In the next five years, I want to make a positive environmental impact in my local community and, hopefully, worldwide by using marketing and wellness in my future career. I plan to go into real estate and eventually own my own business. While that might not sound like it connects to the environment at first, I believe there are real ways to make a difference by promoting healthier, greener ways of living, especially through how things are marketed and shared with people. I’ve noticed that people don’t always know how their choices impact the planet. A lot of that has to do with how things are advertised or talked about. I want to use marketing to show people that eco-friendly homes, walkable neighborhoods, and using less energy aren’t just good for the earth, they’re also good for their health and their wallets. I want to show that being “green” doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult, and I’ll use social media and simple advertising to explain it in a way that makes sense and feels real to people like me. In my future real estate business, I plan to focus on things like energy-saving appliances, more green spaces, and eco-friendly materials. I’ll make sure to highlight those features when I advertise properties, and I’ll try to educate my clients on why those things matter. I think if more people understood the benefits, not just for the planet but also for their day-to-day lives, they’d be more likely to care. I also want to be involved in my community by organizing small events like neighborhood clean-ups, tree-planting days, or even “green living” workshops for families. It doesn’t have to be huge to make a difference. Little things can add up, especially when people feel like they’re learning something helpful and doing it together. Eventually, I’d love to work with or support companies that are doing good things for the environment. Whether that’s helping them with marketing, spreading their message, or just being a part of the change in some way, I want to be involved in the bigger picture too. This scholarship would help me a lot because I’m a first-generation college student, and I want to be the first in my family to graduate and start a business. I want to prove that someone like me, who didn’t grow up with much, can still make a real difference. I’m not perfect, and I’m still learning, but I care a lot, and I’m serious about using what I learn in school to help people and the planet.

“Lacy, oh Lacy, skin like puff pastry / Aren’t you the sweetest thing on this side of Hell?” This line captures the painful mix of admiration, jealousy, and self-doubt that many teenagers, especially girls, struggle with. In the song, Olivia sings about someone who seems effortlessly beautiful, kind, and perfect. But underneath that admiration lies a sense of deep insecurity and comparison. That emotional tug-of-war is something I’ve felt countless times. Growing up as a dark-skinned, wavy-haired, bigger-bodied Mexican girl, I never saw people who looked like me being celebrated or cherished. Instead, I constantly compared myself to girls who seemed to embody society’s definition of beauty: lighter skin, straighter hair, smaller bodies. I would walk down the halls and wonder why I couldn’t look like a “Lacy” whoever she was in my life at the time. Girls who seemed to have it all: the looks, the popularity, the approval. Just like Olivia, I admired them, but that admiration quickly turned into self-doubt, making me question my own worth. The lyric “Aren’t you the sweetest thing on this side of Hell?” perfectly describes the twisted way envy and admiration can coexist. On the outside, I’d smile and cheer people on, but inside, I was quietly tearing myself apart. I felt like I could never measure up. It was especially hard during middle school, when I was bullied for my appearance. I began to feel like I was living on the edge of being “too much” and “not enough” at the same time. What’s powerful about “Lacy” is that it doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths of teenage girlhood, the confusing feelings of loving someone, hating them, and wanting to be them all at once. That emotional complexity is something many people, especially teenage girls, carry silently. Olivia gave those emotions a voice, and that’s why the song means so much to me. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to challenge those comparisons. I’ve realized that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the things that make me different are also the things that make me powerful. I started speaking out, founding my own organization to fight bullying, and leaning into my own identity. But I’d be lying if I said those feelings never come back. Even now, I still have moments when the voice in my head whispers that I’m not enough. “Lacy” reminds me that I’m not alone in those feelings and that healing comes from acknowledging them, not pretending they don’t exist. The song speaks to the silent battles many teens face with self-image, insecurity, and comparison. It captures the raw, unfiltered truth of adolescence: the messiness, the confusion, and the quiet hope that one day, you’ll feel whole.

