Beatrice Diaz Memorial Scholarship

I am Camden Avants, a girl from San Antonio, who has always wanted to give back to her community. I was an undiagnosed child with autism in the public school system. Autism is a spectrum, meaning some people with the disorder may function differently than others. I didn't need special assistance, and I flourished in academic environments. I enjoyed learning and going to school, I was selected to be part of many advanced and gifted and talented programs from a young age. I had no difficulty academically or listening to my teachers. I struggled with being too perfect. Due to my disorder, I have hyper perfectionism. I would get frustrated and wouldn't want to continue trying to complete a task if I didn't understand it immediately. It made me stubborn, difficult to compromise with, and prone to meltdowns. Teachers struggled to understand why I acted that way. It resulted in many becoming frustrated and it discouraged me as a kid, because I didn't understand why I reacted that way. I hated disappointing my teachers and I didn't want to make them upset, but I had growing anxiety over new experiences because I was so afraid to fail I didn't want to try. This fear remained all throughout school until I met my 8th grade art teacher. He was a kind older gentleman who had way too much patience for a room full of forty 13 year olds. At the beginning of the semester, I would just sit and stare at the blank page he handed out, petrified of making a mistake. He would just quietly pick it up at the end of the 45-minute class like the rest of the kids and put it in the pile. Finally after the first week he asked me why I hadn't started my project like the rest of the children. I voiced my concern about messing it up, not receiving a good grade, and many more excuses as to why I hadn't done my work. Instead of giving me an F, he simply drew a lopsided circle on the paper. "Is this perfect?" he asked. "No sir." I responded. "We are human and bound to make mistakes. I have never met an artist to draw a completely perfect circle in two seconds. Just like how no artist will make a masterpiece on their first try. It takes time, practice and hard work. One day, it will all come together to make something beautiful." He erased the pencil lines and handed me my paper. "Draw me something as best as you can, and I promise you'll get an A." My art teacher helped me understand that there are no mistakes in art, that it was all subjective. Only the artist saw mistakes, and it was okay to be self critical, but understanding towards the fact that you were human. I went on to submit art for competitions, and continue my passion into reading and writing. My teachers who have been there for me inspire me every day to help people recognize their potential and strive to become the best they can be. I am pursuing a career in education to help kids like me, misunderstood and misguided to understand they are more than is perceived of them. I want every child to know they are welcome in my classroom and I want nothing more for them to succeed in whatever path they choose. I hope any child with any disability or situation to feel free to make mistakes and most importantly to learn from them. I no longer look for perfectionism, but for growth.

I am Kayle Delgadillo, a senior at the Science & Engineering Academy at John Jay High School. Anyone who truly knows me would describe me as someone who loves art, math, and working with kids, three passions that might seem unrelated, but together have shaped the kind of person I am and the kind of future I’m working toward. I’ve always been drawn to patterns, whether they appear in numbers, people, or the way small decisions build into bigger outcomes. That curiosity is what led me toward pursuing a degree in applied mathematics, but my interest in teaching and child development has stayed just as strong. Helping others understand something that once felt confusing is one of the most rewarding feelings I know. Throughout high school, I have pushed myself to excel academically while balancing sports, extracurriculars, and leadership roles. These experiences have taught me discipline, consistency, and how to manage responsibility even when things feel overwhelming. I am proud to be ranked in the top ten of my class, and math has consistently been my strongest subject. Its challenges motivate me, and its structure encourages me to think critically and creatively; two skills I hope to carry into my career. My mom is the biggest influence on the person I am becoming. She has shown me, through her patience and kindness, what it means to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Watching her work with children taught me that small acts of support can change the entire path of a young person. She also taught me to value education not just for grades but for the stability and independence it creates. Any time I doubted myself, she reminded me to keep going. Her example showed me that hard work, compassion, and resilience matter far more than where you start. Because of her, I see education as something powerful; something that opens doors for people who may not have many to begin with. I plan to pursue a degree in applied mathematics with teacher certification, and possibly a minor in art. I want to return to classrooms like the ones I grew up in, where students often come from challenging backgrounds but carry incredible potential. I have seen firsthand how financial stress, limited resources, and lack of support can make higher education feel out of reach. My goal is to become the kind of teacher who not only explains math but reminds students that their circumstances do not define their future. I want them to see their background as a source of strength, not a barrier. I have already taken proactive steps toward funding my education by completing the FAFSA and applying for multiple scholarships. I’m drawn to colleges that offer academic rigor, supportive environments, and opportunities to grow both as a student and as a leader. I plan to continue applying for scholarships and using every resource available to build the future I’ve worked for. Ultimately, I want to build a life that reflects what my mom taught me: work hard, care deeply, and use what you’ve learned to lift others up. Whether through math, teaching, or creativity, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the students I serve; just as the people in my life have done for me.

