Ten years from now, I see myself helping my community here in the lush green state of Oregon. I plan to attend the University of Oregon and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. This scholarship will help me accomplish my goals of giving back and taking care of the environment around me. Growing up in Oregon has given me a deep appreciation for nature. The forests, rivers, and mountains have always felt like home. I want to ensure that future generations can enjoy these natural wonders just as I have. By studying Environmental Science at the University of Oregon, I will gain the knowledge and skills needed to protect and preserve our environment. My plan is to work with local organizations and government agencies to create sustainable solutions for environmental issues. I am particularly interested in addressing problems like pollution, deforestation, and climate change. These are big challenges, but I believe that with the right education and dedication, I can make a difference. This scholarship will be a crucial part of my journey. As a Hispanic woman and a first-generation college student, I have faced many obstacles in my educational path. Financial challenges are a significant part of this. The Bright Lights Scholarship will ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more on my studies and less on how to pay for them. It will also give me the opportunity to engage in internships and volunteer work, which are essential for gaining practical experience in my field. In addition to my academic goals, I want to be a role model for other young people in my community. By achieving my dreams, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and work towards making a positive impact. I have maintained a 3.7 GPA in high school and am committed to continuing this level of dedication in college. The University of Oregon offers a strong Environmental Science program, and I am excited about the opportunity to learn from experienced professors and collaborate with like-minded students. The knowledge and connections I gain at the University will be invaluable as I work towards my goal of creating a more sustainable future. In conclusion, my plans for the future are to graduate from the University of Oregon with a degree in Environmental Science and use my education to help protect and preserve the environment in Oregon. The Bright Lights Scholarship will provide the financial support I need to achieve these goals and allow me to focus on my studies and gaining practical experience. I am passionate about making a difference, and with this scholarship, I am confident that I can turn my dreams into reality. Thank you for considering my application.

As a first-generation Latina with Dextrocardia who was brought up by a single mother, I have always felt a sense of disadvantage in the community around me. I watched my mother struggle to make ends meet by working two to three jobs at once. She experienced many hardships such as moving from Mexico to the U.S. at a young age and only speaking Spanish, living in an abusive household, and taking care of me who was in and out of the hospital as a baby. I remember sitting in her work because my father forgot to pick me up and she had no one else to go to for help. She did the best she could with everything she had and the results defied the odds. I didn’t become a statistic. I graduated from high school and I experienced many different opportunities other kids dream of and it is all thanks to my mom. She taught me that no one besides yourself will ever truly have your back. The world and community around you will never be shaped to accommodate your needs. You need to be willing to do what it takes to accomplish your goals. I’ve watched many families, friends, and acquaintances around me struggle to find the opportunity or money to pursue their dreams. Many with constant complaints of not knowing what they will do. Coincidentally sharing the same struggles as myself or coming from a similar background. But in the end, they found a way. They worked hard and didn’t stop fighting for what they wanted. This attitude encouraged me to find my goals and set a plan for my future. I began to have a stronger interest in environmental studies and sustainability. This is because I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different countries, one of them being Mexico. With my family there and culture so dear to me, I grew an undeniable love for the city we visited. I cherish all my memories there with one of the most unforgettable ones being the scenic beaches and lush forests. Being only 10 years old, I understood the importance of having a healthy and thriving environment. Every time I return I am enchanted by the sights and sounds of nature. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. It is so important to have greenery in our lives, not only for the well-being of the earth but for society's mental health. I plan to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and use my degree to obtain a career working for the City of Portland. I want to make an impact in the community around me while encouraging others to do the same. It is so important I leave a positive effect on the people around me and change the environment for the better. I hope to make this dream of mine a reality over the next four years and give back to families in need.

As a first-generation Latina with Dextrocardia who was brought up by a single mother, I have always felt a sense of disadvantage in the community around me. I watched my mother struggle to make ends meet by working two to three jobs at once. She experienced many hardships such as moving from Mexico to the U.S. at a young age and only speaking Spanish, living in an abusive household, and taking care of me who was in and out of the hospital as a baby. I remember sitting in her work because my father forgot to pick me up and she had no one else to go to for help. She did the best she could with everything she had and the results defied the odds. I didn’t become a statistic. I graduated from high school and I experienced many different opportunities other kids dream of and it is all thanks to my mom. She taught me that no one besides yourself will ever truly have your back. The world and community around you will never be shaped to accommodate your needs. You need to be willing to do what it takes to accomplish your goals. I’ve watched many families, friends, and acquaintances around me struggle to find the opportunity or money to pursue their dreams. Many with constant complaints of not knowing what they will do. Coincidentally sharing the same struggles as myself or coming from a similar background. But in the end, they found a way. They worked hard and didn’t stop fighting for what they wanted. This attitude encouraged me to find my goals and set a plan for my future. I began to have a stronger interest towards environmental studies and sustainability. This is because I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different countries, one of them being Mexico. With my family there and a culture so dear to me, I grew an undeniable love for the city we visited. I cherish all my memories there with one of the most unforgettable ones being the scenic beaches and lush forests. Being only 10 years old, I understood the importance of having a healthy and thriving environment. Everytime I return I am enchanted by the sights and sounds of nature. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. It is so important to have greenery in our lives, not only for the well being of the earth but for society's mental health. I plan to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and use my degree to obtain a career working for the City of Portland. I want to make an impact in the community around me while encouraging others to do the same. It is so important I leave a positive effect on the people around me and change the environment for the better. I hope to make this dream of mine a reality over the next four years and give back to families in need.

As a first-generation Latina with Dextrocardia who was brought up by a single mother, I have always felt a sense of disadvantage in the community around me. I watched my mother struggle to make ends meet by working two to three jobs at once. She experienced many hardships such as moving from Mexico to the U.S. at a young age and only speaking Spanish, living in an abusive household, and taking care of me who was in and out of the hospital as a baby. I remember sitting in her work because my father forgot to pick me up and she had no one else to go to for help. She did the best she could with everything she had and the results defied the odds. I didn’t become a statistic. I graduated from high school and I experienced many different opportunities other kids dream of and it is all thanks to my mom. She taught me that no one besides yourself will ever truly have your back. The world and community around you will never be shaped to accommodate your needs. You need to be willing to do what it takes to accomplish your goals. I’ve watched many families, friends, and acquaintances around me struggle to find the opportunity or money to pursue their dreams. Many with constant complaints of not knowing what they will do. Coincidentally sharing the same struggles as myself or coming from a similar background. But in the end, they found a way. They worked hard and didn’t stop fighting for what they wanted. This attitude encouraged me to find my goals and set a plan for my future. I began to have a stronger interest towards environmental studies and sustainability. This is because I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different countries, one of them being Mexico. With my family there and a culture so dear to me, I grew an undeniable love for the city we visited. I cherish all my memories there with one of the most unforgettable ones being the scenic beaches and lush forests. Being only 10 years old, I understood the importance of having a healthy and thriving environment. Everytime I return I am enchanted by the sights and sounds of nature. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. It is so important to have greenery in our lives, not only for the well being of the earth but for society's mental health. I plan to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and use my degree to obtain a career working for the City of Portland. I want to make an impact in the community around me while encouraging others to do the same. It is so important I leave a positive effect on the people around me and change the environment for the better. I hope to make this dream of mine a reality over the next four years and give back to families in need.