I am a first-generation Latin American student. Transitioning to college is really exciting for me, but I am aware it will bring difficulties. My family has done a lot to help me get to where I am right now. They have worked hard to give me the chance to go to college. However, right now our biggest drawback is the cost of college. The cost of tuition and books, and other things, is a constant worry for my family and me. If I get this award, it will help my family and me a lot, and it would be a huge blessing in my life, making me able to focus on my studies and my career goals without having to worry so much about money. I am passionate about aerospace engineering and STEM, and I am currently taking college-level courses at Ohio State University through the OSU Academy program. Continuing my education requires access to resources like textbooks, lab materials, and technology. This award would directly support those needs, helping me pursue challenging classes without financial distractions. Beyond academics, I hope to use my education to contribute to technological innovations that improve lives and inspire future generations. By reducing financial stress, this award would not only support my transition to college but also empower me to dedicate my energy toward learning, research, and community engagement. It would be an investment in both my education and my potential to make a meaningful impact in STEM and engineering fields.

My name is Armando Lezcano Sanchez, and I’m a senior from Hilliard, Ohio, currently enrolled in college courses at Ohio State University through the OSU Academy program. I was born in Cuba, an island located 90 miles south of Florida, and spent most of my life there. As a child, I saw my family struggle with simple things like food and clothing. Life in Cuba was difficult. Even worse than the poverty was the political situation. Cuba is a dictatorship, which meant we lacked basic rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and freedom of religion. As Christians, my family and I were especially looked down upon in Cuba. I was constantly made fun of in my school for my beliefs, and I saw my dad constantly being at risk for his church leadership. It was maddening not knowing if we'd even have a house the next day. Looking back now, I see the importance of the things I went through and the journey I faced. Every challenge served as a lesson, and every hardship guided me. Throughout my life, I learned that sometimes the process is just as important as the outcome and that every event in my life shaped me to be who I am. Something heavily important to me is serving others. I am actively involved in my church, Life Community Church, where I volunteer with children, translate for newcomers, and help maintain the facility. These experiences have shown me the immense value of community and the power of small acts of service to make a difference in people’s lives. I believe that, one day, combining my technical skills with a commitment to service will allow me to contribute in meaningful ways, whether by advancing technologies that improve people’s lives, inspiring younger students from underrepresented backgrounds, or helping others navigate challenges like the ones I faced. Overall, I really feel that my identity as a first-generation Latin-American student shapes my goals in many ways. It drives me to excel academically, pursue opportunities others in my community might not have, and create pathways for those who come after me. I want to use my experiences to break barriers, foster inclusivity in STEM, and demonstrate that hard work, passion, and perseverance can overcome obstacles, as they did for me. Ultimately, I hope to make a positive impact on the world by applying my skills, creativity, and dedication to solving problems that matter and one day maybe inspiring others.