Being a student athlete, specifically in softball, has taught me the importance of having a strong mindset and confidence in myself. Softball is a 90% mental game, and if you get down on yourself, you are mentally defeated, and do not perform to the best of your ability. This sport taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities, something that was difficult to learn. Early my freshman year of high school, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. I had my good days and my bad days, but just like during a softball game, one minute you can be at your highest, but the next, you're mentally defeated. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. Softball was my therapy. I was able to go on the field and all my frustrations and worries were channeled into a sport that I loved. As my mental health progressively got better, I realized I had a future ahead of me. I focused all my energy into growing my relationship with God, which helped my mental health immensely. I realized that I wanted to make a difference in my community, by helping others. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

God has always played a big role in my life, but only recently in my high school experience. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on, without judgement. I can keep children safe in my community by showing them that they are welcomed and safe in the community of Christ. By giving them a positive role model to look up to. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you again for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman Vice President moved me deeply. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Word groups: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Red, Blue,Yellow, Green, Treble, Bass, Alto, Tenor, Spade, Club, Diamond, Heart First are the Planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn) These are all planets in our solar system. They are some of the most well-known celestial bodies, with Mercury, Venus, and Mars being terrestrial planets, and Saturn being a gas giant. Next are the Colors (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green). These are primary and secondary colors that form the basis of color theory. Red, blue, and yellow are primary colors, while green is a secondary color created by mixing blue and yellow. Third are the Musical Voice Types (Treble, Bass, Alto, Tenor). These terms refer to vocal registers and clefs in music. Treble is for higher-pitched sounds, bass for lower-pitched ones, while alto and tenor are common choral voice types. Lastly it is the Playing Card Suits (Spade, Club, Diamond, Heart). These are the four suits in a standard deck of playing cards, essential in many card games worldwide. This puzzle tests your ability to recognize connections across different domains—astronomy, art, music, and games—while keeping the challenge balanced and engaging. As someone who is infamously bad at the connections games, making it a little easier made sense. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

This Love Island challenge is designed to test the islanders’ instincts, trust in their partners, and ability to read body language. It’s a mix of lying, deception, and emotional intelligence, bringing drama, humor. Islanders gather around the firepit in their couples. A large screen is set up, displaying a silhouette of a person behind a blurred-out filter. Each islander will take turns facing a potential “ex” from their past—or a complete stranger posing as one. The “ex” (or stranger) will step forward and make a short statement about their supposed past with the islander. The statement could be a truthful anecdote or a made-up story designed to throw the islander off. The islander must decide if the person is genuinely from their past or if it’s an actor planted by the show. The islander and their couple get 60 seconds to ask the “ex” questions to suss out if they are telling the truth.The “ex” can’t reveal outright whether they are real or fake but must respond convincingly. After the questioning, the islander must declare: “Ex” or “Not?” Their couple must agree with their final choice. If the islander correctly identifies whether it’s a real ex or an imposter, they earn a romantic reward (e.g., a private date or spa evening). If they get it wrong, they receive a forfeit—such as reading out an embarrassing tweet about them, doing an awkward dance challenge, or facing a surprise twist (like their partner having to kiss someone else as a penalty). This challenge blends deception, humor, and emotional stakes—making it a Love Island classic in the making. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

I appreciate Sabrina Carpenter for her versatility as an artist, her ability to evolve, and her fearless approach to storytelling through music. She started as a Disney actress, which could have easily boxed her into a certain image, but she’s proven herself as a dynamic musician, songwriter, and performer beyond those early roles. One of the things I admire most is her lyrical depth and cleverness. She balances vulnerability with humor, writing songs that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable. Tracks like because i liked a boy showcase her ability to turn personal experiences into powerful anthems, while songs like Feather demonstrate her playful, confident side. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the realities of fame, heartbreak, or self-discovery, making her music feel authentic rather than manufactured. Beyond music, her stage presence and sense of humor make her performances genuinely engaging. Whether through her live shows, interviews, or social media presence, she radiates a charismatic blend of self-awareness and lightheartedness. It’s refreshing to see an artist who doesn’t take themselves too seriously while still delivering high-quality work. Her career is inspiring because it demonstrates the power of persistence and reinvention. She’s managed to break free from industry-imposed labels and grow into an artist with a clear identity, proving that reinvention and staying true to oneself are possible, even in an industry that often tries to define artists by their past. Whether through her music, performances, or the way she carries herself in the public eye, Sabrina Carpenter’s career serves as a reminder to embrace change, trust in one’s creative instincts, and find humor in the chaos of life. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. Thank you for considering my application.

