My name is Jackeline Anaya, and I am a first-generation college student currently attending East Carolina University with a 3.6 GPA. Attending college has always been a dream of mine, not just for personal growth but also to set an example for my family and community. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities, but it is a journey I am deeply committed to. During high school, my life took an unexpected turn when my dad was diagnosed with ALS. This devastating news brought immense emotional and financial strain to my family. To help my mom with the mounting medical bills, I took a year off from school to work full-time as an orthodontic assistant. This experience taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of family support. It was a difficult decision, but one that I do not regret, as it allowed me to contribute meaningfully during a challenging time. When I returned to school, I continued to support my dad with his Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Balancing schoolwork and caregiving was incredibly demanding, both mentally and physically. Despite these challenges, I remained focused on my academic goals, driven by the desire to make my parents proud and to build a better future for myself and my family. In mid-August, my dad passed away, which was a profound loss for us. He had been paying for my college education, and his passing has left a significant financial gap. This scholarship would be a tremendous help in alleviating the financial burden on my widowed mother and me. It would allow me to continue my education without the constant worry of how we will manage to pay for tuition and other expenses. More importantly, it would enable me to focus on my studies and personal development, honoring my dad's memory by striving for academic excellence and contributing positively to society. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my educational goals but also empower me to give back to the community. I am passionate about using my education to make a difference, particularly in areas related to healthcare and support for families dealing with chronic illnesses. The financial stability provided by this scholarship would allow me to pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, and other experiences that will enrich my education and prepare me for a career dedicated to helping others. In conclusion, this scholarship represents more than just financial aid; it is an investment in my future and a tribute to the sacrifices my family has made. It will help me continue my education at East Carolina University, relieve the financial stress on my mother, and enable me to achieve my goals of making a positive impact in the world. Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to continue my journey towards academic and personal success.

My mom and dad have been the most significant supporters in reaching my educational goals. From a young age, they instilled in me the importance of education and hard work. I remember coming home from school in middle school with a B on my report card, feeling somewhat satisfied with my efforts. However, my dad would always tell me that I could have made an A. He never meant to discourage me but rather to push me to strive for excellence. This constant encouragement to aim higher and do better was a driving force throughout my academic journey. Their support and high expectations led me to enroll in early college, a decision that has significantly shaped my educational path. During high school, my dad was diagnosed with ALS, a challenging and heartbreaking time for our family. Despite his illness, he continued to be my biggest cheerleader, always reminding me of my potential and the importance of my studies. His strength and determination in the face of such adversity were incredibly inspiring. The diagnosis brought about significant changes in our daily lives. My dad's condition gradually worsened, and he began to lose his ability to perform simple activities of daily living (ADLs). Helping him with these tasks was a struggle both mentally and physically. There were days when I would come home exhausted from school, only to find that my dad needed assistance with basic needs such as eating, bathing, and moving around the house. It was heartbreaking to see someone who had always been so strong and independent become so reliant on others. Balancing my academic responsibilities with caregiving duties was incredibly challenging. There were nights when I stayed up late to finish my homework after spending hours helping my dad. The emotional toll was immense as well. Watching a loved one suffer from a debilitating disease is one of the hardest things anyone can go through. There were moments of frustration and helplessness, but I always reminded myself of the importance of staying strong for my dad and my family. Earlier last month, my dad passed away, a loss that has deeply affected me. However, his memory and the values he instilled in me continue to fuel my drive to finish school. I am more determined than ever to succeed, not just for myself but to honor his belief in my abilities. My mom has also been a pillar of strength, constantly supporting me emotionally and academically. Together, their unwavering support and belief in my potential have been the foundation of my educational achievements. The experience of helping my dad through his illness taught me valuable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the importance of family. It also reinforced my commitment to my education. I realized that pursuing my goals was not just about personal success but also about making my parents proud and honoring the sacrifices they made for me. My dad's battle with ALS and the support from my mom have shaped me into a stronger and more determined individual. As I continue my educational journey, I carry with me the lessons learned from my dad's illness and the unwavering support of my mom. Their encouragement and belief in my potential have been the driving forces behind my achievements. Despite the challenges and hardships, I am determined to succeed and make them proud. My dad's memory and my mom's strength will always be my guiding lights, motivating me to strive for excellence and never give up on my dreams.

Before I realized my calling in social work, I felt very lost regarding my career path. I was working full-time as an orthodontic assistant while attending school, initially pursuing a future as a dental hygienist. However, it quickly became clear that this profession was not for me, leaving me feeling aimless and hopeless at 20, uncertain about my life's direction. Then, one day at work, during my lunch break, I received a call from my mother. She informed me that one of my cousins had passed away earlier that day. The news sent me into shock. I was speechless and unsure of how to react. After lunch, I returned to work, but it wasn't until I got home that the reality of the situation truly hit me. I couldn't stop thinking that if only there had been someone like a social worker present in his life, perhaps my cousin's fate could have been different. To provide some context, he had endured a challenging life. As the eldest of six children, he often found himself left at home to care for his siblings, assuming parental responsibilities that caused his childhood innocence to fade. He suffered from child abuse and neglect, which led him to seek solace in negative behaviors, resulting in multiple incarcerations, starting at just 16 years old. I believe that if a social worker had been advocating for him, he might not have been burdened with such heavy responsibilities at a young age, possibly steering him away from the negative influences that ultimately contributed to his demise. These reflections led me to my decision to pursue a career in social work. I want to make a difference. Too many children, like my cousin, fall through the cracks, overlooked by overburdened social workers. While one additional social worker may not seem like a significant change, it is indeed a step in the right direction. My goal is to earn my bachelor's degree in social work and then advance to a master's degree, specializing in child abuse and neglect cases. With a Master's in Social Work, I can become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, essentially working as a therapist. I aspire to support children through their challenges and, if necessary, rescue them from harmful environments. The passing of my cousin was a difficult loss, but it also serves as my motivation to pursue this career path. It drives me to help other children avoid experiencing a similar fate. This brief account may offer a glimpse into who I am and my passion for this field. Thank you for considering my essay. I look forward to your response.