The moment I read about what a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) does, I instantly felt a spark! I just knew this was the perfect career for me. I've always had a passion for everything related to pregnancy and the incredible journey of baby development in a mother's womb. It's truly amazing to think about how something so tiny can grow into a beautiful bundle of joy! “Find a career that you truly enjoy, so you'll never feel like you're working. When you have fun and enjoy what you do, it won't feel like a daily grind. Otherwise, you'll find yourself dragging to work every day, and that's no way to spend the rest of your life.” Those words said by my AVID teacher, Ms. Simmons, stuck with me. I truly believe that a nurse’s job and responsibilities are incredibly important. They play a vital role in patient care, communication, and treatment. Nurses are the ones who spend the most time with patients, getting to know them on a personal level. When patients have questions or face challenges, they often turn to their nurses first. That's why I think the role of a nurse is so valuable. On a personal note, I think the key to becoming a great nurse starts with a genuine passion for what you do. If you're considering a career in nursing, it’s essential to truly enjoy helping others, working in the medical field, and connecting with patients. If you’re in it just for the paycheck, you might find yourself dreading work—just like my teacher, Mrs. Simmons, often says. My dream is to become the kind of nurse that everyone wants to have by their side! I envision myself as a friendly, smart, and funny nurse who brings a little joy and love to every patient’s day. Plus, being bilingual means I can connect with even more people. Right now, I mainly rely on my mom, and it’s a bit tough for us financially. As the youngest of five, finding a way to pay for college is going to be a challenge. My current goal is to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) so I can create a better future for generations to come. My mom didn't have the chance to pursue her education because of financial struggles, and I’m worried I might face similar challenges. That's why I’m focused on building a career that pays well—I want to provide for my future children, support my family, and help guide them on their path to success! I am confident that this is the career I am meant to dedicate my entire adulthood to. It represents the realization of my dreams.

I remember when I was little I would question why my mom had to work so much. I was young and didn't understand what paying bills was. My mother, as a dedicated single parent of five, worked tirelessly to create better opportunities for our family, especially as I was the youngest and the first to be born in this country. Her efforts were driven by a desire for my siblings and me to have a brighter future. I only rely on my mom to help pay for college, but our budget is very limited. My mom says she will work more and make more money to help me pay for college, but I don't want that. My mom is at an age where she gets tired often and has little energy. Throughout these years, she has had to work hard to provide for my siblings and me. She has spent a lot of money already on us, so I want her to prioritize her well-being above anything else. Being a first-generation student has taught me valuable lessons: the importance of always trying my best and not letting failure define me. Instead, I accept failure, learn from it, and move forward. My mom never received the support she needed to become a fashion designer, but she made sure to provide me and my siblings with the encouragement and support she never got. So, my success is her success, and my achievements reflect her sacrifices. If it's meant to be and if God allows it, I hope to become a Certified Nurse Midwife one day. I dream of wearing my uniform and going up to my mom to say, “Look, Mom, I finally made it.” It would mean the world to me to have her see my journey and our achievements.

I am from Westchester, New York, and come from a low-income, single-mother household. As a first-generation student and the youngest of five siblings, I have witnessed my mother’s relentless efforts to support our family. My mother's journey to this country has consistently been motivated by the hope and aspirations she holds for the future of her children. She made significant sacrifices to ensure a better life for me and my siblings. As my mother’s youngest daughter heading to college, I feel incredibly thankful and honored to be her child. Being the daughter of a warrior like her means everything to me. Having someone who serves as a real-life example of “if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything” is truly inspiring. The journey was not easy; there were many difficult days filled with tears. However, there were also many happy days where we created beautiful memories that I will cherish in my heart. Because of financial difficulties, my mom has generously offered to work more to help fund my college education, but I truly wish she didn’t feel the need to do that. She’s at an age where she easily gets tired and has less energy than she used to. Throughout the years, she has worked tirelessly to support my siblings and me, often putting our needs before her own. I appreciate her but also want her to prioritize her well-being. Growing up in a low-income household has taught me to appreciate the small things in life. I can only imagine how tough it must be for my mom, balancing the role of a mother while also stepping into the shoes my dad should have filled. Being a first-generation student has taught me many valuable lessons, including the importance of doing my best and not allowing failure to define me. I have learned to accept failure, learn from it, and move forward. Although my mom never received the support she needed to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer, she was determined to provide her children with the encouragement and support she never had. She set aside her dream to secure a future for my siblings and me. My success is a reflection of her sacrifices, and my achievements truly belong to her as well. I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to apply for so many scholarships. I recognize that many individuals, particularly those in financial need, often lack access to such resources. This scholarship would provide significant support for my mom and me in covering college expenses, especially tuition. College can be quite costly, and it often adds stress for those of us from low-income backgrounds, like myself. Growing up with a single mother comes with its own set of challenges, so even a small gesture of support carries immense meaning for me. Thank you.

