One of the biggest influences in my life has been the relationships that helped shape who I am, especially my mother, who passed away from cancer two years ago. Before she died, she used to tell me, “No matter how hard life gets, stay kind and keep going. Someone always needs your light.” Those words stayed with me through some of the hardest moments of my life. Growing up in Tracy, California, my parents sacrificed a lot so I could pursue soccer and education, and after my mom passed, it became just my dad and me trying to keep moving forward on limited income. During that time, my teammates, coaches, and teachers became like family, showing me, how important community support really is. Soccer has also allowed me to build relationships across cultures, especially playing in Argentina, where I learned to connect with people even when language or background was different. Those experiences taught me that teamwork is not just about winning games but about supporting each other through injuries, losses, and personal struggles. After dealing with injuries myself, I try to be there for teammates and younger players when they feel discouraged, reminding them that setbacks do not define their future. Outside of my own playing career, I volunteer by helping younger athletes in my community who want to pursue college soccer but lack guidance about recruiting or academics. I help them create highlight videos, reach out to coaches, and understand eligibility requirements because many families simply do not know how the process works. Seeing younger players gain confidence and realize college is possible reminds me how guidance can change someone’s future. My relationship with my father has also become incredibly important, as we support each other while I chase my academic and athletic goals, and his work ethic motivates me to keep pushing forward even when things feel uncertain. Receiving this scholarship would reduce financial stress and allow me to continue my education while giving back to others in my community. My goal is to study business administration and eventually create programs or organizations that help young athletes from low-income communities gain access to training, mentorship, and college opportunities so more kids feel supported and believe in their potential both in sports and in life. Carrying forward the compassion my mother taught me, I want to build relationships and opportunities that help others move forward, just as people once helped me.

Soccer has inspired me to pursue a career in sports because it has shaped who I am both on and off the field. From a young age, the sport taught me discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. My mother was one of my biggest supporters, always encouraging me to work hard in school while chasing my athletic goals. After losing her to cancer, soccer became even more important in my life because it gave me purpose and motivation during a very difficult time. Every time I step on the field, I carry her lessons with me about perseverance and humility. My journey has also taken me beyond my hometown. I had the opportunity to train and compete in Argentina, where soccer is part of everyday life and competition is intense. Playing there pushed me to grow mentally and physically while adapting to a different culture and style of play. Those experiences helped me mature as both a player and person, showing me how sports can connect people from different backgrounds. They also strengthened my desire to continue playing at the collegiate level, and I am grateful to have received Division II opportunities in Ohio as I look to continue my education and soccer career. In the future, I hope to build a career connected to sports, whether through playing, coaching, or working in the business side of athletics. I plan to study business and finance so I can understand how organizations and programs operate, and eventually help create opportunities for younger athletes who may not have access to strong training environments or academic guidance. Many talented young players struggle because they lack resources or mentors, and I want to be someone who helps them see a path forward through both sports and education. I also want to make a difference by being a leader and role model for younger athletes. As a defender, leadership and communication are part of my role on the field, and I try to carry that responsibility off the field as well. I want to show younger players that success comes from commitment, discipline, and respect for others. Sports can keep students focused, motivated, and connected to positive communities, and I want to contribute to building those environments wherever I go. Pursuing a career in sports is not just about personal achievement for me. It is about honoring the support my family has given me, especially my mother, and using the opportunities I receive to help others succeed. Through athletics and education, I hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of young athletes and in the communities that support them.

Growing up, my family has always been my biggest source of strength, especially my mother. She worked in insurance and always emphasized responsibility, education, and treating people with kindness. No matter how busy or tired she was, she showed up to my soccer games, encouraged me through school challenges, and reminded me that discipline and humility would take me far in life. Losing her to cancer was the hardest moment my family and I have ever faced. Suddenly, my father and I had to adjust emotionally and financially while I was still trying to finish high school and prepare for college. As a student athlete, balancing academics and competitive soccer was already demanding, but continuing without my mom’s support in the stands made everything feel heavier. Around the same time, I also suffered a hamstring injury that kept me off the field, which was difficult because soccer has always been my motivation and outlet. However, my mother always told me that challenges build character, and I decided to keep pushing forward in her honor. I stayed committed to my academics, completed multiple dual enrollment courses, and maintained strong grades while recovering and continuing my training. I also had the opportunity to play soccer in Argentina, competing and training in a very competitive environment that helped me grow both as a player and as a person. Those experiences taught me resilience, independence, and appreciation for every opportunity I receive. Today, my father and I continue supporting each other as we move forward together. Our situation has made me mature quickly and understand the value of hard work and education. I am currently pursuing college while continuing my soccer career, and I have received Division II opportunities in Ohio as I look for the best place to continue both my education and athletic development. My goal is to study business and finance so that one day I can build a career that allows me to support my family while also giving back to younger athletes who may not have access to resources or guidance. Sports can provide structure and hope, especially for students facing personal or financial struggles, and I want to help create those opportunities for others. This scholarship would ease financial pressure on my family and allow me to focus on my education and athletic development. More importantly, it would help me continue pursuing the goals my mother always encouraged me to chase. I carry her lessons with me every day to work hard, stay humble, and support others whenever possible. My journey as a student athlete is not only about personal success but also about honoring her legacy and building a future where I can give back to my community and help others overcome their own obstacles.

