Throughout my life, my educational journey has been shaped by hardship, resilience, and transformation. Raised in a single-parent household, I experienced firsthand the impact of my mother’s struggles with substance abuse, an abusive relationship, and her time spent in jail. These challenges cast a shadow over my childhood, creating an unstable environment that forced me to grow up quickly. Despite these early difficulties, my mother’s eventual redemption and unwavering emotional support have played a pivotal role in helping me pursue my academic dreams. For much of my childhood, my mother battled addiction, which led to a period of incarceration. This left me to navigate the difficulties of school and life largely on my own. It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, as I didn’t know what the future held for us. The financial struggles were overwhelming, and while I had to rely on myself in many ways, I never stopped hoping for change. That change came after I graduated from high school. My mother turned her life around in a remarkable way, overcoming her addictions and leaving behind the destructive influences that once controlled her life. Although she is still unable to support me financially, her emotional support has become my greatest source of strength. She is now my number one supporter in college, offering me the guidance and encouragement I never had growing up. While I have taken on the financial responsibility of my education through part-time jobs, scholarships, and loans, my mother’s emotional support has been invaluable. Her belief in me, despite her own hardships, has kept me grounded and focused on my goals. She calls me regularly, encouraging me through the challenges of college life and reminding me of the progress I’ve made. Even though she cannot contribute financially, her presence in my life during this critical time is a gift I hold close. Witnessing my mother’s transformation has deeply influenced my own journey. Her resilience in overcoming addiction and the mistakes of her past has inspired me to push through my own obstacles with determination and hope. If she could rise above the darkest moments of her life, I know I can face whatever challenges come my way. Her redemption story has taught me that no matter how difficult the circumstances, change is possible, and that lesson is what keeps me moving forward in my educational journey. Looking ahead, I plan to continue striving toward my academic goals and eventually give back to others who, like me, have faced difficult family dynamics or financial hardships. I am passionate about using my education to uplift those who have been impacted by similar challenges, offering them the same support and encouragement that my mother now gives me. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden I currently carry, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and less on how to pay for them. With my mother’s emotional support and the assistance this scholarship would provide, I know I can achieve my academic and career goals while also giving back to my community. In conclusion, my mother’s journey from addiction and incarceration to sobriety and emotional support has been the driving force behind my determination to succeed in college. Although she cannot support me financially, her transformation and belief in me have provided the foundation I needed to pursue my dreams. With her by my side, I know there are no limits to what I can achieve.

From selling rubber bands as a five-year-old on my front lawn to running a successful online business for five years, I’ve always understood the value of perseverance in the face of financial challenges. Growing up in a low-income household, I quickly learned the importance of self-reliance. By age 16, I became an emancipated minor and financially independent, balancing school, work, and community service to help support myself. While these experiences were difficult, they fueled my spirit and motivated me to pursue a degree to break the cycle of poverty. My background has shaped my outlook on life in profound ways. I watched my family struggle to make ends meet, which taught me to approach challenges with creativity and determination. Along with managing my small Depop business, I’ve consistently volunteered at my local church, helping to organize food drives and support programs for families experiencing financial hardship. Serving my community in this way has allowed me to give back and has deepened my commitment to addressing socioeconomic adversity on a larger scale. Despite the obstacles, I’ve maintained strong academic performance, currently working toward a degree in Business at San Diego Mesa College. My academic journey has not been easy—balancing multiple jobs and volunteer work while maintaining my grades required discipline and resilience. At times, I’ve had to make difficult sacrifices, such as choosing between paying for textbooks or rent. These experiences have deepened my empathy for others facing socioeconomic adversity and strengthened my resolve to create opportunities for people like myself. Experiencing financial hardship has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and future goals. It has also reinforced my passion for language and communication. As a bilingual speaker of English and Spanish, I’ve dedicated time to helping non-English speakers in my community access vital resources. I