15 and the Mahomies Foundation – Lubbock County Scholarship

Since the age of 3, a tiny classroom in a small-town school is all I have known. I have always been a so-called "dreamer." Nothing has ever seemed too far out of reach to me. While some people saw the small school and limited resources as a setback, I took the most of what I was given and used it as a launchpad for my future endeavors. I always choose to find the good in every circumstance, and believe that anything is capable of being achieved as long as you give it your all. From the shy little boy who entered the halls at the unheard-of school called New Deal, to the now graduated boy with aspirations to make a name for himself, I am filled with confidence in what my future holds. Growing up, I didn't always have access to the nicest devices or resources. Although my resources were limited, my determination never was. Through the very scarce library and outdated computers, I was able to discover my love for learning and also develop a sense of gratitude. A small school may have meant fewer available opportunities, but it also revealed the importance of working twice as hard and valuing everything. A small town also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of teamwork and communication. I participated in 3 sports throughout high school, and all of them highlighted the importance of teamwork. Whether it was a Friday night under the lights, a basketball tournament, or the 4x400 meter relay with a chance to go to state finals, every moment I shared with my peers helped grow my sense of teamwork. Now that I have experienced what it feels like to be looked down on and doubted, I am filled with a sense of exhilaration to see what college holds for me. I am confident that college will provide an environment where I can flourish, while also laying the foundation for a promising future. I chose business, specifically finance, as my major because it aligns with my academic and future interests. A degree in finance would equip me with the necessary tools and understanding to navigate the ever-changing world of money management, financial planning, and investing. Equipped with these tools, I can envision myself succeeding in the dynamic and demanding job market. My end goal in this beautiful gift that we call life is to make an impact on not just the small town that shaped me, but also the world as a whole. I aspire to not only be a successful business owner, but also to be a loving father, a respectful husband, and, most importantly, to make my mom proud. One quote that I have heard that resonates with me goes along the lines of, "just a small town kid with big city dreams." The only exception is that I am not dreaming, but rather making it happen.

I recall the exact moment my curiosity for the amazing human brain began. A fourth-grade science project where I tested my classmates’ ability to draw with both hands started okay, but overnight it consumed my imagination when I noticed that the shapes only looked best for left-handed participants (the exact opposite of my hypothesis). The thought-provoking experiment inspired me to present my results at the regional science fair despite my shy personality. Little did I understand then how the mysteries of neuroscience would impact my entire life until just recently. The brain can be mesmerizing, but it is infinitely more complex than we think. I’ve always gravitated towards anything related to brain science and behavior. That’s why even as a kid, I suspected that the hectic changes in my father’s behavior must’ve had something to do with his excessive alcohol consumption. I knew something chemical-related was going haywire inside his brain. I was seventeen when I started to connect the dots, as I often wondered, “Has it always been like this, and I’m only now noticing?” But worst of all, “Is it too late?” My persistent inquiry prompted me to understand the darkest depths of this mysterious organ. As a teenager and daughter, I felt powerless to help my father amid the complexities of addiction. Addiction wasn’t like a science fair; this was real life. By simply doing my research on brain facts, I learned that the brain wasn’t an exact science – and that regardless of one’s socioeconomic status, quality, accessible mental healthcare is a right, rather than a privilege. The summer of my senior year, I witnessed firsthand in a Texas Tech lab how life-changing scientific research can be in addressing critical mental health conditions. Get this: I helped with a student’s thesis on how changing the diet of a cricket could change their aggression during a one-on-one fight! On a serious note, the findings from this research have real applications to human behavior and how our dietary habits can directly affect our brain’s health. That incredible research opportunity cracked the door open to the possibility of pursuing a career in mental health as a young Latina. I felt one step closer to awakening my dream: helping individuals heal and take care of their wellbeing. As an incoming Red Raider, I am stoked to join other driven classmates and professors in conducting more cutting-edge brain research and studies. My education at TTU will serve as the foundation for my career as an advocate, scientist, and psychiatrist. Whenever the darkness of this field feels too heavy, I remind myself that it is never too late to help someone –and I hear my mother’s words assuring me that there is a solution for everything. Watching my single mother work hard as a research leader and remaining optimistic under pressure inspires me to approach life the same way. I don’t need to know exactly who I want to become yet, but I’m certain that mental healthcare is my purpose and calling.

