Receiving this scholarship would make a life-changing difference for me, not just financially, but mentally and emotionally. During my time at Chemeketa Community College, I was fortunate to receive a soccer scholarship, the Oregon Promise, and the Pell Grant. These resources allowed me to stay in school without needing to worry about paying bills, helping me afford gas, food, and basic housing expenses. I was able to focus on getting good grades and completing the classes I needed to transfer. But now, as I prepare to attend Western Oregon University, most of that support is no longer available to me. I recently learned I will not be receiving the Pell Grant for the upcoming year. That came as a huge shock, especially because I’ve always counted on FAFSA to help pay for my education. Without it, I’m not just worried about paying for tuition, I’m worried about how I’ll afford textbooks, supplies, transportation, and even rent. My family works extremely hard, but they’ve never been in a position to help financially with college. Every dollar has always gone toward keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table. That’s why this scholarship matters so much. If I am awarded this scholarship, I will use the money to cover essential costs like tuition, books, and academic materials. It would allow me to stay enrolled full-time without needing to take on a heavy work schedule, which would make it harder to succeed in my classes. It would help me avoid student loans, something I’m trying to do because I’ve seen firsthand how debt can derail people’s futures. Most importantly, it would give me peace of mind. Knowing that I can afford to stay in school and work toward my degree would take a huge amount of stress off me and my family. This scholarship would also directly support my long-term goals. I’m majoring in psychology because I want to work with people and help others overcome challenges in their lives, just like I’ve been working to overcome mine. My plan is to earn my bachelor’s degree at Western and eventually go on to get my master’s. I’m the first in my family to pursue higher education at this level, and I’m determined to break cycles of debt, struggle, and limited opportunity. But I know I can’t do it alone. With this scholarship, I would be able to stay focused on my education, stay on track to graduate, and ultimately reach my goal of becoming a professional in the mental health field. It would allow me to keep pushing forward despite financial setbacks, and it would be a sign that people believe in my potential. That alone would mean everything to me.

I still remember sitting in a doctor’s office as a child, holding my mom’s hand while trying to translate the nurse’s questions. I was nervous I didn’t understand every word, but I tried my best. That moment stayed with me. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking immigrant family in Woodburn, I quickly became the bridge between my family and the world around us. I translated documents, made phone calls, and helped my parents navigate school, healthcare, and daily life. It was challenging, but it shaped who I am and why I chose to pursue a degree in psychology. Language was always a barrier, not just for me, but for my entire family. I watched how my parents struggled to get the right help simply because they couldn’t fully communicate. I realized that many families like mine faced the same issue, especially when it came to mental health. Cultural stigma and a lack of Spanish-speaking professionals made it almost impossible to get proper support. That’s when I knew I wanted to be part of the solution to help families like mine feel seen, heard, and understood. This is what led me to choose the field of psychology. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, but it often gets overlooked especially in Hispanic and Latinx communities. As I learned more about mental health in school, everything clicked. I saw the gaps, and I knew I had the lived experience and passion to help close them. My goal is to become a bilingual mental health professional who creates a safe and welcoming environment for Spanish-speaking individuals and others in underserved communities. Throughout high school and college, I’ve prepared myself by staying focused and using every opportunity to grow. Being bilingual has allowed me to serve others in meaningful ways. I’ve worked as a mentor to first-generation students, helping them in both English and Spanish so they can better understand college systems and resources. I’ve also volunteered in my community to promote awareness around education and mental health. These experiences confirmed for me that I want to dedicate my career to helping people feel supported emotionally, mentally, and culturally. Psychology is about connection, and connection is impossible without understanding. I want to use my degree to offer therapy and counseling services in both English and Spanish, especially for those who don’t have access to bilingual professionals. Many Hispanic individuals don’t receive proper mental health care simply because they don’t feel comfortable expressing themselves in English, or because they fear judgment due to cultural beliefs. I want to break those barriers and help people feel safe enough to speak up and seek help. My long-term goal is to work in community clinics or schools that serve low-income and immigrant families. I want to be a person who listens without judgment, understands cultural values, and speaks to clients in the language of their hearts. I know what it feels like to be overlooked, and I want to make sure others don’t feel the same. With my degree in psychology, I hope to provide healing, understanding, and empowerment to those who need it most. In the end, my passion for mental health is deeply connected to my roots. My bilingualism, cultural background, and lived experiences have prepared me to serve with compassion and purpose. Higher education will give me the tools I need to turn that passion into action and become a mental health professional who makes a real difference in people’s lives.

