Growing up in a single-mother household shaped me in ways that continue to influence the person I am becoming. My mom has been my rock, working long hours, managing bills, and still making time to guide me with love and wisdom. Watching her sacrifice so much without ever asking for recognition taught me two things: never take anything for granted, and always give life your full effort. As a young man raised without a father in the home, I quickly learned that life wasn’t going to hand me anything. I had to work for it. I took on responsibilities early, helping with siblings, working part-time jobs, and staying focused on school, all while balancing my own dreams and doubts. There were times I wanted to give up, but I always heard my mom’s voice in the back of my mind saying, "Keep going. You were made for more." That mindset has become the engine behind everything I do. I’m currently a high school senior, and I plan to attend Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi to major in Criminal Justice. I want to become someone who brings fairness, empathy, and accountability into the justice system. Whether as a law enforcement officer, forensic analyst, or investigator, I want to help give a voice to those who are often ignored or silenced. Coming from a single-parent home has made me deeply aware of how poverty, crime, and broken systems can steal opportunities from young people. I want to change that not just for myself, but for others. I believe that one person can make a ripple effect of change, especially when that person has known struggle and risen from it. Like Iliana, I’m driven by more than just ambition, I’m fueled by a desire to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. Her words about life being like “riding waves in the ocean” hit home for me. I’ve faced storms, but I’ve learned to keep moving forward, riding the waves with faith, even when I couldn’t see the shore. Music and writing have also been healing outlets for me. I write to process what I’ve been through and to dream about what’s possible. I listen to music, sometimes gospel, sometimes hip-hop, when I need motivation or peace. These passions help me stay centered, just like they did for Iliana. I want to make a difference by becoming the type of leader my community can trust. I want to support youth who are struggling, just as I’ve struggled. I want to advocate for justice, fairness, and opportunity for those who feel left behind. I believe that’s what Iliana would want to see others rise with strength, love, and purpose. This scholarship would not only support my education, it would carry the legacy of someone who lived with heart and fire. I carry that same fire in me. And with your support, I will keep it burning.

Furthering my education is important to me because I believe in the power of justice. My goal is to earn a degree in criminal justice and use it to protect those who can’t protect themselves, seek truth where there is confusion, and bring peace to families who live with unanswered questions. I want to be a part of a system that not only holds people accountable but also restores hope in communities affected by crime. Brittany McGlone’s story is heartbreaking and deeply personal to me, even though I never knew her. Her story represents the thousands of lives cut short by senseless violence. Stories like hers are what inspire me to take action and pursue a career in this field. I don’t want people like Brittany to become just another unsolved case or forgotten name. I want to be part of the solution whether that means working in forensic investigation, law enforcement, or as a victims’ advocate. My goal is to ensure justice is served and that no victim is left without a voice. One reason I’ve chosen criminal justice is because I’ve seen how crime affects not just individuals, but entire families. Someone close to me was once the victim of a violent act. Though they survived, they were never the same. I watched them struggle to sleep, trust others, and return to school. Their pain became a part of me. It opened my eyes to how trauma lingers long after the crime itself. It was in that moment I realized I didn’t want to stand on the sidelines. I wanted to understand the system, work inside it, and change it for the better. In the hardest moments, music helped me cope. I’ve always turned to music to process what I couldn’t say out loud. It’s helped me grieve, reflect, and stay motivated when life felt overwhelming. Whether it’s gospel songs that remind me of God’s presence or instrumentals that let my mind settle, music has been a source of strength. It has helped me stay focused on my goals and grounded in who I am, even when life got heavy. Criminal justice isn’t just a career path to me, it’s a mission. I want to help families find closure. I want to prevent future crimes by understanding why they happen. I want to create trust between communities and law enforcement. Most of all, I want to make sure victims like Brittany are never forgotten. This scholarship represents more than financial help. It represents a chance to carry on the dream of someone whose life was stolen too soon. I want to use my education to honor her and others like her. I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but I have the drive, the faith, and the heart to pursue justice, for Brittany, for my community, and for every person who never got the chance to finish their story.

