Growing up as a first-generation student in a low-income household, I’ve learned that ambition isn’t just about having big dreams — it’s about staying grounded and working hard, even when the path forward isn’t clear. For me, college has always felt like a goal I had to earn piece by piece. I want to pursue a future in healthcare so I can give back to the communities that shaped me — but getting there means facing real financial obstacles. My mom has always done her best to support me, but the reality is that we don’t have college savings. I’ve taken on every opportunity I can to make my future possible — maintaining a 4.0 GPA, volunteering at a pediatric clinic, and studying medical skills like CPR and medical terminology in high school. I’ve also balanced school with varsity basketball and community service events, often running home after practice to study, cook, or help clean before my mom returned from work. The financial pressure can be overwhelming, but I’ve never let it stop me. Instead, I use it as motivation. I want to build a future where I can support others — whether it’s as a nurse, physician assistant, or another path in the medical field. Volunteering at a pediatric clinic has shown me the kind of impact I want to have: bringing comfort, safety, and healing to others, especially kids and families who may be struggling like mine. This scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial stress my family faces, but it would also give me the space to fully commit to my goals without constantly worrying about how I’ll afford the next step. It would be a reminder that despite the barriers, students like me deserve a chance. I’m not just hoping for a better future — I’m working for it every day, and this support would help turn that future into a reality.

One of the most meaningful moments I’ve had was with my grandmother during a quiet evening at home. We were sitting on the couch together while she told me stories about her childhood in China — the long hours she spent working on a farm, how she didn’t get to finish school, and how she dreamed of a better future for her family. I remember the way she looked at me when she said, “You’re already living the life I hoped for.” At that moment, I felt something shift in me. I realized that my education wasn’t just about me — it was about fulfilling a dream passed down through generations. My grandmother holds a special place in my life because she represents both the hardships and the strength of my family. Her sacrifices and resilience are the reason I even have the opportunity to be a first-generation college student. Her words continue to echo in my head during difficult times — especially when I feel overwhelmed by school, responsibilities, or uncertainty about my future. She reminds me of where I come from and who I’m doing this for. Being a first-generation student is both a privilege and a challenge. There’s no blueprint laid out for me — I’ve had to figure things out on my own, from understanding how to apply for college to filling out financial aid forms and learning about scholarships. My family wants to help, but they don’t always know how, which sometimes makes me feel alone in the process. Still, it’s made me more independent, more resourceful, and more driven. At school, I balance rigorous courses, volunteering at a pediatric clinic, and playing varsity basketball — all while navigating this path with no guide ahead of me. I’ve made mistakes, felt lost, and had moments of self-doubt, but I’ve also grown tremendously. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, ask questions, and seek out opportunities even when they seem out of reach. Most importantly, being first-generation has taught me to value education in a way that goes beyond grades and test scores. To me, going to college means more than getting a degree — it means honoring my family’s sacrifices, becoming a role model for my younger siblings, and showing my grandmother that her story didn’t end in struggle. It continues in me — and through my success, I hope to create opportunities for others in my community as well.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is completing over 30 hours of volunteer work at a pediatric clinic—while also managing school, varsity basketball, and responsibilities at home. It might not sound huge to someone else, but to me, it meant everything. It tested my limits, made me grow, and gave me clarity on who I want to become. As a first-generation Chinese American and someone from a low-income background, I’ve always felt a quiet pressure to succeed—not just for myself, but for my family. My parents have worked hard their entire lives, and I’ve watched them put their needs aside so I could have more opportunities. Because of that, I’ve always felt like I need to make it all worth it. That pressure drove me to take on a lot: long school days, basketball practice, studying late into the night, and helping out at home whenever I could. Most days, I felt stretched thin. So when I got the chance to volunteer at a pediatric clinic, I almost didn’t go through with it. I was tired. I worried I wouldn’t be helpful, or that I’d just be in the way. But something told me to just try—and I’m so glad I did. I started off doing small things: helping with paperwork, organizing patient files, checking in families. But those small things began to matter. I saw how each task, no matter how minor, played a part in supporting the kids who came in. I began to feel like I belonged, like I was doing something meaningful. That experience opened my eyes to what it means to truly help someone. It also got me thinking about healthcare—not just as a career path, but as a way to show up for people when they need it most. Volunteering there didn’t just help build my resume. It gave me confidence. It taught me how to manage my time better, and it reminded me that even when I feel overwhelmed, I can push through. It also reminded me that growth doesn’t always look like a big leap—sometimes it’s just standing your ground when things get hard. It helped me realize that success isn’t about big moments—it’s built in small, quiet acts of showing up. I’m still figuring out my exact path, but I know I want to keep helping others. This experience reminded me that you don’t have to wait until you're older or more “qualified” to make a difference. You can start right where you are.

