Being a first-generation college student means walking a path without a map. It means stepping into classrooms, offices, and systems that no one in your family has ever navigated before, while still carrying the weight of their hopes, sacrifices, and struggles with you. Being first-generation is not just about education, it is about breaking a cycle that has defined my family for generations. I grew up in a low-income household shaped by instability, homelessness, and time spent in the foster care system. No one in my entire family has gone to college, and for much of my childhood, simply having a safe place to sleep was uncertain. Education was not modeled as an expectation, it was something distant and unfamiliar. Yet, it became my anchor. While others had parents guiding them through applications, financial aid, and course planning, I had to learn everything on my own, often through trial, error, and persistence. The challenges did not end once I enrolled in college. As an independent, first-generation student, I face financial strain, academic pressure, and the constant responsibility of managing everything alone. I have had to work two jobs while balancing demanding STEM coursework, navigate financial aid systems without guidance, and make critical decisions without a safety net. There have been moments where exhaustion and doubt crept in, but quitting was never an option. I remind myself that I am not just here for me but am here for everyone who never had this chance. What drives me forward is the belief that education can fundamentally change the trajectory of a life. I am pursuing a degree focused on ecology, wildlife, and environmental science, with the long-term goal of earning a PhD and contributing to conservation, research, and sustainability efforts. I want to work in a field that protects ecosystems, uplifts communities, and reflects the values of responsibility and stewardship that I carry with me. This scholarship would be more than financial support. This scholarship would be validation that my journey matters. It would help cover the hidden costs of college that often go unnoticed, allowing me to focus more fully on my education and research goals. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming an example for others like me. Proof that even without guidance, wealth, or privilege, it is possible to build a future defined by purpose, stability, and impact. Being first-generation means being brave enough to go first. I am committed to making that step count.

Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household taught me perseverance long before I knew the word for it. My childhood was marked by instability, homelessness, and time in the foster care system due to my mother’s substance abuse. These experiences forced me to mature quickly and understand that survival often depends on adaptability, patience, and persistence. While many of my peers worried about grades alone, I worried about food, housing, and whether I would have the support to continue my education at all. Despite these challenges, I learned that education is the most powerful tool for breaking cycles of hardship. I am now a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in biology with the goal of entering the research work force, mainly focusing on ecological systems and conservation. Navigating college as a low-income student has not been easy due to “hidden fees” like textbooks, lab materials, and technology which often add stress beyond tuition. Regardless of these costs, I work hard and remain committed to pushing forward because I know what is at stake. I actively work toward my goals by maintaining strong academic performance, seeking research and lab opportunities, and gaining hands-on experience in scientific environments. My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and contribute to conservation efforts that protect ecosystems while incorporating Indigenous and community-centered perspectives. I plan to use my life experiences to uplift others by serving as proof that adversity does not determine outcome. Through research, mentorship, and community engagement, I hope to create pathways for students from backgrounds like mine to see science as a place where they belong.

