Reynaldo Zavala Solorio

Dear Tammy, Thank you so much for awarding me the Tamurai’s Adventure Scholarship. I’m deeply honored to be selected, and while I wish I could express my gratitude through a video, a recent dental visit has left me sounding like I just got out of a boxing match. So for now, I hope this message conveys how genuinely thankful I am. Being chosen for this scholarship means more than financial support. It’s a reminder that the work I’m doing, the struggles I’ve overcome, and the future I’m building are seen and valued. It makes me feel less alone in this journey. This award will directly support my transfer to UC Santa Cruz this fall, where I’ll continue my studies in biology to become a Pathologist Assistant. As someone from a rural, low-income background and the first in my family to attend college, scholarships like this are what help keep my momentum going. They ease the pressure, yes—but more importantly, they remind me that people believe in what I’m striving toward. The purpose behind this scholarship resonates deeply with me. I’ve felt the weight of grief and mental health challenges firsthand. In response, I’ve made it my mission to become the kind of support I once needed—for myself, for other first-gen STEM students, and for my community. Receiving this award affirms that mission, and I’m deeply grateful to carry it forward. Thank you again for your generosity, your kindness, and for honoring Tamurai’s legacy by lifting students like me. With heartfelt appreciation, Reynaldo Zavala Solorio