When it comes to Team USA, few athletes command as much admiration and respect as Simone Biles. She is not only the most decorated gymnast in history but also a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and courage. Watching her perform is nothing short of awe-inspiring—her combination of power, grace, and difficulty sets her apart as one of the greatest athletes of all time. However, beyond her physical abilities, it is her resilience, advocacy, and leadership that make her my favorite athlete to cheer for. Simone Biles has redefined gymnastics, pushing the sport to new heights. Her ability to execute skills that no other gymnast has even attempted is a testament to her incredible talent and work ethic. Moves like the Yurchenko double pike vault and the Biles II on floor are so difficult that they are named after her. When she competes, she is not just aiming for victory—she is rewriting history. Every time she steps onto the mat, there is a sense of anticipation because she is capable of doing the impossible. While her athletic abilities are remarkable, what makes Biles truly inspiring is her resilience. During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, she made the courageous decision to prioritize her mental health by withdrawing from several events due to a dangerous condition called the “twisties.” This decision was met with both support and criticism, but it highlighted an important message: mental health is just as important as physical health. By stepping back, she showed that strength is not just about pushing through but also about knowing when to take care of oneself. Her comeback in later competitions proved her resilience even further. She returned to the sport at the highest level, showing that setbacks do not define an athlete—how they respond to them does. Her journey makes her easy to root for because she embodies the idea that true champions are not just measured by medals but by their ability to rise after falling. Beyond gymnastics, Biles has used her platform to advocate for important issues. She has been vocal about the need for better mental health awareness in sports and has also been a leading voice for survivors of abuse in gymnastics. She played a crucial role in holding institutions accountable for protecting athletes, demonstrating immense courage by speaking out. Cheering for Simone Biles goes beyond watching her win medals. It is about celebrating an athlete who embodies excellence, strength, and courage in every sense. She has redefined what it means to be a champion—not just through her record-breaking performances but also through her resilience and advocacy. Whether she is soaring through the air in a gravity-defying move or inspiring millions with her courage, she is the ultimate athlete to support on Team USA. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

LeBron James is one of the most captivating athletes of all time, not just because of his talent but because of his longevity, adaptability, and leadership. His ability to dominate in multiple eras of basketball, evolve his game, and maintain peak performance deep into his 30s is remarkable. LeBron’s impact goes beyond the court—his philanthropy, activism, and leadership make him a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide. LeBron has sustained elite play for over 20 seasons, something Jordan never had to do. He’s evolved his game from an explosive slasher to a strategic playmaker, proving he can dominate in multiple styles of basketball. Unlike Jordan, who primarily excelled as a scorer, LeBron is a true all-around player. He can score, pass, rebound, and defend at an elite level, making him one of the most complete players ever LeBron holds numerous records, including the all-time scoring record. He consistently ranks among the league’s best in points, assists, and rebounds, showcasing his all-encompassing impact. LeBron has led three different franchises to championships, proving he can win under different systems, teammates, and circumstances LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever. Whether he’s the greatest depends on how you weigh dominance, longevity, team success, and individual accolades. If longevity and all-around impact matter most, LeBron has a strong case. If perfection in the biggest moments and an unmatched killer instinct define greatness, Jordan might still hold the edge. Either way, LeBron’s influence on basketball and culture cements him as an all-time legend. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Billie Eilish’s music captures the raw, emotional intensity of teenage life, blending vulnerability, rebellion, and self-discovery into haunting melodies and evocative lyrics. "Idontwannabeyouanymore," This song encapsulates the silent battles of self-doubt and insecurity that many teenagers face. The lyrics—“If teardrops could be bottled, there’d be swimming pools filled by models”—speak to the struggle with body image and self-worth in a world obsessed with perfection. Billie’s hushed vocals and melancholic melody feel like a whispered confession, mirroring the way teens often mask their pain behind a façade. It’s a song that makes you feel understood, as if someone else knows the weight of being your own harshest critic. "Bury a friend, " is a dark, eerie, and unsettling, this song embodies teenage angst and the complex relationship between fear, identity, and self-destruction. With its chilling beat and cryptic lyrics, “What do you want from me? Why don’t you run from me?” it echoes the inner turmoil of growing up—when your own thoughts become your worst enemy. The song’s horror-inspired aesthetic taps into the restless energy of adolescence, where emotions feel overwhelming and the line between reality and imagination blurs. It’s the perfect anthem for those nights when everything feels just a little too intense. "Everything i wanted” beautifully captures the highs and lows of teenage dreams, expectations, and the loneliness that often accompanies them. The lyric “I had a dream, I got everything I wanted” speaks to the idea that even when you achieve what you desire, it doesn’t always bring happiness. It resonates with teenagers navigating friendships, ambition, and self-worth in a world where success is often measured by external validation. The song’s dreamy yet melancholic tone feels like floating through the uncertainty of youth, caught between hope and disillusionment. Each of these songs reflects a different shade of the teenage experience—self-doubt, darkness, and the search for meaning—making Billie Eilish’s music feel like both a mirror and a refuge.With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. Today's society often times speaks down on women, causing them to believe they do not have what it takes to stand up for themselves. I am not in girl scouts, however, if I have learned anything from these role models, it's that society is wrong. Women can do whatever they put their mind to. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