One of the most meaningful and self-initiated projects I’ve led is the founding of my organization, Stomp Out Bullying Around Us. I started this initiative a year ago after experiencing years of bullying for being a tan-skinned, Mexican girl with wavy hair and a bigger body type. I knew I wasn’t the only one facing this kind of mistreatment, and I wanted to turn my pain into purpose by creating a safe space for others like me, students who felt unseen, unheard, and unprotected. Stomp Out Bullying Around Us was created to raise awareness about bullying, promote inclusion, and empower students from marginalized backgrounds to stand up for themselves and each other. I organized school-wide events, classroom presentations, and peer-led workshops where we discussed not only bullying, but also the harmful stereotypes and biases that often target students of color, students with disabilities, and those from low-income families. I encouraged students to share their experiences so we could support each other and create change together. The heart of the program was building empathy and allyship. I created anonymous “Kindness Boxes” and placed them around stores where people could write words of encouragement. I wanted every student to know they mattered and that their voice had power. I spoke at community events,, and created social media pages to spread awareness and resources. It was important to me that this wasn’t just a unknown campaign it was a movement. Even after I graduate, I want to mentore younger students to continue the work so the organization would live on. This project directly supported underserved and marginalized populations especially students of color, immigrants, and those who, like me, often felt “othered” in school environments. I know how isolating it can be to not see yourself represented or valued, and I wanted to do everything I could to make sure no one else felt that way. Creating Stomp Out Bullying Around Us taught me leadership, advocacy, and how to speak up even when it’s hard. It also solidified my passion for creating inclusive environments, which connects deeply to my interest in commercial real estate. I believe safe, welcoming spaces aren’t just emotional, they’re physical. One day, I want to develop buildings and communities where all people feel safe, supported, and seen. This initiative was more than a school project it was a personal mission. It was the beginning of my journey as a leader and advocate for change, and it continues to inspire everything I do today.

My name is Kimberly Gonzalez, and I am a first-generation Mexican American student with a passion for business and a deep-rooted ambition to succeed in the commercial real estate industry. From a young age, I have been fascinated by the spaces we live, work, and grow in and the potential these spaces have to transform communities. But it wasn’t until I learned about real estate as a career that I truly found my calling. The idea of being part of something that builds, develops, and strengthens neighborhoods, especially underserved ones, deeply resonates with me. I want to create opportunities for families like mine, people who have big dreams but limited resources. Growing up, I saw firsthand how where you live affects your quality of life and access to opportunities. I also witnessed how hard my parents worked to give me a better future. As a first-generation college student, I am not just pursuing a degree for myself I am doing it for them, for my community, and for every young Latina who dreams of being more than the world expects her to be. I plan to major in business administration with a focus on real estate, and eventually own my own commercial real estate company. My goal is to specialize in development projects that revitalize communities and provide spaces where small businesses and families can thrive. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous step toward turning that dream into reality. It would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more fully on my academic and professional development. I am committed to making the most of every opportunity, and with your support, I would be one step closer to not only earning my degree but also giving back to the communities that shaped me. The most influential person in my life is my mother. Her strength, courage, and unwavering belief in me have shaped everything I am. My mother endured a difficult childhood marked by emotional neglect and abuse, yet she remained resilient and never gave up. She has always reminded me that education is the key to changing our circumstances and building a future that we can be proud of. Watching her push through so many challenges has taught me the importance of perseverance, compassion, and hard work. Her story drives me every day not just to succeed, but to make a difference. Her influence is the reason I hold education and purpose so close to my heart. I don’t just want a career; I want a meaningful one. I want to build spaces, opportunities, and futures. Commercial real estate is not just about buildings, it’s about people, growth, and change. This scholarship would help me take the next step on that journey and continue to honor my mother’s sacrifices by turning our shared dreams into a legacy of success and service.