regularly assist in translating materials and providing Spanish language support to families in need. In San Diego, where many residents are from immigrant backgrounds, being able to bridge the language gap has been incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about continuing this work because I believe that language should never be a barrier to success, especially for underserved communities. Looking ahead, I plan to transfer to San Diego State University in Fall 2025 to continue my education in business while also growing my entrepreneurial ventures. I aim to use my skills and experiences to address socioeconomic adversity, particularly in underserved communities. One of my goals is to develop mentorship and support programs for underrepresented students, providing them with resources and guidance that were not available to me. I also hope to expand my efforts to promote bilingualism, helping more non-English speakers navigate educational and professional systems with greater ease. By fostering an environment where young people have access to both education and language support, we can break the cycle of poverty for future generations. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support necessary to focus fully on my education and community outreach efforts. Without the constant worry of making ends meet, I will be able to dedicate myself to both my studies and my goal of giving back. Cheryl Twilley’s legacy is an inspiration to me, and I hope to continue her mission by empowering others to overcome their own financial obstacles and achieve their dreams. In the same way Cheryl sought to uplift those in need, I intend to make a meaningful impact on my community by using my education and entrepreneurial drive to create lasting change. With your support, I can further my education and contribute to a world where financial hardship and language barriers don’t stand in the way of success.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of entrepreneurship and business. From the age of five, I started my first venture selling rubber bands on my front lawn. I quickly realized that with a little creativity and effort, I could turn a simple product into something people wanted. This small beginning ignited a lifelong passion for business and innovation. Over the years, I expanded my interests into running a Depop business, where I further developed my skills in marketing, customer relations, and time management. Pursuing a business degree is the next step in my journey toward becoming an entrepreneur. My experiences managing my own small business have provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of the business world, but I know there is so much more to learn. I believe that by studying business at a higher level, I can gain the knowledge and tools necessary to not only grow my own ventures but also to make a lasting impact on my community. One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced was being emancipated at age 16 due to parental abuse. Growing up in that environment taught me resilience and the importance of independence, but it also instilled in me a deep desire to build a better future. Financial independence at such a young age meant I had to balance school, work, and personal safety, often pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. This experience shaped my understanding of the importance of accessible resources for struggling individuals, which is why my goal is to use my business education to support underserved communities. I want to create businesses that provide affordable, accessible goods and services to low-income families. As someone who has experienced financial hardship, I understand the struggles many people face in trying to meet their basic needs. I believe entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for driving social change, and with my degree, I hope to create opportunities for people in my community to access essential resources that can improve their quality of life. Additionally, as a first-generation college student, I understand the importance of education in breaking cycles of poverty and creating a brighter future. I want to be a role model for others in my community, showing that with determination and the right opportunities, success is possible. I aim to mentor young entrepreneurs and help guide them through the challenges of starting and growing a business, particularly those who may not have access to the same resources or support networks as others. One of my proudest accomplishments has been co-founding t4ngle, a social media platform designed for niche communities like gamers, anime enthusiasts, and content creators. As the Head of Media and Communications, I have gained valuable experience in leadership, marketing, and public relations. This venture has not only deepened my understanding of the business world but has also reinforced my commitment to using business as a force for good. My hope is that I can continue to launch innovative projects like t4ngle that foster a sense of community while addressing real-world problems. In conclusion, my passion for business is rooted in my desire to create meaningful change. With a business degree, I plan to use my education to empower individuals and strengthen communities. This scholarship would help me take the next step toward achieving my dreams and making a positive impact on the world.

