Brandon Repola Memorial Scholarship

My sympathies to Brandon's family... it would seem that he and I had an awful lot in common with an entrepreneurial spirit and love of videography and cars. My original major was computer science but it didn't take me long to discover that my true calling was in the land of film and videography. Faith & family are the forefront of everything I do and I'm working towards which includes directing films or being a cinematographer in the very near future. My parents are high school sweethearts together for over 30 years now and my sister and I have really been blessed by our upbringing and relationships. My mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis a few years ago and is very strong but finances have become much more of struggle due to her significant medical bills which have drained any savings they had. I would say that I got my entrepreneurial side from her. Prior to her diagnosis, she was a real estate broker and ran her own property management company so it's been a difficult adjustment for her and my family overall. I was diagnosed with ADHD very early in my life and it wasn't until I found movies, cars and volleyball, that I really started to focus and thrive despite it. My dad and I are your typical All-American horsepower seeking guys and love to watch all things automotive... we even had a jeep project at one point in my younger years. This forged a deeper connection with my dad and now we go to car shows and cars & coffee events as often as we can. Volleyball has been a major part of my life in recent years and I'm now entering my junior year of college with a major in Communication and Digital Media. While growing up, movies have always been a huge part of bonding for my family, especially when it comes to anything in the Star Wars and Marvel / DC comic book genres. Some might say that we're a bit overboard with all of our movie quotes and impersonations but we're quite entertaining. We always look forward to new movie releases that we can watch together and often watch our favorite films together on repeat. This love of film has inspired me to pursue the ultimate dream of video production and directing films. Over the last couple of years, I dove head first into learning all facets of film making and creating my own content. I've been able to put this knowledge into action with making a documentary, commercial and other small projects. I'm inspired by films directed by Christopher Nolan like Interstellar and Inception, films that are thought provoking and intriguing. After graduation, I'm blessed to have an opportunity already in place to intern with my mentor who is a producer and director who has inspired me to be a part of the industry. I'm very fortunate to have had an encouraging foundation at home knowing that I was free to explore many options for my future and make some mistakes in the interim. I'm waiting for the day where I can venture out and make movies of my own to create the same kind of memories that my family has given to me.

My name is Vladimir Gurrola Paredes, and I am currently pursuing an Associate's degree in Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering at Arizona Western College. I have plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to earn a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering. My academic journey is driven by a profound passion for technology and its capacity to foster positive societal change. This passion aligns closely with Brandon Repola’s legacy, particularly in the realms of digital marketing, computers, and technology. Having grown up in a low-income, Hispanic-dominant community, I have witnessed firsthand the obstacles that many young students face due to a lack of resources and educational opportunities. The absence of after-school programs and the scarcity of STEM education in these communities have fueled my determination to make a difference. I believe that technology when leveraged effectively, can bridge these gaps and empower underserved populations. My interest in digital marketing and technology extends beyond theoretical knowledge; I have applied these skills in real-world settings. For instance, I have taught middle school students from low-income neighborhoods how to play chess, using the game as a means to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. I also tutor these students in STEM subjects, fostering their interest and competence in Math and Science. These experiences have provided me with valuable insights into how the new generation of students learns, especially in the context of online education. Digital marketing plays a pivotal role in reaching today’s youth, who primarily consume information through online platforms. I have practical experience in videography and digital content creation, which I have utilized to engage students in learning. My goal is to expand these efforts on a larger scale, creating content that not only educates but also inspires students from low-income communities to pursue STEM careers. As I continue my education in software engineering, I am committed to developing innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by low-income and underserved communities. I envision creating sustainable STEM education programs that leverage digital marketing to reach and engage students in these communities. By providing them with the tools and resources needed to overcome economic challenges, I aim to empower them to achieve their full potential. Brandon Repola’s vision of changing the world through his work in digital marketing and technology resonates deeply with me. I am committed to carrying forward his legacy by using my talents and knowledge to inspire and uplift others. Through determination, creativity, and the right resources, I believe that we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most. This scholarship would not only support my educational journey but also enable me to contribute meaningfully to the communities that Brandon sought to inspire.

