Community, STEM, and “Fight On…” Hello, my name is Aaron Hidalgo (Air-in Heh-doll-go), pronouns are he/him and this is my story. Up until eighth grade, I attended a catholic school where I grew closer to God. Then for high school, I went to a large public school in Sacramento. Now, I am about to enter my second year at the University of Southern California (USC) where I am currently majoring in neuroscience. Before I get into why I love everything about the brain and neuroscience, I want to first tell you a bit about myself and what I am involved in. In terms of my passions, it all started with cake, as most good things do. Five years into baking, I have now made over 60 cakes and have even been on the news(https://www.cbsnews.com/gooddaysacramento/video/aaron-hildalgo-baker-extraordinaire/). Moreover, I have played sports my entire life. From being a three sport varsity athlete in high school (volleyball, soccer, and cross country) to being a part of the archery club at USC, I love it all. Additionally, I have been a part of many clubs: Biology club, Interaxon (neuroscience club), Trojans for Hemophilia, and Christian students at USC. I also love art (I did a mural for my high school). Next, I have worked at a pear factory every summer for the past five years. Growing very close to my Mexican culture. I am also currently doing research at USC to help cure many neurological diseases. Additionally, I actively volunteer for hospice, founded an annual run at my high school (Annual Glenn Rogers 5k run) and attend many bible study groups to grow closer to GOD. Now…why has the brain shaped me into the person I am today. Well… my first experience of wanting to pursue a degree in neuroscience was in 5th grade. At the little catholic school I attended, they had invited a guest speaker. Dr. Bennet Omalu, or as kids called him, the Doctor of Concussion, came to talk about the brain. His achievements with CTE and becoming best friends with Will Smith attracted me in a revolutionary way. Really, from that day on, I told everyone that I would become a neurosurgeon in the future. Aside from this, I am currently doing neuroscience research at USC under Dr. Dion Dickman. In this lab, we study homeostatic synaptic plasticity (brain stuff!)—using fruit flies as a model—to understand how they contribute to neurological disorders. I absolutely love this lab so much. In the future, as a neurosurgeon, my ultimate goal is to travel to underprivileged countries to help everyone I possibly can—especially those with an immigrant background like me. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I truly believe that we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. I believe that medicine has no color. All the smiles and happiness that a career in healthcare can bring about makes me so excited to pursue medicine. I want to help improve the quality of life of so many people and make them feel better. This is my ultimate goal in life! But on a more general note, I have always been fascinated about the brain. It’s an organ that is around 3 pounds in weight, yet so vital for human life. All in all, the brain is my ultimate passion in life. So thank you "Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo" for this amazing scholarship opportunity. I hope you enjoyed my essay!

A warrior, fighter, and lifelong inspiration: Christelle Salmomon. She is a Haitian American Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) survivor who experienced first hand racial bias as she went in and out of hospitals. Currently working to become a physician-scientist, she has shown me that anything is possible. Getting to meet Christelle at a stem cell conference I attended in 2022 motivated me to start a club called “Disease Awareness.” Especially as a Latino who plans to work in the medical industry, knowing that health disparities are still present saddens me. I wanted to promote change. So through this club, I got to spread awareness about SCD, the importance of getting your blood tested, and I even got to host a blood drive every single year. Personally, I wanted this club to encompass everything related to medicine and truly be touching to others—and it was. All the memories I made from this club is why I consider it the greatest achievement I have done to this day. But it was not easy. Having to balance the endless APs, three varsity sports, and life shenanigans with this club was a lot. I had to prepare meetings, help make posters to spread awareness about diseases, blood testing, biology facts, and our annual blood drive. But even with all the work, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I got to bring about so many smiles and be like Christelle Salomon for other students that were interested in the healthcare field. Due to this, I made sure that every meeting and activity was absolutely fun. I got out of my comfort zone and grew a close connection with every single student in the club. Honestly, this club showed me what it means to have courage. It showed me why getting out of one's comfort zone is so important. Each and every one of us were placed on this earth for a reason. So be bold. Be unique. Be you. Why blend in when you were born to stand out! Overall, it's experiences like this that motivate me to pursue a career in medicine in the future. Seeing all the smiles and positivity I can bring about means everything to me. Fun fact, I actually wrote my college essay about SCD and Christelle Salomon. This essay got me into my dream school—USC. All in all, this club has allowed me to continue striving every single day to become a strong and dedicated neurosurgeon. As a neurosurgeon, my ultimate goal is to travel to underprivileged countries to help everyone I possibly can—especially immigrants like me. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I truly believe that we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. I believe that medicine has no skin color. I will be doing all of this because of one woman: Christelle Salomon. My true inspiration in life. The reason I am applying to the “WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship”; which will hopefully allow me to achieve my dream medicine with as little debt as possible. Now, while it’s not part of the prompt, I do want to briefly talk about my financial situation. Coming from a low-income immigrant family has made paying for quite stressful and difficult. Especially with big dreams of pursuing medical school after my 4 years at USC, my education is not only going to be quite long, but also very expensive. With a yearly cost of around $100,000 at USC, the cost of college is already a huge financial burden for my family and I. I already have two older siblings currently in college, and so, the WCEJ scholarship will definitely help me pursue my dreams in medicine. So thank you so much for this amazing scholarship opportunity. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.

Medicine is my ikigai. The reason I wake up every day with a smile. The reason I am working so hard in school right now. As a current student at the University of Southern California (USC) majoring in biochemistry, medicine is the only future I see. Currently, at USC, I am part of a broad range of clubs such as Interaxon (we inspire younger students to love neuroscience), Trojans for Hemophilia (we learn about blood disorders and we raise funds for those enduring hemophilia) and Christian Students at USC. I am also in a research lab with Dr. Dion Dickman where we do research on drosophila fruit flies to study synaptic plasticity (we study aspects of the brain that deal with communication). With all these activities and the rest of my undergrad studies, I would love to attend medical school. After meeting Dr. Bennet Omalu (he discovered CTE) and watching my grandma endure Alzheimer’s disease, I began to love everything about the brain. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. So being able to attend a top Medical School is a huge goal of mine. After Medical School, I would love to become a neurosurgeon. While I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would love to travel to underprivileged countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. Honestly, this determination to achieve my dreams is what passion for a career is all about. I will never stop working until I am the first Latino in my family to work for the medical industry. With my passion and drive for medicine, I am constantly helping others any way I can. I will continue helping others right now and in the future to help me achieve my professional passion. For instance, I created a baking business four years ago to spread love to my community. Due to my hard work, I got to be on local news: https://www.cbsnews.com/gooddaysacramento/video/aaron-hildalgo-baker-extraordinaire/. Next, I have worked at a pear factory called David J. Elliot & Son every summer for the past five years. Growing closer to my Mexican culture and understanding the hard work in the agriculture industry has allowed me to be grateful and appreciative of my PEOPLE. Every day at work, I show my Hispanic peers that you can achieve your dreams if you set your mind to it. My dreams, of course, being medicine. Moreover, I am the founder of my school's Annual Glenn Rogers 5k run. A run I created to honor my cross country coach who passed away. This run is nothing but community and smiles. I do all this because helping others is my ikigai. Medicine is my ikigai.

