At the age of nine, my world turned upside down when my mother announced we were embarking on an adventure. Little did I know this meant a leap of 4,000 kilometers to a place where a foreign language echoed and a new culture awaited. My mother, ever a risk-taker, sought something better after divorcing my biological father when I was two. Our life had always been a whirlwind of moving and changing jobs. After years of trying, we finally secured our visas. In June 2015, we left Bogotá, Colombia, for Long Island, New York. The 12-hour journey, with two stops along the way, remains etched in my memory. Landing in Florida, we stared at bewildering signs, unsure of our next steps. My mom’s face reflected a mix of nerves and determination as she tried to navigate. That moment marked the start of an unpredictable journey. Before school and work began, my mother and I made a clumsy attempt to “learn English”. One day, we stumbled upon a jar of coins at home and decided to go out—destination unknown. After walking for what felt like forever, we found a Burger King. Unable to speak English, we placed a cluster of coins on the counter and used hand gestures to order a ‘number 1 Whopper Combo.’ We only had enough for one meal. Mom insisted she wasn’t hungry, but years later, I realized her quiet sacrifice. Starting school was a turning point. We settled into a small apartment, and I faced the challenges of learning English, making friends, playing the viola, and navigating a foreign culture. Despite my efforts, I often felt alone, disconnected from my roots and my family back home. My mother worked two jobs, and our interactions became fleeting. Weekends were often spent alone, yearning for her presence. At a young age, I stepped into responsibilities beyond my years. I managed our meals, translated for my mom, and handled phone conversations, becoming her voice in an unfamiliar world. It was a role born of necessity, not choice. My mother’s mantra, “The only limits in life are the ones we set for ourselves,” became the foundation of my resilience. Those years demanded sacrifice but instilled perseverance and discipline. I learned the value of hard work and independence. Facing challenges without money, support, or familiarity taught me to adapt and overcome. My childhood may have been shortened, but in return, I gained a lifetime of wisdom and strength. This scholarship would be a lifeline that allows me to continue my journey toward achieving my dreams. Growing up, I faced countless obstacles—moving to a new country, learning a new language, and supporting my mother as she worked tirelessly to provide for us. Despite the challenges, I’ve never lost sight of the importance of education and hard work. This scholarship would ease the financial strain of tuition and living expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how to make ends meet. It would be a step closer to building a better future for myself and my family, giving me the chance to honor my mother’s sacrifices and continue working toward my goal of earning a degree in business management. More than just financial assistance, this scholarship would be a symbol of the perseverance and resilience that have defined my life. It would remind me that no matter how difficult the journey, I have the strength to keep moving forward.

I am pursuing a Business degree because I want to use my education to make a meaningful difference in my community, one that’s shaped by hard work, sacrifice, and resilience. As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve witnessed the struggles my mother faced when she moved to this country alone, determined to build a better life for us. Through her unwavering dedication, she started her own small business, facing challenges that many entrepreneurs experience—long hours, limited resources, and constant obstacles. Watching her grow her business inspired me to pursue a path where I could use my knowledge to help others, especially those in similar situations to ours. Helping my mom with her business over the years has given me a deep understanding of the difficulties small business owners face. Whether it’s working late into the night or managing tough situations with customers, I’ve seen the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. But I’ve also seen the rewards of persistence and hard work, and how a well-run business can create opportunities not only for the owner but for the community around it. That’s why I’m passionate about learning how to grow businesses—specifically small businesses—because they are the backbone of our communities, yet often struggle to reach their full potential. Through a Business degree, I hope to gain the tools and skills needed to help businesses like my mom’s flourish. I want to understand everything from marketing to finance to management so that I can help other small businesses not only survive but thrive. Many immigrant families, like mine, face a unique set of challenges so my goal is to provide resources, guidance, and mentorship to those who need it most, offering a hand to help them