I am pursuing my passion in electrical engineering with a focus on computer hardware engineering. As for school, I plan to do a 4+1 program which allows me to take graduate-level classes during my undergraduate time in school so that I only need one extra year to get a master's degree. During the summer, I plan to take part in internships to decide what I like best and find the exact thing I want to pursue after college. I also intend to join the military after college, using my degree to its fullest extent in the military as an electrical engineer in the Air Force where I could use my skills working on computer systems. When it comes to meeting each one of these goals, I will tackle them one at a time, putting my full attention and effort into them. Through careful planning and meeting smaller goals along the way, I will be able to achieve each and every one of my objectives. I want to make the most of my time in college and do not plan to stay more than needed, so I will keep moving forward as I have in my first year of college with most nights spent in the library completing homework or studying, leaving the weekends for free time. By being able to focus on one thing at a time, I am able to achieve the grades I want in each class without having to compromise my social life or personal downtime by leaving the weekends open. As for summer internships, I want to find an internship for my sophomore summer, junior year summer, and possibly another after my senior year if I have not found something I can fully commit to by then. I intend to pick up ones that can also support me with paying for school while also having a job during the summer. I want to use this time to really focus on the things I like to get a feel for a career after college while also gaining useful insight and experience in the engineering field of work. In addition to my academic and career aspirations, I am deeply committed to community service, which aligns with my desire to contribute positively to society. Volunteering with organizations such as Produce On Wheels Without Waste (POWWOW) and working at a local soup kitchen have reinforced my understanding of the importance of giving back. These experiences have not only allowed me to make a tangible impact on my community but also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my skills and education for the greater good. By balancing my academic pursuits, career planning, and community involvement, I am confident in my ability to achieve my goals. Each step I take is meticulously planned to ensure that I am making the most of my opportunities and preparing myself for a successful future in electrical engineering, whether in the private sector or serving in the Air Force. This holistic approach to my education and career will allow me to excel in my field while making meaningful contributions to society.

Brandon Repola Memorial Scholarship Sophia Kitchen Grand Canyon University Marketing Major From Wanderlust to Wisdom I am a fourth generation Arizonan. I come from a family of cattle ranchers and entrepreneurs that helped to lay the foundation for this beautiful state. The second of five children, I learned responsibility early on. But, it wasn’t until graduating that I found my true passion: travel. In the past three years, I embarked on a solo journey across seventeen countries, recording my adventures along the way. Although often portrayed as glamorous by social media, travel can be dangerous. With a degree in marketing my goal is to highlight exotic locations and to bring safety awareness to fellow travelers. I like to feel that I am carrying on a family tradition of pioneering and adventure. With my collected experiences, both marvelous and miserable, I’ve developed a personal mission to shed light on the unrealistic standards shown by social media. As an avid solo traveler, I've fallen victim to the dangers of unrealistic expectations pushed by other travel influencers. I've dedicated myself to creating my own online presence in order to advocate for responsible travel. With hundreds of hours, my content is entertaining and informative. Check it out! My handle is @Podper. Self-funded, each step has been a testament to resilience and growth. I am currently working on a novelization of my trip to London. At one point I was stranded and had to become extremely resourceful to get by. This experience was an inspiration for a cautionary tale to other dreamy-eyed travelers. With an entertaining story line, I want to encourage people to explore the world, but with eyes wide open. I'm close to the editing phase of my book, and I hope to self publish my work within the year, and of course use my online presence to market it. Recognizing the power of the media to shape thought, I've embarked on a marketing degree. I am an innovative thinker and am drawn to the ever-evolving nature of advertising. It’s exciting to keep up with current trends, especially in the sphere of social media and digital marketing. It's the perfect medium for me to make a living while doing something I am passionate about. I’m excited to continue my education and apply what I’ve learned to make real change. Arizona will always be my home, but traveling has afforded me a widening perspective and a greater empathy for others. My journey from wanderlust to wisdom is proof of the transformative power that comes from seeking independence in a part of the world that is unfamiliar. As I continue to collect experiences and contacts abroad, I will eventually plan, market, and lead unforgettable trips. I'm committed to empowering fellow travelers to navigate the globe with awareness, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for differing cultures and landscapes.

