Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American college student in a low income family has deeply shaped my identity, my values, and my passion for education. Although both of my parents are U.S. citizens, they grew up with limited opportunities and faced significant challenges. Watching their journey has motivated me to work hard and become the first person in my family to graduate from college a milestone that I carry with immense pride and responsibility. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. They sacrificed their own comfort and personal goals so that I could have access to opportunities they never had. From a young age, they impressed upon me the importance of education as a way to break the cycle of poverty and open doors to a better future. Their sacrifices inspire me daily to push beyond obstacles and pursue my goals with determination. Being the first in my family to attend college has not been without challenges. Navigating higher education without the guidance of parents who have gone through it can feel overwhelming. I often felt caught between the culture of my Mexican heritage where family loyalty, tradition, and community are paramount and the academic environment that sometimes felt unfamiliar or even intimidating. At times, I doubted whether I could succeed. Yet, every time I faced a setback, I remembered that my journey was bigger than me. It was about honoring my family’s sacrifices and paving the way for my younger siblings and cousins. My experience has taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of being a role model. I am passionate about using my education to give back to my community, especially to those who face barriers similar to the ones I overcame. I want to show other first generation students, especially from Latino backgrounds, that success is possible with hard work and determination. I also hope to advocate for equitable access to education and resources so that more students like me can thrive. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial pressures that come with pursuing higher education while working. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical experiences, helping me stay on track to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse. More importantly, it would be a recognition that my efforts, struggles, and passion are valued. Being a first generation Mexican-American college graduate means carrying the hopes and dreams of my family and community while breaking barriers for those who come after me. It means turning challenges into opportunities and using education as a tool for change. This passion drives me every day to succeed and to inspire others to do the same.

My name is Jasmine Prado, and I am a first generation college student currently working as a medical assistant while pursuing my goal of becoming a registered nurse. Growing up in a working class family, I have always understood the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. These values have guided me through the challenges of balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. My experiences both personally and professionally have shaped my passion for healthcare and my commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As a medical assistant, I have had the privilege of working closely with patients from diverse backgrounds, many of whom face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. This experience has opened my eyes to the disparities that exist within our healthcare system and has motivated me to be part of the solution. I believe that everyone deserves compassionate, respectful, and equitable care regardless of their circumstances. Nursing offers the unique opportunity to combine clinical expertise with empathy, and I am eager to develop the skills necessary to provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of patients. My goal is to specialize in community health or pediatric nursing, where I can focus on preventative care and education to empower individuals and families to take charge of their health. I want to work in underserved communities, helping to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare resources. By promoting health literacy and advocating for better access to care, I hope to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. In addition to direct patient care, I am passionate about leadership and community involvement. As a first generation college student, I understand the importance of mentorship and support. I plan to give back by mentoring future healthcare students and volunteering in community health programs. I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles and create a supportive network that fosters growth and resilience. This scholarship would be a vital stepping stone in my journey. It would alleviate the financial stress that often comes with higher education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical training. With this support, I can continue to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a nurse and advocate for change within the healthcare system. Ultimately, I envision a career where I am not only a skilled healthcare provider but also a leader and advocate who contributes to building healthier, more equitable communities. By dedicating myself to compassionate care, education, and leadership, I hope to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of patients and inspire others to do the same. Thank you for considering my application. This opportunity means more than financial assistance it represents an investment in my ability to serve and uplift my community through nursing.

Statement 2 As a current medical assistant and first generation college student, my ultimate career goal is to become a registered nurse specializing in community or public health. I want to be a nurse who not only provides excellent clinical care, but who also educates, empowers, and advocates for underserved populations. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of tuition and allow me to focus more fully on my nursing coursework and clinical experiences, moving me one step closer to achieving my goals. One of my most meaningful accomplishments has been working in a fast paced medical office, where I’ve developed strong communication, organizational, and patient care skills. Every day, I interact with people from all backgrounds, and I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure while remaining compassionate and detail-oriented. These skills directly support my future role as a nurse. I have also participated in local community health events, volunteered at vaccine clinics, and mentored classmates pursuing entry level healthcare roles. Being a first-generation college student has come with many challenges from navigating the college system alone to balancing work, school, and family but each barrier has made me more resilient and determined. I’ve learned the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and lifting others up along the way. This award would not only ease my financial stress, but also affirm my commitment to becoming a leader in healthcare who gives back to her community with both heart and skill. Statement 2 My personal and professional goals strongly align with the mission and values of ACHE of Southern California. As a future nurse, I am committed to promoting health equity, increasing access to care, and supporting diverse, inclusive healthcare environments goals that reflect ACHE’s dedication to advancing healthcare leadership and improving the quality of care in our communities. Working as a medical assistant has opened my eyes to the disparities that many patients face, especially those from low-income or underserved backgrounds. I want to be part of the change by becoming a culturally competent, community-focused healthcare professional. I am especially passionate about education and preventative care, and I believe that informed, empowered patients are the foundation of stronger communities. Beyond clinical work, I aim to grow into a leadership role where I can help implement patient-centered programs, advocate for underserved populations, and contribute to improving healthcare delivery systems. ACHE of SoCal’s focus on mentorship, professional development, and leadership training resonates with me as a first-generation student striving to lead by example and support others on similar paths. By receiving this scholarship, I would not only be financially supported in my journey but also connected to a network of leaders who share my values and vision. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to ACHE’s mission as I grow into a nurse who is not only clinically skilled, but also a thoughtful, equity driven leader in healthcare.

