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Jayline Bustos

1x

Finalist

Bio

Narcan Certified CPR&First Aid Certified I am currently a junior and a CNA student at my high school! I am a part of a program named “Show up!” dedicated to helping out the Maricopa community health care system and creating a safer environment.

Education

Metro Tech High School

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    • Criminology
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

      Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

      Sports

      Weightlifting

      Club
      2023 – 20241 year

      Research

      • Behavioral Sciences

        Terros Health — Youth Health Educator
        2024 – Present

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        New Pathways for Youth — Youth Health Educator
        2021 – Present

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Entrepreneurship

      Charles B. Brazelton Memorial Scholarship
      I think my “awkward” thing has always been that I don’t really fit into the boxes people try to put me in. Growing up, I was the tall kid too—5’11½—and somehow people always expected me to automatically be good at sports because of it. I’m not. I’ve never been the athletic one, which usually surprises people before they even get to know me. On top of that, I’m left-handed, which already makes everyday things a little different, especially in school where most desks and tools are designed for right-handed people. I also hold my pencil in a way that gets comments more often than I’d like to admit, but it’s just how I naturally write. None of it is extreme, but together it always made me feel a little “different” in small, noticeable ways. For a while, I used to notice those differences more than I wanted to. It’s easy when you’re younger to feel like you’re supposed to match what everyone expects, especially when people point things out even in a joking way. I remember feeling a little self-conscious about not being the “typical” tall kid who played sports or fit into what people assumed I would be good at. But over time, I realized those things aren’t really flaws or problems, they’re just part of what makes me me. Everyone has something that sets them apart, mine just happen to be visible ones. Being left-handed, for example, made me more aware of how small differences can affect how people learn or navigate everyday tasks. Something as simple as writing at a desk or using certain tools isn’t always designed for everyone. That experience actually helped me become more patient and understanding with other people, especially when I’m teaching or explaining things. I’ve learned that not everyone processes information the same way, and sometimes you have to adjust your approach instead of expecting everyone to adapt to one standard way. In a way, I think these “awkward” traits also shaped how I interact with people. As a Youth Health Educator, I’m often in situations where I have to communicate clearly, stay patient, and meet people where they are. That requires flexibility, especially when someone is confused, nervous, or just learning something for the first time. I don’t think I would have developed that mindset as early if I didn’t already know what it felt like to be slightly outside the norm myself. Even outside of academics and service, I’ve grown more comfortable with those differences. Being tall, being left-handed, not fitting the typical “sports kid” expectation, it all used to feel like small things I had to explain or downplay. Now I see them more as just part of my personality. They don’t take away from who I am, they just add to it. In fact, I think they’ve helped me stand out in ways that matter more than I realized when I was younger. If anything, my “awkward” thing is simply that I’ve never been very typical, and I’ve had to grow into being okay with that. Over time, it’s taught me confidence, patience, and a better understanding of other people’s differences. Now instead of trying to fit a certain expectation, I focus more on being myself and using those differences to connect with others in a more genuine way.
      Lily Tantillo Scholarship
      I’ve always been someone who shows up for people in small, consistent ways. Not because it’s required, but because that’s just how I was raised. In my family, especially as the daughter of Hispanic parents who immigrated here, I learned early that love, loyalty, and honesty are not just words, they are actions. You help when someone needs it, you tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and you stay loyal to the people who have been there for you. I think I embody warmth through the way I interact with people, especially in my role as a Youth Health Educator. A lot of the work I do involves talking to people who may feel overwhelmed or unsure about their health. I try to make those conversations feel comfortable and judgment-free. Sometimes that means explaining something in a simpler way, sometimes it just means listening. I’ve learned that warmth is not about being loud or outgoing, it’s about making people feel safe and respected. Humor is something I naturally use to connect with people. Whether it’s with friends, classmates, or the people I work with, I’ve noticed that even small moments of humor can ease stress and make situations feel more human. In healthcare especially, I think that balance is important. People remember how you made them feel just as much as what you told them. Honesty is something I value a lot, even when it’s difficult. I try to be