My name is Anthony Carias, and for me, success is about more than just achieving personal goals—it's about growing in a way that allows me to give back to my family and community. As a first-generation college student, I’ve seen how hard my parents have worked to provide for us, and I want to show them that their sacrifices weren’t in vain. Success for me means breaking through barriers, especially those that have traditionally held back people from families like mine, and achieving something bigger than myself. One of my main goals is to study kinesiology or physical therapy. I've always had a strong interest in how the body works, especially through my experiences playing football. I’ve seen how important physical therapy is when recovering from injuries, and it sparked my desire to help others improve their health and quality of life. I want to be the person that helps athletes recover, and also assist people who are just trying to live their best lives by improving their movement and health. To make this happen, I’ve worked hard to maintain a 3.97 GPA while taking dual credit classes at Lone Star College. I know that my academic success is the foundation for everything else I want to achieve, and I’m committed to keeping that up. Success also means being able to provide for my family and set an example for others. As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I feel the weight of this responsibility. I want to make my parents proud and create opportunities for them that they didn’t have. I also want to show younger students, especially those from backgrounds similar to mine, that it's possible to succeed and go after your dreams, no matter the challenges. I’ve already learned so much about leadership, perseverance, and service through my experiences in football, volunteering, and being involved in my community, and I want to continue living by those values. This scholarship is incredibly important to me because it will help make my dreams a reality. Financially, going to college and pursuing a degree in kinesiology or physical therapy is a big challenge for me and my family. The scholarship will ease the burden of tuition and other costs, allowing me to focus on what really matters: my studies, training, and getting the most out of my college experience. Without this financial support, I’d be facing a lot of stress trying to balance working to pay for school and keeping up with my academic and athletic goals. Beyond the financial relief, this scholarship represents a recognition of all the hard work I’ve put in so far. I’ve been balancing homeschooling, taking college courses, playing football, and being involved in my community, and it hasn’t always been easy. But I’ve kept pushing myself because I believe in the importance of building a strong foundation for my future. This scholarship would be a way of showing me that I’m on the right track and that people believe in my potential. It will allow me to keep pushing forward without the added pressure of financial stress, so I can focus on doing my best academically and preparing for a career in physical therapy. Additionally, the scholarship will help me connect with mentors, build a network, and take advantage of opportunities that will further my career goals. I know that success isn’t just about what you accomplish on your own, but also about the people you meet and the relationships you build along the way. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to focus on gaining the experiences I need to succeed in my field, whether it’s through internships, volunteering, or professional development events. For me, success is all about growth—growing in my education, my character, and my ability to help others. This scholarship will provide me with the resources I need to focus on what matters most and help me make a real impact on my community and the lives of others. With this support, I’ll be able to continue pushing toward my goals and becoming the person I aspire to be.

"For man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all; since armed injustice is the most dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with arms, meant to be used by intelligence and virtue, which he may use for the worst ends. Wherefore, if he have not virtue, he is the most unholy and the most savage of animals, and the worst in regard to lust and gluttony." —Aristotle, "Politics" (Book I, Chapter 2) Reading Aristotle’s passage from "Politics" really struck me on a personal level because it brings attention to the tension between human potential and human flaws. Aristotle says that humans, when guided by virtue and intelligence, are the best of animals. But when disconnected from law and justice, they can become the worst of all creatures—using their abilities for destruction and selfish gain. It reminded me of how powerful human intelligence can be, but also how easily it can go astray if not directed in the right way. For me, this idea is personal because I've experienced the balance between striving for my best and sometimes seeing how tempting it is to take shortcuts or act in ways that are easier, not necessarily better. I've worked hard on my academics and in football, but I’ve also seen how, when I’ve lacked discipline or let my ego take over, I could have acted in ways that weren’t aligned with my values. Aristotle's words speak to this constant struggle: the potential for greatness within us and the very real danger of letting that greatness be corrupted by selfish desires. One part of Aristotle's argument that stood out to me was his belief that human intelligence is neutral. It doesn’t naturally lead to good or evil but depends on how it is used. This really made me reflect on how, in my own life, I’ve seen both sides of this. In sports, for example, it’s easy to use my intelligence to focus on winning at all costs—pushing my body to extremes, or letting competition turn into unhealthy rivalry. But when I make decisions based on my values, like playing fairly or supporting my teammates, my actions align with a greater sense of purpose and virtue. What I find particularly fascinating about Aristotle’s view is that he sees intelligence and physical ability as tools that can be used for both good and bad. Just like when I’m training for football, I know I have the ability to push myself hard to the point of injury if I’m not careful, or I can use the same energy to improve myself in a way that is healthy and balanced. The same goes for how I use my time. I can study to learn and grow, or I can procrastinate, avoiding hard work in favor of the easy way out. I’ve realized that how I use my time and effort really matters, because, as Aristotle suggests, without virtue, our actions can quickly turn from productive to destructive. This passage also got me thinking about the importance of law and justice in shaping human behavior. It’s not just about individual choices but about how society supports people in making virtuous decisions. I’ve learned this through my experiences as a homeschool student. While I’m given a lot of freedom, I also have a responsibility to hold myself accountable. In football, coaches help create structure by enforcing rules that guide us to play with integrity, while my teachers set expectations for me to meet in order to succeed. These external forces are what keep me grounded, ensuring that I use my abilities for the right reasons rather than for selfish gain. I see Aristotle’s idea of law and justice as a reminder that we need to actively choose what we stand for. As someone looking ahead to college and the future, I know that there will be moments where I have to decide whether I will follow what’s right or take the easier route. Aristotle reminds me that when we separate ourselves from principles of justice, we don’t just become less human—we become a danger to ourselves and others. Finally, this passage connects to how I view the world now. I think about the challenges I’ve faced in my life and realize how easy it is to fall into bad habits or just go along with what’s easiest. But, as Aristotle suggests, the key to being the best version of myself is not just about what I can do but about how I use my abilities and resources to help others and make the world better. His words remind me that no matter how much success I have in academics or sports, it’s my character and choices that truly define me. In today’s world, this is something we can all learn from. As society grows more complex with technology, power, and influence, Aristotle’s message about the dangers of intelligence and strength used for selfish purposes still holds true. It’s not enough to just be smart or capable; we must use those gifts for the greater good. When I reflect on this, I realize that my goal isn’t just to achieve success for myself but to do it in a way that is virtuous, that aligns with the principles I value and that helps others. Aristotle’s words are a reminder that true greatness comes from how we use our intelligence and abilities—not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.