One of the hardest problems I have overcome in my life was losing my mother to cancer while trying to continue school and soccer at a high level. My mom was one of my biggest supporters, always encouraging me to pursue both academics and athletics. When she passed away, everything felt uncertain. At the same time, my father and I were dealing with financial stress and adjusting to life without her. I also suffered a hamstring injury that temporarily kept me off the field, which made things even more difficult because soccer has always been my outlet and motivation. Instead of giving up, I focused on honoring my mother’s belief in me. I committed myself to my studies, maintained a strong GPA through dual enrollment courses, and continued training carefully to recover from my injury. These experiences taught me resilience, discipline, and gratitude. I learned that setbacks are part of growth, and overcoming them has shaped me into a stronger and more determined person. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education while giving back to the community that helped me grow. My goal is to study business and finance so that one day I can help create opportunities for young athletes who may not have access to resources or guidance. Soccer has shown me how sports can keep young people focused, disciplined, and motivated, especially in difficult environments. With less financial pressure from tuition, I would be able to volunteer more time coaching youth soccer programs, mentoring younger players, and helping students understand how academics and athletics can work together. I also want to help families learn about financial planning and college opportunities, especially those who may not know how to navigate scholarships or financial aid. This scholarship would not only support my education but also help me invest time and energy into supporting others in my community. Stamp collecting has also influenced my life in unexpected ways. At first, it seemed like a simple hobby, but it taught me patience, curiosity, and appreciation for history and culture. Each stamp represents a story, a country, or a moment in time, and collecting them made me interested in learning about different parts of the world. That curiosity later connected to my experiences traveling and playing soccer in Argentina, where I trained and competed with players from different backgrounds. Stamp collecting also taught me discipline and organization, as building a collection requires attention to detail and long-term commitment. These lessons translate directly into my academic and athletic life, where consistency and patience are essential for improvement. Overall, the challenges I have faced, the lessons from my hobbies, and the support from my community have shaped my goals for the future. I want to succeed not only for myself but also to honor my mother’s memory and give back to others. This scholarship would help me continue my education while allowing me to support and inspire young people who are working to overcome their own obstacles.

Growing up, my family never had much, but we had each other. My mom worked in the insurance field, and my dad worked long hours to make sure I had what I needed. We lived a simple life, filled with laughter, love, and the kind of togetherness that makes any place feel like home. That all changed when my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was only sixteen when I watched her take her last breath, and in that moment, everything I knew about life, family, and security fell apart. After my mom passed away, my dad and I had to adjust to a new kind of normal. We became each other’s support system. He was suddenly a single father, doing everything he could to hold us together emotionally and financially. There were days when the bills piled up faster than the paychecks came in, and the stress of losing her felt heavier than anything else we had ever faced. Still, he showed me that no matter how hard things get, you can’t give up. His resilience became my example, and it taught me what real strength looks like. Losing my mom forced me to grow up quickly. While many of my friends were focused on prom, graduation, or weekend plans, I was helping my dad manage household responsibilities and planning for my future. I worked hard in school, earned college credits early, and started college at sixteen. Now, at seventeen, I am studying Business Administration and pursuing my dream of playing soccer professionally. I currently live in Argentina, training and competing at a higher level than ever before. Being here has challenged me in every way. I have had to adapt to a new culture, learn to communicate in Spanish, and handle being far away from my dad, who continues to support me from back home in California. Soccer has always been more than a sport for me—it has been a way to heal, to focus, and to keep moving forward. When life felt too heavy, the field became my outlet. Every practice, every game, and every challenge reminds me that my mom’s strength lives on through me. I play not only for myself, but for her, and for my dad, who has sacrificed everything to help me chase this dream. Being part of a single-parent, low-income household has taught me the value of hard work and gratitude. Every opportunity means something. I know what it feels like to go without, and I know how it feels to fight for something that seems out of reach. That is why I approach my education and my goals with so much determination. My dream is to earn my degree, build a stable future, and one day give back to families like mine—families who just need someone to believe in them. This scholarship represents more than financial help. It represents hope. It represents the chance to continue the dream my mom had for me and the belief my dad never lost. My story is one of struggle, but also one of perseverance, love, and purpose. I may come from a small household, but it is one built on strength, faith, and the belief that no dream is too far away if you keep pushing forward.