straightforward with myself and others, whether it’s about school, responsibilities, or future goals. I don’t think honesty is always easy, but I do think it builds trust. That’s something I’ve carried with me in both academics and service, especially when working with people who are relying on accurate information to make decisions about their health. Loyalty, for me, comes from my family and the people who have supported me along the way. I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to give back because I know the sacrifices that were made for me to have opportunities like education. That loyalty shows up in how I stay committed to my goals, especially my plan to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. It also shows up in how I stay committed to my community, even when things get busy or challenging. I’ve given back through community service and health education, but I also see it in everyday actions, like helping peers understand schoolwork, supporting friends, or simply being someone others can rely on. Those experiences have shaped how I define service, not as something separate from life, but as something built into it. In the future, I plan to continue that same mindset through my career in medicine. As a PA, I want to bring warmth to patients who are nervous, honesty when explaining care, humor when appropriate to ease stress, and loyalty to the responsibility of advocating for their health. Outside of my career, I also want to stay involved in my community, especially in education and health outreach. To me, embodying Lily’s warmth, humor, honesty, and loyalty means being a person who genuinely cares about others and shows it through action. That is how I try to live now, and it is how I plan to continue moving forward in both my personal life and future career.
      Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship
      I didn’t grow up learning about finances through formal lessons, I learned through observation and experience. In my household, money was something that had to be managed carefully, not something taken for granted. My parents, who immigrated from Mexico, worked hard to make sure I had opportunities they didn’t always have access to. Because of that, I became aware early on that every decision with money matters, even the small ones. As I got older, I started to take more responsibility for my own finances, especially through school and activities. Things like saving for personal needs, understanding what I could realistically afford, and learning how quickly small expenses add up taught me lessons I didn’t fully understand at first. I also realized that financial stress can affect more than just numbers, it can impact education, health, and opportunities. Seeing that made me more interested in learning how money works and how people can build stability over time. My experience as a Youth Health Educator also helped me see the connection between financial education and community health. Many of the people I worked with didn’t just need health information, they also faced financial barriers that made it harder to access care or resources. That made me realize that financial knowledge is just as important as medical knowledge when it comes to improving lives. If people understand how to manage their resources, they have more control over their choices and their future. As I continue my education at Arizona State University, where I plan to major in Medical Studies, I know I will have to become more financially independent and responsible. College will teach me not only academic skills but also how to budget, plan, and make smart financial decisions on my own. I plan to take advantage of financial literacy resources, scholarships, and any opportunities that can help me avoid unnecessary debt while preparing for PA school. In the future, I want to use what I learn about finances to create stability for myself and eventually my family. Becoming a Physician Assistant will require years of education and commitment, and I know that managing finances wisely will be a big part of making that possible. I also want to use my experience to encourage others, especially people from communities like mine, to understand that financial education is a tool for independence and opportunity. Overall, my experiences have taught me that financial literacy is not just about money, it is about freedom, planning, and making informed decisions. I plan to use what I learn to build a secure future, reduce stress around finances, and make sure I am in a position where I can focus on what matters most: helping people and giving back to my community.
      Rev. Ethel K. Grinkley Memorial Scholarship
      I grew up learning that the way you treat people matters just as much as what you achieve. In my family, love is shown through sacrifice, hard work, and always looking out for others, even when it is not easy. As the daughter of Hispanic parents who immigrated to build a better life, I’ve seen firsthand what faith and perseverance look like in real life. My parents didn’t always have everything they needed, but they always made sure I understood the importance of staying grounded, working hard, and helping others when you can. One of the biggest ways I’ve put those values into action is through my work as a Youth Health Educator. In that role, I’ve had the chance to teach people in my community about health and wellness in a way that is clear and accessible. What I didn’t expect was how much I would learn from the people I was teaching. Many of them had real concerns, limited access to information, or