Daniel R. Torres "Complete Your Dream” Memorial Scholarship

There was a time in my life when I wasn’t sure what my future would look like. Or if I would even have one. During high school, I struggled with depression, and there were days when just getting through school felt like an accomplishment. In those moments, having a dream felt distant. But over time, I realized that having a goal—something to work toward—was exactly what I needed to keep moving forward. That is where my dream began. My dream is to build a career in healthcare where I can be there for people during their most critical and vulnerable moments. I plan to work as an EMT and continue on to become a paramedic, with the possibility of furthering my education into nursing or even emergency medicine in the future. For me, this is more than just a career—it is a purpose. I want to be someone who shows up when people are scared, in pain, or unsure of what will happen next, and provide both medical care and reassurance in those moments. The steps to achieve this dream are already in motion. While still in high school, I earned my EMT certification, which was a major milestone for me. It showed me that I am capable of working in high-pressure situations and confirmed that this is the path I want to pursue. From here, my next steps are to continue gaining hands-on experience, complete paramedic school, and continue building my knowledge and skills in emergency care. Long-term, I hope to keep advancing my education if I am able, whether that means going into nursing or pursuing a higher level of medical training. Alongside my academic and career goals, archery has played a major role in shaping my discipline and mindset. I have been involved in archery my whole life and have competed competitively for the past four years at local, state, national, and even international levels. Through this sport, I have learned focus, patience, and how to perform under pressure—skills that directly apply to working in emergency medicine. Archery has also taught me how to set goals and work consistently toward them, even when progress feels slow. That mindset is something I carry with me in every part of my life. My dream is not only about building a future for myself, but also about making a difference in the lives of others. My personal experiences have shaped this deeply. Going through mental health challenges showed me how important it is to have someone who cares and shows up for you when you are struggling. Because of that, I want to be a healthcare provider who treats people with compassion, patience, and respect. I want my patients to feel seen and supported, not just treated. In my community, I hope to make an impact by being someone people can rely on during emergencies. Whether it is responding to a medical call, helping someone through a crisis, or simply offering reassurance in a stressful moment, I want my presence to make a difference. I also hope to contribute to breaking the stigma around mental health by bringing empathy and understanding into my work. Many people struggle silently, and I want to be part of a system that recognizes and supports both physical and mental well-being. Achieving this dream will not be easy. There are financial challenges, long hours of training, and the emotional weight that comes with working in healthcare. However, I am willing to face those challenges because I know what I am working toward. My dream gives me direction, motivation, and a reason to keep pushing forward. Daniel R. Torres’ message to “Complete Your Dream” is something that resonates with me. My dream did not come easily—it was built through challenges, growth, and learning how to keep going even when things felt uncertain. But because of that, it means even more to me. I am committed to following through, taking each step necessary, and continuing to grow into the person I want to become. Ultimately, my goal is to build a life that is meaningful—not just successful, but impactful. I want to look back and know that I made a difference in people’s lives, that I helped others during their hardest moments, and that I stayed committed to my purpose. Completing my dream means more than achieving a career. It means becoming someone who brings care, strength, and compassion into the world—and using everything I have learned to help others do the same.