Hello, my name is Aaron Hidalgo and I am a graduating senior of the class of 2024. I just graduated from Sheldon High School in Sacramento, California. Finishing as salutatorian in a class of over 600 students. In terms of my activities, it all started with cake, as most good things do. Creating a baking business has been the hallmark of my high school era. Four years in, and I have made over 40 cakes from scratch and have even been on the news (https://www.cbsnews.com/gooddaysacramento/video/aaron-hildalgo-baker-extraordinaire/). Moreover, I am a three sport varsity athlete who participates in volleyball, soccer, and cross country. In addition to my participation in sports, I am the President of my school’s biology club, President of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) club, and member of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) club. Next, I have worked at a pear factory every summer for the past four years and I have also worked at the Sacramento County Elections. Lastly, I am the founder of my school's Annual Glenn Rogers 5k run. A run I created to honor my cross country coach who passed away. I volunteer yearly at a Portuguese crab feed and I help out monthly at PetCo! All this hard work in school, extracurriculars, and volunteer activities is so that I have a chance to achieve my dreams in the future. But what is my dream, you may ask? My dream is to become the first Latino in my family to work in the medical industry. Working hard my entire life, I was recently admitted to my dream school: University of Southern California. But with a yearly cost of around $95,000, attending USC will be a huge financial burden for me and my family. The Schmid Memorial Scholarship will give me the opportunity to attend USC. I honestly can’t describe with words how much this scholarship will impact my life. Scholarships are the main way I will be able to help my parents pay off my college education. This scholarship isn’t just for me, but for my family and Mexican heritage. Everything I do in life is for them. I want to make my family and culture proud. Beyond my years in undergrad, I want to become a research scientist and study neurodegenerative diseases. Education is not only going to be quite expensive, but it is also going to be quite long. Additionally, with two other siblings attending 4 year universities too, the Schmid Memorial Scholarship means everything. My parents are already struggling trying to help out my other two siblings who currently attend Sacramento State University. So with USC being one the most expensive universities in the nation, I am bound to go into debt without scholarships. This scholarship will allow me to have success at USC and in the medical field. This scholarship will help me achieve my dreams. A dream of attending USC. A dream in medicine. So thank you all for this scholarship opportunity!

“Your grandma is sick.” These are the words that I had to constantly hear from my parents when I was growing up. So what was wrong? Well around 10 years ago, my grandma, Juanita, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the years, my grandma has had a hard time remembering my name. While I smile every time this happens and tell her it is alright, deep down, I feel melancholic inside. I cry in my room all night hoping that my grandma, my true best friend, will get better. Now, at age 18, I have learned to just accept my grandma’s condition and continue providing her with love. She is almost 80 now and she is not getting better. But due to this adversity, it has inspired me to pursue a career in the future that deals with the brain. My entire mindset has completely changed. I am motivated to work in the medical field in the future to help those suffering from illnesses like Alzheimer's. I want to aid people with brain diseases so that they never have to suffer like my grandma. Making the unknown, known, is my overarching goal in life. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. After my undergrad at USC, I would love to attend the Keck School of Medicine to become a neurosurgeon in the future. While I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would also love to travel to underprivileged countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. This huge motivation of mine to work in the healthcare industry would have never happened if I hadn’t watched my grandma suffer with Alzheimer's. I feel hopeful for the future. I truly believe that I will bring about change because of the adversity I have endured. I am going to work hard every single day to make my dreams in helping others a reality. So whether I become a neurosurgeon or a researcher that studies neurodegenerative diseases, the brain is the heart of it all. All in all, with hopes of attending USC for undergrad and then pursuing medical school, my education is not only going to be quite long, but also very expensive. With a yearly cost of around $95,000 at USC, the cost of college is going to be a huge financial burden for my family and I (especially since I come from a low-income immigrant family). I also currently have 2 older siblings at 4-year universities, so this scholarship means everything. It is giving me a chance to become the first Latino in my family to work in the medical industry! Beyond all of this, this scholarship is giving me hope. It will allow me to achieve my lifelong goal in becoming a neurosurgeon. A goal that I am determined to accomplish because of my beautiful grandmother. Lastly, this scholarship will allow me to say to myself, “Aaron, you are enough. You are seen.” This little bit of encouragement will allow me to keep striving for success. So thank you “Powering The Future” for allowing me to apply to this amazing scholarship!

“Your grandma is sick.” These are the words that I had to constantly hear from my parents when I was growing up. So what was wrong? Well around 10 years ago, my grandma, Juanita, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the years, my grandma has had a hard time remembering my name. While I smile every time this happens and tell her it is alright, deep down, I feel melancholic inside. I cry in my room all night hoping that my grandma, my true best friend, will get better. Now, at age 18, I have learned to just accept my grandma’s condition and continue providing her with love. She is almost 80 now and she is not getting better. But dwelling on the negative aspects of life will only cause more harm for me. From this event, I have learned to always remain optimistic in life. I have learned to look for the good in everything and to believe in myself. I truly believe that anyone can go far in life if they have faith in oneself. My grandma wants me to succeed in life. She would not want her illness to impede on my future success. So as long as I believe in myself, anything is possible. In addition to all of this, due to my grandma’s battle with Alzheimer's, it has inspired me to pursue a career in the future that deals with the brain. My entire mindset has completely changed. I am motivated to work in the medical field in the future to help those suffering from illnesses like Alzheimers. I want to aid people with brain diseases so that they never have to suffer like my grandma. I want to make groundbreaking discoveries in the future. Ever since I found out that my grandma had Alzheimer’s, I have worked hard in everything I do. I just finished as salutatorian of my high school class of around 606 students. Ending with a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.61 weighted GPA. I was president of my schools Biotech Academy program and of my schools Biology club. I feel empowered every single day to succeed, both academically and personally. I go on daily runs now and work out almost every single day. I played at the varsity level for three sports at my school: volleyball, cross country, and soccer. Succeeding in life is what I like to call my IKIGAI. The thing that motivates me every single day to wake up with a smile. The thing that makes me, ME. In the future, I want to make the unknown, KNOWN. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. At USC, I want to join the USC Compass program and work with Professor McMahon whose lab utilizes stem cells to treat polycystic kidney disease. With this program and my studies at USC, I plan to attend graduate school to become a researcher in the future. I would love to do research that deals with neurodegenerative diseases. After meeting Dr. Bennet Omalu (he discovered CTE) and watching my grandma endure Alzheimer’s disease, I began to love everything about the brain. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. I want to study brain diseases because the possibilities of stem cells, crispr, etc., are honestly endless. But, if I choose to go along the medical school route, I would love to attend Harvard Medical school after undergrad to become a neurosurgeon. While I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would also love to travel to underprivileged countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. This huge motivation of mine to work in the healthcare industry would have never happened if I hadn’t watched my grandma suffer with Alzheimer's. I feel hopeful for the future. I truly believe that I will bring about change. I am going to work hard every single day to make my dreams in helping others a reality. So whether I become a neurosurgeon or a researcher that studies neurodegenerative diseases, the brain is the heart of it all. The brain is such an intricate and unique organ that continues to blow my mind every single day. I want to study the brain more because I never want to see a person suffer from a brain illness like my grandma has been! All in all, this entire life challenge that I have had to endure has taught me the importance of remaining optimistic in life. To have a growth mindset. To not let anything, even a loved one's struggles, hold you back in life. If anything, watching my grandma struggle has motivated me to work even harder in life. ¡Te amo mucho abuela! That concludes my essay. Thank you so much “Henry Respert Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Scholarship” for giving me the opportunity to make my dreams in helping others a reality. I hope you all enjoyed my essay. I had so much fun writing it!

