I am passionate about being a first-generation, Mexican-American college student because my heritage and my family are at the core of who I am—my blood is everything to me. Growing up in a Mexican-American household, I learned early on the value of hard work, perseverance, and family. My parents made countless sacrifices to give me opportunities they never had, and their dedication has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Being the first in my family to attend college is not just a personal accomplishment; it is a way to honor my family, carry on our culture, and show that with determination, faith, and resilience, anything is possible. Education has always been a way for me to bridge the gap between the life my family dreamed of and the life I am building for myself. I know that attending college is not only for me but also for the people who came before me and for the younger members of my community who will look up to me as an example. Every step I take in my academic journey reminds me of the sacrifices my family made and motivates me to continue working hard, even when challenges feel overwhelming. There have been moments when I struggled with self-doubt, balancing school, athletics, and family responsibilities, but my Mexican heritage and the lessons instilled in me by my parents kept me grounded. My mom often reminded me, “Con Dios,” meaning “with God, anything is possible,” and her words have guided me through every obstacle, helping me trust that I have the strength to succeed and make a difference. Being a first-generation college student also allows me to embrace my culture fully and share it with others. I am proud of my roots, language, and traditions, and I carry them with me into every classroom, practice, and community space I enter. I want to show others, especially young Mexican-American students, that their heritage is a source of strength and pride, not a barrier to success. By excelling academically and athletically, I can break cycles of limitation, inspire younger generations, and demonstrate that pursuing higher education is attainable, even when the path is challenging. Ultimately, being a first-generation, Mexican-American college student is about more than personal achievement—it is about legacy, culture, and family. My blood is my strength, my identity, and my motivation. Every accomplishment I earn honors my family, upholds the values they instilled in me, and paves the way for future generations. I am passionate about this journey because it is a reflection of who I am, where I come from, and the faith and determination that guide me. Through hard work, perseverance, and pride in my heritage, I aim to not only succeed but also inspire others to embrace their roots and pursue their dreams with confidence.

I believe I deserve this scholarship because of my dedication, resilience, and commitment to growth in every area of my life. My life hasn’t always been easy. Growing up in a low-income Hispanic household with a single mother meant facing challenges that sometimes felt overwhelming. There were times when I worried about paying for school, getting the right opportunities, or simply finding the confidence to pursue my dreams. Despite these struggles, my mom always reminded me, “Con Dios,” meaning “with God, anything is possible.” Her words have been a constant source of strength and guidance, helping me trust that no matter how difficult life gets, I am never alone and that God has a plan for me. Soccer has been a central part of my life for 10 years, and I currently play at the college level on an athletic scholarship. The sport has taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, but it has also tested my faith and confidence. Injuries have been some of the hardest moments for me, leaving me frustrated and unsure of my abilities. Playing with teammates from different backgrounds also challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and learn to adapt both socially and athletically. Through all of these challenges, I’ve learned to trust in God’s timing, stay patient, and work hard toward my goals. Every time I returned to the field after a setback, I grew stronger, not only as an athlete but also as a person. Beyond playing, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I coach and referee youth soccer for children in a low-income Hispanic community. Many of these kids face challenges similar to those I have experienced, limited resources, family pressures, and moments of self-doubt. Being able to mentor them, encourage them, and show them that hard work and faith can lead to success is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Seeing them gain confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the game reminds me of my own journey and motivates me to continue working hard both on and off the field. Receiving this scholarship would make a significant difference in my life. It would help cover tuition and other college expenses, easing the financial pressures that often weigh on me and allowing me to focus more fully on my education and athletic career. It would also support training, travel, and equipment necessary to continue competing at a high level. More than the financial assistance, this scholarship would serve as a reminder that God rewards perseverance, faith, and hard work. It would give me the encouragement to continue striving for excellence, helping others, and walking in faith every step of the way. Ultimately, this scholarship is more than money, it is an investment in my potential, my faith, and my ability to impact others. With God guiding me, I am committed to pursuing higher education, growing as a student-athlete, and continuing to inspire the children I coach to dream big, work hard, and trust that with God, they can overcome any challenge. Con Dios, I know that no matter what obstacles come my way, I can continue to grow, succeed, and make a difference in my community.

1. I am a “YOU GOT IT GIRL” because I am resilient, determined, and committed to growth—both on and off the field. Playing college soccer has challenged me physically and mentally, especially as I’ve faced injuries and periods of low confidence. Learning to push through setbacks and continue improving has taught me perseverance, patience, and self-belief. This scholarship would help me achieve my goals by providing resources to continue developing as an athlete, afford my tuition and college expenses, and invest in opportunities to compete at a higher level, while also inspiring me to mentor others and give back to my community. 2. I currently play college soccer and have been involved in the sport for 10 years. Over the course of my career, I have received several awards, including being named a Team All-Conference Player and ranking among the Top 10 NE Top Scorers. Playing soccer has taught me teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I also coach and referee youth soccer in a low-income Hispanic community, helping young players build confidence, develop skills, and learn life lessons through sports. 3. One major challenge I faced was adjusting to playing college soccer with teammates from different backgrounds while dealing with injuries. Initially, I struggled with low confidence and felt out of place on the field. Instead of letting that stop me, I focused on improving my fitness, skills, and mindset. I learned to communicate better with my teammates, trust myself, and use setbacks as motivation. Over time, I regained my confidence, strengthened my game, and became a more adaptable and resilient player. This experience taught me that challenges can be opportunities for growth. 4. I admire my mom because she has always worked tirelessly to provide for our family while supporting my dreams. Growing up with her as a single parent taught me perseverance, determination, and resilience. Her example inspires me to face challenges head-on, work hard, and give back to my community, both as an athlete and as a mentor. 5. This scholarship would help me afford travel, tuition, and college expenses that allow me to continue playing college soccer at my best. It would also support my recovery from injuries and help me maintain a balance between athletics and academics. Beyond financial support, this scholarship would serve as encouragement, reminding me that my hard work and perseverance are recognized and valued, motivating me to continue growing as an athlete and a mentor for young players in my community. 6. I am deeply committed to using sports as a way to empower others. Coaching and refereeing children in my community has shown me the importance of mentorship, encouragement, and leading by example. My experiences with injuries, low confidence, and adapting to new teams have made me resilient and determined. I want to inspire others, both on and off the field, to believe in themselves and their potential. 7. I currently play college soccer on an athletic scholarship. Being a student-athlete means balancing rigorous academics with demanding athletic schedules while overcoming obstacles like injuries, low confidence, and adapting to diverse teammates. I have been playing soccer for 10 years, and my journey has taught me resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Representing YGIG would allow me to inspire young athletes to persevere, embrace challenges, and pursue their goals, showing that setbacks can be transformed into growth and empowerment.

