“Why do you do this?” I asked my mother at a young age, she responded “because it was what I wanted to do”. Teaching was her passion, being a mother single of three and a teacher for about 10 years was what she lived for. And from that moment forward I was deeply inspired by what she did and how supported me in everything I did, no matter what. Something unique about me is that I’ve always been drawn to finding patterns in things; whether it’s numbers, people, or even the way small decisions add up over time. That’s probably why I’m planning to major in applied mathematics, but I also have a strong pull toward teaching or working in child care, just like my mom. I love the idea of helping others understand things that once felt confusing, and I think that connects to my love for problem-solving in math. My school is very community oriented and I am a proud member of the National Honor society which helps out with local elementary and middle schools. I tend to gravitate towards helping out with the younger kids because they are unapologetically curious about what's happening around them. I think they can be extremely funny and so genuinely sweet. Being able to help out at the local elementary schools has given me so much gratitude and multiple opportunities to see that pursuing education is what I am really passionate about. My mom has played the biggest role in shaping who I am and what I want to do. She’s one of the hardest working people I know, always patient and caring toward everyone she helps. Seeing her not only teach me and my siblings what we know today, but watching her grow with us as a single mother is one of the biggest inspirations of my life. Watching her work with kids showed me how meaningful it is to make a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways. She’s also the person who taught me that education isn’t just about grades; it’s about creating choices and stability for yourself. Whenever I started to doubt myself or feel like I wasn’t good enough, she reminded me to keep going and believe in what I could do. Because of her, I’ve learned to see education as something powerful, something that opens doors. I want to attend a college so I can explore both teaching and math, and maybe even minor in art so I can bring creativity into the classroom one day. My goal is to combine what I love, logic, creativity, and helping others, into a career that makes an impact. In the end, I just want to build a life that reflects what my mom taught me: to work hard, care deeply, and use my knowledge and experiences to help others grow.

I am Kayle Delgadillo, a senior at the Science & Engineering Academy at John Jay High School. Anyone who truly knows me would describe me as someone who loves art, math, and working with kids, three passions that might seem unrelated, but together have shaped the kind of person I am and the kind of future I’m working toward. I’ve always been drawn to patterns, whether they appear in numbers, people, or the way small decisions build into bigger outcomes. That curiosity is what led me toward pursuing a degree in applied mathematics, but my interest in teaching and child development has stayed just as strong. Helping others understand something that once felt confusing is one of the most rewarding feelings I know. Throughout high school, I have pushed myself to excel academically while balancing sports, extracurriculars, and leadership roles. These experiences have taught me discipline, consistency, and how to manage responsibility even when things feel overwhelming. I am proud to be ranked in the top ten of my class, and math has consistently been my strongest subject. Its challenges motivate me, and its structure encourages me to think critically and creatively; two skills I hope to carry into my career. My mom is the biggest influence on the person I am becoming. She has shown me, through her patience and kindness, what it means to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Watching her work with children taught me that small acts of support can change the entire path of a young person. She also taught me to value education not just for grades but for the stability and independence it creates. Any time I doubted myself, she reminded me to keep going. Her example showed me that hard work, compassion, and resilience matter far more than where you start. Because of her, I see education as something powerful; something that opens doors for people who may not have many to begin with. I plan to pursue a degree in applied mathematics with teacher certification, and possibly a minor in art. I want to return to classrooms like the ones I grew up in, where students often come from challenging backgrounds but carry incredible potential. I have seen firsthand how financial stress, limited resources, and lack of support can make higher education feel out of reach. My goal is to become the kind of teacher who not only explains math but reminds students that their circumstances do not define their future. I want them to see their background as a source of strength, not a barrier. I have already taken proactive steps toward funding my education by completing the FAFSA and applying for multiple scholarships. I’m drawn to colleges that offer academic rigor, supportive environments, and opportunities to grow both as a student and as a leader. I plan to continue applying for scholarships and using every resource available to build the future I’ve worked for. Ultimately, I want to build a life that reflects what my mom taught me: work hard, care deeply, and use what you’ve learned to lift others up. Whether through math, teaching, or creativity, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the students I serve; just as the people in my life have done for me.

