I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless (one of my passions began long before college applications were due) and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities. I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program. There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans. My 4.7 GPA will probably get me into more schools than UC Merced. But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9. The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one. But what sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me. I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness. Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care. Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable. I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem. My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down. Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services. My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend. Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else. These were my neighbors. Neighbors don't require a roof over their heads to be just that, they are already part of my community. And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go. I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives. I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area. Thank you for your time and consideration for the Ron Johnston Studen Athlete Scholarship. Much Appreciated, Elisa O. Garcia, Class of 2023 University City High School, San Diego, CA

I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless, one of my passions began long before college applications were due, and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities.  I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program.   There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans.   My 4.7 GPA will probably get me into more schools than UC Merced.  But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9.  The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one.   But what really sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me.   I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness.  Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin valley.  Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care.  Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable.   I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem.   My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down.  Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services.  My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend.  Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else.  And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go.  I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives.  I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area.   Thank you for your time and consideration for the Richard Neumann Scholarship Much Appreciated, Elisa O. Garcia, Class of 2023 University City High School, San Diego, CA

I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless, one of my passions began long before college applications were due, and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities. I am also a graduate of my high schools Biomed track, focusing on medical field sciences. I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program. There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor or physician's assistant someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans. My 4.7 GPA will probably get me into schools much better than UC Merced. But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9. The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one. But what really sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me. I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness. Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin valley. Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care. Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable. I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem. My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down. Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services. My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend. Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else. And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go. I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives. I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area. After graduation I intend to pursue further studies to become a Dr. or a P.A. I know that I'll want to continue serving low-income populations who have a need for medical services. I hope you consider me a good investment for the health care rights of whatever underprivileged community I am serving or will be serving in the future. Much appreciated, Elisa Garcia University City High School, Class of 2023 UC Merced Freshman Biomed major and Soccer Player, Class of 2027

I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless, one of my passions began long before college applications were due, and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities. I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program. There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans. My 4.7 GPA will probably get me into schools much better than UC Merced. But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9. The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one. But what really sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me. I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness. Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin valley. Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care. Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable. I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem. My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down. Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services. My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend. Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else. And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go. I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives. I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area. This is what I want to do to help those in need. When I was very young I lost my grandfather which had a devastating effect on my father and his family. As I've grown older I've helped my father take care of my grandmother and her needs regarding the loss of our family patriarch. I always help my dad with her care and just comfort her every day.

I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless, one of my passions began long before college applications were due, and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities. I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program. There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans. My 4.7 GPA will probably get me into schools much better than UC Merced. But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9. The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one. But what really sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me. I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness. Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin valley. Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care. Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable. I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem. My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down. Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services. My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend. Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else. And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go. I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives. I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area.

I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless, one of my passions began long before college applications were due, and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities. I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program. There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans. My 4.7 GPA will probably get me into schools much better than UC Merced. But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9. The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one. But what really sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me. I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness. Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin valley. Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care. Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable. I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem. My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down. Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services. My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend. Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else. And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go. I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives. I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area. Thank you for your time and consideration for the Sunshine Legall Scholarship. Much Appreciated, Elisa Garcia

I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless, one of my passions began long before college applications were due, and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities. I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program. There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans. My 4.6 GPA will probably get me into schools more prestigious than UC Merced. But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9. The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one. But what really sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me. I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness. Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin valley. Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care. Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable. I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem. My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down. Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services. My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend. Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else. And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go. I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives. I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area. Thank you for your time and consideration for the Connie Konatsotis Scholarship. Mrs. Konatsotis and her life-long curiosity in STEAM issues sure makes her seem like an incredible woman. I would be honored to have my name associated with a small part of her legacy. Much Appreciated, Elisa O. Garcia, Class of 2023 University City High School, San Diego, CA

I am a very busy high school senior with AP/Honors Academics, captaining my soccer team, my job coaching youth soccer, community service for the homeless, one of my passions began long before college applications were due, and finally driving my little brother all over town to his activities. I am going to attend UC Merced because I was recruited by their women’s soccer coach and I researched and loved their biomedical sciences program. There are no athletic scholarships at this level, so my dream of being a college athlete and a doctor someday will be dependent on merit scholarships and loans. My 4.7 GPA will probably get me into schools much better than UC Merced. But as I said, I’d be giving up one of my dreams of playing college soccer which I’ve worked so hard for since age 9. The athletics combined with the bio-med program made my UC Merced choice an easy one. But what really sealed it was my research into the low-income community in Merced and the surrounding area. My work with the homeless in San Diego is important to me. I knew that anywhere I went it would have to be where I could continue to volunteer and be active in the struggle against homelessness. Low-income agricultural communities are prevalent throughout the San Joaquin valley. Someday I hope to merge my interest in a medical career and my volunteer efforts by providing and advocating for low-income health care. Nothing affects me more than seeing sick people whose health is considered unimportant and unsolvable. I intend to be a solution to this terrible problem. My father is a public defender in San Diego and took me several years ago to an annual event called Stand Down. Stand Down is a weekend event that takes place every year where all types of service providers for the homeless erect a make-shift tent city and help homeless veterans get in touch with available services. My passion for helping homeless advocacy is rooted in what I saw that weekend. Interviewing these down-on-their-luck people made me realize that they were people just like everyone else. And that if we treated them like human beings that are part of our community it was quite amazing how far a little help could go. I realized that day that anyone, with a little drive and empathy, can make a difference in many, many lives. I intend to continue this work in any community I become a part of in the future starting with Merced and the surrounding area. Thank you for your time and consideration for the Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship. Much Appreciated, Elisa O. Garcia, Class of 2023 University City High School, San Diego, CA