Losing a parent is an experience that changes your life forever. My parent was one of the most important people in my life and a constant source of support, guidance, and love. Their presence shaped who I am, and their loss left a space that can never truly be filled. Moving forward without them has been one of the hardest challenges I have faced, but it has also shaped my journey in ways I continue to discover. After my parent passed away, everything felt different. Simple routines became harder, and emotions that I had never experienced before became part of my daily life. Grief came in many forms—sadness, confusion, and moments of feeling overwhelmed. Balancing these emotions while continuing school was difficult, but I learned how to keep going even when things felt heavy. I realized that strength does not mean ignoring pain, but learning how to carry it while still moving forward. Their loss impacted my educational journey by forcing me to grow up faster. I had to become more responsible, more independent, and more focused on my future. There were moments when it was hard to stay motivated, but remembering my parent and the sacrifices they made for me pushed me to keep trying. I want to honor their memory by continuing my education and building a life they would be proud of. This experience taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I am resilient, even when I doubt myself. I learned how to ask for help when I need it and how to support others who are going through difficult times. Losing my parent deepened my empathy and changed the way I view the world. It reminded me that life is fragile and that every opportunity matters. My parent’s influence continues to guide me, even though they are no longer physically present. The lessons they taught me about kindness, perseverance, and hard work remain a part of who I am. Their belief in me continues to motivate me to pursue my goals, especially my goal of continuing my education. College represents more than just academics to me—it represents growth, stability, and the chance to create a meaningful future despite the challenges I have faced. Although this loss has been painful, it has also shaped my determination. My journey has not been easy, but it has taught me the importance of resilience, hope, and perseverance. I carry my parent’s memory with me in everything I do, and it motivates me to keep moving forward. Receiving this scholarship would support my educational journey and help me continue building a future rooted in strength, purpose, and gratitude.

Losing a loved one is an experience that changes you in ways you do not fully understand at first. After my loved one passed away, my life felt different, quieter, and heavier. Grief did not come all at once—it showed up in waves. Some days I felt sad and overwhelmed, other days I felt confused, angry, or emotionally drained. Navigating these emotions while continuing school was not easy, but it taught me a lot about myself and my inner strength. Through this experience, I learned that I am more resilient than I once thought. Even when I felt exhausted emotionally, I continued showing up to school, completing my work, and pushing myself forward. I learned that it is okay to feel pain while still choosing to move forward. Grief taught me patience with myself and others, and it helped me develop empathy for people who are silently going through their own struggles. Meditation and journaling became important tools for me during this time. Journaling gave me a safe space to express feelings that I did not always know how to say out loud. Writing helped me process my thoughts and release emotions instead of holding them inside. Meditation helped calm my mind when everything felt overwhelming. These practices helped me stay grounded and slowly find balance again. This experience also shaped my motivation to continue my education. I want to go to college because I see education as a way to create stability, growth, and opportunity—not just for myself, but for my family as well. Going through loss showed me how unpredictable life can be, and it motivated me to build a future where I can support myself and others. Education represents hope, purpose, and the ability to turn difficult experiences into meaningful impact. The biggest influences in my life are my family members who continue to move forward despite challenges. Their strength, sacrifices, and resilience inspire me every day. I am also inspired by people I have never met but admire for their work—individuals who use their voices, education, and compassion to help others. Seeing how people turn pain into purpose encourages me to do the same. Overall, losing my loved one deeply affected me, but it also helped shape who I am becoming. I learned how to face difficult emotions, take care of my mental health, and stay focused on my goals. This experience strengthened my determination to pursue higher education and build a future grounded in resilience, empathy, and purpose. Receiving this scholarship would help support that journey and allow me to continue moving forward with hope and confidence.