Daniel’s words, “Complete Your Dream,” no matter how large or small, remind me that dreams are not achieved all at once. They are built through small, consistent steps, often during moments when no one is watching. My dream is to become a physician who not only treats illness, but also understands the person behind it. I am drawn to medicine because it combines science with service, and because it allows me to have a direct and meaningful impact on others. To reach this goal, I am pursuing a degree in biology and plan to continue on to medical school. This path requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to keep going even when things become difficult. I am already building these habits through dual credit coursework, leadership roles, and competitive athletics. Managing a demanding schedule has taught me how to stay organized and committed. There are days when I feel stretched thin, but I have learned that progress often comes from continuing forward anyway. Beyond academics, I know that becoming a physician requires empathy, patience, and strong communication. Through my experiences as a hospital volunteer and nursing intern at Marimn Health, I have seen how important it is to treat patients as people, not just cases. One experience that stood out to me was working in home healthcare. We visited patients who often lived alone. Although the conditions of their homes varied, what mattered most was the time we spent with them. There was one patient in particular who made a lasting impression on me. She lived alone, and while her home was not perfect, the most meaningful part of our visits was the conversation. We would sit and talk with her for 30 to 45 minutes each visit. At first, it felt like something small, but it quickly became clear how much those moments meant to her. She would smile, share stories, and look forward to seeing us again each week. That experience showed me that care is not always about procedures or treatment. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer someone is your time and presence. I have seen a similar impact through tutoring. One student I worked with struggled with factoring and often seemed unsure of himself. Instead of giving him the answers, I worked with him step by step, breaking problems into smaller parts and encouraging him to keep going. Over time, I could see his confidence begin to grow. One day, after working through a problem, he looked up and said, “I understand this.” That moment stayed with me. It showed me how support and patience can help someone realize their own ability. These experiences have shaped how I approach both learning and leadership. They have also strengthened my desire to pursue medicine. I want to be in a position where I can continue to support others in meaningful ways. In college, I plan to continue developing both my academic knowledge and my ability to connect with people. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of science while also continuing to build empathy and communication skills. My goal is not only to become a physician, but to serve communities that may not always have consistent access to care. I want to help make healthcare more personal and more accessible. I want patients to feel heard, respected, and supported when they seek care. I also plan to continue mentoring and coaching, because I have seen how powerful encouragement can be. Through my work with younger students, I have learned that helping someone succeed is not about doing the work for them, but about guiding them until they believe in themselves. Daniel’s message about completing your dream also reflects the importance of perseverance. A dream is not something that is completed in a single moment. It is something you build over time through effort, setbacks, growth, and persistence. Each step I take, whether it is studying for an exam, helping a student understand a concept, or supporting a patient, brings me closer to my goal. At the same time, my dream is not just about me. It is about the people I hope to help along the way. The training I pursue, the experiences I gain, and the effort I put into my education will allow me to serve others more effectively. If I can become a physician who listens, cares, and supports others, then I will have fulfilled something greater than just a personal goal. I will have used my dream to make a difference in the lives of others. Completing my dream means staying committed to the process, even when it is challenging. It means continuing to grow, learning from every experience, and using what I learn to help others. With each step forward, I am not only working toward becoming a physician, but also becoming someone who can positively impact the people and communities around me.

Dreams are often planted quietly, taking root in the smallest moments of our lives before we even realize they are growing. Daniel’s words, “Complete Your Dream,” resonate deeply with me because my dreams are not confined to a single path, they are woven together by a shared purpose: to inspire, to create, and to serve. My name is Sophia Daniels, and my dreams are to become an elementary educator, a published author, and the owner of my own small business. Though each dream is distinct, they all stem from the same passion, impacting lives through creativity, compassion, and faith-driven purpose. My desire to become an elementary educator began with my love for children and learning. From a young age, I have been drawn to the wonder that exists in a child’s mind, the curiosity, the questions, the excitement over things adults often overlook. I have seen how powerful early education is in shaping confidence, identity, and a love for knowledge. Some of the most influential people in my life were my elementary teachers. They didn’t just teach reading and math, they taught me how to believe in myself. I want to be that same source of encouragement for my future students, the teacher who notices when a child is struggling, who celebrates their victories, and who reminds them that they are capable of more than they imagine. To reach this dream, education is my first step. I plan to complete my associate’s degree while still in high school, giving me a strong academic foundation before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I am intentionally preparing myself not only through coursework but through real-life experience, volunteering, serving in children’s ministry, and observing classrooms whenever possible. Teaching requires more than knowledge, it requires patience, empathy, adaptability, and leadership. I want to enter the classroom fully equipped to nurture both the academic and emotional growth of my students. Alongside teaching lives another dream that has been part of me for as long as I can remember, becoming an author. Writing is where my heart feels most alive. Stories allow me to explore faith, culture, identity, and