Velazquez Social Sciences Scholarship

My Puerto Rican heritage comes from my father’s side of the family, and it has always been an important part of who I am. Growing up, I learned that being Puerto Rican is not just about culture, food, or music—it’s about resilience, pride, and family. My dad taught me the value of hard work and unity, reminding me that even when life presents challenges, strength comes from remembering where you come from and who you represent. For my family, our heritage has always been a way to stay connected to each other and our roots. Even though I was not raised on the island, I have been surrounded by traditions, language, and values that reflect Puerto Rican culture. Celebrations filled with music, food, and laughter bring us together, while everyday lessons about respect, perseverance, and caring for others guide me in school and in life. To me, Puerto Rican heritage means carrying forward the pride of my family while striving to succeed so I can honor the sacrifices made by those before me. It also means cooking pasteles or pernil with my family! With this foundation, I want to contribute to making the world a better place by being a leader who uplifts others. In school, I have already found ways to support peers, whether through JROTC, academic involvement, or encouraging classmates who felt left out. These experiences taught me that positive change starts in everyday actions—standing up for someone, creating opportunities, and making others feel seen. In the future, I want to use my education and career not only to build my own success but also to advocate for underrepresented communities, especially Hispanic youth who, like me, may feel that they need role models to look up to. The person who inspires me most is my father. His work ethic, determination, and pride in his Puerto Rican identity have shaped how I see myself and how I face challenges. Even when times were difficult, he never gave up on his responsibilities, and he always reminded me to stay focused on my goals. His example inspires me to carry my heritage with pride and to push forward when obstacles arise. Academically, I have worked hard to prepare myself for future success. Through dual enrollment, I have challenged myself with college-level classes, and through JROTC, I have developed leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills. My career goal is to serve others—whether through leadership in the military, public service, or another path where I can use my voice and abilities to make a difference. I want my journey to reflect the values of my Puerto Rican heritage: resilience, unity, and a commitment to leaving the world better than I found it. In many ways, my Puerto Rican identity is both a source of strength and a responsibility. It reminds me that I am part of something larger than myself—a culture, a history, and a family that believes in progress and pride. As I continue my education and build my future, I carry that identity with me, determined to honor my father’s side of the family by succeeding and helping others succeed as well.