Being in track and field while balancing school and life has made me a stronger, more disciplined, and resilient young woman- especially in a world where women are still fighting to be seen, heard, and respected equally. Track and field pushed me physically, mentally, and emotionally. It taught me how to compete fiercely, work hard, and believe in myself - even when I was underestimated or overlooked in male-dominated environments. Every practice, race, and meet came with its own challenges. Whether I was sprinting, jumping, or training through exhaustion, I learned how to keep pushing past limits. That same mindset transferred into how I handle life and school. I didn’t have the luxury of falling behind academically just because I was tired or sore- I had to stay on top of my schoolwork while still showing up to train and perform. Time management became a survival skill, not just a suggestion. And in balancing everything, I learned to stay focused, organized, and determined. Track also helped me develop mental strength and confidence. As a girl in a sport where male athletes often get more recognition, I had to work twice as hard to prove my worth. But over time, I realized I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone but myself. Beating my personal records and seeing my growth reminded me that my strength wasn’t defined by anyone else’s expectations. I learned to trust my body, silence self-doubt, and take pride in being powerful. Being a female athlete means pushing back against stereotypes. People expect girls to be quiet, gentle, or less competitive—but track taught me to take up space, run with intensity, and be unapologetic about wanting to win. It taught me that being strong doesn’t take away from being feminine; in fact, it adds to it. I learned how to lead by example, support my teammates, and stay composed under pressure. Most importantly, track and field gave me a sense of identity and purpose. I found my voice through running. I learned how to pick myself up after setbacks and keep moving forward. And as I grew as an athlete, I grew as a young woman determined to succeed—not just on the track, but in life. I know how to handle stress, stay committed to my goals, and demand the respect I deserve. In a world that often favors male success, my experience in track and field has made me bold, fearless, and ready to challenge the status quo—not just for myself, but for every girl who deserves to feel powerful in her own skin.

Struggling with my mental health has been one of the hardest, yet most defining parts of my life. I’ve lived with anxiety and depression, which often made everyday things—like going to school, socializing, or even just getting out of bed—feel overwhelming. For a long time, I didn’t understand what was happening. I just knew I constantly felt drained, afraid, or numb. It wasn’t until I received a diagnosis that things finally started to make sense, and I could begin the process of healing. At first, being diagnosed felt like a burden. I worried people would see me differently, or that my struggles would be used to define me in a negative way. But over time, I realized that my diagnosis didn’t make me weak—it gave me clarity. It helped me put a name to what I was experiencing and opened the door to real support, both professionally and personally. I started learning how to manage my symptoms, how to ask for help, and how to give myself grace on hard days. Growing up in a low-income household and facing periods of instability made things even harder. I didn’t always have access to therapy or consistent healthcare. But I did what I could—seeking support from trusted adults, journaling, staying active, and using school as a way to stay grounded. Even when I was struggling inside, I stayed determined to keep going. I kept my goals in sight—especially my dream of becoming a radiologist. I knew that if I could keep pushing forward, I’d eventually be in a position to help others who’ve also faced emotional and mental health challenges. One of the biggest lessons my mental health journey has taught me is the importance of self-awareness and compassion. I’ve learned how to check in with myself, how to recognize when I’m overwhelmed, and how to reach out instead of isolating. I’ve also realized that strength doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay—it means being honest and still choosing to move forward. My struggles have also made me more empathetic. I notice when others are going through something, even if they don’t say it out loud. I’ve become someone my friends can turn to, and I try to offer the kind of support I once needed. That sense of connection and understanding has helped me feel less alone—and more empowered. Today, my mental health is something I continue to work on. Some days are better than others, but the progress I’ve made reminds me that healing is possible and that I’m capable of doing hard things. My diagnosis doesn’t define me—it’s just one part of my story. And it’s a part that’s made me more resilient, more self-aware, and more driven to succeed not just for myself, but for others like me.

Growing up in a tight-knit but low-income community taught me the true meaning of hope not the kind that just wishes for better days, but the kind that shows up, supports others, and creates change even when things feel impossible. I’ve seen people give when they barely had anything for themselves, and I’ve experienced what it’s like to be on the receiving end of that kindness. These experiences have made me believe that community is the reason people survive, thrive, and continue pushing forward, even through the hardest times. One moment that stands out happened during middle school, when my family was going through one of our toughest financial periods. At the time, we didn’t have a permanent place to live. I felt embarrassed, out of place, and like no one could really understand what I was going through. But a teacher and a few classmates noticed something was off. Without making a big deal out of it, they helped in quiet ways by offering me extra snacks, helping me catch up when I missed assignments, and checking in on me after school. It wasn’t a formal program or a big charity event it was just people seeing someone struggling and choosing to care. That small group of support made a huge difference for me. It reminded me that even when life feels unstable, there are still people who want to see you win. That experience taught me what community really means it’s not just about living near each other, it’s about showing up for one another. As I got older, I started finding ways to give back in the same way. Whether it’s volunteering at food drives, helping younger students with schoolwork, or even just listening when someone needs to talk, I’ve learned that kindness can be powerful and healing. Giving back doesn’t require a title or position it just takes a willingness to care. Being part of a community that’s been through a lot, yet still stands strong, has given me so much hope for the future. It showed me that even if systems fail, people can still lift each other up. I’ve carried that belief with me into everything I do. I want to be someone who not only succeeds but also uses that success to build others up. It’s also part of what inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. I want to be a radiologist who truly sees people not just their scans or diagnoses, but their full stories. I want patients from underserved communities to feel safe, heard, and respected. My dream is to give back to the same kinds of communities that shaped me—places full of strength, resilience, and untold potential. My community gave me hope when I didn’t have much. Now, I carry that hope with me as I chase my goals, knowing that when we lift each other up, there’s no limit to how far we can go.