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a science-focused education with the long-term goal of earning a PhD in ecology and contributing to wildlife conservation and ecosystem sustainability. As a first-generation college student, a Native American and Chicano scholar, and a former foster youth, my path to higher education has been shaped by adversity, resilience, and an unwavering determination to build a life rooted in purpose and service. One of the most significant challenges I have faced began in early childhood when my sister and I became homeless due to my mother’s substance abuse and financial instability. At seven years old, my sister and I lost our home, our transportation, and our sense of security. We would couch surf when we could and when times were really rough, we would sleep outside. Eventually, Child Protective Services intervened, and we entered the foster care system, where instability continued in a different form. We were frequently moved, treated as temporary responsibilities, and left without consistent support. This period of my life forced me to grow up quickly. I learned how to adapt to unfamiliar environments, how to remain composed in uncertainty, and how to persevere even when circumstances were out of my control. Stability finally came when my tribe intervened and placed us with family on the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana. Later, I was taken in by my guardians, Raye and Stacy, who became my permanent support system. Though financial struggles remained, they provided invaluable belief in me and unwavering love. Overcoming these experiences required persistence rather than a single defining moment of triumph. I moved forward by committing myself to self-improvement and responsibility, even when I lacked guidance or safety nets. As a student, I learned to advocate for myself, balance academics with long work weeks, and seek opportunities that would strengthen both my academic and personal growth. These challenges cultivated leadership in subtle but meaningful ways such as modeling resilience, maintaining integrity under pressure, and striving to uplift others through example rather than position. These experiences deeply shaped my career goals in STEAM. I am drawn to science because it rewards curiosity, perseverance, and ethical responsibility. These are values that I have relied on throughout my life. My interest in ecology and wildlife research stems from a desire to understand interconnected systems and contribute to solutions that support both environmental and human well-being. Working in scientific spaces has taught me that impactful research requires diverse perspectives, especially those shaped by lived experience and resilience. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have sought opportunities to give back through volunteering and research support roles that emphasize service and collaboration. Whether assisting in research environments or supporting academic communities, I approach leadership as responsibility rather than recognition. I believe leadership means creating space for others, acting with integrity, and remaining committed even when progress is slow. Anthony Belliamy’s story and values resonate deeply with me. His strength in adversity, ethical leadership, and optimism mirror the principles that guide my own journey. I have learned that hardship does not limit ambition but refines it. My past has not defined me, but it has shaped my commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and meaningful impact through science. As I move forward in my education and career, I aim to contribute to scientific research that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and long-term solutions. I hope to mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds and demonstrate that resilience and ambition can coexist with compassion and integrity. This scholarship would support not only my education, but my mission to rise above adversity and use science as a tool for positive change.

As a first-generation student from an underrepresented background, my plans for the future come from a mix of ambition, responsibility, and a deep desire to create change. I grew up in a low-income household where college was never guaranteed. Even conversations about the future felt uncertain because my family had never navigated higher education before. Despite this, I learned that education could become the bridge that connects me to a more stable life and to a career that allows me to help others. This belief guides every goal I set for myself. My long-term plan is to build a career centered on ecological sustainability. I want to dedicate my life to wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and the protection of ecosystems that are currently threatened by climate change and human activity. I am especially interested in how plants, animals, and environmental conditions interact with each other. These relationships shape the health of entire ecosystems and understanding them is the foundation of real conservation work. Eventually, I hope to pursue a PhD and lead research that contributes to long-term environmental solutions. My identity as a first-generation Chicano and Native American student strongly influences these goals. My experience comes from a community that has historically faced environmental injustice and limited access to resources. I know what it feels like to live in places where environmental decisions are made without considering the people who live there. Because of this, I want to work in a way that connects scientific work with community needs. Representation in science matters, and I want to show younger students who share my background that they can enter these fields and make an impact. A scholarship like this one would help me move toward my goals in a very real way. I currently work two jobs to support myself and pay for school, which makes it difficult to fully engage in research opportunities and hands-on learning. The financial pressure often forces me to choose work over academic growth. If I receive this scholarship, I will be able to reduce my work hours and invest more time into the experiences that will strengthen my future career. This includes field research, lab work, internships, and volunteer projects that connect me to the environmental community. This scholarship would not only support my education. It would also support the future I am trying to build. I want to create a life defined by stability, opportunity, and purpose. With help from this scholarship, I can continue moving forward with confidence and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Growing up in a low-income, first-generation household, I learned early what it means to carve out a path that was never laid out for me. I didn’t come from a family with college traditions or financial safety nets. Instead, I came from instability, foster care, and a home life where survival often came before planning for the future. But those challenges shaped my dreams. They taught me that education isn’t just a goal; it’s a way out, a way forward, and a way to build the life my family never had the chance to. Today, I’m pursuing my undergraduate degree with the hope of becoming a leader in ecological sustainability. I want to work in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and long-term ecosystem management. These are fields where representation from people like me is almost nonexistent. Being a first-generation Chicano student in STEM means I’m often the “first,” the “only,” or the “other” in the room. Instead of discouraging me, it motivates me. I want younger students from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially Native and Mexican-American kids, to see someone who looks like them doing impactful work in science. Scholarships like this one are more than financial support, they are belief. They tell students like me that our background isn’t a limitation. It is fuel. Receiving this scholarship would ease the constant worry of rent, food, and school costs, allowing me to focus on research opportunities, school, internships, and developing the skills needed to protect the ecosystems I care about. My dream is to build a future defined not by where I started, but by the impact I leave behind.

