Kenneth G. Tanner Memorial Scholarship

Applicant: Adan Espana Current GPA: 3.4 Future Major: Social Work/Services My name is Adan Espana, and my ultimate career goal is to become a social worker specializing in helping individuals who have suddenly become impaired due to abrupt and unforeseen health circumstances. I want to be the advocate who helps them rebuild their lives, find resources, and regain their independence.I aim to be the person that helps them do the things that they were once able to and make life just a bit easier during their journey of grief, frustration and desperation.  During my initial few weeks of recovery from a grape-fruit sized tumor, my vision was impaired permanently due to part of the tumor being wrapped around my optic nerve, causing irreversible damage to my vision. During my time of grief, frustration and desperation, I met a lady named Kelly, the Social Worker at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She was able to see how I was feeling even though I didn’t feel like saying anything. To me she was just another person coming into my recovery room to bug me, but once I really got to speaking to her, she became my friend. She became the person I wanted to be, guiding and providing  people and their families through some of the most painful and desperate periods of their lives.  She was the one who made me want to strive and grow to be like her, a social worker.  My academic goals after high school are centered around gaining the specialized knowledge needed to reach my goal. I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) at Central Washington University.  During my undergraduate studies, I aim to maintain a high GPA while seeking out internships in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and crisis intervention units. After obtaining my bachelor's degree, I plan to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) to become a licensed clinical social worker. This advanced education will give me my own shot to be what I have wanted to be since the age of 13. I have spent my high school years preparing for the academic and leadership demands of this field. I currently hold a 3.4 GPA, reflecting my dedication to my studies and my ability to balance a challenging workload. Beyond the classroom, I have been an active member of the National Honor Society of West Valley High School and have served on the Student Council. These experiences have been fundamental in shaping my character. The Honor Society reinforced my commitment to academic excellence and community service, while the Student Council taught me the importance of leadership, empathy, and active listening—all of which are vital skills for a future social worker. I believe I am the best candidate for this scholarship because I possess a rare combination of academic focus, proven leadership, and a highly specific, driven purpose. Social work is not just a job to me; it is a calling. Many people shy away from crisis situations, but I want to run toward them to help. By investing in my education through this scholarship, you are not just funding a student; you are funding a future advocate for the disabled community. I am ready to put in the hard work required to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, and your support will help me turn this vision into a reality.