Being a kid sucks. It's a slur of confusion, emotions, and a constant tug-of-war between fitting in and standing out. Growing up is a universal challenge, but for some children, life deals an especially tough hand. I've been one of those children, and I know firsthand the pain of neglect and faced challenges that no child should endure. But within those struggles lies an opportunity – a chance to transform pain into purpose, confusion into clarity, and isolation into connection. As a future art educator, I'm determined to be the difference I needed when I was young, to make this challenging experience a little brighter for the next generation of kids. Growing up, I was gifted with some of life's most challenging circumstances. I felt like a third-party player in my own life, my story unfolding in front of me with no way to control it and nobody to turn to. Being adopted, while a change, brought its own set of struggles, dictating my sense of self. These early experiences permeated every aspect of my being, including school. It created a great divide between myself, my peers, and especially my teachers. I felt misunderstood, like an alien, where teachers couldn't fully grasp my reality. I know thousands of other children felt, and continue to feel this way. This disconnect wasn't due to a lack of care or effort on their part, but rather a fundamental gap in understanding. I'm driven by a powerful purpose, to bridge this gap for all students. In my classroom, I want to create a sanctuary where children can shed their burdens and rediscover the joy of being young. My class will be a break in their day, a unique space where they can breathe, explore, and simply be. Art has been my lifeline, my voice, and my story – and now, I'm eager to share this transformative power with my students. I'll open doors to endless creative possibilities, offering them a palette of mediums to express themselves freely and find solace. By sharing my own journey and passion, I hope to bridge the gap between teacher and student, fostering genuine connections that heal and inspire. Seeing that spark of creativity ignite in a child's eyes, would heal a part of me, connecting deep within to my younger self. It would be a beautiful reminder that my experiences weren't in vain – they've led me to that moment. Where I can hold a child's hand, share my love for art, and be the friend and mentor I once needed. That's why I want to be an art educator. Despite those around me disapproving, wanting me to go for “more”. What is more? There is nothing more than human connection. Art is the ultimate way of expression and connection, and children are the future. Even in my year of being a teaching intern for an elementary art class, I have never felt the way I did in that classroom. I continue to chase that feeling. I will mend the gap with my kids, maybe not with world reforming movements, or a big business, but with paintbrushes, crayons, and my own tears.

As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, my journey into higher education is more than just a personal achievement—it reflects the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with opportunities they never had. Their resilience and hard work inspire me every day, and I am determined to make the most of my education for myself and them. Choosing to major in accounting was a strategic decision, as it offers diverse career opportunities and provides essential financial skills that I can apply professionally and personally. What interests me most about accounting is its versatility. Every industry, from healthcare to entertainment, relies on financial management, which means I can explore various career paths while maintaining job security. Additionally, accounting equips me with valuable life skills, such as budgeting, tax planning, and financial decision-making, that will help me achieve personal stability and success. I am excited to develop expertise in a field that is both practical and impactful, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to any organization I work for. Beyond my passion for accounting, my greatest motivation is my family. My parents have worked tirelessly to support me, often putting their own needs aside to ensure that I have access to better opportunities. Their sacrifices fuel my ambition to not only earn my degree but also to excel in my career. My goal is to build a successful future where I can give back to them—whether by helping them achieve financial security, assisting with retirement, or simply providing them with the comfort and stability they deserve. Seeing them worry less and enjoy life more would be one of my greatest accomplishments. My long-term aspirations extend beyond personal success. After earning my degree, I aim to secure a job in accounting and work my way up the professional ladder. I want to continuously learn, take on leadership roles, and make meaningful contributions to my field. While financial stability is important, my ultimate goal is to create a fulfilling career that allows me to support my family and build a future I can be proud of. In addition to my career goals, I dream of creating a stable and happy home, owning a house, and raising a family. Financial independence is a priority for me, as I want to ensure that my loved ones never have to struggle the way my parents once did. I hope to retire comfortably, knowing that I have built something meaningful—not just for myself but for future generations. More than anything, I want my journey to be a source of pride for my parents and an inspiration for my children, showing them that hard work and determination can turn dreams into reality. Ultimately, my path in accounting is about more than numbers—it is about resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to success. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and determined to make the most of them, ensuring that my parents, my future family, and I can look back with pride at everything I have accomplished.

