As a first-generation college student from New Jersey, I've always believed in the transformative potential of education, not only for personal growth but also as a means to dismantle barriers within our community and foster positive change. Growing up in Dover, NJ, I was immersed in the rich tapestry of Latin American culture that thrived at every corner – from the aromatic bakeries selling empanadas to the vibrant family gatherings filled with lively music. Despite my deep affection for my hometown, I recognize that very few young first-generation individuals like me have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Fortunately, I am one of the fortunate few who did. My journey has been made possible through the unwavering support of my family, loved ones, and dedicated teachers, who have guided me to where I stand today. Currently, I am a Latina pursuing a degree in computer science within the STEM field. I've dedicated myself to using my voice at my predominantly white institution to amplify my culture and narrative. My involvement in Latin-based groups, such as serving on the E-Board of the Latin American Association, has been instrumental in creating a sense of belonging, reminiscent of my hometown community, during my initial years on campus. My academic trajectory is set to culminate with a bachelor's degree in science in 2025. My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement; I aspire to be a role model for my community and a source of pride for my family. The Velez NJ Scholarship presents a transformative opportunity that would reshape my life in profound ways. Currently, I finance my education independently, which has required a daily commute of one hour each way due to the financial constraints preventing me from affording rent or on-campus housing. This situation has presented significant challenges in terms of my involvement in on-campus organizations, maintaining connections, managing my coursework, and working to support myself financially. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate my financial burden, allowing me to allocate funds toward securing housing in my college town for my senior year. The prospect of living on campus for my final year brings with it the promise of improved academic performance, enhanced productivity, and better mental health, as it eliminates the stress and sleep deprivation associated with daily long commutes. For instance, late-night group projects or assignments often forced me to stay on campus until 1 or 2 a.m. or navigate treacherous late-night drives in inclement weather. In the upcoming two years, I aim to elevate my academic performance, secure a full-time position with a major company, and expand my role as a community leader. I am eager to contribute to organizations such as the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA). In receiving the Velez NJ Scholarship, I envision not only a profound transformation in my educational journey but also a catalyst for empowerment, diversity promotion in STEM, and the fulfillment of my lifelong dream to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration. I seek to inspire others, like myself, who aspire to overcome obstacles, break down barriers, and illuminate a brighter future through the power of education.

I am a first-generation College student whose parents immigrated from Colombia. I was fortunate enough to have such hard-working parents growing up, but for this same reason, I had to be in charge of myself to make sure my academic responsibilities were always completed. Neither of my parents completed college and I saw how this affected the way they viewed themselves and it motivated me to want to go get an education. The words "Echale ganas" and "Ponte las pilas" were phrases I heard consistently throughout my childhood and even still now. I didn't grow up the same way most people in my classes did, we didn't see the world through the same lens. Growing up Hispanic, I learned to be grateful for everything I get in life, no matter how big or small. I learned that even if I do not have much, there is always someone else who has it worse and someone we can help. I visited my parents' hometown in Colombia a lot throughout my life, and I have witnessed first-hand how life can be in a country like mine. I saw how joyful, appreciative, and kind people here are compared to those in the U.S., even if they have less than others. I take these lessons I've learned throughout my life and apply them and continue to apply them. I have so much love and appreciation for the culture I was brought up with. The dancing, the food, the holidays, and most importantly the value of family have all shaped me into the woman I am today. I am lucky to most, not everyone has the opportunity to go to college, much less a private institution like am I attending and I thank my family who supported me every day and helped me get here. regardless of this, sometimes being a Hispanic student at a PWI can be difficult with the lack of solidarity and family, but whenever I think about giving up, I remember that I am not only doing this for myself, I do this for my people. I didn't grow up with many role models that looked like me growing up, now I want to be the role model for younger generations that I never had. I am a woman in STEM, which is hard enough to be without also being a POC woman in STEM. I am constantly looked down on, or often the only one in my classes. I want to succeed regardless of any barriers, social or economic, that have been put in front of me. My parents and my people have taught me to never give up and I carry that lesson with me every day.

From Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical, In The Heights, Breathe is the song that inspires me the most to do well in my academics and to make my family proud. The character sings this song upon arriving back to her home city, The Heights, NYC, where she is a first generation latina, being one of the only people to ever break out of her community to attend a large university. Nina in this song expresses her fear of disappointing her family by not being as successful as they hoped. The verse: “They’re not worried about me. They are counting on me to succeed. I am the one who made it out” has always spoken to me.The pressure of knowing my family has high expectations of me, knowing that my sister and I will be the ones to support them financially. From my parent’s small Colombian town there are very few adolescents who actually go for a post-secondary education, or even graduate from high school. This concept of going to college is so common in the United States, but in Colombia, it is a miracle to even make it that far. Every time I watch the movie adaptation of this musical, it brings me joy to see the representation of first generation latinas and always having to live up to those expectations. Nina is a strong, brown latina who struggles with her academic validation from herself and her community, struggling to make ends meet in her tuition, and when I see her and hear her sing “Breathe” I feel seen. This is why this song inspires me to keep pushing beyond any hardships that I may come across.