I’m a dedicated and motivated student from Bellville, Texas, who grew up in a single-parent family with not much money. Life hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve always believed in pushing myself to grow and learn—not just for my own future but for my family, friends, and the world around me. This mindset is a big reason why I decided to go vegan. My journey into veganism started when I watched some documentaries that opened my eyes to the harsh realities of animal farming. Seeing the suffering animals endure just to end up on our plates really made me rethink things. I started digging deeper into the facts and found out how animal farming is hurting our planet—not just through things like deforestation and water consumption, but it also plays a role in climate change. For me, going vegan felt like a way to stand up for animals, take care of our environment, and look after my own health at the same time. Being vegan really matters to me because it’s about being the kind of person who thinks about their choices, stands up for what they believe in, and tries to make the world a little better. Living in a small town, being vegan does come with its challenges, but I’ve learned to hold onto my values and set an example for others. I often talk about my choices with friends and family, bring vegan dishes to school events, and share what I’ve learned in a friendly manner. Sometimes, just having an honest chat can inspire someone to see things in a new light. When I head off to college, I plan to study Supply Chain Management at Texas State University. At first glance, it might not seem like there’s a link to veganism, but for me, it connects perfectly. Supply chain management is about making systems work better and more sustainably, which is just what the plant-based food industry needs. I want to help vegan companies find better ways to get their food from the farm to store shelves. Whether it's partnering with plant-based brands, grocery stores, or restaurants, my goal is to make vegan food more accessible and affordable for everyone. In the future, I dream of starting my own vegan food company or a nonprofit that helps low-income communities access healthy, plant-based foods. Right now, a lot of families don’t have easy access to vegan options. I’m eager to use what I learn about logistics and business to tackle that problem and really help those who need it most. Receiving this scholarship would take a huge weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial struggles many students like me face. It would also support my bigger goal: to promote veganism in a smart, inclusive, and sustainable way. I’m really looking forward to where this path will lead me, and I’m excited to use everything I learn to support people, protect animals, and care for our planet.

I’m a dedicated student hailing from Bellville, Texas, and I’ve been working hard to carve out a better future for myself. Growing up in a single-parent household with limited means has shaped me into someone who knows the value of perseverance. It’s not always been easy, but those experiences have instilled a strong determination in me to create opportunities for my family and myself. Being a first-generation college student fills me with pride, as I understand education is vital for opening doors to new possibilities. I’ve made the decision to pursue higher education because I want to create pathways for my family that they couldn’t access. I’m aiming to attend Texas State University and major in Supply Chain Management. I’m drawn to this field because I like figuring out how different parts of a system work together and coming up with solutions to challenges. I believe working in supply chain management will enable me to combine my knack for organization and planning with the chance to make a real difference in the business world. Navigating the journey to college has been a solo mission for me. I’ve focused on my studies, maintained good grades, and jumped into activities that help me grow. Outside the classroom, I’ve spent years working as a soccer reporter, covering games across the U.S., Mexico, and Major League Soccer. Writing for platforms like SportsBlog.com and AreaSportsNetwork has really sharpened my communication skills and has taught me how to do research and manage my time. I’ve learned how to work under pressure and meet deadlines, skills I know will come in handy in college and beyond. Being a part of the Bellville High School Band for four years has been another significant piece of my life. Playing the tuba in both marching and concert bands taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and dedication. These lessons have helped shape who I am. Volunteering at the 2022 Concacaf Gold Cup was another huge experience for me. I got to help organize a big international soccer tournament, and that taught me a lot about hard work and being reliable. I know that college is a big challenge, and I’m aware there will be bumps along the way. But having faced numerous challenges throughout my life, I’m prepared to tackle this new chapter head-on. Receiving this scholarship would ease a major financial load, letting me concentrate on my classes, apply for internships, and build the skills I need to excel in supply chain management. I want to serve as a role model for others in my community, particularly those who come from similar backgrounds. My hope is that my journey can inspire others to see that starting with less doesn’t mean you can’t achieve great things through hard work and determination. Pursuing higher education is my path to not just a better future for myself but also for those I care about.

