Zendaya, an African-American woman who has overcome many obstacles is a role model of mine. Her resilience and multifaceted career are admirable. I am inspired by her activism specifically because she has utilized her sphere of influence for something bigger than herself. I desire to do the same in mine. I am a first-generation college student. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. He is the sole provider of our family of four as a truck driver, working a 65-hour week. My mother is the rock of our family, but she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. I have learned from their journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. I am committed to building a legacy for my family and impacting my community. To witness Zendaya's dedicated character, pushing back against the cultural pressures to conform to the expectations and limitations of an African American is inspiring. I have done the same for my culture as a Latin American. I am determined to persevere and thrive through adversity and a complex curriculum at Azusa Pacific University, not shying away from the challenge and intimidation of being the first in my family to do so. I am double majoring in Honors Humanities and Psychology or Business. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I am a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I hope to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. Zendaya, a philanthropist and activist has ignited a passion and motivation to do the same in my community and nation. I firmly believe a college education will prepare me as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment as my grandmother immigrated to America from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those who need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation; impacting even one person’s life would bestow me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough. Zendaya is an activist who has caused change by example. I strive to follow in Zendaya's footsteps. I want to encourage others to overcome challenges and invest in the community just like she did for me. With these scholarship funds, my college endeavors to qualify me for such a task can be made accessible. Thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

Primarily, I am a candidate who merits your consideration because I demonstrate both intelligence and diligence in my studies and life. To begin, in fourth grade, I faced religious persecution from adult authorities at a public elementary school, as I was dress-coded for wearing a shirt that said “God’s Love”. Because of the ridicule and pressures in a secular school system, my parents decided to pull me from that environment and instead homeschool. Although an unfamiliar experience, I was able to become proficient in my curriculum through self-motivation and discipline. Once I returned to public school, I was ahead of the curve in my academic achievements and amazingly flourished in a remote learning environment during Covid-19 because of my experience with at-home learning and a growth mindset. I enhanced my studies by enrolling in five Advanced Placement courses and three honors classes. These accelerated classes encouraged me to push beyond my expected limits as an American Latina, the first generation in my family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. He is the sole provider of our family of four as a truck driver, working a 65-hour week. My mother is the rock of our family, but she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. I have learned from their journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. I am committed to building a legacy for my family and impacting my community. I am determined to persevere and thrive through future adversity and a complex curriculum at Azusa Pacific University. I am double majoring in Honors Humanities and Psychology or Business. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I am a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I hope to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I firmly believe a college education will prepare me as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment as my grandmother immigrated to America from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those who need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation; impacting even one person’s life would bestow me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. Thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

My favorite thing about Disney is its encouragement to young viewers to dream big and work hard for it despite obstacles or discouragement. Princess Tiana is my favorite Disney princess who emulates this mission in perseverance and independence. She is a strong, confident, and strong-willed young woman from humble beginnings who spent countless hours working two jobs to save up enough to finally fulfill her life goal of one day opening a restaurant inspired by her father. Princess Tiana encounters many obstacles before finally fulfilling her dream, including racial and gender discrimination beyond her dilemma of transforming into a frog! Primarily, I love Princess Tiana because I can relate to her humble origins. Although being raised in a small home on the outskirts of New Orleans may not have given Princess Tiana the most luxurious living, the key to her happiness was love from her family. Similarly, I am the daughter of a sole provider. My father exemplifies humility and diligence, working 65-hour workweeks as a truck driver to provide for our family of 4. My mother is a stay-at-home mom who cares for my family and our household. My parents differing yet equally important roles have ensured a roof over our heads, food on the table, and love in the home. We may not always have had lavish