Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American in El Paso, Texas, I have been shaped by the perseverance, sacrifice, and selflessness of my mom. She is a single immigrant who worked tirelessly to raise me, earning her GED and attending community college while supporting our family. She now works as an immigration paralegal, helping people navigate challenges every day, all while managing two jobs to make sure I have opportunities she didn’t. I’ve watched her wear old clothes so I could have new ones, take on extra work so I could have what I needed for school, and quietly give everything she could to make my life better. I remember one moment that still makes me emotional. I was thirteen, and I casually mentioned that having a printer would help me with school because I was frustrated with writing everything by hand. The next day, a printer appeared at our home. Later that week, a letter came in the mail showing that she had gotten a credit card just to buy it for me. I sat there crying, realizing how much one casual comment had cost her, and how selflessly she puts my needs above her own. Experiences like this taught me to never take things for granted, to work hard, and to always think about how I can give back to others. Her example has guided every part of my life. As the Battalion Commander in my high school JROTC program, I have learned that leadership isn’t just a title it’s about being reliable, mentoring others, and serving my community. I’ve completed over 272 hours of volunteer work, including Color Guard at the El Paso Veteran’s Day Parade, the Navy Retirement Ceremony, Unidos Olympics, and Hillside Junior Achievement. I am also a student-athlete and captain of my wrestling team, and a member of the art club, where I love competing in competitions. Balancing school, JROTC, athletics, and art has taught me discipline, perseverance, and time management all lessons I carry from watching my mom work tirelessly for our family. Seeing my mom dedicate herself to others has inspired me to do the same. I hope to use my talents, leadership skills, and creativity to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Whether that is mentoring younger students, volunteering with underrepresented communities, or helping those in need, I want to uplift others just as my mom has always uplifted me. Being raised by a single parent who works so selflessly has shaped who I am. Her love, sacrifices, and unwavering determination have instilled in me resilience, compassion, and the drive to achieve excellence. I want to honor her by giving back to my community, pursuing my passions fully, and helping people in any way I can.

Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I’ve always felt a responsibility to give back to my community and make the most of every opportunity. I am a first-generation Mexican-American, and my mom is a single immigrant who has worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Watching her balance multiple jobs while supporting me has taught me resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work. Her sacrifices inspire me to push myself academically, athletically, and in my community, because I know that my success is not just for me it’s for her too. As the Battalion Commander in my high school JROTC program, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about a title it’s about being someone others can rely on, whether it’s helping younger cadets, organizing events, or showing up consistently. Over the past year, I’ve completed more than 272 hours of community service, from Color Guard at the El Paso Veteran’s Day Parade and Navy Retirement Ceremony to volunteering at the Hillside Junior Achievement program and the Unidos Olympics. Every hour I’ve spent serving has taught me how much one person’s actions no matter how small can matter to others. Beyond JROTC, I’m a student-athlete and the captain of my wrestling team. Wrestling has pushed me to my limits, teaching me discipline, resilience, and how to keep going even when I feel like giving up. It’s taught me that growth comes from hard work, practice, and refusing to quit lessons I apply to school, volunteering, and every other part of my life. I’m also part of my school’s art club, and competing in art competitions has become one of my favorite ways to challenge myself creatively. Art allows me to express myself in ways words or actions sometimes can’t, and I love seeing my ideas come to life and sharing them with others. Balancing JROTC, wrestling, art, and school isn’t always easy, but it’s taught me time management, dedication, and how to pursue my passions without losing sight of what matters. Financially, pursuing higher education is a challenge for my family. My mom has worked tirelessly to support me, but scholarships are essential to help me continue my education. This scholarship would relieve a lot of stress and give me the freedom to focus on my studies, leadership roles, and community service. It would allow me to keep growing as a leader, mentor, student-athlete, and artist, while continuing to make a difference in the lives of those around me. What draws me to the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship is how much Kalia’s life reminds me of what I hope to be: hardworking, kind, and determined to help others while striving for excellence. Like her, I try to balance personal growth with lifting up the people around me whether that’s cheering on a teammate, encouraging a younger cadet, or mentoring someone at a community event. I want to honor her legacy by continuing to lead, serve, and pursue every challenge with the same drive and dedication she showed. Receiving this scholarship wouldn’t just help me pay for college it would be a chance to continue pursuing the things I love, supporting my community, and living up to the example of someone I deeply admire. Through JROTC, athletics, art, and service, I’ve learned that growth, resilience, and kindness matter just as much as achievements. I hope to carry those lessons forward, just like Kalia did, making a lasting impact on the people around me while pushing myself to be my very best.

Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I have always believed in giving back to my community. As the Battalion Commander in my high school JROTC program, I have had the opportunity to lead, serve, and protect those around me, while completing over 272 hours of community service. Through JROTC, I have learned that leadership is not just about holding a title it is about setting an example, supporting others, and making a positive impact on the lives of people in your community. Much of my volunteer work has been centered around events that honor and support others, such as serving in Color Guard at the El Paso Veteran’s Day Parade, the Burges Veteran’s Ceremony, the Navy Retirement Ceremony, and the 210th Puerto Rico Military Ball. I have also contributed to local youth and school events, including the Hillside Junior Achievement program, Red Ribbon Hillside Parade, Unidos special Olympics, Camaraderie Day at Rosedale, and numerous school graduations. These experiences taught me the value of discipline, respect, and teamwork, and showed me how one person’s actions can influence the lives of many. Financially, pursuing higher education is a challenge for my family. While I am determined to attend college, I rely on scholarships and community support to help make this dream possible. The financial support from this scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and continue giving back to the community, without the added burden of worrying about educational expenses. Protecting children and youth from bullying is a responsibility I take seriously. In my JROTC program, I have worked closely with my peers to create a safe and inclusive environment, both in school and online. I encourage younger cadets to speak up if they witness bullying and to support one another in a respectful way. I also understand the dangers of cyberbullying and emphasize the importance of kindness, digital responsibility, and standing against harmful online behavior. For example, I have helped younger students navigate online conflicts and understand how to report inappropriate behavior safely. My goal is to create spaces both in person and online where young people feel safe, respected, and heard. I believe that leadership means using your influence to protect and support others. By combining my community service, leadership experience, and commitment to preventing bullying, I hope to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and teens. Whether it is leading a Color Guard, mentoring younger cadets, or standing against cyberbullying, I am committed to being a positive role model and ensuring that everyone in my community feels safe and valued. The Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation’s mission resonates deeply with me. By preventing bullying and promoting awareness, we can help young people grow into confident, resilient, and responsible individuals. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease my path to higher education but also empower me to continue serving my community and protecting the youth of El Paso, both in-person and online.

Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I have witnessed firsthand how the criminal justice system intersects with the lives of everyday people, particularly through immigration. I have seen families separated, children confused, and parents navigating a system that often feels intimidating and inaccessible. This has instilled in me a deep awareness that one of the major issues facing the criminal justice system today is the lack of equitable access to legal representation, especially for immigrants and other underrepresented communities. People are often forced to navigate complex laws without guidance, and their voices go unheard, leaving them vulnerable to mistakes that can have lifelong consequences. I first recognized the importance of justice and advocacy at home. My mother’s experience as an immigrant opened my eyes to the barriers and challenges many families face within the legal system. I saw how a single decision could change the course of a person’s life, and it sparked a passion in me to fight for fairness and ensure that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to competent legal guidance. I want to pursue a career in law focused on criminal justice and immigration, working to bridge the gap between the system and the communities it serves, ensuring that fairness is not just an ideal, but a reality for those who need it most. To prepare for this path, I have actively sought opportunities to understand the criminal justice system and contribute to my community. I have participated in JROTC leadership programs, where I learned the value of discipline, ethical decision-making, and responsibility skills that are crucial for any legal career. I have volunteered with local organizations that assist immigrants and refugees, helping families complete paperwork, understand legal terminology, and access resources. These experiences have shown me the real-world challenges that underrepresented populations face and strengthened my commitment to becoming a lawyer who advocates fiercely for the underrepresented. Through these opportunities, I have learned that empathy, patience, and clear communication are just as