My name is Isabella Tejeda-Samano, I am 17 years old, of Hispanic descent, and I grew up in a Christian family and household. I have four siblings and I am the second oldest and the first in my family to go to college. I am interested in many forms of technology but the one I am most excited for right now is cryptocurrency. I believe it is advancing so much and will take many industries to the next level. Cryptocurrency has been rapidly evolving for several reasons, leading to its significant improvements and benefits. Blockchain technology, the backbone of cryptocurrencies, has seen continuous advancements. These include improvements in scalability, security, and efficiency, making cryptocurrencies more practical for everyday use. More businesses and individuals are adopting cryptocurrencies for various purposes, from investments to transactions. This widespread adoption drives innovation and development in the sector. Cryptocurrencies offer financial services to people who may not have access to traditional banking systems. This inclusivity is a significant benefit, especially in regions with underdeveloped financial infrastructure The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies means they are not controlled by any single entity or government. This can provide greater transparency, security, and resilience compared to centralized systems. Cryptocurrencies operate on a global scale, allowing for faster and cheaper cross-border transactions compared to traditional banking systems. This has benefits for businesses engaged in international trade. The rapid pace of innovation within the cryptocurrency space encourages competition among developers and projects. This competition drives improvements in technology and services offered to users. Many investors see cryptocurrencies as a lucrative investment opportunity due to their potential for high returns. This investment interest fuels the growth and development of the cryptocurrency market. Cryptocurrencies empower individuals by giving them control over their own finances without relying on intermediaries. This can provide greater financial sovereignty and autonomy. Blockchain technology enables cryptocurrencies to be used for various applications beyond digital currencies, such as smart contracts, decentralized finance, and non-fungible tokens. These diverse use cases contribute to their growing popularity and utility. Overall, the rapid improvement and benefits of cryptocurrencies stem from technological innovation, increased adoption, financial inclusion, decentralization, global accessibility, competition, investment opportunities, and diverse use cases beyond traditional currency. These factors collectively contribute to the ongoing evolution and expansion of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. I have been a part of many extracurricular activities in public school and have been fortunate enough to see how technology has been advancing so much in our communities. I have been working at jobs whose main focal point is based around technology not only as their main form of communication but especially helpful in the area of marketing.

I grew up in a Christian home where my entire family would come over every Sunday after Church and we would hang out all day. My cousins and I would always go swimming during the summer and during the school year we would go to each other's sporting events and cheer each other on. My cousin and I would hold “concerts" every weekend at my grandparents house where she would play the piano and I would play the guitar and sing. My parents got separated when I was younger and we moved in with my grandparents. A short while after that my parents got back together and then separated again and my family tried to start a new life for ourselves. I applied to California Baptist University thinking that I wouldn’t be accepted but when I opened my acceptance letter I realized this was a brand new start for me. When I applied to California Baptist University I initially thought that I would be helping my family and would take away their worry, but what I didn’t realize was that I was also putting them in jeopardy with my financial situation now. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself and my family. They didn’t deserve the situation they are in now. My mom has no help from my dad so she has had to adjust to a lot of things, and I just want to lift that weight off of her shoulders. I am still a minor so I knew that whatever opportunities I had couldn’t be taken advantage of. I understand that I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I believe this scholarship will help me pay for my schooling. I plan to major in Music and Worship Arts and minor in Business Administration. I chose these fields of study because I wanted to make them my career. Singing is what I love to do and I believe it is my passion so when I got accepted I knew that it was something I wanted to continue even if I didn’t become successful off of it. I also chose business because I wanted to be financially stable for my family and myself. Owning my own business would be my dream because it would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. I want to make a difference in this world when I start my own business, not only being a religious person, but also as being a first generation Latin American student which will inspires others like me. I want to make things that are helpful and useful to people, but most importantly I want to be a light to those who have looked up to me and trusted me when I gave them no reason to. My family has trusted me and has helped me through this entire process of my life. When I was scared of what my future might look like, I would look at them and realize that all the struggles and hardship I would have to go through would be worth it as long as it was for them.