The moment I read about what a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) does, I instantly felt a spark! I just knew this was the perfect career for me. I've always had a passion for everything related to pregnancy and the incredible journey of baby development in a mother's womb. It's truly amazing to think about how something so tiny can grow into a beautiful bundle of joy! “Find a career that you truly enjoy, so you'll never feel like you're working. When you have fun and enjoy what you do, it won't feel like a daily grind. Otherwise, you'll find yourself dragging to work every day, and that's no way to spend the rest of your life.” Those words said by my AVID teacher, Ms. Simmons, stuck with me. I truly believe that a nurse’s job and responsibilities are incredibly important. They play a vital role in patient care, communication, and treatment. Nurses are the ones who spend the most time with patients, getting to know them on a personal level. When patients have questions or face challenges, they often turn to their nurses first. That's why I think the role of a nurse is so valuable. On a personal note, I think the key to becoming a great nurse starts with a genuine passion for what you do. If you're considering a career in nursing, it’s essential to truly enjoy helping others, working in the medical field, and connecting with patients. If you’re in it just for the paycheck, you might find yourself dreading work—just like my teacher, Mrs. Simmons, often says. My dream is to become the kind of nurse that everyone wants to have by their side! I envision myself as a friendly, smart, and funny nurse who brings a little joy and love to every patient’s day. Plus, being bilingual means I can connect with even more people. Right now, I mainly rely on my mom, and it’s a bit tough for us financially. As the youngest of five, finding a way to pay for college is going to be a challenge. My current goal is to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) so I can create a better future for generations to come. My mom didn't have the chance to pursue her education because of financial struggles, and I’m worried I might face similar challenges. That's why I’m focused on building a career that pays well—I want to provide for my future children, support my family, and help guide them on their path to success! I am confident that this is the career I am meant to dedicate my entire adulthood to. It represents the realization of my dreams.

My first visit to La Iglesia de Restauracion ELIM, a Pentecostal church in Yonkers, was back in 6th grade. A kind lady took my hand and guided me into a room filled with kids my age, where they sang church songs. As I settled into my seat, I glanced around the room and noticed the teachers and assistant teachers. The assistant teachers were just a couple years older than me. They were so organized and knew exactly what they were supposed to do. Although they didn't perform important roles like preaching or leading the songs, they still did their best to be useful in the classroom. As I grew older, I moved to where the parents sat and listened to the pastor preach. A passion for teaching ignited inside me, and so, I submitted my request to the church to become an assistant teacher, eagerly awaiting their approval. After getting the green light, I started serving as a teacher's assistant. I was thrilled because I saw it as a step toward becoming a biblical teacher at the church in the future. It was an opportunity to develop patience, connect with children, and handle challenging situations. After four years of hard work and gaining valuable experience, I became an official biblical teacher for kids. The idea of teaching about the Bible, to a group of children or teens at my church, has been like a dream or something I've always wanted. After two months of being a teacher, I received the opportunity to preach! This news left me both nervous and overjoyed, feeling like a dream coming true. On the day of my lesson, I felt the weight of the responsibility and the attention on me, which made me a little less confident than when I had first started. But when I saw the children's joyful faces, I felt confident to continue preaching. Although it may not have been my best sermon, I gave it my all and enjoyed the experience. At the end of the week, three children approached me and expressed their enjoyment, asking to hear me preach again. Their genuine words made me very happy and grateful. Helping others and making them happy has always been my passion. Balancing the responsibilities of being a teacher and a student can be challenging, but I find fulfillment in knowing that by serving and assisting the church, I am also serving God. Teaching these children has taught and helped me significantly. It helped me become more responsible, speak confidently in front of large groups, and improve my communication skills. Being part of this community has had a very positive effect on me, and I'm thankful for the chance to learn from both the kids and my fellow teachers every day. Looking ahead, God willing, I plan to utilize and further develop these skills as I work towards my goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. When I go to college, I'll be on my own, no longer relying on my parents as I do now. I'll have to become independent and rely on God and myself. The support of the people around me has helped me learn important lessons that will be valuable as I enter this new chapter of my life. I am grateful to God for the people who are accompanying me on this journey, and I am also thankful for the new connections that will be made along the way.