navigate the world of entrepreneurship, just as my mom did for me. My passion extends beyond business to music, which has always been a central part of my life. It’s been my escape, an outlet for expression, and a way to connect with others. In high school, I created small ensembles and gave private lessons, even with limited resources. The most meaningful part wasn’t the music itself but the community it created, and I want to bring that sense of belonging to others. I plan to use my business knowledge to support arts organizations, particularly those that serve underserved communities. I believe the arts have the power to unite people, and I want to ensure everyone has access to creative opportunities. By helping arts programs become more sustainable, I hope to foster a community that nurtures creativity and expression. In the future, I envision myself combining my love for music and business to create a space where both can thrive. I want to open a music school or nonprofit that offers affordable lessons and performance opportunities to students in underserved communities—especially immigrant and low-income families—so they can have the same chance I did to explore their creativity. This isn’t just about teaching music; it’s about giving people the chance to feel seen, heard, and empowered. This scholarship would make a world of difference in my ability to pursue these goals. As a first-generation student, the financial burden of college weighs heavily on my family. This scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus on my studies, knowing that I have the support to achieve my dreams. It would allow me to continue my journey of using business and music to help others, just as my mom helped me. Her sacrifices shaped who I am today, and I want to carry that legacy forward, making a lasting impact in my community and beyond.

I am a first-generation immigrant and the proud daughter of a single mother who worked tirelessly to create a better life for me. Watching my mom face immense challenges as she started over in a new country taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. For the past three years, I have been helping her grow her small business, where I’ve seen firsthand the struggles of entrepreneurship—long hours, limited resources, and countless obstacles. This experience sparked my interest in Business Management, as I want to use my education to support my mom and other families like ours. Music has also been a guiding force throughout my life. From a young age, it brought me joy, gave me a creative outlet, and helped me connect with others. In high school, despite limited resources, I offered private saxophone lessons and created small ensembles so others could grow and perform. Even after I graduated, the tradition lived on, which showed me the lasting power of community and shared passion. Alongside my love for music, I’ve pursued Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for five years, earning a blue belt. This sport taught me the importance of resilience, discipline, and pushing forward when faced with challenges—lessons that have carried into all aspects of my life. This scholarship would make a significant difference in my journey. As a first-generation college student, I am determined to break barriers and achieve my goals, but the financial burden of higher education weighs heavily on my family. This opportunity would allow me to focus on my studies in Business Management and Music without adding stress to my mother, who has already sacrificed so much for me. With this support, I can continue to work toward my dream of expanding my mom’s business, helping immigrant families, and supporting arts organizations that face similar struggles. My long-term goal is to combine my business education with my passion for music to make a lasting impact in my community. I hope to expand my mother’s business into something she could only dream of and create opportunities for others to thrive. At the same time, I want to support arts programs and small businesses that often go overlooked, ensuring they have the resources to succeed. During my senior year of high school, I reached a point of emotional and physical exhaustion from juggling academics, extracurriculars, and part-time work to support my family. I felt overwhelmed trying to balance everything while staying strong for my mom, who faced challenges in her business. To overcome this, I leaned on music and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which helped me express myself and keep moving forward. I also turned to my mom for support, learning that strength comes from asking for help and setting boundaries. This experience taught me the value of balance, resilience, and relying on others, showing me that even moments of weakness can lead to growth. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain but also allow me to continue pursuing my education and goals with confidence. I am determined to honor my family’s sacrifices, create opportunities for others, and make a positive impact in both business and the arts.