“Those who endure, conquer.” I know, a bit cliché to start off with a quote, but it truly embodies my biggest professional role model of all time: Glenn Rogers. These words have given me the drive to inspire, grow, and be a better person every day. These words come from my first cross country coach, Glenn Rogers, who passed away a few years ago. His presence in my life had such a grand impact on me. I wanted his reputation at my high school to carry on. So, I created an annual Glenn Rogers 5k run to commensurate the best cross-country coach ever. At this event, my cross-country teammates sell custom designed shirts to people so that they can wear them when they run. Coach Rogers' wife and kids bring beautiful tie-dye wristbands that I get to pass out to everyone who shows up to the event. Since the run starts pretty early, I help prepare the course by setting out cones, marking parts of the course with spray paint, and placing signs all throughout the course. The entire theme is usually tie-dye, which embodies everything Coach Rogers and cross country represents. Tye-dye is fun and puts a smile on everyone's faces. The posters are full of all kinds of neon colors and patterns because who doesn’t like a bit of color in their life. Coach Rogers brought color in my life. He gave me a reason to wake up every day and look forward to something positive. He truly made my first couple years of high school exciting. Beyond this, Coach Roger is the reason I work so hard. Every single practice, he motivated me to keep on running. To never give up. I remember freshman year when I was cramping so bad after mile 6, and he would drive slowly by the road, telling me that I was almost there. He told me I could make it. Was he right? Yes, of course he was right! Coach Rogers allowed me to see my true potential in life. He allowed me to believe in myself no matter what. The array of smiles that Coach Rogers brought to everyone's life was the biggest thing that I appreciated him. Coach Rogers would always make me smile. For my entire life, I have been questioned by others about why I laugh and smile so much. But coach Rogers never judged me. He loved my goofy personality and made me feel so special every day at practice. He truly has allowed me to embrace my unique personality and to be confident in my own body. The impact he has had on my life is beyond words. It will last forever in my heart. He taught me what it means to have courage. To never give up. To be kind to everyone, no matter what. Even in times of struggle, there is always light at the end of the road. Beyond this, Coach Rogers was the first professional role model that I felt actually cared for me. He was like a father-figure for me. He always believed in me. Due to this big community event that I created to honor Coach Rogers, in the future, I plan to keep giving back to others and making them smile. I would love to become a neurosurgeon and aid people with cerebral diseases. But while I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would love to travel to 3rd world countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses. I want to help those that lack the proper medical treatment. Traveling to underprivileged countries is a huge professional goal of mine. I truly believe that medicine has no color and that we are equal in the eyes of medicine. So If I can use my medical knowledge to help individuals, no matter their differing demographics, then my life goal in becoming a doctor would be fulfilled. Thank you Coach Rogers for allowing me to believe in myself. Thank you for believing in me. While it’s not part of the prompt, I do want to briefly talk about my financial situation. Coming from a low-income immigrant family has made paying for college very difficult. With a yearly cost of around $95,000, attending USC will be a huge financial burden. I have worked so hard, so the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship means the world.

Discrimination in hospitals, limited treatment options, and immense pain... these are just a few of the things that patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) have to endure. This is why I am working hard every day to address the barriers to health care for patients enduring Sickle Cell Disease. As a Latino male who plans to work in the medical industry, knowing that health disparities are still present saddens me. The healthcare system is not perfect, and people, especially minorities, deserve to hear about these imperfections. To begin, SCD is a genetic disease that primarily affects people of Hispanic and African descent. But what makes me deeply passionate about SCD is the fact that treatment for this disease is very limited. Other than a bone marrow transplant, options are limited. To add on, patients endure frequent hospital visits and 25% longer wait times. With systemic racism and stigma related to this disease still in place, the need to improve access to SCD care is urgent. But what really inspired me to start advocating for people with SCD was meeting Christelle Salomon, a Haitian American SCD survivor who experienced first-hand racial bias as she went in and out of hospitals. To help bring more equity in hospitals, Christelle is currently in medical school to become a physician-scientist in the future. She is a true inspiration showing that no matter the discrimination or long battle with SCD, anything is possible. Now talking specifically on my advocation towards patients with SCD, my biggest work was actively teaching my school members and community about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). As President of my health/biology club, I wanted students to not just engage in science-related topics, but truly hear about real life health issues. But how did this all begin? See, during the summer of 2022, I had the privilege to be a part of a stem cell internship under the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) at UC Davis. I got model a rare disease called fibrous dysplasia and take a graduate class called Bio225 where we learned about stem cells, Hematopoietic cells (blood cells), gene therapy, how my professor (Gerhard Baur) helped cure “Bubble Boy” disease (they even made a movie about the disease with John Travolta called “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble”), and more. I got to listen to lectures from real doctors and surgeons about aneurysms, vascularized hemorrhoids, etc. This whole experience is the reason I want to work in the medical field in the future. But back to SCD, at the end of my summer internship, I got to attend a conference at the Benioff Children’s hospital in San Francisco where the theme was about the stigma and discrimination towards people with SCD. At this meeting, I got to learn about SCD and talk to a real SCD survivor named Christelle Salomon. This is why I emphasized SCD in my club so much. Teaching others in my community and school about the disease and importance of getting your blood tested. This year, my club raised over $5000 for patients with SCD. How awesome is that! All in all, I want to spread awareness about SCD so that the discrimination and stigma related to the disease will come to an end. I want everyone to be treated equally, especially when the social issue is occurring in the medical field! So thank you so much for allowing me to apply to the "West Family scholarship." I hope you all enjoyed my essay. I had so much fun writing it!

Often called a non-judgmental companion, animals provide humans with selfless love that can impact them for the rest of their lives. Besides the basic necessities of any living organism, all dogs just want to feel loved. They want to be by their owners' side 24/7 and grow a close bond with them. See, when I was born about 18 years ago, my parents had blessed me with a dog to call my forever best friend. His name was Snoopy, and he was the kindest and most loving animal in the whole world. As I grew older and became a bit more independent, my dog never seemed to leave my side. Coming home from school every single day, I will never forget his little smile and jumps of excitement. While dogs are unable to physically talk to humans, they can communicate so much through their actions. Snoopy gave me a reason to smile every day. He slept on my bed every single day, waited for me at the door whenever I left the house, and was always within a few feet radius when I was at home. More than just a family member, Snoopy was my everything! Sadly, when it came the “most wonderful time of the year” (aka: Christmas), we had our usual family gathering at my house. With people staying over all night, my Snoopy was put outside the entire evening. When people had finally left around 2 or 3 A.M., I went outside to call for him. But no one answered. There was not a sound to be heard. I started panicking because this was not like him. While I knew that he was getting old (17 years old to be exact), he was always by my side whenever I called for him. As I started running around my entire backyard to find him in the pitch black night, I finally found him after about 2 hours. Dead in my pool, my lifelong friend had drowned. Still till this day, I still think about that memory. How my whole world had flipped upside down. Losing my dog was the first time I realized how it felt to not feel loved. I still ask myself, “when will I be loved again, when will I feel happy, when will I overcome the loss of my best friend.” While I want my problems to be fixed immediately, deep down, I know that I may never have an answer to these questions. Maybe that's what happens when you lose someone you loved so much, you just never seem to lose that attachment from them. Just becoming sadder and sadder every single day without anything to stop it. To quickly steer away from my essay topic, I want to talk about why I chose to write about my dog. I could have written about my grandma who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away a few years ago, or my brother who passed away immaturely. But I didn’t. I chose my dog. Who is more than just family. He allowed me to realize what true love is really about. It’s not about the money, the fame, or having the new pair of shoes… it's about loving someone with all your heart no matter what. That is why I chose to write this essay about my dog. No person has ever made me feel the happiness I felt when I had my dog by my side. My best friend since birth. So while I may never know what it feels like to be loved again, I have been focusing every day on what matters most in my life: to enjoy every moment. To love everyone no matter what. To never live a dull life. To be proud of who you are. To not judge someone no matter what (my Snoopy never judged me — why am I crying so much as I write this… sorry). No matter the bad or good, be you. Every day, I am so proud to be me. A unique, confident, hardworking Hispanic that lets no one damage my feelings. Thanks to Snoopy, I want to “fight” the pain that people feel when they lose a loved one. That is why, in the future, I want to become a veterinarian. Currently studying at the University of Southern California, I want to provide comfort to people's lives every single day. Additionally, I want to fight the stigma that losing a loved one has to be a difficult and melancholic process. While it may be hard during the moment, at a broader perspective, no one is ever alone. At the end of the day, we all have something in common: a heart. A heart that will allow US to stay together and “fight” any difficulty in life! So thank you Cat Zingano!

