Growing up as a first-generation Punjabi college student, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to build a better life for our family. My dad once dreamed of becoming an engineer, but he gave it up to support us. That sacrifice drives me every day—I want to succeed not just for myself, but for my family and my community. Their struggles have instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to make the most of my education and create opportunities for those who come after me. My greatest achievement so far has been getting into the mechanical engineering program at UC Merced. It wasn’t easy. My family faced financial struggles, cultural barriers, and discrimination after 9/11. But I pushed through, especially in math and science, where I found my passion. I developed a strong work ethic and refused to let obstacles define me. Making it to college felt like more than just getting accepted—it was proof that perseverance pays off. I remember struggling through STEM courses in high school while juggling responsibilities at home. There were moments when I doubted myself, but I kept pushing forward, knowing that each challenge I overcame brought me closer to my goal. That experience taught me a lot about myself. I realized that resilience isn’t just about working hard—it’s about adapting, seeking help when needed, and staying focused on long-term goals. I also saw how representation matters. Engineering isn’t a field with many people from my background, and that motivates me to break barriers and create opportunities for others like me. In my university’s engineering club, SHPE, I’ve worked with other students that promote STEM education for younger students, helping them see that they, too, can belong in this field. Seeing their enthusiasm reminds me why I’m on this path. Looking ahead, I want to use my degree to work on sustainable infrastructure and energy solutions. Through my coursework and internships, I’ve sharpened my problem-solving skills, and I hope to contribute to large-scale projects that improve communities—especially underserved ones. One area that fascinates me is renewable energy integration in low-income neighborhoods. Reliable access to sustainable power can uplift entire communities, and I want to be part of that change. This scholarship would make a huge difference in easing the financial burden of my education. My family has done everything they can to support me, but tuition and living expenses are still a challenge. With this support, I could focus more on my studies and career goals instead of worrying about money. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream—using engineering to make a real impact and helping others do the same. Education is my way of breaking the cycle of financial struggle, and I’m committed to making the most of this opportunity. With the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship, I can keep pushing forward, not just for myself, but for the next generation of students who need someone to show them it’s possible.

Growing up, my brothers and I faced many challenges—moving between homes to survive and experiencing racism after September 11th simply for being Indian. Amid these hardships, my brother, Jack, was a constant source of light, always finding ways to appreciate life and spread positivity. I learned from him how to embrace my identity and express myself confidently, even when I felt different or isolated in school. His unwavering support and perspective deeply influenced me to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering to show off my strengths and make him proud. He has served as a critical figure in my life that I’m forever grateful for. The day would come where I could offer him the same guidance he gave me. In our culture, arranged marriage is common, emphasizing the connection between families over individual choice. Jack, who was always hesitant about this tradition, had finally met someone through an arrangement and felt overwhelmed by the pressure to come to a decision. In a moment where he felt alone he came to me—his own younger brother. Recognizing his anxiety, I took a moment to calm him down and emphasized the importance of not rushing such a significant decision. I encouraged him to slow the process, gather all the information he could, and inform our parents—who were unaware of the stress that he was feeling. To me it’s important, to collect yourself before any brash decisions can be made; sometimes that works best with someone by your side. In any high-pressure situation, it is easy to forget one’s power. I reminded him that the decision ultimately rested with him and his potential partner and that he needed to trust his judgment and take control of his future. This approach—grounded empathy, active listening, and practical advice—illustrates how I support loved ones during major life decisions. Life as a minority has its own set of challenges which is only further compounded when trying to enter STEM—as a Mechanical Engineering major. Coming from an underrepresented community means that we carry this pressure to prove to the world how much we're capable of. Even though Jack played a critical role in my choice to pursue mechanical engineering, it's important to acknowledge the role my father played. My father is a hardworking man who, much like many other immigrant families, decided to put his dreams on the back-burner for the sake of his family. He too had dreams of becoming an engineer and it's through him I carry a sense of pride in my pursuit for excellence. This was one of the first things that would contribute to the challenges that I would face while in STEM. One of the greatest challenges I encountered while pursuing my mechanical engineering degree came in waves. Despite our financial instability, my family insisted on paying for my college and helping me in any way they could. They knew that working a job while attending school would be immensely stressful, so they encouraged me to remain a full-time student while they took on the financial burden. While this motivated me to complete my studies to the best of my abilities, it also came with a huge burden. “Am I good enough? What if I fail?” These thoughts plagued my mind. Knowing the financial situation of my family before even going to college was a significant source of stress, coupled with the idea that my father would be living his dreams—of becoming an engineer—through me. All of that pressure contributed to my isolating myself, as if the burden were mine alone. I did not know about all the programs available on campus at the time. There was so much to learn outside of the courses themselves. As time went on, I found myself engaging in clubs, applying for scholarships, and doing anything I could to feel empowered. Looking back, I wish I had known about the wealth of resources available on campus earlier. When I finally sought academic support through tutoring centers and study groups, I realized how much they helped to clarify complex material and ease my stress. Finding mentors, whether professors or upperclassmen, reassured me that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. Connecting with classmates and professors made the weight I carried feel lighter, and I learned that no one truly succeeds alone. Most importantly, I recognized the importance of mental health. There were moments when I felt as though I was at the end of my rope, but seeking help from campus counseling services made a significant difference. I now understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward resilience. By sharing my journey, I hope that future students, especially those from underrepresented communities, recognize that they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Resources exist, support systems can be built, and through persistence, they, too, can create their own path to success.

