Growing up in a low-income household with a Hispanic mixed-status family, I observed how inaccessible mental health care can affect the well-being of individuals and families. I witnessed my family struggle with untreated mental illness, which often resulted in domestic violence and substance abuse. This fueled my desire to enter the field of social work and bridge the gap in mental health access for underrepresented groups. Upon graduating high school, I went to therapy and attended community college. I then transferred to the University of California Riverside (UCR), where I mentored incoming transfer students. After graduating from UCR with a 3.96 GPA, I became an outreach worker for homeless youth and at-risk youth. I then transitioned to working in a residential treatment center for adults. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State University, Fullerton, and interning at a k-8 school district’s Health and Wellness center. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my dedication to empowering individuals, my resilience in overcoming adversity, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me cover educational expenses and help me transition to a more stable and healthy living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

Growing up in a low-income household with a Hispanic mixed-status family, I observed how inaccessible mental health care can affect the well-being of individuals and families. I witnessed my family struggle with untreated mental illness, which often resulted in domestic violence and substance abuse. This fueled my desire to enter the field of social work and bridge the gap in mental health access for underrepresented groups. Upon graduating high school, I went to therapy and attended community college, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lower grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. While at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students, helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. Witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to pursue a higher education. This newfound strength allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College, where I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, giving me the emotional stability and confidence I needed to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College. Within two years, I earned three associate degrees in humanities, behavioral Sciences, and sociology, with honors, before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR). During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. I have also become certified in dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, CPR, First Aid, and crisis prevention. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, which then allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College. I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.

I was nine the first time I heard the phrase, “Hello, my name is so-and-so, and I am an alcoholic.” My mom had started going to alcoholics anonymous meetings and would take me with her; this became our weekly routine for years. I could see my mom looking for a way to change, a way to free herself from her addiction. Unfortunately, as an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for state healthcare and could not afford therapy out of pocket. The result of my family's untreated mental health issues resulted in substance abuse and domestic violence being a common occurrence. The chaos at home made it difficult to fully engage in high school, resulting in excessive truancies and lowering grades. I did not have much hope for my future and was struggling significantly with my mental health by the time I was seventeen. However, witnessing the damaging effects that untreated mental health issues can have on families and individuals fueled my desire to create a different future for myself and for others in similar situations. Upon graduating high school, I made the difficult decision to seek therapy. Growing up in a Hispanic household, mental illness was highly stigmatized, as well as receiving any kind of mental healthcare. I was really afraid to reach out, but I took a leap of faith and met with my first therapist. Going to therapy helped me heal and process unresolved trauma, which then allowed me to begin my higher education journey at Riverside City College. I received three associate degrees before transferring to the University of California Riverside (UCR) within two years. During my time at UCR, I volunteered as a mentor for incoming transfer students, providing guidance and support to new students helping them navigate their transition to campus life. As a first-generation college student, I knew how challenging pursuing a higher education was, and I wanted to make a difference by supporting others facing similar obstacles. After graduating from UCR with a 3.9 GPA, I secured a position as an outreach worker for homeless and at-risk youth. During my time in the company, I developed more accessible methods for youth to connect with the program through social media. I then transitioned to working in a mental health treatment center, where I learned advanced therapeutic communication techniques, effective crisis intervention strategies, and comprehensive assessment and evaluation methods. Providing mental healthcare has been extremely rewarding, which has motivated me to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at California State University, Fullerton, and will be interning at a health and wellness center for a K-8 school district in the Fall of 2024. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ability to overcome adversity, my dedication to empowering individuals and communities, and my academic excellence. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for education expenses and help me move into a healthier living environment. After completing my MSW program, my goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and make mental health more accessible to underrepresented groups by implementing school-based screening programs; this scholarship will help me turn this vision into reality.