I am from Westchester, New York, and come from a low-income, single-mother household. As a first-generation student and the youngest of five siblings, I have witnessed my mother’s relentless efforts to support our family. When my mother first arrived in the United States, she found herself living with my father and his family in a new and unfamiliar environment. Unfortunately, instead of experiencing the warmth and support she had hoped for, she was met with mistreatment and emotional abuse. Despite the daunting circumstances, my mother was determined to break free from this toxic situation. She realized that in order to gain some independence and provide for her children who were still in Peru, she needed secure employment. Once she found a full-time job as a housekeeper, she immediately accepted it. This new employment allowed my mother to independently pay for my brother's college education in Peru and cover all of my sisters' schooling costs. Though she might not have had an education herself, she made it her mission for her children to attain higher education and build a brighter future. Throughout her many years in the US, my mom has accomplished many things, but unfortunately, we were never financially stable. Initially, I wanted to be an obstetrician, but I didn't realize how expensive and time-consuming it is to become a doctor. Financial challenges always seemed to stand in my way; just recently, I had to give up my dream school due to financial constraints. My mom has generously offered to work more to help fund my college education, but I truly wish she didn’t feel the need to do that. She’s at an age where she easily gets tired and has less energy than she used to. Throughout the years, she has worked tirelessly to support my siblings and me, often putting our needs before her own. I appreciate her but also want her to prioritize her well-being. Facing financial challenges can often lead to feelings of guilt, especially when a loved one, like my mom, generously wants to buy me a new pair of shoes. When we would go out together, she sometimes wanted to purchase nice things for me with the little money she earned, but my conscience wouldn't allow me to accept them because I knew we could use that money for more necessary expenses. Growing up in a low-income household has taught me to appreciate the small things in life. I can only imagine how tough it must be for my mom, balancing the role of a mother while also stepping into the shoes my dad should have filled. Being a first-generation student has taught me many valuable lessons, including the importance of doing my best and not allowing failure to define me. I have learned to accept failure, learn from it, and move forward. Although my mom never received the support she needed to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer, she was determined to provide her children with the encouragement and support she never had. She set aside her dream to secure a future for my siblings and me. My success is a reflection of her sacrifices, and my achievements truly belong to her as well. Looking ahead, God willing, I aspire to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and plan to pursue my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). To conclude, I want to thank you for providing students like me with an extra helping hand. Growing up with a single parent presents constant challenges, so even a small gesture of support is incredibly meaningful to us. Thank you.

I am from Westchester, New York, and come from a low-income, single-mother household. As a first-generation student and the youngest of five siblings, I have witnessed my mother’s relentless efforts to support our family. When my mother first arrived in the United States, she found herself living with my father and his family in a new and unfamiliar environment. Unfortunately, instead of experiencing the warmth and support she had hoped for, she was met with mistreatment and emotional abuse. Despite the daunting circumstances, my mother was determined to break free from this toxic situation. She realized that in order to gain some independence and provide for her children who were still in Peru, she needed secure employment. Once she found a full-time job as a housekeeper, she immediately accepted it. This new employment allowed my mother to independently pay for my brother's college education in Peru and cover all of my sisters' schooling costs. Though she might not have had an education herself, she made it her mission for her children to attain higher education and build a brighter future. Throughout her many years in the US, my mom has accomplished many things, but unfortunately, we were never financially stable. Initially, I wanted to be an obstetrician, but I didn't realize how expensive and time-consuming it is to become a doctor. Financial challenges always seemed to stand in my way; just recently, I had to give up my dream school due to financial constraints. My mom has generously offered to work more to help fund my college education, but I truly wish she didn’t feel the need to do that. She’s at an age where she easily gets tired and has less energy than she used to. Throughout the years, she has worked tirelessly to support my siblings and me, often putting our needs before her own. I appreciate her but also want her to prioritize her well-being. Facing financial challenges can often lead to feelings of guilt, especially when a loved one, like my mom, generously wants to buy me a new pair of shoes. When we would go out together, she sometimes wanted to purchase nice things for me with the little money she earned, but my conscience wouldn't allow me to accept them because I knew we could use that money for more necessary expenses. Growing up in a low-income household has taught me to appreciate the small things in life. I can only imagine how tough it must be for my mom, balancing the role of a mother while also stepping into the shoes my dad should have filled. Being a first-generation student has taught me many valuable lessons, including the importance of doing my best and not allowing failure to define me. I have learned to accept failure, learn from it, and move forward. Although my mom never received the support she needed to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer, she was determined to provide her children with the encouragement and support she never had. She set aside her dream to secure a future for my siblings and me. My success is a reflection of her sacrifices, and my achievements truly belong to her as well. To conclude, I want to thank you for providing students like me with an extra helping hand. Growing up with a single parent presents constant challenges, so even a small gesture of support is incredibly meaningful to us. Thank you.