I grew up in a single-parent home in Bellville, Texas, so I’ve always understood the value of hard work and making the best of what you have. I’ve never been shy about carving my own path, especially when it comes to helping others who might not have the same chances to succeed. One way I’ve done this is through sports journalism, which I turned into a platform for sharing stories and promoting inclusion. In high school, I became a soccer reporter and started covering teams across the U.S., Mexico, and Major League Soccer. I write for SportsBlog.com and AreaSportsNetwork, but what sets my work apart is my focus on voices that often get overlooked. While many outlets focus on big teams and stars, I aim to shine a light on players and communities from underrepresented backgrounds, especially Latino athletes and smaller teams. This was something I took on myself. I didn’t wait for a job to come my way. I started writing game recaps, analyses, and interviews on my own. I used social media to connect with fans looking for coverage that felt more personal. I even taught myself how to dive deeper into research and conduct professional interviews. Over time, my work gained some recognition, and I was able to grow my platform. But the thing I’m most proud of is the impact my stories have had on those who see themselves reflected in the athletes I cover. I’ve received messages from young fans saying they finally see their community represented. In 2022, I took it a step further by volunteering at the Concacaf Gold Cup. This experience let me help coordinate a major international tournament and support teams and fans from all walks of life. I saw how soccer can unite people, no matter where they come from, and it motivated me to keep highlighting the stories that matter. These experiences have shaped the kind of leader I aim to be. I plan to study Supply Chain Management at Texas State University because I believe I can help businesses work more efficiently and fairly. Whether it’s through logistics or journalism, I want to make sure underrepresented communities aren’t left behind. My goal is to improve systems so that everyone gets a fair chance at success. I dream of combining my skills in communication and strategy to create better opportunities for people who, like me, come from humble beginnings. This scholarship would ease my financial burden and let me keep moving forward. More importantly, it would help me continue lifting others—just like I have through my writing and volunteering. I might be from a small town, but I have big dreams and a wish to make a difference. I don’t just want to follow a path—I want to create one for others to take as well.

I’m a hard working and focused student from Bellville, Texas and I believe no matter where you’re from you can do something great if you put in the work. I grew up in a single parent household and while that came with its challenges it also taught me about responsibility, motivation and making the most of every opportunity. One of my biggest goals is to earn a degree in Supply Chain Management from Texas State University and have a career that makes a real difference in how businesses operate. Supply Chain Management interests me because it combines problem solving, organization and strategy – all things I enjoy. I want to be a leader in supply chain operations and help businesses run more efficiently. This career path will allow me to use my strengths in communication, planning and working under pressure which I’ve developed through school, music and work experiences. Outside of school I get to do something not many high school students get to do – I work as a soccer reporter. I’ve covered games across the US and Mexico, including Major League Soccer and I write for websites like SportsBlog.com and AreaSportsNetwork. This job has made me a better writer and researcher and given me real world experience in meeting deadlines and thinking critically. I’ve learned how to connect with people, ask the right questions and tell meaningful stories. I’ve also been a proud member of the Bellville High School Band for all four years of high school, playing the tuba in both marching and concert bands. Being in band taught me how to work as a team, stay disciplined and never give up – even when things get tough. It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience. Giving back to my community means a lot to me. In 2022 I volunteered for the Concacaf Gold Cup, one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the region. I helped coordinate behind the scenes tasks and made sure everything ran smoothly for players and fans. That experience showed me how powerful sports can be in bringing people together and how important it is to give your time to something bigger than yourself. It inspired me to always find ways to help others whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring or just being someone others can count on.This scholarship would take a huge weight off my family’s shoulders and allow me to focus on my education and future. I will succeed and give back to the community that has given to me. My goal is to use my degree to help companies serve their customers and in the long run help my family and others like me.

Adam Benlaziz Scholarship Committee Chidubè Legacy Scholarship April 8, 2025 Continuing Chidubè’s Legacy: I am a determined student from Bellville, Texas. Raised in a single-parent home with limited resources, I have faced many challenges. Despite this, I have always believed in the power of education to change my life and help those around me. Like Chidubè, I am committed to lifelong learning, personal growth, and giving back to my community through my passions and goals. I plan to attend Texas State University to study Supply Chain Management. This field is exciting because it blends logistics, efficiency, and strategy, which are crucial for solving real-world problems. I aim to become a leader in supply chain operations, helping businesses operate smoothly and make a significant impact through improved planning and distribution. The challenge of managing complex systems and making smart decisions under pressure attracted me to this career path. I have honed these abilities through journalism and music. As a soccer reporter, I have covered matches across the U.S. and Mexico, writing for SportsBlog.com and AreaSportsNetwork. These roles helped me develop strong research, communication, and analytical skills. Additionally, I have learned to appreciate different cultures and connect with diverse people, aiding my growth as both a writer and an individual. Reporting has revealed the struggles many young athletes face, especially those from underserved areas, deepening my commitment to using my platform to uplift others. In my high school years, I played the tuba in the Bellville High School Band for four years, participating in both marching and concert bands. Music taught me discipline, teamwork, and persistence. Being part of the band showed me the importance of being present, focused, and contributing to a team effort—skills that will benefit me in college and beyond. These lessons have shaped my work ethic and strengthened my resilience. One memorable experience was volunteering at the 2022 Concacaf Gold Cup. Helping coordinate an international soccer tournament taught me about responsibility and leadership on a larger scale and fueled my desire to serve others meaningfully. I've also joined local community efforts like food drives and charity events, which remind me of the importance of staying grounded in faith and humility. Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my life by easing the financial burden of college. It would allow me to focus on my studies, apply for internships, and continue growing as a professional and person of faith. I aim to use the skills and knowledge I gain to help others, be it through improving supply chains that support communities or mentoring young people from similar backgrounds. Chidubè’s legacy inspires me to pursue excellence, learn purposefully, and remain grounded in faith. I aspire to honor this legacy by succeeding in my career and helping others along the way. With hard work, faith, and opportunities like this scholarship, I believe I can make a lasting impact.