Being a first-generation Mexican-American college student is something I carry with pride, responsibility, and deep purpose. My passion for education comes not only from wanting to build a better future for myself, but from wanting to honor the generations before me who never had the chance to pursue their own academic dreams. My father immigrated to the United States from Mexico, and his journey was marked by instability, limited opportunities, and the challenges of navigating life in a new country. His path shaped the path I walk today. Although he was eventually deported, his sacrifices and determination continue to motivate me. My mother, who is Native American and grew up without access to higher education, reinforced the idea that education is a powerful tool for creating stability and opportunity. Together, their experiences taught me that pursuing a degree is not something to take lightly. It is a chance to break cycles, build a foundation, and create opportunities that weren’t available to them. As a first-generation student, I am passionate about using my education to uplift my family and my broader community. Every class I take and every skill I learn brings me closer to a future where I can contribute meaningful work to environmental science, particularly in ecological sustainability and conservation. I hope to earn a PhD and dedicate my career to protecting ecosystems and addressing environmental inequalities that disproportionately affect communities like mine. Representation matters in science, and being a Mexican-American in this field allows me to bring perspectives shaped by culture, resilience, and lived experience, perspectives that are often missing. What drives me most is knowing that my accomplishments will not end with me. I want to be someone younger students in my community can look to and think, “If he did it, I can too.” I want to show that a first-generation student can overcome obstacles, navigate unfamiliar systems, and still achieve dreams that once felt out of reach. My education is not just for myself; it is for my family, my culture, and the next generation who deserves to see themselves represented in science and higher education. Being a first-generation, Mexican-American college student means carrying the hopes of those who came before me and turning their sacrifices into a future filled with purpose, opportunity, and impact. That is why I pursue this path with passion, why I will continue to push forward no matter the obstacles ahead.

Going to college means much more to me than earning a degree. It represents stability, opportunity, and the chance to rewrite the future for myself and the people I care about. As a first-generation Native American and Chicano student, I grew up without an understanding for higher education. College wasn’t presented as something guaranteed or expected. This was something distant, something that felt reserved for other people. Choosing to pursue higher education meant stepping into unfamiliar territory, learning how to navigate systems that no one in my home could explain, and trusting that the effort would be worth it. To me, college symbolizes breaking generational barriers and creating possibilities that didn’t exist before. What motivates me most is the freedom that education can create, the ability to build a stable foundation, pursue work that matters, and give my future family a life without the strains I grew up with. College gives me the tools to understand the world more deeply and the skills to contribute meaningfully to it. It represents a step toward becoming someone who does not just survive challenges but uses them to fuel their purpose. Academically, I am pursuing a path in biology with a focus on ecology, conservation, and environmental sustainability. I am fascinated by the relationships among organisms, ecosystems, and human communities. My long-term goal is to earn a PhD and contribute scientific research that protects ecosystems and supports communities that face environmental inequalities. Growing up close to nature, yet seeing how environmental issues disproportionately affect Native, Latinx, and low-income communities, made me realize how much representation is needed in environmental science. I want to be part of that change. I want to bring my voice, my lived experiences, and my cultural background into a field where they are often missing. College also means proving to myself that I can reach goals that once felt out of reach. Balancing multiple jobs, classes, and research has shown me how capable I am when I stay committed. Every exam I pass, every lab I complete, and every skill I learn reminds me why I am here. I am here to build a life that honors my family’s sacrifices and strengthens the communities I represent. My accomplishments are not just personal, they are something I hope will open doors for others around me, including younger Indigenous and Hispanic students who may not yet see themselves in higher education. Ultimately, what I want to accomplish through college is simple but profound: I want to create change. I want to protect ecosystems at a time when the natural world needs advocates more than ever. I want to help communities that carry generational relationships with the land reclaim their voices in environmental decisions. And I want to build a future defined by purpose, stability, and meaningful contribution. College is my path toward that future. It is my chance to rise above the circumstances I inherited and shape a life driven by passion, resilience, and responsibility. It means everything to me because it is the foundation of the life I am working to build.