Here’s the updated version with a personal touch about your mom: --- **What Importance Does Insurance Have in Our Everyday Life?** Insurance is something that many people have but don’t always think about until they really need it. It’s one of those things that can make a big difference in our everyday lives, even though it might not seem important at first. Insurance helps protect people financially when unexpected things happen, like accidents, illnesses, or damage to their property. While it has many positive effects, there are also some downsides. I’ve seen firsthand how important insurance can be because my mom is a life insurance agent. She works with the Hispanic community, helping families plan for their futures. In our culture, family is everything, and my mom always tells her clients that life insurance isn’t just about money—it’s about protecting the people you love. For example, if something were to happen to a parent, life insurance can help cover things like funeral costs, bills, and even college tuition for their kids. Without it, families might struggle to make ends meet during such a difficult time. My mom also helps people understand life insurance because, for many in the Hispanic community, it’s not something they grew up learning about. A lot of families come from countries where insurance isn’t common or affordable, so it can feel unnecessary or confusing. My mom explains how life insurance works, answers their questions, and shows them how it can give them peace of mind for the future. I think it’s really inspiring to see her help people build a safety net, especially families who are working hard to provide a better life for their kids. Insurance, in general, can really protect people in tough situations. For example, health insurance helps cover medical bills, car insurance can help with accident repairs, and homeowners insurance protects property after things like fires or floods. Without these safety nets, unexpected events could leave families drowning in debt. Insurance gives people a way to get through hard times without losing everything. However, there are some downsides to insurance, too. One of the biggest challenges is the cost. Paying for insurance every month can be expensive, especially for families who are already working hard to keep up with rent, groceries, and other bills. For some people, life insurance might feel like an “extra” expense, even though it’s so important in the long run. Another downside is that insurance policies can be complicated. Sometimes people think they’re covered for certain things, but then they find out the insurance doesn’t cover as much as they thought. This is why people like my mom are so important. Insurance agents can help explain the different options to families and make sure they get the right coverage for their needs. My mom always says her goal is to help people feel more secure about their future. She’s seen how life insurance can make a big difference for families, especially when something unexpected happens. In conclusion, insurance is really important because it protects us financially during life’s hardest moments. It helps families recover after accidents, illnesses, or disasters. Even though it can be expensive and sometimes confusing, having insurance is worth it. I’m proud of my mom for helping families in our community plan for the future. Thanks to people like her, more families are able to protect the ones they love and feel prepared for whatever comes their way.

At the age of nine, my world turned upside down when my mother announced we were embarking on an adventure. Little did I know this meant a leap of 4,000 kilometers to a place where a foreign language echoed and a new culture awaited. My mother, ever a risk-taker, sought something better after divorcing my biological father when I was two. Our life had always been a whirlwind of moving and changing jobs. After years of trying, we finally secured our visas. In June 2015, we left Bogotá, Colombia, for Long Island, New York. The 12-hour journey, with two stops along the way, remains etched in my memory. Landing in Florida, we stared at bewildering signs, unsure of our next steps. My mom’s face reflected a mix of nerves and determination as she tried to navigate. That moment marked the start of an unpredictable journey. Before school and work began, my mother and I made a clumsy attempt to “learn English”. One day, we stumbled upon a jar of coins at home and decided to go out—destination unknown. After walking for what felt like forever, we found a Burger King. Unable to speak English, we placed a cluster of coins on the counter and used hand gestures to order a ‘number 1 Whopper Combo.’ We only had enough for one meal. Mom insisted she wasn’t hungry, but years later, I realized her quiet sacrifice. Starting school was a turning point. We settled into a small apartment, and I faced the challenges of learning English, making friends, playing the viola, and navigating a foreign culture. Despite my efforts, I often felt alone, disconnected from my roots and my family back home. My mother worked two jobs, and our interactions became fleeting. Weekends were often spent alone, yearning for her presence. At a young age, I stepped into responsibilities beyond my years. I managed our meals, translated for my mom, and handled phone conversations, becoming her voice in an unfamiliar world. It was a role born of necessity, not choice. My mother’s mantra, “The only limits in life are the ones we set for ourselves,” became the foundation of my resilience. Those years demanded sacrifice but instilled perseverance and discipline. I learned the value of hard work and independence. Facing challenges without money, support, or familiarity taught me to adapt and overcome. My childhood may have been shortened, but in return, I gained a lifetime of wisdom and strength. This journey left an undeniable mark on me, shaping who I am today. It taught me the power of literacy and knowledge in overcoming barriers. Navigating a new language and culture empowered me to not only survive but thrive. My experience is a testament to resilience—the ability to embrace uncertainty, learn relentlessly, and rise above adversity. It is a story of growth, of finding purpose in challenges, and of proving that with determination, any dream is achievable.

