Growing up in Norwalk, CA, with seven siblings and a single father who lost custody of us at a young age was difficult. Growing up in foster care was not easy; however, it has given me a different lens and perspective. I beat the odds by completing my associate’s degree; I never thought higher education was in my cards. I wanted to do more, work with foster youth, and try to impact these children’s lives. I had moved to Sacramento, and once I started University of Merced, I was offered an intern position at a non-profit that houses former foster youth and at-risk homeless, ages 18-24, the same home I once stayed in. During this internship, I often volunteered for Ifoster, and Soroptimist groups, assisting young lives in various opportunities. I often volunteered at a non-profit organization setting up prom dresses for high school students who are foster youth. It was gratifying to see the smiles on these young girls’ faces and for them to have this opportunity that many foster youths don’t get, and that’s going to prom. I have also volunteered for breast cancer marathons raising money by selling tickets. I have taken school trips to work on passing bills that affect foster youth, and increasing the age limit for the Chafee program that helps foster youth afford college. Many students don’t pursue college until later in life due to these circumstances and the need to support families or themselves. Today, I am so honored to have the opportunity to volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House non-profit and be surrounded by families. The card that I was dealt has a blessing because I would not have the perspective that I have today. Working in a non-profit, I understood that these young girls who transitioned out of foster care needed assistance to develop skills in life. There were plenty of days I felt that I was making no progress in building trust in their lives. It wasn’t easy, and I felt this career was not something I was rather good at. I showed up in their lives every day, and that was the key when it was helping them get their high school diploma by volunteering to stay and help them with homework assignments. Or holding their hand because this was their first time at a dentist, and they asked me to return because of the drilling sounds. Or when it came down to me dropping everything, I would rush and be by their side in an emergency. I do my best to do good for others and want to be someone I can count on. I had always questioned God’s plan for me and my purpose in this life. In my heart, I know it’s a field navigating towards those who have experienced heartache and have endured pain. Growing up, I never understood why God had given me more than I could bear at times. However, he tried to give me strength, compassion, empathy, and experience. God has placed obstacles in my way, including abandonment and fear, to remind me I was not alone and never was. I know these kids all have a plan, and I want to finish school to help others one day. God will lead me in my career to live with others and use me to reach others in a difficult position. Thank you for allowing me to apply for this scholarship, and if anything, add me to a prayer chain. I have had many obstacles, but that will not deter me from my goal.

Growing up in Norwalk, CA, with seven siblings and a single father who lost custody of us at a young age was difficult. Growing up in foster care was not easy; however, it has given me a different lens and perspective. I beat the odds by completing my associate’s degree; I never thought higher education was in my cards. I wanted to do more, work with foster youth, and try to impact these children’s lives. I had moved to Sacramento, and once I started University of Merced, I was offered an intern position at a non-profit that houses former foster youth and at-risk homeless, ages 18-24, the same home I once stayed in. During this internship, I often volunteered for Ifoster, and Soroptimist groups, assisting young lives in various opportunities. I often volunteered at a non-profit organization setting up prom dresses for high school students who are foster youth. It was gratifying to see the smiles on these young girls’ faces and for them to have this opportunity that many foster youths don’t get, and that’s going to prom. I have also volunteered for breast cancer marathons raising money by selling tickets. I have taken school trips to work on passing bills that affect foster youth and increasing the age limit for the Chafee program that helps foster youth afford college. Many students don’t pursue college until later in life due to these circumstances and the need to support families or themselves. Today, I am so honored to have the opportunity to volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House non-profit and be surrounded by families. The cards that I was dealt are a blessing because I would not have the perspective I have today. Working in a non-profit, I understood that these young girls who transitioned out of foster care needed assistance to develop skills in life. There were plenty of days I felt that I was making no progress in building trust in their lives. It wasn’t easy, and I felt this career was not something I was rather good at. I showed up in their lives every day, and that was the key when it was helping them get their high school diploma by volunteering to stay and help them with homework assignments. Furthermore, holding their hand because this was their first time at a dentist, they asked for me to come back because of the drilling sounds. Or when it came down to me dropping everything I was doing to rush and be by their side in an emergency. I do my best to do good for others and want to be someone they can count on. Selflessness embodies a will to assist others in a time of need. It also embodies understanding and compassion, patience, showing up, and sometimes just staying silent while someone speaks. Its involvement within your community and those around you no matter how big or small.

