I’m a 22-year-old woman from California, and independence has played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Over the last few years, I’ve learned how to rely on myself more and more. After moving out of my parents’ home, I had to take on a lot of new responsibilities—saving up for a car, budgeting for bills, and learning how to take care of myself. It hasn’t always been easy, but those challenges have helped me grow into someone who is strong, determined, and capable. Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money. My parents worked hard and always did the best they could for us, even when things were tough. Watching them sacrifice and stay strong through hard times taught me the value of perseverance and hard work. It’s because of their example that I push myself to stay focused on my goals. More than anything, I want to accomplish something meaningful in life—not just for myself, but to make them proud and give back for all they’ve done. One of my biggest accomplishments so far has been graduating high school at the age of 22. It was a long and sometimes difficult journey, but I didn’t give up on myself. Earning that diploma meant more to me than just finishing school—it meant proving to myself that I could overcome setbacks. Deciding to continue my education afterward was another huge step forward, and I’m proud to say that I’m now starting my first year at Chaffey College. At Chaffey, I’ll be studying to become a radiologic technologist. I’ve always known I wanted to work in the medical field. Helping people gives me a sense of purpose, and I’m drawn to the idea of being able to make someone’s day even a little better, especially when they’re going through something difficult. Radiology is the perfect fit because it combines technology with direct patient care. Outside of school, I try to stay involved in my community. One way I contribute is by helping clean up local highways and freeways. It may seem like a small thing, but I believe in doing my part to make the world around me a little better. If I’m able to reduce my student loan debt, I plan to save for a home of my own and cover future school expenses. That financial relief would help me stay focused on building a better future—one I’ve worked hard to make possible.

Losing someone to suicide is an experience that changes you forever. When my oldest brother, Louis Nolan, passed away last July—a month after his birthday—my family was devastated. He was the first of my mother’s nine children to leave us, and his absence left a void we are still struggling to fill. That night remains a blur of confusion and pain. At 4 AM, my niece called with the news. By 5 AM, I was at my mother’s house, surrounded by my grieving family, trying to process something that didn’t feel real. Months later, we came together again to say our final goodbyes, but the questions still lingered. Louis had battled alcoholism for years. A month before his passing, he went to rehab and managed to stay sober. We were hopeful. But the day he returned, he told my mother he needed a drink. She tried to stop him, but he wouldn’t listen. That night, he never came home. His death was never officially ruled a suicide—there was no proof. But crossing a freeway at 10 PM doesn’t seem like something anyone would do in a clear state of mind. Maybe he was drunk. Maybe he was overwhelmed. Maybe he felt like he had lost the fight. We’ll never know for sure, and that uncertainty is one of the hardest parts. I wasn’t as close to Louis as some of my other siblings because of our age difference, but I grew up with him. I knew him. I saw his struggles. His wife left him. His kids were upset with him. He was trying to fight his demons but kept losing the battle. And then there’s the part I can’t let go of—the phone call I never got. I was his emergency contact. The hospital said they tried to call me, but my phone shows no missed calls. If I had answered, would things have been different? Would my mother have had the chance to see her son one last time? That thought still weighs on me. The hardest part has been watching my mother grieve. I wished I could take her pain away. But through all this, I’ve come to understand how short and fragile life is. I’ve learned to cherish the time I have with my loved ones and push myself to be better. Losing Louis changed me. It made me realize I can’t take my time here for granted. That’s why I’m pushing forward in my education—to go as far as I can, not just for myself, but for him. His life was cut short, but mine continues, and I want to make the most of it. I carry his memory with me every step of the way. Rest in peace, Louis Nolan. You are missed, always.

Success is often defined by the challenges we overcome, not just the end result. For me, my biggest achievements have been graduating high school, buying my own car, and becoming financially independent. While these milestones might seem ordinary to some, for me, they represent resilience, determination, and an unwavering desire to create a better future. Growing up in a large family with nine siblings, I saw the sacrifices my mother made to keep us all afloat. Being the second of nine to graduate high school felt like a major accomplishment. However, my path to graduation wasn’t an easy one. When I was 16, I had to make a difficult choice: balance my education with working to help my mother pay the bills. The pressure of working full-time while keeping up with school was overwhelming, and eventually, work began to take precedence over my studies. At the age of 20, I experienced a turning point. I realized that while providing for my family was crucial, I also needed to invest in my own future. With renewed focus and determination, I returned to school, and at 22, I earned my high school diploma. That piece of paper wasn’t just an academic achievement; it represented the resilience and belief in myself that had gotten me through some tough times. This experience taught me that I am capable of overcoming significant challenges. I learned the importance of resilience, time management, and, most importantly, recognizing my own self-worth. I also realized that I wanted more for my life—I deserved more. This has driven me to pursue higher education and to work toward my next goal: earning an associate degree in radiologic technology. Looking ahead, I hope to build a stable, fulfilling life. My aspirations include owning a home, building a career in the medical field, and providing for a family of my own. Most importantly, I want to give my future children the opportunities that I didn’t have. My journey has reinforced that success isn’t about how quickly we reach our goals; it’s about the persistence and determination required to get there. Receiving this scholarship would be a crucial step toward reaching my dreams. It would ease the financial burden of my education and serve as a reminder that hard work and perseverance don’t go unnoticed. My story is one of resilience, and with continued dedication, I’m confident that my greatest achievements are yet to come.