FIAH Scholarship

As a first-generation, low-income, BIPOC student, I’ve grown up navigating spaces that weren’t always built with people like me in mind. The road hasn’t always been easy—there have been times when success felt far away—but I’ve learned to create my own opportunities, and more importantly, to bring others along with me. I believe I should be awarded this scholarship not just because I work hard, but because I’m committed to using my education to open doors that too often stay closed for students like me. Through finance and marketing, I want to create meaningful, long-term impact—helping underserved communities access both economic and environmental opportunity. Back in my sophomore year of high school, I noticed something that stuck with me: a lot of students from similar backgrounds—low-income, first-gen, and students of color—felt left out, disconnected, and invisible at our predominantly well-off school. The feeling wasn’t just about not fitting in socially; it was about not feeling seen or supported structurally. I wanted to do something about that. So I turned to something I love: theatre. With the help of friends, I brought Nuevos Tiempos: A New Musical to life. I directed the show, scheduled rehearsals, and even advocated for funding by pitching the project to school administrators and the PTSA. Over 50 students got involved—many of them stepping into the spotlight for the first time. For some, it was about acting or singing, but for many, it was about finally feeling like they belonged. That experience taught me a lot about leadership. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about creating space for others to speak, grow, and lead. That lesson is what drives my career goals. I want to study business—with a focus on finance and marketing—so I can help break down the same kinds of barriers I’ve faced. I’ve seen how financial insecurity can push environmental concerns to the background, especially in communities like mine. I want to change that. I plan to support small businesses—particularly those led by Black, Brown, and Indigenous entrepreneurs—by helping them access funding for green initiatives like sustainable packaging, energy-efficient operations, or eco-conscious supply chains. Financial tools that are tailored, accessible, and inclusive can make all the difference. If we want environmental progress to be equitable, we have to start with who gets to participate—and who gets left out. At the same time, I see marketing as a way to bring these efforts to life. Marketing isn’t just about products; it’s about people, identity, and values. I want to create campaigns that reflect the diversity of the people most affected by climate change and economic inequity—campaigns that don’t just inform, but empower. When people see themselves in the story of sustainability, they’re more likely to care, to act, and to lead. That kind of cultural shift can start with something as simple as a story—but it can ripple outward and change everything. This scholarship wouldn’t just help me pay for school—it would help me keep building something bigger than myself. I’m not just working toward a degree; I’m working toward a future where equity, sustainability, and opportunity aren’t the exception—they’re the norm. I want to use finance to fund equity, and marketing to amplify it. And wherever my path takes me, I’ll keep carving out space—so that others can step into their own power, too.

Life has taught me many lessons, but none greater than the importance of resilience, faith, and purpose. As a single parent of five children, my journey has been far from easy. After spending three years living in Mexico, I found myself having to return to the United States and start over from scratch—with no job, having to live with family, and no clear roadmap forward. What I did have was a fierce determination to give my children a better life and a belief that education would be the key to our future. Returning was not just about relocating; it was about rebuilding. Every day since has been filled with challenges, from managing a household alone to working multiple jobs and trying to make ends meet. But through it all, one dream has stayed close to my heart: becoming a nurse. My desire to become a nurse is deeply personal. I want to be in a position where I can care for others, bring comfort during their most difficult moments, and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The medical field has always inspired me—not just because of its stability, but because of the compassion, strength, and skill that nurses bring to their communities. I want to be that source of strength for others, just as I’ve tried to be for my children. Returning to school as an adult learner and single mother of five has required grit, discipline, and relentless hope. I study late at night after my children are asleep. I attend classes while managing doctor’s appointments, school drop-offs, and everything else that comes with parenting alone. But I continue to push forward because I know that achieving my goal of becoming a nurse will change the future for all six of us. My greatest motivation is my children. I want them to see that no matter how difficult life becomes, it is always possible to rise above circumstances. I want them to know that they are not limited by their environment or their challenges. They are watching me rebuild my life, and I hope they learn that hard work and education can open doors that once seemed closed. This scholarship would be a tremendous help in relieving some of the financial stress that comes with going back to school while raising a large family. More importantly, it would allow me to stay focused on my long-term goal: earning my nursing degree and becoming a role model not only for my children but also for others who are struggling and feel like giving up. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to turning my trials into triumphs and using my future nursing career to serve and uplift others. I may have had to start over, but I’m building a future that is stronger than anything I have ever known—and I am doing it not just for myself, but for the five amazing lives that depend on me.

