One of the first things I remember growing up is how much my parents talked about college. I always knew that they wanted me to go to college, and at the time I did not put much thought into it. It was simply a fact. It did not take long to see that they only wanted more for us. Like many others my parents were not given many opportunities when they grew up. Each of them having to drop out of their studies to provide for their families. Both had to take jobs they never thought they would. Crossed into a country they never thought they would call home. All my life they have been factory workers; breaking their backs every single day in hopes that neither of their children had to face the things they did. My parents showed up in their dirt covered clothes to every school event, because yes, we needed the money, but you cannot replace time. In their broken English they defended us whenever someone tried to take advantage of us. Always making sure that we were proud of who we were. It is the best they can do, and there does not go by a day that I am not grateful for what they did. I have been in college for three years now, and every time my parents tell anyone that their kid is college there is a joy on their faces I cannot describe. They are so proud of me and all I want is to keep giving them that. I will not lie and say it is easy because it is not. Every year it is a struggle to find keep up with tuition. It feels like college always moves the finish line, and I refuse to stop. Yet even with the uncertainty of tuition, my parents always help me find a way to make it. I can see the stress and worry in their eyes, but that has never stopped them. I do not think it ever will. I want to be able to take some of that burden off them. Even if it is just a little. There is one more year left in my degree, but even then, I can say I am already making an impact on my community. I am the daughter of immigrants that is in a male dominated industry. My school gave me a single opportunity and I made it mine. I have heard my parents talk about how other kids have started to pursue construction; in a trade or management, but they are doing something. I'm not loud. I tend to stick to my own corner, and I am working on that, but to see how much other people are taking from my journey is something incredible. I want to keep doing that. I want to encourage kids who just like me did not know what to do with their lives after graduation, and maybe they'll find something like I did. Sometimes all we need is a small push and if I can do that even for one person it will be enough. I’m going to be a first-generation graduate only because I had two people who did everything in their power to forge a path for me. I do not think I could ever repay my parents, but I want to try. I will keep going forward. I will share my experience. I will lend someone a hand just like it was done for me. I will do something good and that is all that matters.

Throughout my entire life, I have watched my parents break their backs trying to make something for us in this country. In a place where at times it seems they would rather throw us out than give us a chance. They work day and night to give me and my brother the opportunities they never had. They fight for us the way they wished someone did for them. It’s not easy to watch them get worked to the bone for us. Even while they smile at me and promise that we're going to make it. It's hard to watch them push their bodies to the limit because all they want is for me and brother to have it easier than they ever did. Their strive for a better life has led me to fight for something greater. I want their sacrifices to mean something. I want to make them proud. I want to make all of their hard work worth it. I want to make something permanent. Although money is an issue, I have to face head on. A scholarship would help me get closer to my dream and lessen my parents' worries. I want to be able to take some of the burden off their shoulders and help. With some help I would be able to finish my degree in building science without much worry if I'll be able to attend college the next semester. Because whether I want to admit it or not, I cannot do this alone. If I want to achieve all of my goals and become a construction superintendent all I need is a little of a boost. You're probably wondering what I mean when I said I wanted to make something permanent. I meant it literally and figuratively. That long after I’m gone, a building I helped create might still be here. In a way, everything that made me who I am is still here. I don’t want to be famous. I just want something that is mine to still be here. To be able to look at my parents and tell them part of why that building stands there now is because of them. Nothing I want in this life will be easy to acquire, but when has that ever stopped anyone? There will be obstacles, and I know I will want to give up at times, but I’ll be okay. I’ll work as hard and as long as I need to, but I’m going to make this come true.

Throughout my entire life, I have watched my parents break their backs trying to make something for us in this country. In a place where at times it seems they would rather throw us out than give us a chance. They work day and night to give me and my brother the opportunities they never had. They fight for us the way they wished someone did for them. It’s not easy to watch them get worked to the bone for us. Even while they smile at me and promise that we're going to make it. It's hard to watch them push their bodies to the limit because all they want is for me and brother to have it easier than they ever did. Their strive for a better life has led me to fight for something greater. I want their sacrifices to mean something. I want to make them proud. I want to make all of their hard work worth it. I want to make something permanent. Although money is an issue, I have to face head on. A scholarship would help me get closer to my dream and lessen my parents' worries. I want to be able to take some of the burden off their shoulders and help. With some help I would be able to finish my degree in building science without much worry if I'll be able to attend college the next semester. Because whether I want to admit it or not, I cannot do this alone. If I want to achieve all of my goals and become a construction superintendent all I need is a little of a boost. You're probably wondering what I mean when I said I wanted to make something permanent. I meant it literally and figuratively. That long after I’m gone, a building I helped create might still be here. In a way, everything that made me who I am is still here. I don’t want to be famous. I just want something that is mine to still be here. To be able to look at my parents and tell them part of why that building stands there now is because of them. Nothing I want in this life will be easy to acquire, but when has that ever stopped anyone? There will be obstacles, and I know I will want to give up at times, but I’ll be okay. I’ll work as hard and as long as I need to, but I’m going to make this come true.