I believe I’m a strong candidate for a scholarship because I’ve faced and overcome challenges that have shaped me into someone who is hardworking, resilient, and deeply motivated to succeed not just for myself, but for the people and communities I represent. I grew up in a low-income household and experienced periods of homelessness. These experiences taught me the value of perseverance at a young age. I didn’t always have the same resources or stability that many others had, but I made the most of every opportunity I could find. I learned how to stay focused, stay grateful, and keep going even when the odds weren’t in my favor. I’m proud of where I come from because it taught me how to be strong, resourceful, and grounded in what really matters. My father is an immigrant, and I’ve seen firsthand how hard he’s worked to provide a better life for our family. His sacrifice inspires me to take my education seriously and give back in any way I can. I want to make him proud and show others from similar backgrounds that it’s possible to rise above your circumstances. I’ve carried this motivation into my academics and personal life, always striving to grow and stay determined. I plan to become a radiologist because I want to be part of a healthcare system that doesn’t overlook people like my family. I want to bring compassion, skill, and representation into medicine. I know what it feels like to fall through the cracks, and I want to be the kind of doctor who sees people fully not just as patients, but as human beings with stories, struggles, and dreams. A scholarship would not only help lift some of the financial burden off my shoulders, but it would also allow me to focus more on my studies, my goals, and the bigger picture. It would be an investment in someone who’s determined to make real change, starting with myself and then reaching others. I’m not asking for a handout I’m asking for a chance to keep proving that I’m capable of everything I’ve set my mind to. I know there are many deserving students out there, but what makes me different is that I’m not just chasing success for myself I’m doing it for my family, my culture, and for everyone who’s ever been told they couldn’t make it. I’m ready to keep working hard, to keep learning, and to keep pushing forward. This scholarship would help me take one more step toward building the life I’ve always dreamed of.

Growing up in a Hispanic household and facing unstable living conditions toughened me and fired up my drive, too. My father, who came here as an immigrant, worked hard to support us. He planted in me the value of perseverance and tough work. Through difficult and scarce times, I worked hard at school, knowing that if I studied honestly and worked hard, I could transform our difficult life and build a different future. Feeling a passion for healthcare has grown stronger for me, specifically in radiology. As a future radiologist, I will have an important role in diagnosing diseases, guidance of treatment, and last but not least, saving lives. I'm very keen on imaging technologies that allow us to detect things at an early stage. Beyond simply the science, I hope to make a difference by making sure that high-quality diagnostic care reaches areas where access to healthcare often lacks. Growing up in a family that immigrated, I see the immense difficulties people face when they try to access hospital care and doctors. Money shouldn't be what ultimately counts when someone needs a proper diagnosis. That is why my strong commitment is to serving communities like my own. I look toward providing healthcare and making sure it's available to everyone, regardless of where they are from or what their economic status is like. For me, education transcends simply aiming for success personally. It is about uplifting others as well. My struggles helped me grow. However, they are not my only defining characteristics; I am underpinned by ambition, resilience, and firm commitment to bolstering others. Being a radiologist is more than my career hope; my duty is to serve as, guardians of quality healthcare and inspire others. Through work, I will seek to make an impact one patient at a time.

Growing up in a low-income family and experiencing homelessness helped me find my outlook on life, my determination and understand how important healthcare is. These struggles took on a positive side being steppingstones that spurred my ambition to choose radiology as a career. My story has not been easy overall, but I believe this has given me a deep sense of purpose. I want to use whatever I learn and skills I have to make a meaningful difference to others especially people from backgrounds similar to mine. Radiology, beyond just interpreting medical images, really is a vital discipline that helps diagnose and treat disparate illnesses and injuries. From catching cancer early and recognizing fractures, radiologists play essential roles in saving lives. My interest in this field comes from being fascinated by medical imaging equipment and my strong wish to serve in impactful ways which often are invisible to patients but life changing. I want to be the one whose clear and vital insights direct treatments and bring hope and healing to those who seek help. Facing hard times financially, I relate to the barriers that many face when it comes to getting access to good care. From seeing the toll healthcare challenges can take on people who are strapped financially, medications and treatments can seem distant. Having studied radiology directly means I'm eager to work in areas with low resources and help people get diagnostic care regardless of their financial situation. Treatment should not be something that someone with means alone can afford; it should be something everyone has access to. My own experiences of uncertainty have taught me persistence and an ability to adapt. These are virtues which will serve me well in the medical profession. I understand the sense of being overlooked; I want to be a part of a healthcare system that sees and cares for people regardless of what obstacles they face. By choosing radiology, I have not only pursued a passion of science related to medicine; I also return to communities like my own. My journey is far from done yet, but I remain firm in my commitment to success. I'll keep working hard and pushing my boundaries; I'll never let challenges keep me from my goal. My history has given me strength, but I fully own my future, and I will make a difference one picture, one diagnosis, and one life at a time.