I am a returning student pursuing my bachelor’s degree after more than a decade away from school. My motivation is both personal and professional: I want to be the first in my family to graduate from college, and I know this milestone will play a vital role in my career and the work I am called to do. I am the founder of a nonprofit dedicated to serving what I call the “MVPs,” the Most Vulnerable People, with a special focus on children in the foster system. My faith is the foundation of everything I do, inspiring my passion for community service, healthcare, and creating opportunities for those who are often overlooked. Outside of my work, being an aunt brings me joy and motivates me to build a better future for the next generation. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my resilience, leadership, persistence, and boldness in returning to school after so many years. My educational journey has not been easy—financial barriers and the challenges of being the first in my family to attend college delayed my path. Returning to higher education while balancing work and responsibilities has required determination, but it has also shown me how deeply committed I am to finishing what I started. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of tuition and bring me closer to my dream of earning a bachelor’s degree. More than that, it would affirm the importance of perseverance and show my family and community that it is never too late to pursue your goals.