essential as knowledge of the law. Working directly with families has taught me to listen deeply, anticipate challenges, and respond with solutions that protect their rights. I have seen how a single act of advocacy helping a family understand their legal options or ensuring they meet a critical deadline can reduce stress, prevent mistakes, and even prevent family separations. This hands-on experience has given me confidence that my future in criminal justice will not just be about understanding the law, but using it as a tool to protect and empower others. If given the chance to continue my education in law, I plan to address the issue of unequal access to representation by focusing on immigration and criminal defense, ensuring that those most vulnerable have a voice in the courtroom. I want to work in communities like El Paso, where immigration issues are a daily reality, and expand my impact by volunteering with nonprofit legal aid organizations, advocating for policy reforms, and mentoring other students interested in criminal justice. I believe that by combining legal expertise with compassion and community engagement, I can help make the system more equitable and just. Witnessing injustice firsthand and having the opportunity to assist those in need has shaped not only my career goals but also my approach to life. I have learned that advocacy requires courage, persistence, and integrity, and that even small acts of support can create meaningful change. As I pursue a career in criminal justice, I am committed to becoming the kind of lawyer who not only understands the law but uses it to empower and protect others, continuing a cycle of service that began in my own community. In a system where access to justice is often uneven, I want to be a voice for those who are overlooked. By addressing inequities in legal representation and advocating for immigrant and underrepresented communities, I hope to honor the principle that justice is not just for some it is a right for all. My experiences in volunteering, leadership, and observing my community have prepared me to take this responsibility seriously, and I am ready to dedicate my career to advancing fairness, equality, and opportunity within the criminal justice system.

When I entered Mrs. Del Toro’s 8th grade English class, I felt invisible. I wasn’t popular, and I often kept to myself, hiding behind books to escape the awkwardness of middle school. I felt weird, unapproachable, and like I didn’t belong anywhere. But Mrs. Del Toro saw me in a way no one else did. From the very first day, she greeted me with a warm smile that made me feel noticed, even when I was too shy or self-conscious to speak up. That small gesture mattered more than she could ever know. For the longest time, I struggled with spelling and felt embarrassed by my mistakes. I would silently compare myself to other students who seemed naturally smart or confident, thinking I would never catch up. Shame made me retreat further into my books, afraid anyone would notice how much I struggled. But in Mrs. Del Toro’s classroom, my mistakes weren’t a reason for judgment they were opportunities to learn. She treated every question I asked, every misspelled word, with patience and encouragement, never making me feel “behind” or less capable than anyone else. Her kindness changed everything. I remember one day during a spelling exercise, I was too nervous to raise my hand. Mrs. Del Toro noticed and simply smiled at me, silently giving me permission to try without fear. That smile spoke louder than words it told me that I belonged, that it was okay to stumble, and that my effort mattered more than perfection. Her belief in me gave me the courage to push myself, even when I didn’t believe in myself. By the end of the year, I took my state test and scored nearly perfectly just one question away from a perfect score. I had gone from the quiet, self-conscious girl to someone who could stand tall and say, “I did this.” It wasn’t just the score that mattered it was the journey of realizing that I could overcome my fears and insecurities, that my hard work could pay off. Mrs. Del Toro had quietly nurtured my confidence, helping me understand that success isn’t about being the loudest or the “smartest,” but about perseverance, effort, and believing in yourself. Because of her, I learned to embrace my own strengths and to trust in my abilities, even when I felt out of place. Mrs. Del Toro didn’t just teach English; she taught resilience, compassion, and the importance of seeing the potential in others. She inspired me to face challenges with courage and to approach life with curiosity and hope. Her influence continues to shape how I navigate the world: I seek growth over perfection, kindness over judgment, and I never underestimate the power of a single person who believes in you. Mrs. Del Toro showed me that a teacher’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She gave me more than academic skills she gave me the courage to believe in myself, even when I felt invisible. That lesson is something I carry with me every day, and it has shaped how I approach life, challenges, and the way I treat others. Because of her, I know that a little encouragement, patience, and belief can change everything.