I dream everyday about making the unknown, known. I truly want to discover new things and help others along the way. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on creating change through wellness and innovation. Personally, at USC, I want to join the USC Compass program and work with Professor McMahon whose lab utilizes stem cells to treat polycystic kidney disease. With this program and the rest of my undergrad studies, I plan to attend graduate school to become a researcher in the future. I would love to do research that deals with neurodegenerative diseases. After meeting Dr. Bennet Omalu (he discovered CTE) and watching my grandma endure Alzheimer’s disease, I began to love everything about the brain. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. I want to study brain diseases because the possibilities of stem cells, crispr, etc., are honestly endless. Research is a huge passion of mine. I want to be of service to others by helping people live long, healthy, and prosperous lives. This is how I will create change through wellness and innovation. On the other hand, if I choose to go along the medical school route, I would love to attend Harvard Medical school after undergrad to become a neurosurgeon. While I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would love to travel to underprivileged countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. I feel hopeful for the future. I truly believe that I will bring about change. I am going to work hard every single day to make my dream of helping others a reality. Through wellness and some innovation, I will give people the ability to be healthy. I will make others happy. I will allow people to live a life worth living. That is my ultimate goal. That is what makes me, Me. That concludes my essay. While it’s not part of the prompt, I do want to briefly talk about my financial situation. Coming from a low-income immigrant family has made paying for college very difficult. With a yearly cost of around $95,000, attending USC will be a huge financial burden. I have worked so hard, so the 2024 “FLIK Hospitality Group’s Entrepreneurial Council Scholarship” means the world. So thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to make my dreams of working in the medical field a reality. I hope you all enjoyed my essay. I had so much fun writing it!

Becoming the first Latino in my family to work in the medical industry is my IKIGAI. The thing that motivates me every single day to work hard. Recently, I was admitted to my dream school: the University of Southern California. But with a yearly cost of around $95,000, attending USC will be a huge financial burden for me and my family. I believe that college is a way to a better life. My parents were both born in Mexico and then immigrated here at a very young age. Additionally, being raised in a low-income household hasn’t been easy. But my parents have worked so hard to give my siblings and I the best life. That is why I continuously tell myself that college isn’t just for me, but for my family and my Mexican heritage. Everything I do in life is for them. I want to make my family and culture proud. For my entire life, I have dreamt of going to college to fulfill my ikigai. Especially when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around 10 years ago, I knew that I wanted to attend college so that I could work in the medical industry. More specifically, I want to aid people with cerebral illnesses. That is my life goal. My ikigai. This scholarship will allow me to have success at USC and in the medical field. At USC, I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. My ultimate goal is to become a research scientist who studies neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. I want to study brain diseases because the possibilities of stem cells, crispr, etc., are honestly endless. Due to these big aspirations of mine, college is very important. While I love everything about science and the brain, helping others is what makes me smile. It is what makes me, ME. With all my science knowledge gained from college, I would love to travel to underprivileged countries and help those in need (especially those enduring brain illnesses). I want to study the brain more and I hope to find cures for those battling diseases. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. This huge motivation of mine to work in the healthcare industry would have never happened if I hadn’t watched my grandma suffer with Alzheimers. I feel hopeful for the future. I truly believe that I will bring about change. Watching my parents work so hard has motivated me to attend college. It has motivated me to succeed in college and beyond. My parents have helped shape my IKIGAI. In conclusion, thank you “Hines Scholarship” for giving me the opportunity to make my dreams a reality. I hope you all enjoy my essay. I really had fun writing it!

Those who endure, conquer. These are the famous words of my high school cross country coach who passed away in 2021. His death was so sudden. It damaged my mental health and well being so much. I did not want to forget him. So, I decided to create an annual Glenn Rogers 5k run at my high school to honor the greatest coach in the world. At this event that I get the honor to coordinate, individuals that Coach Rogers coached over the past 20 years come to my high school as a way to appreciate their former coach. This service event that I created is the epitome of inclusivity. No matter one's race, age, etc., all are welcome at the event. It’s absolutely beautiful. His lovely wife, Jill, and I create these amazing tie-dye wristbands that say my coach's favorite words: “those who endure, conquer.” Coach Rogers brought vibrancy and joy to my life, much like the colors of tie-dye. I miss you so much Coach Rogers! Beyond this, watching my neighbor suffer immensely after the passing of her husband really damaged my mental health. I absolutely hate it when people are sad. I just want everyone to be happy. So what basically happened? Well, back in 2020, my neighbor, Larry, lost his life to lung cancer. His wife, Tracy, had lost her only friend in the world. When I got the chance to visit her after his passing, I saw her baking as a way to cope with her melancholic state of being. I wanted to help out, and so, I baked cinnamon rolls with her for the first time. We took the rolls to her work and got to share some with my teachers. Seeing the array of smiles made me so happy. So I started a baking business. 4 years in, and I have sold over 50 cakes for community members and I have even been on the news (https://www.cbsnews.com/gooddaysacramento/video/aaron-hildalgo-baker-extraordinaire/). Baking has brought my entire community together. Through baking, I have gotten to meet so many families in my community. Baking is my communal language. Baking is the activity that further defines the meaning of inclusivity. In addition to this, my mental health takes a downfall when I am not hanging it out with my kind work friends every summer. For me, I have had the privilege of working in a pear factory for the past 4 summers. Working alongside hundreds of Hispanics like me allows me to appreciate every person, no matter their background. Understanding where fruits come from and the hard work it takes to get fruit from the trees to the stores has opened my eyes completely. There are tons of jobs out there done by an array of differing demographics that deserve immense appreciation. Thanks to working in a pear factory, I appreciate the immense diversity and hard work of every person in this world. All people, no matter their background, help make our planet a better place. All in all, my pear factory friends make me feel loved and can always cheer me up! From all the support people have been given that has allowed me to be content in life, I now have big dreams for the future. Even if my mental health is not the best at times, I am not going to let it get in the way of my future. With plans on attending the University of Southern California, I aspire to become a research scientist that studies and helps people enduring cerebral illnesses. I love everything about the brain. I love to help others. At USC, they have this COMPASS program that will allow me to work in a research lab under the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). I already did a 2 month internship under CIRM at UC Davis where I worked under Dr. Fernando Fierro to model a rare disease called Fibrous Dysplasia. It was the absolute highlight of my high school era. It is also a huge reason why I want to go into research in the future. Besides this, through the USC SOAR program, I will be able to work in the labs of countless professors who work with stem cells and the brain. Double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry, I want to work hard in college so that I can travel to third world countries and help those suffering from all illnesses (especially cerebral-related ones). I want to bring equity to all. I truly believe that medicine has no skin color. We are all equal in the eyes of medicine. Beyond college, traveling the world and helping those in need is my ultimate goal. I just love making others happy. I don’t want to see people live their life with a poor mental health. While I know financial concerns aren’t part of the prompt, I do want to mention it briefly. USC costs around $95,000 a year, which is so expensive. My parents are already struggling paying for my other two siblings, who currently attend 4 year universities. Additionally, coming from a low-income immigrant family hasn’t been easy. This scholarship would mean the world. It would help alleviate the financial burden of college. Scholarships like the “Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health,” is my main way of paying for college. In conclusion, thank you so much “Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health” for this amazing scholarship opportunity. Writing this essay was honestly so much fun. I hope you all enjoy my essay!