One night, around 3 AM, my papa woke up and couldn't stop coughing. My mom woke up, worried for him. Not long after, I woke up too. When I approached him, he wouldn't let me or my mom come near him; it was as if he knew he had COVID. After a few minutes, he struggled to speak clearly due to shortness of breath and pain. He asked me to call an ambulance, so I did. I remember seeing him walk to the ambulance, and I thought he would be okay. But the next day, when he called my mom, it was clear that things were not going well. He told my mom that he would be put on oxygen and wouldn't be able to speak. I didn't get to talk to him before he hung up, and that was the last time I heard his voice. I regret not saying more to him that day. If I had known it would be the last time I heard him speak, I would have said a proper goodbye. We didn't get many updates from the doctors after that. On March 27th, 2020 at 4:00 AM, Serapio Checa, the man who raised me, passed away. That same day, my mom received the results of her COVID test. They confirmed that she tested positive. The doctor's words were incredibly difficult to process. I was at a loss for words and filled with fear. I kept wondering, "Will I be left all alone? First, I lost my dad to this virus, and now my mom has it. What am I going to do?" I was only 12 years old and relied solely on my mom. I was alone with my sick mother who was on the verge of death. My mom's condition worsened, and I was mentally preparing for the worst. As time passed, this new virus attacked my mom in every way possible. She would wheeze and cough up blood. Every day I would spend with my mom, not knowing if my mom would have a tomorrow. The passing of my father had a profound impact on me, and witnessing my mother's suffering and almost losing her affected me deeply as well. Fortunately, my mother gradually recovered after about six months and started working again, while I began to grieve the loss of my dad. It took me 2-3 years to fully come to terms with the fact that he wasn't coming back and that he had passed away. Initially, I found it hard to believe because everything happened so quickly. One day, he was sitting with us at the table, and the next, he was in the hospital in a coma. In the middle of 8th grade, I started experiencing grief. I didn't want to talk about him or even look at his picture. When I reached high school, I was hit hard by depression. It was then that I realized I had lost my dad for good. I cried a lot and missed him terribly during this stage of grief. Everything around me reminded me of him, which made me cry often. In September of my sophomore year, my two sisters arrived from Peru. Their arrival felt like finding the missing piece of a puzzle, bringing healing and a fresh start to our lives. We let go of the past and focus on the present and future. My dad’s death brought our family together. After his death, I learned to love more and to appreciate the little things in life, I also learned that nothing lasts forever.

I remember when I was little I would question why my mom had to work so much. I was young and didn't understand what paying bills was. My mother, as a dedicated single parent of five, worked tirelessly to create better opportunities for our family, especially as I was the youngest and the first to be born in this country. Her efforts were driven by a desire for my siblings and me to have a brighter future. While growing up as the only American in the family, I was always told that I would be successful in life because of all of the opportunities this country has to offer. I was told that I would make good money and help sustain our family. I grew up hearing this constant reminder, and I felt the pressure of having to, one way or another, succeed in life. At the age of 12, I wanted to be an obstetrician, but I didn't realize how extremely expensive it is to become one, and the amount of dedication and years it takes to become a doctor. Financial inconveniences would always get in the way; just recently, I had to give up my dream school because of money. My mom says she will work more and make more money to help me pay for college, but I don't want that. My mom is at an age where she gets tired often and has little energy. Throughout these years, she had to work hard to provide for my siblings and me. She has spent a lot of money already on us, and I don't want to be a burden for her either. Experiencing financial difficulties can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt, especially when a loved one, like your mom, generously buys you a new pair of shoes. When I would go out with her, she would sometimes want to buy me nice things with the little money she earned, but my conscience wouldn't let me take the money. Coming from a house of low income has shown me to be happy with little things. As long as I have food and a roof over my head, I am happy. I think this is one of the reasons why I tried harder in school, to get good grades that will help me have a career that pays well, that will help me give my mom the life she deserves, make her proud, and change the story around for my future generation. Being a first-generation student has taught me many things: the importance of trying my best and not allowing failure to define me, accepting it, learning from it, and moving on. My mom never received any support; she wanted to go to school and become a fashion designer, but unfortunately, because of money, that wasn't possible. When my siblings and I came along, her new purpose in life was given: to work hard so her children become successful. It can be overwhelming sometimes, having to carry that weight on your back that reminds you that if you don't succeed, all of your mom's effort and hard work will be for nothing. But in the end, those feelings and those moments, both good and bad, are what helped me realize that maybe being a first-generation student isn't so bad. It made me stronger and more determined; it gave me the necessary motivation to keep going and not back down. One day, if God allows it, I will go up to my mom with my cap and gown and finally say, “Look, Mom, I finally made it.”