language barriers that made healthcare feel overwhelming. Being able to help even a little, by explaining things in a way they could understand, reminded me that service is not always about doing something big, but about showing up for people in small but meaningful ways. Faith is also an important part of how I see the world. It keeps me grounded when things feel stressful and reminds me that my purpose is bigger than just myself. I try to carry that mindset into everything I do, especially when it comes to school and service. I don’t just want success for personal achievement, I want it to mean something for other people too. Whether it’s helping someone understand their health, supporting a patient in the future, or being a positive presence in my community, I want my actions to reflect the values I was raised with. In the future, I plan to major in Medical Studies at Arizona State University and become a Physician Assistant. I am drawn to healthcare because it combines science with human connection. I want to use my education not only to treat people, but to advocate for them and make sure they feel seen and heard. I especially want to work in pediatrics because I believe children deserve care that is patient, compassionate, and focused on their long-term well-being. My goal is to make a positive impact by using love, faith, and service as the foundation of everything I do. Love means treating every patient and every person with respect and empathy. Faith means trusting that my efforts matter even when I cannot see immediate results. And community service means staying connected to the people around me and using my education to give back. I don’t see these values as separate from my future career, I see them as the reason I chose it. At the end of the day, I want to be someone who not only succeeds professionally, but also makes life a little easier and kinder for the people I serve.
      Dr. Michal Lomask Memorial Scholarship
      I didn’t fall in love with STEM sitting in a classroom, I realized I cared about it when I saw how much it actually matters in real life. As a Youth Health Educator, I’ve taught people in my community about health and everyday habits, and I saw how something as simple as explaining information clearly could change the way someone takes care of themselves. People would ask questions, start to understand their bodies more, and feel more confident making decisions. That’s when it clicked for me that STEM isn’t just science, it’s a way to help people in a real, direct way. Growing up with Hispanic parents who immigrated here for better opportunities, I’ve always felt like I have something to prove, not just for myself but for my family too. I’ve seen how hard they worked, and I know education is the reason I have the opportunities I do. STEM, to me, is a way to build a stable future while also giving back to communities like mine. I’ve seen how lack of access to healthcare, language barriers, and misinformation can affect people, and that pushes me to want to be part of the solution instead of just watching it happen. I plan to major in Medical Studies at ASU and go on to PA school because I want a career where I can combine science with actually working with people. I don’t want to just learn information, I want to use it. Being a Physician Assistant stands out to me because it’s hands-on, it’s meaningful, and it allows me to really connect with patients while still applying everything I learn in STEM. I also like that PAs are flexible in what they can do, because I’m still figuring out exactly where I’ll end up in medicine, but I know I want to be in a role where I’m directly helping people. I’m especially interested in pediatrics because helping kids early on can make a huge difference in their lives. Kids depend on others to advocate for them, and I want to be someone who can do that while also making them feel comfortable and understood. That takes both knowledge and empathy, and STEM is what gives me the foundation for that. I also like that STEM is always changing. There’s always something new to learn, new research, and new ways to improve care. That motivates me because I don’t want a career where I stop growing. I want to keep learning and keep getting better so I can give my patients the best care possible. At the end of the day, my passion for STEM comes from what it allows me to do. It’s not just about classes or grades, it’s about being able to make an impact, educate others, and build a future where I can help people in a real way.
      Aserina Hill Memorial Scholarship
      My name is Jayline Bustos, and I’m currently a high school student who is passionate about learning, helping others, and building a future in healthcare. School has always been an important part of my life because I see education as the foundation for everything I want to achieve. I’ve worked hard to stay focused and motivated in my classes, especially in science, because I plan to study nursing after high school. I enjoy subjects like biology and anatomy because they help me understand how the human body works and functions and how medical professionals can make a difference in people’s lives. Outside of school, I try to stay involved in my community and take part in activities that allow me to grow as a person. I’ve volunteered at local events, helped organize donation drives, and participated in service projects that support families in need. These experiences have shown me how powerful teamwork and compassion can be. Even small actions, like helping collect supplies or spending time with