Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book II: “Begin the morning by saying to thyself, I shall meet with busybody, the ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful, envious, unsocial. All these things happen to them by reason of their ignorance of what is good and evil… I can neither be harmed by any of them… nor can I be angry with my kinsman, nor hate him; for we are made for cooperation.” Marcus Aurelius’ passage argues that true resilience does not come from controlling the behavior of others but from governing one’s own judgments. Beneath its calm tone, the text reveals a demanding ethical discipline: the reader is instructed to anticipate wrongdoing without bitterness, to refuse emotional retaliation, and to treat human conflict as a product of ignorance rather than malice. The opening command, “Begin the morning by saying to thyself,” frames moral composure as something that must be practiced deliberately. Aurelius does not suggest reacting wisely in the moment; instead, he insists on preparing in advance. This detail matters because it shifts virtue from a spontaneous trait into a habit formed through daily reflection. The morning ritual becomes psychological armor. By rehearsing the likelihood of encountering unpleasant people, the reader prevents surprise from turning into anger. Aurelius implies that outrage often comes not from injury itself but from unmet expectations about how others should behave. When Aurelius lists the traits he expects to meet busybody, the ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful, envious, unsocial the accumulation is striking. The rapid sequence overwhelms the reader, suggesting that moral failure is common rather than exceptional. Yet the list is not meant to condemn. Immediately afterward, Aurelius reframes these behaviors as products of “ignorance of what is good and evil.” This phrasing strips the offenders of villainous intent. Instead of portraying them as threats, he presents them as morally confused. The underlying move here is philosophical: anger depends on believing that another person has knowingly chosen to harm us. By attributing wrongdoing to ignorance, Aurelius removes the emotional fuel that sustains resentment. The phrase “I can neither be harmed by any of them” deepens this argument. Aurelius does not deny that others can inconvenience or insult him; rather, he distinguishes between physical disturbance and moral injury. In Stoic thought, harm occurs only when one’s character is corrupted. Insults, rudeness, or betrayal fail to damage the self unless the individual consents to respond viciously. This claim shifts responsibility inward. The reader is forced to confront the unsettling implication that suffering caused by anger is largely self inflicted. Aurelius subtly places ethical agency back into the hands of the person who feels wronged. Equally important is the next line, “nor can I be angry with my kinsman, nor hate him.” The word “kinsman” expands the scope of the passage. Aurelius is not urging tolerance toward strangers alone; he is insisting on patience even within close human relationships, where emotional reactions feel most justified. By calling all people kin, he erases social divisions and replaces them with a shared moral status. This prepares the final claim, “for we are made for cooperation.” Here Aurelius grounds ethics in human nature itself. Cooperation is not optional kindness but the very purpose for which humans exist. Hatred therefore becomes irrational, a violation of what people are designed to do. What makes the passage powerful is its quiet refusal of moral superiority. Aurelius never states that he is better than the people he encounters. Instead, he focuses entirely on how he must regulate his own mind. The text assumes that virtue is fragile and requires constant maintenance. Preparing for others’ faults is not cynicism but humility. Aurelius implies that anyone, including the reader, could easily become one of the ignorant wrongdoers without discipline. Underlying the entire paragraph is a paradox: peace is achieved not by expecting better treatment from the world but by lowering one’s demand that the world behave differently. Aurelius is not excusing injustice; he is protecting the inner life from being ruled by it. His instruction transforms daily irritation into an opportunity for ethical practice. Every difficult interaction becomes a test of whether one will act according to reason or surrender to impulse. In this way, Aurelius’ passage functions less as comforting advice and more as a rigorous moral challenge. It asks the reader to wake each day prepared for conflict and yet determined to meet it with clarity rather than hostility. The underlying meaning is that freedom does not lie in shaping others’ conduct but in mastering one’s own responses. Through anticipation, reinterpretation, and commitment to cooperation, Aurelius presents self control not as withdrawal from humanity but as the highest form of participation in it.

My name is Angelique Ramirez, and I am a first generation college student pursuing a degree in Communication. I come from a low income household and was raised in a single parent home after losing my mother at the age of eleven. That loss changed my life in ways I am still learning to understand, but it also shaped my determination to succeed, to support my family, and to create a future that honors the sacrifices made for me. Growing up, education was not something that came with guidance or financial security. My father worked tirelessly to provide for us, and I learned early on how to be responsible, resilient, and self motivated. While balancing school, I also work multiple jobs as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant in order to help cover expenses and contribute at home. Many days are long and exhausting, but I remind myself that every shift I work and every class I complete brings me one step closer to my goals. Being the first in my family to attend college has been both empowering and overwhelming. I navigate financial aid forms, transfer requirements, and academic planning largely on my own, while maintaining a strong GPA and staying committed to my studies. I am passionate about communication, storytelling, and advocacy, and I hope to one day work in public relations or media where I can amplify voices that often go unheard, especially in communities like the one I grew up in. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my journey. It would help cover tuition, textbooks, transportation, and everyday living costs, easing the financial pressure that constantly weighs on my family and me. More than that, receiving this support would remind me that my hard work, persistence, and resilience are being recognized. It would allow me to focus more fully on my education instead of worrying about whether I can afford the next semester. I carry my mother’s memory with me in everything I do, and I strive to make her proud by continuing forward even when circumstances are difficult. I am committed to giving back to others through my work, my education, and the way I show up for families and children in my community. The Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would not only help me continue my education, but would also motivate me to keep pushing forward and eventually extend that same support to others who are navigating hardship. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in students like me who are working every day to transform challenges into opportunities.

My understanding of mental health did not come from textbooks or lectures at first. It came from living through loss, instability, and the quiet emotional weight that follows major life changes. Losing my mother at a young age changed everything about how I saw the world. Grief became part of my daily life, even when I did not yet have the language to describe what I was feeling. I learned early that sadness does not always show up in obvious ways and that strength is often mistaken for silence. That experience shaped my goals, my relationships, and the way I try to move through life with empathy and honesty. After my mother passed away, my family went through a long period of adjustment. My father worked tirelessly to keep us afloat, and I tried to be strong for him while also managing my own emotions. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed by fear, responsibility, and uncertainty about the future. School felt harder during those years, not because I lacked motivation, but because carrying emotional weight makes everything heavier. Eventually, I realized that ignoring my mental health was not helping me succeed. Learning to acknowledge my feelings and ask for support was one of the most important steps I have taken in my personal growth. It taught me that taking care of yourself is not weakness but a form of survival. Those experiences deeply shaped the goals I hold today. As a first generation college student, I am determined to build a future that allows me to support my family while also advocating for others who feel unseen or unheard. I am studying communication and am interested in careers that focus on community engagement, public relations, and mental health advocacy. I want to work in spaces where conversation matters, where stigma can be challenged, and where people feel safe sharing their stories. My long term dream is to help create programs, campaigns, or organizations that encourage openness around mental health, especially in communities where these topics are often avoided or misunderstood. Mental health has also influenced how I form relationships. Because I know what it feels like to struggle quietly, I try to be someone who listens carefully and without judgment. I pay attention when friends seem distant or overwhelmed. I check in. I offer support even when I do not have perfect advice. Working as a nanny has strengthened this part of me even more. Caring for children has taught me how important emotional safety is, how much kids rely on stable adults, and how powerful reassurance can be. Those everyday moments remind me that mental well being starts early and that compassion in small interactions can make a lasting difference. My experiences also changed how I understand the world around me. I now recognize how many people are walking through life carrying invisible battles. Mental health struggles do not discriminate based on age, background, or circumstance, yet stigma often keeps people silent. I have seen how fear of being judged can stop someone from reaching out, and I never want to contribute to that culture. Instead, I try to speak openly about my own journey when appropriate, to normalize conversations about therapy, grief, stress, and healing. The more we treat mental health as part of overall health, the more room we make for people to seek help without shame. Destigmatizing mental health, to me, starts with honesty and education. It looks like encouraging students to use campus resources, supporting friends when they admit they are struggling, and creating workplaces that value balance instead of burnout. It also means continuing to take responsibility for my own well being through healthy routines, reflection, and surrounding myself with people who uplift me. My life has taught me that resilience is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about facing difficulty with courage, learning from it, and choosing to keep moving forward with kindness for yourself and others. The challenges I have experienced shaped who I am today and inspired the direction I want my life to take. I am committed to using my education and voice to help break down barriers around mental health and to remind people that they are not alone in what they are feeling.

The Taylor Swift performance I find the most moving is her Eras Tour performance of “Marjorie.” Watching that song live, or even through videos online, feels incredibly intimate despite the size of the stadium. The moment the crowd quiets, the lights soften, and Taylor sings about grief, memory, and holding onto the people we love after they are gone is overwhelming in the best way. What makes it especially powerful to me is knowing she wrote the song about her grandmother, and that she performs it in front of millions without losing its vulnerability. As someone who lost my mother at a young age, that performance hits close to home. Grief is not something that disappears with time. It changes shape, but it stays with you, especially during moments when you wish you could ask for advice or share good news with the person you lost. When Taylor sings lines about wishing she had saved every scrap of her loved one’s presence, I think about the little things I still hold onto, memories, photos, even habits I picked up from my mom that make me feel close to her. Seeing Taylor honor someone she loved so deeply reminds me that it is okay to carry that loss with you while still continuing forward. What makes the performance even more moving is the way Taylor lets the audience share in that experience. She does not hide behind spectacle during that song. Instead, she creates space for quiet reflection, for tears, and for connection. In a show built around glittering outfits, choreography, and massive production, choosing to pause for a song like “Marjorie” feels brave. It shows that strength does not always come from being flashy or perfect. Sometimes it comes from being honest about pain and love at the same time. I also admire how Taylor has continued to evolve throughout her career while staying open with her fans. Performing a song like that night after night proves how committed she is to storytelling and emotional truth. As a first generation college student from a low income household, I draw inspiration from that persistence. My own journey has not been easy, and there are days when balancing school, work, and family responsibilities feels overwhelming. Watching someone stand on stage and transform personal loss into something that comforts others reminds me why I keep pushing forward. It shows me that our hardest experiences can shape us into more compassionate, driven people. Taylor’s performance of “Marjorie” is moving because it feels real. It is not just about her grandmother. It is about anyone who has loved someone deeply and had to learn how to live without them physically present. That honesty is what makes me such a devoted fan. Taylor’s music has been there for me during moments of doubt, grief, and motivation, and performances like that prove why her work lasts. She turns vulnerability into strength, and that is something I try to do in my own life every day.

