I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways, and I know I could only do that with God by my side. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives. Winning this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams and help the community in an impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford, as the first in my family to do so. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives.

For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at 10 years old. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my own self care opportunities with artistic hobbies, sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating up tortillas, pouring beverages and setting the table. Seeing the gratitude in the people’s faces as I served them food made me aware that the smallest gesture of kindness can bring hope and healing. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships has led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop my skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to learn from and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope.

For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at 10 years old. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my own self care opportunities with artistic hobbies, sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. My experiences overcoming personal hardships has led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop my skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to learn from and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. Being raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income, I always told myself as a child that college was "only for people who are more fortunate or rich." Fast forward to 20 years old, I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. I believe that the scholarship could help me to achieve my goals despite my childhood growing up or my low income.

For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at 10 years old. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my own self care opportunities with artistic hobbies, sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating up tortillas, pouring beverages and setting the table. Seeing the gratitude in the people’s faces as I served them food made me aware that the smallest gesture of kindness can bring hope and healing. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships has led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop my skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to learn from and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope.

I opened my eyes the next morning with a pit in my stomach, following a night of drinking and acting out of my usual character. This was the starting point of realizing just how little having a drink in my hand truly mattered to me, and I couldn't help but think of my mother. I thought about how she must have that same pit in her stomach the day she decided to get sober for good. I have always known that addiction, especially alcoholism has run in my family, from a very young age. I’ve seen how alcoholism can break relationships, ruin career opportunities, drive friends away, and cause depression and anxiety to creep in. I have probably seen just about it all. My awareness and ability to have understanding and compassion for these disorders, has pushed me to go to school to help people with prevention techniques and to improve their mental health. I thought about when I was a child, gazing into a social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old girl who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I opened my eyes the next morning with a pit in my stomach, following a night of drinking and acting out of my usual character. This was the starting point of realizing just how little having a drink in my hand truly mattered to me, and I couldn't help but think of my mother. I thought about how she must have that same pit in her stomach the day she decided to get sober for good. I have always known that addiction, especially alcoholism has run in my family, from a very young age. I’ve seen how alcoholism can break relationships, ruin career opportunities, drive friends away, and cause depression and anxiety to creep in. I have probably seen just about it all. My awareness and ability to have understanding and compassion for these disorders, has pushed me to go to school to help people with prevention techniques and to improve their mental health. I thought about when I was a child, I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old girl who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I love examining human behavior. What makes someone tick, what makes them decide to pick up a bottle, why they committed that crime, or what shaped them in life to be the person sitting right in front of you. Curiosity and excitement falls over me just at the thought of learning and being able to practice how to understand others. But I think what’s even more important than curiosity though, is the ability to gather that information and pour into a person, love, compassion, and help. I love reading psychology and sociology books in and outside of class, that have encouraged me to commit to my career path. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a nonjudgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. I can think about being a 9 year old who had just moved to Oregon and seeing "The Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. Fast forward to 20 years old, I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 9 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 12 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives.

For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at 10 years old. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my own self care opportunities with artistic hobbies, sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. My experiences overcoming hardships and obstacles has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop my skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to learn from and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich," I told myself. I can think about being a 12 year old who had just moved to Oregon and seeing "The Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. Fast forward to 20 years old, I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