During my junior year of high school, I had the opportunity to serve at a local shelter that supports families recovering from domestic violence. What began as a simple community service requirement quickly turned into one of the most defining experiences of my life. I didn’t know it then, but those few weeks of volunteering would reshape my understanding of service, leadership, and faith in profound ways. I was inspired to volunteer after hearing a speaker at my church talk about the unseen struggles many families face. She shared stories of mothers escaping abuse, kids going without food, and entire families starting over with nothing. Her words stirred something in me. As someone blessed with a supportive family and a safe home, I felt a deep conviction to step out of my comfort zone and help in any way I could. When I arrived at the shelter for the first time, I expected to hand out meals or maybe help clean. Instead, I was asked to help with the children’s activity room. Many of the kids there were anxious, withdrawn, or emotionally distant. I remember one boy, no older than six, who refused to speak and never smiled. I wasn’t sure how to connect with him, and honestly, I felt overwhelmed. I questioned whether I could actually make any kind of difference. But I kept showing up. I brought board games, helped with homework, and offered patience instead of pressure. Over time, small moments of trust began to form. That same quiet boy eventually handed me a crayon and motioned for me to color with him. It seems like a small thing, but in that moment, I realized that service isn’t always about big, dramatic actions. Sometimes, it’s simply about being present and consistent. The challenges were real. There were days I left feeling emotionally drained and unsure whether I was helping at all. But I came to understand that leadership isn’t about having all the answers it’s about showing up when it’s hard, listening more than speaking, and letting compassion guide your actions. My faith played a central role throughout the experience. I often prayed before my shifts, asking God to use me as a vessel of peace and kindness. I believe it was His strength that helped me keep going, even when I doubted myself. This experience deepened my understanding of what it truly means to “love your neighbor,” not just in theory but in practice. By the end of my time at the shelter, I wasn’t the same person who had walked in weeks before. I had seen how even small acts of service could bring light into someone else’s dark place. I had learned that leadership means stepping up, even when you feel unqualified. And most importantly, I had witnessed how faith, when acted out in love, can change lives including my own.

Growing up, I watched my mom face countless challenges, yet she always remained strong, focused, and unwavering in her commitment to our family. She was my role model, showing me every day what it truly means to persevere and prioritize the needs of others, even when life seemed overwhelming. My mom’s journey hasn’t been easy. She went through a difficult divorce, faced financial struggles, and spent years seeking employment. Despite these hardships, she always kept me and my siblings as her top priority. I never once doubted her love and dedication to our well-being. At just 19, my mom had to make difficult decisions, including putting her education on hold to care for us. However, she didn’t give up on her dreams. Later, she returned to college to pursue a nursing degree, juggling school, work, and raising us. Watching her navigate these challenges taught me the power of resilience and the importance of never losing sight of your goals. As a nurse, my mom’s love for helping others became even more evident. She has always been the kind of person who finds joy in lifting others up, whether it’s through a smile, a kind word, or her work in healthcare. She’s taught me the value of service to others, not just in the big moments, but in the small, everyday acts of kindness that make a difference in people’s lives. These lessons of compassion, empathy, and service are the qualities that I want to bring into my own career in law enforcement. One of the most important lessons my mom taught me was how to persevere through adversity. No matter the obstacles she faced, she never let them break her spirit. This resilience is something I admire deeply and aspire to in my own life. As a future law enforcement officer, I know that I will face difficult situations, but like my mom, I will find strength in my purpose and never give up on making a positive impact in my community. My mom’s work ethic and determination also showed me the importance of leadership by example. She didn’t seek recognition for her sacrifices or the long hours she spent working or studying. Instead, she led by showing up, day in and day out, for her family and those in need. This is the type of leadership I want to bring those qualities I learned to law enforcement. To lead with integrity, to be someone my community can trust, and to always serve with humility and a genuine desire to help others. In conclusion, my mom’s life and career as a nurse have deeply influenced the person I am today. Her resilience, compassion, and commitment to serving others are qualities I plan to carry with me as I pursue a career in law enforcement. I hope to follow her example of making a meaningful impact in my community, standing strong in the face of adversity, and always putting others first.