Being a female athlete isn’t always easy—especially when you’re trying to juggle school, sports, family responsibilities, and personal life, all while knowing that women’s sports rarely get the same recognition or support as men's. But through it all, basketball has taught me how to be strong, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I’m a first-generation student, the daughter of hardworking Chinese immigrants, and currently a varsity basketball player at New Utrecht High School. My life is a constant balancing act—rushing from school to practice, fitting in homework late at night, helping out at home, and volunteering at a pediatric clinic when I can. It’s exhausting at times, but it's also made me more disciplined, more determined, and more confident in my ability to handle pressure. When I first started playing basketball, I didn’t think I was “built” for it. I wasn’t the tallest, the fastest, or the loudest. But I showed up. Every single day. I practiced, worked on my mindset, pushed through self-doubt, and kept showing up for my team. And somewhere along the way, I started believing in myself—not just as an athlete, but as a leader and a young woman with goals. Balancing basketball with school has taught me time management, resilience, and how to keep pushing even when I’m tired or overwhelmed. There were weeks when it felt like everything was happening at once—SAT prep, games, volunteering, and personal struggles. I had to learn how to prioritize, how to stay grounded, and most importantly, how to ask for help when I needed it. Those lessons made me stronger in ways no classroom ever could. Being in a male-dominated world—whether it’s on the court, in sports media, or future careers—means we have to work twice as hard for half the recognition. But playing basketball has helped me find my voice. I’ve learned to speak up, to lead by example, and to carry myself with pride, even when the world seems to be watching someone else. This scholarship would mean a lot to me—not just financially, but as a reminder that female athletes like me are seen, heard, and supported. I hope to continue playing basketball in college, even if it’s not on the official team. The sport has become a part of who I am, and I’m not ready to give it up. More importantly, I hope to carry everything basketball has taught me into whatever career I pursue—maybe in healthcare, maybe somewhere else—but always with the same drive and heart I’ve developed as an athlete.

Ever since I was young, I’ve watched my family work tirelessly—especially my mom, who juggles long hours as a waitress to support us. Being the child of immigrants and a first-generation student, I’ve always carried the quiet pressure of wanting to succeed—not just for myself, but to give back to the people who gave everything for me. That drive is what pushes me to stay focused, even when balancing school, basketball, and family responsibilities feels overwhelming. I’m currently a senior at New Utrecht High School, where I’m studying in the medical program and building a foundation in healthcare through classes like Body Systems, Medical Careers, Life Support, Microbes and Environment, and Medical Office. Outside of school, I’ve completed over 30 hours of volunteer work at Nie Guo MD, a pediatric clinic, where I assist with administrative tasks and help patients. These experiences have given me a deeper understanding of the medical world and sparked a growing interest in anatomy and patient care, especially when I see the impact even small acts of kindness can have on someone’s health journey. In addition to academics, I’m also a member of my school's varsity basketball team. Playing at this level requires commitment, discipline, and time management—skills I’ve learned to apply both on and off the court. Balancing practices, games, homework, and volunteering hasn’t always been easy. There were times I felt stretched too thin, wondering if I could keep up. But every challenge helped me grow. I’ve learned how to manage my time, prioritize what matters most, and keep pushing even when things get tough. These life lessons are shaping not only my work ethic but also my resilience and sense of purpose. Currently, I’m still exploring the exact path I want to take within the healthcare field. However, one thing I am certain of is that I want to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s becoming a physical therapist, a nurse, or something else, my goal is to find a stable, meaningful job that I’m passionate about—one that allows me to support my family and be someone they’re proud of. Receiving this scholarship would mean so much—not only would it ease the financial burden on my family, but it would also let me focus more fully on my education and goals rather than stressing about work. Thank you for considering my application and supporting students like me who are working to build meaningful lives.