Effects of My Parents' Divorce on My Life: I grew up in Bellville, Texas, and was always a hard-working student with big dreams. My life has been full of challenges, and the biggest was my parents' divorce. This event changed my childhood a lot. It affected how I felt and also pushed me to do well in school and in my future career. Even though it was tough, I focused on my goals and aimed for a better life. When my parents divorced, I was young, and I didn't really understand how serious it was. All I knew was that things were different. My mom took on the responsibility of raising my siblings and me. This was tough for her because money was tight with only one income. I could see her stress, even though she tried to protect us from it. As a child, I didn’t fully get the money issues, but I felt them, and it made me realize how important having enough money is. I decided to work hard so I wouldn’t face these struggles as an adult. The divorce affected me emotionally too. I felt like I lost something, not just because my parents weren’t together, but because our family wasn’t the same anymore. We lost our sense of security and unity. I began to understand that family isn’t always permanent. This made me grow up faster. I became more independent, helping my mom more and focusing on my studies to find some stability. Doing well in school became a big part of who I am. I knew education was my way to a better life, where I wouldn't have to worry about money or emotional troubles. We didn’t have much, but I worked hard to get good grades, even when things were rough. I wanted to prove to myself that I could overcome big challenges, like the changes in my family. Living in a single-parent home taught me to work hard and not give up. I joined activities like journalism and music, which helped me grow personally. Reporting on soccer taught me communication, organization, and meeting deadlines—skills useful in any career. Playing the tuba in the Bellville High School Band for four years taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These activities allowed me to be creative and stay committed to things, even when they’re tough. My parents' divorce motivated me to aim higher. Challenges can be tough, but they can push you to do better. I focused my energy on education and personal growth instead of giving into hard times. I learned to adapt, set goals, and work hard to reach them. This thinking kept me committed to studying Supply Chain Management at Texas State University. In the end, my parents' divorce changed my childhood, but it didn’t define me. It taught me the value of hard work, persistence, and education. It also gave me a strong responsibility to myself and my family. I am determined to build a future that is financially stable and emotionally fulfilling. The challenges I faced growing up were hard, but they made me who I am today—strong, determined, and ready for what comes next.

Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing My Educational Goals Growing up in Bellville, Texas, I was raised by my mom, who did it all on her own. Money was tight, and life was often hard. These tough times taught me to be strong, work hard, and understand that education is key to a better future for my family and me. One of my biggest hurdles was finding money for college. Coming from a low-income family, I often doubted whether I could afford higher education. College costs seemed out of reach, so I knew I needed scholarships and financial aid to make it possible. Although it was overwhelming at times, I stayed determined to achieve my goals. I faced other challenges, too. Balancing schoolwork with activities wasn’t easy, but I learned to manage my time. As a soccer reporter, I covered events in the U.S. and Mexico, which helped me improve my communication and analysis skills. I also played in the Bellville High School Band, where I learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These experiences taught me the value of dedication and effort and gave me the confidence to chase my dreams. Despite these challenges, I've set my sights on studying Supply Chain Management at Texas State University. I am passionate about logistics, planning, and efficiency. My ambition is to become a leader in supply chain operations, someone who can tackle complex problems in the business world. My experience in journalism, music, and volunteering for events like the Concacaf 2022 Gold Cup has given me the skills I need for this field. However, financial issues still make focusing on my education difficult. A scholarship would significantly reduce my financial worries, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and career goals. With this support, I could afford tuition and pursue internships that offer the real-world experience needed to succeed. In summary, the challenges I've faced have taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and education. A scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also support my pursuit of academic and career aspirations. I am committed to using my education to create a better future for my family and positively impact others facing similar challenges. With help from a scholarship, I can keep pushing forward and turn my dreams into reality.