I decided to become a vegan because I wanted to align my actions with my values of compassion, sustainability, and health. Like many others, I once consumed animal products without questioning where they came from. However, as I began to learn more about the realities of animal agriculture, I could no longer justify supporting an industry that causes immense suffering to billions of sentient beings every year. One of the most significant moments in my journey was realizing that animals are not commodities—they are individuals with their own desires, emotions, and capacity to suffer. The idea that we need to exploit and kill them for food when we have abundant plant-based alternatives seemed both unnecessary and cruel. I could no longer turn a blind eye to the horrors of factory farming, where animals endure extreme confinement, painful mutilations, and terrifying deaths. If I truly valued kindness and fairness, the most logical step was to stop supporting industries that profit from their suffering. Veganism is also important to me because of its impact on the planet. Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of deforestation, water pollution, and climate change. The industry is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions and requires vast amounts of land, water, and food to sustain livestock. By choosing plant-based foods, I can reduce my carbon footprint and help preserve natural resources. A vegan lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to combat environmental destruction, and it empowers individuals to take meaningful action against the climate crisis. Looking to the future, I am committed to growing the vegan movement in ways that are accessible and inspiring to others. One of the most effective ways to create change is through education. I plan to continue sharing information about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of veganism through conversations, social media, and community events. Many people are unaware of the impact their choices have, and providing them with knowledge in a non-judgmental and supportive way can encourage them to make more compassionate decisions. Additionally, I want to support businesses and initiatives that promote plant-based living. Whether it’s advocating for more vegan options in restaurants, supporting plant-based brands, or collaborating with local organizations, I believe in making veganism more mainstream and convenient. The more accessible plant-based choices become, the easier it will be for people to transition. Ultimately, my goal is to create a world where compassion extends to all beings, human and non-human alike. Every small action contributes to a larger shift, and by inspiring others to make more ethical choices, we can collectively reduce suffering and work toward a more just and sustainable future.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. My aunt Mercy was one of the strongest people I know, as God sent her many challenges throughout her life, but she was resilient until the end. I knew my Aunt Mercy since I was a little girl, although she lived 4 hours away, and I didn't get to see her very often, I have fond memories of her. She was always so full of life, and always had a smile on her face. She had this ability to brighten whatever room she walked into, and her presence was always warm. When I was in elementary school, I remember finding out she had breast cancer. At the time, it was one of the scariest things I had to see someone close to me go through. She still continued to smile, but she was slowed down by the chemo and losing her hair. But that never took away her joy, and whenever she was around me and my family, she was always smiling and cracking jokes. I never saw her break down. She was one of the strongest people I know. She eventually was able to beat her first battle with cancer. However, when we are most comfortable, God swoops in and tests our faith with another challenge. My sophomore year of highschool, her cancer returned. This time more fatal, we were all afraid of what was to come, but Mercy stayed strong for all of us. She did lose her hair, and her energy, but her spirit was always high. My Aunt Mercy did end up losing her battle to cancer in January of 2022, but her spirit lives on. Her funeral was instead a celebration of life, because her life was something to celebrate, not mourn. Mercy taught me the importance of seeing the good in the world, and trusting God's plan. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. Today's society often times speaks down on women, causing them to believe they do not have what it takes to stand up for themselves. However, if I have learned anything from these role models, it's that society is wrong. Women can do whatever they put their mind to. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. My Grandpa Leo is one of the strongest people I know, and God sent her many challenges throughout her life, but he is resilient to this day. My Grandpa Leo is always so full of life, and always had a smile on his face. He has this ability to brighten whatever room he walks into, and his presence is always warm. When I was in elementary school, I remember finding out he had diabetes. At the time, it was one of the scariest things I had to see someone close to me go through. He still continued to smile, but he was slowed down by the dialysis, and later, a kidney transplant. But that never took away his joy, and whenever he was around me and my family, he was always smiling and cracking jokes. I never saw him break down. He is one of the strongest people I know. However, when we are most comfortable, God swoops in and tests our faith with another challenge. My junior year of highschool, my grandpa's kidneys began to fail. This time more fatal, and we were all afraid of what was to come, but he stayed strong for all of us. As time went on, his spirit began to fade. he lost a lot of weight, and his energy, but he never stopped smiling. With the help of prayers, doctors, and God's will, my Grandpa eventually got better. Although he still struggles with this disease, he never stops smiling. My grandpa Leo taught me the importance of seeing the good in the world, and trusting God's plan. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

God has always played a big role in my life, but only recently in my high school experience. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on, without judgement. I can keep children safe in my community by showing them that they are welcomed and safe in the community of Christ. By giving them a positive role model to look up to. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you again for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

What makes “Red Wine Supernova” so special is how it balances fun with emotional depth. On the surface, it’s an upbeat, danceable song, but underneath, there’s this ache—this understanding that the magic won’t last forever. That’s what makes it feel so real. Love, especially when you’re young, can feel like this dazzling explosion, but eventually, the night ends. The song doesn’t shy away from that, and that’s what makes it hit so deeply. Chappell Roan deserves all the support because she’s bringing something fresh, fun, and deeply personal to pop music. Her theatrical, campy aesthetic makes her stand out, but it’s her storytelling and vulnerability that make her unforgettable. She’s an artist who isn’t afraid to be bold, to be over-the-top, to embrace the kind of pop that feels larger than life. In an industry that often rewards playing it safe, she’s doing the opposite—creating music that’s fun, emotional, and completely her own. Supporting Chappell Roan means supporting an artist who is making pop exciting again. She’s not just another voice; she’s building a whole world with her music, one that’s vibrant, nostalgic, and full of heart. And with songs like “Red Wine Supernova,” she’s proving that pop can still make you feel something.

“So I” off of the album Brat captures the reckless, intoxicating nature of teenage love—the kind that feels like the world is spinning too fast, like nothing else matters but that one person. It’s raw, impulsive, and a little bit tragic, which makes it the perfect soundtrack for a love that’s as thrilling as it is doomed. Teenage love is chaotic by nature. It’s built on extremes—obsession, euphoria, heartbreak—all happening at once. “So I” embodies that energy, the way young love burns bright but never lasts. The lyrics feel like a confession, a late-night text you regret sending but can’t take back. There’s a desperate, breathless quality to the way Charli sings, like she’s caught up in the moment and doesn’t care about the consequences. It’s not about thinking ahead; it’s about feeling everything right now. Musically, “So I” mirrors that same urgency. The production is hypnotic, almost dizzying, like the rush of sneaking out at midnight or kissing someone you shouldn’t. It’s not polished or perfect—it’s messy, emotional, and real. Just like teenage love. The song also captures the way first love feels like a fever dream, like something too intense to sustain. It’s the kind of relationship where you swear you’d do anything for the other person, even when you know it’s doomed. The lyrics hint at that recklessness, that willingness to throw yourself into something even when you know it’ll hurt. It reminds me of the way, as a teenager, love feels bigger than it really is. It’s life or death. All-consuming. But maybe the best thing about “So I” is that it doesn’t try to resolve anything. It just exists in the moment, like a snapshot of a feeling. It’s not about moving on or growing up—it’s about being there, caught in the haze of it all. And that’s exactly what teenage love is. It’s fleeting, but while it lasts, it’s everything.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