I am a fan of Wicked because it tells a story about being misunderstood, finding your voice, and choosing who you want to be in a world that already has expectations for you. The first time I learned about Wicked, I was struck by how different it felt from other musicals. Instead of a simple good versus evil story, it focused on perspective, identity, and how easily people can label someone without knowing their heart. As someone who has grown up facing loss, financial hardship, and the pressure of being a first generation college student, those themes resonated with me deeply. Elphaba’s journey is what I connect with most. She enters Oz already marked as different, judged before she ever gets the chance to explain herself. Watching her try to do the right thing while being pushed aside or misrepresented reminded me of moments in my own life where I felt invisible or underestimated. After losing my mother at a young age, my life changed overnight. I learned what it meant to carry grief quietly while still showing up to school, helping at home, and figuring out who I was becoming. Wicked helped me realize that strength does not always look loud or perfect. Sometimes it looks like continuing forward when things feel overwhelming and trusting your own values even when the world feels unfair. Glinda’s character also made an impression on me. She starts out focused on popularity and appearances, but over time she grows into someone who understands responsibility, loyalty, and sacrifice. Her friendship with Elphaba shows how complex relationships can be, especially when ambition and fear get in the way of honesty. That evolution reminded me that growth is not instant. It takes mistakes, reflection, and courage to change. As a student balancing work, family responsibilities, and school, I am constantly learning how to advocate for myself while staying true to the people around me. Wicked reflects that struggle in such a human way. Music is another reason Wicked has stayed with me. Songs like “Defying Gravity” feel empowering without being unrealistic. When Elphaba sings about stepping into her own power, it feels like a declaration that she refuses to let others decide her future. That message motivates me in my own academic journey. There are days when exhaustion, stress, and financial worries make college feel intimidating, but Wicked reminds me why I started in the first place. I want to build a life that honors my family’s sacrifices and proves that where I came from does not limit where I can go. Wicked is more than entertainment to me. It is a reminder that stories can challenge assumptions, inspire resilience, and make people feel less alone. It celebrates individuality, courage, and the quiet determination it takes to stand up for yourself. That is why I am a fan. It mirrors the kind of person I am striving to become someone who leads with compassion, questions what is unfair, and keeps moving forward even when the path is uncertain.

Challenge Name: Truth or Temptation Terrace The “Truth or Temptation Terrace” challenge is designed to test emotional honesty, loyalty, communication, and how well couples actually know each other while still delivering peak Love Island drama. The Islanders are called to the terrace one couple at a time. Each pair sits across from one another, separated by a small table holding two glowing buttons labeled Truth and Temptation. Around them, the rest of the villa watches from below. Before the challenge begins, every Islander secretly answers a series of questions in the Beach Hut. These questions range from romantic to risky, such as: Who in the villa do you find most attractive besides your partner? Do you see yourself outside the villa with your current couple? Who do you trust the least? If you were single tonight, who would you pull for a chat? When it is a couple’s turn, the host reads one of the questions aloud. The couple must then independently press either Truth or Temptation. If both press Truth, their Beach Hut answers are revealed on a big screen for the entire villa to see. No editing, no softening. Just raw honesty. If one or both press Temptation, things immediately escalate. The Islander who chose Temptation is offered a private reward such as a secret date with someone of their choosing, the power to steal someone for 24 hours, immunity at the next recoupling, or a hideaway night with a new bombshell. Temptation always comes with a price. When it is chosen, the partner who pressed Truth gets to watch a short unseen clip from the Beach Hut that hints at what the other person really thinks, but not the full answer. Just enough to spark doubt. To raise the stakes further, every couple must complete three rounds. On the final round, the host announces that anyone who presses Temptation will automatically be open for stealing at the next recoupling regardless of their current status. Halfway through the challenge, another twist is revealed. The Islanders who pressed Truth the most times across all couples earn a villa wide reward such as a sunset party or brunch with new bombshells. Meanwhile, the Islanders who chose Temptation the most are forced to sleep outside for the night and attend a mandatory clarity chat with their partner the next morning. The real power of this challenge is that it creates multiple layers of tension. Some couples will prove they are solid by choosing Truth every time even when the answers sting. Others might chase Temptation and expose cracks in their relationship or spark entirely new connections. Truth or Temptation Terrace works because it focuses on emotional risk instead of physical dares. Islanders must decide whether honesty will protect their couple or whether curiosity about someone else is worth the fallout. Viewers would be glued to the screen watching reactions, whispered arguments afterward, late night terrace chats, and alliances forming in real time.

I became a fan of Sabrina Carpenter not just because of her music, but because of the way she has built her career with confidence, honesty, and persistence. Watching her evolve from a young actress into a successful artist who controls her narrative has been incredibly inspiring to me, especially as a first-generation college student from a low-income household who is trying to carve out her own path. Sabrina’s journey reminds me that growth is not linear and that believing in yourself through uncertainty can open doors you never imagined. What I admire most about Sabrina Carpenter is her willingness to reinvent herself while staying authentic. She has spoken openly about being underestimated early in her career and about the pressure of growing up in the public eye. Instead of shrinking, she leaned into her creativity, sharpened her voice, and kept showing up. That persistence resonates deeply with me. I have had to balance school with multiple jobs, help support my family, and navigate grief after losing my mother, all while trying to stay focused on long-term goals that sometimes feel far away. Seeing someone continue to push forward despite obstacles reminds me that setbacks do not define the future. They can shape it. Her music has also impacted me on a personal level. Many of her songs focus on self-worth, boundaries, and learning from difficult experiences. During stressful semesters or long days at work, listening to her music gives me a sense of motivation and release. It feels like permission to be honest about how hard things can get, while still choosing to move forward. That balance between vulnerability and strength is something I try to carry into my own life. Sabrina’s career has also influenced how I think about my ambitions. I am studying communication and hope to work in fields related to media, marketing, or community outreach, spaces where storytelling and connection matter. Watching how she communicates her brand, interacts with fans, and uses her platform thoughtfully has made me more aware of how powerful voice and visibility can be. She shows that success is not only about talent, but about discipline, strategy, and staying true to what matters to you. As a young woman building my future, I look up to the way Sabrina owns her success without apologizing for it. She celebrates her achievements while acknowledging the work behind them. That confidence pushes me to apply for scholarships like this one, seek mentorship, and advocate for myself in academic and professional spaces where I once felt intimidated. Her example reminds me that I deserve to take up space, to dream big, and to trust that my background does not limit how far I can go. Being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter has become more than just enjoying her songs or following her career. She represents perseverance, reinvention, and believing in yourself even when the path ahead is unclear. Her story motivates me to keep working toward my goals, to embrace growth, and to stay committed to building a life that reflects both my struggles and my strength. In that way, her impact reaches far beyond music, it encourages me to keep going, even on the days when the dream feels just out of reach.

After my mother passed away, my life shifted in ways I was not prepared for. Grief entered every part of my world, from how I viewed myself to how I imagined my future. I was still young, trying to stay focused in school while my family adjusted emotionally and financially, and I often felt like I was carrying questions no one around me could answer. During that time, one relationship quietly became my anchor: my mentor. She did not replace my mother, but she stepped into my life with patience, steadiness, and a belief in me that I struggled to hold for myself. My mentor came into my life when I was at one of my lowest points. I did not always have the words to explain how heavy things felt, but she noticed anyway. She listened without rushing me, checked in when I grew quiet, and reminded me that grief did not make me weak or incapable. Instead of offering quick solutions, she helped me slow down and process what I was feeling. That alone changed me. I learned that connection is not about fixing someone, it is about staying present when things are uncomfortable. Through her guidance, I also began to understand the importance of accountability and self-trust. She encouraged me to stay focused on my education even when it felt overwhelming and helped me set realistic goals instead of giving up when things became difficult. She celebrated small victories, passing a tough exam, finishing a semester strong, applying for opportunities I was scared to pursue. Over time, I started to see myself differently. I was no longer just someone trying to survive loss. I was someone capable of growth, discipline, and hope. Because of this relationship, the way I build connections with others has completely changed. I lead with empathy now. I pay attention when people withdraw or seem overwhelmed, because I remember what it felt like to be silently struggling. In my work as a caregiver and in my friendships, I try to be someone who creates a safe space for honesty. I ask questions. I listen more than I speak. I show up consistently, because that consistency once meant everything to me. My mentor also taught me that relationships thrive on boundaries and respect, not just emotional closeness. She modeled healthy communication and showed me that it is okay to advocate for myself and my needs. That lesson has shaped how I navigate school, work, and personal relationships today. I am more confident speaking up, asking for help, and setting goals that reflect what I truly want for my life. Looking ahead, relationships will continue to play a central role in my long-term goals. As a first-generation college student from a low-income household, I know I have not reached this point on my own. Mentorship, community, and support systems have made it possible for me to keep moving forward. In my future career, I hope to be someone who offers that same guidance to others, especially students who are navigating grief, financial stress, or uncertainty about their path. I want to mentor younger students the way my mentor guided me, with patience, honesty, and unwavering belief. In a world where it is easy to feel disconnected or overlooked, my relationship with my mentor taught me the power of genuine human connection. She helped shape who I am today not through grand gestures, but through steady presence, thoughtful conversations, and faith in my potential when I doubted it most. Because of her, I approach relationships with intention, compassion, and the understanding that one person’s support can quietly change the entire direction of another’s life. That is the kind of connection I strive to build now, and the kind I hope to pass forward for the rest of my life.