I’ve loved law for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I used to sit in my mom’s office while she worked as an immigration paralegal. I would alphabetically organize files, file papers, and help in tiny ways. I didn’t fully understand what she was doing, but I knew it mattered. I knew she was helping people like us. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a lawyer too. My mom came here from Mexico with nothing. She raised me alone in El Paso, Texas, working two, sometimes three jobs just to keep us alive. She didn’t finish high school at first, but she got her GED, went to community college, and built a career helping families who had no one else. She wears the same clothes year after year so I can have new shoes for school. She skips meals so I can eat. She sacrifices every day, and she never complains. I see it. I carry it with me. Even with all that, she shows up for me. She drives me to wrestling tournaments before the sun comes up. She sits in the stands at my JROTC events. She finds money for art supplies when she barely has enough for herself. She gives me more than I could ever ask for, even when it costs her everything. Living in El Paso, I see families like ours every day. I see kids scared their parents will be taken from them. I see tears, fear, and desperation. And I see the relief when they know someone is on their side. That’s when I knew I want to do the same thing. I want to fight for immigrant families. I want to make sure kids like me get to grow up with their parents. I want to give people hope when they feel like they’ve lost everything. Wrestling taught me how to fight through pain. JROTC taught me discipline and leadership. But my mom taught me what real sacrifice looks like, and how love can push you to do more than you think you can. That’s what drives me every day. Law isn’t just a career for me. It’s a way to honor my mom, to honor the people she helps, and to fight for those who have no one else. I want to be an immigration lawyer. I want to help families stay together. I want to protect kids from losing the people who love them. I want to make my mom proud, and I want to show her that every sacrifice she made, every sleepless night, every time she went without so I could have something, was not wasted. I want to study law so that maybe in a couple of years, a first-generation Mexican American girl just like me can be submitting an application for a scholarship to fight for her education, too.

Growing up, I watched my mom give up everything so I could have something. She came to this country from Mexico and raised me on her own. She’s always worked two jobs, sometimes three, just to keep us going. What I remember most are the little sacrifices she wears the same clothes year after year, but she saves up to buy me new school shoes or a hoodie so I don’t feel out of place. She skips meals so I can have lunch money. She never complains, but I see it. I carry that with me every day. Even with all that weight on her, my mom always shows up for me. She wakes up before the sun to take me to wrestling tournaments. She’s in the stands at my JROTC events. She somehow finds money for art supplies when I want to compete. She gives me more than I could ever ask for, even when I know it means she goes without. My mom didn’t get to graduate high school, but she never gave up. She went back, got her GED, then went to community college, and now works as an immigration paralegal. That inspires me more than anything. She’s been through struggles I can’t even imagine, but she never quit. She taught me you don’t stop, no matter how hard life gets. You fight. That’s what I think about when I wrestle. Wrestling is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but when I want to quit, I think of my mom. I think about her long shifts, her old sweater, her saving her last dollar for me. That’s what pushes me to fight harder, to lead my JROTC team with pride, and to keep my grades up. Everything I do, I do for both of us. But the truth is, motivation isn’t always enough. Money is real, and it limits what students like me can do. A scholarship like this would mean I could focus on my future instead of worrying about adding more weight to my mom’s shoulders. It would give me the chance to keep chasing my goals college, leadership, giving back the same way my mom never stopped chasing hers. I believe students like me deserve chances like this because we know sacrifice. We know what hard work means. I’ve learned resilience from my mom, and with your support, I can take that strength and turn it into something bigger something that honors her sacrifices and builds the future she’s always wanted for me.

