My name is Dominique Perea, and I’m a third year undergraduate student at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, majoring in Criminal Justice. I come from a low income family in Corpus Christi, and I’m a first generation college student. Education has always meant more to me than just getting a degree. It is my way of creating a better future for myself, my family, and the people around me. For a long time, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in. I knew I wanted to help people, and I knew I was drawn to public service. Through my studies and personal reflection, I’ve found my purpose and goal. I plan to become a medical social worker. After I complete my bachelor’s degree, I will pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) and work toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My ultimate goal is to serve in hospital settings, especially in emergency rooms or intensive care units where people are facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. What draws me to medical social work is the ability to provide care, advocacy, and emotional support to people who may feel helpless, scared, or unheard. I want to be the person who listens when no one else is, who steps in when systems are overwhelming, and who helps families find hope when everything feels chaotic. I believe that even small acts of kindness and support in these moments can make a lasting difference. In the long term, I want to work at Christus Spohn Hospital here in Corpus, then eventually transition to travel social work to serve underserved hospitals. I also plan to return to school for my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) so I can lead future efforts to improve crisis care, especially mental health services within emergency and trauma settings. My work will always be centered on creating compassionate systems and building bridges for those who are often overlooked. This scholarship would help me stay on track financially while focusing on what really matters learning, growing, and preparing to serve my community. Like many students, I’ve had to juggle academics with work and other responsibilities. Financial support would allow me to continue pushing forward without the constant weight of financial stress, and help me say yes to important opportunities like internships, shadowing, and professional development. I want to leave a lasting impact in every community I serve, starting here. Whether it’s guiding someone through grief, connecting them with resources, or just sitting with them in a hard moment, I believe that work matters. I don’t just want a career, I want to dedicate my life to something meaningful.

Hi my name is Dominique Perea and I’m a third-year undergraduate student at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, majoring in Criminal Justice. My love of learning has always been tied to a deeper curiosity about people like why they do what they do, how society shapes their choices, and what can be done to help those who are hurting or in crisis. I didn’t grow up surrounded by luxury or privilege, but I did grow up with questions and a strong desire to understand the world around me. That mindset has shaped the way I see life and my future. At first, I pursued criminal justice because I wanted to understand the legal system and how to make it more fair. But over time, my goals began to shift. I realized that what I care most about is helping people in the hardest moments of their lives. I want to work in hospital settings or emergency care environments, where social workers step in during crisis situations. My long-term goal is to earn a Master of Social Work, become a licensed clinical social worker, and eventually work in high-intensity hospital units like the ICU or emergency room. Learning has always been more than schoolwork to me. I’m constantly researching, watching documentaries, and asking questions, especially about mental health, trauma, inequality, and the systems meant to support people. I believe that being curious and open to learning is what makes someone capable of real impact. I don’t want to just memorize facts. I want to take what I learn and use it to help people who are struggling, especially those who are overlooked or misunderstood. College hasn’t always been easy. Balancing school with work and other responsibilities can be overwhelming, but I’ve never let it stop me. I’ve pushed myself to stay focused and stay curious, even during hard times. That personal drive to learn, grow, and understand more is what keeps me moving forward. This passion has also influenced how I view the world. I’ve learned to be more patient, more understanding, and more open-minded. I don’t expect to have all the answers, but I do believe in asking the right questions, listening to others, and continuing to grow. That’s the kind of person I want to be in both my personal life and my future career. If I’m awarded the Ross Mitchell Memorial Scholarship, I’ll carry that same spirit forward. I’ll continue learning not just in the classroom, but in every person I meet and every situation I face. My goal is to use my education, curiosity, and compassion to make a real difference in the lives of others. And to me, that’s what loving life and learning is all about.