Growing up in a low-income family, I’ve seen how financial struggles can affect every part of life. After my mom passed away from colon cancer last year, my dad and I faced even tougher challenges. We’re both currently unemployed, and it has been hard to make ends meet. These experiences have shown me how important it is to have strong business skills—not just to support myself, but to help my community build better opportunities and stability. I am passionate about studying business because I want to learn how to manage resources, create jobs, and support local families who face challenges like mine. Small businesses are the heart of most communities, especially for people who don’t have a lot of money or support. By learning how to run a business well, I want to help others start their own businesses, keep them running, and create jobs that provide steady incomes. I believe business is a practical skill that can uplift communities in a big way. I want to use what I learn to help local shop owners keep their doors open, teach young people how to manage money, and maybe even start my own business that gives back to others. For example, I’d love to create programs that offer financial advice or job training to people who don’t have access to those resources. Even though this scholarship is for trade students, I think business is just as important for helping communities grow and thrive. It’s about solving problems, making smart decisions, and supporting people through real opportunities. I want to use business not just to succeed personally but to be someone who lifts others up, just like Ben Bonner did. His kindness and care for everyone, no matter their background, is something I want to carry forward. This scholarship would make a huge difference for me. With it, I could focus on my studies without worrying so much about money. It would help pay for school supplies, classes, and other costs so that I can put all my energy into learning. That way, I can finish school and be ready to start building a better future for my family and community. I am ready to work hard and take advantage of every chance I get. I want to prove that even though I come from a low-income background, I have the ambition and drive to make a difference. Business skills will give me the tools I need to do that and help others do the same. Thank you for considering my application. This scholarship is not just support for my education—it’s a chance to help me become a leader who can give back to the community and make a real impact.

When my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer, everything in our lives changed. I was still in high school, trying to balance classes, sports, and my future—but suddenly, none of that seemed to matter as much. Watching my mom go through treatment was really hard, but what stood out to me was how strong she was. Even when she was sick, she kept working in the insurance field, helping other people prepare for the worst and protect what mattered to them. That left a big impression on me. My mom showed me that insurance is more than paperwork and numbers. It’s about giving people peace of mind when they need it most. After she passed away, I saw firsthand how her work had helped others—and how the life insurance she had in place helped our family get through a really difficult time. We didn’t have to lose everything, and I know that’s because she believed in what she did. Now, I want to follow in her footsteps and study risk management and insurance. I’ve always liked problem-solving and thinking about how to prepare for the unexpected, but more than that, I want to make a difference in people’s lives. RMI is about helping people and businesses stay strong when life throws challenges at them. That’s something I really believe in. In school, I’ve taken 11 dual enrollment courses and completed almost 80 hours of community service. I’ve also played soccer all my life and will be continuing to play overseas in Argentina this fall. Right now, I’m recovering from a hamstring injury, and my dad and I are both unemployed, so things have been tough financially. That’s why this scholarship would mean so much to me. It would help me pay for college and allow me to focus on my goals instead of worrying about how we’ll afford everything. This scholarship also means something personal. CaroleLynn Proferes was someone who made a big impact in the RMI field, just like my mom did. Applying for this scholarship feels like a way to honor both of them. I want to take what they built and carry it forward—to help others, to protect families like mine, and to make a difference through a career in insurance. Thank you for reading my story and for considering me for this scholarship. It would be a huge step toward helping me reach my goals and continue the work that my mom started.

