For many first-generation students, the most challenging part of college isn't the coursework, it's navigating a world we were never prepared for. I was raised by hardworking migrant Hispanic parents who struggled to guide me through the path to higher education. Figuring everything out on my own led me to experience self-doubt, but valuable support systems have helped me overcome those challenges, providing me with a sense of belonging and helping me discover my confidence and purpose. My personal experiences, like witnessing my mother's health battles that come with age and watching my brother battle drug addiction have shaped my commitment to a career in healthcare. My ultimate goal is to become a clinical pharmacist working in a hospital with underserved populations in the Pacific Northwest. I aspire to be a trusted leader in my field, helping communities like my own feel confident in their treatment choices. This fall, I will be transferring to Oregon State University (OSU) to pursue a major in Public Health. I chose this path because I'm passionate about illness prevention and community health, especially when it comes to substance use and helping create a system where treatment is based on need, not privilege. Ultimately, I will apply to the OSU pharmacy program, where I can combine my academic strengths with my desire to serve my community to earn my Pharm. D. I began my education at Chemeketa Community College because of the financial pressure that attending OSU right after high school would have caused me. OSU's tuition is over three times that of Chemeketa, making the transition difficult. Despite my efforts, financial hardship remains my most significant obstacle. Last year, my mother was in a car accident, injuring her spine and leaving her disabled, requiring expensive surgery. Her accident has kept her from employment and an income. Although the situation was not reflected on my FAFSA for the upcoming year, it has put a significant financial burden on me and my family. Without financial support from my parents, scholarships, and grants are crucial to continuing my education at OSU. For the following year, my only source of aid will be federal and state grants, which will cover just over a third of my tuition needs, along with an on-campus job to assist me with my expenses. After submitting numerous scholarship applications and writing appeal letters to OSU, I have only faced rejection for my efforts to increase my aid. This scholarship would relieve my financial burden and allow me the freedom to focus mainly on my academics, as I will be taking rigorous chemistry and biology courses over the next two years. Furthermore, taking the time and effort to deepen my involvement in community-based activities, research, and internship opportunities is crucial to making me a competitive candidate for pharmacy school. Since I will be continuing my education after graduation, I will not be entering the workforce right after completing my bachelor's degree. Taking out loans would become a larger burden in the long term, as I won't have the income to repay them during my full-time commitment to pharmacy school. Beyond that, this award will serve as a remembrance that my background is not a barrier but a strength that encourages me to honor the sacrifices my parents have made for me. Ultimately, the OMNIS scholarship would help me stay on the path toward becoming a healthcare leader who serves with compassion and cultural competence while understanding the challenges that underserved communities face. Your investment will not only support my educational needs but also the communities I plan to uplift in my future career.