I realized I wanted to be a veterinarian the day I watched a sick puppy get turned away from a clinic because the owner couldn’t afford treatment. The helpless look in the pet owner’s eyes stuck with me. That moment showed me how deeply people’s lives are connected to their animals—and how unfair it is that something as simple as money can decide whether that animal gets to live. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be the kind of person who could make a difference in those moments. As a first-generation Latina student, the path toward higher education has felt both exciting and overwhelming. I’ve had to navigate applications, financial aid, and career planning mostly on my own. My mom works two jobs and goes to school herself, and my 67-year-old grandmother still works part-time to help us get by. Despite these challenges, my dream remains clear: I want to earn a degree in animal science and specialize in veterinary care so I can serve communities like mine—communities that are often overlooked, underserved, and struggling. My professional goal is to open an affordable veterinary clinic that not only provides quality care to animals but also educates families on how to care for their pets. Many low-income households, especially in rural or inner-city areas, simply do not have access to proper veterinary services. I want to change that. I plan to launch a mobile clinic program to bring services directly to these communities, focusing on preventative care, vaccinations, and basic treatment—because no family should have to choose between their pet’s health and putting food on the table. Giving back to my community has always been at the heart of what I do. Through FFA, I’ve shown livestock and mentored younger students, helping them grow more confident and responsible. I’ve volunteered with the SPCA, where I walked dogs, cleaned cages, and helped animals get adopted. I’ve also spent time tutoring younger students in my neighborhood in math and science, encouraging them to believe in their own academic futures. These experiences have taught me that service doesn’t always come with recognition—but it always makes a difference. What’s inspired me most to make an impact in this world is the resilience I’ve seen in the people around me. My mom balances exhaustion and night shifts with her college classes, determined to build a better life. My grandma, who should be resting, still clocks in every week just to help us stay afloat. Their sacrifice pushes me forward. I want to be the reason the next generation in my family doesn’t have to work themselves to the bone just to survive. I want to be the one who finally creates stability—not just for us, but for others like us. This scholarship would mean more than just financial help—it would mean someone believes in the kind of change I want to create. It would allow me to focus on my education without the constant weight of financial pressure. Most importantly, it would bring me closer to the moment when I can look a struggling pet owner in the eye and say, “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.” I’m not just working toward a degree. I’m working toward building a life of service, compassion, and advocacy. I want to be the kind of professional who not only heals animals but uplifts families, mentors youth, and makes healthcare feel accessible, even in the most forgotten corners of our world. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity—it would be an honor to turn your support into something far greater than myself.

When I was ten years old, I remember sitting on the cold tile floor of a hospital room, watching my grandmother clutch her side in pain. My mom stood by her bed, still in her scrubs, exhausted after working a night shift. Despite everything, my grandma’s biggest worry wasn’t her own health—it was whether my mom could still make it to work the next day. That image is burned into my memory, not just because of the pain they were in, but because of the strength they showed. That moment made something very clear to me: I needed to be the change in my family. I wanted to make things better—not just for us, but for others who live through the same quiet struggles every day. Pursuing higher education isn’t just a goal for me; it’s a lifeline. I plan to major in animal science and become a veterinarian, not only to help animals, but to serve families and communities like mine. In underserved areas, people often can’t afford proper vet care, and animals suffer as a result. I want to change that by opening an affordable, accessible clinic that offers mobile services to rural and low-income neighborhoods. I want to be the reason someone doesn’t have to choose between feeding their family and helping their sick pet. More importantly, I want to inspire other kids like me—Latina girls with big hearts and even bigger dreams—to see that they belong in STEM careers too. I’ve always found healing in working with animals. Through FFA, I’ve raised and shown pigs and rabbits, learning not just about livestock but about responsibility, patience, and leadership. I’ve volunteered with the SPCA, where I walked dogs and helped match them with loving families. Seeing an anxious dog find a home, or a child light up at meeting their new pet, reminded me that kindness can create lasting change. That’s the kind of impact I want to make—real, visible change in the lives of others. But life hasn’t made that easy. My mom works two jobs and goes to school, doing everything she can to provide for me and still chase her own education. My 67-year-old grandma, despite her health issues, continues working part-time to help with bills. We live in a small house, full of love but stretched thin. We’ve had moments where we weren’t sure how we’d pay for groceries or fix a broken pipe, but we never stopped believing in each other. I am a first-generation college student, and I carry the hopes of the two strongest women I know. Their sacrifices fuel my ambition. Education is my way forward. It will give me the tools, connections, and knowledge I need to build a career rooted in service and compassion. I want to create a future where no animal is neglected because their owner is poor, and no student feels like college is out of reach because of where they come from. My degree isn’t just for me—it’s for my community, my family, and every little girl who doesn’t yet know she’s capable of greatness. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial relief—it would mean someone believes in my story, in my purpose. It would remind me that I’m not alone in this journey. I don’t just want to succeed. I want to give back. I want to pay it forward. I want to be the reason someone else gets to chase their dream, just like you would be helping me chase mine.

