Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship

Growing up in the inner city of Paterson, NJ, has been a transformative experience that has significantly influenced my outlook on life. Despite my hardworking parents, a substantial part of my upbringing was shaped by my grandparents, allowing me to witness firsthand the disparities between Paterson, NJ and my hometown of Palisades Park, NJ. One striking contrast was the insufficient facilities in the inner city that lacked the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Parks often lacked cleanliness and had safety issues, and there was a limited array of sports and extracurricular activities available outside of school. Educational opportunities in the inner city were not comparable to those in more affluent areas. The youth in the inner city are faced with many challenges such as peer pressure, violence, and a lack of guidance. I distinctly recall expressing my longing to be closer to home due to the hostility and unfriendliness present in the Paterson neighborhoods and among the public schools. In response to the pressing need for change, my parents, who themselves grew up in the inner city, took decisive action and established a home in Palisades Park, NJ. I made a conscious choice to distance myself from the negative influences of the inner city and dedicated my focus to my personal development in Palisades Park. Along the way, I joined several softball teams, and now, as a senior, I am gearing up for my final high school season in the upcoming spring. My father, a dedicated firefighter, stands as a powerful source of inspiration in my life. Despite my gender and stature, he has consistently motivated me, instilling in me the mantra, "Where there is a will, there is a way." His words serve as a constant reminder that resilience can overcome any challenge and propel me forward, reinforcing the belief that I too can make a meaningful contribution to the noble calling of being a firefighter. At the age of sixteen, I achieved my goal of becoming the youngest female to complete and graduate from the fire academy. This accomplishment has led me to proudly serve as a Junior Firefighter in my community. My parents continually emphasize that I possess the capabilities to achieve anything as long as I am kind to others, work hard, and maintain faith. These principles are the guiding force behind my aspirations, and I am determined to strive for excellence in all that I pursue. In summary, my journey from the inner city of Paterson to the thriving community of Palisades Park has been marked by challenges and triumphs. Through the unwavering support of my parents, family, and the inspiration drawn from my father's dedication as a firefighter, I have not only overcome obstacles but also carved a path towards personal and professional success. As I look forward to my future endeavors, I am committed to upholding the values of kindness, hard work, and faith that have been instilled in me, aspiring to make a positive impact on the world around me.

Growing up in the heart of Chicago, Illinois a beautiful inner city - famously known as "The Windy City" - was an absolute short privilege. My home in the Little Village area was rich in culture, where the majority of residents are of Hispanic descent. The vibrant community is filled with authentic Mexican restaurants and traditions, reminiscent of the beautiful country itself. Living in an inner city can be quite a rollercoaster ride, with its fair share of ups and downs. Little Village, for instance, is a neighborhood that's both beautiful and gritty at the same time. However, it's also notorious for being divided by major rival gangs. My mother was born and raised in the same area as me growing up and witnessing it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly. She was determined to give us the best life possible, always reminding us that we deserved better. Her unwavering commitment to our well-being like education has been a constant source of inspiration, driving us to pursue our dreams and reach for the stars. As a mother who loves and cares deeply for her children, she was unwavering in her determination to provide us with the best education, ample opportunities, and a safe environment even in one of the most dangerous cities. She took great care to shield me, like my siblings from all the dangers that plagued our community, including gang violence, drug use, vandalism, theft, and the negative influence of peers. Despite being diagnosed with speech and developmental delays, my parents never let my challenges hold me back. They were determined to provide me with the necessary support and opportunities to succeed in both my personal and academic life. At the age of three, I began receiving at-home head start and by age four, I was attending preschool in the Chicago public school district. Although it wasn't easy waking up and enduring cold winter mornings, I persevered and worked hard to achieve my goals. My parents' unwavering determination and support taught me to never give up and to always strive for success. My personal experience of being in a Chicago classroom was far from ideal, as my kindergarten teacher was frequently absent and substituted with different teachers daily. This constant change of substitutes made it very challenging for me to acquire a proper education and learn valuable lessons for my age like increasing my academic levels. I often felt lost and unsupported, which hindered my academic growth During my educational journey in Chicago, I encountered some challenges. Upon relocating to Texas, I found myself struggling to keep up with my peers who were significantly more advanced. Although I initially began my schooling in Chicago, I completed kindergarten in Texas. Unfortunately, being promoted to first grade without the necessary skills left me feeling overwhelmed, constantly unwell, and disinterested in school. It was a difficult period. Nonetheless, I am grateful that my family decided to move from the city to Conroe, a small rural community where my classmates were all on the same page. While they were learning to read, add, and subtract, I was still working on counting to ten and distinguishing between purple and blue. After leaving Chicago, I am glad that Texas has become my forever home. The teachers here have been incredibly supportive and have helped me create a great education plan. They took the time to evaluate me and placed me in my correct education level. Now, as a senior in high school with a 3.20 GPA, I am taking A.P. classes, Dual Classes, and participating in three different sports at school. All the difficulties I faced earlier have paid off, and I am excited to continue my education in college.