I want to make a change in my life because I have seen how quickly circumstances can shift, and I refuse to let hardship define the limits of my future. Growing up in a low-income household and losing my mother at a young age forced me to mature earlier than I expected. There were moments when grief, financial stress, and uncertainty made it hard to focus on anything beyond survival. But those same experiences also taught me that I deserve stability, opportunity, and a life built on purpose rather than fear. As a first-generation college student, continuing my education feels like more than a personal goal. It feels like rewriting what is possible for my family. There were times when I doubted myself, especially while juggling school with long work hours in caregiving roles to help support myself. I questioned whether I could keep up academically while carrying responsibilities that many of my peers did not face. Instead of giving in to that doubt, I chose to ask for guidance, meet with counselors, plan my transfer goals carefully, and stay disciplined with my coursework even when I felt exhausted. I also worked on strengthening myself mentally and emotionally. Grief and anxiety do not disappear on command, but I learned to manage them through reflection, faith, and leaning on trusted people in my life. I created routines that keep me grounded, staying organized, exercising, journaling, and reminding myself why I started. These were small steps at first, but together they helped me rebuild confidence and stay focused on the future I am working toward. This scholarship would play a meaningful role in helping me continue forward without being weighed down by constant financial worry. When tuition, books, and daily expenses pile up, it can feel overwhelming, especially when you are supporting yourself. Receiving this support would allow me to devote more energy to my studies and long-term goals instead of constantly choosing between necessities. It would also serve as encouragement, proof that my persistence and growth are being recognized. If given this opportunity, I plan to pay it forward by continuing to support others who feel unseen or discouraged. Through my work as a caregiver, I already strive to provide stability, patience, and compassion to families who rely on me. In the future, I want to mentor younger first-generation students and share what I have learned about navigating college systems, financial aid, and self-doubt. I know how isolating it can feel to walk a path no one in your family has walked before, and I want to be someone who makes that road feel less lonely for others. A second chance, to me, is not about erasing the past. It is about using everything I have been through as fuel to keep going. I am proud of how far I have come, not because my journey has been easy, but because I stayed committed to growth when it would have been simpler to stop trying. This scholarship would help me continue building a future rooted in resilience, service, and the belief that difficult beginnings do not prevent meaningful endings.

Losing my mother is the experience that has shaped me more than anything else in my life. It changed the way I see the world, the way I see myself, and the way I approach my future. I was young when she passed, and at the time, I did not fully understand what grief meant. I only knew that suddenly everything felt heavier and quieter, and the person who had always made things feel safe was gone. After her death, my family faced many challenges. We were already living in a low-income household, and losing her made stability even harder to hold onto. I watched my family struggle with finances, housing, and uncertainty, and I felt a responsibility to grow up quickly. I learned how to be strong for others before I learned how to be gentle with myself. I tried to stay focused on school, help however I could at home, and keep moving forward even when I did not know what the future looked like. There were moments when grief showed up in ways I did not expect. It came as anxiety, exhaustion, and a constant fear of losing more people I loved. Sometimes it felt like I had to carry everything alone. But over time, I realized that my mother’s absence was not only shaping my pain. It was shaping my resilience. Her life and the love she gave me became something I carried with me, even after she was gone. Because of her, I value compassion and responsibility. I try to be present for people the way she was for me. Working as a caregiver and nanny has deepened that part of who I am. I understand what it means to show up for someone when they need stability, patience, and kindness, because I know how much those things matter when life feels uncertain. I think my loss made me more aware of other people’s struggles and more willing to listen instead of rushing past them. Losing my mother also changed the way I think about education. As a first-generation college student, school sometimes feels overwhelming, especially while balancing work and family responsibilities. But my experiences have given me a strong sense of purpose. I want to create a future that honors the sacrifices my family has made and the life my mother wanted for me. When things get hard, I remind myself why I started. I remind myself that continuing my education is not just about me. It is about building stability, breaking cycles of hardship, and creating opportunities that once felt out of reach. Grief never completely disappears, but it changes. I have learned how to live with it, how to let it motivate me instead of stop me. I carry my mother with me in the way I treat people, in the way I push through difficult moments, and in the way I keep believing in something better ahead. Losing her forced me to grow up faster than I wanted to, but it also shaped me into someone determined, compassionate, and hopeful. Her absence is part of my story, but so is everything I have become because of her love. And every step I take toward my goals is a way of honoring the impact she continues to have on my life.

For a long time, I believed that surviving meant staying quiet, working harder, and carrying everything on my own. Growing up in a low-income household and losing my mother at a young age forced me to mature quickly. I learned how to take responsibility early, how to show up even when life felt heavy, and how to push forward when things were uncertain. What I did not understand back then was how deeply those experiences were shaping my mental health. As I got older, especially when I entered college, the weight I had been holding onto became impossible to ignore. I was balancing school, multiple jobs, and helping support my family while trying to build a future for myself as a first-generation student. On the outside, I looked driven and capable. On the inside, I was often anxious, exhausted, and constantly afraid of falling behind. I worried about money, housing, grades, and whether I was doing enough to make my family proud. I rarely slowed down because slowing down felt dangerous, like everything I had worked for could disappear. During that time, I also saw how substance use affected people around me. Watching others struggle made me reflect on how stress and pain can push someone toward unhealthy coping mechanisms when they feel trapped or alone. That awareness forced me to look inward. I realized that while I was not turning to substances, I was still ignoring my own limits. I was running myself into the ground emotionally, convincing myself that burnout was normal and that asking for help meant I was weak. Coming to that realization was uncomfortable, but it was also the beginning of growth. I started paying attention to my mental health instead of brushing it aside. I learned to speak honestly about how overwhelmed I felt. I became more intentional about rest, about creating routines that grounded me, and about setting boundaries when my schedule became too heavy. I stopped measuring my worth by how much I could handle in silence. That shift changed everything. I began to understand that strength is not just endurance. Strength is choosing to take care of yourself so that you can keep going. It is knowing when to pause, when to reach out, and when to admit that you do not have all the answers. Those lessons have shaped how I show up in my relationships too. Working as a nanny and caregiver has made me especially aware of emotional wellbeing. I try to be patient, present, and supportive because I know what it feels like to struggle quietly. I check in on people. I listen. I try to be the person I once needed. My experiences with mental health have also shaped my educational goals. I am studying communication because I believe connection can change lives. I want to work in environments where people feel heard and understood, especially students or families who feel overlooked or overwhelmed by the systems around them. I hope to eventually advocate for mental health awareness and accessible resources in communities like mine, where stress is high and support is often limited. Recovery, to me, is not a finish line. It is something I commit to every day. My plan for continuing that journey includes maintaining structure in my life, prioritizing sleep and exercise, checking in with myself emotionally, and staying open to professional support when I need it. I surround myself with people who encourage honesty instead of perfection. I remind myself that progress is not linear and that setbacks do not erase how far I have come. Most importantly, I keep my purpose in front of me. I think about my family, my future, and the younger version of myself who carried too much for too long. I owe it to her to build a life that is not only successful, but healthy. Mental health challenges did not stop me from pursuing my education. They reshaped how I pursue it. They taught me compassion, resilience, and self awareness. They pushed me to grow into someone who understands that asking for help is not failure and that healing is part of strength. I am proud of the person I am becoming. I am still learning, still working, still healing, but I am doing it with intention. Education gives me direction, mental health gives me balance, and together they are helping me build a future that feels stable, meaningful, and hopeful.

Mental health has played a huge role in my life, even when I did not have the words for it yet. Growing up in a low-income household, losing my mother, and becoming a first-generation college student shaped me in ways I am still learning to understand. For a long time, I thought being strong meant keeping everything to myself and just pushing forward no matter how tired or overwhelmed I felt. I learned how to survive early on, but I did not always know how to slow down and take care of myself. Once I got to college, the pressure felt even heavier. I was juggling classes, working multiple jobs, and helping support my family, all while trying to prove to myself that I belonged in higher education. I constantly worried about money, grades, housing, and whether I was doing enough. Some days I woke up already anxious, feeling like I was behind before the day even started. I felt guilty resting and scared that if I stopped for a second, everything I had worked for could fall apart. As a first-generation student, I carried the weight of knowing that my success was not just about me. It felt like I was doing this for my family too. It took time for me to realize that ignoring my mental health was only making things harder. I started learning how to be honest with myself about when I was overwhelmed instead of pretending I was fine. I learned that asking for help does not make me weak, and that setting boundaries with my schedule is not selfish. Some days that looks like taking a break, saying no to extra work when I am stretched too thin, or reminding myself that I do not have to carry everything alone. That shift changed how I see strength. To me now, strength is choosing to keep going while also taking care of myself. What I have been through has also made me more aware of the people around me. Working as a nanny and caregiver has shown me how much emotional health matters at every age. I try to lead with patience and kindness because I know what it feels like to struggle quietly. I check in on people, listen when they need to talk, and try to be the kind of person I would have wanted during my hardest moments. My experiences with mental health have shaped my future goals too. I am studying communication because I want to work in spaces where people feel seen and supported. I hope to be involved in advocacy or community work that helps make mental health resources easier to reach, especially for families and students who feel like they have to figure everything out on their own. I want to be part of breaking the stigma that keeps so many people silent. Mental health is not something I hide anymore. It is part of my story, and it explains why I am so driven, compassionate, and determined to build a better life. I am proud of how far I have come, even when the journey has been messy and exhausting. Surviving taught me how to endure. Taking care of my mental health taught me how to live.

