If I had to name one person who has made a powerful impact on my life, it would be my mother. My mom has always been a strong, hardworking woman whose perseverance has shaped the person I am today. Despite facing multiple challenges and sacrificing so much, she never allowed anything to hold her back. She balanced work, family, and personal sacrifices without complaint, showing me what it means to stay committed no matter what life brings. Her perseverance, work ethic, and strength have shaped my values and continue to inspire me daily. As an immigrant, my mother came to this country determined to build a better future for her family. She worked long hours, learned a new language, and adapted to a completely new environment, all while making sure I felt supported, encouraged, and believed in. Because of her, I’ve learned to face challenges head-on and keep pushing through, even when things get hard or I feel like giving up. She’s always been my biggest supporter, even when she doesn’t completely agree with my choices, always making sure I feel heard and trusted to follow my own path. Her strength taught me that with hard work and determination, I can overcome anything life throws my way. Today, I am a communications major at Sonoma State University, preparing for a career as a Law Enforcement Officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP). One of my main goals in this career is to enter the field of a Public Information Officer and provide communication and service to my community. As a PIO, I want to serve as a bridge between officers and the public, making sure people feel informed, respected, and heard, especially during uncertain times. To prepare myself for this career as a peace officer, I have joined the CHP Explorer Program. This program has helped me better understand how law enforcement works and what it means to uphold the CHP PRIDE values: courage, honesty, professionalism, principles, respect, integrity, dedication, and esprit de corps. On top of that, I have also participated and led multiple community oriented events. In high school, I served as president and social media manager of the Social Justice Club, where I organized a successful fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We raised over $500 through a pink lemonade sale, using collaboration and outreach to make a meaningful impact. Alongside school and my commitments as a CHP Explorer, I’ve also worked multiple jobs to support myself and gain real-world experience. Juggling work and academics has taught me discipline, time management, and how to stay focused under pressure, skills that will serve me well as a peace officer. My mother may not wear a badge, but her courage, work ethic, and belief in me have been the foundation of my journey. Her story as an immigrant motivates me to give back to the community that gave us an opportunity. With this scholarship, I hope to honor Detective Sergeant Robert Feliciano’s legacy by becoming a trusted, compassionate communicator in law enforcement and by carrying forward the same values of service, strength, and perseverance that my mother lives by every day.

As an explorer with the California Highway Patrol, I have found my passion for law enforcement and plan to be an officer with the California Highway Patrol after I graduate with a degree in political science.