Calculus, often revered and feared in equal measure, stands as a foundational pillar in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields for reasons that extend far beyond its equations and derivatives. Its importance lies not merely in solving mathematical problems but in providing a powerful framework for understanding and modeling the natural world. Here's why calculus is crucial in the STEM field: At its core, calculus offers powerful tools for modeling and analyzing dynamic systems and processes. Whether it's describing the trajectory of a rocket, the flow of fluids, or the spread of a disease, calculus provides the language to formulate and solve differential equations that capture these complex phenomena. This ability to model real-world scenarios is essential across various STEM disciplines, from physics and engineering to biology and economics. Physics, the bedrock of all sciences, heavily relies on calculus to describe motion, forces, energy, and more. Concepts such as velocity, acceleration, and momentum are seamlessly understood through differentiation, while integration helps calculate areas, volumes, and the accumulation of quantities—critical for fields like electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Similarly, engineering disciplines leverage calculus to design structures, analyze systems, and optimize processes, ensuring efficient and innovative solutions to complex challenges. In the realm of technology and innovation, calculus plays a pivotal role in developing algorithms, designing circuits, optimizing networks, and enhancing data analysis techniques. From developing sophisticated machine learning algorithms that underpin artificial intelligence to creating efficient algorithms for processing massive datasets, calculus forms the backbone of computational techniques that drive technological advancements. Statistics, integral to making sense of data in fields like biology, economics, and social sciences, heavily relies on calculus. Concepts such as probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis are rooted in calculus, providing the mathematical foundation for making informed decisions based on empirical data. In research and academia, calculus provides the tools necessary for rigorous quantitative analysis and theoretical modeling. Whether it's analyzing the dynamics of ecological systems, predicting the behavior of financial markets, or understanding the propagation of waves in telecommunications, calculus equips scientists and researchers with the mathematical rigor needed to advance knowledge and innovation. Beyond its applications, studying calculus fosters critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Tackling complex problems in calculus requires breaking them down into manageable parts, applying appropriate techniques, and interpreting results—a skill set that is invaluable in any STEM career and beyond. In conclusion, calculus is not merely a collection of mathematical techniques but a cornerstone of scientific inquiry and technological progress. Its applications permeate virtually every aspect of the STEM fields, providing a universal language for understanding, modeling, and predicting the natural world and technological systems. As we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, calculus remains indispensable, empowering scientists, engineers, and researchers to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time.

There was a time in my life when I faced immense challenges, yet managed to achieve something truly significant. It was during my third year of high school when I saw a massive change in my life. I started to pull away from my family and focus on myself. I grew up in a religious family so I wasn't allowed the same luxury as others. I couldn't have social media or go out anywhere after school because it was considered inappropriate and a doorway for evil to enter my life. But being a rebellious teenager, I did it anyway and I bought a phone to do it all over again. And I discovered for myself the hardships of being a teen in the world today. However, instead of succumbing to these challenges, my family decided to help me even when I didn't deserve it. My mom decided it was best to home school me through my church so I could start to realize what's important in life like my family. The journey was arduous; there were moments of frustration and self-doubt, wondering if I would ever get back to the way I was. I wanted to give up so many times because I missed the things that this world had to offer to me. I wanted all of my friends back, and my social media accounts, and the new friends I was able to make. Eventually, after months of school trips and school work, I started to realize that slowly but surely I started to become more like myself. I stopped being self-centered and realized what a hard decision it was for my mom to pull me out of public school for my senior year. Looking back, I realize that the journey was as significant as the achievement itself. It taught me that hardships are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth and transformation. Through this experience, I gained a newfound confidence in my abilities and a deeper understanding of the rewards that come from pushing beyond one's comfort zone. Originally, I just wanted to get through school because I knew that when I was done I could finally go back out into the world and obtain the life I thought I wanted. Towards the end of the school year, I realized just how much that I would miss home school and the relationships I created a long the way. I was surrounded by people just like me but instead of succumbing to these challenges, they trusted God to get them through it, and in that they showed me where my faith should go.