My name is Angelique Ramirez, and I am a first-generation college student raised in a low-income, single-parent household after losing my mother at a young age. These experiences shaped both my determination and my sense of responsibility. They also shaped my voice—literally and figuratively. Spanish was my first language, the one spoken in my home, with my family, and in the moments of comfort and struggle that defined my childhood. Learning to move between Spanish and English became one of the most important tools I carry with me today. Growing up bilingual came with challenges. In school, I sometimes felt caught between two worlds. I worried about my accent, hesitated to speak in class, and worked twice as hard to make sure my writing and pronunciation were strong. I often found myself translating for family members at appointments, during phone calls, or when filling out forms, which taught me responsibility early but also reminded me how overwhelming systems can feel when language becomes a barrier. There were moments when I felt pressure to hide one part of myself in order to fit into another space, and that was not always easy. Over time, though, I began to recognize that being bilingual was not something to be embarrassed about. It was a strength. Speaking Spanish allows me to connect with people who might otherwise feel unseen or unheard. It has helped me build trust with families I work for as a nanny and family assistant, communicate with community members, and support classmates navigating college for the first time. Being able to translate is not just about words. It is about offering comfort, clarity, and dignity to people who deserve to feel understood. After graduation, I plan to continue my education and build a career centered on communication, advocacy, and community outreach. I want to work with organizations that support families, first-generation students, and underserved communities, particularly those where language access is limited. Whether through nonprofit work, education-based programs, or public relations for social causes, I hope to use my bilingual background to bridge gaps and create pathways to opportunity. I know firsthand how intimidating institutions can feel when information is unclear, and I want to be part of the solution that makes resources accessible rather than overwhelming. Being bilingual has also taught me empathy, adaptability, and cultural awareness. It forced me to listen carefully, pay attention to nuance, and understand perspectives outside my own. These skills show up in every part of my life, from my academic work to the way I care for children and families in my jobs. I approach people with patience because I know what it feels like to struggle to be understood. My story is one of perseverance, growth, and learning to embrace all parts of who I am. Spanish connects me to my roots, my family, and my community, while English has opened doors to higher education and professional opportunities. Together, they represent the life I am building—one that honors where I come from while reaching toward what is possible. Being bilingual is not always easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger communicator, a more compassionate person, and someone committed to using her voice to uplift others. Those are the values I will carry with me after graduation and into whatever future I create.

Character, sportsmanship, and work ethic are not traits I learned from a scoreboard or a trophy shelf. They were shaped by my upbringing, my responsibilities, and the challenges I faced growing up in a low-income household after losing my mother at a young age. Being raised in a single-parent home taught me resilience early. I watched my father work endlessly to keep our family afloat, and that example became the foundation of how I approach everything I do, whether in competition, at work, or in my community. On the water, sportsmanship means respect. Respect for the environment, for other anglers, and for the process itself. Fishing requires patience, discipline, and humility. Not every cast brings success, and learning to stay calm and focused when things do not go your way has translated into how I handle setbacks in life. I value preparation, showing up early, caring for my equipment, and leaving every place better than I found it. Those habits reflect how I treat people too, with fairness, honesty, and gratitude for shared spaces. My work ethic shows most clearly in how I balance my responsibilities. As a first-generation college student, I juggle academics while working multiple jobs as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant to support my household. Long days and tight schedules have become normal for me, but I refuse to cut corners. I take pride in being dependable, whether that means helping children with homework, caring for pets, or staying up late to finish an assignment after a full shift. People rely on me, and I take that seriously. Consistency and accountability matter to me more than recognition. In my community, I try to lead through actions rather than words. I look for ways to be helpful, whether that is stepping in when someone needs assistance, offering encouragement to classmates who feel overwhelmed, or mentoring younger students who are navigating college for the first time. I understand what it feels like to walk into unfamiliar systems without guidance, so I make it a point to share resources, answer questions, and remind others that they belong. Sportsmanship off the water, to me, means lifting people up rather than competing against them. Losing my mother also shaped my empathy. It taught me that everyone is carrying something invisible, and that kindness goes a long way. I try to bring patience and understanding into every space I enter. When things get stressful, I focus on staying grounded and respectful, remembering that how I respond to difficulty defines my character far more than any success. I exemplify character through perseverance, sportsmanship through respect, and work ethic through dedication to both my education and my community. These values guide how I fish, how I work, and how I treat others. They remind me to stay humble, work hard, and never forget where I came from. No matter where life takes me, I plan to continue showing up with integrity, gratitude, and a commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

What I want to build is not just a career or a business. I want to build stability, opportunity, and a sense of belonging for people who grow up feeling like the odds are stacked against them, the way I did. Growing up in a low-income household and losing my mother at a young age forced me to mature quickly. My father became my only parent, and survival became our priority. Those experiences shaped my drive to create something meaningful, something that lasts beyond just my own success. Right now, I am building my future through education. As a first-generation college student, every step has required courage, research, and persistence. I balance school with long hours working as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant to help support my household while staying focused on my academic goals. Some nights I come home exhausted and still open my laptop to study, reminding myself that I am not doing this only for me. I am doing it for my family and for the people who will one day see my story and believe their own dreams are possible too. Long term, I hope to build a career rooted in communication, advocacy, and community outreach. I want to work with organizations that support families, first-generation students, and people navigating grief or financial hardship. I believe communication has the power to open doors, connect people to resources, and make intimidating systems feel more accessible. Eventually, I dream of creating programs or initiatives that mentor young people from underserved backgrounds, helping them navigate college applications, financial aid, and life transitions with confidence. I also hope to build a business or nonprofit focused on family services, mentorship, or youth development, something that gives back directly to the communities that shaped me. I want to create spaces where people feel seen and supported, where asking for help is encouraged, and where perseverance is celebrated. Building my future means turning hardship into purpose. It means honoring where I came from while aiming higher than I ever thought possible. The positive impact I hope to make is simple but powerful: to be someone who lifts others while climbing myself, to create pathways where there were once barriers, and to leave behind something that proves resilience, compassion, and determination can change lives. What I am building is still in progress, but every class I take, every shift I work, and every goal I set is another brick in the foundation of a future shaped by service, strength, and hope.

Losing my mother at the age of eleven changed the course of my life in ways I am still discovering today. Before her passing, she was the heart of our home, the person who brought comfort, warmth, and stability into our everyday routines. When she was gone, the silence that followed felt overwhelming. My world suddenly became heavier, and I had to grow up faster than I ever expected. Grief entered my life at a young age, and with it came responsibility, uncertainty, and a deep awareness of how fragile everything can be. After her death, my father became my sole parent, doing everything he could to hold our family together. Watching him carry both his own pain and the weight of providing for us shaped how I view perseverance. We lived in a low-income household, and every decision revolved around survival, budgeting carefully, and finding ways to keep moving forward. I learned early how to help around the house, stay disciplined, and support my family emotionally, even when I was still trying to understand my own grief. For a long time, I carried my loss quietly. I focused on school because it gave me structure when my life felt unpredictable. It became my refuge and later my motivation. I realized that education was one of the few things fully within my control, and that realization pushed me to aim higher than my circumstances suggested I could. As a first-generation college student, navigating higher education without a blueprint has been intimidating, but my mother’s absence has driven me to keep going rather than give up. I often think about how proud she would be to see me balancing college with multiple jobs as a nanny and family assistant while planning my transfer to a university. Her loss has shaped the person I am today in quieter but powerful ways. It made me more empathetic toward others who are struggling, more patient with people carrying invisible burdens, and more grateful for the relationships I still have. I learned how important presence is, how listening can be healing, and how love can continue long after someone is gone. Those lessons influence how I treat the families I work for, how I show up for my friends, and how I move through the world with compassion. My mother’s passing also shaped my goals. I am studying communication because I want to help people feel heard, understood, and supported. I want a career that centers on advocacy, connection, and helping families and students who feel overwhelmed by hardship. I hope to one day mentor other first-generation students and young people who have experienced loss, showing them that their pain does not define their limits. Although I would give anything to still have my mother with me, her absence became a source of strength rather than something that broke me. She taught me love, resilience, and faith in possibility, and those lessons continue to guide every step I take. My journey has not been easy, but it has been shaped by determination, gratitude, and the desire to create a future she would be proud of. Her loss changed my life forever, but it also gave me purpose. I carry her with me in everything I do, and I move forward with the hope of building a life rooted in service, stability, and compassion.

