One of the most pivotal moments in my life was a conversation I had with my mom during one of my darkest times. I was struggling with my mental health, battling feelings of hopelessness that led me to contemplate ending my life. At that moment, my mom reminded me of her unwavering love. She told me how much it would hurt her to see me in pain and that no matter what I was going through, she was there for me. Her words were more than just comfort—they were a lifeline. That conversation gave me the strength to keep going and reminded me of the deep bond we share. My mom is incredibly special to me. As her first daughter, I know the sacrifices she made for me. She gave up on pursuing her own dreams and future to ensure I had everything I needed. She has worked tirelessly to provide for our family, putting our needs above her own every single day. She is the reason I strive to be the best version of myself. I want to thrive, not just for me but for her—to show her that her sacrifices were worth it and to give her a reason to feel proud. Being a first-generation student comes with its own set of challenges. There are times when it feels like I have no one to turn to for guidance because I’m navigating uncharted territory for my family. The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, and I often feel the weight of making sure I don’t add any more financial stress to my parent’s lives. My education is not just about me—it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for my family. I want to show my younger siblings that no matter how hard it gets, it’s possible to persevere and succeed. My mom has been my anchor through all of this. Her resilience and love remind me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle. She has taught me the importance of strength and selflessness, and I carry those lessons with me every day. As I work toward my goals, I do so with her in mind, striving to build a future that reflects her sacrifices and love. This scholarship would be a significant step in my journey. It would relieve some of the financial pressure I feel as a first-generation student and allow me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. More importantly, it would be a reminder that my hard work and determination are recognized and supported. Thank you for considering my story and for the opportunity to share what motivates me to keep moving forward.

As a Dominican first-generation daughter, I carry the weight of my parents’ sacrifices with pride and determination. My parents immigrated to this country with a dream—a dream of giving my siblings and me opportunities they never had. Every long hour they’ve worked and every hardship they’ve endured has been for us to have a brighter future. I am determined to honor their sacrifices and make them worthwhile by achieving my goal of becoming a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse. Growing up, I witnessed the resilience of my family as they navigated the challenges of being immigrants in a new country. Their strength inspired me to set ambitious goals, not just for myself but for the future of my family and the example I want to set for others in my community. I have always been drawn to the field of nursing because of my desire to care for others and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The NICU holds a special place in my heart because it symbolizes hope and resilience, two values that mirror my journey and my family’s story. To achieve my dream, I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree will provide me with the knowledge and skills to excel in the medical field and the foundation to specialize in neonatal care. My ultimate goal is to work in underserved communities, where I can provide compassionate care and advocate for families who may not have access to the resources they need. I want to be a source of comfort and support for parents facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Receiving the Hispanic Climb to Success Scholarship would bring me one step closer to realizing my dream. As a first-generation student, I understand the importance of education as a pathway to success, not only for myself but for the generations that follow. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education and allow me to focus entirely on my studies and clinical training. It would also serve as a validation of my hard work and a reminder that my journey inspires others. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my commitment to academic excellence, my passion for nursing, and my dedication to uplifting my family and community. My parents came to this country with the hope that my siblings and I would create lives full of opportunities and success. I want to make their sacrifices worth it and prove that their faith in me was not misplaced. By achieving my goals, I will honor their hard work and pave the way for others like me to believe in their potential. This scholarship would not just be an investment in my education—it would be an investment in the countless lives I will touch as a nurse and the legacy I hope to leave behind. I want to show that, with determination and support, first-generation students like me can achieve great things and give back to the communities that shaped us. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

Dear Future Me, As you gaze upon these words from the vantage point of your well-deserved success, I hope the echoes of our shared journey resonate within you, reminding you of the trials and triumphs that sculpted you into the remarkable individual you've become. But before you immerse yourself in the bustling world of neonatal care, allow me to transport you back to a pivotal moment in our story: the tumultuous landscape of 11th grade. Ah, 11th grade was the year that tested our resolve like never before. Remember how it began? With uncertainty lingering in the air like a dense fog, obscuring the path ahead. You were teetering on the edge of adulthood, grappling with the weight of expectations as a first-generation student. The pressure was palpable, threatening to crush your aspirations before they could take flight. But oh, how you defied the odds! In the face of adversity, you stood tall, refusing to succumb to the doubts that whispered in the shadows. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, you embraced them with a fierce determination, knowing that every hurdle was an opportunity to prove your mettle. Do you recall the late nights spent poring over textbooks, the weary sighs that escaped your lips as you grappled with complex equations and dense prose? The academic landscape was treacherous, but you navigated it with unwavering tenacity, fueled by the burning desire to carve out a brighter future for yourself and those who would follow in your footsteps. And then there were the personal hardships that threatened to derail your journey. The heartaches, the setbacks, the moments of despair when it felt like the world was conspiring against you. But you refused to be defeated. With resilience as your compass, you charted a course through the storm, emerging stronger and more resilient with each passing day. Perhaps the most defining aspect of your journey through 11th grade was the unwavering passion that ignited your soul—the fervent desire to become a neonatal nurse, a beacon of hope for the tiniest and most vulnerable among us. It was this passion that fueled your drive, propelling you forward even when the road seemed impossibly steep. Now, as you stand on the cusp of realizing your dreams, I want you to take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought you here. You are not just a first-generation graduate; you are a testament to the power of perseverance, the embodiment of resilience in the face of adversity. So go forth, my dear future self, and let your light shine bright. The world awaits your brilliance, and I have every confidence that you will illuminate even the darkest corners with your unwavering compassion and dedication. With boundless admiration, Your past self