“Your grandma is sick.” These are the words that I had to constantly hear from my parents when I was growing up. So what was wrong? Well around 10 years ago, my grandma, Juanita, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the years, my grandma has had a hard time remembering my name. While I smile every time this happens and tell her it is alright, deep down, I feel melancholic inside. I cry in my room all night hoping that my grandma, my true best friend, will get better. Watching my grandma is the reason I have suffered so much with mental health. Now, at age 18, I have learned to just accept my grandma’s condition and continue providing her with love. She is almost 80 now and she is not getting better. But dwelling on the negative aspects of life will only cause more harm for me. From this whole experience, I have learned to always remain optimistic in life. I have learned to look for the good in everything and to believe in myself. I truly believe that anyone can go far in life if they have faith in oneself. My grandma wants me to succeed in life. She would not want her illness to impede on my future success. So as long as I believe in myself, anything is possible. In addition to thinking about my future as a way to cope with my mental health, I talk with God every single day. No matter what, God is always there. I feel like I am talking to my grandma every time I talk with God. I just love God so much. Moreover, I often give back to my community in various ways to keep my mental health afloat. I bake almost every single weekend, I volunteer constantly at the Elk Grove food bank, I tutor students all across my school district, and so much more. Overall, I continue to remain content in life through the love that I continue to receive and through the love that I share with my community. From everything I have experienced, especially when it comes to my grandma suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, it has inspired me to pursue a career in the future that deals with the brain. My entire mindset has completely changed. I am motivated to work in the medical field in the future to help those suffering from illnesses like Alzheimer's. I want to aid people with brain diseases so that they never have to suffer like my grandma. I want to make groundbreaking discoveries in the future. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. After undergrad at USC, I plan to attend graduate school to become a researcher in the future. I would love to do research that deals with neurodegenerative diseases. After meeting Dr. Bennet Omalu (he discovered CTE) and watching my grandma endure Alzheimer’s disease, I began to love everything about the brain. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. I want to study brain diseases because the possibilities of stem cells, crispr, etc., are honestly endless. All in all, this entire battle with mental health has taught me the importance of remaining optimistic in life. To have a growth mindset. To not let anything, even a loved one's struggles, hold you back in life. If anything, watching my grandma struggle has motivated me to work even harder in life. ¡Te amo mucho abuela!

Making the unknown, known, is my overarching goal in life. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. At USC, I want to join the USC Compass program and work with Professor McMahon whose lab utilizes stem cells to treat polycystic kidney disease. With this program and my studies at USC, I plan to attend graduate school to become a researcher in the future. I would love to do research that deals with neurodegenerative diseases. After meeting Dr. Bennet Omalu (he discovered CTE), I began to love everything about the brain. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. I want to study brain diseases because the possibilities of stem cells, crispr, etc., are honestly endless. But, if I choose to go along the medical school route, I would love to attend Harvard Medical school after undergrad to become a neurosurgeon. While I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would also love to travel to underprivileged countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. So whether I become a neurosurgeon or a researcher that studies neurodegenerative diseases, the brain is the heart of it all. While these are some of my big career aspirations, I truly aspire to open up a bakery at some point in my life. Back in 2020, my neighbor, Larry, lost his life to lung cancer. His wife, Tracy, began baking as a way to cope with her melancholic state of being. I wanted to help out, and so, I baked cinnamon rolls with her for the first time. We took the rolls to her work and got to share some with my teachers. Seeing the array of smiles made me so happy. So I started a baking business. 4 years in, and I have sold over 50 cakes for community members and I have even been on the news (https://www.cbsnews.com/gooddaysacramento/video/aaron-hildalgo-baker-extraordinaire/). Baking has brought my entire community together. Baking has inspired me to continue providing love for others. This is why I want to open a bakery in the future. I honestly don’t know what my life would be without baking cakes. Once I save up enough money for a bakery, I am going to name it “Tracy,” after the very woman who allowed me to find my true passion in life. All in all, these are just some of my big aspirations in life. I really hope that I accomplish all of them and more. I am going to continue working hard every single day to make my dreams come true. Ultimately, I just want to give back to my community and make others happy! So thank you so much “Deborah Thomas scholarship” for giving me the opportunity to apply to this amazing scholarship!

Making the unknown, known, is my overarching goal in life. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. At USC, I want to join the USC Compass program and work with Professor McMahon whose lab utilizes stem cells to treat polycystic kidney disease. With this program and my studies at USC, I plan to attend graduate school to become a researcher in the future. I would love to do research that deals with neurodegenerative diseases. After meeting Dr. Bennet Omalu (he discovered CTE), I began to love everything about the brain. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. I want to study brain diseases because the possibilities of stem cells, crispr, etc., are honestly endless. But, if I choose to go along the medical school route, I would love to attend Harvard Medical school after undergrad to become a neurosurgeon. While I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would also love to travel to underprivileged countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. So whether I become a neurosurgeon or a researcher that studies neurodegenerative diseases, the brain is the heart of it all. While these are some of my big aspirations in life, my involvement in my community is the ultimate reason why I want to work in the medical field. Creating an annual Glenn Rogers 5k run at my high school to honor the greatest coach in the world. At this event that I get the honor to coordinate, individuals that Coach Rogers coached over the past 20 years come to my high school as a way to appreciate their former coach. This service event that I created is the epitome of inclusivity. No matter one's race, age, etc., all are welcome at the event. It’s absolutely beautiful. From this event, I feel inspired to always give back. I want to make people smile every day. Beyond this, one of the biggest community service activities I participate in is baking. Back in 2020, my neighbor, Larry, lost his life to lung cancer. His wife, Tracy, began baking as a way to cope with her melancholic state of being. I wanted to help out, and so, I baked cinnamon rolls with her for the first time. We took the rolls to her work and got to share some with my teachers. Seeing the array of smiles made me so happy. So I started a baking business. 4 years in, and I have sold over 50 cakes for community members and I have even been on the news. Baking has brought my entire community together. Baking has inspired me to continue providing love for others. In addition to this, I have been tutoring students all across my school district in math. Helping students as a way to provide back to my community, as opposed to doing it for the money. That is why I tutor for absolutely free. All in all, these are just a few of the many activities and jobs I participate in to showcase my commitment to giving back to my community. I honestly could not imagine my life where I wasn’t giving back to others. Thank you so much “Sunshine Legall” for giving me the opportunity to apply to this amazing scholarship!

"Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you." Now what does this mean? Does it refer to marginated groups, the need to break invisibility, becoming one with light and sound waves, or does it mean all of this and more? In Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, the complex ideas illuminated continue to amaze me. At its most basic, the story is about a narrator who feels invisible. He attends a black university at the beginning of the story, but then goes to Harlem, New York, after being kicked out of the school by Headmaster Dr. Bledsoe. The narrator illustrates the entire book inside a hole, which is where he ends up at the end of the story. This essential concept is the reason one thing remains in question: is injustice an inevitable event that can’t be fixed? The book deals about injustice, how marginalized groups are blind to any wrongdoings, the idea that those in power have a goal in controlling power, and so much more. I believe that this book should be read by everyone. I have read it more than a dozen times, and I continue to find new things every single time. Ellison does a wonderful job in creating a meaning or reasoning behind everything in the book. For example, when the narrator is at the University, he admires the dried up bird poop that landed on the founder’s statue. To some, they may just think that the bird poop is simply just bird poop. But if you know anything about Ellison, you know that would not be the case. Since bird poop is white when it is dried up, I believe that this event in the story symbolizes the idea that the white majority have more power than the black minority. That even poop has more significance than the narrator. It’s complex concepts like these that make the book absolutely amazing. It keeps every single reader on their toes. Before Ellison became an author, he was a musician. The constant references to the blues, frequencies, sound waves, etc., enhances the complexity of the book. Everyone needs to read Invisible Man because it encompasses every topic out there: sexual assault, feminism, racism, power, marginalized groups, invisibility, injustice, and so much more. Throughout the book, so many ideas and concepts remain prevalent to today. This is why I believe everyone should read Invisible Man!