My story begins in a community that shaped who I am today. At Sachse High School, I grew up surrounded by support, encouragement, and opportunities that allowed me to thrive. High school was one of the most formative times of my life. I was deeply involved in athletics, competing in lots of runs, the swim team for all four years, and playing soccer for two. Sports gave me discipline, taught me teamwork, and pushed me to improve constantly. After a hip injury forced me to step away from soccer, I devoted myself to swimming. I also got many hours of volunteering as a timer for the high school swim meets that I did not swim in. Not long after high school, I faced a different kind of challenge when my grandfather passed away in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. His loss reminded me of how quickly life can change, but I was grateful to have said goodbye the day before. That moment made me reflect on the value of time and the importance of using it to better the lives of others. Those experiences influenced my current direction in higher education. I am majoring in Communications at the University of North Texas and considering a future in kinesiology to become either a personal trainer or a physical therapist. My background in sports, combined with my own experience with injury, has inspired me to help others rebuild strength, recover from setbacks, and feel empowered in their bodies. I know firsthand how discouraging it can be to deal with pain or physical limitations. But I also know the joy and confidence that come from movement, progress, and perseverance. I really believe my purpose in life is to spread light and help others. So, as a personal trainer, I would use my communication skills to motivate and guide clients toward healthier lifestyles, creating fitness plans tailored to their goals. As a physical therapist, I would help patients recover from injuries, regain mobility, and rebuild confidence in themselves. Both roles allow me to combine technical knowledge with empathy, offering not just physical recovery but emotional support as well. My ultimate goal is to create a positive, lasting impact by helping people live stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. My grandfather’s passing gave me a new perspective: life is short, but it can be lived with purpose. By choosing a career in kinesiology, I want to dedicate myself to giving people hope, strength, and a renewed belief in what their bodies are capable of. Whether it’s guiding someone through recovery or helping them achieve a fitness milestone, I want to be a source of encouragement and transformation in their journey.

As a graphic designer, I am excited to start my career and begin making a positive impact on both my community and world. In my work, I want to utilize my creativity and skills to create impactful graphics, design campaigns, and create positive change by promoting social issues through art. I am passionate about creating thought-provoking art that will challenge the status quo and inspire positive change. I have a special interest in using designs to bring awareness to environmental and social issues, such as promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. I envision a future of using design to fight for inclusivity and social justice. In the future, I plan to use my skills to work on graphic designs for organizations, helping them to effectively convey their messages through creative solutions. I look forward to bringing more diversity, inclusion, and authenticity to the world through my work. I hope to make a difference in the world by creating visuals that have meaning and are powerful enough to bring about positive change. I know that becoming a successful graphic designer will give me an incredible amount of power, and I plan on putting that power to good use. I plan to collaborate with non-profit organizations, creating impactful graphics that promote social justice and environmental responsibility. I am also looking into creating content that promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. From an early age, I started using visual art to express my beliefs and feelings and continue to do so today. I am determined to use my skills as a graphic designer to make a difference and have a strong sense of personal responsibility to do my part in contributing to positive change in the world. I believe that my passion, creativity, and desire to make a difference will make me a great graphic designer. I have a strong interest in creating designs that will create positive change and believe that my skills will help me achieve that goal. I am dedicated and passionate about using my skills to fight for inclusivity and social justice. I know my determination and passion will fuel my success and help me stay motivated to achieve my professional goals. In addition to my professional goals, I am also committed to making a positive impact in my local community. I plan on doing pro-bono work for local organizations and using design to promote positive change on a smaller scale. I am looking forward to being able to use design to help people closer to home. Whether it’s through creating a website for an organization that helps the less fortunate or assisting in the branding of a charity event, I know that small changes can have a huge impact.