Growing up as a first-generation Hispanic student in the United States has shaped both my academic and personal goals. Education has always felt like a pathway not just for my own growth but for creating opportunities for my family and community. My academic goal is to pursue a college degree that will prepare me for a career in real estate, where I can combine business knowledge with a commitment to serving others. Professionally, I aspire to help minority and immigrant families access safe, affordable, and welcoming housing. I want to be a person who not only succeeds personally but also empowers others, ensuring that families in communities like mine have a place to thrive and grow. Serving my community has always been an important part of my life. At my Hispanic church, I have volunteered in many ways, from playing piano for services to helping organize events and service projects. I have also tutored younger students in English as a second language, helping them gain confidence in a language that can feel challenging and intimidating. One of the most meaningful experiences I have had was helping organize and pack donations for children in Honduras, including food, clothing, and toys. Contributing both my time and resources, and seeing the joy on the children’s faces through slideshows and videos after the deliveries, made me realize how even small acts of service can have a big impact. These experiences taught me that giving back is not just about the work itself, but about showing care, understanding, and solidarity, especially with underserved communities. My heritage and faith have inspired me to make a difference in the world. Growing up Hispanic, I have seen firsthand how families like mine face challenges in accessing resources and opportunities, from housing to education. These experiences motivate me to use my future career in real estate to advocate for and assist minority and immigrant families, helping them feel secure and supported as they build stability and opportunities for themselves. I want to create pathways for families to succeed, encouraging growth and strengthening communities. Ultimately, my academic and professional goals, along with my community service, are all connected. Earning my degree will allow me to serve my community in tangible ways while also being a mentor and guide for younger students, showing them that their background does not limit their future. Receiving the Sunshine Legal Scholarship would provide not only financial support but also the affirmation that investing in underrepresented students is investing in the future leaders of our world. I am committed to honoring that opportunity by working hard, serving faithfully, and using my education to make a meaningful difference for my family and my community.

No matter what I do, I know that Jesus needs to be at the center of it. I will always remember the first time I came to church. Even though I was young, I realized that God should be the focus of my life. From that moment, I felt a sense of peace and purpose that I could not find anywhere else. As I have grown, I have faced obstacles and challenges that at times have tested my faith. There have been moments when life felt overwhelming or unfair, and I wondered if God was listening. Even in those times, I learned that faith is not about having everything figured out; it is about trusting Him through uncertainty and continuing to seek His guidance. My relationship with Jesus Christ has shaped who I am and how I approach life. It has taught me to be patient, compassionate, and resilient. When I face difficulties in school, at home, or in relationships, I try to respond with grace instead of frustration. My faith reminds me that I am not alone in my struggles and that every experience can be an opportunity to grow closer to Him. It also encourages me to use the gifts and talents He has given me to serve others, whether through small acts of kindness or through larger commitments like volunteering at my church. Knowing that God is my guide gives me the confidence to face challenges with courage, even when the outcome is uncertain. As I continue my educational journey, I plan to implement my faith in every aspect of my life. I will strive to make decisions with integrity, honesty, and humility, remembering that my actions reflect my relationship with Christ. I want to encourage and support my classmates, treating them with respect and understanding, and using my voice to positively impact those around me. I also hope to seek opportunities to serve, whether through mentorship programs, community service projects, or simply being a friend to someone who needs support. My faith will be the foundation that guides my priorities, helps me persevere through academic challenges, and inspires me to pursue excellence not for recognition, but to honor God with my abilities. Ultimately, my relationship with Jesus is more than just a part of my life, it is the lens through which I see the world. It influences how I respond to challenges, how I treat others, and how I set goals for myself. By keeping Him at the center, I know that my educational journey will not only help me grow academically but also spiritually, allowing me to become a person who serves with purpose, leads with humility, and walks confidently in the path God has laid out for me.

Kindness in action One of the most meaningful acts of kindness I have offered was through volunteering at my church to help pack donations for children in Honduras. I not only helped organize and pack food, clothing, and toys into baskets, but I also contributed donations myself. It was a team effort, but each item felt personal because I knew it could make a real difference in someone’s life. What made this experience so important was seeing how our efforts could impact people we would never meet in person. Later, we got to watch slideshows and videos from the missionaries delivering these baskets to the children. Seeing their faces light up, seeing the joy and excitement as they received the items we had packed—it was incredible. I realized that even small actions, when combined with the efforts of others, can bring hope, comfort, and happiness to someone else. That day taught me the importance of giving not just material things but also time and care. It reminded me that kindness is not just a feeling, it is an action, something we can intentionally do to help others and make the world a little brighter. Knowing that my effort, together with others, could change a moment in someone else’s life made me feel connected to a larger purpose and inspired me to continue finding ways to serve and support my community and beyond. Boldly on the Apologetic Me I have often felt pressure to go along with what everyone else thinks or does, especially in school and social settings. Being a Christian, I sometimes face questions or comments that challenge my beliefs, and it can feel easier to stay silent or agree just to fit in. But one moment that stands out was during a class discussion when a topic about faith came up. Some classmates were making jokes about religion and dismissing beliefs like mine. For a second, I thought about nodding along to avoid conflict, but I chose to speak up instead. I shared my perspective honestly, explaining why my faith matters to me and how it guides my choices. It was intimidating, and I felt nervous, but I also felt proud for standing up for who I am. I realized that being authentic is more important than temporary approval from others. By boldly expressing my beliefs, I not only honored my values but also opened a space for respectful conversation. That experience taught me that resisting pressure is not always easy, but it is essential to being true to myself. Choosing authenticity over conformity strengthens my confidence and shapes the kind of person I want to be—one who respects others while staying grounded in my own principles.