others, can bring comfort and hope. I’ve also been part of Student Council, HOSA, Sports Medicine, and community volunteering where I learned many leadership skills and how to work with different kinds of people. After high school, my goal is to attend college and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I want to become a registered nurse and later work in community health or pediatrics. My dream is to give back by providing care to those who don’t always have easy access to healthcare. Nursing is more than a career to me, it’s a calling that combines compassion, science, and service. I hope to make a difference in people’s lives not only through medical care but also by offering understanding and encouragement during their most difficult moments. If I could start my own charity, its mission would be to bring free health education and basic care to underserved communities. I would call it something like “Healthy Hearts Outreach,” and it would focus on teaching families about preventive care, nutrition, and wellness. The charity would serve low income families, children, and elderly individuals who might not have access to regular medical support. Volunteers would help organize health fairs, provide free check-ups, distribute hygiene kits, and host workshops about topics like mental health, exercise, and healthy living. My goal would be to empower people with knowledge so they can take better care of themselves and their loved ones. Through my studies and community involvement, I’ve learned that helping others brings out the best in me. My goal moving forward is to keep finding ways to serve, to keep learning, and to use my education to make a lasting impact on my community and beyond.
      Eden Alaine Memorial Scholarship
      Losing a family member is one of the hardest things a person can experience, and for me, it completely changed the way I see life and my goals for the future. I lost my grandmother, and that loss taught me more about strength, compassion, and purpose than anything else ever could. Watching someone you love go through pain and not being able to do much to help them leaves a mark, but it also gives you a new perspective on what truly matters, caring for others and appreciating every moment. During that time, I saw firsthand how powerful kindness and care can be. The nurses and doctors who helped my loved one not only treated their illness, but also supported our family emotionally. Even small gestures, a smile, a gentle word, or simply taking time to listen, made a huge difference. Seeing that made me realize I wanted to be that kind of person for others, someone who could bring comfort and support during difficult times. That experience was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue nursing as my career. Losing someone close to me was painful, but it also became a turning point. It pushed me to grow up faster and take responsibility in ways I hadn’t before. I learned how to stay strong for my family, manage my emotions, and keep moving forward even when things were hard. It also helped me appreciate the importance of health, time, and love, things we often take for granted until they’re gone. Instead of letting grief hold me back, I chose to let it motivate me. I wanted to turn that pain into something meaningful by dedicating my future to helping others heal. This experience shaped not only my personal values but also my approach to education. I learned how to stay focused and driven, even when life feels uncertain. It reminded me why I’m passionate about healthcare and why I want to work in a field where I can make a difference every single day. Although losing her will always be a part of my story, it has also become a source of strength. It taught me resilience, empathy, and determination, qualities I know will guide me throughout my education and nursing career. More than anything, it gave me a clear purpose: to care for others with the same compassion that once helped my own family through a time of loss.
      Code Breakers & Changemakers Scholarship
      My passion for STEM began with curiosity about how things work, not just on the outside, but deep inside. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the human body, the way science could explain illness and healing, and how technology continues to improve people’s lives. What truly ignites my curiosity is the idea that behind every discovery, there’s someone who asked “why?” and “how can we make this better?” For me, STEM isn’t just about numbers or experiments, it’s about solving real problems and improving the world through knowledge, creativity, and care. The challenge I long to tackle is improving healthcare access and understanding, especially in communities that often get overlooked. Many people go without proper medical care or education simply because of limited resources. I want to change that by combining science with compassion, using technology, research, and nursing to make healthcare more accessible and effective. Whether it’s helping develop better patient care methods, teaching others about health, or using innovation to connect patients to medical resources, I want to be part of the solution. Books have also played a big role in shaping my goals in STEM. Reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks opened my eyes to the deep connection between science and humanity — how medical progress can both save lives and raise important ethical questions. It made me realize that science isn’t just about data or lab work; it’s also about respect, empathy, and responsibility. Another