Growing up as an immigrant, I had to learn from a young age that education wouldn't just be handed to me and that, despite working hard for perfect grades to prove myself, I only heard silence from the people whose approval I wanted the most—my parents. As the oldest of four siblings, my parents always expected me to naturally translate everything for them at a young age, even though I was also new to the language and I struggled to learn it. They always wanted me to translate whenever people spoke to them in English or when they got documents from the mail, and would get disappointed if I took too long or didn't fully understand. They would say, "Por eso vas a la escuela." They had these high expectations just simply because I went to school, even though I was in the 1st grade. My parents are hardworking, but they always believed college was useless. When I got accepted to the University of California, Riverside, instead of hearing the words "Estoy orgullosa de ti, mija," I simply got a lecture about how college was a waste of time and I should just start working. Their lack of support meant I had to apply to college and plan for my future alone. University of California, Riverside is a great college, but sadly, it's 40 minutes from home, and I don't have the funds to live in a dorm. My parents refused to help me get a car, leaving it to me to get from school and back with limited funds. They give me a constant reminder that if I wanted to go to college so badly, I should've just gone to community college. This summer, I have been balancing studying for my cosmetology license, which I am currently working toward after completing all my required hours, and preparing for my first year of college. Even though I was very blessed and fortunate to secure almost a full scholarship. I still need additional financial support to pursue my education. Being undocumented has been a big challenge for me. I've had to teach myself how to access resources that many students can get more easily. Even without the support of my parents, I never let those obstacles stop me from achieving my dreams because I believe everyone deserves an education. Nothing and no one should prevent them from learning. Education is essential for personal growth and to help build a better world. As I'm preparing to start college in the fall, my dream is to become either a Spanish teacher or a high school counselor. I want to work with and guide students who might experience similar things that I've experienced. I want to one day create a school environment where students feel encouraged and seen. I want my future students to understand that their dreams matter even though the people who are closest to them might not give much importance. Receiving this scholarship would mean so much to me, helping me pay for the rest of my tuition, but also helping me recognize all the hard work I have done to get to this point in my life.

When you grow up feeling invisible in a classroom, it changes you forever. My name is Marcela Garcia, and I’m a high school senior at Pomona High School. I was born in Mexico, brought to the U.S. at a young age, and I’m the oldest of five children. In second grade, I flunked and had to repeat the year a moment that left me feeling embarrassed, defeated, and unsure of my future. But even then, I told myself to keep going, because I believed there had to be something better ahead. That belief, along with the support of an educator who changed my life, is what gave me the drive to become a teacher. At home, I had no one to help me with school. My parents didn’t speak English, and as the oldest, I had to figure things out on my own while also helping raise my younger siblings. I became the one they turned to for help with homework and reading. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those moments of teaching them sparked something inside me. I saw how powerful it can be to support someone’s learning to be patient, kind, and encouraging when things get hard. The turning point for me came in high school, when I met a counselor who took the time to truly understand me. She didn’t just help me with school she listened, encouraged me, and made me feel seen. That experience showed me the impact one adult can have on a student’s life. While I’m not pursuing counseling, it made me realize that I wanted to have that same kind of impact as a teacher to be the person in the classroom who not only teaches, but truly supports and inspires students. My dream is to become a Spanish teacher. I’m proud to say I passed my AP Spanish exam, and that achievement only deepened my love for the language and culture I grew up with. Being bilingual has shaped my identity, and I want to help students especially those from immigrant or Spanish-speaking families feel proud of their heritage and confident in their language skills. I want them to see Spanish not as a barrier, but as a strength. Throughout high school, I’ve stayed connected to education. Every summer for four years, I volunteered at the Pomona High School library, helping hand out books to students. I loved being part of a space where learning and curiosity came together. It reminded me that schools are not just about academics they are places where growth, belonging, and confidence begin. I plan to attend the University of California, Riverside and major in Education, Society, and Human Development. My goal is to become a Spanish teacher who brings passion, empathy, and real-life experience into the classroom. I want to help students succeed not just in school, but in life just like I once needed. My drive to become a teacher comes from my own challenges, my culture, my family, and the desire to make a difference. I’ve lived the experience of struggling, of feeling behind, and of having to fight for a place in the classroom. Now, I want to turn all of that into strength for myself and for the future students I will teach.

My name is Marcela. I'm a senior at Pomona High School, and as I prepare to graduate, I am excited to pursue a major in Spanish and a minor in education. My dream is to become a Spanish teacher and help students not only learn the language but also connect with the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The challenges I have faced growing up have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Among these, one particular experience stands out as it has deeply influenced my aspirations and character. When I was in second grade, I faced a pivotal and challenging moment. I was just one year old when my parents brought me to the United States from Mexico, where I was born. At home, we only spoke Spanish, and I had no one to practice English with. This language barrier caused me to struggle in school, and ultimately, I had to repeat the second grade. At such a young age, this felt like a massive failure—I felt like I had let myself and my parents down, and I was convinced others were making fun of me. However, with unwavering support from my family and teachers, I came to understand that setbacks do not define us. What truly matters is how we respond to them and grow from those experiences. That year taught me some of the most valuable lessons that still guide me today. I learned that failure is not the end it can be a stepping stone to success. I overcame my challenges by seeking help, working harder, and believing in my potential. This experience ignited my desire to become a Spanish teacher. I want to support students who may feel lost or discouraged, just as I once did. My struggles in second grade fueled my determination to excel in school, and now I aim for the best grades to prove to my younger self that I am not a failure. Another reason I am passionate about becoming a Spanish teacher is because of the influence of my Spanish teacher during my junior year. She was an incredible educator, and taking AP Spanish under her guidance deepened my love for the language. Speaking Spanish connects me to my culture, my community, and the broader world. For me, majoring in Spanish and becoming a teacher is not only about pursuing my passion but also about giving back. I hope to create a classroom environment where my students feel inspired, valued, and motivated to become the best versions of themselves. In conclusion, my life has been shaped by both challenges and triumphs, each contributing to my personal growth. I am deeply grateful to my parents for bringing me to the United States and giving me opportunities to succeed. I hope to inspire my younger siblings to aim high and achieve their dreams. As I take my next steps toward college and beyond, I am determined to use my experiences to make a meaningful difference as a Spanish teacher.