Mary and Mayjem Palafox immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 2019, accompanied by their father and youngest sister. They settled in Omaha, Nebraska. Shortly after arriving, their father had to return home with their younger sister to care for their mother and other siblings, but Mary and Mayjem decided to stay in the U.S. At only 18- and 14-years old, Mary and Mayjem were driven by the hope of accessing greater opportunities.

The sisters' situation grew more difficult as they were temporarily separated at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary remained in Nebraska, while Mayjem moved to Colorado to live with a cousin and finish high school. Despite this separation, they stayed strong and focused on their dreams, determined to make the most of their circumstances. This determination would later lead them both to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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