From a young age, I have always had a passion for selling and creating opportunities. As a kid, I was constantly finding ways to hustle and make money, whether it was selling slime, snacks at school, or lemonade in my neighborhood. At the time, it felt like just a fun way to earn extra cash, but looking back, I realize it was my first glimpse into the world of sales and marketing. I enjoyed the challenge of finding ways to connect with people, convince them of the value of what I was offering, and provide something they wanted or needed. That excitement for selling never went away, and it is one of the biggest reasons why I want to pursue a career in real estate. Real estate is about more than just buying and selling houses, it is about helping people find a place they can call home, build memories, and create their future. I see real estate as a career where I can combine my skills in sales with my passion for working with people. Every homebuyer and seller has a story, and I want to be the person who helps guide them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. What inspires me most is the opportunity to make an impact in people’s lives while also building a successful career for myself. My motivation comes from my own family and background. Growing up with a single mom raising five kids, I saw firsthand how important stability and opportunity are. My mom worked hard to provide for us, but finances were always tight. That taught me the value of hard work, ambition, and determination. I know that pursuing a career in sales and marketing, especially in real estate, will give me the chance to not only achieve financial stability for myself but also to give back to my family and community. I want to be living proof that no matter where you come from, with enough drive and passion, you can build the life you dream of. What excites me most about sales and marketing is the challenge. Every client, every product, and every situation is different, and it requires creativity, persistence, and strong communication skills. I love the idea of constantly learning and growing in a field that is competitive and fast-paced. I know that my natural drive, my ability to connect with people, and my willingness to put in the work will help me succeed in real estate. This scholarship would be a huge step in helping me reach my goals. It would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus on building the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in business and eventually in real estate. I am determined to use my education to build a career that not only supports me but also allows me to inspire others who come from similar backgrounds. I believe I am the right candidate for this scholarship because of my ambition, my lifelong passion for sales, and my drive to succeed in real estate. From selling slime and lemonade as a kid to planning my future in real estate today, I have always been motivated by the idea of connecting with people and creating opportunities. With the support of this scholarship, I know I can continue my education, pursue my passion, and honor the legacy of dedication and drive that this award represents.

1. I believe I am a “YOU GOT IT GIRL” because of my hard work, resilience, and determination. Growing up with a single mom raising five kids taught me to be strong and to never give up, even when things are hard. Wrestling has pushed me to stay disciplined and keep going, no matter the challenge. This scholarship would help me continue to chase my dreams in college while also easing the financial stress on my family. It would give me the chance to focus on excelling as both a student and an athlete. 2. I have wrestled since 8th grade, and it has become a huge part of my life. Now, I am a wrestler at Friends University on an athletic scholarship. Some of my wrestling accomplishments include being a State Champion, a 4X State Qualifier, a 3X State Placer, and WAC Wrestler of the Year. Before college, I also competed in track from 7th grade through high school. In track, I was a 4X Regional Champion, 4X State Qualifier, 2X State Placer, 4X WAC Champion, and part of a team that placed 3rd at State. Both sports shaped me into the athlete and person I am today. 3. One of my biggest challenges was balancing school, sports, and family responsibilities while being raised by a single mom. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but I learned to stay focused and use my struggles as motivation. Wrestling taught me that no match is ever over until the final whistle. That mindset carried into my life, reminding me that setbacks are only setups for comebacks. Through these challenges, I’ve grown stronger, more disciplined, and more motivated to keep moving forward. 4. I look up to Jordan Burroughs because of his success, his wrestling style, and his knowledge of the sport. He inspires me because he doesn’t just win, he carries himself with discipline, humility, and confidence. I admire how he uses his platform to motivate others and show that wrestling is more than just a sport, it’s about character, persistence, and faith. 5. This scholarship would help me continue to succeed as a student-athlete by easing the financial stress of college. It would help me cover things like dorm costs, meal plan prices and school expenses so I can focus more on wrestling and academics instead of worrying about how to pay for everything. It would also allow me to keep giving my best effort in the classroom and on the mat, knowing that I have the support to keep going. 6. I want you to know how grateful I am for opportunities like this. I understand the value of every chance given to me. Along with being a student-athlete, I also work part time as a paraeducator at Maize Middle School. This job not only helps me bring in a little extra money to support myself, but it also gives me the chance to give back to the community by helping kids with their education. Wrestling has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am determined to use my education, athletics, and work to make a positive difference for my family and others. 7. Like previously mentioned, I am currently a wrestler at Friends University, where I was given a scholarship to be on the team. Being a student-athlete means representing my school with pride, working hard in both academics and athletics, and staying disciplined in all areas of life. Wrestling has taught me to overcome challenges, stay focused, and always push myself to do better. Competing at the college level is a dream come true, and I am excited to continue building my athletic and academic journey!