I am passionate about helping young people grow both on and off the field. For the past several years, I have helped coach and referee youth sports for children in a low-income Hispanic community, and this experience has had a profound impact on me. Sports have always been a part of my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and I want to share those lessons with the next generation. Working with these kids has shown me how powerful sports can be—not just in building athletic skills, but in shaping confidence, character, and a sense of belonging. Many of the children I work with face challenges that I can relate to, such as limited resources, family responsibilities, and obstacles in their everyday lives, and being able to provide them with guidance, encouragement, and a safe space to play and learn is incredibly rewarding. I focus on creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported, and I make it a priority to teach respect, responsibility, and teamwork while emphasizing that mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up. I want the children to leave each practice or game not only improving as athletes but also growing as individuals who are confident, resilient, and capable of facing challenges both on the field and in their personal lives. By showing patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm, I aim to be a positive role model, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can make a difference in any situation. I also encourage the children to support one another, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration both on and off the field. My ultimate goal is to use my experience and passion for youth sports to make a lasting impact in my community. I hope to inspire the kids I work with to pursue their dreams, develop leadership skills, and feel proud of who they are and where they come from. Youth sports are more than just games—they are opportunities to teach life lessons, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging, especially for children who may not have access to other supportive resources. By supporting and mentoring these children, I am helping to create a stronger, more connected community where young people can thrive despite obstacles. I am committed to continuing this work, helping children realize their potential, and ensuring that every child I coach or referee knows that their talent, effort, and individuality matter. Through my dedication, I hope to inspire a new generation of young leaders who carry these lessons with them into every aspect of their lives.

Being a first generation college student has a huge influence on my career goals because it represents more than just earning a degree, it represents breaking barriers for my hispanic family and community. Growing up, college felt like something far away and out of reach, but my mom always pushed me to work hard even though she never had the same chance. Watching her sacrifice so much so that I could have a better future motivates me to keep going even when things get difficult. Because of that, my career goals are not only about personal success but about creating opportunities for others like me who come from families with limited resources or guidance about higher education. Being the first in my family to go to college has also taught me independence and resilience because I’ve had to figure out everything on my own from applications to financial aid to learning how to balance responsibilities. Those challenges have given me a strong sense of purpose and made me want to use my education to give back to my community. I want to help other first generation students realize that college is possible for them too and that their background can be their motivation instead of a limitation. Whether through mentoring, community outreach, or a career that focuses on education or social work, I want to make sure others have access to the support my family never had. Being a first generation student pushes me to dream bigger and reminds me that I’m not just doing this for myself but for my family, for everyone who believes in me, and for those who will come after me. My journey proves that where you start doesn’t define where you can go, and that perseverance and hope can open doors for generations to come.

Mental health has always been a deeply personal and painful topic for me because of what I have seen in my own community. Over the years I have witnessed people I grew up around lose their battles with depression and take their own lives. Some were close friends, classmates, or neighbors, people who smiled every day but carried pain that few ever noticed. These experiences changed the way I think about life, strength, and what it means to truly support others. It broke my heart to see people who once had dreams and laughter slowly fade because they felt alone or misunderstood. In many Hispanic communities, mental health is not talked about enough, and for a long time I didn’t understand how silence can be so dangerous. There is often pressure to stay strong and keep emotions to yourself, but I’ve learned that staying silent can make pain even heavier. Losing people I cared about opened my eyes to how serious mental health really is and how badly we need more open conversations and support systems for those who are struggling. At first I didn’t know how to process it all. It was confusing, scary, and filled with guilt because I wondered if I could have done more. I would replay moments in my head, trying to find signs I missed or words I should have said. Over time I realized that while no one person can fix everything, we can all make a difference by showing kindness, offering a listening ear, and creating a sense of community where people feel safe being themselves. I try to be that person now, the one who checks in, listens without judgment, and reminds others that they are not alone. My relationships have grown stronger because I now understand that you never truly know what someone is going through. These experiences also influenced my beliefs about what matters most in life. Success to me is not just about money or achievements, but about helping others and making sure people feel seen and valued. My career goals have grown from this pain and purpose. I want to work in a field that focuses on mental health awareness, education, or community outreach, where I can help break the stigma and show that asking for help is not weakness but courage. My dream is to create programs and safe spaces where young people can talk openly about their emotions and get the help they deserve. Losing people to suicide taught me that life is fragile, and that compassion can save lives. I carry that lesson every day and it drives me to be part of a future where no one in my community has to suffer in silence again.