Medicine has no skin color. I truly believe that we are equal in the eyes of medicine. That is why I would love to change one major thing: I want people of color to be treated equally in the medical industry. As a Latino male who plans to work in the medical industry, knowing that health disparities are still present saddens me. I want to believe that the system is perfect and racism no longer exists, but I know that's a lie. Due to racial disparities in the medical industry, I believe that the best way to change how people of color are treated is to talk about it more. We need to talk about the BARRIERS to health care people of color constantly face. One example of this is the barriers to healthcare patients enduring Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) endure. The healthcare system is not perfect, and people, especially minorities, deserve to hear about these imperfections. They deserve to be treated better. I want to change how people see each other. I want people to see everyone as human beings, instead of folks who are black, white, brown, etc. A person’s skin color can not be changed, but the way we treat others can be. To start the talk, I would introduce SCD since there is a huge knowledge deficit related to this disease. People need to know that SCD primarily affects people of Hispanic and African descent. But what makes me deeply passionate about SCD is the fact that treatment for this disease is very limited. Other than a bone marrow transplant, options are limited. To add on, patients endure frequent hospital visits and 25% longer wait times. On top of this, a lot of SCD patients are not given the proper treatment when they endure a period of intense pain (this period of intense pain is known as a “crisis”). I want people to know that with systemic racism and stigma related to this disease still in place, the need to improve access to SCD care is urgent. A huge reason why I am so passionate about SCD is because I had the privilege to meet Christelle Salomon, a Haitian American SCD survivor who experienced first hand racial bias as she went in and out of hospitals. I want change for her. I want change for every person of color who has been treated unfairly in the medical industry simply because of the color of their skin. To help bring more equity in hospitals, Christelle is currently in medical school to become a physician-scientist in the future. She is a true inspiration showing that no matter the discrimination or long battle with SCD, anything is possible. Christelle is overcoming any barriers. Displaying how one's skin color is not a BARRIER. All in all, I want to change how individuals treat people of color in the medical industry. We all deserve to be treated fairly, no matter the color of one's skin. To make this change happen, we need to talk more about the systemic racism occurring in the healthcare industry. We need to make our voices heard. Healthcare equality starts with us. It starts with those willing to believe in people like Christelle.

“Your grandma is sick.” These are the words that I had to constantly hear from my parents when I was growing up. So what was wrong? Well around 10 years ago, my grandma, Juanita, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the years, my grandma has had a hard time remembering my name. While I smile everytime this happens and tell her it is alright, deep down, I feel melancholic inside. I cry in my room all night hoping that my grandma, my true best friend, will get better. Now, at age 18, I have learned to just accept my grandma’s condition and continue providing her with love. She is almost 80 now and she is not getting better. But due to my grandma’s battle with Alzheimer's, it has inspired me to pursue a career in the future that deals with the brain. I want to aid people with brain diseases so that they never have to suffer like my grandma. I want to make groundbreaking discoveries in the future. Making the unknown, known, is my overarching goal in life. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. At USC, I want to join the USC Compass program and work with Professor McMahon whose lab utilizes stem cells to treat polycystic kidney disease. With this program and my studies at USC, I plan to attend graduate school to become a researcher in the future. I would love to do research that deals with neurodegenerative diseases. After meeting Dr. Bennet Omalu (he discovered CTE) and watching my grandma endure Alzheimer’s disease, I began to love everything about the brain. Recently, I have been doing a lot of research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s quite interesting. I want to study brain diseases because the possibilities of stem cells, crispr, etc., are honestly endless. But, if I choose to go along the medical school route, I would love to attend Harvard Medical school after undergrad to become a neurosurgeon. While I want my work to focus on the cerebral aspect, I would also love to travel to underprivileged countries and use my medical knowledge to aid people in need. As a firm believer in doctors without borders, I want to help those suffering from illnesses all across the world because we are all equal in the eyes of medicine. So whether I become a neurosurgeon or a researcher that studies neurodegenerative diseases, the brain is the heart of it all. The brain is such an intricate and unique organ that continues to blow my mind every single day. I want to study the brain more because I never want to see a person suffer from a brain illness like my grandma has been!

The Eggos lover and absolute bada** in the entire series is the first person that I would choose to form a squad with. Eleven is totally awesome. I would also let "one/Vecna" and Dustin be apart of my squad. To begin, I honestly don't know what sane person wouldn't choose to have Eleven on their squad. She has superpowers (she literally saved Maxx from Vecna) and she doesn't talk too much (especially if we are talking about the Eleven from season 1. She can literally spy on others with her telepathic powers (like how she spied on Mike when she was having a sleepover with Maxx in season 3). I would trust El with my life. She is literally a God. In addition to her, I would definitely let "one" be a part of my squad. He literally almost defeated Eleven and he has powers being this Hawkins. He helped Eleven while they were both in the lab and he was super close to "papa." I feel like "one" would be a great person to have on my team. Him and Eleven are literally unstoppable. Lastly, I would have Dustin on my team. To be honest, who doesn't like Dustin. His smile is literally the best. He is just such a wholesome and jolly individual. I want him to be my best friend in real life. My favorite scene in the entire series is when Dustin and his lover Suzie sing Never Ending Story. I literally have that song playing in my head on repeat. I absolutely love the entire scene. Dustin seems to resolve any dispute that happens in the series, especially the ones between Mike and Lucas. He just seems like such a nice kid. Lastly, he is so funny. His subtle jokes throughout the series are just so funny to me. I feel like every great squad needs at least one person to make everybody laugh. I love Dustin so much and I would love to meet Gaten Matarazzo in real life. He is the ideal best friend. All in all, having Eleven, "one", and Dustin on my squad would be hilarious and unstoppable. We are the literal dream team. I can't wait for season 5 to come out. I hope it comes out next year!!! Stranger Things for LIFE!

