My name is Jose Luis Escobedo and I currently have a 4.5 GPA and rank 13 out of 771 students at a highly competitive school in El Paso, TX, Franklin High School. Academics have always been my priority, but seem to come more natural than perhaps athletics. I’ve been able to achieve and maintain this GPA while balancing my life as a student athlete playing basketball and exceling on the court as well. Over this past season I have been able to achieve numerous awards through basketball including Franklin High School's Raising Canes Holiday Tournament Most Valuable Player, El Paso Times Jarritos Athlete of the Week, District 1-6A Honorable Mention Honors and last but not least the Cougar Award. Basketball has taught me many values including the value of hard work, discipline, and integrity. Through basketball I gained the qualities of a great leader although it hasn’t always been easy. My growth as a player on the basketball court is one of the experiences that has shaped me into who I am today. Basketball is a sport that has been my dad's and I passion. I can remember preparing for Middle School try-outs with my Dad every evening and enjoying spending time together. Unfortunately it was a hard time when I did not make it for the A-Team but did make it to the B-Team. I knew I had to be grateful to at least be part of the team and my journey would begin to overcome this adversity. I promised myself to work hard and be dedicated and never give up on my dreams. I learned that discipline and hard work were the key to succeed. Throughout High School I had to continue working hard as my ability was not as refined as my peers. As a Junior I made the Varsity Basketball team, but I didn’t play much at all. My love for the game was challenged by this and I had to think deeply about what I wanted to do with the sport I enjoyed so much. Instead of being discouraged and quitting, I worked harder than I ever have. I woke up at 4:30 A.M. to go to the gym every morning with my Dad. I got shots up before school and after practice and I spent all my free time practicing with my Dad. This grind was hard, but I loved it because I had passion for the game. I gradually improved and my play on the court was consistently getting better. Eventually I became one of the best players on the team after starting from the very bottom. This experience shaped me into who I am today and taught me discipline and the value of hard work. In conclusion, my journey reflects my unwavering commitment to personal and academic growth. Pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso, I am not only to find a career that fits my interests, but also to deepen my overall knowledge. Beyond academics, I seek to engage in diverse experiences through the unique clubs UTEP has to offer to continue shaping me into a well-rounded individual. Through basketball, I've learned the value of hard work and resilience. I believe my dedication, combined with my achievements and aspirations, makes me a deserving candidate for this scholarship. With the support of the scholarship, I'm confident in my ability to make meaningful contributions both academically and within my community.