Education was not something I always connected to big dreams or long-term plans. Growing up in a low-income household, my priorities were often focused on stability and helping my family get through each day. When I lost my mother at eleven years old, everything in my life shifted. My father suddenly became the only parent in our home, and grief was layered on top of financial uncertainty. I learned early that life could change without warning, and that survival sometimes had to come before dreaming. Yet, even in those difficult years, school became the one place where I could imagine something more for myself. As I grew older, education slowly transformed from a requirement into a lifeline. It gave me structure when my world felt unpredictable and reminded me that I was capable of shaping my future rather than being defined by hardship. As a first-generation college student, I had to navigate higher education largely on my own. I taught myself how to complete financial aid applications, research transfer requirements, and meet with academic counselors while working long hours to support my household. I currently juggle multiple jobs as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant, positions that demand responsibility, patience, and emotional awareness. After long shifts, I often sit down to study late into the night, knowing that every exhausted moment is an investment in something larger than my present circumstances. The challenges I have faced did not disappear once I reached college. Housing instability, financial pressure, and emotional stress remain part of my daily reality. There were times when deadlines stacked up and work hours increased to the point where I questioned whether continuing was realistic. Still, each obstacle strengthened my discipline and forced me to develop resilience. I learned how to carefully manage my time, reach out for support, and protect my mental health so I could continue showing up for myself. Education did not remove the struggles in my life, but it gave me the tools to face them with determination rather than fear. Studying communication has helped me define the kind of future I want to build. I became fascinated by how people connect, how misunderstandings can create barriers, and how empathy can change outcomes. Growing up surrounded by loss and uncertainty made me deeply aware of how powerful it is when someone truly listens. I want to pursue a career centered on advocacy, outreach, and helping families and students access opportunities that once felt unreachable to me. Whether that path leads me to nonprofit work, public relations for social causes, or education-focused programs, my goal is to use my voice to uplift others and make complex systems more navigable for those who feel invisible. My upbringing also reshaped how I define success. For me, success is not only about earning a degree or building a stable career. It is about creating security for my family, opening doors for future generations, and staying connected to the community that shaped me. I hope to mentor first-generation college students who feel overwhelmed by the academic system and reassure them that they belong in higher education. I want to volunteer with organizations that serve low-income families and individuals dealing with grief, because I understand how isolating those experiences can be. One day, I hope to establish scholarships or programs for students who quietly shoulder adult responsibilities while trying to succeed in school, just as I have. Education has given me direction during moments when my life felt uncertain. It turned grief into motivation and hardship into a reason to push forward instead of giving up. Losing my mother forced me to grow up quickly, but it also taught me compassion, gratitude, and the importance of perseverance. Watching my father work endlessly to provide for us shaped my sense of responsibility and inspired me to aim higher than I once believed possible. Every exam I pass, every transfer plan I map out, and every scholarship application I submit is a tribute to the sacrifices that made my education possible. Dreaming big once felt unrealistic for someone from my background. Now it feels essential. Rising higher does not mean forgetting where I came from. It means carrying my story with pride while continuing to work toward a future rooted in service, stability, and purpose. Education has given me the confidence to imagine that future and the tools to chase it, even when the path feels steep. I am still learning, still growing, and still climbing, but I know that my experiences have prepared me to build something meaningful not just for myself, but for the people who come after me.

The most significant loss I have experienced in my life was losing my mother when I was eleven years old. At an age when most children still depend on their parents for comfort and stability, I was forced to face grief far earlier than I understood how to handle. Her absence left a permanent mark on my life. It changed my family, my sense of security, and the way I learned to move through the world. While the pain of that loss never fully disappears, it has shaped me into someone more resilient, compassionate, and determined to create a meaningful future. After my mother passed away, my father and I had to rebuild our lives in a low-income household. Suddenly, everything felt uncertain. Finances were tight, routines changed, and emotional support was something we were both learning how to navigate. I became more aware of responsibility at a young age, learning to help at home, manage my emotions quietly, and keep going even when I felt overwhelmed. There were nights when I cried alone, not knowing how to express what I was feeling, and mornings when I still had to go to school and pretend everything was fine. That experience taught me endurance long before I realized what the word truly meant. This loss also reshaped my outlook on life. I no longer take time or relationships for granted. I learned how fragile life can be, which made me value the people around me more deeply. I became more attentive, more patient, and more intentional with how I show love. When someone in my life is struggling, I notice. I listen. I try to be the person I once needed during my hardest moments. Losing my mother influenced my goals as well. Watching my father work tirelessly to keep us afloat inspired me to pursue education with everything I have, even when the path feels overwhelming. As a first-generation college student, I often feel the weight of building something entirely new for my family. There are no instructions or examples to follow, just faith, persistence, and long nights of studying after long workdays as a nanny and family assistant. I carry my mother’s memory with me in every exam I take, every scholarship I apply for, and every step I make toward transferring and building a stable future. This experience also shaped how I choose to live my life day to day. I try not to let fear stop me from dreaming. I choose gratitude even when things are hard. I remind myself that surviving something so painful means I am capable of facing whatever comes next. My mother’s absence pushed me to grow faster, but it also gave me clarity about the kind of person I want to be. Someone strong, kind, and willing to lift others when they are struggling. Losing her taught me that hardship can either harden you or teach you how to love more deeply. I chose the second. Everything I do now, from my education to my work to the way I show up for people, is shaped by that loss. It is not the story I would have chosen, but it is the one that made me who I am today.

This scholarship opportunity is deeply meaningful to me because it represents far more than financial support. It represents hope, recognition, and the belief that perseverance rooted in faith truly matters. My life has been shaped by loss, uncertainty, and responsibility at a young age. When I lost my mother at eleven years old, my world changed overnight. My father and I were left to rebuild our lives, and the emotional weight of grief combined with financial instability made every day feel uncertain. During that season, my faith became the one constant I could lean on when everything else felt fragile. Through prayer, reflection, and trust in God’s plan, I found the strength to keep going even when I did not understand why hardship had entered my life so early. Faith taught me patience when answers did not come quickly and courage when fear tried to take over. When our housing situation later became unstable and we were forced to leave a home we had lived in for years, I once again relied on faith to steady my heart and guide my decisions. Instead of giving in to panic, I chose to believe that there was purpose beyond the struggle and that I was being prepared for something greater. Being the first in my family to pursue college brought its own challenges. Navigating financial aid, scholarships, and transfer plans without guidance was overwhelming at times. There were moments I questioned whether I belonged in higher education at all. In those moments, I leaned on prayer for confidence and clarity. Faith reminded me that I was not walking this journey alone and that every door that opened was an opportunity meant for me to step forward boldly. Balancing full-time coursework with long hours working as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant has tested my endurance. Some days are physically and emotionally draining, but my faith gives me perspective. It teaches me gratitude for how far I have come and strength to keep showing up even when progress feels slow. Each challenge has become a testimony to what perseverance guided by faith can accomplish. The triumphs I celebrate today are not just academic progress or career goals. They are moments of resilience, confidence, and growth. They are the realization that hardship did not stop me from dreaming. My faith shaped the kind of future I want to build, one centered on service, compassion, and lifting others up. As a communication major, I hope to use my voice to advocate for families, first-generation students, and communities facing instability. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to keep going. In the future, I will continue to rely on faith as a guiding force in every step I take. Whether facing setbacks, uncertainty, or new opportunities, I plan to move forward with trust, humility, and a commitment to serving others. This scholarship would not only support my education. It would affirm the journey I have walked with unwavering faith by my side and strengthen my ability to reach even greater heights.

My experiences with mental health have shaped how I view myself, how I treat others, and the kind of future I want to build. Losing my mother at the age of eleven introduced me to grief and emotional weight far earlier than most children experience. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household after that loss added layers of stress, instability, and responsibility. For years, I learned to push through quietly, believing that strength meant handling everything on my own. Over time, I realized that true strength comes from acknowledging pain, seeking support, and learning how to care for my mind as intentionally as I care for my goals. These experiences reshaped my beliefs about success. I no longer see achievement as simply pushing harder or ignoring exhaustion. I now believe that mental health is foundational to progress. If I am not well emotionally, I cannot show up fully in my education, work, or relationships. That understanding has changed how I approach college as a first-generation student balancing full-time coursework with long hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant. I rely on routines that protect my well-being, such as journaling, prayer, exercise, and honest conversations with people I trust. I also learned to ask for help from professors, counselors, and mentors instead of struggling in silence. Mental health awareness has deeply influenced my relationships. I try to be more patient, open, and attentive with the people in my life because I know how isolating it can feel to carry emotional pain alone. I check in on friends and family, listen without judgment, and encourage others to speak openly about stress and burnout. With the families I work for, I lead with empathy, understanding that emotional health affects entire households, especially children. Being present and supportive is one of the most meaningful ways I can care for others. My journey has also shaped my career aspirations. Studying communication showed me how powerful advocacy, storytelling, and connection can be, especially when it comes to breaking stigma around mental health. In the future, I hope to work in media, public relations, or community outreach, and eventually build programs or organizations that promote wellness, access to resources, and honest dialogue about emotional health. I want to create spaces where people feel safe asking for help and confident in their worth. What I have been through taught me that vulnerability is not weakness. It is courage. Sharing my story, setting boundaries, and prioritizing my mental health are acts of bravery that allow me to keep moving forward. The obstacles I faced did not disappear, but they changed me into someone more self-aware, compassionate, and determined to make a difference. Mental health has influenced every part of who I am today. It taught me how to survive loss, manage pressure, and keep believing in myself even when life feels overwhelming. It also gave me a purpose larger than my own success. I want to use my voice, education, and lived experience to help others heal, grow, and feel less alone.

Mental health is deeply important to me because I have seen firsthand how emotional struggles can shape every part of a person’s life, especially when combined with grief, financial stress, and academic pressure. Losing my mother at the age of eleven changed my world and forced me to carry sadness and responsibility long before I was ready. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household meant learning how to survive instability while trying to stay focused in school. Those experiences taught me that mental health is not separate from success. It is the foundation that allows students to keep going when life feels overwhelming. As a first-generation college student balancing full-time coursework with long hours working as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant, I understand how easily burnout, anxiety, and self-doubt can creep in. There were moments when I felt like I had to handle everything on my own, but I slowly learned that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Protecting my mental health became an intentional part of my routine. I use journaling, prayer, exercise, and honest conversations with people I trust to manage stress and stay grounded. I also learned how to set boundaries with my time so I do not push myself to the point of exhaustion. Because of what I have been through, I make it a point to advocate for mental health in my own community. At school, I speak openly with classmates about stress and encourage them to use campus counseling services or academic support when they feel overwhelmed. In group projects, I try to create spaces where people feel heard instead of pressured. At home, I check in on my family and remind them that it is okay to talk about hard days instead of carrying everything silently. With the families I work for, I lead with patience and empathy, knowing that emotional well-being affects everyone in the household, including children. I also advocate through example. I show others that it is possible to pursue goals while still prioritizing emotional health. When I need a break, I take one. When something feels too heavy, I talk about it. I try to normalize rest, reflection, and seeking support instead of glorifying burnout. Sharing my story as a first-generation student who has faced loss and instability is another way I hope to reduce stigma around mental health and remind others that they are not alone in their struggles. In the future, I plan to continue incorporating mental health advocacy into my career, whether through communication, community outreach, or family-centered work. I want to help create programs and platforms that promote wellness, access to resources, and open conversations about emotional health, especially for students and families who might not know where to turn. Mental health matters to me because I know what it feels like to carry too much alone. Today, I choose to care for my mind as fiercely as I work for my future. By supporting myself and those around me, I hope to help build communities where students feel empowered to ask for help, heal, and keep moving forward.