My name is Daizy Gomez, and I am a hardworking student-athlete with big dreams for the future. Track has been one of the most important parts of my life because it has taught me discipline, endurance, and the value of hard work. Every practice and every race reminds me that success comes through commitment and pushing myself beyond my limits. I love track not only because it challenges me physically, but also because it strengthens me mentally. It has helped me become more focused, motivated, and confident in reaching my goals. I come from a single-parent household. My mom is raising five kids on her own, and I am the fourth child. She works incredibly hard to provide for us, but the financial struggles are real and constant. Watching her sacrifice for us has been one of the biggest motivators in my life. I want to honor her by taking every opportunity I can to succeed in school and in athletics. Being a first-generation college student, I know how important it is to set an example for my younger sibling and to prove that even with limited resources, dreams can still be achieved through determination and faith. This scholarship would have a major impact on my life. With my mom carrying so much of the financial burden on her own, paying for college feels overwhelming. Receiving this support would allow me to focus more on my education, athletics, and community involvement without worrying as much about how we will afford the costs. It would give me the chance to continue chasing my academic and athletic goals while also helping to ease some of the stress my mom carries every single day. Like Kalia D. Davis, I strive to live with ambition, drive, and excellence. I want to follow her example by giving my best in everything I do, whether in school, sports, or life. I want to be known as someone who works hard, uplifts others, and makes a positive difference in my community. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also inspire me to keep pushing forward in Kalia’s memory, living, loving, laughing, and learning along the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply, and I hope to carry the same determination and spirit into my own journey that Kalia showed in hers. Thank you so much for listening to my story and considering me for this scholarship!

Hello! I am Daizy Gomez! Being a first-generation Mexican-American student is something I hold with deep pride and gratitude. My identity carries with it both the sacrifices of my family and the opportunities I have been given by living in the United States. I know how blessed I am to pursue higher education, especially when I look at the differences in opportunity between myself and my father, who lives in Mexico. His life has shown me the struggles many face when they do not have access to the same resources and chances that I do. That contrast fuels my determination to work hard, to honor my roots, and to take advantage of the opportunities in front of me. My father has always been an example of resilience and dedication, but he was not given the same chances to pursue education or stable work opportunities that I now have. Each time I speak with him or visit Mexico, I am reminded of the sacrifices he has made and the barriers he has faced. Living in America has opened doors for me that he never had, and I cannot take that for granted. Instead, I see it as my responsibility to honor my heritage and his sacrifices by making the most of my education. I am passionate about being a first-generation college student because it represents the breaking of cycles and the opening of new paths for my family. I want to be proof that the hard work and dreams of my parents and grandparents were not in vain. College is not just about earning a degree for me, it is about building a foundation that will allow me to serve my community, uplift others, and create opportunities for those who come after me. Being Mexican-American has also given me a unique perspective. I have the privilege of experiencing two cultures, two languages, and two ways of life. This has taught me to value diversity, family, and perseverance. It has also shown me the importance of giving back. Whether through volunteering, working hard at my job, or being involved in my community, I strive to use my time and talents to make a difference. My background motivates me to continue serving and to be a role model for younger students who may not see college as possible for them. Education is the key that opens doors, and I believe it is one of the most powerful tools we can use to make change. I want to use my degree not only to better my own life but also to help others, especially those in underrepresented or underserved communities. As a Mexican-American and first-generation student, I feel called to use my opportunities to bring light, hope, and encouragement to others who might face similar challenges to my father or my family. I am grateful for the opportunities I have in this country, and I know they come with responsibility. I do not want to waste the chances I have been given, but instead live in a way that honors my heritage and creates impact. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue on this path with less financial burden, giving me the ability to focus more fully on my studies and community involvement. More importantly, it would carry forward the legacy of resilience, ambition, and belief in education that my family has instilled in me. I am proud to be a Mexican-American, proud to be a first-generation student, and passionate about proving that with ambition, drive, and faith, barriers can be overcome and dreams can become reality. Thank you so much!

Pursuing higher education has always been one of my biggest goals, not only for myself but also for my family. I come from a single-parent household where my mom has raised five children on her own. She has worked tirelessly to provide for us, and her sacrifices have inspired me to work hard in school and in life. As the fourth child and a first-generation college student, I want to take the next step and show my younger sibling that success is possible, no matter how hard life may seem. Growing up in this environment was not always easy, but it taught me resilience and the value of perseverance. Watching my mom carry so much responsibility while still putting her children first gave me a clear picture of what strength and humility look like. She has always encouraged me to work hard, be humble, and trust God through every challenge. Because of her example, I learned that no matter how little we may have, faith and determination can carry us through. I hope to carry those same values with me into college and beyond. My relationship with God is at the center of everything I do. I believe He has guided me through difficult times and has given me opportunities to grow stronger in my faith. Being a Christian student means more than just believing—it means striving to serve others, to live with integrity, and to be a good steward of the gifts I have been entrusted with. I know that education is one of those gifts, and I intend to use it not just for myself, but to help others and to be a positive example in my community. Wrestling has also played a big role in shaping who I am. The sport requires discipline, consistency, and mental toughness. Every match has taught me how to keep going even when I feel tired, overwhelmed, or behind. Those same lessons apply to my academics and my walk with God. Wrestling reminds me daily that hard work pays off, and that success comes to those who stay faithful and committed even in the toughest battles. This scholarship would greatly reduce the financial burden of college. With the rising costs of tuition, housing, and supplies, paying for school is a serious worry for my family. My mom has always supported my dreams, but I know how heavy the weight of providing for five children can be. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to pursue my degree without adding to her stress. It would also allow me to devote more time to my studies, my sport, and my involvement in serving others, instead of worrying about how to cover expenses. My dream is to graduate and build a successful future that allows me to give back to my community and my family. I want to use my education and experiences to make a positive impact on others, especially those who, like me, have faced obstacles but still strive to move forward. Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to that dream and one step closer to being the role model my younger sibling needs. I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my ambition, drive, and commitment to serving God through my education and my actions. With your support, I will be able to pursue my college journey with less worry, more focus, and greater determination to live a life of impact.