From a young age, I recognized the power of innovation and the importance of creating opportunities where none exist. My journey into business began unexpectedly at five years old, when I sold rubber bands from the daily newspaper deliveries outside my home. I quickly realized that by marketing certain bands as “rare” or unique, I could sell them at a higher price. This seemingly small venture sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, leading me to eventually run a successful Depop business for five years. Through Depop, I honed my skills in customer relations, sales, and marketing, learning to manage my time efficiently while juggling school and work responsibilities. Coming from a very low-income family, I became financially independent at 16. This experience taught me perseverance, resourcefulness, and the significance of financial stability. Every decision I made had to be strategic. From my Depop business to working as a stylist, barista, and model, I sought roles that allowed me to build my business acumen while supporting myself and my educational goals. I am currently pursuing a Business Major at San Diego Mesa College and plan to transfer to San Diego State University (SDSU) in Fall 2025. My goal is to further expand my knowledge in entrepreneurship and eventually launch my own business that helps underserved communities gain access to essential goods and services. One of my proudest accomplishments has been co-founding t4ngle, a social media platform designed for niche communities such as gamers, anime enthusiasts, and content creators. As the Head of Media and Communications, I oversee social media content, public relations, and partnerships to ensure the platform reaches its target audience. My role requires constant innovation and leadership, as we aim to provide a space where these often-overlooked groups can connect and thrive. Leading this venture has expanded my understanding of how to merge business strategy with creative problem-solving, skills that will be invaluable in my future career. The greatest emotional and physical challenges I have faced stem from my relationship with my mother. Growing up, I experienced physical abuse from her, paired with emotional absence that left a deep impact on me. It was an incredibly difficult environment to navigate as a child, but I learned to channel my feelings into productive outlets. I focused on my education and business pursuits as a way to cope and build a better future for myself. Over time, I learned the importance of resilience and self-reliance. I used the adversity I faced as motivation to push forward, knowing that I could create a life for myself that was filled with opportunity and stability, unlike the instability I grew up with. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my life. As someone who has been financially independent for years, any financial relief would enable me to focus more on my studies and my long-term career goals. I am passionate about entrepreneurship because it embodies the spirit of innovation and problem-solving, which are qualities I deeply value. With this scholarship, I will be able to dedicate more time to honing these skills and working towards building a business that can have a positive impact on others. In conclusion, this scholarship would not only ease my financial burdens but also allow me to continue pursuing my dreams in the business world. My ultimate goal is to use my skills and experiences to create innovative solutions that help communities in need, and with your support, I am confident that I can turn this vision into a reality.

Becoming the First College Graduate in My Family Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree represents more than just a personal achievement—it is a symbol of breaking the cycle of hardship that has defined my life. From a young age, I faced many challenges that seemed insurmountable. Born to parents who struggled with substance abuse and instability, I grew up in an environment that lacked the support most children are fortunate to receive. My mother’s addiction and my father’s absence due to frequent incarcerations forced me to mature far too quickly. When I emancipated myself at 16, it wasn’t just an act of survival, but a decision to forge a path that no one else in my family had ever taken. Achieving a college degree would be the culmination of years of perseverance, self-reliance, and hope. It would mean that I not only survived my circumstances but thrived despite them. For me, it’s about more than just academic success—it’s a commitment to breaking generational patterns of poverty and adversity, while also creating opportunities for those who come after me. My College Aspirations In college, I plan to pursue a degree in business, with a particular focus on marketing and entrepreneurship. As someone who currently holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at a growing startup, I have already experienced the power of effective communication, strategy, and leadership in business. My role at T4ngle, a social media platform for niche communities like gamers, cosplayers, and content creators, has taught me how to leverage creativity and innovation in a competitive market​​. This experience, combined with my passion for helping others, has deepened my desire to gain formal education in business to better serve the Latino community in San Diego. I also want to improve my Spanish fluency, to better connect with and support underrepresented populations. Long-Term Goals My long-term goal is to run my own business, one that gives back to the community that raised me and supports others who, like me, are striving to overcome adversity. My personal and professional experiences have solidified my belief in the power of resilience, and I am passionate about helping others find the strength to rise above their circumstances. My future business will focus on providing resources and mentorship to underprivileged youth, particularly in minority communities, where many lack access to the tools they need to succeed. In the long term, I envision myself not just as a business leader but as a mentor and advocate for those who feel unseen. By combining my business skills with my passion for community service, I aim to create sustainable change, particularly in the Latino community, empowering others to dream bigger and achieve more.

