Doña Lupita Immigrant Scholarship

Funded by

Masten-Villanueva

Eligibility Requirements

Education Level:

Any

Background/Family:

Immigrant single mother or child of an immigrant single mother

Education Level:

Background/Family:

Any

Immigrant single mother or child of an immigrant single mother

Four decades ago, an old woman named Doña Lupita showed invaluable kindness to a single mother that trickled down through the generations.

Doña Lupita not only offered this young mother a room in her home in exchange for company and help around the house, but she also encouraged her to go to school and pursue a career she was passionate about. Because of the kindness she showed all those years ago, the family of the single mother blossomed. The Doña Lupita Immigrant Scholarship will support an immigrant single parent or child of an immigrant single parent as a way to honor the lasting impact her kindness had on future generations.

Current students of any educational level are eligible to apply if they are immigrant single parent, or the child of an immigrant single parent. To apply, write about the values you, as a single parent, wish to instill in your children or the values instilled in you by your own single parent.

Selection Criteria:

Essay, Impact, Perseverance

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Published February 16, 2023

Essay Topic

Tell us about yourself and the values that you hope to instill in your child(ren) or the values your single parent has instilled in you.

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

December 2023

Winners

Isabella Cartas

Florida International University

Finalists

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

Winning Application

Isabella Cartas

Florida International UniversityMiami, FL

I am a Nicaraguan who has lived through the struggles of having a single mother parenting two children while growing up in poverty. I learned early on the value of resiliency, independence, and tenacity thanks to these trying circumstances. I was given responsibilities that were above my years as a youngster since I was my younger brother's protector and guardian. Although she was a single parent and had to work very hard to support us, my mother's unrelenting commitment to providing us with a better life was a continual source of inspiration. My beliefs and goals have been greatly influenced by my background, and I want to pass those ideals on to any children I may have or any future families. Resilience is the first quality I would like to impart. Growing up in poverty taught me that despite the obstacles life might provide, it's important to meet them head-on and overcome them by becoming even more resilient. Despite the difficulties, my mother's determination taught me the value of maintaining a positive attitude and refusing to let failures dictate my future. I want my child(ren) to grow up resilient and realize that setbacks in life are development opportunities. Another characteristic I cherish and want to impart to my child or children is independence. Because I was raised by a single mom, I early understood how important it was to be independent and take responsibility for my own life. I want my child(ren) to be a confident and independent thinker, capable of making responsible decisions and navigating life's challenges with self-assurance. Resilience and perseverance go hand in hand, and I want my child(ren) to know that while pursuing their goals may not always be simple, everything is achievable with hard effort and determination. I wish to inspire my child(ren) to remain dedicated to their objectives despite hardships by using my journey toward a profession in neurosurgery as an example of the power of perseverance. My experiences have strengthened the virtue of compassion, especially during my volunteer activities. I have a strong feeling of empathy for other people's hardships, and I want to help those who are in need. I want my child(ren) to grow up with a caring heart and to be kind and empathetic to others. The foundation of my personal growth and development has been my education. I've always loved studying, and it's always been my haven when things become tough. I want to instill in my child(ren) a love of learning and inspire them to be inquisitive and interested in the world. I think that curiosity is the basis of knowledge, and I want my children to be curious about everything they encounter. As I think back on my trip, gratitude is a virtue that has grown even more clear to me. Despite the difficulties, I am appreciative of the chances I have had and my mother's support. I want my child(ren) to be grateful for the gifts in their lives and to acknowledge the often-overlooked small things. I place a high value on family bonds since I know firsthand how strong and dependable a loving family can be. My goal is to provide a loving home where my child(ren) will feel appreciated, cherished, and inspired to follow their ambitions. My single mother instilled in me the virtues of moral and ethical integrity. The tenets that have guided our lives have been integrity, honesty, and respect for others. I want my child(ren) to see the value of morality and ethical behavior as the cornerstones of good character and civic responsibility.