The Demogorgons, the upside-down, super-powers, and so much more. Stranger Things is a one-of-a-kind series that keeps the audience on their toes. I have watched the entire series (all 4 seasons) three times now and I continue to find new things every time I watch it. It is truly the best Netflix series of all time because it encompasses mystery, horror, and comedy all in one. In season 1, it is all about the disappearance of Will Byers. Every episode leaves you with a cliffhanger, which is honestly the best part. I love season 1 so much because the characters are so relatable. The entire series, especially season 1, deals with a group of friends who are more on the nerdy end. They love to play Dungeons and Dragons and they speak their minds. Their friendship is like none other. I absolutely love everything about them. Additionally, I love how season 1 employs the occasional jump scare that keeps every viewer on their feet. While the show can be scary at times, I feel like anyone, no matter their age, is old enough to watch the Netflix series. In season 2 and 3, the action continues to unpack. Eleven (aka Millie Bobbie Brown), who is one the main characters in the series, escapes from the Demogorgon and is kept from isolation as a way to protect her. She has incredible superpowers that causes her nose to bleed every time she uses them. She is totally awesome. Moreover, viewers are introduced to new characters: Max and Billy. I feel like season two is the season where the setting can be clearly seen. The series is set in the 80s and I love everything about it. The way people dress, the neon colors at the mall, the hairstyles, it is all so cool. The 80s is just something else (in a good way). Season 3 deals with another cool monster, known as the Mind Flayer. Billy, whom a lot of girls would consider to be an attractive fellow (girls in the series love him too), has been taken over by the Mind Flayer and hopes to harm Hawkins (the town where everyone lives). Ther is so much action, horror, drama, mystery, and of course, comedy. It is just so, so good. You need to watch it right away if you have not already. The characters are hilarious, the scenes are so innovative and unique, and the entire series continues to unpack new information in a fast and timely manner. There is never a dull moment in the series. In season 4 (aka my favorite season), viewers who have been watching since the first season find out the importance of "one." As I mentioned earlier, Eleven or El, has superpowers and used to live in a lab with other kids who had superpowers. All these kids were given numbers as names. So in season 4, the audience finds out that "one" is trying to destroy all of Hawkins. At the end of the series, we find out that "one" is the one and only VECNA. Vecna is this awesome monster that is seen as the enemy in season 4. The make-up done on Vecna is absolutely amazing. Eleven and all the other kids have to do anything they can to save Hawkins. If I haven't convinced you to watch Stranger Things, I don't know what will. I am honestly going to watch it again right now. It is so just do good. So thank you Duffer Brothers for creating the best Netflix series ever. I can't wait for season 5!!!!!

To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, ‘tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep; To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause: there’s the respect That makes calamity of so long life; For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay, The insolence of office and the spurns That patient merit of the unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscover’d country from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all; And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought, And enterprises of great pith and moment With this regard their currents turn awry, And lose the name of action.—Soft you now! The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons Be all my sins remember’d. In the famous Hamlet Act 3 soliloquy by William Shakespeare, readers get to experience the philosophical nature and internal conflicts of Hamlet. He is a conflicted person undergoing real life struggles. In Act III, the idea that mental illness can lead to constant doubt in life is clearly seen. Throughout this, while I am only supposed to analyze one paragraph, I constantly make references to Hamlet's Act IV soliloquy because the two go hand in hand. In Act IV, the inability to act on vengeance is displayed through Hamlet’s words. All these life struggles endured by Hamlet revolves around one idea: the need to avenge King Hamlet by killing Claudius. To begin, Hamlet translations from a contemplating character to a resolute character. In the Act III soliloquy, he constantly thinks about life. Should he end the pain and sufferings in life through suicide or continue to live through his mental burdens? This internal conflict illuminates his mental instability and troubling character. Hamlet is worrisome. Constant “arrows of… fortune” damages the mind and causes Hamlet to ponder his existence in life (Act III). In comparison to Act IV, this grand change of character is well displayed. He becomes more resolute. Especially towards the end of the soliloquy, Hamlet decides to continue with life. All this vengeance of his father is due to the idea that “honour’s at… stake” (Act IV). So much time has passed and Hamlet has done nothing. But he wants to make his father proud. If a whole army can fight for a piece of land that's worth an “egg shell,” then Hamlet’s “bloody” thoughts should drive Hamlet to kill Claudius (Act IV). This colossal character change reveals how Hamlet went from inaction to action in life. His mind is no longer going in circles and pondering serious life questions. He is able to think. He is able to rationalize. Hamlet has an intentional goal in life and is determined to achieve that goal. Lastly, through this notable change, he displays minimal signs of madness in life. His mind transitions to reality and away from the constant idea “of death” (Act III). Additionally, Hamlet transitions from a depressing character who is suffering internally to a character with immense passion and drive to live out life. In Act III, Hamlet lacks motivation in life and compares it to “a sea of troubles” (Act III). This metaphorical statement displays an unstable mindset. Later on, Hamlet employs a rhetorical question to state one of the most significant lines in the soliloquy. He states that he could literally end his life “With a bare bodkin” (Act III). Hamlet is so depressed and over his life's existence. But in Act IV, Hamlet has passion and views human knowledge as a very powerful thing. He states that all humans are given “god-like reason,” and therefore, should not waste it (Act IV). Humans have the capability to do so much in life. We are true gifts from the heavens. The character change from depressing to passionate reveals Hamlet's more positive outlook in life. The daunting idea of upholding his words to avenge his father no longer controls his mind. Hamlet is passionate about his decisions and is able to reason. He is able to perform actions in life and know about the potential consequences. This change between Act III and IV soliloquies is a true revelation for Hamlet. Overall, as Hamlet transitioned from a character in a poor mental state to a character willing to reason and take action, he was able to battle out his conflicting nature and unstable well being.

Living in an immigrant family comes with some ups and downs. Both my parents were born in Mexico and then immigrated to the U.S. at a very young age. Their parents sacrificed everything just so they could give my two siblings and I a chance at a better life. Knowing that my grandparents did this for my parents, is the reason that I look up to my grandma Juanita the most. My grandma lives only a few miles from my house, and so, I get to visit her quite a lot. She loves going to T.J.Maxx, so any free time I have, I take her to T.J.Maxx to go shopping. While it's fun to go shopping with her, I use these moments to spend more quality time with her. Additionally, since she only speaks Spanish, I am her little translator. But I absolutely love every moment with her. She always talks to me about her life growing up as a picker. She never went to college and worked her entire life working in the agriculture industry. Spending most of her time in a pear factory, she suffered a lot physically and financially. But I love that she never gave up. Walking with her at T.J.Maxx, I continue to smile because she is truly the happiest woman in the world. She has taught me the importance of hard work. To live every moment at its fullest and to just appreciate what you have. Beyond this, every weekend, I visit my grandma so that we can pray with the rosary. Her house is full of images and structures of Jesus and the mother Mary. I absolutely adore her for this. Growing up in a catholic household, I love that her and I both look up to God. She likes to tell me how special I am. That God is the reason she is happy everyday. That God gifted her with my presence. Always making me cry, I truly can’t imagine my life without my grandma. She has taught me so much. To live out my dreams. I like to call it “our dreams.” Now, as a current high school student, I am so glad that I was able to accomplish so much. Every summer, I continue working at the same pear factory (David J. Elliot & Son) she worked out. I have been working there for 4 years now and I absolutely love it. She worked there the first 2 years I worked there. But even now, while she is no longer there, working with hundreds of my Mexican peers makes it feel like my grandma never left. They love to tell me stories about my grandma. Like how she would always fill her little 12 oz. gatorade bottle with soda. She still does that till this day. Teaching me to stick with what works. Why change something that is not broken? As I plan to head off to the University of Southern California (my childhood dream school), I know that I am taking one step forward in living out “our dreams.” When I told her the big news, she immediately bought a USC sweatshirt. She is the cutest. I really want to go, but with a yearly cost of around $95,000, I am hoping that scholarships, like the “Bald Eagle Scholarship,” will help make me and my grandma’s dreams come true. In the future, I want to become a neurosurgeon and help people all across the world. My grandma has stuck by my side from the very beginning. Winning this scholarship is honestly not for me, but for her!