Being a first-generation college student shapes my career goals in ways that go far beyond earning a degree. For me, higher education is not just an academic achievement, it is a way to break cycles of instability, create opportunities for my family, and build a career that gives back to communities like the ones I come from. Growing up without a roadmap for navigating college meant I had to learn everything on my own: how to apply for financial aid, how to communicate with professors, how to balance work and school, and how to stay focused when it felt like the system wasn’t built for students like me. That experience has made me more determined, resilient, and intentional about the future I want to create. Being first-generation also influences why I am drawn to ecological sustainability and environmental research. My background has given me a deep awareness of how environmental issues like pollution, habitat loss, and climate change impact underserved communities disproportionately. Many of these communities, especially Indigenous and Latinx ones, have strong relationships with the land but limited representation in scientific spaces. I want to change that. My goal is to earn a PhD and contribute research that strengthens conservation efforts, restores damaged ecosystems, and ensures that environmental decisions include the voices of the people most affected by them. Ultimately, being a first-generation college student has taught me the value of opportunity and the responsibility that comes with it. I want to build a career that not only reflects my love for science but honors the people and cultures that shaped me. My journey motivates me to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep creating possibilities that future students in my family won’t have to struggle to find.

My name is Christian Frost, and my educational journey has been shaped by determination, responsibility, and the goal of building a life far more stable than the one I grew up in. As a first-generation Chicano and Native American college student, pursuing higher education has never been something I took for granted. I have worked hard to create opportunities that did not exist for my family, and I carry that responsibility forward in everything I do. I am currently majoring in biology with a focus on ecology, conservation, and environmental sustainability. My long-term goal is to earn a PhD and build a career centered on protecting ecosystems, restoring habitats, and helping communities adapt to environmental change. I am deeply motivated by the connections between people, wildlife, and the land, especially within Native and Latinx communities that have historically faced environmental injustice. My hope is to contribute research that not only advances science but also uplifts the communities whose relationships with nature are often overlooked. My educational path hasn’t been easy. To afford school, I work two jobs while taking full-time coursework and participating in hands-on research/field experiences whenever I can. I currently have over $24,000 in student loans, with at least one more semester ahead of me. Balancing academic goals with financial pressure has required discipline, long nights, and constant sacrifices. But these challenges have also pushed me to stay focused on why I am doing this in the first place. This is not just for myself, but for my family and for the communities I hope to serve. Beyond academics, I try to stay actively involved in my community. I’ve worked in museum collections helping preserve biological specimens for research, volunteered in ecological projects, and helped organize a local blood drive that would create opportunities for people beyond my immediate community. I believe strongly in giving back because my own progress is only possible thanks to the support and inspiration of people around me. Helping others find their footing in science is one of the most meaningful ways I can honor that. If I were selected for this scholarship, the impact would be immediate and transformative. Paying down part of my student loans would reduce my monthly costs enough so that I could work fewer hours at my two jobs. With less financial strain, I would be able to focus more deeply on my coursework and fully participate in research opportunities that could shape my future career. The time I would gain back is not just about convenience, it would allow me to invest more energy into developing the skills, experience, and academic foundation I need to reach graduate school and move into ecological research. Ultimately, my goal is to build a life where I can contribute meaningful work to environmental science and support communities that face the combined pressures of climate change and limited resources. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that future by easing the financial burden that stands between where I am now and where I hope to be.