My Latino heritage is the foundation of who I am. As a proud Mexican American, I carry with me the values, traditions, and strength passed down from generations before me. Growing up, I was often made to feel like I didn’t belong. I was bullied for the color of my skin, my wavy hair, and the way I looked. I didn’t fit the mold of what people expected or accepted. But as I grew older, I began to realize that these differences were actually my strengths. My heritage, with all its richness and resilience, gave me a sense of identity and pride that no one could take away from me. Being Latina means being strong, even in the face of adversity. It means working hard, staying grounded in family values, and never forgetting where you came from. My culture is filled with love, community, and perseverance. Our celebrations are vibrant, our food tells stories, and our traditions connect us across generations. My mother, who has overcome so many struggles in her life, is my greatest inspiration. She never felt love or support growing up and faced abuse and neglect, yet she never gave up. Her strength motivates me every day to push forward, no matter what challenges I face. Because of my heritage and my personal experiences, I’m passionate about attending college. I am a first-generation student, which makes this goal even more meaningful to me. My parents have worked incredibly hard to give me opportunities they never had, and I want to make them proud. I see college as the pathway to not only personal growth but also a way to uplift my family and community. I want to be the example that proves that where you come from does not limit where you can go. I plan to major in business administration and real estate because I dream of one day owning my own real estate company. I want to help families, especially those in underrepresented communities, find their dream homes and build generational wealth. Owning property is one of the most powerful ways to create stability, and I want to be someone who empowers others to achieve that. I believe my background, my culture, and my personal journey give me a unique perspective and drive that will help me succeed in this field. College is not just about earning a degree for me. It’s about breaking cycles, overcoming stereotypes, and proving to myself and others that I am capable of greatness. My Latin heritage is my strength, and my desire to attend college is rooted in a deep passion for building a better future, not just for me, but for everyone who has ever been told they weren’t enough. I am ready to rise, lead, and give back, with pride in my roots and hope in my heart.

To me, empowerment means knowing your worth, owning your voice, and refusing to let anyone or anything define your limits. It’s about standing tall in who you are, especially when the world tries to make you feel small. Empowerment isn’t just about feeling strong it’s about becoming strong through experience, through struggle, and through the decision to keep going even when it’s hard. Empowerment has played a huge role in my life, especially as a young woman of color whose faced bullying, judgment, and being underestimated. I used to let other people’s opinions affect how I saw myself. I was bullied for my tan skin, my wavy hair, and my body things which made me different. But one day in middle school, I reached a breaking point. I was tired of hiding, tired of letting others make me feel ashamed. I finally stood up for myself. I told someone who had been teasing me for months that I didn’t care what they thought of me, that I was proud of who I was. That moment changed everything. For the first time, I felt in control of my own story. I felt empowered. That experience sparked something in me. I went on to found Stomp Out Bullying Around Us, an organization that helps others who have gone through similar experiences. I wanted to be the voice for those who were still finding theirs. Since then, I’ve carried that strength with me into everything I do. Empowerment also shows up in my athletic life. As a cheerleader, I’ve been kicked in the face during stunts, fallen hard, and run miles for every team mistake but I never quit. Recently, I was recruited for college cheer, and I’m training to try out for college track and field. These opportunities are challenging, and the pressure is real, but I remind myself that I belong in those spaces. I’ve earned it. Being a female athlete in a male-dominated world means constantly having to prove myself but instead of letting that intimidate me, I let it fuel me. In my everyday life, empowerment shows up in how I carry myself, how I support my peers, and how I chase after my goals, even the ones that scare me. It fuels my drive to go to college, become a business owner, and break barriers in spaces where women, especially women of color, are underrepresented. Empowerment is not a moment, it’s a mindset. And it’s the reason I continue to move forward, stronger and more determined every day.

Being a female athlete in a male-dominated world has shaped me into a stronger, more determined, and more fearless young woman. Through cheerleading, I’ve learned how to persevere through pain, push past doubt, and never settle for being overlooked. Cheerleading isn’t always recognized as the intense, athletic sport it truly is. Still, anyone who’s ever been a part of it knows that it demands physical strength, mental toughness, and total dedication. I’ve experienced firsthand how hard we work. I've been kicked in the face during stunts, hit the floor more times than I can count, and run miles as a team every time a mistake was made. These weren’t just punishments, they were lessons in accountability and resilience. And through it all, I never gave up. Balancing cheer with school and life hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me how to manage pressure, stay organized, and work hard for what I want. I’ve had nights where I came home from a long, exhausting practice only to stay up late finishing homework or studying for a test. It’s taught me sacrifice and discipline, two qualities that have helped me grow not only as an athlete but as a person. Now, I’m being recruited to cheer in college, and I know it’s going to be even more intense than high school cheer. At the college level, the expectations are higher, the stunts are riskier, and the competition is fierce. But instead of being intimidated, I’m excited. I’ve worked for this opportunity, and I’m ready to level up. Being recruited reminds me that all the hard work, bruises, and early mornings were worth it. It also reminds me that I can compete with anyone, male or female, and that I deserve a seat at the table. In addition to cheer, I’m also preparing to try out for college track and field. Running has always been something I’ve enjoyed, and I want to challenge myself by stepping into another demanding sport. It’s a new experience, and I know it will stretch me physically and mentally, but I’m ready for it. Being a multi-sport athlete will not only make me stronger, but it will also show others, especially young girls, that we can do more than what’s expected of us. We can excel in multiple arenas, no matter how hard or competitive they may be. Through it all, I’ve learned how to lead, how to fight through pain, and how to earn respect in spaces that often underestimate girls like me. Sports have taught me that strength doesn’t come from being the loudest in the room, but from being the most relentless. I am proud to be a female athlete, and I know that everything I’ve learned through cheer, through track, and life will help me keep breaking barriers and proving people wrong, one goal at a time

