Golden State First Gen Scholarship

As a first-generation Chicana student, my journey to higher education has been deeply influenced by my heritage, my family’s sacrifices, and the resilience of my community. Growing up in East Los Angeles, I was surrounded by stories of struggle and resistance that shaped my understanding of the world. I carry with me the legacy of my ancestors, who fought tirelessly for justice and opportunity despite systemic barriers. Their strength inspires me every day to break barriers of my own, reclaim spaces that were historically denied to people like us, and use education as a tool for liberation. One of the most significant moments that fuels my drive is the East LA Walkouts of 1968. When Chicano students walked out of their schools to demand better educational opportunities and the right to be treated with dignity, they paved the way for generations like mine to dream bigger. Their courage reminds me that access to education is not a given but something fought for with determination and unity. My own journey to college feels like a continuation of that movement—a step toward realizing the dreams they envisioned for our community. Pursuing higher education is my way of honoring their sacrifices and proving that their fight was not in vain. At the same time, I can’t ignore the injustices that have shaped history, like the forced sterilization of Mexican women in Los Angeles. Learning about these horrific acts shook me to my core and deepened my resolve to fight against systemic oppression. As a woman of Mexican and Honduran descent, I’m determined to challenge these legacies of injustice by carving out a space for Chicanas like me in fields where we are underrepresented. Nursing, is more than a career; it’s an opportunity to provide culturally competent care, advocate for the dignity and autonomy of all patients, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Growing up, I saw how healthcare disparities affected my community. I watched my family navigate a complex and often inaccessible healthcare system, I saw how language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and systemic neglect could have devastating consequences. These experiences ignited my passion for nursing. I want to be a nurse who bridges those gaps, providing not just medical care but understanding, respect, and advocacy. I hope to be part of the change my community desperately needs, working toward a healthcare system that serves everyone with equity and compassion. The decision to pursue higher education wasn’t easy. As a first-generation student, I’ve faced financial struggles, self-doubt, and fear of failure. But I’ve always been motivated by my parents’ dreams. They worked tirelessly to give me opportunities they never had, and stories of perseverance fuel me every day. I’m also inspired by the resilience of my ancestors, who showed me that even in the face of adversity, we can rise. Studying at Mount Saint Mary’s University in the pre-nursing program has given me the knowledge to turn my aspirations into reality. Each day, I’m reminded of why I’m here: to honor my past, uplift my present, and pave the way for future generations. Education is more than a personal achievement for me; it’s a way to create change. I hope to inspire other first-generation students, especially young women of color, to pursue their dreams unapologetically. I want them to see that our history, no matter how painful, is a source of strength. By becoming the first in my family to attend college, I’m proving that barriers placed before us can be overcome. Through nursing, I’m committed to serving my community, carrying forward the fight for justice and equality that has defined our story for generations.