Growing up in Norwalk, CA, with seven siblings and a single father who lost custody of us at a young age was difficult. Growing up in foster care was not easy; however, it has given me a different lens and perspective. I beat the odds by completing my associate’s degree; I never thought higher education was in my cards. I wanted to do more, work with foster youth, and try to impact these children’s lives. I had moved to Sacramento, and once I started University of Merced, I was offered an intern position at a non-profit that houses former foster youth and at-risk homeless, ages 18-24, the same home I once stayed in. During this internship, I often volunteered for Ifoster, and Soroptimist groups, assisting young lives in various opportunities. I often volunteered at a non-profit organization setting up prom dresses for high school students who are foster youth. It was gratifying to see the smiles on these young girls’ faces and for them to have this opportunity that many foster youths don’t get, and that’s going to prom. I have also volunteered for breast cancer marathons raising money by selling tickets. I have taken school trips to work on passing bills that affect foster youth and increasing the age limit for the Chafee program that helps foster youth afford college. Many students don't pursue college until later in life due to these circumstances and the need to support families or themselves. Today, I am so honored to have the opportunity to volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House non-profit and be surrounded by families. Being a first-generation student has been very difficult because I had no one to ask questions concerning college. My professors became my mentors, and learning about their journeys inspired me because many themselves were first gen Mexican American students. Sometimes words of encouragement to keep going were all I needed because my commute from Sacramento to Merced was two hours and forty-six minutes each way. However, I made the most of it by recording lectures, downloading my readings on Speechify, and listening to or from class. I did not have the option of not working and had two jobs, working at kohls while interning. I needed to take care of my family, and sometimes my loans needed to ensure I paid rent that month. Today, I have faced obstacles that stood in my way, which have not deterred me from continuing my education and pursuing my undergraduate degree. I am doing my best to finish my degree at the University of Arkansas, and I am a non-traditional student because of the obstacles, but I want this degree because I have a mission. I have been told in life, “It’s not when you finish, it’s the fact you do finish” (DR. Reyes). A Sierra Community Community College professor, Dr. Ortega Reyes, did not give up, nor will I. I want to help foster youth and at-risk homeless reach their goals and help them beat the odds stacked against them. I want to inspire higher education among children who have never thought college is an option because it was never instilled or taught to them. I want children to know that if I can do it, so can they, and it will not be easy, but worth it in the end. Being a first-generation student is not easy. However, it has made me resilient. Thank you so much for allowing me the time to apply.

Growing up in Los Angeles, with seven siblings and a single father who lost custody of us at a young age was difficult. Growing up in foster care was not easy; however, it has given me a different lens and perspective. I beat the odds by completing my associate's degree; I never thought higher education was in my cards. I knew that I wanted to do more, work with foster youth, and try to impact these children's lives. I had moved to Sacramento, and once I started University of Merced, I was offered an intern position at a non-profit that houses former foster youth and at-risk homeless, ages 18-24, the same home I once stayed in. During this internship, I often volunteered for Ifoster, and Soroptimist groups, assisting young lives in various opportunities. I often volunteered at a non-profit organization setting up prom dresses for high school students who are foster youth. It was very rewarding to see the smiles on these young girl’s faces, and for them to have this opportunity that many foster youths don't get and that's going to prom. I have also volunteered for breast cancer marathons raising money by selling tickets. Today, I am so honored to have the opportunity to volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House non-profit and be surrounded by families. Softball was one of my favorite sports, and I played it as a child. I had made the high school team but never stayed in one place to see it through. Only when I was an adult did I have the chance to live out my dreams of playing. I had found an adult league. Soon these young girls witnessed how much fun I had and wanted to join in. This was their opportunity to let out some steam, find healthy outlets, and keep out of trouble. Softball is an exciting time to relax, allowing me to be in my element and release endorphins. Today, I have faced obstacles that stood in my way, yet that has not deterred me from continuing my education and pursuing my undergraduate degree. I am doing my best to finish my degree at the University of Arkansas, and I am a non-traditional student because of the obstacles, but I want this degree because I have a mission. I have been told in life “It's not when you finish, it's the fact you do finish”. I am taking out student loans to help pay for my classes and books. I do not have financial support, and this money will go towards my payment for the fall semester and books. This scholarship will help me have less stress of pulling out more student loans and wondering how I will be paying for my books. This scholarship will help me get closer to reaching my goals. Thank you so much for allowing me the time to apply for such an inspiring scholarship.