human resilience in ways that transcend time and place. I am currently writing a novel set in a world I have been building for years, one rich with history, language, and spiritual depth. Through storytelling, I hope to create narratives that inspire readers, challenge perspectives, and point hearts toward truth. The steps toward becoming an author require discipline and vulnerability. I am dedicating time to writing consistently, revising relentlessly, and studying the craft of storytelling. I plan to pursue publishing so my stories can reach audiences beyond my immediate circle. Writing is more than a hobby to me, it is a calling that allows me to communicate truth, explore faith, and create worlds that reflect meaning and purpose. My goal is to write stories that resonate deeply with readers and stay with them long after they turn the final page. My third dream, owning a small business, flows naturally from my creativity and desire for independence. I have always loved creating tangible expressions of beauty, particularly through art and handcrafted work. Turning that passion into a business would allow me to share meaningful, faith-inspired creations while building something sustainable for my future. Owning a small business represents stewardship, using my gifts responsibly while learning discipline, marketing, financial management, and entrepreneurship. The steps toward this goal include building an inventory of handmade products such as mini Polaroid watercolor paintings, hand-crafted crocheted granny square bags and blankets, and printed designs on sweatshirts and notebooks. I also hope to create large banners and posters for special occasions and events, along with other custom pieces as my business grows. I plan to open an online storefront, create prints of my designs, and learn how to responsibly manage profits and expansion. I want my business to be more than transactional, I want it to be purposeful. Through both art and craftsmanship, I hope what I create will encourage people, celebrate meaningful moments, and bring beauty into their everyday lives. While these dreams may seem separate, education, writing, and business are deeply interconnected. As a teacher, I will cultivate imagination and literacy in children, perhaps even inspiring future writers. As an author, I will create stories that reflect the values I hope to instill in my students, courage, faith, perseverance, and compassion. As a business owner, I will model creativity, stewardship, and the bravery it takes to build something from the ground up. Most importantly, these dreams extend beyond personal fulfillment, they are meant to benefit others. In the classroom, I will shape young minds during their most formative years, helping children feel seen, valued, and capable. Through my books, I will contribute meaningful stories to a world that desperately needs truth and hope. Through my business, I will create art that uplifts and encourages, while also contributing to my community and future family. “Complete Your Dream” reminds me that dreams require action. They are not completed through wishing but through perseverance, sacrifice, and faith. There will be challenges, long nights of studying, seasons of writer’s block, and financial risks in entrepreneurship, but each obstacle will refine my character and strengthen my resolve. I do not see my dreams as destinations but as lifelong callings. Teaching will allow me to serve. Writing will allow me to speak. Business will allow me to create. Together, they form a life built on purpose, one that seeks not only personal success but lasting impact. Through dedication, education, creativity, and trust in God’s guidance, I am committed to completing my dreams, dreams that will shape my future and, I hope, brighten the futures of many others along the way.

Dreams, no matter how big or small, define our ambitions and shape our future. My name is Cooper Irwin and ever since I was a little kid, my dream was to become a mechanical engineer. From a young age, I was fascinated by inventing and problem-solving. In elementary school, I was part of the inventing club and competed in Invent Idaho, where I designed and presented my own creation. Although I didn’t win, the experience ignited my passion for innovation and engineering. It taught me that success isn’t always about winning but about learning, improving, and pushing forward. This early exposure to creative problem-solving laid the foundation for my desire to pursue a career in engineering. One defining moment in my journey happened when I tried to fix my broken bicycle as a kid. Instead of asking for help, I took it apart piece by piece, determined to understand how it worked. I confidently reassembled it, only to realize I had put the chain on incorrectly and the pedals wouldn’t turn. Frustrated but not ready to give up, I turned to my dad for help. He immediately saw what I had done wrong and walked me through fixing it. Even though I hadn’t gotten it right the first time, I felt a lot of pride for fixing my bike. That experience reinforced my love for mechanics and problem-solving, showing me that mistakes are just stepping stones to learning and improvement. The first step in reaching my dream is through education. I plan to graduate high school with an associate’s degree through North Idaho College, giving me a strong academic foundation. In the fall, I will attend the University of Idaho to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Engineering requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, so I plan to seek internships, research opportunities, and hands-on projects that, combined with the University of Idaho's reputable engineering program, will set me up for success. Beyond academics, leadership and community involvement are integral to my growth. My experiences as a swim team captain, tennis coach, and volunteer have taught me the value of teamwork, mentorship, and perseverance. As a leader, I support and uplift those around me, encouraging them to push beyond their limits just as I push beyond mine. These qualities will serve me well in engineering, where collaboration and problem-solving are essential in designing solutions that improve lives. One of my aspirations is to use my engineering skills to contribute to projects that enhance infrastructure, energy efficiency, or technology that benefits communities. Engineers play a crucial role in shaping the world, from developing sustainable energy solutions to creating safer transportation systems. By pursuing my dream, I hope to find personal fulfillment and also give back to society, ensuring my work has a lasting impact. Daniel’s words, “Complete Your Dream,” remind me that every step toward my goal matters. Through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning, I will turn my dream into a reality, one that benefits both myself and those around me.

