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Joshua Alcaraz

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a student-athlete, servant, and someone committed to personal growth and helping others. What defines me is not just what I do, but why I do it. Every part of my life—academics, athletics, service, and faith—connects to my goal of making a meaningful impact, especially for families in need of guidance and support. My goal of becoming a family and marriage therapist comes from a passion for helping people navigate challenges and build stronger relationships. I have seen how communication and support can transform lives, and I want to provide that for others. This purpose drives me to strengthen my communication, emotional awareness, and leadership skills. Academically, I have earned honors recognition and completed A-G requirements, showing discipline and commitment. In athletics, competing in cross country, track, basketball, and football has taught me resilience and time management. Earning MVP in cross country reflects not just achievement, but consistency and dedication. I have also committed myself to service through Bible study, Campus Life, Link Crew, and volunteering at a food bank. Mentoring peers and supporting others has strengthened my leadership and reinforced my desire to serve. What sets me apart is my discipline, faith, and purpose. I am preparing not just for success, but to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Education

Reedley High

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Associate's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Family and Marriage Counseling
    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Basketball

      Varsity
      2022 – 20264 years

      Awards

      • MVP

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Cutler Apostolic Church — Bible study leader
        2022 – Present

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Entrepreneurship

      Resiliency Award
      I was born into a Christian family; however, at the age of six, my parents experienced a separation that significantly impacted my early life. During this time, I witnessed the financial and emotional challenges my mother faced while raising three children on her own. Despite these hardships, she remained unwavering in her faith and continued to serve faithfully in our church. Throughout my childhood, I observed her dedication as she ushered during conferences and services, assisted with community food distribution, served as a Women’s Leader, and contributed to the Children’s Ministry. Her resilience and commitment to service have profoundly influenced my values and character. My experiences within my family, church, school, and extracurricular activities have all contributed to shaping who I am today. As a student-athlete, I have participated in cross country, track, basketball, and football, developing discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Beyond athletics, I am deeply committed to my spiritual growth and to supporting others as they navigate life’s challenges. I have come to understand the transformative power of communication, empathy, and encouragement, and I strive to embody these qualities in my interactions with others. For the past four years, I have led a weekly Bible study, where I have had the opportunity to guide and encourage my peers through faith-based discussions. Additionally, through my involvement in Campus Life and Link Crew, I have mentored fellow students, offering support to freshmen as they transition into high school and providing encouragement to peers facing everyday challenges. I have also contributed over 40 hours of service assisting with my church’s food bank distribution. These experiences demonstrate my ongoing commitment to service and have strengthened my leadership abilities, further reinforcing my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. My long-term goal is to become a Family and Marriage Therapist, a career inspired by my personal experiences growing up in a single-parent household. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the importance of strong, healthy relationships within families. In addition to this professional aspiration, I feel a calling to ministry. After earning my Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Therapy, I plan to attend Bible college to obtain my ministry license, allowing me to serve individuals and families both professionally and spiritually. As the head of our household, my mother—an educator—has worked diligently to provide for our family. However, her income alone is not sufficient to meet the financial demands of my higher education. Receiving this scholarship would provide critical support in helping me pursue my academic and professional goals, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue preparing for a career dedicated to serving others. With this support, I will be equipped not only to achieve my goals, but also to give back by strengthening families and uplifting communities for generations to come. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration of my application.
      Jeanne Murphy Scholarship: Compassion in Action
      I was born into a Christian family; however, at the age of six, my parents experienced a separation that significantly impacted my early life. During this time, I witnessed the financial and emotional challenges my mother faced while raising three children on her own. Despite these hardships, she remained unwavering in her faith and continued to serve faithfully in our church. Throughout my childhood, I observed her dedication as she ushered during conferences and services, assisted with community food distribution, served as a Women’s Leader, and contributed to the Children’s Ministry. Her resilience and commitment to service have profoundly influenced my values and character. My experiences within my family, church, school, and extracurricular activities have all contributed to shaping who I am today. As a student-athlete, I have participated in cross country, track, basketball, and football, developing discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Beyond athletics, I am deeply committed to my spiritual growth and to supporting others as they navigate life’s challenges. I have come to understand the transformative power of communication, empathy, and encouragement, and I strive to embody these qualities in my interactions with others. For the past four years, I have led a weekly Bible study, where I have had the opportunity to guide and encourage my peers through faith-based discussions. Additionally, through my involvement in Campus Life and Link Crew, I have mentored fellow students, offering support to freshmen as they transition into high school and providing encouragement to peers facing everyday challenges. I have also contributed over 40 hours of service assisting with my church’s food bank distribution. These experiences demonstrate my ongoing commitment to service and have strengthened my leadership abilities, further reinforcing my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. My long-term goal is to become a Family and Marriage Therapist, a career inspired by my personal experiences growing up in a single-parent household. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the importance of strong, healthy relationships within families. In addition to this professional aspiration, I feel a calling to ministry. After earning my Master’s degree in Family and Marriage Therapy, I plan to attend Bible college to obtain my ministry license, allowing me to serve individuals and families both professionally and spiritually. As the head of our household, my mother—an educator—has worked diligently to provide for our family. However, her income alone is not sufficient to meet the financial demands of my higher education. Receiving this scholarship would provide critical support in helping me pursue my academic and professional goals, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue preparing for a career dedicated to serving others. With this support, I will be equipped not only to achieve my goals, but also to give back by strengthening families and uplifting communities for generations to come. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration of my application.