I love shopping malls. I went shopping with friends at 12 years old after just moving to Oregon, it was my first time seeing the "Duck Store" and from that moment on I fell in love with the Oregon ducks. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to go to the University of Oregon, a dream of mine I never thought I could achieve since I was raised by a single mother who worked paycheck to paycheck receiving minimum wage income. "It's only for people who are more fortunate or rich, '' I told myself. At 20 years old I pushed myself to go back to school, at a community college I knew I could afford. I was given the opportunity to receive Pell Grants, and when those grants ran out I paid for everything out of my own pocket. Once I did receive my associates degree, I stopped believing the lie that a University was out of my reach. I gained my work ethic and my confidence to move forward from my mother, and being the first person in my generation to receive a college degree inspired me more. The day I applied for the UO, I went back to that same Duck Store and bought myself a shirt knowing that no matter what I face financially or the cost of attendance, my dreams will come true. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at age 10. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to overcome and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope. I graduated from Lane Community College with my AAOT to start at the University of Oregon in the fall of 2024, I will then go on to get my graduate degree in counseling. My interests include case management, creating plans with clients, communication, and interpersonal skills. I will be serving individuals and families in creating healthy coping mechanisms and ideally in some cases reuniting children with their parents. My goals are assisting clients in a non-judgemental and accepting manner, by listening to their concerns and providing tools and resources they need to move forward with their lives.

For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me, it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at 10 years old. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Seeing the gratitude in the people’s faces as I served them food made me aware that the smallest gesture of kindness can bring hope and healing. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to learn from and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope.

I gazed into the social worker's eyes, as a 10-year-old child who had just been taken out of custody of my alcoholic mother. I realized that this social worker was the first person I could finally trust and feel seen by that scary night. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my self-care opportunities with artistic hobbies, and sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took during my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating tortillas, pouring beverages, and setting the table. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships have led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop the skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. I may have entered the foster care system as a scared little girl, but I emerged with skills and strengths that could not only help me but that I could use in helping others. Just like the social worker who left an impact on me, I may be the first person that a child could finally trust and feel seen by, and that’s my biggest motivation and goal in this field.

For some, goals can feel like a far-fetched idea or something in the distance they can’t see. For me it’s crystal clear. My educational career goal is to attain my Family and Human Services Bachelor’s degree, which will give me the skills needed to work with young children and adolescents in the foster system. As a former foster child, I have an understanding of how trauma and difficult experiences can make an impressionable little girl who once saw the world as a big beautiful place, change into a suddenly scary and untrustworthy one when I was taken away from my alcoholic mother at 10 years old. Once placed in my foster home, I had to face my fears and take care of not only myself but my younger sister who needed protection. Even though I was in a safe and stable home, it lacked emotional nurturing, so I created my own self care opportunities with artistic hobbies, sports, building a strong relationship with my cousin, and a deep connection with God. The skills and strengths I needed to respond in this situation were perseverance, and determination, which are qualities that I have nourished moving forward into my adult life. I've learned that my ability to make the most of a bad situation has continued to help me meet difficulties with a positive attitude. I wholeheartedly believe that this experience has shaped me into the strong caring person that I am today, and has prepared me to step into the work field with confidence, immense understanding, and compassion. An example of a transformative experience that has helped me to put these skills into action was a mission trip that I took my senior year of high school. “Go share my word and help the people.” I heard these words fall over me, almost as if I knew God was encouraging me to make a difference and to do just that, help the people. As we roamed the streets of this small town in Mexico, my heart went out to the people that I saw living in poverty. I was overwhelmed by the desire to make a difference in their lives by providing prayers and preparing meals at the local church. I would help by heating up tortillas, pouring beverages and setting the table. Seeing the gratitude in the people’s faces as I served them food made me aware that the smallest gesture of kindness can bring hope and healing. Whether I was sitting and making arts and crafts with the children, or outside playing soccer with them and blowing bubbles, I soaked in their laughter and contagious smiles knowing that I was making an impact in their lives. My experiences overcoming personal hardships has led me to find a deep sense of purpose through volunteering and chasing my educational career goals. Every obstacle I've faced has only motivated me to make a real difference and help others in meaningful ways. I will continue to further develop my skills that I have learned in my academics and hands-on involvement to effectively handle case management, communication, and interpersonal relationships, all of which are essential in supporting clients effectively in my future career working with youth in the foster system. My biggest motivation in pursuing this career would be the trials and errors that I encountered in my life, which I was able to learn from and apply in my daily life positively, encouraging me to give back to the community and share optimism and hope.