Growing up in the inner city was a unique experience that presented me with a number of challenges that I had to overcome. The environment was riddled with poverty, crime, and gang violence. The neighborhood was rough, and the lack of resources made life difficult. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for my upbringing, as it has shaped me into the person I am today. One of the most significant challenges I faced growing up in the inner city was the lack of resources available to me. Our schools were underfunded, and many of the teachers were overworked and underpaid. This meant that my education suffered, and I struggled to keep up with my peers. However, I was fortunate to have a few dedicated teachers who recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue my education. The lack of resources made it difficult for me to pursue my interests. My community did not have access to recreational facilities, and I could not afford extracurricular activities. This left me with limited opportunities to explore my passions and develop new skills. However, I found solace in reading and writing, and I used these outlets as a way to express myself and escape the harsh realities of my environment. Another challenge I faced growing up in the inner city was the prevalence of gang violence and crime. Many of my peers joined gangs as a way to feel a sense of belonging and protection. Crime was a common occurrence, and I often felt unsafe in my own neighborhood. However, I made a conscious decision to avoid that lifestyle and instead focused on my education and personal growth. The culture of the inner city often glorifies gang culture, making it difficult for young people to see another way. The media portrays these gangs as a way to achieve power and respect, while ignoring the devastating effects they have on communities. However, I knew that joining a gang would not solve any of the problems I faced. Instead, I worked to build relationships with positive role models in my community who encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Despite the challenges I faced growing up in the inner city, I was able to overcome them through hard work, determination, and the support of my community. I recognized that education was my ticket out of poverty, and I worked tirelessly to improve my grades and pursue higher education. My community was also a source of support. I had family, friends, and neighbors who encouraged me to pursue my dreams and helped me stay focused. My community also had organizations that provided resources for young people to succeed. These resources were a lifeline, and I took advantage of them whenever I could. I also sought out mentors and role models who could provide me with guidance and support. Whether it was a teacher, coach, or community leader, having someone who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams made all the difference. Finally, I recognized the importance of giving back to my community. I volunteered at local organizations, mentored younger students, and advocated for change in my neighborhood. By giving back, I was able to create a positive impact on the community that had given me so much. In conclusion, growing up in the inner city presented me with a number of challenges, but it also taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the power of community. Through hard work, determination, and the support of my community, I was able to overcome these challenges and pursue my dreams. Today, I am grateful for my experiences and committed to giving back to my community in meaningful ways.

Growing up in the inner city of Paterson was a unique and challenging experience. On one hand, I was surrounded by a vibrant and diverse community that was filled with opportunities for growth and learning. On the other hand, I also faced a number of challenges and obstacles that came with living in an urban environment. One of the biggest challenges that I faced growing up in the inner city was poverty. My family struggled financially, and we often struggled to make ends meet. This meant that we had to be creative and resourceful in finding ways to make do with what we had, and it also meant that I often had to go without certain things that other kids had. Despite these challenges, I was fortunate to have a strong support system in my family and community, and they helped me to stay focused and motivated to overcome these challenges. Another challenge that I faced growing up in the inner city was violence and crime. Living in a high-crime area meant that I had to be constantly aware of my surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. This could be stressful and intimidating at times, but I learned to be proactive in taking care of myself and seeking out safe and supportive spaces. Despite these challenges, I was able to overcome them and find ways to thrive and succeed. One of the key ways that I did this was through education. I was determined to do well in school, and I worked hard to earn good grades and take advantage of any opportunities that came my way. This hard work paid off, and I was able to earn a scholarship to attend college, which has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me. In addition to education, I also found support and guidance in my community. I was fortunate to have mentors and role models who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my goals, and I am grateful to them for helping me to overcome the challenges that I faced. Overall, growing up in the inner city of Paterson was a challenging but rewarding experience. It taught me the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and hard work, and it has shaped me into the person I am today. Despite the challenges that I faced, I was able to overcome them and find success through education, community support, and my own determination and drive. It is important to note that living in a high-crime city can be challenging and stressful, and it is not uncommon for individuals to face a range of negative impacts as a result. High crime rates can create a sense of fear and insecurity, and can lead to a range of negative outcomes such as decreased property values, decreased social cohesion, and reduced quality of life. That being said, there are also some potential benefits to living in a high-crime city that are worth considering. One potential benefit is the opportunity to learn valuable life skills such as awareness and self-defense. Living in a high-crime area can necessitate the development of strategies to stay safe, and these skills can be beneficial in other areas of life as well. Another potential benefit of living in a high-crime city is the opportunity to be part of a close-knit and supportive community. In some cases, living in a high-crime area can bring people together and create a sense of shared purpose and solidarity. This can lead to stronger relationships and a greater sense of belonging. Finally, living in a high-crime city can also provide the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to efforts to address crime and improve the community. Whether through volunteering, activism, or other means, individuals living in high-crime areas can be uniquely positioned to be part of the solution and to work towards positive change.