How This Scholarship Will Make a Difference in My Life I'm a dedicated student from Bellville, Texas, who dreams of studying business and becoming an entrepreneur. Growing up in a single-parent family with limited finances has been challenging, but these challenges have fueled my determination and resilience. I've always prioritized my education and self-improvement. I believe this scholarship will significantly impact my life by providing the financial support I need to attend Texas State University, where I aim to study Supply Chain Management—a field I’m passionate about due to its focus on logistics, efficiency, and strategic planning. My career goal is to become a leader in supply chain operations, helping businesses optimize processes and ensure smooth product flow. This field attracts me because it involves problem-solving, analytical thinking, and performing well under pressure—skills I've developed through various experiences. For instance, as a soccer reporter, I learned valuable communication and research skills. Playing the tuba in my high school band taught me discipline and teamwork. Each experience has contributed to my growth and prepared me for future challenges. This scholarship would relieve the financial burden of pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more on my studies. It would enable me to apply for internships and explore opportunities to build a strong foundation for my business career. Aside from academic and career goals, I've faced personal challenges that tested my emotional resilience. In high school, I experienced self-doubt and uncertainty about my future, especially given our financial constraints. Academic pressures and extracurricular activities felt overwhelming at times. I overcame these feelings by staying determined and believing in myself, reminding myself of the opportunities I had and the sacrifices my family made. This mindset gave me the strength to push forward and focus on what truly matters. I learned that perseverance and positive thinking are crucial when facing obstacles and that challenges are essential for growth. Receiving this scholarship would reinforce that hard work makes anything possible. It would stabilize my finances, allowing me to continue my education and work towards my goals. In the future, I wish to give back by mentoring students from underprivileged backgrounds and supporting education and career development initiatives. In conclusion, my journey has been one of resilience, ambition, and dedication. The Jorian Kuran Harris Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship would be a vital step toward achieving my academic and career goals. It would empower me to continue pursuing my passion for business and entrepreneurship while overcoming challenges. With this scholarship, I will strive forward, turn my dreams into reality, and contribute to others' lives in meaningful ways. - Adam Benlaziz

How Jack Terry's Story Inspires Me Jack Terry’s life is an amazing story of survival and determination. Born in Poland in 1930, he endured the unimaginable suffering of the Holocaust. He lost his entire family and survived three Nazi concentration camps. Despite this immense pain, Jack's spirit to live was strong. At just 15, an American army officer rescued him, and he arrived in the United States with only an elementary school education and no English skills. Through sheer hard work, Jack became a geological engineer, a medical doctor, a psychoanalyst, and a devoted father and grandfather. His journey shows how resilience can help one succeed, no matter how hard the road. Like Jack, I come from a place with limited means. Growing up in Bellville, Texas, in a single-parent household, financial struggles were a part of my everyday life, often feeling like barriers to my dreams. But, inspired by Jack, I learned that perseverance and hard work could overcome these challenges. I refuse to let my circumstances dictate my future and always seek ways to grow and improve myself. I am driven to pursue an education in Supply Chain Management at Texas State University because I am passionate about efficiency, organization, and problem-solving. This field allows for engaging with complex systems and improving processes, which aligns with my desire to make a real impact through my career. My experiences in sports journalism, music, and volunteer work have equipped me with communication, research, and pressure management skills, all vital for success in this area. The hardships I've faced taught me resilience, dedication, and the value of giving back. I’ve learned that no matter how tough life is, there’s always a chance to move forward and help others. Just as Jack dedicated part of his life to spreading hope, I aspire to use my education and future career to make a difference. I want to help others who face obstacles in their quest for success. Through mentoring, volunteering, or advocacy, I am committed to using my studies to create positive change locally and beyond. Receiving a scholarship would significantly ease my financial burden, allowing me to concentrate on my studies fully. This opportunity would let me engage deeply with my education, pursue internships, and gain the skills necessary for a thriving career in supply chain management. Just as Jack Terry used his education to rise above adversity and leave a lasting impact, I aim to follow his lead by using my education to contribute positively to the world. In conclusion, Jack Terry’s story of courage and success inspires me deeply. His resilience in the face of overwhelming obstacles encourages me to push through my own challenges. His commitment to helping others compels me to use my education to make a positive impact. This scholarship is crucial for me to achieve my educational and professional objectives, and I am determined to honor Jack’s legacy by working hard and dedicating myself to creating a better world.