Mathematics is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. It provides a framework for understanding and communicating complex ideas with clarity and precision. Whether I am in conversation with someone across the globe or studying ancient mathematical texts, the principles remain the same, offering a sense of continuity and connection through time and space. Also another beautiful thing about math is that it is constantly changing by using easier ways to solve a solution. Math is a powerful tool for problem-solving. It equips me with the ability to analyze situations, identify patterns, and devise effective solutions. The process of solving a mathematical problem is akin to unraveling a mystery, where each step forward brings me closer to the gratifying moment of discovery. It also brings for much needed trial and error which helps me figure out what I did wrong when solving the previous equation. Math makes up our world and is used for so many things like space craft, measurements of any kind, and just basic necessities that every adult and child should have. Mathematics embodies creativity in its purest form. While some may view it as rigid and formulaic, I see it as a realm where imagination and logic converge. The act of crafting a mathematical proof or exploring a new concept requires ingenuity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is known and understood. Of course I never always saw it through this perspective. In fact, it took me years to figure out how math is so beneficial in the real world, and is involved in so many useful skills we need. Furthermore, math provides a sense of structure and order in a world that often feels chaotic. Its rules and principles serve as a reassuring constant, offering stability amidst uncertainty. Whether I am calculating the trajectory of a satellite or balancing my personal finances, mathematics instills confidence and empowers me to make informed decisions. Additionally, mathematics is deeply intertwined with other disciplines, enriching my understanding of subjects ranging from physics to economics. Its applications are diverse and far-reaching, shaping technological advancements and driving progress in various fields. Mathematics appeals to my innate sense of curiosity and wonder. The sheer elegance of a mathematical concept or theorem inspires awe and appreciation for the inherent beauty of abstract ideas. It encourages me to explore new avenues of thought and pursue knowledge for its own sake.

I have always loved Music ever since I was little. My sisters and I would dress up, do our hair and makeup, and go grab a remote control from our living room and would "perform" for my mom and older sister. My mom says I always used to talk about becoming a singer and an actress when I was older and I would rehearse scenes from movies like 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Teen Beach movie'. When I was younger my mom instilled in us that it doesn't matter what you become as long as you love and take pride in what you do. Unfortunately as we started to mature these morals that we grew up on started to change and this was because of our financial struggles that began later in 2013. We started to learn more about our situation and what type of burden this could be for all of us, so we started to think more logically, which for us it meant that we need to support each other anyway we can starting with what type of future we needed to make for ourselves. Now instead of chasing after a dream, we would work hard to create opportunities for ourselves and become financially independent. After my 10th birthday I decided to stop singing and focus on more important things like my family and school work. It wasn't until three years later until my Nana signed my sisters and I up for choir at our Church. At first it felt like I was being forced to attend our meetings and performances that were mandatory but as I started to ease myself back into, I saw how much I still loved singing and that even though I shut it out of my life, my love for it continued to follow me even if I didn't realize it. I started to feel entwined with the music and the words I sang really spoke to the ache in my heart that I craved for music for years. Even though I started to get back into my love for music, it still didn't change my opinion concerning my future. I still planned to do whatever it took to help myself and my family, I just decided to keep singing to myself as my special little talent, and I didn't think I was that good, so I just wanted it to mean something special for me. My great grandpa got sick in 2022. He has a massive clot blocking his blood flow to his brain that had to be surgically removed. My great grandma passed away in 2009 and it broke my great grandfathers heart, but the night before she left this world she sang a song to my grandfather, and it was the song that they first danced to. Before my grandpa had to go into surgery I started to sing that song for him and he began to get really emotional. At first I didn't understand why he was crying but then he started singing along with me and I realized what the song actually meant to him and just how much. The song reminded him of the love he had lost a long time ago, but also the new love he had found in cherishing her memories. After his surgery he told me that me singing the song gave him a million and one things to live for. I have seen first hand how music can make a huge impact on people's lives, you can feel pain but also happiness, and this medical circumstance helped me decide to pursue my passion.

My relationship with Jesus has transformed my life by shaping my faith in profound ways that extend deeply into every aspect of my life, including my educational journey. Jesus's teachings of love, compassion, and service have not only provided me with a moral compass but have also infused my faith with a sense of purpose and direction. Firstly, my relationship with Jesus has instilled within me a deep sense of love and compassion for others. His example of selflessness and empathy has inspired me to approach my interactions with peers, teachers, and the broader educational community with kindness and understanding. This foundational aspect of my faith encourages me to see beyond academic achievements and prioritize the well-being and dignity of those around me. Secondly, Jesus's teachings have cultivated in me a commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. The principles of honesty, fairness, and humility that I derive from his teachings guide my academic pursuits. Whether faced with challenges in coursework or decisions about my academic path, my faith reminds me to uphold these values, fostering an environment of trust and respect in my educational journey. Moreover, my relationship with Jesus has infused my educational pursuits with a sense of purpose. Beyond personal success, I seek to use my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world, following Jesus's call to serve others. This motivates me to engage deeply in my studies, not only to gain knowledge but also to understand how I can apply it to contribute meaningfully to society. Looking forward, I plan to implement my faith throughout my educational journey by integrating spiritual principles into my daily life and academic endeavors. This involves seeking opportunities to apply Jesus's teachings of justice and compassion to real-world issues and challenges within my field of study. Whether through volunteer work, research projects that address societal needs, or simply being a supportive presence to classmates, I aim to embody the values of my faith in tangible ways that extend beyond the classroom. In conclusion, my relationship with Jesus has profoundly influenced my faith, guiding my values, actions, and aspirations. As I continue my educational journey, I am committed to implementing this faith by striving for excellence with integrity, approaching learning with compassion and humility, and dedicating myself to serving others. Through these efforts, I hope to honor the teachings of Jesus and contribute positively to both my educational community and the broader world around me.