living with wealth and materials galore, but I am certain I have experienced the richest joys in life that money could not buy. I have inherited the valuable gifts of my parent's faith, tenderness, and direction. I am impacted by my family’s involvement, which has motivated me to dream big and work hard. Because of their model of perseverance and passion, I am eager to honor my humble beginnings and embark upon a new legacy for my family, fulfilling my dreams and theirs, just as Princess Tiana did for her family. I dream big to become the first generation of my family to complete college and serve in the United States Air Force. Furthermore, I appreciate Princess Tiana because she has encouraged me to overcome racial and gender barriers. Princess Tiana, an African-American woman, encountered discrimination as the Fenner brothers, real-estate men, snarked that a little woman from her background was not fit to run a business. Instead of bowing to societal expectations and negativity, Princess Tiana victors as a successful restaurant owner on the Fenner brothers’ lot in the closing scene. I am inspired to disregard prejudice and hate just as Princess Tiana did, proving a victor instead of a victim of my situation. I have witnessed and endured societal prejudice as a Latin-American, first-generation college student. Society predicts me as a Hispanic, the most likely to drop out of school. Likewise, because of my background as the daughter of a high school dropout, I have an even greater likelihood of halting my education. I have chosen to defy expectations that predict and excuse my failure. Instead, I pursued my dream of becoming an achieved scholar, graduating high school with a 4.2 GPA and now enrolled as a freshman in the Azusa Pacific University Honors College. I strive to be a leader of my fate and success like Princess Tiana. I admire Princess Tiana's self-worth and dignity, knowing her potential and royalty before ever wearing a crown or a title. Disney advocates that women have the power to do all that we set our minds to, to pursue our dreams and welcome unexpected love and adventure throughout our journey. Disney has influenced my life, passions, and dreams in ways unfathomable; this is why I am a true Disney SuperFan.

Selflessness to me means humbly sacrificing one’s comfortability or benefits for the better interest of another individual or group; this is what I strive to manifest in my life. At Bonita High School, I embodied these qualities as the Christian Club president in my junior and senior years. Our mission as a club was to promote love and create a haven for all students to come and find hope. We shared the Gospel Good News of God’s unconditional love and abounding mercy and forgiveness to many students involved in alcohol, drugs, and sex. Many students were hopeless, self-harming, and even contemplating suicide. Our club was a saving grace for them; those depressed, isolated, and lacking self-worth had a place for mentorship and aid. Our club selflessly sacrificed time to plan and execute events, investing in this bigger-than-ourselves movement. Another recent effort of mine to practice selflessness was as a cabinet member in the Best Buddies Special Needs program. I spent lunches with my peers on the spectrum, creating a supportive environment, having fun during games and karaoke contests, and, most importantly, helping them feel seen and cared about. I helped plan meetings and fundraisers to promote our club and integrate this group better into the student population, demonstrating our motto: Be a buddy, not a bully. Additionally, I demonstrated selflessness as the Student Government Commissioner of Bearcat Pride. Here, I advocated for increased acknowledgment and celebration of all students on campus. I worked with the FAST class (the special needs class), LINK Crew (student mentorship group), and Foster Liaison to ensure that all students were included and celebrated in the campus community. Their involvement and acknowledgment were a priority, which made countless hours and project proposals worth it. I have also practiced selflessness in the community as a volunteer. Over the past five years, I have volunteered with Pomona God’s Pantry. We regularly feed the low-income in our community, supplying over 1,000 underprivileged families with food and resources. This organization recognizes the low-income and addiction struggle and selflessly acts in love by serving and sharing the Gospel message with them instead of criticizing or neglecting the underprivileged. Moreover, I have volunteered with the El Dorado Oaks Elderly Home to spend time and spread joy with those who may be depressed, as 40% of care home residents are, without contact with the outside world. I am fortunate to have served because these experiences taught me that impactful actions may not always be in the presence of crowds but rather intimately knowing and caring for individuals, sharing their pain, joy, and life. Moreover, I am challenged to flourish in my selflessness at Azusa Pacific University, double majoring in Honors Humanities and Psychology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from provoking authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome further insight and empathy to nurture beyond graduation. I aspire to fulfill Azusa Pacific University's motto of becoming a difference maker; anticipating becoming an Azusa Pacific University Student Government member and extending my mission beyond borders through mission trips, I strive to share support and hope through a selfless example. Post-graduation, I hope to grow my selflessness as a clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. I desire to provide resources, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am committed to selflessly leading in my studies, career, and life.