Why I Want to Succeed I grew up in a single-parent family in Bellville, Texas, and I have never not been aware that money can be scarce. In spite of this, I have continued to be dedicated to my own education and personal development. I believe education holds the key to ending the cycle of struggle and achieving a brighter future—not just for me, but for my family too. I wish to succeed because I desire to have a stable, independent, and purposeful life, and I believe that acquiring higher education is the best possible means of achieving it. I have always been a diligent and driven student, committed to enhancing myself and my situation. I have decided to study Supply Chain Management at Texas State University as it caters to my interest in logistics, effectiveness, and strategic management. These are areas that I have cultivated over the years, and I am looking forward to using them in a working environment where I can make a difference. My career goals go well beyond teaching. I see myself as a supply chain operations professional who simplifies business processes and makes sure products are delivered efficiently and effectively. I am attracted to this profession because it enables me to use my abilities to analyze complex systems, think on my feet, and work under pressure—abilities that I have acquired over my life. Be it through my academic work in journalism, my background in music, or my interest in sports, I have developed a solid base that will enable me to succeed in the practice of supply chain management. As a soccer sportswriter, I was able to write a great deal about the sport. I covered games in the U.S., Mexico, and Major League Soccer. My writing for sites such as SportsBlog.com and AreaSportsNetwork allowed me to hone valuable communication, research, and analytical skills while learning about the quickly changing landscape of sports journalism. And, my four-year stint as a tuba player in the Bellville High School Band imparted valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today and have also prepared me to tackle the challenges of the supply chain field head-on. Volunteering for the Concacaf 2022 Gold Cup, in which I helped plan a big international soccer tournament, also strengthened my ability to work with details and under pressure. All of these have helped to build on the skills that I will need to do in supply chain management, including good communication, planning, and quick decision-making. Yet, college degrees take money, and without a scholarship, it is hard for students from poorer backgrounds to concentrate on their studies. This scholarship would remove the financial stress that typically stops students, allowing me to devote my time and energy to my school and career goals. It would give me the opportunity to undertake internships, build a strong network, and acquire the necessary skills to be a successful leader in supply chain management. In summary, I need to succeed since I genuinely wish to create a more comfortable life for myself and my family. I am committed to my studies since I know it will unlock doors and open opportunities that will lead me to personal and career satisfaction. This scholarship is not merely financial aid; it is a bridge to my tomorrow where I can give back to society and leave a lasting legacy in the field of supply chain management. My journey has been about not giving up, and with this scholarship help, I believe I can reach my school and job goals.

My Desire and Motivation for Public Service Growing up in Bellville, Texas, in a single household, my mother taught me the value of hard work from an early age. She was a necessary provider at home and in the workplace. She made money and time for everything—a true embodiment of ambition and drive. As I grew up in her midst, watching her fight through her tribulations and come out on the other side, I was thankful for the limited resources we had because it taught us how to respect the trials and tribulations. However, we always had just enough for books and school-related expenditures. Thus, she anticipated a better situation down the line in her life. My undergraduate degree in finance complements my desired professional path of public service. Public service is the art of making someone's life better. I know that with the proper problem-solving and financial skills, I can help with the proper education. My entire life has been driven by the concept of service from childhood to adulthood through educated principles and opportunities in leadership. Public service has always been a passion. I've always wanted to give back, and my educational and personal experiences provide me with a unique perspective to relate to the struggles of so many. I understand the urgency and difficulty for families—and those from lower socioeconomic statuses—to access the transformative experiences that might be right in their backyards. As a current finance major, I'm acquiring the skills needed to support an organization in running effectively, being transparent with stakeholders, and possessing the ability to make financial decisions in the best interest of others. Thus, I wish to apply my skills to serve public institutions and projects that need equity, transparency, and fairness. From the effective management of public funds for resource distribution to regulatory efforts ensuring that community-impacting projects by the government meet the requirements This scholarship is important to me because it would allow me to continue my education without the burden of student loans. It would allow me to focus on my studies, intern, and gain the experience necessary to be able to contribute to public service effectively. The freedom to pursue my dreams without the stress of money is priceless, and possessing this scholarship would be well worth it to realize my dream of using my finance degree to give back. Lastly, my aspiration for public service stems from an innate desire to improve other people's lives. With the education I am gaining at Texas State University and the learning that I am acquiring, I am ready to move forward to a level where I am a leader in the public sector. I am sure that through dedication and determination, I can actually make a difference, and this scholarship will enable me to do so.