I started my music journey in 4th grade, playing the viola as part of an orchestra in New York City. In 6th grade, my family and I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and I continued to play the viola in middle school. However, before my first year of high school, my family moved again, this time to Gastonia, NC. Unfortunately, no schools in the area offered orchestras, but they did have bands. I decided to try something new and learn to play the saxophone during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the summer of 2022, I auditioned for a full-ride scholarship to Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University through the Gaston Music Education Foundation. I was accepted and attended the camp. After attending camp, I felt inspired to start a saxophone quartet at my school. We've played at school concerts, parks, and small coffee shops. Once ready to compete, we tried out for Solo and Ensemble MPA and got a Superior ranking. That following summer, I applied for smaller scholarships to attend Brevard College for their Saxophone Summer Institute for three weeks. Upon my return, I felt a strong need to improve the band program at our school by utilizing the knowledge I had gained at the camps I attended. To achieve this, I decided to start a Brass Quintet with the younger members of the band with the aim of helping them grow and become better musicians. I am teaching them to be self-sufficient and motivated so they can carry on with these ensembles even after I graduate. I aspire to inspire more students to join ensembles, attend music camps, and explore other musical opportunities to develop their skills as individuals, musicians, and leaders. In college, I aim to become a band director and inspire others with the magic of music. My life experiences have helped me become a hardworking and self-driven individual who never takes no for an answer. I moved to the United States from Colombia when I was nine and learned that the only limit in life is myself. I never thought I could learn another language in a different country, fit into a different culture, or even learn to play an instrument. But with passion and persistence, one can achieve many things. My desire to become a band director arose in my junior year when I demonstrated the saxophone basics to rising sixth-graders. Teaching them how to play the saxophone made me realize my love for it. Witnessing their excitement when they made a sound on it, and even their parents' pride in them, encouraged me to continue teaching others. Obtaining this scholarship will benefit me as it will provide me with a more challenging and enriched educational experience. This experience will help me to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and communication, which are essential for a band director. With this preparation, I will excel in my field and positively impact my future students. As a global citizen, I understand the importance of advocating for music education worldwide, and the skills I develop at College will enable me to do so effectively. I am excited to contribute to a more culturally enriched and connected society.

I started my music journey in 4th grade, playing the viola as part of an orchestra in New York City. In 6th grade, my family and I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and I continued to play the viola in middle school. However, before my first year of high school, my family moved again, this time to Gastonia, NC. Unfortunately, no schools in the area offered orchestras, but they did have bands. I decided to try something new and learn to play the saxophone during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the summer of 2022, I auditioned for a full-ride scholarship to Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University through the Gaston Music Education Foundation. I was accepted and attended the camp. After attending camp, I felt inspired to start a saxophone quartet at my school. We've played at school concerts, parks, and small coffee shops. Once ready to compete, we tried out for Solo and Ensemble MPA and got a Superior ranking. That following summer, I applied for smaller scholarships to attend Brevard College for their Saxophone Summer Institute for three weeks. Upon my return, I felt a strong need to improve the band program at our school by utilizing the knowledge I had gained at the camps I attended. To achieve this, I decided to start a Brass Quintet with the younger members of the band with the aim of helping them grow and become better musicians. I am teaching them to be self-sufficient and motivated so they can carry on with these ensembles even after I graduate. I aspire to inspire more students to join ensembles, attend music camps, and explore other musical opportunities to develop their skills as individuals, musicians, and leaders. In college, I aim to become a band director and inspire others with the magic of music. My life experiences have helped me become a hardworking and self-driven individual who never takes no for an answer. I moved to the United States from Colombia when I was nine and learned that the only limit in life is myself. I never thought I could learn another language in a different country, fit into a different culture, or even learn to play an instrument. But with passion and persistence, one can achieve many things. My desire to become a band director arose in my junior year when I demonstrated the saxophone basics to rising sixth-graders. Teaching them how to play the saxophone made me realize my love for it. Witnessing their excitement when they made a sound on it, and even their parents' pride in them, encouraged me to continue teaching others. Obtaining this scholarship will benefit me as it will provide me with a more challenging and enriched educational experience. This experience will help me to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and communication, which are essential for a band director. With this preparation, I will excel in my field and positively impact my future students. As a global citizen, I understand the importance of advocating for music education worldwide, and the skills I develop at College will enable me to do so effectively. I am excited to contribute to a more culturally enriched and connected society.