Some people grow up with stability. I grew up with survival. While other kids were going to sleepovers and planning vacations, I was helping my mom juggle medical bills and watching her leave for another night shift, exhausted and stretched thin. I live in a home held together by love, not money—just me, my mom, and my sick grandmother. My mom is a full-time caregiver, a student, and until recently, she was working two jobs just to make sure we had electricity, food, and medication. And as if that wasn’t enough, my 67-year-old grandmother—despite her health issues—still tried to work too, because our bills didn’t stop just because her body was breaking down. I’ve seen both of them give up everything for me. And I promised myself I’d make it all worth it. That promise is what led me to STEM. Because science gives me hope. It gives me structure in a life that’s been unpredictable and painful. I chose animal science because I’m deeply drawn to understanding how life works—from the smallest cell to the biggest systems. I’ve always wanted to help others, and animals can’t speak for themselves, but they feel pain and fear like anyone else. I want to be the one who understands them, protects them, heals them. And more than that, I want to use science to create change—whether that means improving animal care, researching disease prevention, or educating others about responsible treatment and sustainability. Nothing about my journey has been easy. I’ve done homework at a kitchen table lit by a single lamp because we were trying to save electricity. I’ve eaten the same meals three days in a row because we couldn’t afford anything else. I’ve watched my mom cry behind closed doors, her voice breaking as she prayed we could just make it through another week. I’ve watched my grandma struggle to get out of bed, still trying to smile at me as if her body wasn’t aching from head to toe. And through it all, I’ve tried to be strong. But the truth is—I’m tired. I’m scared. And I need help. This scholarship wouldn’t just ease a financial burden—it would help me breathe. It would allow me to focus on my studies without feeling guilty for choosing school over picking up a job. It would help me carry the weight my mom and grandma have held for so long. I want to be the first in my family to earn a degree. I want to give my mom the life she deserves, one where she doesn’t have to break herself just to survive. I want to take care of my grandma the way she’s taken care of me. I want them to know that their sacrifices didn’t go unnoticed. Dr. Michal Lomask dedicated her life to science and education, and though I never knew her, I feel connected to her legacy. Her belief in the power of education is the same belief I hold close: that knowledge is the key to freedom, to healing, to hope. I want to live a life that makes her proud. One built not on luck, but on purpose and perseverance. I’m not asking for pity—I’m asking for a chance to take the life I’ve been given and turn it into something beautiful. Because I’ve been surviving long enough. Now, I’m ready to thrive.

When people talk about success, they often think about status, money, or awards. But for me, success looks a lot different. It looks like my mom coming home from a night shift, her body tired but her spirit unbreakable. It looks like my grandmother smiling at me from the couch even though she’s in pain and fighting to get through another day. It looks like a home held together by love, sacrifice, and a lot of quiet strength. I live with my mom and grandma. We don’t have much, but what we do have is each other. My grandma is sick and needs medical treatment, and my mom is the one who takes care of her—on top of working night shifts and going to school herself. Some days, I don’t even know how she does it. She’s constantly exhausted, juggling everything and still finding the energy to check on me, support me, and remind me that I’m capable of great things. Watching her has taught me that success isn’t about what you have—it’s about how hard you’re willing to work for what you believe in. And I believe in building a better life. I believe in making every one of her sacrifices count. That’s what motivates me to become successful. I want to give back what’s been given to me tenfold. I want to be in a position where I can take care of my mom the way she’s taken care of everyone else. I want to give my grandma peace and comfort in her final years. And more than anything, I want to show them both that everything they’ve gone through wasn’t in vain. Pursuing an education is my path forward. It’s my way out—but more importantly, it’s my way through. I don’t just want a degree so I can say I went to college. I want it because it represents everything I’ve fought through. Every tear I’ve cried while doing homework at midnight, every time I’ve watched my mom break down quietly so I wouldn’t see, every moment I’ve doubted myself but chose to keep going anyway. Education, to me, is not just knowledge—it’s power. It’s the power to change the story, to break generational cycles, to build something that lasts. I plan to use my education not just for myself, but for others. Whether I go into animal science, healthcare, counseling, or any field that lets me lead with compassion, I want my career to reflect my heart. I want to serve. I want to give people the kind of support and belief that my mom gave me. Because I know what it feels like to feel invisible. I know what it’s like to carry burdens at a young age, to feel like you have to be strong when you’re still learning how to stand. And if I can use my story—my why—to help even one person feel seen, then every late night and early morning will have been worth it. My success will never be just my own. It belongs to the woman who never gave up on me. To the grandmother who still whispers prayers over me. To the younger version of myself who dreamed of more but didn’t know how to get there. This isn’t just about college. This is about becoming everything they believed I could be. And I promise—I won’t let them down.

