives, dual-language books (containing English and Spanish) to assist ELL students in my county, and books with diverse characters to improve students’ interest in reading after learning from media specialists and students on specific issues regarding the education system. I collaborated with State Representative Susan Valdes and School Board Members Nadia Combs and Karen Perez to organize several out-of-school literacy events to pass out free dual-language and diverse books to students. I also spoke to dozens of school staff and students on the importance and benefits of bilingualism in Florida. After months of hard work, my project elevated its impact. We even raised one school’s average literacy score from an F to a B!
Throughout high school, I could carry out what I learned from running my project to other leadership positions. As Student Body President of my high school, I implemented weekly leadership lessons for the roughly 40 members to guide them on effectively carrying out school events like pep rallies and food drives. As Vice President of the Beta Club, I connected youth with local organizations and provided them with over 6,000 hours worth of opportunities over one year. In every area of my life, I strive to share my experiences and perspectives on our world to ensure students gain the right mentorship to achieve their goals.
My experiences with Eco Brothers and other community service projects have equipped me with unique skills I might not have gained elsewhere. Through hundreds of book deliveries and meaningful interactions with students, I’ve supported over 65,000 students in Hillsborough County and raised over $165,000 for literacy and education. More importantly, I’ve been privileged to create positive change and directly impact the future of thousands of my peers as a role model and advocate for public school students.
I am currently building a global Youth Council within Eco Brothers to provide mentorship and service opportunities to youth ages 13-23. With over 75 current members from 19 U.S. states and nine countries, we have already raised $3k for council initiatives, distributed over 300 books to Little Free Libraries around the nation, and connected youth to organizations to allow them to gain experience in social impact.
In the future, I plan to gain insight into starting a business that provides all students with equal educational resources through college courses, internships, and fellowships. Additionally, I aim to enter the realm of law and policy to make positive changes in policies and funding related to public schools. I plan to continue utilizing my entrepreneurial spirit to make a positive change for underserved students worldwide.
*If local to the Tampa Bay area, Eco Brothers would love to accept donations of used books! The best way to reach out to us to schedule a pick up is to contact us by email at [email protected].