My name is Britney Murillo matute, and my faith and community have always been at the center of who I am as a person. I attend Casa de Restauracion in Graham, North Carolina. That place has truly become a second home to me. Every Sunday and Wednesday, I serve by playing the piano during worship. I used to be a praise and worship dancer, and while my role has changed, music and worship continue to be the way I connect with God and my community. Playing the piano allows me to use the talent God has given me to help lead others to his presence. At Church, I'm involved in different activities and specials, from helping organize events to participating in holiday programs. I've also joined efforts to package and send food, toys, and clothes to families in need in Honduras. Given that my parents are Honduran, being able to give back to a place that's part of my roots feels extra special. It reminds me that faith and service can reach across countries and connect people in powerful ways Outside of church, I dance at a Christian dance studio where we use our gifts to share the message of hope and faith through movement. I also volunteer at an elementary school through my leadership class, helping 5th graders in reading and math. I've also tutored ESL students who are learning English, which has taught me a lot about patience and kindness. It feels good to know that I can make a small difference in someone's life. If I receive this scholarship, I would use it to continue my education and keep growing in the ways God is leading me. I want to keep serving others and using my gifts for his purpose. My faith has taught me that helping people isn't just about the big moments; it's about showing love in our daily lives, just like Jesus did. That's the kind of person I want to keep becoming.

Being a first generation college student is both an honor and a challenge. My parents did not graduate from college in their home countries, and when they moved to the United States, they faced obstacles that no one in our family had ever navigated before. From learning a new language to understanding a new school system, they did what they could to provide for our family. But when it comes to higher education, I have often had to figure things out on my own. I have had to research which AP classes are most beneficial, learn how to complete college applications, understand financial aid, and identify scholarships I might qualify for all without the guidance that other students often take for granted. The process has sometimes felt isolating and overwhelming, but it has also taught me resilience, independence, and the value of planning for the future. Getting my college degree will mean a lot more than just personal success. I think about my younger siblings and how much they will be watching me as they grow up. They will have questions one day, like which classes to take, how to apply for college, or how to even start looking for scholarships. By finishing my degree, I will be able to guide them through some of the things my parents and I had to figure out on our own. I want them to see that college is something they can reach too, not just a distant dream. Having a degree will also change what our family can do and how we live. It will give me a better chance to provide for my siblings and help make life a little easier for my parents. I want them to feel proud and know that the hard work and sacrifices they made were not in vain. I hope my younger siblings will grow up knowing that school can open doors and that someone in the family is walking the path first so they have a guide. It will make our family stronger and show them that education can really make a difference. In the end, finishing college is not just about me. It is about creating something that lasts. I want to set an example for my siblings, help them avoid the struggles I faced, and give our family opportunities that were not always available before. Being a first generation student has taught me how important determination and hard work are, and I want to use what I learn to help the people I love. This scholarship would help me take that next step so I can do that and make a real difference for my family now and in the future thank you!

Being a first generation college student is both an honor and a challenge. My parents did not graduate from college in their home countries, and when they moved to the United States, they faced obstacles that no one in our family had ever navigated before. From learning a new language to understanding a new school system, they did what they could to provide for our family. But when it comes to higher education, I have often had to figure things out on my own. I have had to research which AP classes are most beneficial, learn how to complete college applications, understand financial aid, and identify scholarships I might qualify for all without the guidance that other students often take for granted. The process has sometimes felt isolating and overwhelming, but it has also taught me resilience, independence, and the value of planning for the future. Getting my college degree will mean a lot more than just personal success. I think about my younger siblings and how much they will be watching me as they grow up. They will have questions one day, like which classes to take, how to apply for college, or how to even start looking for scholarships. By finishing my degree, I will be able to guide them through some of the things my parents and I had to figure out on our own. I want them to see that college is something they can reach too, not just a distant dream. Having a degree will also change what our family can do and how we live. It will give me a better chance to provide for my siblings and help make life a little easier for my parents. I want them to feel proud and know that the hard work and sacrifices they made were not in vain. I hope my younger siblings will grow up knowing that school can open doors and that someone in the family is walking the path first so they have a guide. It will make our family stronger and show them that education can really make a difference. In the end, finishing college is not just about me. It is about creating something that lasts. I want to set an example for my siblings, help them avoid the struggles I faced, and give our family opportunities that were not always available before. Being a first generation student has taught me how important determination and hard work are, and I want to use what I learn to help the people I love. This scholarship would help me take that next step so I can do that and make a real difference for my family now and in the future