I heard many other stories in debates between my relatives over who had a harder life growing up and how they overcame that.
This is a vague statement, especially compared to the previous sentence, which is very descriptive. I'm not saying you have to spend a paragraph describing it, but using more specific words would help engage the reader more.
comfortable in any of these roads, but hopeful that someday they would merge into one
These two statements kind of contradict each other, so explain why you would want them to merge...?
Today, it is not difficult to turn on the television set and hear politicians bluntly express their views of those at the bottom of the social-economic ladder; these are self-proclaimed experts on the experience, lives, and contributions of immigrants, minorities, and the poor; declaring, with conviction, the role each of us should play in society in our country.
Very smart and well-worded, however it's pretty long. I'd break it up somewhere and make 2 or 3 sentences.
and have tried to contribute
Delete the "tried", just say you've contributed. It comes off as stronger.
I am truly excited about my future, and I cannot wait until the fall of 2014.
I think this conclusion sounds a bit cliche, I liked where you were headed in the previous sentence. Talking about exploration and such is a nice way to end.
I really liked your essay! It was well thought out, personal, and unique. However there are some points where you are a bit vague