Adam Montes Pride Scholarship

"Menial" My nostrils have been ransacked by the pungent smell of nail polish remover since the age of five. My parents and I immigrated to the United States a week following my second birthday. Leaving everything behind, they sought their American Dream and landed on “Angel Nails.” The grand opening of “Angel Nails” marked a new chapter of my childhood. Courtesy of the “employees-only” backroom, I had my family’s version of “bring-your-kid-to-work day” every day. You’d typically find me snoopily roaming between rows of pedicure chairs, chatting up clients, awaiting my mom’s voice to cut my scheming short: “Anson, time to go!” A client would soon likely be startled by an eager second-grader, Power Rangers rolling backpack in-hand, dashing out the door; I’d unintentionally mess up many drying mani-pedis stumbling out of “Angel Nails.” In sixth grade, “menial” was one of our vocab words, “not requiring much skill; lacking prestige.” My classmate, a past visitor of “Angel Nails,” asked, “Aren’t nail techs kinda menial, Anson?” I pieced together a shrug, but as the day went on, the word “menial” continued to echo in my head, reverberating the whispers of humiliation I had previously tried to suppress. This comment had struck a deeper, familiar nerve: on career day, as my friends’ parents presented their lab coats and doctorate-level educations, I questioned if my working-class upbringing was inferior. Hearing my parents’ American Dream described as “menial” solidified a perceived “Devil Nails,” tainted with shame and embarrassment. What I’d failed to grasp was that within those pedicure chairs laid hidden inspiration and passionate hearts— far beyond what met the eye. On either side of me, as I strolled through the halls of “Angel Nails,” were my parents and the rest of our technicians, all first-generation Vietnamese immigrants without college degrees, impassioned with a legacy of perseverance tracing back to post-Vietnam War chain migration, working diligently to perfect their craft. Watching my mom make free mani-pedi house visits for a client undergoing chemotherapy treatments, I realized there was nothing about “Angel Nails” to be ashamed of; my parents and the rest of our technicians were undeniable role models and didn’t need Ph.Ds to show their worth. As I began embracing my upbringing at “Angel Nails,” stories from our “employees-only” backroom enriched my after-school days: each one of our technicians fought for their place — against the odds — overcoming educational, linguistic and cultural isolation, abject poverty, and xenophobic immigration policy. Their stories ignited newfound passion in my mission of social justice; the possibility of alleviating these same barriers for future immigrants inspired me beyond the vague framework of “helping people” I had haphazardly adopted — sparking tangible goals of reform in social mobility, immigration policy, education, and accessibility to fight for. Today, I advocate for change by shining a light on stories formerly written off as “menial.” Whether I’m calming peers down during pregnancy scares or spreading LGBTQ+ allyship praxis to sex educators across the country, I strive to center empathy and open-mindedness as a catalyst for progressive political change. I like to think that through this work, I’m writing the next chapter of Angel Nail’s story. I now know that my nail salon upbringing doesn’t make me “less than,” but rather empowers me with a unique perspective I can lean on as I work to create change. Ironically, I now find comfort in the same smell of nail polish remover that irked me years ago: a sense of familiarity…of home.

Growing up as a trans man in a Muslim household, I have faced countless challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. One of the most significant challenges I have faced is the constant fear of rejection and abandonment from my family due to their beliefs about the LGBTQ community. As a result, I have learned to hide who I am from my family and the world, which has caused me to suffer from severe depression and anxiety. However, despite the constant fear and struggle, I am determined to use my experiences to make a positive impact on the world and the lives of others. Being a recipient of this scholarship would mean the world to me because it would not only help me achieve my educational and career goals but also allow me to give back to the community in ways that are meaningful and impactful. I am motivated to pursue higher education because it will not only provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in my chosen field, but also give me a platform to advocate for marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ community. I am determined to use my personal experiences to break down barriers and promote acceptance and understanding for those who may be struggling with their own identity or facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am proud of my accomplishments and the person I have become. My ability to overcome adversity and remain true to myself is a testament to my resilience and determination. My personal and professional goals revolve around using my education and experiences to make a positive impact on society, particularly within the field of mental health. I am passionate about promoting mental health awareness and advocating for accessible and inclusive mental health care for all. I believe that my unique experiences as a trans man growing up in a Muslim household give me a unique perspective and voice that can contribute to the larger conversation on social justice and equality. Through this scholarship, I hope to further my education and use my experiences to create a positive impact on the world. I believe that my determination, resilience, and passion for advocacy set me apart from other applicants and make me a deserving recipient of this scholarship. In conclusion, I am a proud and determined trans man who is committed to using my experiences to make a positive impact on society. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am driven to succeed and make a difference in the world, and I believe that this scholarship would help me achieve my goals and give me the opportunity to give back to the community in meaningful and impactful ways.