I didn’t choose animal science because it sounded impressive. I didn’t choose it for money, or titles, or attention. I chose it because, in the quietest, hardest moments of my life, animals were the only ones who made me feel seen. When life at home got heavy—when my mom was working overnight shifts, exhausted from caring for my grandmother, still trying to study and provide for us—I’d often find myself sitting alone outside, watching the world go still. And somehow, the animals around me just understood. They didn’t need words. They didn’t need explanations. They just were. And their presence made me feel less alone. There’s a kind of peace in the way animals trust you. In the way they respond to care, to patience, to kindness. They don’t care what car you drive or what your grades look like. They care that you show up. That you feed them, protect them, love them. And that kind of love? It changed me. I’ve known what it feels like to carry too much on my shoulders. I’ve known what it’s like to go without, to hide pain behind a smile, to watch the people you love suffer and not be able to fix it. But animal science gave me something I could hold onto. It gave me purpose. It gave me direction. It gave me hope. I want to study animal science not just to work with animals, but to be a voice for them. To improve their quality of life. To educate others. To be the person behind the scenes making sure the voiceless are treated with dignity and respect. Whether I end up working in animal care, nutrition, behavior, or health, I know my heart will be in every step of the work. Because this isn’t just a career to me—it’s a calling. Earning a degree in animal science would mean breaking cycles. It would mean being the first in my family to truly build something stable. It would mean showing my mom that all her sacrifices were worth it. That everything she gave up—every sleepless night, every shift she worked while hurting—was not in vain. It would mean honoring my grandmother, who helped raise me, and showing her that I took the love she gave and turned it into a future full of purpose. This degree is my chance. My chance to rise. My chance to give back. My chance to create a life where I can breathe and help others breathe, too. A life where the girl who used to sit alone in the yard, wondering if things would ever get better, finally gets to say, “I made it. And I’m not done yet.”

When people ask me where I come from, I don’t say a city or a town—I say a home full of love and quiet strength. It’s just me, my mom, and my grandma. That’s our little world. And from the outside, it may look simple. But if you stepped inside for even a moment, you’d feel the weight we carry… and the courage it takes to carry it. My grandma is sick. She needs constant care—appointments, treatments, daily help just to get through the day. And my mom is the one who gives all of it. She’s her nurse, her daughter, her only line of support. But somehow, she’s also mine. She works night shifts while going to school, all so she can give us more than what life gave her. She wakes up tired, goes to bed even more exhausted, and somehow finds a way to make sure I never feel like I’m lacking. I’ve watched her pour from an empty cup every single day—and still smile at me like she isn’t breaking inside. I see her fall asleep with her textbooks open. I hear her cry quietly in the bathroom when she thinks no one’s listening. I know she’s in pain—emotional, physical, all of it. But she gets up every day, takes care of her mom, takes care of me, and never once asks for anything in return. That is the kind of love that changes you. That is the kind of strength I come from. There were times I hated feeling helpless—watching her stretch every dollar, skipping meals, working through nights where her body begged for rest. I remember sitting in my room trying not to cry because I didn’t want to add to her stress. But I promised myself that one day, I’d make it matter. That one day, I’d be able to give her something back. That’s why I work hard. That’s why I show up, even when I’m tired. Because I’m not just chasing a dream—I’m chasing a future where my mom doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders anymore. I want to make a difference in people’s lives, because I know what it feels like to need someone—to wish for just a little help, a little relief, a little hope. Whether I end up helping families, supporting people through hardship, or simply being someone who listens when the world is too loud, I know my purpose is rooted in everything I’ve lived through. This scholarship would mean more than words can say. Not because I want pity—but because I want the chance to rise. I want to turn everything my mom has sacrificed into something beautiful. I want to show her that all those sleepless nights, all that pain, all that love—it wasn’t for nothing. Because I come from the strongest woman I know. And I am who I am because she never gave up on me… even when life gave her every reason to.

