Returning to school as a parent is not the path I originally envisioned, but it is one I now pursue with greater purpose than ever before. After years of balancing motherhood with a career in the legal field, I am returning to complete my bachelor's degree so I can build a more secure future for my family. Although this decision comes after one of the most difficult chapters of our lives, it has only strengthened my determination to achieve my lifelong goal of becoming an attorney. In July 2025, I earned my Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies from National University just as my husband's health began to decline. I had every intention of continuing directly into my bachelor's program, but after months of appointments, imaging, lab work, and specialist consultations, he was diagnosed with stage III colon adenocarcinoma. His diagnosis changed everything. I became the sole provider for our family while caring for my husband and our two young daughters. Along with the emotional uncertainty of his prognosis came the financial burden of medical deductibles, treatments, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Growing up in the United States while both of my parents lived in the Philippines, I experienced firsthand what it felt like to face hardships alone. When my daughters were born, I promised myself they would have a childhood filled with experiences and memories that I never had. Whether it was visiting theme parks, traveling to other states and countries, or simply spending weekends together, we made family time a priority. Since my husband's diagnosis, those experiences have been replaced by difficult financial choices. Every available dollar has gone toward medical expenses. Although my daughters have never complained, I cannot help but feel guilty knowing we have spent the past two summers at home because our priorities had to change. Thankfully, my husband has now completed more than half of his chemotherapy treatments, and his prognosis is encouraging. His condition has stabilized enough for him to return to work part-time, helping ease some of the financial strain. This experience, however, has permanently changed my perspective. I have realized how important it is to ensure that I can provide for my family regardless of what the future holds. Despite undergoing cancer treatment, my husband's greatest concern has always been our daughters. He encouraged me to return to school because he wants me to have the education and career opportunities necessary to support our family independently. To make that goal financially attainable, I transferred from National University to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where I can continue my education at a significantly lower cost. For the past eleven years, I have worked in the legal field and discovered a deep passion for advocating for everyday people. Earning my Associate's degree was the first milestone toward my dream of becoming an attorney and opening my own practice. Completing my bachelor's degree is the next essential step before attending law school. Returning to school as a parent has required resilience, sacrifice, and determination. I want my daughters to see that education is never out of reach and that perseverance can overcome even life's greatest obstacles. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of completing my degree, allowing me to continue investing in my education while caring for my family. More importantly, it would help me build the stable future my daughters deserve and prepare me for a career dedicated to serving others through the law.