Losing a child is something no parent ever imagines they will experience, and the pain is something that can’t truly be described in words. My son was lost during the early stages of my return to school, and his passing was one of the most devastating experiences of my life. He was taken from us too soon, before I even had the chance to fully meet him, and it left a hole in my heart that will never truly heal. At the time, I was just beginning my journey back into education, determined to finish my degree and secure a future for my family. But losing my son derailed everything. The grief and shock were overwhelming, and it felt like the world had stopped. I took a year off from school to mourn and try to find some semblance of normalcy. It was hard to find the strength to move forward. I questioned whether I would ever have the energy to continue with my studies or if I even had the capacity to keep pushing forward. But as the days went by, something shifted within me. I realized that, while my son’s passing was a tragedy that would never be forgotten, I couldn’t allow it to define the rest of my life. I had a family to care for, dreams to pursue, and a purpose to fulfill. I had to honor my son’s memory by continuing the journey I had started. The loss of my son changed me in many ways. It deepened my sense of resilience, reminding me that life, though painful, is also precious. I became more determined than ever to make my dreams a reality, not only for myself but for my family. I wanted to show my children that no matter what hardships we face, we can rise above them and keep moving forward. I decided to return to school, even though it was difficult to balance my grief with my academic responsibilities. Since then, I have made it my mission to push through adversity. The loss of my son taught me to never take anything for granted, to cherish every moment with my loved ones, and to remain focused on my goals. It made me more compassionate, more patient, and more driven to succeed in everything I do. Though the road has been filled with heartache, I am determined to use that pain as fuel to push me toward success. Losing my son will always be a part of me, but I am committed to turning that loss into motivation to build a better future. I want to make my son proud, and I believe that every step I take toward achieving my educational and professional goals is a step closer to honoring his memory.

Returning to school as a parent has been one of the most rewarding and challenging decisions of my life. Balancing the responsibilities of raising children, particularly a child with health issues, while pursuing higher education has not been easy, but it has taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience. When I decided to return to school, I was motivated by the belief that achieving my educational goals would allow me to create a better life for my family. However, my journey back to school was far from smooth. My daughter had been diagnosed with kidney disease, and I was still grappling with the loss of my son in my early years of returning to school. To add to the difficulty, my wife was recovering from a kidney transplant, and our lives were consumed by doctors’ appointments, hospital stays, and the constant worry about our family’s health. Despite the chaos, I knew that education was the key to securing a stable future for my family, and I could not allow the difficulties of life to prevent me from reaching my goals. The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been managing my time effectively. Juggling schoolwork, family obligations, and the emotional and physical needs of my wife and daughter is no easy task. There have been countless nights when I stayed up late, completing assignments and studying while my family slept, because during the day, I had to be there for them. At times, I would feel overwhelmed by the weight of it all, but I pushed forward, motivated by the future I hoped to create for my children and my wife. My situation as a parent returning to school has also required me to be more disciplined with my time. My kids need me just as much as my education does. There are days when I feel torn between attending lectures and being there for my children, but I’ve learned to prioritize and be resourceful. I rely on my support system, my extended family, friends, and professors to help me navigate these obstacles. Though it hasn’t been easy, my journey has also been incredibly rewarding. Every obstacle I’ve faced has only fueled my drive to succeed. When I look at my children, I am reminded of the importance of providing them with opportunities to achieve their own dreams. My determination to finish my education, despite the challenges, is a testament to the sacrifices my family has made for me to get this far. I want them to see that, even in the face of adversity, education is the path to progress. Ultimately, I am not only working toward a degree for myself but also for my family’s future. The sacrifices I’ve made in balancing school and parenting have reinforced my belief that perseverance and ambition can help overcome any challenge. This scholarship would help lessen the financial burden I face as a parent returning to school, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue to build the future I dream of for my family.