My name is Anthony Carias, and I’ve always believed that the biggest challenges in life shape us into who we are meant to be. One of the toughest obstacles I’ve faced was balancing my academics, football, and the college recruiting process, all while being a first-generation college student. I’m homeschooled, taking dual credit classes at Lone Star College, and maintaining a 3.97 GPA. At the same time, I dedicated myself to football, giving everything I had on and off the field. But there was a point where it felt like too much. During my senior season, I was juggling intense coursework, football practices, games, film study, and college visits. On top of that, I was reaching out to college coaches and trying to navigate the recruiting process mostly on my own. Since no one in my family had gone through this before, I didn’t have a blueprint to follow. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and questioned if I could handle everything. But instead of letting the pressure get to me, I decided to "turn it up to 11." I became more disciplined with my time, planning out my days down to the hour to make sure I was staying on top of my schoolwork while still performing at a high level in football. I asked for advice from my coaches, teachers, and mentors, realizing that I didn’t have to figure everything out alone. I also leaned on my faith, reminding myself that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Through all of this, I not only kept my grades up, but I also earned Academic All-State honors and was invited to join the National Society of High School Scholars. This experience taught me a lot about resilience, time management, and the importance of seeking guidance. I realized that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s also about being smart with your time, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying committed to your goals no matter how tough things get. But most importantly, I learned that challenges are not meant to break us. They’re meant to build us. That’s why I would love to be a part of a mentorship program with Inspire11. Having access to experienced mentors who can guide me as I pursue a career in kinesiology or physical therapy would be an incredible opportunity. Learning from people who have been through their own challenges and found ways to succeed would push me to grow even more. At the same time, I want to use my experiences to help others. As someone who knows what it’s like to face big challenges, I want to encourage younger students—especially other first-generation college students—to keep pushing forward. With the support of Inspire11, I know I can continue turning it up to 11 and make an impact, not just for myself, but for others as well.

My name is Anthony Carias, and I am a student-athlete with a passion for football, fitness, and helping others. As a first-generation Hispanic college student, I’ve learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and faith in everything I do. Balancing a 3.97 GPA while taking dual-credit college courses hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve never backed down from a challenge. Whether on the field or in the classroom, I push myself to be the best I can be, knowing that my dedication now will help me make a bigger impact in the future. My love for sports and fitness has led me to pursue a career in kinesiology or physical therapy. I know how important it is to stay healthy and recover properly from injuries—something every athlete experiences at some point. I want to help people, whether they’re athletes trying to get back in the game or individuals recovering from injuries that limit their daily lives. I believe movement and rehabilitation are powerful, not just physically but also mentally. Being able to help someone regain their strength and confidence would be incredibly rewarding. Beyond sports and school, I love giving back to my community. I’ve had the opportunity to serve through projects like the Homeschool Football Classic Serve Day and the ‘Feed My Starving Children’ Mobile Pack Service Project. Helping others has always been important to me, and I know that no matter what career path I take, I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I also want to be an example for others—especially young athletes and students like me who might be facing challenges. As someone who has worked hard to balance academics, sports, and personal growth, I know the struggles that come with it. But I also know that with determination and faith, anything is possible. My goal is to not only help people recover physically but also to inspire them to push past their limitations and reach their full potential. In the future, I hope to use my education and experiences to help people live healthier, more active lives. Whether that’s working one-on-one with athletes, educating communities on injury prevention, or simply being someone who encourages others to keep going, I want to make a real impact. No matter where life takes me, I will continue striving to be a leader, both on and off the field, and use my career to bring hope, healing, and encouragement to those who need it.