Ashley Melo

I can’t express the joy in my heart into words. Being a winner of the American Dream proves that opportunities are ALWAYS there, and that the right people who understand the true meaning of the American Dream will honor your determination and drive. I want to thank the donor Charleen Cabay from the bottom of my heart, for being a forever-lasting part and impact in my journey of becoming a biomedical scientist. This faith will be paid forward, and I’ll keep this scholarship in my mind when I’m in a laboratory setting one day. Bless you Charleen Cabay, who prevailed in the face of challenges and rose to help others around you.

Ailyn Chinchilla

Being a winner of the scholarship means the world to me—and not just to me, but to my mom. She has worked hard cleaning houses since we got to the United States to build a better life for me. She has always tried to get me the best things, even when she couldn’t. So I will work hard, just as she did, to get her the best and more. Thank you so much, Charleen. $1,000 is something that will take a lot of weight off my mom’s shoulders. - Ailyn chinchilla

Mamalee Milton

Hello Ms. Cabay, I am writing to thank you and the donors for choosing me as the recipient for the American Dream Scholarship. I am incredibly humbled, appreciative, and thrilled to have been chosen as the recipient of this scholarship. I am an MSN entry into nursing student at Johns Hopkins University, and I plan to graduate August 2025 with my nursing degree. This scholarship has put me one step closer to my goal of becoming a nurse. Once again, I appreciate your kindness and help. It will enable me to keep concentrating on my academic and career goals as I work toward becoming a nurse and giving back to my community. As I pursue my dream of becoming a nurse, I hope that one day I will be able to assist others in reaching their goals, just as you have assisted me.

Jose Manuel Romero Salazar

Dear Charleen Cabay, Being selected as a recipient of this scholarship means I am one step closer to achieving my newly found goal of becoming an epidemiologist. I was recently admitted to the Master of Science program at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and this award brings me significantly closer to making that dream a reality. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. Life as an undocumented student presents many challenges, and securing funding for graduate studies is especially difficult. Your support has lifted a tremendous burden and given me the confidence to move forward. I don’t have the words to fully express my gratitude for your trust and generosity. Please know that your contribution is not only helping me pursue my education, but it is also fueling a greater purpose; to one day contribute meaningfully to public health and give back to communities like mine. With sincere thanks, Jose Romero