One of the most difficult seasons of my life began when I lost my mother at the age of eleven. At that point, I did not fully understand grief, only that everything I once depended on suddenly felt uncertain. My father and I were left to rebuild our lives, and the weight of loss, financial stress, and fear about the future followed us for years. During that time, faith became my anchor. When I felt overwhelmed, prayer was often the only place where I could release my fear and sadness without pretending I was strong. As I grew older, that faith became something I actively relied on rather than something I quietly carried. When our housing situation became unstable and we were forced to leave a home we had lived in for years, I found myself turning to God for strength again. I prayed for peace when panic set in, clarity when decisions felt impossible, and hope when the future felt uncertain. I did not know exactly how things would work out, but I believed that there was a purpose beyond what I could see in that moment. That belief kept me grounded when everything else felt fragile. Faith also guided me when I became the first in my family to pursue college. Navigating financial aid, scholarships, and transfer plans without a roadmap was intimidating. There were times I doubted whether I belonged in higher education at all. In those moments, I leaned into prayer, asking for courage and direction. Instead of letting fear stop me, I trusted that the opportunities in front of me were not accidents and that perseverance was part of the path laid out for me. Balancing school with long work hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant added another layer of pressure. Some nights I was exhausted physically and mentally, but I reminded myself that God had carried me through worse. My faith taught me patience, gratitude, and the importance of continuing forward even when progress felt slow. It helped me view challenges not as signs to quit, but as tests that were shaping my character. Through every obstacle, my faith also deepened my compassion for others. Experiencing loss and instability made me more sensitive to people who are struggling quietly. I try to lead with kindness, listen without judgment, and support the families I work for in meaningful ways. I believe that faith is not only something you hold in your heart, but something you live out through service to others. Looking back, I see how each challenge strengthened my trust in God and in myself. Faith did not erase my pain, but it gave me the courage to keep moving forward when I felt broken. It reminded me that my story is still unfolding and that hardship does not have the final word. Relying on faith helped me overcome grief, uncertainty, and fear. It continues to guide the decisions I make today as I pursue my education and prepare for a future centered on service, advocacy, and lifting others up. I carry my faith with me into every step forward, confident that it will continue to sustain me through whatever challenges lie ahead.

Adversity has been a constant presence in my life, but it has never been something I allowed to define me. Losing my mother at the age of eleven was the first moment I truly understood how quickly life can change. Grief became something I carried quietly while trying to stay strong for my family. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household after that loss meant learning responsibility early and watching my father work endlessly to keep us afloat. Those experiences created fear and doubt at times, but they also built resilience that continues to drive me toward my career goals. One of the most important steps I have taken in the face of mental and emotional adversity is refusing to pause my education. Even when life felt overwhelming, I stayed enrolled in school and committed to my future. As a first-generation college student, navigating financial aid, scholarships, and transfer requirements was intimidating, but instead of backing away, I asked questions, met with counselors, and sought mentors who could guide me. Learning to advocate for myself was not easy, but it became one of the bravest things I have done. Financial pressure has also been a major obstacle. To help support my household, I work long hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant while balancing full-time coursework. On days when exhaustion takes over, I rely on careful planning, discipline, and reminders of why I started. I create schedules, break big goals into smaller steps, and apply constantly for opportunities that could relieve financial stress, including scholarships, internships, and campus programs. Those actions help turn fear into forward motion. Another step I have taken is protecting my mental health. I learned that strength does not mean pretending everything is fine. It means leaning on trusted people, talking openly about stress, and allowing myself to rest when I need to so I can keep going. I use journaling, exercise, and reflection to manage anxiety and stay focused. I also draw motivation from my family, my partner, and mentors who remind me of my potential when I start doubting myself. My career aspirations center on communication, advocacy, and service. I want to work in fields like media, public relations, or community outreach, and eventually create programs or businesses that support families and first-generation students. Every challenge I have faced fuels that purpose. Because I know what it feels like to struggle silently, I am determined to build a career that helps others feel seen, supported, and empowered. Bravery, to me, is not the absence of fear. It is continuing forward despite it. I have learned to keep showing up to class after long shifts, to apply for opportunities even when rejection feels possible, and to dream big even when my circumstances suggest I should play it safe. The steps I have taken, staying enrolled, working consistently, seeking guidance, protecting my mental health, and committing to long-term goals, are how I continue to move toward the future I want. Adversity shaped me, but it did not stop me. I am still standing, still striving, and still believing in the career I am working every day to build.

My “pie in the sky” dream is to build a life where I not only succeed, but create stability and opportunity for families who come from backgrounds like mine. I want to grow into a leader in communication, media, or community advocacy, and eventually build my own organization or business that supports working families, first-generation students, and young people who feel invisible in systems that were not built for them. That dream feels inspiring, but also just out of reach, because I grew up in a single-parent, low-income household after losing my mother at the age of eleven. For a long time, survival came before dreaming. Watching my father raise me alone taught me what endurance looks like. I saw him work nonstop while carrying his grief, and I learned early how to help, stay quiet when things were hard, and push forward even when I felt scared. There were years when stability felt fragile and housing felt uncertain, and I realized that no one was going to hand me a roadmap to success. I would have to build it myself. Being a first-generation college student only made that clearer. I balance full-time school with long hours working as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant to help support my household. Some nights I come home exhausted and still sit down to finish assignments, scholarship applications, or transfer plans. There are moments when the dream of building something bigger than my circumstances feels overwhelming, but those are the same moments that remind me why I refuse to give up. I am not doing this only for myself. I am doing it for my family, for the little girl I was, and for others who do not yet believe they belong in higher education or leadership spaces. Studying communication has opened my eyes to the power of storytelling, advocacy, and connection. I have learned that change does not always come from authority. Sometimes it starts with listening, amplifying voices that go unheard, and helping people navigate systems that feel impossible alone. That realization is what sparked my dream. I want to use my career to build programs, media platforms, or family-centered services that provide mentorship, resources, and hope to people who feel stuck between survival and possibility. I know that getting there will take patience, discipline, and courage. I will need to keep my grades strong, continue working to support myself, apply for scholarships, seek internships, and surround myself with mentors who challenge me to grow. I will need to keep believing in myself on the days when doubt creeps in and money feels tight. Most importantly, I will need to stay rooted in the values my upbringing gave me: resilience, empathy, and gratitude. My dream may feel far away right now, but every class I take, every family I care for, and every obstacle I overcome brings it closer. I grew up learning how to survive. Now I am learning how to dream boldly. One day, I hope my story becomes proof that where you start does not determine how far you can go.

Being raised in a single-parent household shaped me in ways I did not fully understand until I was older. After losing my mother at a young age, my father became my only parent, and our lives changed overnight. Watching him work tirelessly to keep us going while carrying his own grief taught me responsibility, strength, and gratitude. From an early age, I learned how to adapt, help wherever I could, and stay focused on building a future that honored everything he sacrificed. Growing up this way also made me more independent. I learned to manage my time, take on work early, and contribute to my household while staying committed to school. Today, I balance college with long hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant. Supporting my family while pursuing higher education has not been easy, but it taught me discipline and perseverance. As a first-generation college student, I also had to navigate financial aid, scholarships, and transfer planning largely on my own, which pushed me to become confident in advocating for myself and asking questions when I needed guidance. Living in a single-parent home made me deeply aware of how important community and compassion are. When resources feel limited and stress is constant, even small acts of kindness make a difference. Those experiences shaped my desire to use my talents to help others. I am studying communication because I believe listening, empathy, and advocacy can change lives. I might not know my exact career title yet, but I do know that I want my work to focus on service, connection, and lifting people up. In the future, I hope to use my skills to support families, mentor first-generation students, and create spaces where people feel seen and valued. Whether that is through media, community outreach, education, or eventually creating my own family-centered business, my goal is to make life a little easier for people who are carrying heavy responsibilities. I want to be the person who helps others navigate confusing systems, find resources, or simply feel less alone. I also plan to stay involved in giving back through volunteering, mentorship programs, and community organizations that serve low-income families and students. My upbringing taught me that doing good does not always come from money or status. It comes from showing up, listening, and refusing to ignore people who are struggling. Being raised by a single parent gave me grit, empathy, and purpose. It taught me how to keep going when life is unfair and how to turn hardship into motivation. I carry those lessons with me every day, and I plan to use them to build a future defined not just by success, but by service. My story is still being written, but I know that whatever path I choose, it will be one that centers on helping others rise.