My greatest life skill is caretaking. Living with my grandparents for the majority of my life has been a blessing in disguise. As they aged I found my greatest talent, taking care of others. As a young child my grandparents were always there for me, they gave me a place to live, they put food on my plate and clothes on my back. Whenever my mom failed to be a parent, they were there to step in and raise me and for that I will be forever thankful. So when I began to notice their health decline, I thought what better way to repay them than by returning the favor and taking care of them myself. While my grandpa is still a very independent and healthy human, my grandma’s health is another story. My grandma has unfortunately been the focus of my mother’s hatred for years. The constant death threats and false accusations thrown at my grandma have taken a toll on both her physically and mentally. Her stress levels have reached an all-time high recently with my mother out of jail and more threatening than ever. In March, my grandma suffered a stroke. Since then her health has been on a rapid decline. The lingering symptoms of her stroke and her recent diagnosis of dementia have greatly impacted her ability to be independent. This presented me with an opportunity to repay her by doing what I do best, caretaking. My morning schedule consists of waking my grandma up, making her breakfast, giving her her medications, and checking her blood pressure. I then go off to school and my brother takes over. Once I am home from school I socialize with my grandma to keep her spirits up and I continue to help her with whatever task may arise. She tends to have good and bad days, but thankfully good days are more common. On a bad day where my grandma needs emergency health attention, I step up and call to tell the paramedics her latest symptoms and diet before they come to evaluate her. All of my life experiences have given me the ability to recognize my purpose with others, taking care of others, which is why I aspire to work in the medical field.

The biggest challenge I faced is living with an abusive mother. My mom was quite present in my life up until I was twelve, unfortunately, she was not pleasantly present. At a young age, I was exposed to the dangers of drugs from first-hand experiences. I had seen my once role model mother spiral into the unstable abusive stranger she is now. The summer of 2015 is when I first was made aware of my mom’s severe drug addiction. This was only made known to me as she now posed a risk to my safety. Suddenly, it all made sense. The dangerous situations I was put in as a young child and the yelling and abuse I endured were not normal. While away at a softball tournament at the age of thirteen, my mother made several serious threats to my family and I. She had gone as far as to kidnap me. After these traumatizing events occurred, she was arrested for her first time with charges of child abuse. The first step I took to overcome the challenge of having to grow up in fear of my mother, is filing a restraining order. I consider this to be one of my greatest achievements to date because my mother has always been a very scary person to disobey. My family and I took this matter to court and we were quickly granted a restraining order along with a protective custody order which gave custody of me to my grandparents. The restraining order helped shield my family from the wrath of my severely drug-addicted mother. Unfortunately, a measly paper did not stop my mom from coming to our house attempting to break down the door with the intention to kill. After a years of constantly looking over my shoulder in fear of being kidnapped again, my mother was finally imprisoned, giving my family time to heal. This feeling of freedom is the main reason I was able to overcome this challenge. Through therapy, sports, and becoming an emancipated minor I was able to overcome life's curveballs. This experience taught me how to be independent at an extremely young age. I am an extremely mature individual for my age. All of the adversity I faced with my unusual living circumstances has provided me with an opportunity to mature faster. People ask me why I would choose not to change my family into the standard white picket fence life if presented with the opportunity to. I respond by stating that I am simply glad to have had these experiences; without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today. In the future I hope to become a medical professional in the field of dermatology. My future career comes with a very high income that I intend to spend most of it by giving back to my community and my family. Over the past few years of scholarship hunting, I have noticed there is very little opportunities for emancipated minors to receive assistance. I plan to change this in the future by funding my own yearly scholarship program for the emancipated minors of the country. I wish to help them feel like they are not alone in this process and someone is there for them and willing to help. With a majority of my other income I hope to help my brother out financially as he sacrificed so much of his own life to raise me and help me become to person I am today.