Growing up, the idea of higher education was more of a distant dream than an expectation. In my family, survival and immediate responsibilities often took precedence over long-term academic aspirations. As a single mother navigating financial uncertainty, I made the decision to pursue higher education, not just as a personal achievement but as a way to create a better future for myself and my child. My background has shaped my resilience, deepened my sense of purpose, and clarified my vision for a career dedicated to mental health and service. One of my earliest motivations for seeking higher education was witnessing the cycle of financial instability in my family. Without a college degree, opportunities were limited, and financial hardships were common. I knew that if I wanted to break this cycle and provide stability for my child, I needed to invest in education. This realization came with immense pressure, but also with an unwavering determination to succeed despite the challenges ahead. My journey has not been easy. As a single mother, I have had to balance academics, parenting, and financial struggles. I have faced moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and uncertainty, but each challenge has reinforced my commitment to my goals. I have learned to be resourceful—seeking scholarships, volunteering to gain experience, and continuously finding ways to improve my skills and knowledge. These experiences have strengthened my resilience and taught me that success is not always about having the easiest path but about navigating obstacles with perseverance. My personal experiences with mental health challenges have also played a significant role in shaping my career aspirations. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate emotional struggles, especially when resources are limited or inaccessible. My experiences led me to volunteer as a crisis hotline responder, where I provided support to individuals in distress. This role reinforced my passion for psychology and my desire to help others heal, grow, and find hope. It also made me realize how critical accessible mental health care is, especially for marginalized communities. As a psychology major, I am committed to becoming a clinical psychologist, with a focus on therapy effectiveness and mental health stigma. My goal is to provide virtual or private practice therapy to individuals who, like me, may have struggled to find the support they needed. I want to create safe spaces where people feel understood, validated, and empowered to overcome their challenges. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education means more than just earning a degree. It is about transforming generational narratives and proving that with determination and support, new possibilities can emerge. It is about showing my child that no matter where we start, we have the power to create a different future. This scholarship would not only help alleviate financial burdens but would also serve as an investment in my ability to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. It would allow me to focus on my studies, gain the necessary credentials, and continue my journey of service and empowerment. My background has shaped me into a person who values resilience, service, and self-improvement. It has fueled my passion for psychology and solidified my commitment to making mental health care more accessible. With education as my tool, I am not just changing my own life I am paving the way for others who, like me, dare to dream beyond their circumstances.

Before the sun could rise and paint the sky in hues of orange, a five-year-old boy harvested vegetables in Mexico. A middle child of seven, he worked tirelessly to feed his family. He was never to receive an education higher than third grade and only his scars served as evidence of his difficult life. He had no father, so his mother relied on only him and his brothers for income. As a teen, he voyaged to America seeking to take his family out of poverty while pursuing a better life. This story is not about him. That young boy is my father, Ruben De Los Santos. From him, I learned to value family. From him, I learned to chase my dreams despite the challenges I may face. In the States, a baby girl’s slumber was interrupted by hardship. Her indigenous immigrant mother worked long hours in a cannery making a dismal salary to sustain her four children. She too had no father. Once she grew, she had to work to provide income for her family. She became a gang member; a black sheep. She was a runaway, but then something changed within her. She grew to surpass her traumas, became a firefighter, and now works in the alternative school system. This story is not about her. That girl is my mother, Blanca Corrales. From her, I learned perseverance. From her, I learned to never lose faith. Then there is me, Denise Corrales; the eldest of three and a first-generation college-bound student. Despite having several cultural influences, I lacked a sense of identity. Often feeling not Mexican or American enough, I looked for the acceptance of my peers which disappointingly never came. Although I live in a predominantly Hispanic community, the colorism that exists within and outside my culture haunted me. My indigenous features that defied Eurocentric beauty standards were targets of my oppressors. I grew embarrassed of my predominant nose. I felt less than because of my rich brown skin color. I hid from the sun in an attempt to keep my complexion as light as possible. It took me years to see the beauty of my family history and heritage. I today am a brown Chicana proud of her humped nose and high cheekbones. I today am an Aztec and Tarascan descendant eager to further explore my grandmother’s indigenous language, Purepécha. I no longer hide in the shadows. Instead, I bask under Huitzilopochtli—the Aztec sun god. My differences and identity contribute to the cultural mosaic that is the United States, not the labels I am given. When I act, I seek to impact. I use the experiences in which I suffered discrimination as inspiration to stand up for my communities at board meetings. I use my communication skills to encourage donations for causes significant to me. Most of all, I attempt to be the best role model for my two younger siblings. I make sure to stress the beauty of our skin and heritage so that they too can grow proud of who they are. Hailing from a low-resource home, I'm determined to rise above economic disparities and pursue a brighter future. I will continue to write the story of my life. Knowing my activism is far from over, I seek to fill my life chapters with meaningful experiences. I intend my table of contents to include the following titles: Uplifting Marginalized Communities, Battling Injustices, Solving Global Issues, and The Continuous Service.