My academic focus is centered around the intersection of real estate, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a specific emphasis on digital marketing and videography. This integrated approach not only aligns with my career aspirations but also equips me with the tools to effectively influence and execute marketing strategies in today's dynamic landscape. My interest in real estate is driven by a fascination with how property development and management shape communities and drive economic growth. I am committed to understanding market trends, property valuation, and investment strategies. In school, I’m focusing on real estate courses that cover these fundamentals, alongside practical internships that provide hands-on experience. By studying urban planning and sustainable development, I aim to contribute to creating spaces that are both innovative and environmentally responsible. Marketing, particularly digital marketing, is crucial for positioning and promoting real estate projects effectively. My coursework in marketing includes digital advertising, content creation, and market analytics. I’m delving into how digital platforms can be leveraged to reach target audiences and build brand awareness. Learning about SEO, social media marketing, and email campaigns will enable me to craft strategies that enhance visibility and engagement for real estate ventures. Entrepreneurship is the driving force behind my ambition to innovate within these fields. I am pursuing courses in business strategy, startup management, and financial planning. This academic background provides a foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities of launching new ventures. I’m also participating in entrepreneurial workshops and networking events to connect with mentors and gain insights into the startup ecosystem. To effectively influence my marketing strategy, I am specializing in digital marketing and videography. Digital marketing skills are essential for crafting compelling online campaigns, while videography offers a dynamic way to present real estate properties and tell compelling stories. I am mastering tools for video production and editing, which will enable me to create engaging content that showcases properties and highlights their unique features. I plan to gain practical experience through internships with real estate firms, marketing agencies, and startups. These opportunities will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge, understand industry practices, and build a professional network. I will create a personal brand that highlights my expertise in real estate, marketing, and entrepreneurship. By showcasing my projects, achievements, and insights through a professional online presence, I can attract potential clients and collaborators. I will utilize digital marketing tools and analytics platforms to refine my strategies and measure their effectiveness. Understanding data trends will enable me to make informed decisions and optimize marketing campaigns for better results. I plan to incorporate high-quality videography into my marketing efforts, producing virtual tours, promotional videos, and client testimonials. This approach will enhance the visual appeal of real estate listings and create a more immersive experience for potential buyers. I will stay updated with industry trends and technological advancements in real estate, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to remaining competitive and innovative in these fields. By combining academic knowledge with practical experience and leveraging digital marketing and videography, I am poised to make a significant impact in real estate and entrepreneurship. My focus on these areas equips me with the skills and insights necessary to develop effective marketing strategies, drive successful ventures, and contribute to the evolving landscape of real estate and business innovation.

I am an adopted student committed to positively changing human mindset through digital marketing. I am father raising my 8 year old son. Initially I started my digital marketing journey as a solo music Artist. With dreams of telling my story through melodic vibrations called music. As I watched music hip-hop culture change, evolving to glorifying gun violence, drug activity, depression, degrading women, and glorifying things of the devil. I decided that I didn’t want to be apart of that industry. I began to lose friends to gun violence, drug overdoses, suicides, drinking and driving. After losing a friend of mine named king to gun violence I was so heartbroken. And I realized that his life was influenced by drugs,alcohol,women, guns, money and hip hop music. I wanted to change that. He was shot on his front porch, 1 hour after returning to from vacation. Three months earlier he was found not guilty on a case, beating a fifty nine year case. This inspired me to enroll in school for digital marketing to dedicate my self to projecting a positive message through marketing, advertising, promotion, and music. I dream and I will get my associates degree in digital marketing. While working toward my degree I will use the skilled learned to continue to build my online store which offers Jewlery and fashion. Our mission is too boost confidence & self esteem threw affordable priced Jewlery & fashion. Also provide giveaways to kids and adults in need of Clothing & food & accessories. Eventually working towards opening homeless shelter. When I graduate in 2026 I dream and will receive my masters in digital marketing and continue and to go to an associates degree in music and continue on to my masters. I also lost a friend named Ryan to suicide. He was so awesome and fun to be around. I never felt that he was hurting, He would often listen to rave music. He had a daughter that was under 10 years old. So many people were hurt that day, was our first wake up call, during our adult life about adult mental health. This made me realize how I can positively control human minds through positive music, marketing, videos, and advertising. Realizing that Ryan’s depressed state of mind and his choice of music and hertz did not help his mental health. I know now how I can help. This affected my entire friend group. His family was constantly suffering. I was thinking, our community had more money and knowledge on digital marketing we could spread more awareness. Another great friend of mine by the name of Jacob who I looked up to very much high school overdose on heron. I was so shocked when I heard the news, he was song young. This divested me, I knew something needed to be done. I kept asking why? How? How did he get in to drugs? he seemed so happy? Then I came to realize that there was mental health crisis in our community and over 15 more of mine passed away from drugs, and guns violence, and suicide. All stemming from mental health issues. I realized that causes of mental health are being promoted through digital marketing, and music. I felt helpless, while losing my friends to a new lifestyle these were living. Now I know how I can help. These unforgettable events are what interest me in digital marketing.