Science and technology have fascinated me for as long as I can remember. As a kid growing up, my parents, who immigrated from Kenya, always emphasized academics and learning. Naturally, I gravitated towards math and science and later towards technology, which were areas that piqued my interest. That interest was further developed in middle school when I was exposed to more classes that allowed me to create. My middle school library offered maker space two times a week after school, and I was there almost every day. In the maker space, I got my first experience with a 3D printer, and that was impactful because I got to print things we designed in Tinkercad, which gave me my first experience using a modeling program to create a project. Along with that, NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers)  would have workshops in our library on Wednesdays after school, and my principal recommended that I go to one. Those workshops were filled with basic labs, experiments, and projects. My favorite part about the NSBE meetings was talking to the engineers in the group and asking them questions about their workload, college life, and the type of classes they were taking to earn their degrees. In high school, I became increasingly involved in extracurriculars to branch out and figure out what I wanted to do after graduating. I started playing football in seventh grade and loved the sport so much that I became a three-year varsity starter and team captain in high school. Football taught me the importance of overcoming adversity and working even when you want to quit. It also gave me my first experience of juggling a demanding schedule and relying on competent time management skills to maintain my grades and continue working toward my goals in the classroom. I also competed in the classroom through UIL academics. I did UIL all through middle school and decided to continue when I became a high schooler. As a sophomore, I competed in UIL Academic Octathlon and won and placed in science, art, and social science. As a junior, I competed in UIL Accounting, and our team made it to the region that year. And as a senior, we won third as a team at the state meet. However, after enrolling in AP Physics Electricity and Magnetism, I seemed to suddenly remember what motivated me to learn in school. Not looking at boring financial statements but learning about how the world works. Learning about magnets and electricity, and their complexities, made me appreciate the forces that we take for granted every day and the different ways we use those forces in life-saving technologies like MRI's for example. This inspired me to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. My journey through science, sports, and work has shaped my dedication to learning, perseverance, and teamwork, qualities I’m eager to carry into college and beyond.

During my four years at Coronado High School, I had a rich and fulfilling experience, both athletically and academically. I proudly represented Coronado in multiple sports and leadership roles, which helped shape me into a resilient, driven, and well-rounded individual. Athletics played a major role in my journey. I was a varsity volleyball player all four years, earning All-District honors and multiple All-City wards each season. I also played varsity basketball for four years. During my first two years, I was on the varsity cheer team and the varsity softball team. As a freshman, I competed in varsity track and qualified for the Area meet. Competing in a variety of sports taught me discipline, commitment, and the value of teamwork. Academically, I was equally dedicated. I served as a Student Council officer all four years, taking on roles such as president, vice president, and secretary. I also competed on the UIL Accounting team during my junior and senior years. Our team won the district title both years and placed second at Regionals. Individually, I was District Runner-Up as a junior and District Champion as a senior. We qualified for the State meet my senior year as a wildcard team and placed third. I also graduated 3rd in my class, an achievement I’m especially proud of. Balancing academics and athletics taught me time management, responsibility, and how to stay focused under pressure. One of the most meaningful parts of high school was serving as a Mustang Mentor. I volunteered all four years at a local elementary school, spending time each week in a classroom. The relationships I built with students were deeply rewarding. Their excitement when I visited and the drawings they made for me reminded me how powerful kindness and consistency can be. It became a place of joy for me, and I always missed it when I couldn’t attend. Outside of school, I worked as a lifeguard, which gave me another opportunity to connect with children in my community. Many of the same kids I mentored or saw at sporting events would visit the pool. Seeing them recognize me and run over with excitement reminded me of the positive influence I had as a role model—on and off the field. During my junior volleyball season, I played through intense ankle pain. After the season, X-rays revealed a bone cyst that required surgery and a bone graft from my hip. I couldn’t walk for a month, wore a boot until April, and wasn’t fully cleared until May. During that time, I became the baseball team manager, which allowed me to contribute in a new way. Returning to play took time and courage, but the experience taught me perseverance, adaptability, and how to lead through adversity. This fall, I will attend Texas Tech University and major in Accounting—a subject I grew to love through UIL. My goal is to become a CPA and eventually work in the business world, using my skills to solve financial problems and make a meaningful impact.

From the moment I was born, my heart didn’t function as it should. Diagnosed with several congenital heart defects, including Interrupted Aortic Arch, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Aortic Stenosis, I faced many uncertainties about my future. My early childhood was marked by multiple open-heart surgeries, countless tests, and frequent hospital visits. But as I grew older, I came to realize something important: I could either let my condition define me, or I could choose to define myself by how I responded to it. I chose the latter. The surgeries, medical treatments, and regular check-ups became part of my routine, but they also became lessons in perseverance. I learned to embrace the support of my family and friends, who stood by me through it all. They became my anchors, reminding me that hope exists even in the toughest of times. Knowing I wasn’t alone on this journey gave me strength. Living with a CHD often means being at constant risk of complications. I have had difficulty engaging in physical activity, as exertion put undue stress on my heart, leading to fatigue. Even something as simple as climbing a flight of stairs or walking for extended periods can leave me feeling winded or dizzy. For someone in this situation, daily life can seem like a constant balancing act between what they want to do and what their body will allow them to do. While living with a congenital heart defect created many obstacles, it is also a source of immense personal strength and inspiration for me. The experiences navigating these challenges have served as a motivation to pursue my passion in a way that is uniquely fulfilling. While my condition required many adjustments, it also opened my eyes to a broader perspective on life. I’ve always had a passion for sports, but due to blood thinners, an artificial valve, a pacemaker, and leg surgery, I had to find other ways to stay connected to sports. From an early age, I followed sports closely, tracking stats and scores for teams and players. In middle school and high school, I had the opportunity to work as a school broadcaster. As a senior this year, I was invited by the local commentator to keep stats for our high school team and help with live broadcasts. By pursuing a dual major in Public Relations and Journalism with a Sports Media Certification at Texas Tech University, I aim to further my passion and ultimately build a career as a sports analyst. These moments have taught me not to take anything for granted and to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Every day that I feel healthy and strong is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.