book that influenced me was When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who wrote about his experience facing his own illness. His story showed me how science and compassion can exist together, how a healthcare professional can touch lives far beyond the hospital walls. These books helped me see that my path in STEM, especially in nursing, can combine scientific skill with emotional strength. My educational roadmap begins with earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and gaining hands-on experience in the medical field. From there, I hope to specialize in a field where I can make the biggest impact, such as community health or medical research. This scholarship program will be the bridge that connects my ambition to reality. It will give me the opportunity to focus on my education, gain valuable training, and continue building the skills I need to serve others. With financial support, I can devote more time to studying, volunteering, and pursuing internships that will prepare me to make real contributions to healthcare innovation. My deeper vision is to use what I learn to give back, to become a nurse who not only treats patients but also helps educate and inspire future generations in STEM. I want my work to remind others that science and compassion can change lives. This scholarship would not just help me continue my education; it would help me turn my passion for STEM into a lifelong mission to improve the health and well-being of my community and beyond.
      Joieful Connections Scholarship
      One of the experiences that has prepared me most for my journey toward higher education is learning how to stay focused and motivated even when things get difficult. Throughout high school, I had to balance classes, family responsibilities, and part-time work, which taught me the value of time management and perseverance. There were moments when it felt like too much to handle, but I learned to stay organized, set priorities, and keep my goals in sight. I realized that education is something no one can take away from me, and that mindset pushed me to keep going, even when I felt tired or overwhelmed. Another challenge that prepared me for this next step was learning to believe in myself. There were times when I doubted whether I was good enough or smart enough to go to college, especially when things didn’t come easily. But instead of giving up, I started to ask for help, study harder, and remind myself why I wanted to succeed. Overcoming those feelings of doubt showed me how strong I could be when I stayed determined. It also helped me build confidence in my ability to take on new challenges, something I know I’ll need as I continue my education. The area I plan to study is nursing because it combines two things I care deeply about: helping others and learning about health and science. I’ve always been interested in how the human body works and how medical professionals care for patients. Nursing is important to me because nurses play such a vital role in people’s lives, they provide care, comfort, and education to help patients heal and stay healthy. I admire the compassion and patience nurses show, and I want to be someone who can make others feel supported during their most vulnerable moments. In the future, I hope to make an impact by using my education and skills to give back to my community. I plan to work as a nurse in underserved areas where people may not always have access to quality healthcare. I want to help educate patients about their health, encourage preventive care, and provide comfort to those in need. Beyond direct care, I hope to inspire others, especially young people from my community, to pursue careers in healthcare and believe in their ability to succeed. Higher education is my chance to build a better future for myself and for others. The challenges I’ve faced have made me stronger, more focused, and more compassionate, all qualities I believe will help me become a great nurse and a positive influence in my community.
      Immigrant Daughters in STEM Scholarship
      One of the most significant struggles I’ve faced was learning how to balance school, work, and family responsibilities all at once. There was a time when I felt completely overwhelmed, trying to stay on top of my assignments while also helping out at home and working part-time. It often felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day, and I started to doubt whether I could handle it all. However, instead of giving up, I learned to manage my time more wisely, stay organized, and ask for help when I needed it. This experience taught me what it truly means to be responsible and resourceful. At first, I struggled because I tried to do everything on my own. I would stay up late doing homework and wake up early to finish chores or get ready for work. I realized that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to make some changes. I started using a planner to track assignments, set daily goals, and schedule study time. I also learned to prioritize what needed to be done first instead of trying to do everything at once. When I couldn’t figure something out in school, I began reaching out to teachers and classmates instead of staying silent. I also used online resources and extra tutoring sessions to strengthen the subjects I found more difficult. Through this challenge, I discovered how capable I could be when I stayed focused and took responsibility for my time and choices. I learned that being resourceful doesn’t always mean having all the answers, it means finding ways to get them, even when things feel uncertain. Balancing my different responsibilities helped me become more disciplined and independent. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for hard work and perseverance. This experience has shaped who I am as both a student and a future professional. As a student, I’ve learned how to stay organized, meet deadlines, and push through tough moments without giving up. I’ve also become more patient with myself, understanding that progress takes time. As a future nurse, I believe these lessons will help me handle the demands of the job. Nurses often face stressful situations that require focus, quick thinking, and compassion all at once. My experience taught me how to stay calm under pressure and find solutions even when things don’t go as planned. Overall, facing this struggle made me stronger, more responsible, and more confident in my ability to overcome obstacles. It reminded me that challenges can shape us in powerful ways and that determination and resourcefulness can turn even the hardest situations into opportunities for growth.
      Breanna Coleman Memorial Nursing Scholarship
      I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing because I have always cared about helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Ever since I was young, I have been drawn to the idea of taking care of others, whether it was helping a family member who wasn’t feeling well or volunteering at school events. Over time, I realized that nursing was the perfect fit for me because it allows me to combine my compassion for others with my interest in science and healthcare. Nurses are often the ones who spend the most time with patients, offering not only medical care but also emotional support. I admire how nurses can make people feel safe, understood, and cared for even in the hardest moments, and I want to be that kind of person for others. Another reason I chose nursing is because I see it as a career that never stops growing. There are always new things to learn, and nurses are constantly adapting to new challenges. I like that it’s a hands-on, people-centered career where every day is different. I also want to be part of a team that works together to help patients heal and feel their best. The idea of being able to comfort someone, teach them about their health, and play a role in their recovery motivates me to work hard toward this goal. Currently, I try to give back to my community in small but meaningful ways. I volunteer at local events, participate in donation drives, and help out with community service projects through school. These experiences have shown me how powerful kindness and teamwork can be. Even small actions, like handing out meals or helping organize supplies, can make someone’s day better. I’ve also learned how important it is to listen to people and understand their needs, a skill that will be valuable as a nurse. In the future, I plan to give back to my community through my career. I want to work as a nurse in underserved areas where people may not always have access to good healthcare. I hope to educate patients about their health, help them manage illnesses, and provide care with empathy and respect. My goal is to build trust with patients and help them feel seen and supported. I also hope to mentor other students who are interested in nursing, especially those who come from similar backgrounds as mine. Giving back to others through healthcare is more than just a career goal for me, it’s something I truly care about and feel called to do.
      Eric W. Larson Memorial STEM Scholarship
      I still remember the first time I realized how different my life looked from many of my classmates. It wasn’t one single moment but a collection of small experiences: waiting for my turn to borrow a school-issued laptop while others pulled their own devices from their backpacks, seeing my peers’ families order takeout while I went home to stretch whatever groceries we had left, and trying to focus on homework when the house was too cold because heating was a luxury. For me, financial struggle was not an abstract idea but a constant reality woven into my childhood. Growing up in a household where money was always tight, I learned quickly that nothing was guaranteed. Sometimes, we had to make difficult choices between bills and meals, or between school supplies and other necessities. I watched my parents work long hours—sometimes two jobs each—yet it still felt like we were running a race we could never quite catch up in. As a child, I didn’t always understand the specifics, but I understood the worry in their voices and the quiet sacrifices they made for us. Despite these challenges, or maybe because of them, school became my safe haven. I found comfort in routine: the ringing bell that started each day, the teacher’s voice guiding us through lessons, and the books that transported me far beyond the limits of my circumstances. Learning became more than just an academic pursuit—it became a way for me to imagine a different future. I couldn’t control our financial struggles, but I could control how much effort I put into my studies. Each math equation solved and each science concept mastered felt like a small victory, a reminder that knowledge could create opportunities even when money could not. Adversity forced me to develop qualities I might not have discovered otherwise. I became resilient, because I had to be. I became resourceful, finding ways to study without certain supplies or carving out quiet moments to focus when home was chaotic. Most importantly, I became determined. I