When we think of big cities like New York or Los Angeles, we think of the opportunities, the benefits, and what the city offers. So many stars come from these cities. They are on the big screens and have provided the most lavish lifestyles. Cities like these must be incredible places to reside. Many people do not realize that these urban cities are heavily underfunded, especially in the education department, and a lack of familial resources impacts BIPOC communities the most. Not to mention the systemic barrier put in place that affects these communities. Not having access to quality education makes our lives even harder. Growing up in West Philadelphia, I had to experience things average kids in our state would never have to go through. Life was difficult between family living paycheck to paycheck, having family members involved in criminal activities, and the active gun violence issue in our city. At a young age, I had to learn to mature faster and realize that doing better for the future would be a top priority. My challenges included: I was feeling pressure from my parents to do perfectly academically. I am learning to deal with trauma and grief. I am coming to terms with my identity as a BIPOC. Being the oldest, I had to set an example for the ones after me, and I constantly needed to be perfect and push forward to show others how things are supposed to be. After a while, that pressure just got too much and caused a lot of mental health issues. In my head, I believed perfectionism was the way to make it, and anything below that was unacceptable. In my sophomore year, I had an eye-opening experience that showed that doing the best you can do is enough. From that point forward, that mentality vanished, and I genuinely lived without feeling pressure from others. Recently I have been dealing with a heavy loss that hindered my abilities to do anything and my motivations. My grandfather passed away due to substance abuse, which was challenging this year as he was gone. If I am being one hundred percent honest, it is something I have yet to overcome. This healing process has been longer than any other because we were close. Unforentaly, substance abuse is a significant issue within urban cities and affects BIPOC communities the most. Between over-criminalizing minorities with drug offenses and losing loved ones to these issues, kids in these cities face more considerable challenges than others could imagine. Growing up in a place where people look like each other is always a good thing, but it gets tricky when you have multiple identities. I am a Black and Indigenous person, and I am proud of that, but I did not have a sense of who I was as a child. It was complicated to grow up hating my hair, being taught that black culture is considered things like “ghetto” or “unprofessional,” and feeling disconnected from my indigenous culture. Today, this is still something I am learning to embrace, but this took much effort and self-love over time. It also took much research to understand and be proud of who I am finally. The challenges I faced were things I could not learn how to deal with and process in any Philadelphia public school class. I had to learn these things independently, along with other kids who might not be as fortunate. Furthermore, our education system is failing us simultaneously as our city. The youth in urban neighborhoods deserve as much access to resources as anyone in the county with more options. More importantly, because of societal barriers, BIPOC communities need an extra boost regarding opportunities. Funding schools, providing familial resources, and giving children a chance to live is a step to allow us to overcome generations of being doubted.

Growing up in the inner city has taught me many things such as facing challenges, overcoming them, and turning them into life lessons. Most immigrants settle in cities because of available jobs and affordable housing, an example of this is my parents. Growing up in a Hispanic household with immigrant parents has not been easy for me as for millions of others as well. I have overcome and learned so much from having to translate government documents for my parents at a young age, to helping my parents apply for jobs in order to stay afloat. Many first-generation children have had to grow up fast and learn to live in a fast-paced world while their parents try to do the same. Inner-city residents all fall victim to a term called redlining. “Redlining is the discriminatory and unethical practice of systematic denial of providing services, particularly financial services, to residents of certain neighborhoods or communities associated with a certain racial or ethnic group” (Hayes, Adam. “What Is Redlining?” Investopedia, Investopedia, 7 Mar. 2022,). The impacts of redlining continue to this today and drastically affect residents in ways such as crime rates within the city, the health of residents, income, and educational/economic opportunity within these inner cities. Redlining is rooted in systematic racism within America and infiltrates education in inner cities tremendously. The majority of inner cities in America are populated by minorities, and it is widely known that schools within these cities are underfunded unlike schools in suburban areas that are mainly populated by white residents. As I keep on growing up and face the reality of life, I realize that I enjoy helping others and would like to keep on educating not only myself but others on important issues within the world. Some global issues that I’d like to learn and teach others about are poverty, inequality, violence, and most importantly child labor and trafficking. I know a few classmates that have dropped out of school because of financial and personal issues at home. “Many students gave personal reasons for leaving school, which included the need to get a job, parenthood, or having to care for family members. Nearly half (45 percent) noted that earlier schooling had poorly prepared them for high school” (Azzam, Amy M. “Special Report / Why Students Drop Out.” ASCD). It is truly heartbreaking to see how much of a toll systematic racism takes on others I know, especially knowing that just my words of encouragement are not enough to help them. I can not wait for the day that I am viewed as a role model for inner-city kids and other first-generation students like me. They will be able to see that they can achieve as much as I hope to achieve in the near future. Winning this scholarship would help me tremendously in my journey to fulfilling my goals. I know that with hard work, determination, and the right support system around me that I will be able to achieve anything my heart desires.