Being a leader to me means humbly sacrificing one’s comfort to improve the quality of a group's well-being, success, and inclusivity. I strive to practice and perfect my leadership in all aspects of my life. At Bonita High School, I embody these qualities as the Christian Club president in my junior and senior years. Our mission as a club was to promote love and create a haven for all students to come and find hope. We shared the Gospel Good News of God’s unconditional love and abounding mercy and forgiveness to many students involved in alcohol, drugs, and sex. Many students were hopeless, self-harming, and even contemplating suicide. Our club was a saving grace for them; those depressed, isolated, and lacking self-worth had a place for mentorship and aid. Another recent effort of mine to promote inclusivity was as a cabinet member in the Best Buddies Special Needs program. I spent lunches with my peers on the spectrum, creating a supportive environment, having fun during games and karaoke contests, and, most importantly, feeling seen and cared about. I helped plan meetings, fundraising dates, and events to promote our club and integrate the student body, demonstrating our motto: Be a buddy, not a bully. Additionally, I demonstrated leadership as the Student Government Commissioner of Bearcat Pride. Here, I advocated for increased acknowledgment and celebration of all students on campus. I worked with the FAST class (the special needs class), LINK Crew (student mentorship group), and Foster Liaison to ensure that all students were included and celebrated in the campus community. I have also acted as a servant-leader in the community as a volunteer. Over the past five years, I have volunteered with Pomona God’s Pantry. We regularly feed the low-income in our community, supplying over 1,000 underprivileged families with food and resources. This organization recognizes the low-income and addiction struggle and acts in love by serving and sharing the Gospel message with them instead of criticizing or neglecting their need. Moreover, I have volunteered with the El Dorado Oaks Elderly Home to spend time and spread joy with those who may be depressed, as 40% of care home residents are without contact with the outside world. I am fortunate to have served because these experiences taught me that impactful leadership is not always being up on a stage speaking to crowds but rather intimately knowing and caring for individuals, sharing their pain, joy, and life. I cannot wait to see how my leadership flourishes at Azusa Pacific University as I plan to double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I aspire to fulfill Azusa Pacific University's motto of becoming a difference maker; anticipating becoming an Azusa Pacific University Student Government member and extending my mission beyond borders through mission trips, I would strive to apply these skills. Post graduation, I plan to apply my leadership skills daily as a clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. I hope to provide resources, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I would strive to be a compassionate leader, dedicating my life to empathizing and bettering the world one individual at a time. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I have learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. Obtaining a degree allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my father and mother to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I have challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this upcoming fall; I plan to double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology or Sociology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors like Pluto and Aristotle, and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I know these courses will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I have learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. Obtaining a degree allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my father and mother to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I have challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this upcoming fall; I plan to double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology or Sociology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors like Pluto and Aristotle, and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I know these courses will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

Primarily, I am a candidate who merits your consideration because I demonstrate both intelligence and diligence in my studies and life. To begin, in fourth grade, I faced religious persecution from adult authorities at a public elementary school, as I was dress coded for wearing a shirt that said “God’s Love”. Because of the ridicule and pressures in a secular school system, my parents decided to pull me from that environment and instead homeschool. Although an unfamiliar experience, I was able to become proficient in my curriculum through self-motivation and discipline. Once I returned to public school, I was ahead of the curve in my academic achievements and amazingly flourished in a remote learning environment during Covid-19 because of my experience with at-home learning and a growth mindset. I enhanced my studies by enrolling in five Advanced Placement courses and three honors classes. These accelerated classes encouraged me to push beyond my expected limits as an American Latina, the first generation in my family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. He is the sole provider of our family of four as a truck driver, working a 65-hour week. My mother is the rock of our family, but she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. I have learned from their journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. I am committed to building a legacy for my family and impacting my community. I am determined to persevere and thrive through future adversity and a complex curriculum at Azusa Pacific University. I intend to double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology or Sociology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I hope to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I firmly believe a college education will prepare me as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment as my grandmother immigrated to America