Since I was a young girl, I’ve always seen the world through big, curious eyes—full of wonder, questions, and hope. I dreamed of starting school, learning to drive, traveling far, and flying high. When my kindergarten teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I didn’t say doctor or astronaut—I said I wanted to be kind. Kind to people, to animals, and to the planet. That simple answer still drives me today. I rescue animals—injured, abandoned, or forgotten. My home is currently a whirlwind of love and fur, with 12 rescued cats and 4 dogs, all of whom I’ve cared for, treated, and now nurture while working to find them forever homes. It’s hard work—messy, exhausting, expensive—but it’s deeply fulfilling. I see each life as precious, and I want to protect as many as I can. People often ask what I want to “be” when I grow up, and the truth is—I want to be everything. A pilot. An explorer. A businesswoman. A lifelong student. A creative. A soldier. A voice for the voiceless. My interests have always been as wide as the world itself. I’m fluent in three languages and currently learning two more. I picked up the guitar at six years old and never put it down—music continues to ground me in moments of chaos. I play the drums in a band and I find bliss in it. I chase knowledge the way some chase fame: relentlessly. At 16, I launched my own cosmetics brand from my bedroom, something I did out of boredom but it became a hit. At 17, I trained as a Raider in High School and was selected to attend a week of military camp, where I discovered a deep respect for discipline, leadership, and service. Though I was later denied enlistment in the Air Force due to paperwork, my desire to serve hasn’t wavered—I still hope to wear a uniform one day. Now, I balance college, two jobs, and my ever-growing animal rescue efforts. I volunteer as a photographer and graphic designer for my church and continue to grow my business, all while pursuing a degree in business administration. I struggle financially to stay in school and care for my animals, but my resolve is stronger than my circumstances. In the next few years, I hope to open a full-scale animal rescue facility, earn my pilot’s license, expand my brand into retail stores, and finally enlist in the military. I want to live a life full of purpose, adventure, service, and integrity. I believe Marian Sturz would have understood the ache in my heart to learn, to protect, to grow, and to explore. Her legacy—her curiosity, bravery, compassion, and intellect—is exactly the kind of life I aspire to live. I want to be someone who leaves the world better than I found it, with a heart full of kindness and a soul fueled by discovery. This scholarship would not only help me afford my education—it would honor everything I stand for. I am ambitious, tenacious, and ready to take on the world. I just need the wings to do it.

As a first-generation student, I bear the weight of my parents' unfulfilled dreams. For as long as I can remember, they always emphasized the importance of knowledge through me. Education is essential as it provides the foundation for professional growth, career opportunities, and personal success. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to navigate life's challenges and seize opportunities. My parents instilled in me the belief that education is the key to unlocking any window or door. Through education, I gain a deeper understanding of the world around me, fostering a sense of curiosity and a lifelong thirst for learning. The pursuit of higher education was always encouraged by my parents, who challenged me to not only pursue knowledge for my benefit but also to contribute to our communities and society at large. One of the primary reasons education holds such significance for me is its role in personal development. It shapes our character, broadens our perspectives, and helps us develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Education encourages us to question assumptions, think critically, and approach problems with an open mind. It makes us question everything with a "Why?" and encourages us to dig deeper into subjects. Personal development enhances self-awareness, knowledge, and overall well-being. These qualities are invaluable in both our personal and professional lives, allowing us to grow, adapt, and learn through our journey. Moreover, education is a powerful tool for social and economic empowerment. It opens doors to better job opportunities, improves quality of life, and teaches us social skills. By acquiring specialized knowledge, individuals can pursue careers that align with their passions and interests, leading to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Finding our hidden talents and using them for good will not only benefit individuals and improve the workforce but also contribute to the overall prosperity and stability of society. In terms of the legacy I hope to leave behind, I aspire to be remembered as a woman who cherished education and utilized it as a tool to create a positive impact on the world. I want to be recognized for my dedication and efforts to encourage other women to embark on their educational journeys. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I intend to empower others to realize their full potential and contribute to the betterment of society. I want to demonstrate that one person can truly make a difference. One way I envision leaving this legacy is through mentorship and advocacy. I aim to support and guide individuals, particularly first-generation students, in their educational pursuits. By providing mentorship, resources, and encouragement, I hope to help others overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Additionally, I plan to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote access to quality education for all, regardless of background, race, or color, recognizing that education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of social progress. In conclusion, education holds significant importance for me as it catalyzes professional growth, career opportunities, and personal success. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate life's challenges and make meaningful contributions to their communities. As Chuck Palahniuk wisely articulated, "The goal is not to live forever; the goal is to create something that will." Through education, we possess the power to transform lives and shape a brighter future for generations to come. My parents always emphasized that education is a precious gift that can never be taken away, a treasure meant for everyone.

Some people are born with a story. As an undocumented child who crossed the U.S. border at age 2, I can relate to that. My name is Carol Castillo, and at 6 years old, I peed my pants at school because I didn't know how to tell my teacher in English that I needed to use the bathroom. Fast forward 10 years, not only did I become fluent in English and Spanish, but I also mastered French and am currently studying two additional languages. When I was a senior in high school, my family's financial situation compelled me to enroll in night school and take a low-paying job at a cargo trailer factory from 5 am to 3:30 pm. COVID-19 had set us back on bills. My nostrils turned black from inhaling spray paint all day, my fingers were covered in dozens of cuts from working with aluminum sheets, and my body ached from kneeling and bending all day. Work and school were back-to-back; I often arrived at school in my dirty work clothes, my hands covered in spray paint, and bandages on my fingers. As a 17-year-old, my day started at 5 am and ended at 9 pm without a proper break. After school ended at 9 pm, I worked on my homework and frequently stayed and slept in our truck. I slept in my next day's work clothes to get an extra 15 minutes of sleep. Despite the immense exhaustion and side glances from my peers and teachers for my appearance, I stayed determined to make ends meet and at the end of my senior year, I scored the highest EOC test scores in my senior grade. I was nearly late to my high school graduation due to my obligation at work that day. As I sat in my chair in my cap and gown adorned by my 12 colorful honor cords listening as the orations go on, my head was nodding from immense exhaustion. However, when I ascended the stage and heard my name announced, it felt as if time had momentarily stopped. For many, graduating from High School might seem “effortless”. Yet, as an undocumented, first-generation student, it was the Mexican American dream. The camera flashes felt surreal, and the jubilant cheers from my family felt profound with emotion. I could discern the orgullo and emotion in my mother’s eyes. I knew they wished they could offer me more, and I knew they despised witnessing me struggle to balance academics and employment. Nevertheless, I could not have been more grateful. Today, at 21 years of age, I am a leader of the youth group at my church and spend most of my free time volunteering. I have helped organize retreats, vacation Bible studies, soup kitchens, and helped maintain our streets litter-free. Other than my love for volunteering, I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a desire to educate myself on diverse subjects. Attending college has always been an aspiration of mine. As an undocumented student, I am ineligible for FAFSA or any financial aid and will be paying college out of pocket, making scholarships my primary hope for financial assistance. My name is Carol Olivete Castillo, and I will become the first person in my family to graduate from a university. This scholarship is not just financial support; it is a beacon of hope and resilience that have carried me from the U.S. border to this pivotal moment. I will be living proof that the American Dream is alive and attainable, demonstrating that with true determination one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.