Soccer has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s more than just a sport to me—it’s where I’ve learned some of my biggest life lessons. From discipline and teamwork to handling wins and losses, soccer has shaped who I am today. As I get ready to graduate high school and prepare to play overseas in Argentina this fall, I’m reflecting on everything it’s taken to get here. Being a student-athlete hasn’t always been easy. Balancing school, practices, and games takes a lot of focus. On top of that, I’ve completed 11 dual enrollment courses to get ahead in college credits, and I’ve also done nearly 80 hours of community service, mostly helping out with youth soccer programs and local events. It’s a lot to manage, but I’ve always believed that hard work and consistency matter. This past year has been especially hard. My mom passed away from cancer, and losing her changed my entire world. She was my biggest supporter, always there for every game and every moment that mattered. It’s been tough without her, but I use that pain as motivation. I know she’d want me to keep pushing and keep believing in myself. I’m also currently recovering from a hamstring injury. Not being able to play right now is frustrating, but I’m doing everything I can to get better—physical therapy, rest, and staying involved with my team however I can. I’ve learned that sometimes showing up means being there in different ways, like supporting others or working on your mental strength. Right now, both my dad and I are unemployed. Things have been tight at home, and we’ve had to make some sacrifices. But those challenges have also made me more determined. I’ve learned how to be resilient and how to keep moving forward even when life gets hard. This scholarship would mean a lot to me. It would help take some of the pressure off and allow me to focus on my goals—both on the field and in the classroom. I plan to study sports science or physical therapy in college so I can help other athletes, especially those dealing with injuries like mine. I believe I represent what this scholarship is about: ambition, drive, and a passion for both academics and athletics. I’m not perfect, but I work hard, stay focused, and always try to give my best. Thank you for considering my application.

If my 2024 had a soundtrack, it would be Taylor Swift’s “Clean” from 1989 (Taylor’s Version). This year has been a transformative journey, filled with immense growth, heartbreak, and, ultimately, healing. The lyrics “The drought was the very worst / When the flowers that we have grown together died of thirst” resonate deeply with my experience of losing my mother to cancer earlier this year. Her battle was the most challenging chapter of my life, leaving me to navigate the profound emptiness that followed her passing. But 2024 was not just about loss; it was also about resilience and honoring the promise I made to my mother before she died, it was to pursue my dreams and make her proud. “Clean” encapsulates that feeling of emerging from a dark place, washed anew by the strength and determination I have found within myself. “Rain came pouring down / When I was drowning, that is when I could finally breathe” perfectly describes the catharsis I felt after months of intense grief when I finally found solace in my memories of her and in the goals I set out to achieve. The verse “Just because you are clean, does not mean you do not miss it” speaks to the ongoing struggle I face daily. Even as I continue to excel in both soccer and academics and despite the life-changing experiences like my training stint in Argentina, I still grapple with the absence of my mother. Her loss is a part of me, just as much as the lessons she taught me. My mother’s strength and unwavering support fuel my ambition to not only succeed in soccer and academics but also to make a meaningful impact through mental health advocacy. As I finish my junior year with a 3.89 GPA, play competitive soccer, and complete community service, I find that the discipline and teamwork that soccer has taught me are mirrored in Taylor’s lyrics. Like Taylor, I have come to understand that even in our darkest moments, there is light, and “Clean” is a reminder that through struggle comes strength. This year has been about rediscovery, and “Clean” is the anthem of my journey. Taylor’s music has been a source of comfort and inspiration, helping me process my emotions and reminding me that even after the hardest of storms, we can come out the other side of the storm, stronger, smarter, and more resilient than ever.