from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation; impacting even one person’s life would bestow me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. Thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. With the aid of this scholarship, I will obtain a degree that allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my parents to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this fall; I will double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology. I would invest this money into admission to the theological program, the Honors College, where I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I firmly believe a college education will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. With the aid of this scholarship, I will obtain a degree that allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my parents to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this fall; I will double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology. I would invest this money into admission to the theological program, the Honors College, where I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I firmly believe a college education will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. With the aid of this scholarship, I will obtain a degree that allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my parents to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this fall; I will double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology. I would invest this money into admission to the theological program, the Honors College, where I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I firmly believe a college education will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I have learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. Obtaining a degree allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my father and mother to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I have challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this upcoming fall; I plan to double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors like Pluto and Aristotle, and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I know these courses will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I have learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. Obtaining a degree allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my father and mother to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I have challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this upcoming fall; I plan to double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology or Sociology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors like Pluto and Aristotle, and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I know these courses will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

I am the first generation of the Gutierrez family to attend college. Neither of my parents graduated college, nor did my father graduate high school. My father enacts humility and diligence as the sole provider of our family of four. His 65-hour workweek as a truck driver is a laborsome, selfless role. I also value my mother’s sacrifice as a stay-at-home parent to care for our family and household. Although she is the rock of our family, she often doubts her capabilities outside of the home because she does not have a degree to prove her qualifications. We have not always had financial security, but I am beyond grateful to inherit the valuable gifts of my parents' labor, love, and guidance. I have learned from my family's journey of trials and triumphs that education is a valuable tool that welcomes many more opportunities and confidence. Obtaining a degree allows me self-independence and better ensures financial security. Being advised by my father and mother to pursue higher education, I am determined to complete college and bring honor to my family. I embark upon a new legacy for my family, contributing thus far through my high school educational endeavors. Through over 7 Advanced Placement and honors courses, I have challenged myself to push beyond my limits and societal limitations. Those experiences have given me hope that I can be more than merely a statistic because of race or family history. I am determined to continue my successes by achieving a bachelor's degree at Azusa Pacific University this upcoming fall; I plan to double major in Honors Humanities and Psychology or Sociology. Through the select theological program of the Honors College, I will be a scholar of the liberal arts, reading excerpts from notable authors like Pluto and Aristotle, and participating in colloquies to discuss the virtues of truth, goodness, and beauty. Through my double major, I welcome the opportunity to gain insight, achievement, and leadership skills to nurture beyond graduation. I know these courses will be beneficial for my preparation as a future clinical mental health and social worker in the United States Air Force. My grandmother immigrated to this country from Mexico to achieve the American Dream. She sacrificed comfort to enter a foreign country, not knowing English nor having a stable income, for a chance for her family line to prosper. I am motivated to honor my grandmother's pioneering efforts and attend a 4-year college, attain a well-paid job with benefits as an Air Force Officer, and maintain freedom working on the front lines for our military, because I believe being educated, financially stable, and maintaining freedom is prospering. Furthermore, I am eager to serve in the Air Force because I am indebted to this nation for my family's flourishment. In the service, I wish to provide supplies, guidance, and support to veterans and military families, improving their quality of life and advocating for those that need it. I am motivated to contribute to work more significant than myself as a social worker, providing hope to hurting or anxious families and wounded troops. I desire to better this nation, impacting even one person’s life would bestow on me the honor of allowing a gleam of hope, a chance for a breakthrough, just as my family was given. I am driven to do more to honor my family and build a lasting legacy for the future generations of my family and families like mine. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my family's testimony in progress; thank you for your time and consideration in advance.