I started my music journey in 4th grade, playing the viola as part of an orchestra in New York City. In 6th grade, my family and I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and I continued to play the viola in middle school. However, before my first year of high school, my family moved again, this time to Gastonia, NC. Unfortunately, no schools in the area offered orchestras, but they did have bands. I decided to try something new and learn to play the saxophone during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the summer of 2022, I auditioned for a full-ride scholarship to Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University through the Gaston Music Education Foundation. I was accepted and attended the camp. After attending camp, I felt inspired to start a saxophone quartet at my school. We've played at school concerts, parks, and small coffee shops. Once ready to compete, we tried out for Solo and Ensemble MPA and got a Superior ranking. That following summer, I applied for smaller scholarships to attend Brevard College for their Saxophone Summer Institute for three weeks. Upon my return, I felt a strong need to improve the band program at our school by utilizing the knowledge I had gained at the camps I attended. To achieve this, I decided to start a Brass Quintet with the younger members of the band with the aim of helping them grow and become better musicians. I am teaching them to be self-sufficient and motivated so they can carry on with these ensembles even after I graduate. I aspire to inspire more students to join ensembles, attend music camps, and explore other musical opportunities to develop their skills as individuals, musicians, and leaders. In college, I aim to become a band director and inspire others with the magic of music. My life experiences have helped me become a hardworking and self-driven individual who never takes no for an answer. I moved to the United States from Colombia when I was nine and learned that the only limit in life is myself. I never thought I could learn another language in a different country, fit into a different culture, or even learn to play an instrument. But with passion and persistence, one can achieve many things. My desire to become a band director arose in my junior year when I demonstrated the saxophone basics to rising sixth-graders. Teaching them how to play the saxophone made me realize my love for it. Witnessing their excitement when they made a sound on it, and even their parents' pride in them, encouraged me to continue teaching others. Obtaining this scholarship will benefit me as it will provide me with a more challenging and enriched educational experience. This experience will help me to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and communication, which are essential for a band director. With this preparation, I will excel in my field and positively impact my future students. As a global citizen, I understand the importance of advocating for music education worldwide, and the skills I develop at College will enable me to do so effectively. I am excited to contribute to a more culturally enriched and connected society.