My name is Jobanpreet Singh and I'm currently a student attending UC Merced. I've always had a somewhat a complex relationship with humor, but its always been something i keep in my right-hand so to speak. To me the best humor is being able to take that darkness within you and bring it into the light. This could be take so many forms, but for me its always been like whenever stuff starts falling apart I give off a "its all fine" kind of humor. I remember I had an experience where my car, as well as my mothers minivan, had gotten broken into during the pandemic. Those times we were all mostly stuck in doors with the exception being work and going to the store. On Saturday morning I was just getting ready to go the gym and I see that our cars had been broken into and robbed. Passenger window each "bang" with glass everywhere. Of course the initial wave of emotions is anger due to the reality of the situation. The disappointment had just started to kick in once an officer made his way over to address the situation. I was going through our cars to see what had been stolen and I see a bottle of hand sanitizer left in each that was not ours... There's no way I couldn't laugh at what I saw. The officer asked me if anything important was stolen and I replied with "No, but the robber had enough decency to sanitize his hands for each car" I showed him the bottles that had been graciously gifted by the robber and we all had a good laugh. Just being able to laugh at such a situation made it so much easier to deal with. The officer had a chuckle before he left and we all went on with a much better attitude. I've attached a photo from my personal journal and I firmly believe while it doesn't appear outright funny. I think it gives the undertones of the humor that I carry along with me. Constant humor may not be a good thing, but as a people we cannot forget to incorporate to our lives to make the stresses of life more bearable.

Coming from a lower-middle-class background, being raised as one of three first-generation children, and facing the challenge of constant progress is nothing short of a Cinderella story in the making. Each passing year, my understanding deepened as I learned about the impossible odds my family fought against. It is this history that I reflect on each and every year to keep myself on the path of excellence. Through my experiences, I’ve learned many things, but above all, patience has ensured that I do not unravel. "A life of stagnation will only lead to decay" are the words I think to myself, inspiring me to take a step forward whenever the opportunity presents itself. To keep myself in the pursuit of progress, I’ve made three promises: to embrace continuous learning, to cultivate strong resilience, and to become an outstanding role model for the Punjabi community. In the ever-evolving world of mechanical engineering, staying current with the latest technologies and methodologies is essential. The mindset of an engineer is to optimize everything they can. By consistently learning about new advances in technology, I will be able to extract vital information to aid in my journey. While not everything may be directly applicable, there is always room for inspiration. My future self will be able to use all of this newly acquired knowledge to leave a lasting impact on the world. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance; it’s an investment in my future. Coming from a lower-middle-class family, I understand the financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education. Time and time again, I have faced racial adversity along with new challenges presented by higher education. These experiences have tempered me, making me more resilient, and that tempering will continue. I knew from an early age that plans can change and things may not always go favorably. This has taught me that in the face of challenges, I must push forward—I refuse to back down. Representing this scholarship would serve to reinforce that very point. Growing up, I watched my community face impossible odds in pursuing higher education. Many Punjabi people were forced into positions working at gas stations or as truck drivers. This stems from the belief that higher education isn't as accessible and that it takes longer before one can earn an income. As a person of color, I want to be in a position where my community can look up to me and perhaps ignite a desire for STEM education. I want to be in a position where an underrepresented group of people can feel like they can strive for excellence. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to fully commit to the promises I’ve made to my future self. It will enable me to access the resources and opportunities needed to excel in my studies, enhance my skills, and engage in activities that will shape me into a well-rounded engineer. Ultimately, this scholarship will help me build a future where I can make a meaningful impact in the field of mechanical engineering and serve as a role model for others in my underrepresented community. In conclusion, the journey to becoming the best version of myself requires dedication, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to fulfill the promises I’ve made to my future self and contribute to a brighter, more innovative future. I am dedicated to leaving a lasting impact and serving as a beacon to inspire all who feel they lack representation.