There are some people who walk into your life quietly and end up leaving the biggest impact. For me, that person is my agriculture teacher, Mrs. Goodwin. I’ve had her all four years of high school, and in that time, she has become so much more than a teacher—she’s been a mentor, a supporter, and a constant reminder that I am capable of more than I ever thought. When I was a freshman, I was quiet, unsure, and afraid of messing up. I didn’t raise my hand. I doubted myself constantly. But Mrs. Goodwin saw through that. She didn’t try to change me—she challenged me. She pushed me to speak up, to lead, to believe in myself even when my voice shook. Whether it was getting me to run for an officer position, helping me prepare for a judging contest, or just pulling me aside to say, “I’m proud of you,” she always knew exactly what I needed—even when I didn’t. Her classroom became more than just a place to learn about agriculture. It became a safe space, a second home, a place where I could fail and still be encouraged to try again. Mrs. Goodwin never lowered her expectations for me—if anything, she raised them. But she did it with love. She expected greatness not because she wanted perfection, but because she saw potential. And slowly, I started to see it too. What makes Mrs. Goodwin so special isn’t just what she teaches—it’s how she makes people feel. She makes you feel seen. Heard. Valued. In a world where it’s so easy to feel invisible, that kind of presence is rare and unforgettable. She helped me find my confidence, not just in the classroom or the show ring, but in life. She showed me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about showing up, staying kind, and never being afraid to care. Because of her, I now walk into rooms with my head a little higher. I speak up. I take chances. I work harder. And I carry myself like someone who has something to offer—because she made sure I knew I do. Mrs. Goodwin changed my life in ways I’m still discovering. She taught me that my voice matters, that hard work pays off, and that caring—truly caring—is one of the strongest things a person can do. I don’t know who I’d be without her guidance, but I know I’m better because of it. And one day, I hope to impact someone’s life the way she’s impacted mine.

If you asked me to sum up who I am, I’d say this: I am still becoming—but I show up. I show up when I’m exhausted. I show up when I’m unsure. I show up when I feel like giving up. Life hasn’t been a smooth road for me—it’s been more like a long stretch of gravel, sometimes painful, sometimes lonely, but always moving forward. I’ve learned to walk that road with my head held high, even when my knees shake, even when the weight I carry feels too heavy. I’ve been through things that forced me to grow up faster than I should’ve. I’ve had to figure things out without a roadmap, learn to comfort others while I was still hurting, and push through days that felt impossible. But I never stopped. I kept showing up—not because I had to, but because I refused to let my circumstances define my story. There’s strength in survival, but there’s even more strength in choosing to thrive after it. That’s the person I am. I’m not the loudest. I’m not the most decorated. But I care. Deeply. I care about people. I care about making things better. And I care about using what I’ve been through to help someone else feel less alone. I know what it feels like to question your worth. I’ve had days where I felt invisible, unheard, like I was falling behind. But those days taught me that impact isn’t always made by those who shine the brightest—it’s made by those who stay. Who keep going. Who choose kindness over bitterness. Who use their pain as fuel for purpose. Through my career, I want to be a light in places that feel dark. Whether I end up in a classroom, a clinic, a courtroom, or somewhere I haven’t imagined yet—I know I want to be the person who listens, who leads with empathy, and who turns hard experiences into hope for others. I want to help people believe in themselves the way I’ve had to learn to believe in myself. This scholarship isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a reflection of the work I’ve already put in and the future I’m building. I’m not asking for a handout; I’m offering a promise. A promise that I will take every opportunity, every challenge, and every lesson, and turn it into something meaningful. I’m committed to growing, not just for myself, but for every person who’s ever needed someone to prove that resilience can lead to something powerful. Because I’m still becoming—but I’m becoming someone who makes a difference.