For myself, my Mexican culture is defined by the people I chose to surround myself with, and the memories created and shared with those people. Ever since I was little, my parents made it a priority to emphasize the importance of surrounding myself with family. They stressed the necessity of showing family can be made up of people both blood related and not. I especially found family through my faith. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, opening up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. Because of this, I hope that this club will leave a lasting impact in my school community. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. Today's society often times speaks down on women, causing them to believe they do not have what it takes to stand up for themselves. However, if I have learned anything from these role models, it's that society is wrong. Women can do whatever they put their mind to. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. Today's society often times speaks down on women, causing them to believe they do not have what it takes to stand up for themselves. However, if I have learned anything from these role models, it's that society is wrong. Women can do whatever they put their mind to. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I remember the next day at church, Oceans,by Hillsong United began to play. I was immediately brought to tears. It was almost like it was a sign from God saying, "I have you, trust me and my plans." I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for God's presence, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. Today's society often times speaks down on women, causing them to believe they do not have what it takes to stand up for themselves. However, if I have learned anything from these role models, it's that society is wrong. Women can do whatever they put their mind to. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

God has always played a big role in my life, but never in my high school experience. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. I can keep children safe in my community by showing them that they are welcomed and safe in the community of Christ. By giving them a positive role model to look up to. As a victim of bullying, I know the importance of having someone you can trust to talk to, and I want to be that for people around me. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

One lyric from Olivia Rodrigo's song that resonated with my own teenage experience is the lyrics "And I just can't imagine how you could be so okay now that I'm gone." This is one of the most emotionally charged lines in music. As a majority of her audience are teenagers, this song can resonate with most of her listeners, as the majority of her album explores the teenage heartbreak and relationships. This songs isn't just about missing someone, but about the disbelief and betrayal that comes with realizing that they no longer seem to care about yourself or the relationship they were in. This line is an impactful, gut wrenching lyric that perfectly captures the essence of teenage heartbreak, and the realization that someone who meant the world to you has seemingly moved on without a second thought. It's raw, emotional, and universally relatable, as so many teens, including myself, have felt the pain of losing their first love. Whether through a breakup, a friendship ending, or just the feeling of being replaced. This lyric isn't just about missing someone; it's about the disbelief and betrayal that come with realizing they no longer seem to care. Olivia Rodrigo's delivery makes it even more powerful, with her voice cracking under the weight of the heartbreak. The challenges of being a teenager and going through your first heartbreak is the feeling that you will never love again. Although this feeling eventually will pass, in the moment the feeling is unbearable and can seem like this is the most monumental experience in your life. It's the mix of vulnerability and disbelief that makes these lyrics resonate with me. She doesn't just express sadness, but she questions the other person's emotions. The phrase "So okay," stings because it suggests that while shes drowning in heartbreak, the other person is completely unaffected. The balance of emotions is what makes breakups so hard, especially since there are always two sides to every story. Breakups are a universal experience. Every teenager has faced a moment where they wondered if someone still loved them, or how someone they used to love can act like they never existed. Rodrigo's delivery, full of cracks and emotion, makes is so powerful. It's not just a lyric, it's a gut punch. It is a moment of realization that love doesn't always linger between two people, and sometimes people move on, leaving us hurt.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. My aunt Mercy was one of the strongest people I know, as God sent her many challenges throughout her life, but she was resilient until the end. I knew my Aunt Mercy since I was a little girl, although she lived 4 hours away, and I didn't get to see her very often, I have fond memories of her. She was always so full of life, and always had a smile on her face. She had this ability to brighten whatever room she walked into, and her presence was always warm. When I was in elementary school, I remember finding out she had breast cancer. At the time, it was one of the scariest things I had to see someone close to me go through. She still continued to smile, but she was slowed down by the chemo and losing her hair. But that never took away her joy, and whenever she was around me and my family, she was always smiling and cracking jokes. I never saw her break down. She was one of the strongest people I know. She eventually was able to beat her first battle with cancer. However, when we are most comfortable, God swoops in and tests our faith with another challenge. My sophomore year of highschool, her cancer returned. This time more fatal, we were all afraid of what was to come, but Mercy stayed strong for all of us. She did lose her hair, and her energy, but her spirit was always high. My Aunt Mercy did end up losing her battle to cancer in January of 2022, but her spirit lives on. Her funeral was instead a celebration of life, because her life was something to celebrate, not mourn. Mercy taught me the importance of seeing the good in the world, and trusting God's plan. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. My aunt Mercy was one of the strongest people I know, as God sent her many challenges throughout her life, but she was resilient until the end. I knew my Aunt Mercy since I was a little girl, although she lived 4 hours away, and I didn't get to see her very often, I have fond memories of her. She was always so full of life, and always had a smile on her face. She had this ability to brighten whatever room she walked into, and her presence was always warm. When I was in elementary school, I remember finding out she had breast cancer. At the time, it was one of the scariest things I had to see someone close to me go through. She still continued to smile, but she was slowed down by the chemo and losing her hair. But that never took away her joy, and whenever she was around me and my family, she was always smiling and cracking jokes. I never saw her break down. She was one of the strongest people I know. She eventually was able to beat her first battle with cancer. However, when we are most comfortable, God swoops in and tests our faith with another challenge. My sophomore year of highschool, her cancer returned. This time more fatal, we were all afraid of what was to come, but Mercy stayed strong for all of us. She did lose her hair, and her energy, but her spirit was always high. My Aunt Mercy did end up losing her battle to cancer in January of 2022, but her spirit lives on. Her funeral was instead a celebration of life, because her life was something to celebrate, not mourn. Mercy taught me the importance of seeing the good in the world, and trusting God's plan. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. My mental health had slowly begun to destroy the person I was, and I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