From childhood, I always found refuge within my own mind to immerse myself in a world full of possibilities. Questioning the inner workings of every little thing just so I could understand it. From the very beginning it had seemed that my brain was already gearing itself towards mechanical engineering. Through that, my upbringing was also rooted in a difficulty most first-generation children could understand; that being said my family did everything they could to take the brunt of the hardship—protecting me. Among the family shield stood my father, proud and unwavering. He had his own dreams of becoming an engineer, but faced with the immediate needs of survival, he set aside his dreams to put food on our table. His story told of the dreams he had to abandon became the fuel for my own ambitions, especially in the field of engineering. My family left India in pursuit of a better life and it's in that my burning passion resides. My upbringing taught me that as difficult as it may become—It's our duty to continue forward pushing for progression. The very essence of that idea is rooted in the basic principle of engineering. Engineer minded individuals like John Young all know that we always have the thought "How can this be better?". We seek to innovate and increase efficiency of any and all things. My passion for engineering is broad and it is for that very reason I've chosen to pursue mechanical engineering. It was here that I could make the biggest impact not just for society, but for my family as well. The opportunity to bring my dreams to fruition means that not only can I impact the engineering space in a positive way, but also set an example as a first-generation Punjabi College student. Proving that with determination, passion, and the right support, anyone can achieve their dreams even in the face of discrimination. As a mechanical engineer, I seek to build an understanding of basic processes and increase their efficiency to a noticeable degree. Any and all things can be bettered and my degree along with this opportunity will help ensure that I can tackle that. In conclusion, the journey I am on is more than just a personal pursuit; it’s a tribute to my family’s sacrifices and resilience. As I move forward in my studies and career, I am committed to using my skills to make a meaningful impact in the world of engineering, while also serving as a beacon of hope and possibility for others in my community. This is my opportunity to honor the past and shape a brighter future.

Before my father came to America with just the clothes on his back, he had dreams of becoming an engineer. He envisioned a life where he could raise his family free of financial insecurity and the pressures that came with it. His desire was to achieve excellence, to build something that would last, but life had other plans. Faced with the immediate needs of survival, he set aside his dreams to put food on our table. This sacrifice is by far the most influential force that has driven me to work as hard as I do. His story, and the dreams he had to abandon, have become the fuel for my own ambitions, especially in the field of engineering. From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. Whether it was the rudimentary tasks of day-to-day life or the amazingly complex concepts in science, I was eager to understand the mechanics behind them. This natural curiosity, combined with the desire to honor my father’s unfulfilled dreams, gave me a drive and passion for the engineering space that I carry with me to this day. My journey is not just about pursuing a career; it’s about proving that my family can excel in new ways and that my father’s sacrifices will not be in vain. Every step I take in my academic and professional life is imbued with the hopes and dreams of my parents, and that alone is enough to keep me going, even when the road gets tough. As a first-generation Punjabi student, my life was often marked by the challenge of not fitting into the average American mold. Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, my parents’ lives were defined by hard work and perseverance, often in jobs that offered little room for growth. This struggle was further intensified by the tragic events of September 11th. In the aftermath, they faced animosity and suspicion simply because of their background, all while continuing to provide for our household. As a child, I was blissfully unaware of the extent of their hardships because they always found the strength to remain strong and make me feel secure. Their resilience, in the face of such tremendous adversity, taught me that it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “This is it,” but it’s our duty to push beyond that mindset—We must push forward. Being a first-generation college student means more than just attending classes and earning a degree. It’s about breaking a cycle of limited opportunities and setting an example for others in my community who might not see college as a possibility. It’s about proving that with determination, passion, and the right support, anyone can achieve their dreams. This opportunity is not just mine; it belongs to my family and to everyone who has believed in me along the way. Pursuing higher education is a massively important milestone for first-generation students. It often feels like the world is set against us, and the journey through uncharted territory serves as a deterrent for many. But by pushing through these challenges, we can set a new standard for minority groups. Showcasing that even though our families are not from this land, we can make a difference too. Advanced education among first-generation students has the power to change the narrative for entire communities. It offers the ability to surpass the limitations that have historically been placed on us and to push the envelope further. As Dr. Andy Nieto has shown, when opportunities are given, they grant the ability to surpass those limitations and break new ground. This is the impact I hope to have—not just for myself, but for others who come after me. A young mind full of curiosity, it was only natural for me to look at the world and wonder. Questioning every little thing to understand how it worked, my mind was geared for engineering from the very beginning. Material Science, while not my sole interest, was the gateway to the world of engineering for me. The ability for a simple material change to alter the possibilities of an entire object is extremely alluring. The idea that one can manipulate the properties of a material to create something entirely new is fascinating. It’s clear that Dr. Nieto felt a similar connection to Material Science and sought to extract its potential. My vision is to utilize Material Science to pave the way for innovations in engineering that aren’t in the spotlight. The opportunity to expand on the properties of light and sound, for instance, is something that excites me greatly. Engineering, while broad, is rooted in an idea intrinsic to human nature: "How can we make this better?" This pursuit of improvement is a connection that I share with other engineering-minded individuals, including Dr. Nieto. It's this very thing has bound me to this field. The drive to propel the world forward with new ideas and more efficient processes is at the heart of what it means to be an engineer. It would be an understatement to say that I want to be a part of that. A continual integration with the material sciences will only further my ability to leave a lasting effect on this world. In conclusion, the opportunity to pursue an engineering degree, with a slight focus on Material Science, is a defining moment in my life. It is a chance to fulfill my potential, to honor my family’s journey, and to contribute to a better future. As a first-generation college student, I carry the hopes and dreams of my family with me, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. I am excited to see where this journey will take me and to be a part of the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.