Jesus Baez-Santos Memorial Scholarship

I was twelve years old when my little brother was born, and from the moment I met him, something in me shifted. Our dad was still living with us at the time, but he was already emotionally gone. He spent most days drinking, caught up in his own struggles with alcoholism. He was there, but not really there. He never looked up when I brought home good grades, never asked how I was doing, never tried. My mom, a hard working Mexican immigrant, held everything together the best she could, but she needed help. So I stepped in. I became a second parent overnight. I changed diapers, made bottles, soothed my brother to sleep. As he grew older, I helped him with homework, taught him how to ride a bike, and made sure he had everything he needed. I was just a kid myself, but I didn’t have the luxury of being one. I grew up in the Bronx, in an area most people would call “the ghetto.” It’s not always safe, and it’s definitely not easy, but it’s home. It’s where I learned how to be resilient. When you grow up in a place like mine, people often expect you to fail. They assume you won’t make it out. But I’ve always known that I wanted more, for myself, for my brother, for my family. As a first-generation student, I’ve had to figure everything out alone. There’s no roadmap when you’re the first. I’ve learned how to apply to college by staying after school with my counselor, attending workshops, and Googling everything from FAFSA to scholarships. It’s exhausting, especially while balancing the responsibility of caring for my brother, but I keep pushing forward. My dream is to become a nurse—not just to create a better future, but because I’ve seen firsthand how much care and compassion can change someone’s life. My brother doesn’t know everything I’ve done for him, and I don’t want him to. I just want him to grow up feeling supported, feeling loved, and believing that he can become anything he wants. That’s what keeps me going on the hardest days. When I read about Jesus Baez-Santos, I saw so much of myself in his story. He was selfless, goofy, loving - someone who lit up rooms and gave even when he didn’t have much. I try to be that person too. I try to show up for my family with love, even when I’m tired. I try to laugh, even when things are heavy. This scholarship would mean the world to me, not just financially, but emotionally. It would remind me that everything I’ve carried hasn’t gone unnoticed. That someone out there sees my story and believes in my future.

One of the most profound moments I shared with my mother happened during a particularly challenging time in our lives. It was the night I came home from the hospital after spending ten days on life support. As I lay in bed, still weak and frail, my mother sat beside me, holding my hand. She spoke to me softly about the strength she saw in me and how proud she was of my fight. Her words that night resonated deeply within me, instilling a sense of resilience and determination that has stayed with me ever since. My mother holds a significant place in my life for countless reasons. Her journey as a first-generation American, coupled with the adversities she faced, has shaped her into the incredible woman she is today. She grew up without parental support after her own mother was deported to Jamaica, forcing her to navigate life in America on her own. Despite these hardships, she used them as a stepping stone to build a life of purpose and compassion, qualities she has passed down to me. One of the most impactful ways my mother has influenced me is through her unwavering faith and drive. By the age of 25, she was raising four children while working full-time in social services at a homeless shelter. Even with such a demanding role, she decided to return to school full-time, pursuing a degree that she couldn’t afford when she was younger. Her ability to balance work, education, and family responsibilities left a lasting impression on me. Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, my mother’s dedication to helping others has also been a source of inspiration. Despite her busy schedule, she volunteered as a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, bringing joy and hope to children facing life-threatening illnesses. Her compassion and selflessness have taught me the importance of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on others’ lives. Being a first-generation student has its own set of challenges and rewards. Like my mother, I have had to navigate the complexities of higher education without the familial support that many of my peers take for granted. This experience has taught me the value of perseverance and self-reliance. There have been times when I felt overwhelmed by the demands of my studies, but remembering my mother’s journey and the sacrifices she made for our family has always been a source of motivation. One of the most significant challenges I faced as a first-generation student was the lack of guidance and understanding about the college application process. I had to learn everything on my own, from filling out financial aid forms to writing personal statements. However, this journey has also been incredibly rewarding. It has taught me the importance of seeking out resources and support systems, whether through academic advisors, mentors, or student organizations. These experiences have not only helped me succeed academically but also fostered a sense of resilience and independence. My mother’s unwavering support and belief in me have been instrumental in my journey as a first-generation student. She's my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to pursue my dreams and never give up, no matter how tough things get. Her strength and determination have shown me that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. In conclusion, her journey and dedication to helping others have inspired me to strive for excellence and giving back to my community. As a first-generation student, I have faced my own set of challenges, but my mother’s example has taught me the importance of resilience, determination, and the power of unwavering support.