God has always played a big role in my life, but never in my high school experience. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. I can keep children safe in my community by showing them that they are welcomed and safe in the community of Christ. By giving them a positive role model to look up to. As a victim of bullying, I know the importance of having someone you can trust to talk to, and I want to be that for people around me. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. Today's society often times speaks down on women, causing them to believe they do not have what it takes to stand up for themselves. However, if I have learned anything from these role models, it's that society is wrong. Women can do whatever they put their mind to. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. My aunt Mercy was one of the strongest people I know, as God sent her many challenges throughout her life, but she was resilient until the end. I knew my Aunt Mercy since I was a little girl, although she lived 4 hours away, and I didn't get to see her very often, I have fond memories of her. She was always so full of life, and always had a smile on her face. She had this ability to brighten whatever room she walked into, and her presence was always warm. When I was in elementary school, I remember finding out she had breast cancer. At the time, it was one of the scariest things I had to see someone close to me go through. She still continued to smile, but she was slowed down by the chemo and losing her hair. But that never took away her joy, and whenever she was around me and my family, she was always smiling and cracking jokes. I never saw her break down. She was one of the strongest people I know. She eventually was able to beat her first battle with cancer. However, when we are most comfortable, God swoops in and tests our faith with another challenge. My sophomore year of highschool, her cancer returned. This time more fatal, we were all afraid of what was to come, but Mercy stayed strong for all of us. She did lose her hair, and her energy, but her spirit was always high. My Aunt Mercy did end up losing her battle to cancer in January of 2022, but her spirit lives on. Her funeral was instead a celebration of life, because her life was something to celebrate, not mourn. Mercy taught me the importance of seeing the good in the world, and trusting God's plan. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

For myself, my Puerto Rican Heritage is defined by the people I chose to surround myself with, and the memories created and shared with those people. Ever since I was little, my parents made it a priority to emphasize the importance of surrounding myself with family. They stressed the necessity of showing family can be made up of people both blood related and not. I especially found family through my faith. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, opening up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I will honor the legacy of Jesus Perez by continuing my education in legal studies. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. That night when I was at my lowest, I was reminded that God put me here for a reason. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I plan on continuing to build my faith by attending a Christian college, so I can surround myself with people who will push me to be the best version of myself. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

A movie that impacted my life was "Heaven is for Real." Since I was little, I was raised in the church, however I never really affirmed or explored my faith. "Heaven is For Real" is based off of the true story of a young boy who becomes sick and dies on the operating table. While he was dead, he visits heaven and is able to meet Jesus. Miraculously, the boy comes back to life after being dead for 2 minutes on the operating table. After this, he makes it his mission to tell as many people about his encounter, and helps his parents reignite their faith in Christ. This movie impacted my life in two ways, it was a reminder that my faith had been dormant for a while, and I had to approach it with a child-like wonder to grow my connection with God. This movie also symbolized my journey with my faith, as there was a point of "dormant faith," but it was resurrected, just like the boy in the movie. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. That night when I was at my lowest, I was reminded that God put me here for a reason. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community.With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

For myself, my Mexican culture is defined by the people I chose to surround myself with, and the memories created and shared with those people. Ever since I was little, my parents made it a priority to emphasize the importance of surrounding myself with family. They stressed the necessity of showing family can be made up of people both blood related and not. I especially found family through my faith. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, opening up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Being a student athlete, specifically in softball, has taught me the importance of having a strong mindset and confidence in myself. Softball is a 90% mental game, and if you get down on yourself, you are mentally defeated, and do not perform to the best of your ability. This sport taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities, something that was difficult to learn. Early my freshman year of high school, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. I had my good days and my bad days, but just like during a softball game, one minute you can be at your highest, but the next, you're mentally defeated. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. Softball was my therapy. I was able to go on the field and all my frustrations and worries were channeled into a sport that I loved. As my mental health progressively got better, I realized I had a future ahead of me. I focused all my energy into growing my relationship with God, which helped my mental health immensely. I realized that I wanted to make a difference in my community, by helping others. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

As the oldest of 5 children, raised in a Mexican- American household, I was always expected to be an example for others. I grew up with high expectations, however these expectations helped shape me into a person willing to serve the community, and invoke change to help the people around me. One way I was able to do this was through my faith. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, opening up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by empowering figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Having empowering role models to look up to has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible. Hopefully one day I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to empower those around me and leave a lasting impact on my community, while also pursuing my education. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. My mom questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. That night when I was at my lowest, I was reminded that God put me here for a reason. Since that day, I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approachability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my education. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approachability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my education. Thank you for considering my application.