Learning Through Immersion When I was nine, my mother told me we were going on an adventure. She meant to say, “We will move 4,000 kilometers across the world to a place that speaks an unknown language and has a completely different culture.” Since I can remember, my mom has always taken many “adventures,” but what it meant was risks. She divorced my biological dad two years after I was born, we always moved around, and she changed jobs for as long as I can remember. But it always felt she was not entirely satisfied and needed something more. After trying for a couple of years, we finally got our visas. In June 2015, we made the big jump to move from Bogota, Colombia, to Long Island, New York. I remember the 12-hour plane ride with two stops before landing. Landing in Florida was one of our first wake-up calls when we had no clue what the signs said. I still remember the look on Mom’s face when she was trying to decipher where we were supposed to go. I didn’t necessarily feel scared as a child; it was nerve-racking but very exhilarating. Mom and I had one month to “learn English” before she started her new job and I started school. One summer day, we found a huge jar of coins at the house. So we decided to take a handful of coins and put them in a plastic bag, and off we went to see if we could purchase anything. After walking for what seemed forever, we found a Burger King. I still remember vividly when we walked inside the Burger King and the look on the employees’ faces when we put a bunch of coins on the counter. Neither my mom nor I knew English, so I remember smiling at the employees and hand-signaling that we wanted the number 1 Whopper Combo. We only had enough money for one meal, but it was okay because Mom told me she wasn’t hungry. Not until years later did I realize she was. Once I started school, everything changed. We had moved to our own apartment, and I started third grade. I made friends, started learning English, playing soccer, volleyball, and the viola, and helped my mom learn some English. But I began to feel scared, lonely, sad, and disconnected from my culture and family. My mom started working two jobs, and I barely saw her. She would come home at midnight while I was already sleeping. I would stay home all day on the weekends, hoping she wouldn’t have to go to work. During this time, I grew to become independent at a young age. Even when she was home, I felt I needed to care for her. When we went to restaurants, I ordered for the both of us, buying our apartment and car. I was the one talking and translating. I passed as Mom in multiple phone calls all the time, and even to this day, I still do occasionally. After all these years, my mom has always told me, “My only limit in life is set by myself.” I learned a lot of life experience at an early age. I sacrificed my early childhood to help support my mother and myself. We quickly learned to survive with no job, money, or family. Immersing myself in difficult situations taught me perseverance, sacrifice, and discipline. Through determination, I learned that hard work pays off; with sacrifice, you can get where you want to be, and with discipline, you can change your life for the better.

I started my music journey in 4th grade, playing the viola as part of an orchestra in New York City. In 6th grade, my family and I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and I continued to play the viola in middle school. However, before my first year of high school, my family moved again, this time to Gastonia, NC. Unfortunately, no schools in the area offered orchestras, but they did have bands. I decided to try something new and learn to play the saxophone during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the summer of 2022, I auditioned for a full-ride scholarship to Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University through the Gaston Music Education Foundation. I was accepted and attended the camp. After attending camp, I felt inspired to start a saxophone quartet at my school. We've played at school concerts, parks, and small coffee shops. Once ready to compete, we tried out for Solo and Ensemble MPA and got a Superior ranking. That following summer, I applied for smaller scholarships to attend Brevard College for their Saxophone Summer Institute for three weeks. Upon my return, I felt a strong need to improve the band program at our school by utilizing the knowledge I had gained at the camps I attended. To achieve this, I decided to start a Brass Quintet with the younger members of the band with the aim of helping them grow and become better musicians. I am teaching them to be self-sufficient and motivated so they can carry on with these ensembles even after I graduate. I aspire to inspire more students to join ensembles, attend music camps, and explore other musical opportunities to develop their skills as individuals, musicians, and leaders. In college, I aim to become a band director and inspire others with the magic of music. My life experiences have helped me become a hardworking and self-driven individual who never takes no for an answer. I moved to the United States from Colombia when I was nine and learned that the only limit in life is myself. I never thought I could learn another language in a different country, fit into a different culture, or even learn to play an instrument. But with passion and persistence, one can achieve many things. My desire to become a band director arose in my junior year when I demonstrated the saxophone basics to rising sixth-graders. Teaching them how to play the saxophone made me realize my love for it. Witnessing their excitement when they made a sound on it, and even their parents' pride in them, encouraged me to continue teaching others. Obtaining this scholarship will benefit me as it will provide me with a more challenging and enriched educational experience. This experience will help me to develop crucial skills such as critical thinking, leadership, and communication, which are essential for a band director. With this preparation, I will excel in my field and positively impact my future students. As a global citizen, I understand the importance of advocating for music education worldwide, and the skills I develop at College will enable me to do so effectively. I am excited to contribute to a more culturally enriched and connected society.