My name is Isabella Samano and I am seventeen years old. I just recently graduated from high school and will be attending California Baptist University this coming fall. Growing up in a Christian home, I have learned the true meaning of love as taught by Jesus in the Bible. His perfect example of compassion, empathy and selflessness is what inspires me to make a positive impact on this world through love, faith, and community service. A few years ago I struggled with my faith as I found it hard to believe that in this troubled world, the Lord loved me, and everyone else in it. It was until I experienced the very trials which at the time, seemed impossible to conquer, where I seen Gods love and grace shape my muster seed faith into what it is today. I witnessed His faithfulness firsthand and because I now know the power of faith, I believe it plays a significant role in making a positive impact on the world, just as the Lord did in my life. I have come to learn that even one positive impact can make such a significant difference because one person can serve as a vessel to carry out the good plans that God has for us. I have since learned that through faith we can be an inspiration to others which can lead to all of us growing in our spiritual walk with God and to a community where support for one another can thrive. Through out the Bible we are given many examples of how Jesus bestowed selflessness and love and although He is King of Kings, He humbled Himself and lived a selfless life filled with servitude. This has been my biggest inspiration and motivation to understand how much of a difference selflessness could make, to understand how much of a positive impact by being a light in this dark world, could make. Following this, I started to submit my time serving at Church and it has been such a blessing to do so! On one occasion, I had volunteered to teach 8-10 year olds at Summer Vacation Bible School and it was my job to teach these principles of love, compassion and community service, to these young minds, just as it was passed onto me. One thing I have found while volunteering my time in community service is that you plan on serving in order to bless others, but really, you walk away feeling blessed yourself. This is just the beginning as I plan to follow wherever God calls me to serve next. I plan to make an impact in the world through love, faith and community service and I will do this by following Jesus and sharing His love with others!

I plan to create a legacy by sharing my story with others and be able to get to a place where I can afford things for my family or friends and be able to share with them what I know about being successful. I was in a very bad place a few years ago and was like that ever since a few months ago. My family was there for me throughout my entire journey, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I am going to open businesses and constantly work to achieve my goals financially and personally. The only problem is my family's financial situations which hinder me from achieving everything I planned, and it is definitely difficult to pursue something when you need money to start. The businesses I hope to open are going to be based on e-commerce through drop shipping and cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency seems to be the way of the future especially in this generation and it seems much more reliable so far compared to stocks, which are constantly fluctuating. Cryptocurrency is the new form of payment for almost everything and holds a better track record. It establishes a chain that follows you wherever you make a transaction and is like a continuous online receipt I feel that younger generations are taught to get a safer job and to achieve what is common instead of setting new boundaries. I don't want to be like everyone else and gain no knowledge and achieve the bare minimum. A few ways I shine my light is by spreading hope to others even when I may not have any hope for myself, and that is why I wanna go to college. I hope college will give me the tools to give back to those who have given me opportunities that I didn’t know I had. I want college to change my perspective on things and allow me to share the gift that God has given me. Scholarships help allow me to put money towards my business. Applying to college was the hardest decision I had to make because I wanted to further my education but I also knew that it would also lead to many financial struggles for my family and I. I wanna be a voice at college because I needed voices to help guide me. I wanna be responsible for inspiring people to achieve their full potential and gain true happiness because they became successful.