Being a student athlete, specifically in softball, has taught me the importance of having a strong mindset and confidence in myself. Softball is a 90% mental game, and if you get down on yourself, you are mentally defeated, and do not perform to the best of your ability. This sport taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities, something that was difficult to learn. Early my freshman year of high school, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. I had my good days and my bad days, but just like during a softball game, one minute you can be at your highest, but the next, you're mentally defeated. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. Softball was my therapy. I was able to go on the field and all my frustrations and worries were channeled into a sport that I loved. As my mental health progressively got better, I realized I had a future ahead of me. I focused all my energy into growing my relationship with God, which helped my mental health immensely. I realized that I wanted to make a difference in my community, by helping others. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

Being a student athlete, specifically in softball, has taught me the importance of having a strong mindset and confidence in myself. Softball is a 90% mental game, and if you get down on yourself, you are mentally defeated, and do not perform to the best of your ability. This sport taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities, something that was difficult to learn. Early my freshman year of high school, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. I had my good days and my bad days, but just like during a softball game, one minute you can be at your highest, but the next, you're mentally defeated. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. Softball was my therapy. I was able to go on the field and all my frustrations and worries were channeled into a sport that I loved. As my mental health progressively got better, I realized I had a future ahead of me. I focused all my energy into growing my relationship with God, which helped my mental health immensely. I realized that I wanted to make a difference in my community, by helping others. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. I remember when my mom and I first found out, my mom refused to believe it. She questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. But my mom refused to take me to get tested. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. She didn’t want to believe it, she said that I was just going through a phase, and it would pass eventually. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I had gotten so focused on hiding my feelings that I lost sight of the one person who was always there for me. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. That night when I was at my lowest, I was reminded that God put me here for a reason. My advice for someone going through a similar situation would be to know that you are not weak for asking for help. Having a strong community to lean on can make a world of difference. Having a strong faith base can also help, as you meet people who can pray for you and support you. Having God in my life saved me, as I felt his love through the people around me who supported me. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. I remember when my mom and I first found out, my mom refused to believe it. She questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. But my mom refused to take me to get tested. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. She didn’t want to believe it, she said that I was just going through a phase, and it would pass eventually. I always looked forward to the summer, because I knew that I had a family at the Teen ACTS retreat, and I felt truly connected to God. This is where my faith connects with my mental health. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I had gotten so focused on hiding my feelings that I lost sight of the one person who was always there for me. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. Adoration saved me. As I sat there letting all my emotions out, praying and surrendering myself to him, I could feel his presence. If it were not for my faith and God's presence that night, I would not be here today. That night when I was at my lowest, I was reminded that God put me here for a reason. He had a purpose for my life, and it was up to me to glorify him through my actions moving forward. Since that day, I have made it a priority to spread awareness of depression and anxiety, and have helped others get the proper help they need. I shifted my focus away from seeing the negative in the world, and focused on helping others and making a difference in my community. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. From an early age this taught me that my voice is one of my most powerful tools, which lead me to want to be a lawyer. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the green-screen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach-ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually stopped playing with Barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. As I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. I had never felt as alive as in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I could do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age, I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact on my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approachability and the importance of addressing student issues together. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by figures like Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my platform, speaking freely about politics, and breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, and helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything. Thank you for considering my application.

As the oldest of 5 children, raised in a Mexican- American household, I was always expected to be an example for others. I grew up with high expectations, however these expectations helped shape me into a person willing to serve the community, and invoke change to help the people around me. One way I was able to do this was through my faith. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, opening up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. As I will be paying for all of my college expenses myself, so any help is very appreciated. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. I remember when my mom and I first found out, my mom refused to believe it. She questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. But my mom refused to take me to get tested. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety got worse. I was soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. She didn’t want to believe it, she said that I was just going through a phase, and it would pass eventually. I always looked forward to the summer, because I knew that I had a family at the Teen ACTS retreat, and I felt truly connected to God. This is where my faith connects with my mental health. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I had gotten so focused on hiding my feelings that I lost sight of the one person who was always there for me. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. Adoration saved me. As I sat there letting all my emotions out, praying and surrendering myself to him, I could feel his presence. That is why I am applying for this scholarship. I will be paying for my college on my own, and will need all the help I can get to achieve my education goals.

In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. I remember when my mom and I first found out, my mom refused to believe it. She questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. But my mom refused to take me to get tested. She told the doctor that since she was a therapist, she would've been able to notice if I had any symptoms of anxiety, and that she wouldn’t waste her time to take me when she knew I was fine. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety only got worse. I was also soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. She didn’t want to believe it, she said that I was just going through a phase, and it would pass eventually. I always looked forward to the summer, because I knew that I had a family at the Teen ACTS retreat, and I felt truly connected to God. This is where my faith connects with my mental health. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I broke down sobbing, praying “God please forgive me, I’m so sorry.” I had gotten so focused on hiding my feelings that I lost sight of the one person who was always there for me. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. Adoration saved me. As I sat there letting all my emotions out, praying and surrendering myself to him, I could feel his presence. Whenever I would pray to God to help me feel less alone, I would feel a comforting hand touch my shoulder, or an arm wrap me up in a reassuring hug. I decided I would go to adoration and pray to God to lead the way in my life. Whatever challenges are happening in your life, it’s ok to ask for support. My faith will assist me throughout my career because it was taught me the importance of helping those around me, and helping other experience God's love through my actions.