ALS has had a meaningful impact on my life and my educational journey. Watching someone close to me face ALS showed me how challenging life can become in ways you never expect. It taught me about strength, patience, and the importance of support, not only for the person with ALS but also for their family. Seeing this experience up close changed how I view responsibility and motivation. It pushed me to take my education more seriously because I understand how quickly circumstances can change and how important it is to prepare for the future. Academically, ALS has influenced me by teaching me resilience. There were moments when balancing school responsibilities with emotional stress was difficult. Even on days when it felt overwhelming, I learned to keep going and stay focused on my goals. This experience helped me develop empathy and determination, which now guide how I approach my education and my future career goals. I want to pursue higher education not only to better myself, but also to create stability and be in a position where I can help others. Receiving this scholarship would support my education by reducing financial stress and allowing me to focus more on my studies. College expenses such as tuition, books, transportation, and supplies can be overwhelming, especially for students who already carry family responsibilities. This scholarship would help ease that burden and give me the opportunity to dedicate more time and energy to my academic success instead of worrying about financial limitations. It would also help me move forward with confidence, knowing I have support behind me. While I may not be involved in large ALS organizations, I have contributed in meaningful ways by supporting my family and spreading awareness. Being present, helping when needed, and educating myself about ALS has allowed me to understand the importance of compassion and advocacy. These experiences taught me that service does not always look like formal volunteering; sometimes it means showing up consistently and offering support where it matters most. In the future, I hope to become more involved with ALS-related organizations as a way to give back and help others facing similar challenges. Overall, ALS has shaped who I am today. It has influenced my values, strengthened my work ethic, and motivated me to continue my education despite obstacles. This scholarship would not only support my academic journey but also honor the lessons ALS has taught me—perseverance, empathy, and the importance of community. With this support, I can continue working toward my goals while carrying these lessons with me into my future.

I am passionate about becoming a special education teacher because I believe teaching is about more than academics—it is about helping students understand who they are and recognize their own value. Special education, in particular, focuses on students who are often misunderstood, underestimated, or overlooked. I want to be the kind of teacher who helps students feel confident in their abilities and comfortable in their own presence, even when learning feels challenging. Harold Bloom once said, “The purpose of teaching is to bring the student to his or her sense of his or her own presence.” I understand a “sense of presence” as the awareness that you exist, that you matter, and that your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are important. It is about students recognizing themselves as individuals with worth, not just as learners measured by grades or test scores. For students with special needs, developing this sense of presence can be difficult because they are often defined by their disabilities rather than their strengths. As a future special education teacher, my goal is to guide students toward discovering their own presence by first creating an environment of safety and trust. Many special needs students have experienced frustration, failure, or feeling different from their peers. Before learning can happen, students need to feel accepted exactly as they are. I would begin by building strong relationships with my students listening to them, observing how they communicate, and learning what makes them feel confident or anxious. When students feel understood, they are more likely to believe in themselves. Another way I would help students experience their own presence is by honoring different ways of learning and expressing understanding. Not all students learn through traditional methods, and not all students communicate with words. Some may express themselves through drawings, movement, or actions. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to recognize these forms of expression as meaningful. When students see that their voice however it appears is valued, they begin to see themselves as capable and important. I also believe that celebrating progress rather than perfection is essential in special education. Growth looks different for every student, and comparing them to others can take away their confidence. Instead, I would focus on individual goals and personal achievements, no matter how small they may seem. When a student realizes that their effort matters and that improvement is possible, they begin to feel present in their own learning journey. My mission as a special education teacher is to help students develop self confidence, independence, and self awareness. I want my students to leave my classroom knowing that they are more than a diagnosis or label. I want them to understand that they belong, that they are capable of growth, and that they have something valuable to contribute to the world. By creating a supportive and inclusive classroom, I hope to guide my students toward a strong sense of their own presence one that stays with them long after they leave school.

Growing up, I had the privilege of having a military family member my uncle who served in the army. While he never spoke much about his time in service, the values he carried with him were always clear through his actions, attitude, and the lessons he shared with our family. His military experience shaped the person he became, and in turn, influenced the way he guided and supported others. One fond memory I have is from when he came home on leave and noticed how stressed I was about a school project. I remember feeling overwhelmed, thinking that everything had to be done perfectly and immediately. Instead of telling me to hurry up or stop worrying, he calmly sat down with me and asked what was wrong. He listened carefully and then told me something simple but powerful: “Take it one step at a time. You don’t accomplish big goals all at once.” He explained that in the military, patience and discipline are essential, and that every challenge is easier to face when broken into smaller parts. What stood out most in that moment was how calm and composed he was. He didn’t panic or pressure me, even though I was clearly anxious. That taught me an important lesson that true strength isn’t about being loud or forceful, but about staying focused and steady, especially in stressful situations. His approach reflected the mindset he developed through his service, where teamwork, planning, and perseverance are critical. Although my uncle rarely shared detailed stories about his military life, I could see how it shaped his character. He was disciplined, respectful, and always willing to help others. He showed responsibility not just in big moments, but in small, everyday actions. Through him, I learned the value of resilience and the importance of not giving up when things feel overwhelming. This memory may seem simple, but it left a lasting impact on me. My uncle’s service taught him lessons that extended far beyond the military, and he passed those lessons on to me. His influence reminds me that service is not only about wearing a uniform it is about the values, strength, and guidance shared with others long after the service ends. Through my uncle, I learned the importance of responsibility, respect, and resilience. His military background influenced not only how he approached challenges, but also how he supported the people around him. This simple memory reminds me that service goes beyond the uniformit lives on through the lessons and values passed down to the next generation.