My journey in healthcare began when I became a medical assistant, and it has been one of the most eye opening and rewarding experiences of my life. Working directly with patients in a clinical setting has taught me so much not just about medicine and procedures, but about compassion, patience, and the importance of truly listening. I didn’t always know I would go into healthcare, but the moment I stepped into a clinic and began caring for patients, I felt a sense of purpose that I had never felt before. It became clear to me that this is where I’m meant to be. As a medical assistant, I have had the opportunity to work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, assisting with patient intake, taking vitals, preparing lab specimens, and helping with minor procedures. But beyond the clinical tasks, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to simply treat patients with kindness and dignity. One of the most meaningful parts of my job is building trust with patients especially those who may be anxious, overwhelmed, or dealing with language or cultural barriers. I take pride in being someone who can help ease their fears and make their experience a little bit better. What inspired me to enter the healthcare field was seeing the way illness affects not only individuals but entire families. My grandfather battled a chronic illness for years, and I saw the stress and worry it brought to my family. During that time, it was the nurses who made the biggest difference. They were the ones who sat with him when he was in pain, comforted my family during the hard days, and treated him with care and respect. Watching them work planted the seed that I could one day do the same for someone else. That experience, combined with my time as a medical assistant, is what inspired me to pursue nursing as a career. In the future, I hope to make a difference by becoming a nurse who not only provides excellent care but also truly connects with patients. I want to be someone who listens without judgment, advocates for the underserved, and creates a safe, respectful environment for every person I encounter. My long-term goal is to specialize in either pediatric or community health nursing, where I can work directly with vulnerable populations and help bridge the gap in access to care. As someone who comes from a working class, first generation background, I understand the struggles that many families face when it comes to healthcare. I want to be a nurse who represents hope, understanding, and commitment. Pursuing my nursing degree is not just about professional growth it’s about fulfilling a personal mission to give back. Earning this scholarship would not only help me manage the financial challenges of continuing my education, but it would also be an investment in my potential to serve others. With your support, I can take the next step toward becoming the kind of nurse who makes people feel seen, heard, and cared for. I’m ready to work hard, learn deeply, and make a lasting impact in the healthcare field.

My name is Jasmine Prado, and I have always felt a calling to help others, but it wasn’t until I started working as a medical assistant that I truly realized how deeply I want to serve in the healthcare field. Nursing, to me, is more than just a profession it’s a path filled with purpose, compassion, and dedication. I’ve decided to pursue a career in nursing because it allows me to build meaningful relationships with patients while playing a vital role in their healing. Being on the front lines of care, advocating for people when they are at their most vulnerable, and supporting them physically and emotionally these are the moments that make nursing so powerful, and why I’m committed to becoming a nurse. My inspiration comes from both personal experience and professional exposure. As a medical assistant, I’ve worked closely with nurses and witnessed the impact they have on patients and their families. The way they balance clinical skill with empathy has always stood out to me. I’ve seen nurses provide not only medication and treatment but also reassurance, a listening ear, and genuine kindness. It made me realize that I want to be that kind of presence in someone’s life. In addition, my family’s experience with healthcare, especially caring for my grandfather during his illness, showed me how essential compassionate care is. The nurses who supported us through that time inspired me with their patience and strength. They were the ones who comforted us, answered our questions, and treated my grandfather with dignity and respect. That experience solidified my desire to be part of this incredible profession. I am also proud to share that I will be the first in my family to graduate from college. As a first-generation student, the journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to navigate school, work, and family responsibilities all at once but I’ve never lost sight of my goal. My role as a medical assistant has given me a solid foundation in patient care, and I know that nursing is the next step in growing my knowledge and impact. I’m determined to continue my education so that I can make an even bigger difference in my community, especially for patients who may not always feel seen or heard. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of continuing my education but also affirm that my hard work and dedication are worth it. As someone who is working while attending school, every bit of support helps me stay focused on my studies and clinical training. I am passionate about becoming a nurse who listens, learns, and leads with compassion. With your support, I can continue my journey toward that goal and eventually give back to others the same way nurses once gave to me and my family. I learned about this scholarship through my college’s financial aid office and academic advising center.

My reason for entering a nursing program comes from a deep-rooted passion for helping others and a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. From a young age, I have been drawn to the idea of caring for others in a way that truly matters. As I grew older and began to understand the critical role nurses play in healthcare, I realized that nursing is the perfect path for me. It combines compassion, science, and service. Three things I am genuinely passionate about. I want to be the person who brings comfort during difficult moments, supports patients through recovery, and advocates for their needs when they can't do so themselves. Over the past few years, I have taken several steps to prepare myself both academically and personally for this career. I completed all of my prerequisite coursework with focus and dedication, knowing each class brings me closer to my goal. Subjects like biology and anatomy not only challenged me but also deepened my interest in the human body and how it functions. Outside the classroom, I’ve volunteered in healthcare settings where I got to observe the impact nurses have on their patients. From assisting with basic tasks to simply listening to someone who needed to talk, I began to understand how important empathy and communication are in nursing. One of the most influential experiences I’ve had was shadowing a nurse in a busy hospital unit. Watching how she interacted with patients and supported them emotionally while managing complex medical tasks inspired me. It showed me how nursing goes far beyond physical care—it's also about emotional strength, patience, and being present. That experience confirmed for me that I want to be a nurse who not only treats illness but also uplifts people during some of the hardest times in their lives. I know that becoming a nurse requires resilience, hard work, and continuous learning. I’m ready to put in the effort because I genuinely believe that this is my calling. My goal is not just to earn a degree but to grow into a nurse who makes a real difference in the lives of others. I also plan to further my education in the future and possibly specialize in pediatric or critical care nursing, where I can have a direct impact on patients who need it most. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me financially but would also bring me one step closer to reaching my dream. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and clinical experiences without the constant stress of financial burden. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and giving back to my community as a dedicated, compassionate, and skilled nurse. Thank you for considering my application and supporting students like me who are working hard to turn their passion into purpose.