My name is Chloe Sams, and on this fateful day of November 12, 2024, I was looking for scholarships to apply for. I found the "Daniel R. Torres Complete Your Dream" scholarship. Initially, when I saw this, I laughed a little. Complete your dream. What does that mean? I know it says complete your dream, but what is my dream? If you were to ask me this a couple of years ago, I would have had no idea what I would say. I would probably say my dream would be just to be happy. But today, when I read Complete Your Dream, I smile because I know my dream. My dream is to help people. I see many people say that they want to help people. But I genuinely mean it when I say I want to help people. There was a time when I had no one to help me. I was wholly and utterly alone. This loneliness led me to try and attempt to commit suicide. It did not work out, obviously, and I'm so happy I did not die that night. But that moment in my life where I was completely lost and had died inside, that moment gave life to something new. In that darkness, there was light, a hope for something more. What if I could use these awful moments to help others? And that was how my dream was born. I want to help people by being a clinical psychologist. Throughout my last three years of school, I have already started the steps needed to become a clinical psychologist. Starting in my sophomore year, I began taking any psychology class I could take. Most of them were dual credit classes so I could get ahead in college because there are a lot of steps I have to take to fulfill my dream. The second step is to go to college, major in psychology, and minor in pre-med. I can get my license to be a therapist at the university I want to attend, Westmont University in California. After this, I will return to school and get my master's, specializing in clinical psychology. In most cases, when it comes to psychology degrees, you can get your master's and Psy.D simultaneously. A Psy.D is a Docter of Psychology. So after I get that, you can call me Docter Sams. There are a lot of steps to obtain my degree. Years of my life will go to my dream. I want to help as many people as I can. I want to make a difference in their lives. I want to offer to every patient that I help hope that their life will get better, they will get happier, and they can function in society. I know what it feels like not to have hope. It is miserable. I want to help people have hope because I know how easy it is to convince yourself that you have no future in this world when you have your entire life ahead of you, filled with endless opportunities. This is the care I want my patients to have. This is the impact I want to have on the people around me. I do not wish to die famous or rich. I want to die knowing that I did all I could for people like me. That is what completing my dream would look like. Thank you for your time.

Hi, I am Lanie Carter I have lived in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, my whole life. I attended Lake City High School. I have been a part of the Lake City Golf team for the past four years and the Student Council for the past two years. I am very involved within the school and community I enjoy helping out the community and planning events for the students in our school. I love helping out the students building relationships with them and getting their opinions on what needs to change in our schools and what would make schools more enjoyable and less stressful affecting students' mental health. I have been a part of putting on a mental health awareness week that brings in people from the community to talk to students in need during their lunches and it seems to help students reach out more for help and support for anything that might be happening in their lives. School is not just for learning it is for the relationships you build. My dream is to become a school counselor. The steps to become a school counselor are to attend secondary schooling. I will be attending Boise State University, I will be attending there for the first four years to obtain a degree in psychology to help further my education and continue to get my masters in counseling. This will take me six years of college and a lot of time and money to complete my goals of helping out the community by helping out students in need, helping them with academic success and or mental health issues that are keeping them from achieving academic success. This will benefit me and the people in the community by providing help for young students who are having trouble with mental health helping these students could even benefit their parents and bring light to mental illnesses and get everyone in the community the help they need so nobody goes unseen, and there is help for everyone even if they don’t want the help. Mental health has been a big thing for my family and friends so I dream that nobody goes unseen or unheard and I want to help so this is the best thing that I thought of to help out my family, friends, and community by bringing the light to our community and this is one of the best ways to complete my dream is being the help our community needs. I hope to bring light to mental health while I complete my dream.