I remember when I was little I would question why my mom had to work so much. I was young and didn't understand what paying bills was. My mother, as a dedicated single parent of five, worked tirelessly to create better opportunities for our family, especially as I was the youngest and the first to be born in this country. Her efforts were driven by a desire for my siblings and me to have a brighter future. While growing up as the only American in the family, I was always told that I would be successful in life because of all of the opportunities this country has to offer. I was told that I would make good money and help sustain our family. I grew up hearing this constant reminder, and I felt the pressure of having to, one way or another, succeed in life. At the age of twelve, I wanted to be an obstetrician, but I didn't realize how extremely expensive it is to become one, and the amount of dedication and years it takes to become a doctor. Financial inconveniences would always get in the way; just recently, I had to give up my dream school because of money. My mom says she will work more and make more money to help me pay for college, but I don't want that. My mom is at an age where she gets tired often and has little energy. Throughout these years, she had to work hard to provide for my siblings and me. She has spent a lot of money already on us, and I don't want to be a burden for her either. Experiencing financial difficulties can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt, especially when a loved one, like your mom, generously buys you a new pair of shoes. When I would go out with her, she would sometimes want to buy me nice things with the little money she earned, but my conscience wouldn't let me take the money. I would have one pair of sneakers, one pair of church shoes, and one pair of boots, and I was thankful. Coming from a house of low income has shown me to be happy with little things. As long as I have food and a roof over my head, I am happy. I think this is one of the reasons why I tried harder in school, to get good grades that will help me have a career that pays well, that will help me give my mom the life she deserves, make her proud, and change the story around for my future generation. I am confident that my future is bright. I have my number one fan, my mom, along my side, always hyping me up, saying, "You can do it! That's my daughter!". My mom has not only been a mother to me but my best friend and my teacher. Even though she wouldn't understand my math homework, she would stay late at night trying to figure out how to multiply fractions and decimals. She has shaped me into the person I am today. She would say to me, "Always pay bad with good; if you do so, life will go well for you," and she is a great example of that. She has encouraged me to always maintain my relationship with God on good terms, saying, "With God, everything is possible; without Him, we are nothing," and it's true. When the time comes, I will confidently walk up to my mom in my cap and gown and say, “Look, Mom, I’ve made it.”

While growing up as the only American in the family, I was always told that I would be successful in life because of all of the opportunities this country has to offer. I was told that I would make good money and help sustain our family. I grew up hearing this constant reminder, and I felt the pressure of having to, one way or another, succeed in life. At the age of 12, I already had a college list. I also had my dream career, which changed with time. I wanted to be an obstetrician, but I didn't realize how extremely expensive it is to become one, and the amount of dedication and years it takes to become a doctor. Financial inconveniences would always get in the way; just recently, I had to give up my dream school because of money. My mom says she will work more and make more money to help me pay for college, but I don't want that. My mom is at an age where she gets tired often and has little energy. Throughout these years, she had to work hard to provide for my siblings and me. She has spent a lot of money already on us, and I don't want to be a burden for her either. Experiencing financial difficulties can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt, especially when a loved one, like your mom, generously buys you a new pair of shoes. When I would go out with her, she would sometimes want to buy me nice things with the little money she earned, but my conscience wouldn't let me take the money. I would have one pair of sneakers, one pair of church shoes, and one pair of boots, and I was thankful. Coming from a house of low income has shown me to be happy with little things. As long as I have food and a roof over my head, I am happy. I think this is one of the reasons why I tried harder in school, to get good grades that will help me have a career that pays well, that will help me give my mom the life she deserves, make her proud, and change the story around for my future generation. I am confident that my future is bright. I have my number one fan, my mom, along my side, always hyping me up, saying, "You can do it! That's my daughter!". My mom has not only been a mother to me but my best friend and my teacher. Even though she wouldn't understand my math homework, she would stay late at night trying to figure out how to multiply fractions and decimals. She has shaped me into the person I am today. She would say to me, "Always pay bad with good; if you do so, life will go well for you," and she is a great example of that. She has encouraged me to always maintain my relationship with God on good terms, saying, "With God, everything is possible; without Him, we are nothing," and it's true. Being a first-generation student has taught me many things: the importance of trying my best and not allowing failure to define me, accepting it, learning from it, and moving on. My mom never received any support; she wanted to go to school and become a fashion designer, but unfortunately, because of money, that wasn't possible. One day, if God allows it, I will walk up to my mom wearing my cap and gown, and say, “Look, Mom, I finally made it.”