My name is Jocelyn Hernandez, a rising sophomore at Auburn University and a proud member of the Hispanic and Latinx community. I'm currently majoring in Construction, a field that drew me in because of the hands-on nature. Each creation stands as a testament to innovation, hard-work, and sacrifice. As a queer person I am writing to express my keen interest in the PRIDE in Education Award Scholarship. Being a Latinx woman in construction is a challenge to social norms and expectations, much like identifying as a queer person. Both of these integral parts of my identity have helped shape me as a person. As an ally, I aspire to make both the construction industry and the world at large more accepting and inclusive place. My personal experiences have made me acutely aware of the challenges faced by marginalized groups in today's society and have driven me to create a more equitable future where, gender, sexuality, and race never hinder opportunity. With my current GPA of 3.31, my academic record embodies my dedication, demonstrating that I maintain a strong focus on my career goals while still balancing the challenges faced by my minority identities. I believe that my studies in construction offer endless opportunities to promote inclusivity. Construction, after all, builds more than just structures, it builds communities. The PRIDE in Education Award Scholarship would be an invaluable support in my quest to continue championing diversity and equality both on AU's campus and in the wider construction industry. This scholarship would allow me to continue my journey at AU, equipping me with the critical education and invaluable experiences necessary to break barriers and influence positive change in the world. Receiving a scholarship would not just be financial help, but a significant milestone in my journey towards creating more inclusive spaces. It would provide me with the affirmation that my intersectional and underrepresented experiences are recognized and valued. I am eager to extend my efforts to the future construction projects I engage with, ensuring they are safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for everyone, irrespective of their gender, race, or sexual orientation. I'm not out to my family and I know the scholarship is called PRIDE which isn't exactly what I am now. Right now, I'm understanding my identity and to the people closest to me trying to express myself more freely. I've grown up scared of who I am and who I love and a big part of me is still terrified. I want to show people that they are not alone in these feelings and that they are people who care about them. In conclusion, I deeply appreciate your consideration of my application for the PRIDE in Education Award scholarship. I believe my passions for construction and my allyship with the LGBTQ+ community make me a strong candidate for this unique opportunity. I am excited about the possibilities that await me at Auburn University, and firmly believe that with your support, I can continue to build a more inclusive and equitable world. Sincerely, Jocelyn Hernandez

I would like to introduce myself as Jocelyn Hernandez. I’m currently a student at the RA-LIN construction academy. The question I’ve been asked is, what do I think is your greatest achievement to date? The simple answer is attending the Ra-Lin Construction Academy. Let me elaborate. Throughout my entire life, I have watched my parents break their backs trying to make something for us in this country. In a place where at times it seems they would rather throw us out than give us a chance. They work day and night for me and my brother to have the opportunities they never had. They fight for us the way they wished someone did for them. It’s not easy to watch them get worked to the bone for us. Their strive for a better life has led me to fight for something greater. I want their sacrifices to mean something. I want to make them proud. I want to make all of their hard work worth it. Even though I want to do all of this I’ve never known how to. Then by some chance, I got put into Mr. Stone’s construction class. I don’t remember picking that class, but even if I didn’t I still ended up there. I’ve jumped back and forth about what I was going to do. Believe me when I say I never thought I’d be interested in the construction field, yet somehow I ended up here. I found someone that saw something in me I never thought I had. Pushing me to try things I never thought about. Leading me to do things I didn’t imagine I could ever do. Here I am planning on attending Auburn University and majoring in building science. If I had any doubts about my career choice, I spent a week at Auburn in the construction program and fell in love with it all over again. I want to make something permanent. I want to be able to look at a building and know I helped bring it to life. To be able to look at my parents and tell them part of why that building stands there now is because of them. When I say make something permanent I mean it literally and figuratively. That long after I’m gone a building I helped create might still be here. In a way, everything that made me who I am is still here. I don’t want to be famous. I just want something that is mine to still be here. Nothing I want in this life will be easy to acquire, but when has that ever stopped anyone? I wasn't sure where I was going in life but I'm grateful everyday that I ended up in the Ra-Lin Construction Academy.

I would like to introduce myself as Jocelyn Hernandez. I’m currently a student at the RA-LIN construction academy. The question that has been asked is, why am I the best candidate for this scholarship? The simple answer is that I want to make something permanent. Let me elaborate. Throughout my entire life, I have watched my parents break their backs trying to make something for us in this country. In a place where at times it seems they would rather throw us out than give us a chance. They work day and night to give me and my brother the opportunities they never had. It’s not easy to watch them get worked to the bone for us. To have to watch them smile and say everything is fine when we know exactly how exhausted they are. Their strive for a better life has led me to fight for something greater. I want their sacrifices to mean something. I want to make them proud. I want to make all of their hard work worth it. I want to do something for them and me. Even though I want to do all of this I’ve never known how to. Always a dreamer but never knew how to reach those dreams. Then by some chance, I got put into Mr. Stone’s construction class. I’ve jumped back and forth about what I was going to do. Believe me, I say I never thought I’d be interested in the construction field, yet somehow I ended up here. I found someone that saw something in me I never thought I had. Leading me to do things I didn’t imagine I could ever do. Here I am planning on attending Auburn University and majoring in building science. Back to what I said about making something permanent. I want to be able to look at a building and know I helped bring it to life. To be able to look at my parents and tell them that part of why that building stands there now is because of them. When I say make something permanent I mean it literally and figuratively. That long after I’m gone a building I helped create might still be here. In a way, everything that made me who I am is still here. To live a mark on this earth. I’ll work as hard and as long as I need to, but I’m going to make this come true.

