Boyd J. Cameron Memorial Scholarship

The decision to pursue a business degree stems from a deep sense of ambition, shaped by my family’s sacrifices and my drive to excel. As a first-generation college student, I am very aware of the challenges my parents faced. My father, an entrepreneur, built his business from the ground up, and my mother, who works in finance, navigated a complex field without the benefit of a degree. Watching their determination to create a better life instilled in me a relentless work ethic and a commitment to achieving my goals. Their example motivates me to build my own path—one marked by dedication, innovation, and the desire to make a meaningful impact. From an early age, I was captivated by the dynamic nature of the business world. Finance intrigues me for its ability to shape economies and uplift individuals, while corporate law fascinates me for its role in guiding ethical decision-making. A business education bridges these interests, equipping me with the tools to excel in financial analysis, strategic management, and legal frameworks. These disciplines align with my long-term vision of becoming a leader who blends technical expertise with a humanist perspective. My sense of purpose is also inspired by the sacrifices of my grandfather, who served in Vietnam, similar to Mr. Boyd J. Cameron. Their selflessness reminds me that success often rests on the foundation of those who came before us. I strive to honor their legacies and sacrifices not just by achieving personal success but by giving back to others. Thus, my drive to make an impact is deeply personal. Growing up, I was supported by a network of people who believed in my potential. That foundation inspired me to co-found Project SPARK (STEM Projects Advancing Real-World Knowledge), a CAS initiative that has provided STEM opportunities to over 500 Title 1 elementary school students in Flagler County. Through this project, I saw how education can transform lives, sparking curiosity and confidence in underserved communities. These moments reaffirmed my belief that ambition must be coupled with action to create lasting change. As a student in the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business and Honors Program, I have embraced my role as both a learner and a leader, challenging myself to think critically and develop solutions to complex problems. Balancing rigorous academics with involvement in initiatives that support others has taught me the importance of resilience and focus—qualities that drive my success both in and beyond the classroom. My ambition is rooted in a vision for the future where the skills I develop will empower me to address systemic inequities and foster sustainable growth. In finance, I hope to spearhead initiatives that expand financial literacy and access to resources for underserved populations, helping individuals build economic independence. Similarly, my passion for corporate law drives my desire to advocate for ethical business practices that prioritize both social responsibility and profitability. While my family’s sacrifices have undoubtedly laid the foundation for my journey, it is my ambition and determination that fuel my desire to create a legacy of impact. Whether mentoring students, supporting entrepreneurial ventures, or advocating for inclusive policies, I am committed to leaving a tangible mark on my community. By pursuing a business degree, I seek to merge my personal drive with my gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given. This path allows me to honor the sacrifices of those who have shaped me while carving out a future defined by hard work, purpose, and giving back. My journey is one of ambition and action, aimed at creating a brighter future for myself and those I have the privilege to uplift.

My name is Harvey Garcia. I am a first-generation student born to immigrant parents. I am transferring to a 4-year institution. I am very excited of being able to experience this. I can say this, my perspective now of higher education at the age of thirty-one compared to my early twenties is vastly different. I've experienced several setbacks throughout the years and have firsthand experience the opportunities higher education brings. The reason I am pursuing a degree in business administration is because of the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. In 2014 I attempted to start my own business and while it did not succeed it was a huge learning experience. They say that the average entrepreneur fails at least three times before establishing a successful venture. I am currently attempting to start a new business providing janitorial services for government agencies. I have so far bought the supplies and I am currently looking for my first contract. I am hoping that by the time I start school the business will be somewhat established and will help me pay for my education. I have seen the consequences of poor financial literacy. in hindsight, I wish I could have been there 20 years ago to tell my parents to buy a house, to use high-interesting yielding savings accounts and to invest in an IRA. My mother is unfortunately no longer with me due to Covid-19 but my father is nearing retirement age with very little savings. And I've come to the conclusion that this experience cannot be unique to me. Many immigrants and first-generation Americans lack the financial know how to build long term wealth. Realizing this woke me up to the fact that this is a major issue plaguing disadvantaged communities particularly communities of color. The way I plan to give back to society is to start a non-profit organization after establishing successful businesses that focuses on teaching financial literacy to disadvantaged communities. That is the common denominator keeping entire communities down. That is the difference from being given food and being taught how to fish for lack of better terminology. When people begin to invest in themselves and their future, they will have the capacity to break generational poverty. It is an issue I feel strongly about. I do not feel bad about having been born in a disadvantaged environment, it actually motivates me to lead by example and be the first in my family to graduate.

I am pursuing a degree in marketing because I am passionate about the transformative power of communication and the role it plays in shaping our daily lives and interactions. Through advertising, social media, and public relations, the way we communicate with each other can influence and alter the way we think and act. I believe that by studying marketing, I can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on my community and the broader world. One way I hope to make a positive impact through my education in marketing is by using my skills and expertise to promote important causes and messages. There are numerous issues within my community and across the globe that I am deeply passionate about, and I believe that marketing can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and catalyzing positive change. By leveraging my marketing skills to promote messages of social justice, environmental sustainability, and other critical issues, I hope to contribute to making a positive difference in the world. Another way I plan to make a positive impact through my education in marketing is by using my skills to support ethical and sustainable businesses. Many companies are committed to doing good and having a positive impact on the world, and I believe it is essential to support and help these businesses thrive. By using my marketing skills to promote products and services that are environmentally friendly, ethically produced, or otherwise beneficial to society, I hope to contribute to creating a better world for all. In addition to using my marketing skills to promote important causes and support ethical businesses, I also plan to make a positive impact through my actions and choices. This could include supporting local businesses, volunteering my time and resources to help others, and using my platform to speak out on important issues. By setting a good example and being a positive influence in my own life, I hope to inspire others to do the same and make a positive impact in their way. Overall, I am confident that my education in marketing will provide me with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on my community and the world. Whether it's through promoting important causes, supporting ethical businesses, or simply spreading positive messages, I am dedicated to using my education to make a difference and contribute to creating a better world for all.