Hobbies and interests
Legos
Electric Guitar
Marketing
Guitar
Gaming
Juan Ibarra
685
Bold Points1x
FinalistJuan Ibarra
685
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am someone who values hard work, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. Growing up in a challenging neighborhood, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and sacrifices my immigrant parents endured to provide us with opportunities they never had. This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for diligence and resilience.
My life goals are centered around achieving personal and academic success while giving back to my community. I am passionate about using my education to break the cycle of poverty and inspire others facing similar challenges. Music has been a profound outlet for me, offering solace and joy during difficult times. It has taught me the importance of creativity and expression in overcoming adversity.
I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my commitment to academic excellence and my determination to make a positive impact. Despite financial obstacles, I have maintained a strong academic record and remained focused on my goals. My experiences in labor alongside my father and the wisdom imparted by my grandmother have shaped my character and fueled my drive to succeed against all odds.
This scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also enable me to continue pursuing my dreams of becoming the first college graduate in my family. With this opportunity, I am dedicated to becoming a role model for others in my community, showing them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. This will help me create opportunities for others and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Education
Iona College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Marketing and Advertising
Dream career goals:
Media Intern
Heineken2024 – Present12 months
Sports
Rugby
Varsity2022 – Present2 years
Soccer
Varsity2018 – 20213 years
Research
Business/Managerial Economics
Iona University — Research Assistant2023 – 2023
Public services
Volunteering
Community Service Associates, Inc. Free Meal Program — Cleaner ,Server, and Mover2017 – 2022
Neal Hartl Memorial Sales/Marketing Scholarship
Neal Hartl's dedication to his family and passion for his work as a sales representative at BeaconMedaes resonates deeply with me. Growing up in a rundown neighborhood in Mount Vernon, NY, as a Mexican American born to immigrant parents, I quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. My parents sacrificed everything for a chance at a better life, working tirelessly to provide for our family. Their unwavering determination became my inspiration and driving force.
Navigating through a challenging public school system, I witnessed many of my peers fall victim to the pitfalls of gang involvement and trouble. Despite these challenges, I remained steadfast in my dedication to education. Excelling in school wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices and make them proud.
Education became my pathway to a brighter future. I worked diligently, maintaining a strong academic record that secured my place in college, despite the daunting financial burden. My parents had given up so much to provide opportunities for me, and I was determined to seize them.
In addition to my studies, I spent my free time alongside my father, laboring in construction and landscaping from sunrise to sunset. These experiences instilled in me the value of hard work and reinforced my desire for a better life. Despite the grueling conditions, I never lost sight of my goals. My parents had come to this country seeking a life free from the hardships they endured, and their dream became my driving force.
With the little money I saved, I purchased a beat-up guitar from a garage sale. Playing it became my refuge, offering solace and joy amid life’s struggles. Music became a profound outlet, a means of expression that transcended daily challenges.
My grandmother, who resides in Mexico, has always been a source of unwavering faith in me. She taught me that despite my environment, I have the power to shape my destiny through my choices and actions. Her passing strengthened my resolve to strive for excellence and bring pride to my family.
Today, I am on track to become the first college graduate in my family—a testament to my personal triumph and the strength of my parents. Education has opened doors I never thought possible, equipping me with the skills needed to succeed in business management with a focus on sales and marketing. It has been transformative, offering me hope and a way out of poverty while honoring my parents’ sacrifices.
As I continue my educational journey, I am committed to using my knowledge and skills to give back to my community. I aspire to serve as a role model for young people facing similar challenges, demonstrating that education is a powerful tool for achieving a better life. Like Augustus L. Harper, I aim to create opportunities for others and uphold the legacy of those who have paved the way before me.
In conclusion, education has been the cornerstone of my personal and professional development, providing me with the tools to succeed, the strength to persevere, and the hope for a brighter future. I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me and am determined to utilize my education to make a positive impact in the world.
Thank you for considering my application.
Augustus L. Harper Scholarship
Growing up in a rundown neighborhood in Mount Vernon, NY, as a Mexican American born to immigrant parents, I quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. My parents, who had left everything they knew behind in search of a better life, worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Their sacrifices and determination became my inspiration and driving force.
In the public school system, I witnessed many of my peers fall into gang involvement and trouble, derailing their futures. Despite these challenges, I remained dedicated to education. Excelling in school was not just about personal achievement but also a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices and make them proud.
I realized early on that education was my pathway to a brighter future. I worked diligently, maintaining focus on my studies. Though my grades secured a college place, the financial burden was daunting. Yet, I remained determined to pursue my dreams, inspired by my parents' sacrifices.
With every challenge, I drew strength from my family’s resilience and unwavering support. Their sacrifices motivated me to excel academically and strive for a better life.
In my spare time, I worked alongside my father in construction and landscaping, from sunrise to sunset. This not only provided for our family but also funded the education of my sisters and myself. These experiences ingrained the value of hard work in me and fueled my determination for a better life. My parents' sacrifice to escape daily hardships in their homeland became my unwavering motivation.
With savings, I bought a worn guitar from a garage sale. Playing it became my refuge, offering solace and joy amidst life's challenges. Music became my expressive outlet, transcending daily struggles.
My grandmother in Mexico always believed in me, saying, "You are a product of your environment, but you choose who you become each day." Her wisdom guides me, empowering me to shape my destiny through my decisions. Her passing strengthened my resolve to achieve excellence and honor my family.
Today, I am on track to become the first college graduate in my family—a milestone that represents not only my personal triumph but also the strength and resilience of my parents. Education has opened doors I never thought possible, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in my chosen field and fostering personal growth along the way.
Education has transformed my life, offering hope and a pathway out of poverty while honoring my parents' sacrifices. It has instilled in me the values of perseverance, hard work, and the belief that dedication can turn dreams into reality.
As I continue my educational journey, I am dedicated to giving back to my community by using my knowledge and skills. I aim to inspire young people facing similar challenges, showing them that education is a powerful tool for achieving a better life. Like Augustus L. Harper, I strive to create opportunities for others and uphold the legacy of those who have paved the way before me.
Education is the cornerstone of my personal and professional growth, equipping me with the tools to succeed, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the optimism for a brighter future. I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided and am determined to make a positive impact in the world through my education.