Entering higher education has always felt like stepping into a world that wasn’t designed with someone like me in mind. Growing up as the child of an immigrant father and a Native American mother meant that I inherited two rich cultural identities, but neither came with a guide for how to navigate the college system. My dad came to the United States from another country, trying to build a life for himself, but his path was shaped by instability, limited opportunity, and eventually deportation after his incarceration. My mom, who is Native American, grew up excluded from the types of academic resources and support systems that many students take for granted. As a result, I entered higher education without the generational safety net or insider knowledge that many of my peers have. I often felt as though I was piecing together an unfamiliar world, one form, one email, and one class at a time. Being a second-generation American through my parents’ different backgrounds has shaped my educational journey in ways I didn’t fully understand until I reached college. On the surface, the challenge was practical. I had to learn how to complete financial aid applications, understand how to communicate with professors, and figure out how to navigate course requirements and degree planning without anyone in my corner who had done it before. But beneath these tasks was a deeper more emotional reality. The feeling that I was entering a system where I wasn’t expected to succeed, and where no one who looked like me or came from my background had ever gone before. However, the same circumstances that made me feel like an outsider also became the source of my determination. Watching my parents and foster parents face systemic, economic, or cultural barriers has taught me what a privilege education truly is, and why I must take full advantage of every opportunity it opens. My dad being an immigrant taught me how quickly opportunities can be lost when systems are stacked against you. My mom’s resilience taught me the importance of representation and the strength of pursuing something larger than yourself. My foster parents’ encouragement is what pushed me in this direction. I am a culmination of their aspirations for a better future for me. Their lives made me realize that earning a degree isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s a step toward changing the trajectory of my entire family. These experiences have shaped my future goals in meaningful ways. I am pursuing a path in biology, a field that connects science, community, and environmental responsibility. My hope is to earn a PhD and contribute to research that supports ecosystem protection, wildlife conservation, and the long-term stability of vulnerable environments. Coming from communities that have historically faced marginalization, I feel a responsibility to bring my perspective into a field where diverse voices are often missing. I want to help ensure that environmental decisions consider the needs of all communities and not just those with the loudest platforms. Although I may have entered higher education as an outsider, I no longer see that as a disadvantage. Instead, I see it as a unique strength that has shaped my purpose, my resilience, and my vision for the future. My journey is proof that even without a clear roadmap, it is still possible to build a path forward and to create opportunities that the next generation won’t have to struggle to find.

When I turned eighteen, I realized how much of adulthood can close its doors on you if you don’t have established credit. Coming from a foster-care background, I didn’t have anyone to guide me through the financial world, so every mistake or success came from figuring things out on my own. That’s why building credit early is important to me! it’s not just about a number, it’s about building the stability and freedom my family never had. To take control of my financial future, I started small. I opened a low-limit starter credit card and made it a rule to only use it for one predictable expense each month which ended up being gas or groceries. I paid it off on time, every time, so I could slowly grow trust with myself and with the financial system. One smart money move I’m proud of was receiving a loan through my credit union for a used vehicle after my past car broke down on me, leaving it more expensive to fix. I was able to get this loan because I had been smart with my credit since first opening up my credit card other purchases I used to build my credit such as my rent or paying student loans off. Even when it felt like I didn’t have extra to spare my past decisions allowed me to deal with this situation in a manageable circumstance. Watching my credit grow, even little by little, showed me that consistency matters more than the amount. It taught me that financial progress isn’t about making big leaps but it is about steady habits that build over time. On the other hand, I learned the hard way that buying things just because they are “on sale” is not the same as saving money. I used to justify small impulse purchases by telling myself I was getting a good deal, but those “deals” added up quickly and left me with less room for the things that actually mattered. Realizing this was a turning point in my financial maturity. That small habit taught me to pause before I spend and ask whether the purchase aligns with my financial goals or just satisfies a moment of temptation. Now, I try to make every dollar a deliberate choice, not an impulse. This mindset has helped me take real control of my financial future. A bit about me: I’m a first-generation college student, a foster child, and someone determined to create stability for my loved ones. I’m motivated by the life I want to build—one where financial strain doesn’t define my future. Learning how to manage money, build credit, and stay disciplined with my goals is part of breaking a cycle and building something better. Taking control of my financial future isn’t just about being responsible; it’s about changing the direction of my life and creating opportunities for myself that once felt out of reach.