My name is Isabella Samano and and my dream is to have many successful businesses one day. I have had many dreams and aspirations but along with opening successful businesses, my biggest dream and hope is that one day I will be financially stable enough to support and give back to my family. I realized that this was my dream when my parents first started having marital problems. My dad kicked out my family and we were forced to move in with our grandparents. I applied to California Baptist University thinking that I wouldn’t be accepted but when I opened my acceptance letter I realized this was a brand new start for me. When I applied to California Baptist University I initially thought that I would be helping my family and would take away their worry, but what I didn’t realize was that I was also putting them in jeopardy with my financial situation now. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself and my family. They didn’t deserve the situation they are in now. My mom has no help from my dad so she has had to adjust to a lot of things, and I just want to lift that weight off of her shoulders. I am still a minor so I knew that whatever opportunities I had couldn’t be taken advantage of. I understand that I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I believe this scholarship will help me pay for my schooling. I plan to major in Music and Worship Arts and minor in Business Administration. I chose these fields of study because I wanted to make them my career. Singing is what I love to do and I believe it is my passion so when I got accepted I knew that it was something I wanted to continue even if I didn’t become successful off of it. I also chose business because I wanted to be financially stable for my family and myself. Owning my own business would be my dream because it would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. I want to make a difference in this world when I start my own business. I want to make things that are helpful and useful to people, but most importantly I want to be a light to those who have looked up to me and trusted me when I gave them no reason to. My family has trusted me and has helped me through this entire process of my life. When I was scared of what my future might look like, I would look at them and realize that all the struggles and hardship I would have to go through would be worth it as long as it was for them. I want to be great for them and for those who have believed in me and who have picked me up when I struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally.

My name is Isabella Samano and and my dream is to have many successful businesses one day. I have had many dreams and aspirations but along with opening successful businesses, my biggest dream and hope is that one day I will be financially stable enough to support and give back to my family. I realized that this was my dream when my parents first started having marital problems. My dad kicked out my family and we were forced to move in with our grandparents. Even though it was a blessing having somewhere to go, we were left in a very big financial situation. I wanted to continue to fulfill my dreams of being financially stable because I want the best for myself and my family. For too long I was told by too many people that I couldn't achieve much because of my family's situation and because I am a girl. I don't want to fall to certain stereotypes especially when it could potentially affect my future. Winning this scholarship would allow me to put money towards my businesses that I hope to open one day. My family doesn’t have extra money laying around either, so every financial decision is a crucial one. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself. The career path I have chosen excites me in so many ways. At first I picked business because it was a broader topic and at the time I didn't really feel that I had a passion for anything specific. As time went on I realized that I actually loved the idea of having my own business and making up my own schedule. I knew that there would be many struggles along the way but I want to feel the feeling of overcoming this huge obstacle and hopefully instill hope in others who feel that their situation is endless. I am still a minor so I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I know that owning my own business would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. If I am being completely honest I didn't even think college was an option for me but when I heard the amazing news of my acceptance it instilled hope in me and I pray I can give this to others.

My name is Isabella Samano and and my dream is to have many successful businesses one day. I have had many dreams and aspirations but along with opening successful businesses, my biggest dream and hope is that one day I will be financially stable enough to support and give back to my family. I realized that this was my dream when my parents first started having marital problems. My dad kicked out my family and we were forced to move in with our grandparents. Even though it was a blessing having somewhere to go, we were left in a very big financial situation. I wanted to continue to fulfill my dreams of being financially stable because I want the best for myself and my family. For too long I was told by too many people that I couldn't achieve much because of my family's situation and because I am a girl. I don't want to fall to certain stereotypes especially when it could potentially affect my future. Winning this scholarship would allow me to put money towards my businesses that I hope to open one day. My family doesn’t have extra money laying around either, so every financial decision is a crucial one. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself. The career path I have chosen excites me in so many ways. At first I picked business because it was a broader topic and at the time I didn't really feel that I had a passion for anything specific. As time went on I realized that I actually loved the idea of having my own business and making up my own schedule. I knew that there would be many struggles along the way but I want to feel the feeling of overcoming this huge obstacle and hopefully instill hope in others who feel that their situation is endless. I am still a minor so I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I know that owning my own business would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. If I am being completely honest I didn't even think college was an option for me but when I heard the amazing news of my acceptance it instilled hope in me and I pray I can give this to others.