As the oldest of 5 children, I was always expected to be an example for others. I grew up with high expectations, however these expectations helped shape me into a person willing to serve the community, and invoke change to help the people around me. One way I was able to do this was through my faith. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, opening up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my college education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families. I hope that I can one day leave a lasting impact on my community and that the people that I serve can feel God's love and presence be shown throughout their own lives.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually did stop playing with barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and an imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish, and as I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything.”Inspired by female figures like Gloria Steinem, I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. Gloria's ability to empower women and address political issues was incredible. In 8th grade, I chose Steinem as the subject for a presentation on world-changing activists. However, my teacher deemed Steinem’s feminist ideals too controversial, rejecting my presentation. I was outraged but remained determined to include Steinem’s name in my work, showing my commitment to speak out on important issues despite opposition. Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. Although I couldn't run for office as a teenager, I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence in their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. Reporting on current events and sports on camera felt natural and fulfilling. I had never felt as alive as I did in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I was able to do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact for my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach-ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. Additionally, I started a podcast for the school community, covering various topics from freshman advice, teacher interviews, open mic sessions, where faculty and students could offer their advice to the school community. This initiative aimed to leave a positive impact supporting students. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by Gloria Steinem and Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my own platform, speaking freely about politics, breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, helping get them closer to freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually did stop playing with barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and an imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish, and as I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. Although I couldn't run for office or change laws as a teenager, I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence in their children’s lives, just like my mother has done for me. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. Reporting on current events and sports on camera felt natural and fulfilling, it was something that came so easily, I felt like I had found my calling. I had never felt as alive as I did in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I was able to do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact for my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approachability and the importance of addressing student issues together. Additionally, I started a podcast for the school community, covering various topics from freshman advice, social debates, teacher interviews, to open mic sessions, where faculty and students could offer their advice to the school community. This initiative aimed to leave a positive impact and support incoming students. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life.With the help of this scholarship, I am able to pursue my college education which will one day help make an impact on my community. I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my own platform, speaking freely about politics, breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, and motivation, I can be anything.

Excellence is not just a trait but is shown through our daily actions. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. Although I couldn't run for office or change laws as a teenager, I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence on their children’s lives, just like my mother has done for me. This taught me the importance of being grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me, and that not everything comes easy. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, opening up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. With the help of this Scholarship, I will be able to continue spreading Christ's teachings while also pursuing my education. I aim to use my college education to become a Criminal Defense Lawyer and help the wrongly accused be reunited with their families.

Someone told me once that God sends us challenges throughout our life, not to hurt us, but to teach us something, and help us get closer to him. I can personally testify that this statement is true. In November of 2019, I was diagnosed with 7 stomach ulcers, some advanced, and some still in the early stages. I remember when my mom and I first found out, my mom refused to believe it. She questioned the doctor, asking why someone at such a young age had a large number of ulcers. That's when the doctor advised my mom to get me tested for anxiety. But my mom refused to take me to get tested. She told the doctor that since she was a therapist, she would've been able to notice if I had any symptoms of anxiety, and that she wouldn’t waste her time to take me when she knew I was fine. That was the beginning of a very painful and ongoing battle with my mental health. Throughout my highschool years, my anxiety only got worse. I was also soon diagnosed with clinical depression. It felt like I was reliving what happened the first time when it was suggested I had anxiety. She didn’t want to believe it, she said that I was just going through a phase, and it would pass eventually. I always looked forward to the summer, because I knew that I had a family at the Teen ACTS retreat, and I felt truly connected to God. This is where my faith connects with my mental health. One day you can be at your highest, but the next, you feel nothing. The winter and early spring of my junior year, I was at my lowest. I would often cry myself to sleep, and wake up feeling worse than when I went to bed, but I would force myself to push my feelings deep down and act like everything was perfectly fine. I isolated myself from everyone, I wouldn’t speak to my friends, I was short and rude to my family, and I often felt as though nothing I did was good enough. One night, I was having a panic attack and I couldn’t take the pain anymore. As I sat there crying, I yelled the 8 words I wish never came out of my mouth. “My siblings can’t have a dead older sister.” All my pain, emotions and thoughts, summarized in one phrase. As soon as I said it, it felt like something clicked. I had tried so hard to hide how I was feeling that I let it consume me entirely, to the point where I thought dying was the answer. I broke down sobbing, praying “God please forgive me, I’m so sorry.” I had gotten so focused on hiding my feelings that I lost sight of the one person who was always there for me. I knew at that moment that if things were to change, I had to surrender myself to God, and trust that things would get better. Adoration saved me. As I sat there letting all my emotions out, praying and surrendering myself to him, I could feel his presence. Whenever I would pray to God to help me feel less alone, I would feel a comforting hand touch my shoulder, or an arm wrap me up in a reassuring hug. I decided I would go to adoration and pray to God to lead the way in my life. Whatever challenges are happening in your life, it’s ok to ask for support.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually did stop playing with barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and an imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish, and as I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. Although I couldn't run for office or change laws as a teenager, I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence in their children’s lives, just like my mother has done for me. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. Reporting on current events and sports on camera felt natural and fulfilling, it was something that came so easily, I felt like I had found my calling. I had never felt as alive as I did in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I was able to do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact for my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approachability and the importance of addressing student issues together. Additionally, I started a podcast for the school community, covering various topics from freshman advice, social debates, teacher interviews, to open mic sessions, where faculty and students could offer their advice to the school community. This initiative aimed to leave a positive impact and support incoming students. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life.With the help of this scholarship, I am able to pursue my college education which will one day help make an impact on my community. I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my own platform, speaking freely about politics, breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, and motivation, I can be anything.