One person who has had a significant impact on my life is my mom. She is the strongest woman I know, and her journey has shaped not only who I am today, but who I strive to become in the future. My mom grew up in an emotionally neglectful and abusive household, where love was rarely shown and support was almost nonexistent. Despite facing deep emotional wounds and mental struggles, she never allowed those experiences to define her. Instead, she became the exact opposite of what she endured, loving, nurturing, and endlessly determined to give her children the life she never had. Watching my mom navigate life with so much strength and grace, even when everything was falling apart, taught me one of the most valuable lessons: never give up, no matter how hard things get. Her resilience showed me that pain does not have to break you, it can shape you into someone even more powerful. Because of her, I’ve learned to stand tall in the face of adversity and to see challenges as opportunities to grow. My mom sees me as a younger version of herself, and that motivates me to break generational cycles and build a future that is rooted in love, success, and purpose. As a first-generation student, I aspire to earn a degree in business management and real estate, with the goal of one day owning my own real estate company. I want to create a space where people, especially those from low-income communities, feel empowered to achieve their dreams. Through my business, I hope to mentor youth, promote financial literacy, and help families find homes where they feel safe, valued, and seen. Everything I do is deeply connected to the strength my mom passed on to me. Her sacrifices will never be forgotten, and I plan to honor them by using my education and career to uplift others. She taught me that success isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about helping others rise with you. Her story is my motivation, and I carry her love and lessons with me as I pursue a life of impact, leadership, and resilience. I will carry these lessons with me throughout my college journey as well as I will be moving on to a new chapter of my life. Creating new memories and making history in my family, as my parents do not have any prior education and depend on me, and becoming a strong and independent woman.

The song "wildest dream" would be on the soundtrack of my year, as I came close to losing my godmother to breast cancer. She fought this battle, struggled for years, spending days, weeks, months, and years in and out of hospitals, losing weight, losing her hair, and becoming unrecognizable. When my mother told me when she was diagnosed, I cried for days, I became afraid of losing her as she was a second mom to me. I wanted to visit her but was unable to do so because of her health, and I was worried I might lose her. I thought it to be a wild dream and that I would lose her. I dressed up to facetime her while wearing a white dress that she gave me a few months before to her diagnosis. I decided to sing her my all-time favorite song, "Wildest Dreams," to her as soon as I spoke to her. She doesn't speak English, but she like my voice, and I enjoyed seeing her. We found it both lovely and to see her smile despite her suffering hurt me. The song that was playing in the background when I was singing along with Taylor is one of our favorite memories together. I cried and slightly changed the lyrics because I always imagined that, if she ever leaves me, she would recall me singing to her while wearing the white dress in my room. That song had a emotional and physical effect on us both. She sadly left me to go Mexico for better care, and I miss her. She is missed by my family, I want to see her at the stunning sunset by the river. I hope our memories together follow her, just as they follow me everywhere. I didn't want to hear her say that she wouldn’t remember me in the afterlife, but I did say that you will remember me there and that my godmother and I will always have a lovely meaning the wildest dreams song. That’s song is not only special to me but to my godmother as well. It will always have a beautiful meaning to the both of us either she is next to me side or in the other side of the world. My god mother is now cancer free and is getting better and healthier day by day but she is unable to come back to the United States.