The biggest challenge I have had to overcome so far is my family’s financial situation. My family doesn’t have money just laying around and because of this my mentality has become very realistic in the sense of what was achievable for me and my family. I was a glass half empty kind of person when it came to my family's circumstance so when college was coming around the corner I wasn’t very optimistic about my chances so I applied on a whim, so when I got accepted I automatically started thinking of how it was a bad idea and it will just be more stressful on my family. I plan to double major in Music and in Business. I chose these two because I love music but I want to be financially stable so I can take care of my family so I chose business. I never thought I would go to college but ever since my mom and dad separated and I realized the state of my mom and siblings situation I knew that I couldn’t just wait for an opportunity to help them, so I decided to make one. I applied to California Baptist University thinking that I would be helping my family and would take away their worry, but what I didn’t realize was that I was also putting them in jeopardy with my financial situation now. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself and my family. They didn’t deserve the situation they are in now. My mom has no help from my dad so she has had to adjust to a lot of things, and I just want to lift that weight off of her shoulders. These experiences I have had to go through helped shape my goals and dreams I wish to one day achieve and I pray I can inspire others. My siblings and I are all homeschooled so part of my responsibilities is to be the Teachers Aid which means I am in charge of tutoring my siblings if they need help with a certain subject and I am also responsible for keeping their grades in check. Everyday after school I have to review all of their work and catalog their grades for every subject. When school hours are over I help take care of my grandparents. Recently my Nana just had a stroke so me and my siblings have taken over her daily tasks that she usually likes to complete by a certain time. I have been helping my Papa with jobs and paperwork that he has to get done for his company. I hope college will give me the tools to give back to those who have given me opportunities that I didn’t know I had. I want college to change my perspective on things and allow me to share the gift that God has given me. I wanna affect the world in a positive way by providing hope to people but the kind of hope that doesn’t leave.

My name is Isabella Samano and and my dream is to have many successful businesses one day. I have had many dreams and aspirations but along with opening successful businesses, my biggest dream and hope is that one day I will be financially stable enough to support and give back to my family. I realized that this was my dream when my parents first started having marital problems. My dad kicked out my family and we were forced to move in with our grandparents. Even though it was a blessing having somewhere to go, we were left in a very big financial situation. I wanted to continue to fulfill my dreams of being financially stable because I want the best for myself and my family. For too long I was told by too many people that I couldn't achieve much because of my family's situation and because I am a girl. I don't want to fall to certain stereotypes especially when it could potentially affect my future. Winning this scholarship would allow me to put money towards my businesses that I hope to open one day. My family doesn’t have extra money laying around either, so every financial decision is a crucial one. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself. The career path I have chosen excites me in so many ways. At first I picked business because it was a broader topic and at the time I didn't really feel that I had a passion for anything specific. As time went on I realized that I actually loved the idea of having my own business and making up my own schedule. I knew that there would be many struggles along the way but I want to feel the feeling of overcoming this huge obstacle and hopefully instill hope in others who feel that their situation is endless. I am still a minor so I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I know that owning my own business would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. If I am being completely honest I didn't even think college was an option for me but when I heard the amazing news of my acceptance it instilled hope in me and I pray I can give this to others.

I applied to California Baptist University thinking that I wouldn’t be accepted but when I opened my acceptance letter I realized this was a brand new start for me. When I applied to California Baptist University I initially thought that I would be helping my family and would take away their worry, but what I didn’t realize was that I was also putting them in jeopardy with my financial situation now. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself and my family. They didn’t deserve the situation they are in now. My mom has no help from my dad so she has had to adjust to a lot of things, and I just want to lift that weight off of her shoulders. I am still a minor so I knew that whatever opportunities I had couldn’t be taken advantage of. I understand that I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I believe this scholarship will help me pay for my schooling. I plan to major in Music and Worship Arts and minor in Business Administration. I chose these fields of study because I wanted to make them my career. Singing is what I love to do and I believe it is my passion so when I got accepted I knew that it was something I wanted to continue even if I didn’t become successful off of it. I also chose business because I wanted to be financially stable for my family and myself. Owning my own business would be my dream because it would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. I want to make a difference in this world when I start my own business. I want to make things that are helpful and useful to people, but most importantly I want to be a light to those who have looked up to me and trusted me when I gave them no reason to. My family has trusted me and has helped me through this entire process of my life. When I was scared of what my future might look like, I would look at them and realize that all the struggles and hardship I would have to go through would be worth it as long as it was for them. I want to be great for them and for those who have believed in me and who have picked me up when I struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I applied to California Baptist University thinking that I wouldn’t be accepted but when I opened my acceptance letter I realized this was a brand new start for me. When I applied to California Baptist University I initially thought that I would be helping my family and would take away their worry, but what I didn’t realize was that I was also putting them in jeopardy with my financial situation now. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself and my family. They didn’t deserve the situation they are in now. My mom has no help from my dad so she has had to adjust to a lot of things, and I just want to lift that weight off of her shoulders. I am still a minor so I knew that whatever opportunities I had couldn’t be taken advantage of. I understand that I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I believe this scholarship will help me pay for my schooling. I plan to major in Music and Worship Arts and minor in Business Administration. I chose these fields of study because I wanted to make them my career. Singing is what I love to do and I believe it is my passion so when I got accepted I knew that it was something I wanted to continue even if I didn’t become successful off of it. I also chose business because I wanted to be financially stable for my family and myself. Owning my own business would be my dream because it would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. I want to make a difference in this world when I start my own business. I want to make things that are helpful and useful to people, but most importantly I want to be a light to those who have looked up to me and trusted me when I gave them no reason to. My family has trusted me and has helped me through this entire process of my life. When I was scared of what my future might look like, I would look at them and realize that all the struggles and hardship I would have to go through would be worth it as long as it was for them.