How to complete your dream when things don't go as planned. Both my parents pursued higher education; my mother earned her BA as a triple major. My father, however, encountered obstacles during college and chose to discontinue his studies without a degree. He was later diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, shedding light on the difficulties he experienced. The limitations of the 1990s education system, which failed to adapt to his needs, haunted my father. Despite his success in other areas, the absence of a college degree has impacted him professionally. Therefore, he has long stressed the importance of completing college and earning a degree. I've been fortunate not to have the same challenges my father had growing up (I'm ranked 6th out of 319 students in my class at Lake City High School in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, carry a 4.175 weighted GPA, was named Kiwanis Student of the Month, and formally recognized as an Idaho Top Scholar). Yet I, too, discovered that life's obstacles can serve as catalysts for necessary change. My dad's obstacle was his ADHD and learning disability; mine was a mysterious injury disrupting a carefully outlined plan for college: to attend university with a combination of athletic and academic scholarships, graduate debt-free, and travel the world. As anticipated, my injury required me to take time off to recover. The resulting hiatus became an unexpected opportunity to branch out and explore my identity beyond my sport. Unfortunately, recovery didn't go as planned, and my injury was career-ending. Since athletic dollars are no longer available (I had to turn down two NCAA Division I scholarships), I must capitalize on my academic achievements and leadership skills to help with the cost of my education and complete my dream. Stepping away from swimming shifted my plans significantly. While it hasn't been easy, I resolve to break free from my comfort zone and make decisions aligned with dreams outside the sport I love. And, while the allure of a one-way ticket to a mesmerizing beach on the other side of the planet is strong, I recognize the need to take steps to secure a prosperous future to make my dream a reality. Besides its tropical location, I chose the University of Hawaii at Manoa for several reasons. Among them, its diversity. Having one's eyes open to different cultures, ways of life, and outlooks on the natural world lends to more understanding and an open mindset. Frankly, well-traveled people are better world citizens. Furthermore, at UH Manoa, I can pursue my love for water through surfing and paddleboarding while working towards a degree in Marketing with a minor in Marine Biology. I chose marketing because it aligns with my personal skill set and the flexibility it offers for remote work, and marine biology because of my love of all things water-related. My mother has worked remotely most of my life and is significantly more present as a parent and mentor than my peers experience within their families. She adores her career as a corporate marketer and has shared aspects of her work with me that align with my interests, which would make it possible to work and travel simultaneously. In truth, my injury became a blessing in disguise, leading to a profound and much-needed physical and mental reset. The journey from a swim-centered existence to one driven by a desire for a fulfilling career and world travel has been transformative, proving that obstacles, even in disguise, can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.

Hadley House 23 May 2024 My dream I learned to tie my dad’s shoes before I learned to tie my own. A fairly simple task, I learned it quickly despite being only four years old at the time; but, for my dad, it was not a “simple task.” Like most, my dad grew up tying his own shoes, however, that would change when he turned twenty. On January 5, 1989, my dad left for a ski trip to Utah. One rock and one wrong move is all it took to alter his life forever. My dad broke his neck that day and has lived his life since as a quadriplegic. Despite this drastic change and challenge in his life, my dad went on to become a successful physician. As his daughter, I have been able to see firsthand the array of amazing inventions that have enabled him to live a fulfilling and prosperous life despite his limitations. Life as a quadriplegic has transformed significantly over the past fifty years thanks to products of biomedical engineering and research. However, I also see the daily struggles my dad still faces due to his disability–things that are common, such as tying his shoes, to much more drastic things, such as constant leg tremors and phantom leg pains– and it is evident that there is still much room for improvement. This is why I dream of pursuing a career in biomedical engineering. Being a biomedical engineer would allow me the opportunity to improve, and make an impact on the quality of life of individuals such as my father. There is so much one can do in a career in biomedical engineering from manufacturing prosthetics to tissue engineering, etc.. The possibilities are endless, and so are the ways to impact my community. As a daughter of a quadriplegic, I know that no disability works the exact same or requires the same accommodations as another. I hope I can help make life easier and more accessible for as many people of any/ all disabilities, sicknesses, or limitations, and getting my degree at Montana State University would allow me to make a difference in these communities. Being able to attend college is the first step towards this dream and would not only allow me to pursue a journey of personal growth and academic growth, but it would also allow me to translate my aspirations into real-life contributions to society. I plan to get my bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering as well as help with undergrad research at Montana State University which would allow me to graduate ready to begin my journey as a biomedical engineer. College would allow me to develop the skills, knowledge, and resources I need to help others like my dad and improve the quality of life for many individuals. It is not merely obtaining a degree, it’s about gaining the tools and experiences necessary to help make an impact in society. Being able to attend college provides anyone with a supportive environment to collaborate with others, engage in research, learn how to think critically, and get practical experience in the field one is pursuing. All of these opportunities would allow me a chance to become a well rounded biomedical engineer, and with this education, I hope to be able to honor my father’s journey by helping others with disabilities of any kind.