My name is Destiny Sanchez, and I am a transfer student at the University of Arkansas. I am a sociology major with a minor in criminology. My future endeavors are to work with non-profits and work alongside those in foster care. Many students with similar experiences within the system have many odds to beat. I started my journey as a student at the age of twenty-one, attending a community college and completing my associate’s degree in social work but I had decided I wanted more. I began attending the University of Merced and started interning for a non-profit that establishes a steady home for those who have transferred or been kicked out of foster care. Throughout the two years of interning, I have helped many girls graduate college and high school, get their driver's licenses, make doctor's appointments, earn their trust, and be a shoulder they can cry on. I was also placed in leadership roles and quick decision-making skills to help me in my future career. During this two-year internship, I have indeed found myself and my calling. We worked closely with community partners and volunteered in local shelters and organizations such as I Foster. I have attended conferences that worked with changing bills crucial for college students who are previous foster youth who decide to continue their education, ensuring these laws are there to protect the kids. I am proud that to this day, I have not given up hope when sometimes I ask myself why I am still doing this. Today, my goal is to complete this degree, although many obstacles have stood in my way. Now I am considered a non-traditional student and unfortunately, many former foster youth have more obstacles that may prevent them from finishing on time. I was told it is not when you finish your degree, and it’s that you finish it. Growing up with no mentors to some of the best who have planted some of the most important seeds. I want to make sure I can give back and do the same for others without support. I have since then transferred to the University of Arkansas to complete my degree. Today, I work at the Ronald Mcdonald House, which houses families with children in the NICU. I continue to give back, and if I was awarded the scholarship, this would help me continue on this path and finally finish out strong.

My name is Destiny Sanchez, and I am a transfer student at the University of Arkansas. I am a sociology major with a minor in criminology. My future endeavors are to work with non-profits and work alongside those in foster care. Many students with similar experiences within the system have many odds to beat. I started my journey as a student at the age of twenty-one, attending a community college and completing my associate’s degree in social work but I had decided I wanted more. I began attending the University of Merced and started interning for a non-profit that establishes a steady home for those who have transferred or been kicked out of foster care. Throughout the two years of interning, I have helped many girls graduate college and high school, get their driver's licenses, make doctor's appointments, earn their trust, and be a shoulder they can cry on. I was also placed in leadership roles and quick decision-making skills to help me in my future career. During this two-year internship, I have indeed found myself and my calling. We worked closely with community partners and volunteered in local shelters and organizations such as I Foster. I have attended conferences that worked with changing bills crucial for college students who are previous foster youth who decide to continue their education, ensuring these laws are there to protect the kids. I am proud that to this day, I have not given up hope when sometimes I ask myself why I am still doing this. Today, my goal is to complete this degree, although many obstacles have stood in my way. Now I am considered a non-traditional student and unfortunately, many former foster youth have more obstacles that may prevent them from finishing on time. I was told it is not when you finish your degree, and it’s that you finish it. Growing up with no mentors to some of the best who have planted some of the most important seeds. I want to make sure I can give back and do the same for others without support. I have since then transferred to the University of Arkansas to complete my degree. Today, I work at the Ronald Mcdonald House, which houses families with children in the NICU. I continue to give back, and if I was awarded the scholarship, this would help me continue on this path and finally finish out strong.