Losing my mother at the age of eleven changed everything about my life. At an age when most kids still rely on their parents for comfort and stability, I was forced to grow up quickly and learn how to carry grief while continuing forward. Her absence left a space that nothing could fill, and for a long time I did not know how to talk about the pain I carried. I learned early how to stay strong for others, even when I felt overwhelmed inside. That experience shaped the person I am today: resilient, compassionate, and deeply aware of how fragile life can be. Grief taught me patience. It taught me how to sit with difficult emotions instead of running from them, and how to recognize that everyone is fighting battles that are not always visible. I became more sensitive to the feelings of others, especially those dealing with loss, hardship, or instability. Over time, I realized that my pain could either harden me or soften me. I chose to let it soften me. I try to show up for people in the ways I once needed someone to show up for me. That mindset carries into my everyday life and the work I do caring for children and families as a nanny and family assistant. Being around kids has given me a deeper appreciation for how important safety, trust, and emotional support are. I know how much it matters when an adult listens, protects, and stays consistent. My experiences make me intentional about creating calm, loving spaces for the children I care for and being someone families can rely on during stressful moments. My grief also influenced the career path I am choosing. As a communication major, I am drawn to work that centers on advocacy, storytelling, and connection. Losing my mother taught me how powerful words can be, and how painful silence can feel. I want to build a career that gives people a voice, especially those who feel unseen, unheard, or alone in their struggles. Whether through community outreach, family-centered services, or media work, my goal is to use communication as a tool for healing and empowerment. I have also learned to channel my grief into motivation. Instead of letting it slow me down, I use it as fuel to work harder in school, support my family, and pursue opportunities my mother would have been proud of. I carry her with me in everything I do. Her absence reminds me not to waste time, to love people deeply, and to keep pushing even when life feels unfair. Although I did not lose a sibling, the loss of my mother shaped my understanding of love, responsibility, and resilience at a young age. It taught me that caring for others is one of the most meaningful ways to honor those we have lost. My grief is part of my story, but it is not the end of it. It is the reason I strive to build a future rooted in compassion, service, and purpose.

Growing up in a low income household taught me resilience before I even had the words for it. My father worked tirelessly to support us, and there were many moments when finances and housing felt uncertain. We eventually had to leave a home we lived in for years, and that experience forced me to grow up quickly. Instead of letting fear stop me, I learned how to stay focused, adaptable, and determined to build a better future for both of us. Because of our circumstances, I began working at a young age and now balance college with long hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant. Supporting my household while pursuing higher education has not been easy, but it has strengthened my discipline and sense of purpose. As a first generation college student, I also had to navigate financial aid, scholarships, and transfer planning largely on my own, which pushed me to become independent and confident in asking for help when I needed it. I plan to use my life experiences to give back by mentoring students from similar backgrounds and advocating for access to education and housing stability. I am studying communication so I can amplify underrepresented voices and connect families to resources that improve their lives. I hope to build a career centered on service, community outreach, or family support, where compassion and leadership come first. Every challenge I have faced has shaped my goals. I am actively working toward them by maintaining my grades, working consistently, applying for scholarships, and preparing to transfer to a four year university. My upbringing taught me that obstacles do not define your future. How you respond to them does, and I choose to respond with perseverance, empathy, and a commitment to lifting others along the way.

I am a first-generation college student who grew up learning what it means to take responsibility early. My father and I experienced housing instability and financial hardship, and those challenges forced me to mature quickly and step into adult roles while still trying to build my own future. When we had to leave a home we had lived in for many years, I realized how fragile stability can be. That experience changed me. It made me determined to create a life rooted in service, security, and compassion, not only for myself but for others who may be facing similar struggles. To support my family and continue my education, I work long hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant. Caring for children and households has shown me how much people rely on trust, patience, and consistency. I have learned how to stay calm in stressful situations, listen carefully to concerns, and create safe environments where families feel supported. Those daily interactions shaped my desire to pursue a career that centers on helping others and strengthening communities. I am studying communication because I believe connection is at the heart of every caring profession. Through my coursework, I have learned how advocacy, listening, and storytelling can empower people who feel unheard. In my future career, whether through public relations, media outreach, or building my own family-centered business, I plan to use these skills to uplift underrepresented voices and connect people to resources that improve their lives. I want my work to focus on accessibility, inclusion, and building trust between organizations and the communities they serve. My personal experiences also drive me to support first-generation students and families facing instability. I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate education systems, finances, and housing without guidance. That is why I hope to mentor students who are walking similar paths and advocate for programs that provide support, clarity, and opportunity. I want to help create systems that make success feel possible instead of out of reach. The obstacles I have faced did not make me bitter. They made me empathetic. I learned to notice when someone needs encouragement, to offer patience when people are overwhelmed, and to stay hopeful even when circumstances are uncertain. These qualities will guide how I show up in my career and in the communities I serve. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure I carry as a working student and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and professional growth. With that support, I can continue preparing for a career devoted to service and leadership rather than constantly worrying about how to cover basic needs. Through my career, I plan to make a positive impact by creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and supported. My goal is to build something that truly cares for others, whether that is through mentoring, advocacy, or community-focused business ventures. I want my life’s work to reflect the resilience that shaped me and the compassion I carry forward every day.

I am a first-generation college student who learned early that stability is not guaranteed. Growing up, my father and I faced housing insecurity and financial stress, experiences that forced me to mature quickly and take on responsibilities most people my age were not dealing with. We had to leave a home we lived in for many years, and that moment changed the way I looked at everything. Suddenly nothing felt permanent except my determination to keep going. School became my anchor. It was the one thing I could rely on to build a better future for myself and for my family. To support us, I work long hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant while staying enrolled full time in college. Many days are exhausting. I juggle assignments, shifts, commuting, and transfer planning, all while helping my father however I can. Being the first in my family to attend college means I had to figure out applications, financial aid, and scholarships mostly on my own. There were times I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I was doing everything right, but giving up was never an option. Every obstacle reminded me why I started. Education is my path toward independence and toward creating stability where there once was uncertainty. I am studying communication because I believe strong voices and genuine connection can change lives. Through my coursework, I have learned how listening, advocacy, and storytelling can bring people together and create opportunities for those who feel overlooked. In the United States, I plan to use my education to work in media, public relations, or eventually build my own business centered on family services and community support. I want to highlight underrepresented voices, connect people to resources, and create spaces where working families and first-generation students feel seen and valued. My experiences have shaped the kind of impact I want to make. I know what it feels like to carry adult responsibilities at a young age, to worry about finances, and to navigate systems that are unfamiliar. That is why I want to mentor students who are walking similar paths and show them that success is possible even when the journey feels lonely. I want to advocate for access to education, housing stability, and support networks for families who are trying to build better lives but lack guidance or connections. Working closely with children and families has also taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of trust. Being someone others depend on pushed me to become responsible, calm under pressure, and deeply aware of how much small acts of kindness matter. Those skills will guide the way I contribute to communities across the country through my future career and outreach efforts. The obstacles I have faced did not break me. They shaped me into someone determined, compassionate, and committed to giving back. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure I carry as a working student and allow me to stay focused on my education and long-term goals instead of constantly worrying about survival. Through my studies in the United States, I plan to create change by using my voice, supporting families and first-generation students, and building opportunities where there once were barriers. My story is proof that hardship does not define your future. What defines it is how you respond, and I am choosing to respond with purpose, perseverance, and a commitment to making the world better for those who come after me.

Education has never been something I took for granted. As a first-generation college student, it represents security, independence, and the chance to build a different future for myself and my family. Growing up with housing instability and financial stress showed me how quickly life can change. During those moments, school became the one thing I could control. It gave me direction when everything else felt uncertain and reminded me that I was capable of more than the circumstances around me. Balancing college with long work hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant has been exhausting at times. I work to help support my father and myself, often picking up extra shifts while staying on top of classes, deadlines, and transfer planning. As the first in my family to navigate higher education, I had to learn how to apply for financial aid, scholarships, and future universities largely on my own. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I could keep going, but I did anyway. Education became my proof that sacrifice is temporary and that persistence can change everything. Studying communication has shaped the way I see my role in the world. I have learned how powerful listening, storytelling, and advocacy can be, especially for people who feel unseen or unheard. I want to build a career focused on service and community impact, whether that is through media, public relations, or eventually creating my own business centered on families and care. I hope to create spaces that uplift working families and open doors for students who do not always see themselves represented in professional environments. The legacy I want to leave is rooted in resilience and compassion. I want to be remembered as someone who did not let instability define her and who used her experiences to help others feel less alone. I plan to mentor students, especially those who are first-generation or balancing work and school, and remind them that their dreams are valid even when the path feels unfamiliar. I know how isolating it can be to carry responsibility so young, and I want my story to show that it is still possible to succeed. Caring for children and families has taught me how meaningful trust is. Being dependable, showing patience, and creating a sense of safety for others are values I carry into everything I do. Those relationships taught me that impact does not always come from grand gestures. Sometimes it comes from consistency, kindness, and simply refusing to give up. Education gave me confidence in my voice. It taught me to speak up, to advocate for myself, and to believe that I deserve opportunities even when fear tells me otherwise. Receiving this scholarship would ease some of the financial pressure I carry as a working student and allow me to stay focused on my goals instead of constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. More than anything, I want my legacy to show that being first-generation, struggling financially, or facing instability does not limit your future. Through education, determination, and a commitment to lifting others, I plan to build a life that honors where I came from while creating something stronger for those who come after me.