If I could have everyone read one book it would be "Finding the Dream" by Nora Roberts. This is by far my favorite book because it includes so many things like love and romance but also includes real world situations. The plot of the story is about a young girl named Laura who got married at 18 had two children and then got divorced to her ex-husband. She lost everything financially and has had to work so hard to get it all back to provide for her daughters. She realized that even though she didn't have her money, she still had her friends and she felt that was all she needed. Laura didn't want to open up her heart again because when she did that the first time, all she had gotten in return was a broken heart and a broken family. Her brother's friend Michael showed her feelings that she had never experienced before and she didn't know whether she should shut them out or go with the motion of it all. This story gives me hope because Laura's situation seemed like she couldn't come back from it. I understand it is a fictional story but that is why I like them so much. This world already tries to knock you down so I like the fact that I could read a book that inspires me and gives me hope that I didn't have before. I like feeling inspired to do things I normally wouldn't have done on my own.

I grew up in a Christian home where my entire family would come over every Sunday after Church and we would hang out all day. My cousins and I would always go swimming during the summer and during the school year we would go to each other's sporting events and cheer each other on. My cousin and I would hold “concerts" every weekend at my grandparents house where she would play the piano and I would play the guitar and sing. My parents got separated when I was younger and we moved in with my grandparents. A short while after that my parents got back together and then separated again and my family tried to start a new life for ourselves. I applied to California Baptist University thinking that I wouldn’t be accepted but when I opened my acceptance letter I realized this was a brand new start for me. When I applied to California Baptist University I initially thought that I would be helping my family and would take away their worry, but what I didn’t realize was that I was also putting them in jeopardy with my financial situation now. I don’t want to bring them any more worry, and I want to show them and all those other people who thought I wouldn’t amount to anything that I will make it because I wanted to better myself and my family. They didn’t deserve the situation they are in now. My mom has no help from my dad so she has had to adjust to a lot of things, and I just want to lift that weight off of her shoulders. I am still a minor so I knew that whatever opportunities I had couldn’t be taken advantage of. I understand that I am limited to what I can achieve at this point in my life but I believe this scholarship will help me pay for my schooling. I plan to major in Music and Worship Arts and minor in Business Administration. I chose these fields of study because I wanted to make them my career. Singing is what I love to do and I believe it is my passion so when I got accepted I knew that it was something I wanted to continue even if I didn’t become successful off of it. I also chose business because I wanted to be financially stable for my family and myself. Owning my own business would be my dream because it would show others and even myself that anything is possible even if your circumstances might show otherwise, and it would allow me to provide for my family. I want to make a difference in this world when I start my own business. I want to make things that are helpful and useful to people, but most importantly I want to be a light to those who have looked up to me and trusted me when I gave them no reason to. My family has trusted me and has helped me through this entire process of my life. When I was scared of what my future might look like, I would look at them and realize that all the struggles and hardship I would have to go through would be worth it as long as it was for them.