I want to pursue a career in education because I really want to make a difference and make the world a better place not for me but for others. If you know me I am someone who absolutely loves art, math, working with kids and that is something that many can’t say. I’ve always been drawn to finding patterns in things; whether it’s numbers, people, or even the way small decisions add up over time. That’s probably why I’m planning to major in applied mathematics, but I also have a strong pull toward teaching or working in child care, just like my mom. I love the idea of helping others understand things that once felt confusing, and I think that connects to my love for problem-solving in math. My mom has played the biggest role in shaping who I am and what I want to do. I’ve seen how much of a difference her patience and kindness make in people’s lives. Her example has shown me the kind of impact I want to make through my own career. She’s one of the hardest working people I know, always patient and caring toward everyone she helps. Watching her work with kids showed me how meaningful it is to make a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways. She’s also the person who taught me that education isn’t just about grades; it’s about creating choices and stability for yourself. Whenever I started to doubt myself or feel like I wasn’t good enough, she reminded me to keep going and believe in what I could do. Because of her, I’ve learned to see education as something powerful, something that opens doors. I want to attend a college where I can explore both teaching and math, and maybe even minor in art so I can bring creativity into the classroom one day. My goal is to combine what I love, logic, creativity, and helping others, into a career that makes an impact. I want to return to classrooms like the one I came from. I have spent years surrounded by students who come from so little yet carry so much curiosity and ambition. They are capable of extraordinary things, but these kids may not always feel like it is possible. I want to become a teacher who not only teaches, but reminds students that their background is not a limitation; it is a source of strength. I honestly can’t wait to get in the classroom and start making a difference and contribute to these young minds full of ambition and curiosity. In the end, I just want to build a life that reflects what my mom taught me: to work hard, care deeply, and use what I’ve learned to help others grow.

Many young people face significant challenges; financial hardship, unstable family circumstances, and limited access to resources which can make success feel out of reach. Yet students from disadvantaged backgrounds often demonstrate the greatest determination. When you grow up with less, you learn to work harder for every opportunity. I have seen this resilience all around me in my Title I school, and I have lived it myself. Throughout my life, I have faced my own obstacles: the pressure of financial strain, a family situation that has not always been stable, and the constant awareness that I do not have the same resources as many of my peers. These challenges could have held me back, but instead, they pushed me to grow. I learned early on that I would have to make my own path; through effort, discipline, and a true commitment to my goals. Disadvantaged students deserve opportunities such as scholarships and grants because these supports remove one of the heaviest burdens we carry. When we are not consumed by the fear of how we will afford college, we have the freedom to focus on what truly matters: our studies, our communities, and our future. Scholarships restore hope. They tell us that our effort, potential, and dreams matter. I want to pursue a degree in applied mathematics with a teacher certification so that I can return to classrooms like the one I came from. I have spent years surrounded by students who come from so little yet carry so much curiosity and ambition. They are capable of extraordinary things, but their home lives, financial responsibilities, and lack of support can make higher education feel unattainable. I want to become a teacher who not only teaches math but reminds students that their background is not a limitation; it is a source of strength. Receiving the Marcia Bick Scholarship would bring me one step closer to this goal. It would ease the financial pressure on my family and allow me to fully dedicate myself to my education, service work, and growth as a future educator. More than that, it would allow me to become the kind of teacher and role model I needed: someone who proves that the “impossible” is possible. I am committed not only to my own success but to lift up the students who come after me. With support like this scholarship, I can continue overcoming the challenges in my life and help others overcome theirs as well.

“Why do you do this?” I asked my mother at a young age, she responded “because it was what I wanted to do”. Teaching was her passion, being a mother single of three and a teacher for about 10 years was what she lived for. And from that moment forward I was deeply inspired by what she did and how supported me in everything I did, no matter what. Something unique about me is that I’ve always been drawn to finding patterns in things; whether it’s numbers, people, or even the way small decisions add up over time. That’s probably why I’m planning to major in applied mathematics, but I also have a strong pull toward teaching or working in child care, just like my mom. I love the idea of helping others understand things that once felt confusing, and I think that connects to my love for problem-solving in math. My school is very community oriented and I am a proud member of the National Honor society which helps out with local elementary and middle schools. I tend to gravitate towards helping out with the younger kids because they are unapologetically curious about what's happening around them. I think they can be extremely funny and so genuinely sweet. Being able to help out at the local elementary schools has given me so much gratitude and multiple opportunities to see that pursuing education is what I am really passionate about. My mom has played the biggest role in shaping who I am and what I want to do. She’s one of the hardest working people I know, always patient and caring toward everyone she helps. Seeing her not only teach me and my siblings what we know today, but watching her grow with us as a single mother is one of the biggest inspirations of my life. Watching her work with kids showed me how meaningful it is to make a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways. She’s also the person who taught me that education isn’t just about grades; it’s about creating choices and stability for yourself. Whenever I started to doubt myself or feel like I wasn’t good enough, she reminded me to keep going and believe in what I could do. Because of her, I’ve learned to see education as something powerful, something that opens doors. I want to attend a college so I can explore both teaching and math, and maybe even minor in art so I can bring creativity into the classroom one day. My goal is to combine what I love, logic, creativity, and helping others, into a career that makes an impact. In the end, I just want to build a life that reflects what my mom taught me: to work hard, care deeply, and use my knowledge and experiences to help others grow.