Wrestling isn’t just a sport to me it’s my family, my safe place, and the thing that’s shaped me the most. I started wrestling in middle school when I was fourteen, and I fell in love with it right away. At first it was just about learning the moves, but soon it became about discipline, pushing myself, and proving that I could keep going no matter how hard it got. When I got to high school, I got sidetracked and stepped away for a while. But wrestling never really let go of me. I missed the mat, the fight, and the lessons. So I came back. Since then, I’ve gone to regionals both years, and now, as a senior, I’m pushing harder than ever to place at state. This year is my last season, and it feels different. Everything hits harder because I know it’s the last time I’ll get to compete in high school. Being named team captain has been one of the biggest honors of my life. Not because I’m the best wrestler out there, but because my dedication and love for this sport got noticed. I’ve put my whole heart into it. But what I love most isn’t just wrestling itself it’s my team. The girls on my team are my family. We laugh together, we cry together, and we fight for each other. Wrestling is called an individual sport, but behind every match is a team that holds you up. I love being captain because I get to guide them, especially the younger girls. My goal is to teach them to be themselves on the mat, to wrestle fearless, and to know they have nothing to lose. Wrestling also connects me to my dad. He was a wrestler too. We don’t really talk much, but when I wrestle, it feels like I carry a part of him with me. He’s even come to some of my matches, and those moments mean more than I can explain. Wrestling has given me something that ties us together, even without words. This sport has taught me respect, discipline, and how to keep going even when I feel like giving up. It’s humbled me, it’s lifted me, and it’s shown me that I’m stronger than my doubts. Wrestling is more than just wins and losses it’s about heart, courage, and family. As I head into my final season, I know wrestling will always be a part of me. It gave me a family, a bond with my dad, and a chance to lead. More than anything, I want to inspire the girls on my team to believe in themselves and to step on the mat with no fear. Wrestling isn’t just what I do it’s who I am.

Walking into high school as a freshman, I knew I carried more than just a backpack. I carried the responsibility of being a first-generation Mexican American on my mother’s side, raised by a single mom in a low-income household. My mom immigrated from Mexico and, despite the obstacles she faced, she worked hard and eventually graduated from community college. Watching her fight for her education through tough times has been one of my biggest inspirations. Her example showed me that education can open doors, and it gave me the drive to push myself further and aim for a college degree. High school has shaped me into someone hungry for more. Joining JROTC my freshman year gave me discipline, structure, and purpose. Over the years, I worked my way up to Battalion Commander, the highest cadet leadership position in our program. Leading my peers taught me that true leadership is about serving others listening, guiding, and supporting them so the whole team succeeds. JROTC has not only inspired me to pursue higher education but also shown me how much I enjoy helping others grow, something I want to continue in college and beyond. Sports have also played a huge role in my growth. As the captain of the wrestling team, I’ve learned toughness and resilience. Wrestling has pushed me to test my limits, but what I value most is being able to give back to younger athletes. I volunteer as a coach for middle school wrestlers, helping them gain confidence and build skills, and I also referee middle school matches. I want these kids to see that they are capable of more than they think just like my mom showed me. Community service has been another big part of my high school experience. I have completed over 272 verified hours, through volunteering at school events, local clean-ups, and mentoring younger students. Service has taught me that even small actions can make a real difference. Every hour I give back reminds me why I want to keep pushing forward: to be in a position where I can help more people and give back on a larger scale. None of this would have been possible without my mom’s example. She came to this country with little and raised me on her own. Even while facing financial struggles, she showed me the importance of hard work, education, and never giving up. Her graduation from community college proved that it’s possible to succeed even through hardship. That memory drives me every day. I want to continue her legacy by becoming the first in my family to graduate from a university. My high school years have given me confidence in who I am and who I want to become. From leading as Battalion Commander in JROTC, to serving my community with over 272 hours of volunteer work, to being a captain and mentor in wrestling, I’ve learned that I belong in positions where I can make an impact. Higher education is the next step for me not just for myself, but for my mom, my family, and my community. I know the road won’t be easy, but I’m ready for it. My high school has taught me to work hard, lead with purpose, and serve with heart. My mom has shown me that no matter the struggles, education is worth it. With these lessons, I am ready to pursue college and continue building a future where I can inspire others the way my mom has inspired me.