My life has taught me that empathy is not just something you talk about. It is something you practice every day through listening, patience, and showing up for others, even when life feels overwhelming yourself. Growing up while facing housing instability, financial stress, and the responsibility of helping support my family forced me to mature quickly. Balancing college with multiple jobs as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant has shaped my strongest skills: communication, adaptability, compassion, and resilience. These are the talents I plan to use to help build a more empathetic and understanding global community. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with people from many different backgrounds. Caring for children and families has taught me how to listen carefully, respond calmly, and create safe spaces where people feel respected. Every family I work with has different routines, cultures, and expectations, and learning how to adjust while staying kind and professional has shown me how powerful understanding can be. Those experiences have helped me become someone others trust, and I want to carry that same mindset into my future career. As a communication major, I am especially interested in how storytelling, advocacy, and media can bring people together rather than divide them. I believe that sharing honest stories about resilience, community, and perseverance can change the way people see one another across cultures. In the future, I hope to build a business or organization centered on family services, community outreach, or media engagement that highlights underrepresented voices and connects people to resources they might not otherwise know about. I want to create platforms that encourage dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration on a larger scale. My background also motivates me to focus on supporting people who are navigating uncertainty, whether that means housing transitions, financial hardship, or the pressure of balancing work and school. I know firsthand how isolating those situations can feel, and that understanding pushes me to approach others with patience and grace instead of judgment. I want to mentor students who are juggling responsibilities the way I have and reassure them that their goals are still within reach. Helping others believe in themselves is one of the most meaningful ways I know how to create change. Another talent I bring is perseverance. Continuing my education while working long hours and supporting my family has not been easy, but it has strengthened my determination and sense of purpose. I have learned to advocate for myself, to speak up when something is unfair, and to remain hopeful even when the future feels uncertain. Those lessons will guide how I engage with communities beyond my own. I want to approach global challenges with curiosity rather than assumptions, compassion rather than fear, and collaboration rather than division. Ultimately, I plan to use my talents in communication, leadership, and service to build bridges between people and communities. Whether through my career, mentorship efforts, or future business ventures, I want to focus on creating spaces where people feel heard and valued. I believe that empathy begins on a small scale, in everyday interactions, and grows when people choose to treat one another with dignity and care. This scholarship would allow me to continue developing the skills I need to make that impact by supporting my education and easing some of the financial strain I carry as a working student. With that opportunity, I will keep working toward a future where my experiences, talents, and determination help contribute to a more understanding and compassionate world.

Giving back has always been part of my life, even before I realized it was something people formally talked about. Right now, I give back by showing up for my family, my community, and the families who trust me to care for their children and pets. I work as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant, roles that require patience, reliability, and empathy. Many of the families I help depend on me during long workdays or stressful moments, and I take that responsibility seriously. I try to create safe, loving environments for the kids I care for and to be someone parents can rely on. I also support my father through difficult times, especially during periods of housing instability, by working extra hours and staying focused on my education so we can build a more stable future together. As a college student studying communication, I also give back by being engaged in my classes and using what I learn to help others. I often assist classmates with assignments, discussions, and presentations, and I try to bring thoughtfulness and encouragement into group work. I believe that listening is one of the most powerful ways to support people, and my experiences have taught me how important it is to make others feel heard. Whether it is helping a family feel comfortable, supporting a friend through a hard week, or standing up for myself in difficult situations, I try to approach everything with honesty and compassion. Looking ahead, I plan to positively impact the world by building a career focused on service, leadership, and advocacy. My long term goal is to create my own business centered on family services, community care, or media outreach, something that uplifts people and provides stability for working families. I want to use communication to highlight underrepresented voices, connect communities to resources, and create opportunities for young people who may not always see themselves reflected in professional spaces. I know what it feels like to face uncertainty, and that perspective motivates me to work toward solutions that are inclusive and empowering. I also hope to mentor students who are balancing school with work or family responsibilities the way I have. I want to be someone they can look to for reassurance that their dreams are possible, even when the path feels overwhelming. Through internships, community partnerships, and volunteer efforts, I plan to stay closely involved in serving others while continuing to grow professionally. Giving back is not something I view as separate from success. For me, success means lifting others as I climb. What drives me most is the belief that small actions create lasting change. Showing kindness, working hard, being dependable, and choosing hope even in difficult moments are all ways I try to make the world better right now. In the future, I want those values to guide everything I build, whether that is a business, a mentorship program, or community initiatives that support families facing hardship. This scholarship would help me continue focusing on my education and community involvement by easing some of the financial pressure I carry as a working student. With that support, I could devote more time to leadership opportunities, volunteer work, and building projects that directly serve others. I am committed to using every opportunity I am given to create positive change, and I hope to leave behind a legacy defined by compassion, resilience, and service.

My life so far has taught me that legacy is not something you wait to build in the future. It is something you create every day through how you treat people, how you respond to hardship, and how you keep going when circumstances feel overwhelming. Growing up, I faced housing instability, financial stress, and the responsibility of helping support my family at a young age. My father and I had to move from a home we lived in for many years, and navigating that process forced me to mature quickly. At the same time, I balanced school with long work hours as a nanny, pet sitter, and family assistant in my community. Those experiences shaped who I am and taught me that perseverance, empathy, and communication can change lives, including your own. In the future, I want to create a legacy rooted in service and empowerment. I am studying communication because I believe words, listening, and connection are powerful tools. One day, I hope to build a business that centers on families and community care, possibly in family services, media, or public relations. I imagine a company that prioritizes trust, honesty, and real human connection. I want to provide opportunities for others, especially young people or working families, who are trying to build stable lives while juggling responsibilities just like I did. My dream is not just to succeed financially, but to create something meaningful that gives back and reminds people that they are not alone. I already try to shine my light in the ways available to me now. I take pride in being dependable for the families I work with and in creating safe, loving environments for children. I help my father however I can, whether that means supporting him emotionally or taking on extra work when times are tight. In school, I stay committed to my goals even when I feel exhausted or overwhelmed, because education is my path to a better future. I also advocate for myself when situations are unfair or confusing, something that once scared me but now feels empowering. Speaking up taught me confidence and showed me that my voice matters. What I have learned through everything I have experienced is that strength does not always look dramatic or loud. Sometimes it is quiet consistency, waking up early, showing up for others, completing assignments after long shifts, and refusing to give up when the future feels uncertain. I try to treat people with kindness, even when I am stressed, because I know how much a small gesture can mean when someone is struggling. That is how I shine my light, through compassion, reliability, and hope. My future legacy will be defined by the people I help, the business I build with integrity, and the example I set for others who come from difficult circumstances. I want my story to show that obstacles do not determine your worth or your potential. They can become the very reason you succeed. I plan to continue working hard, lifting others along the way, and proving that resilience, faith in yourself, and love for your community can create something lasting.

My best friend is Bryce, and our relationship has been one of the most important parts of my life. Bryce is not just my best friend but also the person who has supported me, encouraged me, and helped me grow into the person I am today. Our friendship has been filled with defining moments, both big and small, that continue to remind me how lucky I am to have someone like him by my side. One of the first things that stood out about Bryce is how he makes me feel understood. I can tell him anything, and he never judges me. When I am overwhelmed with school or work, he is the first person I turn to. Bryce listens when I need to talk, but he also knows how to make me laugh when I need a break from the stress of being a full-time student and working full time. He has become the person who balances out my life and helps me stay grounded when things feel too heavy. A defining moment in our relationship came during a time when I felt like I was carrying too much. I was struggling with the pressure of paying for my own tuition while keeping up with all of my classes. There was one night when I called Bryce because I felt like giving up. He reminded me of how far I had already come and that my hard work would pay off in the future. His words helped me find the motivation to keep going. That night showed me the kind of friend Bryce is, someone who believes in me even when I feel like I cannot believe in myself. Our relationship is also built on all the small moments that make life better. We have spent hours just talking, going for walks, and laughing about things only we would understand. Some of my favorite memories are not about doing anything big but simply being around each other. Whether it is going out for food, watching shows, or just spending time together, Bryce makes ordinary days feel meaningful. Another defining moment in our friendship was when I lost my mother at a young age. That loss shaped my life in many ways, and even though Bryce was not there at the time, he has always been someone who understands the weight I carry from that experience. He never tries to minimize my feelings and instead supports me with patience and care. Knowing that I have someone who accepts every part of my story makes our bond even stronger. This friendship is so important to me because it has taught me about love, loyalty, and true support. Bryce has shown me that real friendship means standing by each other through good times and hard times. He has been my biggest encourager and the person I can always count on. Our relationship has not only given me strength in the present but also hope for the future. To me, Bryce is more than a best friend. He is someone who has helped me grow, who makes me better, and who reminds me that I am never alone. Our defining moments, our shared memories, and the strength of our bond make this friendship one of the most valuable parts of my life.

Being a first-generation Mexican-American college student is personal to me because of the challenges I have had to overcome to get here. When my parents divorced, I lived with my father, and when my mother passed away when I was only ten years old, I had to face the world without her guidance and support. Growing up in that situation forced me to mature quickly. I did not have the safety net that many of my peers had, and instead I learned how to be strong, independent, and determined at a young age. Living with my father meant I had to figure out many things on my own. My father did not save anything for my education, so I knew early on that if I wanted to go to college, it would be my responsibility to make it happen. There were times when this reality felt overwhelming, but I refused to give up on my goals. I now work full time as a nanny while also being a full-time student. Balancing work and school is not easy. I often feel pulled in two directions, but it has taught me discipline, time management, and resilience. As a first-generation student, I also face the challenge of navigating college without much guidance. My father supports me in his own way, but he did not have the experience of attending college himself. That means I have had to take the lead in filling out financial aid forms, figuring out transfer requirements, and planning my classes. At times it has felt isolating, but it has also shown me how resourceful I can be. Every step I take toward my degree is proof that I am building a future for myself with my own determination. My Mexican-American identity gives me strength throughout this process. I come from a culture that values family, perseverance, and community. Even though I lost my mother and faced difficulties growing up, I carry her memory and the values my family instilled in me as motivation. My background has shaped me into someone who does not back down from challenges and who sees education as a way to create opportunities not only for myself but for others in my community. I am passionate about being a first-generation graduate because I know what it means to those who came before me and to those who will come after me. For my family, it means that their sacrifices were worth it, and for others in my community, it shows that higher education is possible even when the odds are stacked against you. I want to be the person who proves that you can overcome hardship and still succeed. My goal is to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a career in communication. I want to use my education to share stories, connect communities, and create change. To me, graduating as a first-generation Mexican-American student represents not just my own accomplishment but a way to honor my mother’s memory, the sacrifices of my family, and the resilience I have developed along the way.