As a first-generation Latinx student, my journey through life and education has been a series of challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs. Growing up, I faced the struggles of navigating two cultures—balancing the expectations of my family with the realities of the world around me. Despite these challenges, I’ve always known that education would be the key to unlocking a better future, both for myself and for my family. From a young age, I was told by my parents that education was the pathway to success. They didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, and their hopes were set on me accomplishing what they couldn’t. Their sacrifices to ensure I had what I needed to succeed weighed heavily on my shoulders. But there were also other layers to my identity as a Latinx person in a world that sometimes felt unwelcoming. I realized that expressing myself fully and authentically was something I couldn’t always do without facing judgment or bias. Despite the obstacles, I found a love for learning and a passion for engineering—specifically civil engineering. As I entered the field of STEM, I encountered the lack of diversity in classrooms and the workplace, and it pushed me to advocate for myself and others like me. I knew that not only was it important to succeed for my family, but also to be a visible representative for others in the Latinx community and for underrepresented groups in general. The dream of becoming a civil engineer goes beyond just building structures; it’s about making a tangible difference in the world. Whether it’s designing sustainable infrastructures or solving issues related to urban development, I am driven by the idea that engineering can make life better for everyone, regardless of background or identity. But what fuels me even more is knowing that my journey can inspire others in the Latinx community to pursue careers in STEM. I want to show them that we can not only survive but thrive in spaces where we are often underrepresented. I am passionate about making sure that other students from underrepresented communities feel empowered to pursue their dreams. There have been times when I felt alone in the classroom, unsure of my place in a predominantly white field. But with every challenge I face, I know I am breaking down barriers for those who will come after me. This scholarship would help me continue my journey toward becoming a civil engineer, further alleviating the financial burden that often holds back students like me. I want to make my family proud and be a beacon of hope for others. I’m committed to showing that no matter your background or identity, you deserve the chance to succeed. Achieving my dream isn’t just about me. It’s about paving the way for others to follow and making a meaningful impact in the world that values diversity and inclusion.

My interest began when I was in fourth grade. We had a project asking what we wanted to be when we grew up, and I said architect because I was fascinated by buildings. As I grew older, my curiosity expanded to how structures were designed to withstand forces and remain standing. I realized that Civil Engineering, particularly the structural aspect, was the perfect fit for me. This field allows me to combine creativity and science to create lasting infrastructure that impacts society positively. In the short term, I have gained valuable experience through an internship with the Army Corps of Engineers. Last summer, I worked in the Water Management and Water Quality section, which deepened my understanding of environmental engineering. This summer, I will return, with the possibility of working in the Hydrology section. These internships have helped me develop both technical and professional skills while giving me an inside look at the practical applications of Civil Engineering. My long-term goal is to join the Army Corps of Engineers full-time. I hope to progress from an intern to a fellow, eventually rotating through departments to find the best fit for my skills and interests. As an underrepresented minority in STEM, I’ve faced unique challenges that have shaped my goals and ambitions. As a first-generation student, I often find myself being one of the few individuals from my background in classrooms and internships. While this can feel isolating at times, it has also strengthened my determination to succeed. I recognize that by excelling in my field, I can serve as a role model for others from underrepresented communities. One example of this was during my internship last summer. While I was welcomed and encouraged by my colleagues, I noticed that many senior engineers did not share my background. This experience reinforced my passion for increasing diversity in STEM and serving as a mentor for future generations of engineers. Financially, this scholarship would significantly ease the burden of tuition and academic expenses. As I approach my senior year, I face the challenge of paying for textbooks and other academic materials. This scholarship would help cover these costs, allowing me to focus on my studies and career development without the stress of financial constraints. Having access to textbooks will be particularly beneficial, as I can use them as resources for both my coursework and future job opportunities. My ambition and drive stem from my personal experiences as a first-generation college student and father of two. I am determined to prove to my family, my community, and most importantly, myself, that I can succeed. A pivotal moment in my journey was when my wife underwent a kidney transplant. During that time, I took on the responsibility of being her primary caregiver while balancing my studies. Despite the challenges, I managed to stay on top of my coursework and passed all my exams, finishing the semester with strong grades. This experience taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of never giving up, no matter the obstacles. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to continue my academic journey without the added burden of financial stress. It would enable me to focus on my studies and long-term career goals, giving me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. With your support, I am confident that I will be able to contribute to the development of infrastructure that benefits communities and inspire other underrepresented students to pursue careers in STEM.