My name is Jade Vargas and I am the first-generation American Latina in my family to attend college. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Public Academy for Performing Arts. As of Fall 2023, I will be attending the University of New Mexico. I will be studying Business in Marketing at the Anderson School of Management with a minor in Communications and Political Science. As I embark on my academic journey, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way, and a fierce determination to make the most of them. I believe that education is the key to unlocking a better future, not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and the Mexican-American society as a whole. However, I also understand that pursuing higher education can be challenging and expensive, so applying for this scholarship will help me fulfill these dreams. In this essay, I will share my story, my academic achievements, and my goals for the future, in the hopes of demonstrating my worthiness for this scholarship and my commitment to making a positive impact in the world. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to focus on my studies without worrying about how to pay for my education. This will allow me to fully immerse myself in my coursework, engage in extracurricular activities, and pursue internships or other professional opportunities that will prepare me for my future career. I am determined to succeed academically and professionally, and this scholarship will be a crucial step toward achieving those goals. This scholarship is essential to my college education because my family does not have the financial means to pay for my tuition and other educational expenses. Despite their hard work and dedication, my parents do not have the professional resources to cover the costs of a college education. This scholarship would provide me with the financial assistance needed to pursue my academic and career goals. Throughout my academic career, I have demonstrated a deep dedication to my studies and have consistently achieved high grades and academic recognition. I have also pursued various extracurricular activities, including volunteering with local community organizations, performing arts, and modeling and pageants. Despite my achievements, my family faces financial challenges that make it difficult for me to fully pursue my academic and professional goals. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support needed to overcome these challenges and continue to excel academically. Moreover, I am committed to using my education and skills to make a positive impact in my community. I believe that education is a powerful tool that can be used to create positive change and I am eager to use the knowledge and skills I gain through this scholarship to give back to my community.

My name is Jade Vargas and I am the first-generation American Latina in my family to attend college. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Public Academy for Performing Arts. As of Fall 2023, I will be attending the University of New Mexico. I will be studying Business in Marketing at the Anderson School of Management with a minor in Communications and Political Science. As I embark on my academic journey, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way, and a fierce determination to make the most of them. I believe that education is the key to unlocking a better future, not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and the Mexican-American society as a whole. However, I also understand that pursuing higher education can be challenging and expensive, so applying for this scholarship will help me fulfill these dreams. In this essay, I will share my story, my academic achievements, and my goals for the future, in the hopes of demonstrating my worthiness for this scholarship and my commitment to making a positive impact in the world. In 2020, I was awarded the Dayanna Diaz Community Service Award from my high school as a freshman for my dedication to service throughout my community. This award is only given to graduating seniors. Because of the outbreak of COVID-19, I was able to accomplish over 150+ hours of community service. Whether it was volunteering at local schools, organizing community events with Roadrunner Food Bank, fundraising for important causes like COVID-19, or advocating for Immigration and Black Lives Matter rights, I found that each experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of service and the difference that it can make in people's lives. Receiving the community service award was an empowering experience, as it was a reminder that the work that I had done had not gone unnoticed, and that even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that touches countless lives. I felt a sense of fulfillment and purpose in the aftermath of the recognition, knowing that I had made a tangible difference in the world and helped to create positive change for my community, which made the experience truly meaningful. Today, I am still involved in many groups and community service events and will continue to do so as my platform for many years to come. I could not be awarded that recognition if it wasn’t for MANA de Albuquerque. Throughout my involvement with MANA de Albuquerque since 6th grade, I had a chance to work with incredible young Latinas serving back for our community here in Albuquerque. One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and speak with representatives at the Capital to advocate for positive change for our state. In addition to the fulfillment of serving my community, the program also helped me develop important skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. Working with other Hermanitas and mentors taught me the value of collaboration and helped me to become a more effective leader. Overall, the MANA de Albuquerque program was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to give back to my community while also growing as an individual. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a meaningful program that helped me grow into a young empowered Latina today.