My name is Destiny Sanchez, and I am a transfer student at the University of Arkansas. I am a sociology major with a minor in criminology. My future endeavors are to work with non-profits and work alongside those in foster care. Many students with similar experiences within the system have many odds to beat. I started my journey as a student at the age of twenty-one, attending a community college and completing my associate’s degree in social work but I had decided I wanted more. I began attending the University of Merced and started interning for a non-profit that establishes a steady home for those who have transferred or been kicked out of foster care. Throughout the two years of interning, I have helped many girls graduate college and high school, get their driver's licenses, make doctor's appointments, earn their trust, and be a shoulder they can cry on. I was also placed in leadership roles and quick decision-making skills to help me in my future career. During this two-year internship, I have indeed found myself and my calling. We worked closely with community partners and volunteered in local shelters and organizations such as I Foster. I have attended conferences that worked with changing bills crucial for college students who are previous foster youth who decide to continue their education, ensuring these laws are there to protect the kids. I am proud that to this day, I have not given up hope when sometimes I ask myself why I am still doing this. Today, my goal is to complete this degree, although many obstacles have stood in my way. Now I am considered a non-traditional student and unfortunately, many former foster youth have more obstacles that may prevent them from finishing on time. I was told it is not when you finish your degree, and it’s that you finish it. Growing up with no mentors to some of the best who have planted some of the most important seeds. I want to make sure I can give back and do the same for others without support. I have since then transferred to the University of Arkansas to complete my degree. Today, I work at the Ronald Mcdonald House, which houses families with children in the NICU. I continue to give back, and if I was awarded the scholarship, this would help me continue on this path and finally finish out strong. I am 40,000 in student loan debt, and this money can prevent me from taking out a significant amount that will pay for my fifteen units for the fall semester. I have reached my limit in receiving financial aid and this will help tremendously.

My parents have been incarcerated and have had long sentences for various amounts of time. In addition, both of my parents have struggled with mental illness, which has been a struggle for them. I have seven siblings, and my mom was incarcerated while pregnant with two of my other siblings, including myself. Nevertheless, my mother was able to take care of me in the mother-infant program until they took me away from her as an infant. My father would soon get custody of me but eventually be sent to prison for narcotics smuggling and child endangerment. I have always been in and out of foster care, along with my younger siblings. Our grandmother cared for my older siblings, and she couldn't understandably handle any more children. Growing up, it was challenging to see my mother come out of prison, go to a residential home, and promise change. Whenever DCFS opened my parent's cases, my parent's rap sheet was pages full. Many of my siblings have decided to go down the same path as my parents. It's was more devastating watching my three brothers go to prison. Recently my sister was just incarcerated and lost custody of her kids. After a while, I became so desensitized to these situations that it became normal. I had to learn that these are not normal or healthy family dynamics. I had many emotional experiences, trauma, and my own struggle with mental health, such as severe dissociative disorder. I learned that my trauma was so bad that this was a way my body was protecting me. With therapy and forgiveness, I have chosen a better path for myself. Because of our genetics, I learned how to become a better person and sustain from substance abuse. I learned how to navigate life healthy and happy over the years while pursuing my educational goals. I have had many academic challenges and barriers that stopped me from pursuing higher education. I faced those challenges head-on and realized that I did not have to follow in my parent's footsteps. The cards dealt since birth were all stacked against me through my religion, and the strength and encouragement from mentors helped me keep going. I'm doing things that I have never thought I'd be doing, such as applying for scholarships, graduating with my associate's, and attending a university while interning for a nonprofit to help foster youth and at-risk homeless. If I didn't walk this path, my story would be completely rewritten and would no longer be me. Instead, I've allowed my story to become part of my identity, giving me a different perspective and lens. The past teaches life lessons and helps me create the best versions of myself. Today, all the tears and scars are battle wounds turned into strength and forgiveness. These life experiences have taught me empathy, compassion, determination, vulnerability, and strength. Thus, has given me a unique advantage in society without knowing it until now.

My name is Destiny Sanchez, and I have graduated from Sierra College and completed my associate's degree. I decided to continue my educational goals, so I'm now a student at UC Merced. I will be a senior pursuing the field of sociology. When I graduate, I want to become a social worker to help those in the foster system. I currently am interning for a nonprofit organization called the Taylor House that helps former foster youth. I once was a resident at the Taylor House myself and a former foster youth. I'm very blessed to have such a wonderful opportunity to get to know these girls and be there to help them in their everyday lives. I help find resources for these young girls and help them meet personal goals such as obtaining a driver's license and helping them sign up for school. Working with these young women is very empowering, and I believe in women's empowerment. I want to help change the statistics of girls in foster care. Growing up in the foster system has taught me a lot and has given me a different lens and a much different perspective. I plan on advocating for the youth and making them feel heard. The foster system needs more compassionate people who can sympathize with them and truly understand. I commute to Uc Merced, and it takes two hours, and the foster youth community is why I keep pushing. I had many barriers and gaps in my education because of the foster system, and I want to show these kids that higher education for foster youth is possible, especially for girls. My goal is to work for Children Protective Services or the women's juvenile facilities and solely focus on teenagers who could be forgotten about. I want to be part of the change and help many lives.