The night before the biggest soccer match of my life, I couldn’t stop thinking, “What could go wrong?” My cleats were ready, my uniform set out, and our game plan memorized. But that question just wouldn’t leave my mind. At first, it felt like doubt creeping in, but over time, I’ve learned it’s not a negative thought—it's a way to prepare for the unexpected. Life, much like soccer, is unpredictable. It’s not about preventing things from going wrong but about how we respond when they do. That match was the final game of a regional tournament. We had fought hard to get there, beating teams we never thought we could. The pressure was immense. The night before, I couldn’t sleep. I just kept tossing and turning, thinking about all the ways things could go wrong: a missed shot, a defensive mistake, or even an injury. But then I realized worrying about these possibilities wouldn’t stop them from happening. Instead, I had to be ready to face whatever came our way. The next day, as I stepped onto the field, I felt a strange sense of calm. The sun was bright, and the crowd was loud, but I was focused. The game started, and within minutes, things started going wrong. Our best player got injured, our goalie let in an easy shot, and our defense struggled. As I walked off the field, I felt like the whole team’s hopes were on my shoulders. But instead of letting this bring us down, I remembered that question, “What could go wrong?” I had already pictured this exact situation, and now that it was happening, I knew we had to adapt. I gathered my teammates and reminded them of how far we’d come. We had faced challenges before and overcome them, and we could do it again. We needed to change our strategy and play with heart. In the second half, we played like a different team. We pushed ourselves harder than ever, scoring once, and then again. The momentum shifted, and suddenly, we believed we could win. With just minutes left, I found myself with the ball at my feet, looking at my teammate. I crossed the ball and hit it right to my teammate’s foot, who bounced it into the net, and the crowd erupted. We had done it—we had turned things around. That match taught me a valuable lesson: life isn’t about avoiding failure but how we respond to it. No matter how much you plan, things will go wrong. But it’s our resilience, our ability to adapt, and our determination that matter most. This lesson became even more important when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I had always seen her as strong, someone who could handle anything. But as she fought the disease, I realized that even the strongest people face challenges they can’t control. Watching her battle, I saw the importance of resilience. She faced every setback with grace and never gave up. Her strength inspired me to keep going, even when it felt like my world was falling apart. When she passed away, it was the hardest moment of my life. I lost my biggest supporter, the person who always believed in me. In my grief, I found myself asking, “What could go wrong?” This time, it wasn’t about fear but about honoring her memory. I knew I had to keep pursuing my dreams and make her proud. Her battle showed me that life is unpredictable, but we can’t let that stop us from living fully and passionately. As I continue my journey, I carry this lesson with me. Whether in soccer, school, or life, I know things will go wrong. I’ll face challenges, setbacks, and failures. But I also know I have the strength to overcome them. My mother’s resilience and determination guide me every day. So, when I hear the question, “What could go wrong?” I don’t feel afraid anymore—I feel ready. I know that no matter what happens, I can adapt, keep working, and never give up. Because in the end, it’s not about what goes wrong; it’s about how we rise when it does. Looking forward, I'm ready for whatever life throws my way. I know things will go wrong, but I also know I have the resilience and determination to face those challenges head-on. My journey through soccer, my mother's battle, and the lessons I have learned have prepared me for this. Whatever comes, I will keep pushing forward. Because no matter what goes wrong, I know I can overcome it.

Touching a soccer ball for the first time at age four, I felt it was almost as big as I was. That moment sparked a passion for soccer that has since shaped my identity and fueled my desire to positively impact others, particularly in mental health. My name is Alex Castro, and my journey through soccer has been transformative. Growing up in the Bay Area, California, soccer has been my constant. I've played for local teams like Alternativo Futbol Club and Tracy Youth Soccer League. One of my proudest achievements was being selected from over 1,000 kids at a Barcelona Camp to attend the Barca Residency Camp in Arizona. Recently, I spent three intense months training at a soccer academy in Argentina. These experiences have sharpened my skills and deepened my love for the sport. Training in Argentina was a transformative experience. Living in a second-world country taught me humility and discipline. I learned to appreciate the resources and opportunities I have and to outwork others with dedication and perseverance. The strong sense of community and teamwork among my teammates in Argentina showed me the importance of collaboration and mutual support on and off the field. However, my journey hasn't been without challenges. Two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Watching her battle the disease was incredibly tough, but it also taught me resilience and determination. My mother was my biggest supporter, and her strength inspired me daily. Tragically, she passed away on March 27th, 2024. Before she died, I promised my mother I would pursue my dreams, get my education, and make her proud. This promise has become my driving force. Balancing soccer with academics has been crucial to my growth. I am finishing my junior year of high school online, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.89. I have also completed over 80 hours of community service and earned dual-enrollment college credits. These achievements reflect my commitment to excellence in both my academic and athletic pursuits. My connection to Cincinnati, Ohio, where my mother grew up and graduated from college, has always been strong. Her stories of perseverance and success in Cincinnati have always inspired me. I am particularly interested in Division 1 soccer teams and the business majors they offer there. I aspire to have a career in sales, a field that aligns with my love for talking and connecting with people. Soccer has taught me discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities essential on and off the field. I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams relentlessly, no matter the obstacles they face. My time in Argentina reinforced these values, as I saw firsthand how hard work and unity can overcome challenges. Beyond soccer and academics, I am deeply passionate about mental health. My mother's battle with cancer and the emotional toll it took on our family increased my awareness of the importance of mental well-being. I want to use my platform to raise awareness about mental health issues, especially among young athletes who often face immense pressure. By sharing my story, I hope to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about emotional struggles and resilience. In conclusion, my athletic journey has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me invaluable lessons and giving me the strength to overcome challenges. I am excited about what's to come and to build a strong foundation for my future career. I hope to honor my mother's memory and make a positive impact on others through my dedication to soccer, education, and mental health advocacy.