realized that if I wanted to break the cycle of financial insecurity, I would need to pursue education relentlessly, no matter how difficult the road became. My passion for STEM grew naturally out of this mindset. STEM appealed to me because it is fundamentally about problem-solving—taking challenges and finding creative, efficient solutions. From an early age, I was drawn to asking “why” and “how.” I remember being fascinated by the way a simple science experiment could reveal the laws that govern the world around us, or how a math formula could explain a real-life phenomenon. STEM made me feel empowered because it showed me that even the most complex problems could be broken down and solved. But my interest in STEM is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. I know what it feels like to lack resources, whether that’s food on the table, reliable technology, or access to healthcare. I’ve seen how financial limitations can stand in the way of opportunities and even basic well-being. That’s why I want to use STEM as a tool for change. I am especially passionate about the intersection of technology and healthcare. I believe that advancements in biomedical engineering, data science, or medical technology can bridge gaps in healthcare access. Imagine a future where affordable medical devices help underserved communities, or where innovative technologies make preventative care more accessible. That is the future I want to help build. Overcoming financial adversity has also given me a perspective that I carry into my academic and career goals. I know how to persist when things are hard, how to adapt when resources are limited, and how to empathize with others who are struggling. These qualities are just as important as technical skills in STEM because innovation is not only about knowledge—it’s also about perseverance, collaboration, and understanding the human impact of scientific progress. Looking forward, I want to combine my resilience with my STEM education to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. My ultimate goal is to contribute to advancements that make healthcare more affordable and effective for families who face the same struggles mine did. I want to work on solutions that remove barriers rather than create them, because no one’s health—or future—should depend on how much money they have. I believe that education is the key to transforming not just my own life, but also the lives of those around me. Through STEM, I see a path where I can turn my experiences with hardship into a force for good, using innovation to help others overcome challenges. I want young people growing up in financial adversity to look at me and see that their circumstances don’t define their potential—that with persistence, curiosity, and opportunity, they can build futures filled with possibility. In the end, my background is not something I view as a burden, but as a source of strength. The financial adversity I faced shaped my character and fueled my passion for STEM. It gave me a determination that I now carry into everything I do. By pursuing a career where I can innovate and create solutions, I hope to transform hardship into hope—not just for myself, but for others who need it most.
      Beacon of Light Scholarship
      My name is Jayline Bustos, and I am a high school junior at Metro Tech High School. I have always been drawn to the field of healthcare because of my desire to help people and make a positive impact in my community. Growing up in a Hispanic family, I have seen firsthand the challenges that many people face when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. This has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can work to improve the lives of others. I am particularly interested in studying nursing and medicine because these fields offer the opportunity to work directly with patients and provide them with the care and support they need. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses, but also about building relationships with patients and their families, and helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. My future career goals include becoming a registered nurse or a doctor, where I can work in a hospital or community clinic setting. I am interested in specializing in areas such as pediatrics or family medicine, where I can work with diverse populations and address the unique health needs of different communities. I am also passionate about educating others about health and wellness, and I hope to use my career as a platform to advocate for health equity and access to care for all. I am drawn to schools like Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University because they offer strong programs in nursing and pre-med, and they are located in areas where I can continue to serve and learn from diverse communities. I am also considering Gateway Community College as a starting point for my education, as it offers practical training and a supportive learning environment. In pursuing a career in healthcare, I hope to combine my passion for helping others with my interest in science and medicine. I am committed to working hard to achieve my goals and to making a difference in the lives of those around me. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, and I am grateful for the chance to pursue my education and career in healthcare. I hope that by bettering my studies in my current CNA program, I could create a bigger impact on the world and really become what i aspire to be, a caring and loving nurse which all of patients will feel safe with.