Growing up, I never imagined that my family would face the possibility of divorce. I thought my parents would always be together, that the stability I had grown accustomed to would last forever. However, when my parents began to consider divorce, everything in my life felt uncertain. The emotional toll was undeniable, and it had a profound impact on me, shaping how I viewed relationships, my future, and even my sense of self. It felt as if I were in a void of uncertainty. At first, the tension between my parents was subtle, by growing. Arguments were almost a new normal, and the moments of calm felt temporary. The weight of the unhappiness left me feeling responsible in ways I shouldn't have been. I tried to hold everything together, often assuring that if I was good enough, my parents would find a way to stay together. but as time went on, I realized that there was only so much I could do, and the strain began to finally take its toll on me emotionally. I had many sleepless nights lying awake, thinking about how my life might change forever. The emotional aftermath of their consideration of divorce was far-reaching. I struggled with feeling of anxiety, guilt, and confusion. My relationship with each of my parents shifted in ways I hadn't anticipated. I felt torn between them, as though my love for one parent meant betraying the other. I also developed a fear of abandonment. I began questioning whether love was truly unconditional or if even the closest relationships could break down. It made me more cautious and more afraid to let people get close, fearing that they would leave then things got difficult. Despite the pain, the experience taught me valuable lessons. I became more resilient and learned to deal with difficult emotions. I had to grow up quickly, taking on responsibilities that felt much bigger than me. my perspective on relationships changed. I realized that while love is powerful, it also requires work, understanding, and commitment, my experience showed me that life is not always perfect, but we have the strength to navigate even the most challenging circumstances., In terms of ambition, I have channeled my emotions into my goals. This turbulence fueled my desire to survive and build a life that was stable and fulfilling. I want to break the cycle of uncertainty and create a future where I can offer the kind of support and unsertdtaning that I lacked growing up., Education has become a source of empowerment for me, a way to prove to myself that I can overcome adversity and rise above the difficulties I've faced. Ultimately, my parents' consideration of divorce made me realize that family dynamics are complex and that every challenge we face in life has the potential to shape us in expected ways. Although it was one of the hardest experiences of my childhood, it has driven me to pursue higher education, to seek a better future, and to build stronger, healthier relationship., I am determined to take the lessons I've learned and use them to help others who have gone through similar struggles. I know now that while divorce may divide families, it does not define us. What defines us is our ability to overcome, grow and keep moving forward.

Ever since I was able to walk, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. I want and strive to have a career in law enforcement. Being a police officer is my passion, creating a safe environment where I can be of service whether it will be a small or big city. When I was growing up I was always told the phrase of leaving something better than what you found it, this residence within me created a foundation of leadership. In high school, I was in a program called the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, where I was taught the foundations of leadership and integrity, doing the right thing even when no one was looking. As I was growing up my family faced persistent financial struggles. My parents worked tirelessly to make ends meet, I will forever be grateful for them and the sacrifices they made to ensure I have an amazing education and endless opportunities. I had to learn early on the value of hard work and perseverance towards my goals, where I can make dreams a reality. I also came to appreciate everything we had, no matter how modest, because gratitude was my way of repaying my parents for all they had done for me. To challenge myself and get ahead of my peers, I enrolled in an early college program. I recognized that I needed to strive for more in order to achieve my goal of becoming a police officer with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. While many of my classmates juggled their academic demands alongside various extracurricular pursuits, I found myself navigating a unique balance between a challenging curriculum and my engagement in activities like JROTC and Student Council. In addition to my school commitments, I took on a part-time job, driven by a desire to contribute to our household expenses and ensure that my younger siblings had everything they needed. These diverse responsibilities transformed me into a person who embraces challenges head-on, regardless of their intensity. I learned the importance of perseverance, drawing inspiration from my parents' resilience and determination in the face of adversity. I am committed to attending a reputable four-year university where I will major in criminal justice. My goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the law and develop the skills necessary to become an exemplary police officer. I have a deep desire to enhance the safety of my community, and I am determined to work tirelessly toward this objective. I know that challenges may arise along the way, but I will face each one with unwavering dedication and resilience. My passion for service will guide me as I strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around me.