I would like to introduce myself as Jocelyn Hernandez. I’m currently a student at the RA-LIN construction academy. The question that has been asked is, why am I the best candidate for this scholarship? The simple answer is that I want to make something permanent. Let me elaborate. Throughout my entire life, I have watched my parents break their backs trying to make something for us in this country. In a place where at times it seems they would rather throw us out than give us a chance. They work day and night to give me and my brother the opportunities they never had. It’s not easy to watch them get worked to the bone for us. For them to put on a smile and act like everything is okay when in reality we know how exshausted they are. Their strive for a better life has led me to fight for something greater. I want their sacrifices to mean something. I want to make them proud. I want to make all of their hard work worth it. Even though I want to do all of this I’ve never known how to. Always a dreamer but never know how to exactly reach those dreams. Then by some chance, I got put into Mr. Stone’s construction class. I’ve jumped back and forth about what I was going to do. Believe me, I say I never thought I’d be interested in the construction field, yet somehow I ended up here. I found someone that saw something in me I never thought I had. Leading me to do things I didn’t imagine I could ever do. Here I am planning on attending Auburn University and majoring in building science. Back to what I said about making something permanent. I want to be able to look at a building and know I helped bring it to life. To be able to look at my parents and tell them that part of why that building stands there now is because of them. When I say make something permanent I mean it literally and figuratively. That long after I’m gone a building I helped create might still be here. In a way, everything that made me who I am is still here. To be able to live a mark on this earth. I’ll work as hard and as long as I need to, but I’m going to make this come true.

I would like to introduce myself as Jocelyn Hernandez. I’m currently a student at the RA-LIN construction academy. The question that has been asked is, why do I want to pursue this specific career? The simple answer is that I want to make something permanent. Let me elaborate. Throughout my entire life, I have watched my parents break their backs trying to make something for us in this country. In a place where at times it seems they would rather throw us out than give us a chance. They work day and night to give me and my brother the opportunities they never had. It’s not easy to watch them get worked to the bone for us. Have to watch them smile through the sheer exhaustion they have. Their strive for a better life has led me to fight for something greater. I want their sacrifices to mean something. I want to make them proud. I want to make all of their hard work worth it. Even though I want to do all of this I’ve never known how to. I wanted to do something in my life that meant something but where do I start? Then by some chance, I got put into Mr. Stone’s construction class. I’ve jumped back and forth about what I was going to do. Believe me, when I say I never thought I’d be interested in the construction field, yet somehow I ended up here. I found someone that saw something in me I never thought I had. Leading me to do things I didn’t imagine I could ever do. Here I am planning on attending Auburn University and majoring in building science. I have a plan for what I want to do now. Back to what I said about making something permanent. I want to be able to look at a building and know I helped bring it to life. To be able to look at my parents and tell them that part of why that building stands there now is because of them. When I say make something permanent I mean it literally and figuratively. That long after I’m gone a building I helped create might still be here. In a way, everything that made me who I am is still here. Nothing that I want in this life is going to be easy to achieve, but I'll work as hard and as long as I need to for this dream to come true.

I’ve known since a young age that my parents worked hard. The way they would come home, and rub their aches from a long day at the factory. The way they would smile at me and my brother, and tell us that everything was alright. The more I grew up, the more I understood how much they gave up for us. How every little sacrifice mattered in the end. Since I have memories, I can remember that college has always been important to my parents. They never had the opportunity to further their education. Their families needed them, so they gave up their dreams for their sake. Difficult days at the factories they worked at, only to get a small paycheck. They have never wanted that future for me and my brother. The decision to leave Mexico and come to America was a difficult choice to make, but one they do not regret. It was to give us a chance, so how was that a bad choice? I’m set to attend Auburn University this fall and my parents are ecstatic. The big issue is the money, as it always is. My parents' dreams came true and I have a bright future ahead of me and I don’t plan on disappointing them or myself. I’m certainly not going to let something like money stop me from reaching my goals. We might not have a lot of money, but I know we’re going to make it. I’m planning on majoring in Building Science and becoming a project manager or superintendent in the future. My parents built something in this country just for us, and I want to build things for other people. I want to be able to know I did something for someone even if it was just helping bring something of theirs to life. My goal is to make a name for myself in the construction industry, and when I can I want to start something of my own. To be able to give people who don’t have much or just came to this country for a new opportunity, a place to live. A place to call their own in a place so foreign to them. I want to provide the help that neither of my parents had. At the end of the day, all I really want to do in this life is to help people in whatever way I can.