I walked into my eighth-grade elective, ecstatic since I was finally old enough to be a teacher's aide for my elementary school. I was placed in one of the second grade classes and from the very first day, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching. I also quickly felt that I wanted to work with the general age range of kindergarteners to third-graders. That year was significantly impactful for me in the sense that I had real-world experience in the career field of my choice, but I also made meaningful relationships with the students and the teacher of the class. I get the opportunity to see them sometimes, and it warms my heart to see the kids who I helped with their projects playing basketball and volleyball for the first time! I am pursuing a career in teaching because I believe every child should have the opportunity for advancement, support, and learning. Every student should be able to have a visible amount of progress from the beginning to the end of the school year. No matter the circumstances, as teachers we are called to walk alongside our students to help them receive education but also life skills and, especially at younger ages, social skills. Without this kind of advancement, science, math, or reading, are great tools in a broken toolbox. Advancement can also refer to social mobility. I want the students I teach to grow and become the best versions of themselves who can have the greatest impact. No matter their starting point, I want them to believe they can achieve their dreams. Support should be received by every student every year. There are instances where behavior has to be discouraged, however, the general student should not be diminished. I wish for every child that is in my future class to be supported. In our world today, children have to see hardships and disgusting events that I hope we can one day fix but, until that day, I want each of my prospective students to be comforted in knowing that they always have someone who will listen and care for them no matter what they are facing. Learning is a process that should never stop. As a society and individuals, we should all be learning about ourselves, each other, and our world. I believe that the vast majority of society's problems can be solved through learning and understanding each other and truth. I want to be a catalyst for the spreading of knowledge to the next generations. I believe that teaching is the best platform for me to accomplish this and the way that I can best serve my community. The more we know, the more ways we can solve problems, expand resources, and spread truth within our local and worldwide communities. Although my first exposure to teaching has been through the lens of a student, I am now an afterschool care teacher and I have been a teacher's aide, both of which have given me a purpose for the direction of my future. I will become a teacher, and I will equip all of my students with the resources they require for advancement in my class and their future, to be supported, and to learn. All of these characteristics should be customary for every class, but I will prioritize them in my future classroom.

Hello, I am Niyelete Barras, a senior in the class of 2024. Throughout my high school years, I have maintained an impressive academic record as an honor roll student, consistently earning A's and B's. However, my achievements extend beyond the classroom, as I have been actively involved in various extracurricular activities and community service projects. For two years now, I have proudly served as the Alief Taylor Varsity cheer captain, fostering a sense of unity and dedication among my teammates. In addition, I am a member of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) club, where I have actively participated in a head start program to obtain my Texas teaching certifications. My passion for teaching led me to become a student teacher for 6th-grade math, and I plan to extend this experience to teaching elementary students in the upcoming year. As a student teacher, I have honed my skills by conducting lessons, creating engaging presentations, and developing a comprehensive website to showcase my teaching materials and accomplishments, which will be beneficial when seeking future teaching opportunities. Outside of school, I am an active member of the Top Teens Of America Houston Chapter, where we engage in various community service projects to make a positive impact on society. Moreover, I am enthusiastic about completing my final year as a Girl Scout to achieve the prestigious Golden Award. This award not only opens doors for college admissions but also allows me to contribute further to my community. For my Golden Award project, I decided to create a math website filled with interactive games and problem-solving activities, aiming to help students learn and practice math while having fun. I identified math as a significant challenge for some of the students I encountered during my time as a student teacher, and I wanted to provide them with accessible resources to strengthen their foundational skills and succeed in their academic journey. My journey to becoming a teacher was not initially straightforward. Originally, I aspired to be a photographer, drawn to the idea of capturing meaningful moments through images. However, a life-changing event reshaped my ambitions. When faced with a difficult situation, I confided in my teacher, Ms. Jordan, who provided unwavering support and encouraged me to be open about my struggles. Her guidance led me out of a period of depression, and I realized the profound impact teachers can have on their students' lives. This experience ignited a desire in me to help others just as Ms. Jordan had helped me. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to become a teacher and be a source of support and encouragement for my future students. Becoming a teacher is not merely a personal endeavor for my own happiness; it is driven by a genuine passion to make a positive difference in the lives of my students. My ultimate goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels valued and knows they can turn to me for guidance. I want to assure my students that they are never alone in their struggles and that I will always lend a listening ear and a helping hand.

As a child, I would spend all morning at school, and then come home and play school with my dolls in the afternoon. I have loved school since the first day I walked into my K3 classroom. This love for education has stayed with me until now. Ever since I was a small child, I have wanted to be a teacher, so that I would be able to share my love of learning with future generations of children. When I was in middle school, I had a wonderful math teacher who completely changed the way I saw the world of mathematics. She challenged me to grow as a learner and as a person. It was obvious that she was not only knowledgeable about what she was teaching, but that she was passionate about mathematical literacy. I thrived under her instruction, and she opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at the world. However, my classmates struggled in math more than they did in any other subject. I soon discovered that I had a talent for explaining these concepts in a way my classmates could relate to them better. This began a passion in me to help students understand mathematical concepts in a way that they can relate to more easily. This talent I have for teaching and the love I have for learning are perfectly combined with my getting an education degree. I hope to use this degree to impact many generations of students and to share with them, even if it is in a small way, how wonderful learning can be. I am fascinated by the possibility of impacting children's and teenagers' lives, and I am passionate about helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. If I can have even half of the impact of the many excellent and knowledgeable teachers who came before me, I will count that as a wonderful legacy to leave behind. I hope to teach in a middle school or high school after I graduate with my undergraduate degree. I also would love to continue my education by getting a master's degree. I would consider it a huge privilege to be able to use some of my unique skills and experiences to impact students in a great way. I am especially passionate to be able to encourage Hispanic students in the USA to succeed, as well as to help students who struggle in math to be successful. I also hope to be an inspiration to any of my students who love math and education. But most of all, I want to be a teacher who loves her students and helps them to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.