I volunteered many hours of community service towards my Church and have also been fortunate enough to intern at two at-home businesses. I understood where my time and energy was going so I wanted to make sure that I was focused on making a difference in these environments because I wanted to prove myself and show to those around me that a change could always be made. On one occasion, I had volunteered to teach 8-10 year olds at a summer event through my Church called Vacation Bible School. I have no problem talking to younger audiences because I believe they aren't as judgmental as the older audiences. Even though this event only continued for a week, I made sure that every lesson in one way or another would show different ranges of diversity, whether it be through different cultures or religious affiliations, equity by using scripture to show that Jesus treated everyone equally whether they believed in him or not, inclusion of all the boys and girls to show that Jesus included all people and didn’t discriminate certain groups from hearing his testimony, and showing that reciprocating social justice is important and something Jesus did when he allowed to poorest of people to rule many nations. I used the example of me interning at jobs and using these values and morals towards other normal people. Although I was trying to teach these younger kids the importance of these values, I also started teaching myself how these morals aren’t always accepted or reciprocated. I got accepted to California Baptist University to make a difference and these traits can be exhibited to those I come across at campus. I am majoring in Music because it is my passion, but I am also minoring in Business. At the time I didn’t realize that I could exchange these important values to others while pursuing my financial career. I hope to show people how important it is to include everyone in your success, to not be bitter or jealous, and to provide hope to others who don't have it. My family's circumstance when I was growing up wasn't the best one so I had to believe that good things would happen for me and my family. Of course you can only hold on to that hope for so long until you feel so drained from just waiting. I stopped believing in miracles and eventually started losing hope for me and my family until I got accepted into college. I want other people to experience that feeling everyday because people like me offered it to those less fortunate.

I have read many fiction books in my life so far and most people think that you can only gain "useful" knowledge from non-fiction books, but from personal experience I can proudly say that this isn't necessarily true. I mostly love reading one genre of books which is fictional romance. I love reading this genre the most because it allows me to wonder how the character is feeling or feeling. I come from a religious background so I have been told my whole life to stay pure until marriage and to only become involved with someone until you're looking to marry. And because of this, I have never been involved with someone and I have constantly wondered what it might be like to truly love someone and have someone love everything about you and someone who wants to wake up and go to bed next to you every morning and night. And because of these books I've realized some important things about myself and what I want out of my life. My goals have changed and so have my interests. I want to become successful on my own and I want to provide for those I care about, and when it is time to involve someone in my life, I won't be afraid of that new step. I won't allow myself to be shaken by what I truly want to accomplish at a certain age. I don't want to be like everyone else my age and hook up with random people just to fill an empty void. I want to save myself for someone who truly loves me and won't take advantage of me. The last thing I have learned is that I can't be afraid of being myself. Every book I have read has shown me that even though I have read so many books, the main characters all had something in common. None of the main characters had to change themselves in front of the person that truly loved them. They were accepted instantly for who they were, their current circumstances, what they looked liked, and how they processed their emotions. I was shown that I want to one day feel everything that they describe when talking about love. I want to constantly believe that when you love someone nothing else matters and you can showcase your love for each other throughout everything the couple wants to accomplish.

My ideal bookshelf would contain mostly fiction but to go more in depth I would most likely always be reading some sort of romance novel. I was never allowed to have social media, but I decided to get it anyway and I started to explore Tiktok. I was never really interested in reading because the majority of the time I would always get distracted and I couldn't focus on what I was reading. A few weeks after I got TikTok I started making my way towards the BookTok community and I was just so interested and fascinated in what I was reading. There were many excerpts I read that were in a certain characters POV and it helped me understand their position in a situation. It started to become easier for me to transport myself into the characters and it drew out my imaginative side. Coming from a religious background, I was always taught you don't just date for the fun of it. I was taught that as soon as you start involving yourself with someone then that means you are looking to marry that person. And because of this I was never allowed to have a relationship with anyone, so when I started reading these fictional pieces I just couldn't get enough. Every romance novel I have ever read has made me yearn to understand those feelings that the main character has felt when he/she has met their other half. My bookshelf now consist of many different romantic scenarios because of this feeling inside myself, whether that is a love/hate relationship, a innocent girl vs not so innocent man, mafia relationship and many others. Two books that I have read that have been on my mind lately are " Alpha" by Jasinda Wilder and "Consume Me" by Paige Matthews. I believe BookTok has such a substantial impact on those who tumble across it. Many people don't read books because it's too boring and that is exactly how I felt at a time in my life, but I also realized it was because I didn't find what types of books I was interested in and ever since that day I discovered it I have never wanted to turn back. These books I mentioned are only two of the many books I have read and will continue to keep reading. They have helped me find what I hope for one day, they remind me of what to not take advantage of, and they show me that when I do become involved with someone someday, that we will have trials and we will be tested but at the end of the day a person's ability to love someone is so strong and powerful that it can consume you and conquer all of the things that can try to distract you.