According to Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary, mathematics is defined as “the abstract science of number, quantity, and space”. Mathematics is beneficial and necessary to everyday life. For example, when I count how many days until I start my first semester at Azusa Pacific University or estimate how far I can reverse my car as a new driver before I run into the wall, I use the abstract science of number, quantity, and space. The knowledge from more than 12 years of math has prepared me for my life as a young adult. Analyzing loan rates for tuition among other financial decisions and practices is informed by math. Math has prepared me for independence and success through the abundant resources of knowledge and experience given. Sure, a phone may have an installed calculator app, both quick and easy, but the satisfaction of solving a problem independently is far more rewarding. My math journey began with just numbers but through difficult theories and Advanced Placement courses endured, it taught me how to be a diligent, persevering individual. Initially, math was simply a requirement for my education and graduation, but algebra changed my perception of math and made me realize how important math truly is. I entered my freshman year of high school with a homeschooling history. I felt my math course was moderately easy and unchallenging. I took a placement test and was promoted to a higher math class with sophomores. There, I was taught a more difficult curriculum in algebra. I was challenged however, persevered and tutored other students in my class. Sophomore year, I transferred high schools for a more rigorous academic experience overall. I completed a math assessment that placed me in an honors pre-calculus course at Bonita High School. Before we started the year, CoronaVirus happened. That entire year, I endured recorded lectures and limited office hour visits with the teacher. As a student that asks questions for clarity and assistance often, I struggled through Zoom classes. I passed the class with an A yet my math teacher discouraged me from going directly to Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB. He questioned my ability to succeed with a fast-paced curriculum since I often asked questions. I was disappointed in myself for not attaining understanding as easily as my counterparts. I struggled to maintain confidence in the face of my instructor's advice. Nevertheless, being aware of my capabilities and remembering my well fought for achievements, I enrolled in AP Calculus AB as a junior. Learning about derivatives, inverses, and integrals I was fascinated by how a paper with s-shaped symbols and numbers could determine the rate of change or velocity of a particle. Furthermore, I took the AP exam for Calculus and I passed with a 3. That was the first AP exam I ever passed in my enrollment of 5 AP courses. I never stopped asking questions. I am so grateful for my junior math teacher's patience and more generally, I am grateful for mathematics because it has shown me there is always more to learn, to be challenged by, to persevere from, and to proudly celebrate. Algebra was the turning point in my math journey that prepared me for more stretching concepts and life universally. Thank you for this rare, reflective opportunity to share my love for mathematics and my changed life because of it. Thank you for your consideration! The "SUM" of my gratitude is "GREATER THAN AVERAGE" . . . and I "MEAN" that hah!

I am a 16-year-old Latina female high schooler; I oppose the majority who devalue human life from the moment of conception and question the convenience of an infant. I am fortunate to be raised in a healthy living environment, supported and loved by my family. I recognize some people are not as blessed as I am; they may have been burdened with financial obligations, met with disapproval, and continually judged. Nevertheless, I believe all should be given an equal opportunity, starting at the point of conception. I stand boldly on the truth of Psalm 129:13-16; every life is a divine appointment from the Creator of the heavens and earth, I acknowledge the possibility that one “embryo” could impact the world by becoming the next: President of the United States or even the next Ruth Bader Ginsburg if just given time and spared their life. Starting January 1, 2021, 26,023,933 abortions have been performed; these numbers increase exponentially by the second. The choice of intimacy is up to oneself, but to eliminate a life that owns their own blood supply within 14 days of fertilization should not be up to anyone but that baby. This crime of murdering the speechless, defenseless, and weak must be stopped. The chance at life is my most prevalent principle to protect; I express this concern in my actions and community. I am a strong supporter of the Students For Life organization and an active listener of Pro-life activist Seth Gruber; he reveals argument tactics that I use at every opportunity to defend life. The church I attend, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, is bold and proud to speak out against abortion; they frequently host a mobile van where pregnant women that are contemplating an abortion go and hear their baby’s heartbeat in hopes that they will alter their decision. I have participated in the Agape Stitches ministry; we crochet beanies for premature babies and give them to expecting mothers. My family and I are proud donors of a ministry called Love Life; this ministry supplies unplanned pregnant women with diapers, a gender reveal party, a baby shower, and continually helps fund the family up until the child turns two years old; this ministry spreads hope of a future with a baby and allows the Gospel message to be put into action. In the future, my plan to preserve life and ensure to my best ability that each individual is granted an equal opportunity, I will be starting local. With my voice in leadership currently, I am president of the Bonita High School Christian club. Our cabinet will prepare the next generation to have an accurate Christian outlook by discussing topics like purity and the value of human life. Additionally, I am heavily involved in my local politics; previously, I have interned for Congresswomen Young Kim who also supports these crucial values; her victory ensured a step in the right direction advocating for the defenseless. My ultimate goal is to establish a Pro-life club on my college campus and boldly advocate for the unwavering fact that life, not a clump of cells, starts at conception and must be protected. If granted this scholarship, I will further invest in the next generation by providing struggling mothers with materials to preserve life. Citations: “Abortions Worldwide This Year:” Worldometer, www.worldometers.info/abortions/.