I was just a kid the first time I walked into a livestock barn. The smell of feed, the sound of snorting pigs, and the low hum of fans filled the air. To most people, it might have seemed loud, messy, even uncomfortable. But to me, it felt like home. I didn't know it then, but that moment-the one where I reached out to pet a pig's coarse back and felt it lean into my touch-was the beginning of something bigger. That's where it all started. Growing up, I wasn't the loudest kid in the room. I didn't always know where I fit in, or what I was supposed to be. But when I was with animals, I didn't have to try so hard. I didn't have to pretend. I just had to care- and I had so much care to give. That's the beauty of agriculture and animal care: it's not about being perfect. It's about being present. It's about showing up every single day, even when it's hard, even when it hurts, and doing the work anyway-because someone is depending on you. That lesson became real the first time I trained my own pig for show. He was a hampshire barrow with a stubborn streak wider than her back. He didn't want to walk. He didn't want to listen. Some days, neither did I. But we kept going. I'd guide him with the whip under his chin, whispering to him like he was my teammate-and in many ways, he was. I learned that animals don't just test your skills- they test your patience, your discipline, and your heart. They show you who you really are. And somewhere in that process, I fell in love with the work. Not just the ribbons or the applause, but the early mornings, the late-night feedings, the quiet pride that comes from doing something real. I started paying more attention-to their behaviors, their needs, their health. I wanted to understand them better. And with every barn visit, every struggle, every small success, my passion for agriculture grew deeper. It no longer felt like a hobby-it felt like my calling. Agriculture taught me to lead with compassion, to be tough, but never cruel. To value hard work, not shortcuts. And to care-for animals, for the land, for people. It's not just a career path I'm chasing. It's a life I want to live. A life rooted in responsibility, resilience, and purpose. This scholarship would help me continue that journey. I don't take this dream lightly, and I don't take the support for granted. I want to be someone who makes a difference-not just in the show ring, but in the lives of animals and people who rely on agriculture every day. I want to give back to the world that gave me a place to belong. So when you ask where it all started-it started in the barn. It started with a pig. It started with a little kid who didn't know who she was yet, but who found in her heart in the quiet company of animals. And she's never looked back.

Empowerment, to me, is the quiet but fierce belief that I have a voice that matters, a purpose that’s valid, and a future worth fighting for—even when the odds don’t favor me. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a force. It’s the moment you stand back up after life knocks you down. It’s the courage to walk into a room where no one looks like you, sounds like you, or thinks like you—and still speak your truth with confidence. Empowerment is the seed of resilience, watered by adversity, and bloomed in the warmth of self-belief. Growing up, I didn’t always feel empowered. There were moments when I felt invisible—when my voice trembled more than it was heard, when expectations seemed louder than encouragement, and when it felt easier to shrink than to stand tall. I come from a background where strength was often confused with silence, where emotions were swallowed, and dreams were quietly tucked away in the name of survival. But somewhere along the line, I realized survival wasn’t enough—I wanted to live. I wanted to matter. That’s where empowerment found me. It came in small ways at first. A teacher who believed in me more than I believed in myself. A friend who reminded me that tears weren’t weakness, but proof I still cared. It came in long nights spent with books that made me feel seen, and in early mornings where I had to choose between giving up and pushing forward. Every time I chose myself—even when it was hard—that was empowerment. Empowerment has changed my life by shifting how I see my story. I no longer view my challenges as things that break me, but as bricks in the foundation I’m building for my future. I’ve learned that power doesn’t always look like shouting from the rooftops; sometimes it looks like showing up every day, working hard, staying kind, and daring to dream bigger than your circumstances. It’s in the decision to rise—even when no one is clapping. As I move forward in life, empowerment continues to be my guide. It reminds me that I can create change not only for myself, but for others who feel unheard, unseen, and underestimated. I want to use my education not just to climb, but to lift. To build spaces where every person, no matter their background, feels like they belong. Because I know what it feels like to be on the other side of that. Empowerment, to me, is the promise that no matter where you start, you are allowed to take up space in this world. You are allowed to hope, to dream, to speak, to fight, to become. It’s not given—it’s claimed. And once you have it, you hold it close and use it not only for yourself, but to light the way for someone else. That’s what I intend to do.