When I look back at my journey toward higher education, I realize it has been shaped by both challenge and purpose. I came to the United States from Guatemala at a young age, and learning a new language while adapting to a completely different school system was not easy. There were moments when I felt behind or out of place, especially when I struggled to express myself in English. But those early challenges taught me resilience. They pushed me to work harder, ask questions, and believe that even if I started in a different place than others, I could still reach my goals. Being a first generation student taught me to depend on my determination and to take every opportunity seriously. One of the experiences that has prepared me the most is being involved in preschool and early childhood environments at my high school. Watching how children learn how their eyes light up when something finally makes sense, how they respond to patience and kindness showed me the kind of impact I want to make. Seeing their curiosity and growth reminded me of my own journey learning English and adjusting to a new life. It made me realize that education is not just about academics; it’s about feeling understood and supported. Because of this, I plan to study Early Childhood or Elementary Education. This field is important to me because I know how powerful it is when a child feels seen and encouraged. I want to be the kind of teacher who makes students feel safe to make mistakes, to try again, and to believe in themselves. Education changed the direction of my life, and I want to give that same sense of possibility to other children, especially those who may be facing challenges similar to the ones I experienced. My goal is to make a positive impact not only in the classroom but also in my community. As a first generation student, I know what it feels like to navigate school systems without guidance. I hope to become a teacher who connects with families, supports bilingual students, and helps children feel proud of where they come from. Representation matters, and I want young students especially immigrants and children from multicultural backgrounds to see someone who understands their experience. I also hope to give back by mentoring younger students in my community, volunteering, and serving as an example to my family. For me, becoming a teacher is not just a career choice it’s a way to create long-lasting change. Every child I teach will carry those lessons forward, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond one classroom. Higher education is the next step in building that future. I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m motivated by the idea of becoming the kind of educator who uplifts, inspires, and opens doors for the next generation. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has made me strong, patient, and determined and those are the qualities I will carry with me as I continue my education and work toward becoming a teacher.

When I think about the person who shaped the way I see myself as a leader, I always go back to my mom. She came to this country with nothing certain except her determination to give me a better future. Growing up in Guatemala, I watched her work long hours, move through the world with quiet strength, and still find the kindness to help others. She never used big speeches to teach me about leadership she taught me through action. Watching her has shaped the way I carry myself and the way I want to show up for the people around me. Her support has influenced every part of my journey as a first-generation student. She always reminded me that even if things are hard, it doesn’t mean they are impossible. When we moved to the United States, I struggled with the language, school felt overwhelming, and everything was new. But instead of letting me give up, my mom pushed me in the gentlest way “Tú puedes, Kim.” Those two words became a kind of leadership lesson for me real leaders don’t just push themselves forward; they lift others up, even when they’re tired. Because of her example, I’ve learned to lead by being patient, respectful, and understanding. This is one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about becoming an early childhood or elementary school teacher. I want to create the kind of environment my mom gave me one where kids feel seen, supported, and capable. Her resilience is something I carry with me in the preschool classroom, where I’ve been learning how children grow, learn, and respond to care. Every time I help a shy child participate or comfort a kid who’s struggling, I feel like I’m honoring the lessons she taught me. My mom also shaped the way I give back to my community. Being first-generation means I’m not just building a future for myself. I’m building a legacy for my family. I want my younger relatives to see that college is possible, that dreams matter, and that our background is a strength, not a limitation. Her example motivates me to volunteer, support my peers, and share what I know with others who might feel lost navigating school, applications, or life in a new country. Leadership, to me, is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up with compassion, staying committed even when things get difficult, and choosing to uplift others the way someone uplifted you. My mom’s resilience has influenced the values I carry forward: hard work, kindness, and the responsibility to create opportunities for the next generation. As I continue my education and work toward becoming a teacher, I hope to pass on the same encouragement she gave me. If I can inspire even one child the way she inspired me, then I know I’ll be honoring the legacy she started.