To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. Although I couldn't run for office or change laws as a teenager, I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence in their children’s lives, just like my mother has done for me. This taught me the importance of being grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me, and that not everything comes easy. God has always played a big role in my high school experience, and this opened up a new opportunity to serve my community. I had always been on ACTS retreats and youth groups through my Church, however, I did not immerse myself in the faith life at school. During my junior year, I became very active in my school's peer ministry. I attended my first retreat through the school, and my eyes were opened to a new faith community that I would never have known about if I had not taken a leap of faith and gotten involved in peer ministry. Entering my senior year, I was offered the opportunity to begin a new peer ministry club at my school. This club, called Apache Life, was a monthly fellowship night. It was open to all grades, and we would have food, praise and worship, and a monthly theme with a related teaching for every night. The team, comprised of 8 seniors including myself, would meet once a month to plan the night, and we were all assigned a monthly topic. We would have to give a personal testimony, pick a related Bible verse, and pick a song for praise and worship. As the year progressed, the club began to grow and gain popularity. It was inspiring to see others surrender their lives to God and open their hearts to his teachings. My main goal when I was asked to be a part of founding this club was to ensure my school peers knew that they had a community in Christ at school that they could always rely on. One way that others can help serve their community is through the foster care community. Having 3 siblings that are foster/adopted, I have seen firsthand the struggles that the children in the foster care system face. Many will spend the holidays alone, in shelters without any family to celebrate with them. One way that people can help their community is by donating gently used clothes to their local children's shelter, or by donating Christmas gifts to local foster agencies to distribute to the foster children. Foster agencies already have a lot to deal with around the holidays, and by donating Christmas gifts, we are able to make a child's day a little better.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually did stop playing with barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and an imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish, and as I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything.”Inspired by female figures like Gloria Steinem, I learned to believe in myself and my aspirations. Gloria's ability to empower women and address political issues was incredible. In 8th grade, I chose Steinem as the subject for a presentation on world-changing activists. However, my teacher deemed Steinem’s feminist ideals too controversial, rejecting my presentation. I was outraged but remained determined to include Steinem’s name in my work, showing my commitment to speak out on important issues despite opposition. Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. Although I couldn't run for office as a teenager, I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence in their children’s lives. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. Reporting on current events and sports on camera felt natural and fulfilling. I had never felt as alive as I did in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I was able to do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact for my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approach-ability and the importance of addressing student issues together. Additionally, I started a podcast for the school community, covering various topics from freshman advice, teacher interviews, open mic sessions, where faculty and students could offer their advice to the school community. This initiative aimed to leave a positive impact supporting students. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by Gloria Steinem and Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my own platform, speaking freely about politics, breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, helping get them closer to freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, I can be anything.

Barbies have been my favorite toy since I was little. The freedom to invent any story with just four dolls was exhilarating. Barbie could live in a grand castle with her sisters or rock out in a world-traveling band. Although I eventually did stop playing with barbies, they served as a reminder that when you have creativity and an imagination, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish, and as I got older, my voice became one of my most powerful tools. At a young age, I embraced Barbie’s slogan, “You can be anything." Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President marked a historic moment for the United States. As a Mexican-American girl, seeing Harris on television as the first woman and minority Vice President moved me deeply. Her achievement made me feel seen and motivated me to follow in her footsteps, aiming to become a role model and make a lasting impact. To contribute to my community, I started a school-wide diaper drive for a women’s shelter specifically for expecting and new mothers. Every advent season, we would collect diapers and baby wipes and deliver them to the shelter. Although I couldn't run for office or change laws as a teenager, I made a difference by supporting expectant mothers who can have a positive influence in their children’s lives, just like my mother has done for me. During my junior year, I found my passion; my school’s broadcast. Reporting on current events and sports on camera felt natural and fulfilling, it was something that came so easily, I felt like I had found my calling. I had never felt as alive as I did in front of the greenscreen and cameras. It was the best of both worlds; I was able to do something I love, and good things came from it. This experience inspired me to choose a college major in Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Pre-Law. From a young age I was taught the importance of helping people. I plan to use my college education to be an advocate for the voiceless. This is one of the many ways I plan to make a positive impact for my community as I become an adult. Towards the end of junior year, I ran for student council, centering my campaign around Barbie. My slogan, “Let’s make year 4 the best, Vote Pink!” and my campaign video, inspired by the Barbie movie, earned me the nickname “Bella, the Broadcast Barbie.” I emphasized approachability and the importance of addressing student issues together. Additionally, I started a podcast for the school community, covering various topics from freshman advice, social debates, teacher interviews, to open mic sessions, where faculty and students could offer their advice to the school community. This initiative aimed to leave a positive impact and support incoming students. “You can be anything” has profoundly influenced my life. Inspired by trailblazers like Gloria Steinem and Kamala Harris, I want to one day be a role model for women all over the world. I hope to one day have my own platform, speaking freely about politics, breaking down barriers for women’s rights. Perhaps I’ll be an attorney, defending the wrongly accused, helping get them closer to the freedom they deserve. College is just the beginning, but with the right mentors, and motivation, I can be anything.