I still remember the first time I had to translate for my parents at a doctor’s appointment. I was nervous, only in elementary school, but I knew I had to be the one to make sure my family was understood. Coming from a Spanish-speaking immigrant family in Woodburn, I learned early on that language was a barrier not just for me, but for everyone in my household. That experience sparked something in me: the desire to help, to serve, and to grow into someone others could rely on. It also showed me how powerful education can be, and why pursuing higher education has become so important in my life. Growing up, I faced many challenges as a first-generation student. My parents didn’t go to college, so everything about the process from applying to understanding financial aid was completely new to us. I didn’t have anyone at home who could explain how things worked, but I didn’t let that stop me. I took it upon myself to ask questions, attend college prep events, talk to counselors, and learn how to navigate the system. Each step was difficult, but every barrier I faced pushed me to become more determined. My background taught me the value of hard work and persistence. Because my parents worked long hours to provide for us, I took on a lot of responsibilities at home. I became the one who translated documents, scheduled appointments and made sure my family received the support they needed. These responsibilities shaped me into someone independent, responsible, and committed to making a difference not just for my family, but for my entire community. One of the biggest ways I’ve prepared for college is through my involvement in mentorship programs. As a bilingual student, I’ve used my language skills to help others like me. I’ve mentored fellow first-generation students, speaking with them in both English and Spanish to help them better understand their options. Being able to connect with someone in their native language builds trust, and it’s something I’ve found incredibly rewarding. These experiences have also helped me see that I want to take my passion for helping others even further. That’s why I’ve chosen to pursue a degree in psychology. I want to become a mental health professional who serves culturally diverse communities, especially Hispanic and Latinx individuals who often face stigma and misinformation around mental health. I’ve seen firsthand how language and culture can be major barriers to care my own family has struggled to find therapists who could understand our language and experiences. I want to change that by becoming someone who not only speaks the language but truly understands the culture and the unique challenges people face. Being bilingual is more than just knowing two languages it’s about creating access and building bridges. I believe mental health care should be accessible, compassionate, and culturally informed. My goal is to create safe spaces for people who feel left out, unheard, or misunderstood. As a bilingual psychologist, I want to make sure that Spanish-speaking individuals can receive the care they need with dignity and trust. Higher education is the path that will allow me to achieve these goals. It’s not just about earning a degree it’s about gaining the knowledge, skills, and experience to give back to the communities that shaped me. As a first-generation student, I know the road is tough, but I also know how much it matters. I’ve prepared myself with hard work, resilience, and a deep desire to make a difference and I’m ready for the journey ahead.

I still remember sitting in a therapist’s office, trying to translate my dad’s symptoms into English. He couldn’t explain what he was feeling, and no one in the room could fully understand him but I did. That was the moment I realized how important it is to have mental health professionals who not only speak your language but understand your culture. It’s one of the biggest reasons I want to become a bilingual psychologist. Coming from a Hispanic family has shaped everything about the way I see the world. I was raised with strong values like respect, hard work, and always showing up for the people you love. These values have helped me through school, sports, and some of the toughest challenges in my life. Sports have always been part of who I am. I’ve played soccer since I was five years old, and it taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to push through obstacles. I won two state playoff championships in high school and then played for Chemeketa Community College, where we won a league championship. I also ran track, which helped me stay focused and motivated. Sports gave me a place where I could be myself and feel supported by my teammates. That support helped me stay on track with school and build confidence in myself. But life hasn’t been easy. From elementary through high school, I had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). I had to work harder than most students just to keep up. I also struggled with mental health, something that wasn’t talked about in my family. In many Hispanic households, there’s still a stigma around mental health, and that made it hard for me to open up. But I kept pushing forward going to tutoring, staying after class, and doing what I needed to succeed. Another big part of my story is the fear of being separated from my parents because of immigration. That fear is always there, but it’s made me stronger and more focused on what matters. It also made me realize how many people in my community go through the same thing, and how much support is missing for families like mine. During my first year of college, I interned at Life Counseling in McMinnville, Oregon. I helped translate between therapists and clients, assisted with scheduling, and supported clients with their therapy homework. This experience opened my eyes to how much of a difference it makes when someone truly understands your background. I saw how language and culture can create barriers or build trust. I also work as a mentor for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Chemeketa. I help first-year college students adjust to school, many of whom come from the same background as me. I know how it feels to think college might not be for you. That’s why I talk to students at local schools and share info about programs like TRIO and CAMP to show them that higher education is possible. My Hispanic background has taught me to work hard, stay humble, and always give back. I want to use those values to make a real difference. My goal is to become a bilingual psychologist and create safe, welcoming spaces for immigrants, English learners, and others who feel left out. I’ve felt that way before and now I want to be the one who helps others feel seen and heard.

Being a first-generation and low-income student has made my educational journey challenging, but also meaningful. Since no one in my family has gone to college, I’ve had to figure out a lot of things on my own. Things like applying for financial aid, registering for classes or even understanding how college works were all new to me. There were times I felt completely lost or stressed, especially when I didn’t know who to ask for help. Over time, these challenges helped me become more independent and determined. During my first two years of college, I often had to ask staff at my school for example asking for help in filling out FAFSA. I was lucky to get enough financial aid at first, which helped me afford school. But now that I’m trying to transfer to a university that is more expensive, it’s been harder to get the same kind of support. Not getting enough aid has made it difficult to continue my education, even though I’m working hard to make it happen. Growing up in a home where money was tight taught me how to work hard and not give up. I’ve worked several part-time jobs since high school to help support my family, while also keeping up my grades and staying involved in school activities. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me a lot about time management, responsibility, and how to stay focused on my goals. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish so far. My dream is to earn a degree in psychology. I want to work in mental health and help people who are struggling, especially students who feel like they can’t go to college because of money or not knowing what steps to take. I know how that feels, and I want to be someone who can guide and support others. I also want to help break the cycle in my family where education didn’t seem possible and show my younger siblings that going to college can be a reality for them too. To me, college isn’t just about getting a degree it’s about proving to myself that I can do something bigger, even when the odds are against me. It’s about showing others like me that where you come from doesn’t decide where you end up. College is the next step in changing my future and helping others change theirs, too. That’s why it means so much to me.