Boots and Heels Scholarship

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for considering my application for the Boots and Heels Scholarship. As an aspiring trade school student, I am committed to advancing my education and further pursuing my academic and career goals. Receiving this scholarship would provide invaluable support as I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey in pursuing my second career. In 1999, I entered a male-dominated career in law enforcement within the great state of New Mexico. I quickly had to prove myself to the law enforcement family as well as the community in which I patrolled that I was a competent, reliable, trustworthy, and brave. I made it my mission to become a well decorated and respected officer not only within the Albuquerque Police Department, but within the judicial system. I decided to hang up my boots in October, 2023 after twenty four years of dedicated service. I was able to walk away from a career I truly loved knowing I dedicated my life in becoming the best detective within the Homicide and Major Crime Scene Unit within the Albuquerque Police Department. Prior to me retiring I decided to take an automotive class at the Central New Mexico Community College. I wasn’t afraid in entering the male-dominated trade because of my law enforcement career. What I was worried about was entering a trade at my age. I quickly made a name for myself within the automotive program. I was reliable, not afraid to get dirty, and excelled in every automotive class I attended. I was recognized by several faculty members as a role model for other students within the program. I was also invited to become a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Upsilon Chi Chapter at CNM for my academic excellence and maintaining a 3.68 GPA. Furthermore, after serving my community and making a difference in the lives of others I would like continue this journey, but under a new career path within the automotive trade. Women roughly make up only 12% of all auto mechanics in the United States. I find it encouraging seeing other females pursuing the same career goal in mind. I want to mentor and show both men and women that at any age anything is possible. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my academic endeavors but also enable me to continue making meaningful contributions to my community. In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Boots and Heels Scholarship. I am confident that my academic achievements, leadership, experiences, and commitment to service make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. Thank you for considering my application!

I fell in love with welding very quickly. I've been intrigued by how I could create so much by welding and fabricating. I have a very creative mind, and welding is just one way that allows me to use it. I enjoy creating scrap metal art; I've made many flower art pieces and sculptures from old car parts and other metals. I'm always looking to improve and do better, no matter what. My drive comes from my desire to be the best I can be. Welding is my favorite pastime and something I can picture myself doing as a career. From the look of the arc colors to the satisfaction of laying down a good bead, welding brings me so much joy. I can't imagine doing anything else for a career besides welding. When I first got into welding, though, it was intimidating. I was one of three girls in a class with about 20-25 guys. We often were looked down on even though we tended to do better than our peers. I don't want other young girls to feel the way I did, like they're not as good as the guys. Pursuing welding means that I get to set new standards and examples for girls in trades. I want girls to look up to me and the other amazing women in the trades and see themselves being able to pursue and do what we do. Making a splash in a male-dominated field will be difficult, but that doesn't mean I won't work as hard as possible. Women and young girls need to be able to see others doing things they may not have even dreamed of. One day, I will open my fabrication shop, which will be women-dominated and empowering. We will be able to help young girls and women alike to learn about welding and other trades. The shop will be a place of hard work and educational opportunities. No one should ever feel afraid to come in and ask us for help with projects or to find information about the trades. My shop will be donating to women and girls in need of help to pursue trade careers. I believe women can and will improve the trades as more go into it. We are essential to how life runs; there wouldn't be much without women. So, all in all, women like me will join the trades, make a significant, needed difference, and encourage more lovely women to join.