Jorge A. Quizhpi Memorial Scholarship

I did not expect to be moving back home at 32, but here I am. I gave up living on my own so I could afford to continue my education and work toward my degree in accounting. I do not qualify for financial aid, and working full-time while going to school has pushed me to my limit. But I am committed. I have made sacrifices because I believe in what I am building, not just a career, but a future I can be proud of. Accounting has always felt like a natural fit for me. There is something rewarding about making things balance, finding clarity in the details, and helping people feel more confident with their finances. I want to support individuals, families, and small business owners, especially those in communities like mine where financial literacy can make a lasting difference. As I work toward this goal, I have thought a lot about how artificial intelligence is changing the accounting field. AI is already being used to automate tasks that once required manual entry, including expense categorization, bank reconciliations, tax preparation, and financial reporting. These tools are becoming more advanced and more accurate, and they are playing a growing role in how firms manage their day-to-day operations. There are many benefits to this technology. AI improves efficiency, reduces human error, and gives accountants more time to focus on analysis, forecasting, and decision-making. It helps businesses operate more smoothly and gives smaller companies access to tools that were once only available to large firms. But there are also real concerns. Many entry-level roles are being replaced by automation, which makes it harder for students like me to gain experience and build a foundation. There is also a risk of relying too heavily on technology and losing the deep understanding of accounting principles. And while AI can process data, it cannot offer human judgment, communicate with empathy, or understand the ethical weight of financial decisions. Personally I like AI for more personal use to create schedules for me so I believe it is something everyone should learn to use. It’s beneficial, but there are also studies that show that people are using it so much that people are having a hard time making hard decisions on their own without using AI. I believe that accounting will always need people who can think critically, care deeply, and build trust with others. I want to become that kind of accountant, someone who uses AI as a tool but leads with skill, integrity, and compassion. This scholarship would ease a heavy financial burden and allow me to keep moving forward to help others.

I chose to pursue a major in law because I believe in the power of justice to create lasting change and strengthen communities. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I saw how legal challenges can deeply affect families like mine, especially those who may not have the resources, knowledge, or connections to navigate complex systems. Watching my family’s experiences taught me that law isn’t just about rules or paperwork; it’s about fairness, advocacy, and giving a voice to those who need it most. This inspired me to imagine how I could make a difference by becoming a lawyer dedicated to helping people overcome challenges and advocating for their rights. My grandparents have been my greatest motivation to study law. Their journey to the United States was filled with sacrifices, struggles, and a remarkable resilience. As first-generation immigrants, they worked tirelessly to build a better life for our family and to provide opportunities they themselves never had. Seeing their perseverance in the face of adversity gave me a deep respect for people who strive every day to improve their lives and create better futures for their children and grandchildren. They’ve shared stories with me about the hardships they faced as immigrants and the barriers that prevented them from accessing essential resources. They often remind me that knowledge and education are tools that can help us make the world a fairer place. Their words and experiences have stayed with me, guiding my decisions and strengthening my commitment to a career in law. I see this path as an opportunity to honor their legacy and support others in their journey. Through my education and future career, I hope to specialize in civil rights law, where I can support individuals and communities facing obstacles like those my family encountered. My goal is to use my law degree to advocate for justice and equality, ensuring that people from all backgrounds can access the resources they need and are treated fairly. My passion for civil rights law stems from a desire to help bridge the gap for underrepresented communities, making sure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. I am committed to bringing my dedication, determination, and compassion into my future career, knowing that every small effort can contribute to a more inclusive and just society. This scholarship would be essential to my journey by easing the financial challenges of higher education. Pursuing a degree in law requires significant resources, and with the support of this scholarship, I could focus fully on my studies, internships, and other experiences that will prepare me for a meaningful career in law. Without the financial worry, I would have the freedom to take on valuable internships, participate in extracurricular programs, and immerse myself in learning about how I can be the best advocate for others. Additionally, this scholarship represents more than financial support—it’s a recognition that my goals are meaningful, and it fuels my motivation to achieve them. My dream is not only to succeed academically but also to give back to my community and, eventually, help young people from underrepresented backgrounds pursue their own goals. My grandparents’ legacy inspires me every day to make a positive impact, and I hope that, by pursuing a career in law, I can help open doors for others, just as my grandparents have done for me. I am determined to honor the spirit of the Jorge A. Quizhpi Memorial Scholarship by dedicating myself to a career that uplifts and empowers others. Thank you for considering my application. Ethan Chapa

Creo que la Guerra Civil Española es un hecho histórico del que podemos aprender muchas lecciones. La Guerra Civil Española fue entre los años del 1936 a 1939. La batalla se fue entre los republicanos, una coalición de partidos de izquierda, y los nacionalistas, una coalición de partidos de derecha. Los republicanos estaban comprometidos con la reforma agraria, los derechos de los trabajadores y el laicismo, mientras que los nacionalistas estaban comprometidos con la preservación del orden tradicional de la sociedad española, que incluía un la influencia de la Iglesia Católica. La guerra fue peleada por muchos temas, y ambos bandos cometieron terribles atrocidades, incluidas ejecuciones masivas y torturas. Una lección que podemos aprender de la Guerra Civil Española es la importancia del compromiso. Los republicanos y los nacionalistas no pudieron encontrar la manera de trabajar juntos, lo que condujo a un largo y sangriento conflicto. Si hubieran estado dispuestos a ceder en algunos de sus temas clave, podrían haber evitado la guerra por completo. Por ejemplo, si los republicanos hubieran estado dispuestos a aceptar una vida más limitado de la Iglesia Católica en la sociedad española, y si los nacionalistas hubieran estado dispuestos a realizar algunas reformas en beneficio de los trabajadores, la guerra podría haberse evitado. Otra lección de la Guerra Civil Española es la importancia de los derechos humanos. Ambos bandos cometieron actos terribles durante la guerra, como ejecuciones masivas y torturas. Debemos recordar que toda persona tiene derecho a vivir con seguridad y dignidad, independientemente de sus creencias políticas. La Guerra Civil española fue un claro recordatorio de los peligros del extremismo y la intolerancia. Necesitamos estar atentos a estos peligros y trabajar para promover la tolerancia y el entendimiento entre personas de diferentes orígenes y creencias. Finalmente, la Guerra Civil Española nos enseña la importancia de la democracia. La guerra se libró por muchos temas fundamentales para la democracia, incluidos los derechos de los trabajadores, la libertad de expresión y el derecho al voto. Los republicanos se comprometieron a construir una sociedad más democrática e igualitaria, mientras que los nacionalistas se comprometieron a preservar el orden tradicional de la cultura española. Necesitamos recordar que la democracia no es solo un sistema de gobierno sino una forma de vida. Necesitamos trabajar juntos para proteger y defender nuestras instituciones democráticas, incluso frente a la adversidad. En conclusión, la Guerra Civil Española fue un conflicto trágico y complejo con muchas lecciones para nosotros hoy. Necesitamos recordar la importancia del compromiso, los derechos humanos y la democracia y trabajar para promover estos valores en nuestras propias vidas y en el mundo que nos rodea.