Kyle Douglas Memorial Scholarship

My name is Ana Padilla, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Memphis pursuing a degree in Architecture. I was born and raised in Honduras and moved to the U.S. in 2019 to follow my dream of becoming an architect who creates spaces that heal, inspire, and bring people together. My journey has not been without obstacles—but it is those very challenges that have shaped the person I am today. Throughout my college years, I have quietly battled mental health struggles rooted in the pressure of being far from home, the cultural expectations placed upon me, and the invisible weight of having to be the “strong one” in every room. As the eldest daughter in a Latino household, I’ve carried responsibilities that often went unseen—caring for others while suppressing my own needs, navigating a foreign culture on my own, and working to be the first in my family to achieve something greater. While I’ve achieved academic success and taken on leadership roles, I’ve also dealt with anxiety, self-doubt, and loneliness in silence for a long time. Acknowledging my mental health was the first step in reclaiming my life. I sought therapy, built a support system, and slowly learned how to give myself grace. These efforts didn’t just help me survive; they helped me start to thrive. I now channel my experiences into advocacy work. I work with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Coalition (SAPAC), support Women of Achievement in Memphis, and serve as Treasurer for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) student chapter. I believe in the power of community and vulnerability, and I use my voice to empower others—especially women—who are fighting silent battles of their own. This scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would be a validation of everything I’ve worked through and toward. Although I do not carry any student debt in my name, my father, an electrical engineer in Honduras, has taken out loans and mortgages to cover my tuition. This burden weighs heavily on both of us. Every scholarship I receive allows me to ease his sacrifice and focus more on my education and well-being. I want to graduate and use my architecture degree not just to design buildings, but to create environments that promote wellness, dignity, and equity. My long-term goal is to open a firm that centers on inclusive design, social justice, and sustainability. I am passionate about transforming pain into purpose and turning adversity into action. I never had the chance to meet Kyle Douglas, but I am moved by the legacy he left behind. Like him, I believe deeply in the power of higher education and the impact one person can make. Receiving this scholarship would help me honor that legacy—not just by reaching my own goals, but by continuing to advocate for others along the way. Thank you for considering my application.