In the future, I want to discover new things. I want to make the unknown, known. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I plan on majoring in neuroscience to pursue a career in medicine. Whether I become a researcher or a doctor, science is my true calling in life. In regards to my educational goals, I plan on majoring in neuroscience and minoring in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. As part of the USC Dornsife program (Letters of Arts and Sciences), I yearn to converse with Professor McMahon about his laboratory studies on Polycystic kidney disease. Furthering my knowledge on stem cells and modeling diseases, taking his BISC 486: Regenerative Medicine: Principles, Paradigms, and Practice class would increase my love and interest for science. Additionally, taking NEUR 421: Neurobiology with Professor Dickman will be a perfect blend of both neuroscience and stem cells. These opportunities will mold a pathway where I have the potential to save countless lives in 3rd world countries, or have the ability to cure cerebral-related diseases. At USC, I want to join the USC Compass program (a prestigious internship opportunity) and work with Professor McMahon. The Compass program will allow me to grow my interest in stem cells and research at a deeper level. I also want to be a part of the Trojan Knights and attend as many USC games and other events. Winning this scholarship will let me indulge into the entire USC experience and not have to worry about working a job to pay for my USC education. With this scholarship, I will be able to enjoy more USC activities and programs. I wouldn’t have to work a side job or two just so I can help my parents pay off my USC loans. Especially with tuition at USC costing nearly $70,000, it's going to be quite expensive. Beyond this, I plan on going to either graduate or medical school after undergrad, so my education is going to cost a lot. But the “William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship” will help out so much. In terms of my future career goals, I want to pursue a career along the lines of medicine. More specifically, I want to either be a researcher who studies neurodegenerative diseases or a doctor who treats patients with brain illnesses. For my entire life, I have dreamt of curing diseases or helping people in 3rd world countries who are suffering from illnesses. I truly believe in the idea of doctors without borders. Not just aiding patients in America, but actually using my medical knowledge to help people all across the world. To pursue a career in medicine is not about the money, but about putting the needs of others first. That is why I want to be a researcher or doctor in the future. I truly want to help others. All in all, the “William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship” will help me achieve my huge educational and career goals. I will use this scholarship to help pay off my USC tuition so that I can succeed in the future. This scholarship will help me achieve my dreams in aiding people all across the world.

Hello, my name is Aaron Hidalgo and I am currently a senior at Sheldon High School. For most of my life, I attended a small catholic catholic school where I got to grow closer to God. Then during the summer of my 7th grade year, I took the initiative to ask my parents if I could switch to a public school. I did this for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to advance in classes that my catholic school did not offer. Secondly, my mom is a counselor at my current high school, so I was well aware of the teachers, programs, and classes that the middle school offered. Beyond my schooling, I am a huge science fanatic. I have been a part of my school's Biotech academy program for 4 years now and I recently did an internship at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). At this internship, my research revolved around utilizing mesenchymal stem cells to model a rare disease called fibrous dysplasia. This internship has been the highlight of my entire high school era. Additionally, I enjoy anything to do with the arts. From taking AP art to making over 40 cakes for my baking business, art is a little way of expressing myself. Lastly, I am a three sport athlete who participates in soccer, cross country, and volleyball. While all of my activities are super unique, science is my true passion in life. After recently getting admitted to the University of Southern California (USC), I hope to attend the university next year. But right now, scholarships like the “Jiang Amel STEM” scholarship are the only way my family can afford to send me there. At USC, hopefully, I plan to major in neuroscience to either become a doctor (ex: neurosurgeon) or become a researcher who does research on neurodegenerative diseases and other life-threatening diseases. Currently, one disease that has caught my interest is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). SCD is a disease that causes misshapen or sickle-shaped blood cells that can slow down and block blood flow. While this disease mostly impacts people of African or Hispanic descent, one of the biggest things related to this disease is the stigma placed on people with SCD. With systemic racism and barriers to healthcare (ex: longer wait times) in place, patients with SCD have to endure a lot. As someone who wants to go into research in the future, I truly believe that medicine has no color and that we are equal in the eyes of medicine. I also believe in the idea of doctors without borders. In the future, I want to travel to third world countries and other places across the world to help those suffering from diseases like SCD and more. I want to use my medical knowledge to help those in need. This is my goal in life. This is my ultimate calling in life. Working in the medical field goes beyond the money, it's about genuinely caring about the needs of others. Although I want to help those with all types of diseases, my interest for the brain arose after meeting Doctor Bennet Omalu in the 5th grade. Dr. Bennet Omalu talked about his discovery of CTE and becoming good friends with Will Smith. I knew from that day on that I would pursue a cerebral-related career in the future. All in all, through my STEM career, I will travel all across the world to help those suffering from diseases because I want everyone to live a long and healthy life. This is my ultimate calling in life!

Hello, my name is Aaron Hidalgo and I am currently a senior at Sheldon High School. For most of my life, I attended a small catholic catholic school where I got to grow closer to God. Then during the summer of my 7th grade year, I took the initiative to ask my parents if I could switch to a public school. I did this for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to advance in classes that my catholic school did not offer. Secondly, my mom is a counselor at my current high school, so I was well aware of the teachers, programs, and classes that the middle school offered. Beyond my schooling, I am a huge science fanatic, enjoy anything to do with the arts, and most importantly, I am a three sport athlete who absolutely loves sports. More onto the sports, I currently participate in cross country, soccer, and volleyball. I play on the varsity team for all three sports and they have been the absolute highlight to my entire high school era. Being a student athlete has taught me so many valuable things such as teamwork, hard work, kindness, and courage. In terms of my future career goals, I want to be a research scientist who studies cerebral-related diseases. With hopes of attending the University of Southern California (if my family can afford it, but hopefully scholarships will help), I feel set to succeed academically and socially because of sports. I feel confident to interact with others and I always treat people with respect because of sports. A job in research requires patients and teamwork skills, which sports have both taught me. Lastly, even though balancing school and sports was a lot of work, it taught me the importance of having tenacity and perseverance. No matter what challenges I face, as a student athlete, I feel confident that I will succeed in the future as a research scientist. Outside of sports, I am super involved as well. I am president of my school's Biology club, Vice President of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) club, and a lifetime member for the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) club. I have also been a part of my school's Biotech Academy program for 4 years now where I get to work with tools such as micropipettes and gel electrophoresis, and take classes on microbiology and molecular biology. Science is one of my biggest passions in life. Just last summer, I did extensive research at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) at UC Davis. I worked with mesenchymal stem cells to model a rare disease called fibrous dysplasia. This is a huge reason why I want to go into research in the future. Outside of the clubs and science activities, I have a huge interest in the arts. Right now, I am currently making a biotech mural for my school, taking AP art, and I also started my own baking business in 2020. After making over 40 cakes, I absolutely love baking because it brings about so many smiles within my community. Aside from all of this, I have been working at a pear factory every summer since I was 13 years old and I have tutored around 10 kids in math throughout high school because I love helping others. In conclusion, even with sports and other activities, I still excelled in school and I am currently ending salutatorian this year (rank: 2/599). But sports are the reason I have made it through high school on a positive note. So thank you high school sports for everything!

One of the key things to enduring challenges is having a growth mindset. To tackle a challenge, one must have the drive and motivation to continue being a better version of oneself. In school, I have challenged myself with all the classes and extracurriculars I endure throughout the year. As a three sport athlete, leader of many clubs, and student who has taken 12 AP classes, it can be difficult at times to balance everything. To add on, its a huge challenge going to bed early while also studying long enough for my tests to keep my grades up. But even with all the challenges, I'm proud to be ending salutatorian of my grand senior class of over 600 students. I love challenging myself academically because it motivates me to continue working hard and being a better version of myself. Moreover, I have challenged myself academically outside of school too. I am a current math tutor who loves helping students all across my school district. I tutor for free because I genuinely love helping others succeed academically. In addition to this, I have engaged in countless science programs and opportunities that have allowed me to excel academically. I have worked in a real research lab under the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Using stem cells, taking college classes, and working with equipment that is beyond the scope of any high school. Overall, I continue to have a growth mindset to help endure any challenges that come my way.