Ever since I was able to walk, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. I want and strive to have a career in law enforcement. Being a police officer is my passion, creating a safe environment where I can be of service whether it will be a small or big city. When I was growing up I was always told the phrase of leaving something better than what you found it, this residence within me created a foundation of leadership. In high school, I was in a program called the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, where I was taught the foundations of leadership and integrity, doing the right thing even when no one was looking. As I was growing up my family faced persistent financial struggles. My parents worked tirelessly to make ends meet, I will forever be grateful for them and the sacrifices they made to ensure I have an amazing education and endless opportunities. I had to learn early on the value of hard work and perseverance towards my goals, where I can make dreams a reality. I also came to appreciate everything we had, no matter how modest, because gratitude was my way of repaying my parents for all they had done for me. To challenge myself and get ahead of my peers, I enrolled in an early college program. I recognized that I needed to strive for more in order to achieve my goal of becoming a police officer with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. While many of my classmates juggled their academic demands alongside various extracurricular pursuits, I found myself navigating a unique balance between a challenging curriculum and my engagement in activities like JROTC and Student Council. In addition to my school commitments, I took on a part-time job, driven by a desire to contribute to our household expenses and ensure that my younger siblings had everything they needed. These diverse responsibilities transformed me into a person who embraces challenges head-on, regardless of their intensity. I learned the importance of perseverance, drawing inspiration from my parents' resilience and determination in the face of adversity. I am committed to attending a reputable four-year university where I will major in criminal justice. My goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the law and develop the skills necessary to become an exemplary police officer. I have a deep desire to enhance the safety of my community, and I am determined to work tirelessly toward this objective. I know that challenges may arise along the way, but I will face each one with unwavering dedication and resilience. My passion for service will guide me as I strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around me.

Ever since I was able to walk, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the people around me. I want and strive to have a career in law enforcement. Being a police officer is my passion, creating a safe environment where I can be of service whether it will be a small or big city. When I was growing up I was always told the phrase of leaving something better than what you found it, this residence within me created a foundation of leadership. In high school, I was in a program called the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, where I was taught the foundations of leadership and integrity, doing the right thing even when no one was looking. As I was growing up my family faced persistent financial struggles. My parents worked tirelessly to make ends meet, I will forever be grateful for them and the sacrifices they made to ensure I have an amazing education and endless opportunities. I had to learn early on the value of hard work and perseverance towards my goals, where I can make dreams a reality. I also learned to be grateful for everything we had, no matter how little it was, because at the time being grateful was the only way I could pay my parents back for what they had done for me. So, I enrolled in an early college program, to challenge myself and try to be ahead of my peers. I had to strive for more to accomplish my goal of becoming a police officer with a bachelor's in criminal justice. While many of my classmates were balancing their academics or extracurricular activities, I balanced my rigorous schoolwork, and my extracurricular activities like JROTC, Student Council, etc. I started to work a part-time job to help with paying bills, or to ensure my siblings had what they needed. These responsibilities shaped me into someone who doesn’t shy away from challenges, no matter how hard they tend to be, I needed to persevere through them just like my parents did. I will attend a four-year university with a major in criminal justice so I can understand and know the law and be the best police officer I can be. I want to make my community safer until that goal is reached, I will always do my best no matter what challenges wait for me.

My ambition and the need to learn the art of computer science started when I was just in the fourth grade. This is where I was introduced to robotics, and I fell in love with it. When I was younger, I was lost, and I wanted to do something I liked. I tried sports like basketball and football although they were fun, I wanted something more, like if I could enter another world. And that's what I did. I entered the world of computer science and engineering. Once I entered high school, I wanted to keep pursuing robotics and computer science, but I was playing the game of life, and it took an unexpected turn. I didn't get into the robotics program because it was instantly full, so I joined the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). I didn't quite know what this program would offer. I decided to talk to my parents and my grandparents about what the program was all about, and to my surprise they were excited that I was interested in such a program. My grandparents were retired from the military, my grandma came from the Army, and my grandpa came from the Marine Corps where he was a drill instructor there. They explained to me that it is a leadership program where someone can learn how to be an outstanding citizen through military customs that do not force you to join the military after high school. I was nervous at first but my family reassured me that it is an amazing program that pushes you to be the best version of yourself. Within this program, I was taught how to become a leader and learn to appreciate everything I have and work for. I still had my passion for computer science with a new love of criminal justice. So naturally I joined the CyberPatriot's program, where I was tested on my skills in cyber security. This program is a national competition with thousands of teams from all over the United States. I rose through the ranks and became the team captain as a sophomore, which oversees the CyberPatriot teams that compete at my high school. Since I was put into a leadership position early in my high school years, I was able to learn how to become a better leader and explore more opportunities within the cyber world. I was able to start taking computer science classes in high school and even get mentored at the Seguin District Office by a gentleman working in IT. I am very grateful to my fourth-grade self for trying something new, if he didn't, I believe I would still be searching for my passion. My parents and grandparents were also a huge help for me to not be afraid of trying new things, if it weren't for them, I would not have been as successful in JROTC then I am now. Now I want to attend a four-year university to learn more about the world of cybersecurity.