Surviving never began with me; it is something I inherited. At a young age, I learned that adapting was a survival skill, not an option. Both of my parents grew up in poverty in rural Mexico. Working before the age of 10 was expected. Their families were shaped through generations of hardships, recessions, the Great Depression, and violence from the cartel. They migrated to the United States, not out of convenience or a dream getaway; it was security. Providing a better future and opportunity for their children meant losing quality family time. Yet, they continue to work physically demanding labor jobs, carrying the same resilience with them every day. Growing up in a low-income household, one way or another, I learned how to be resourceful. Stretching food for the mouth wasn’t just an unspoken rule; it was a daily occurrence. Even now, as a college student, I continue to stretch $100 a month out of habit. When my father was detained by ICE agents in 2025, all my values, beliefs, and security shifted out of fear. I had to move back home, take on greater responsibilities, and adjust my life around circumstances I could not control. Financial hardships have shaped nearly every decision I make, yet despite the struggle, they also taught me awareness and discipline, and to value even the smallest moments. In spite of these challenges, I remain hopeful. I continued going to school, even when commuting became my only option. The stress of my education, family, and financial situation went far beyond my expectations. Yet I still showed up. Leaning on the support of my sisters and friends, including a counselor, I continued to push forward. It takes courage and strength to admit you have no idea what the next steps are. While I am still figuring things out, my goals have never changed. I will continue to pursue my education, grow within my major, and take advantage of opportunities like studying abroad. Amid these hardships, I’m reminded of a given opportunity that changed my perspective entirely. As a freshman, I was selected for a fully funded study abroad program in Costa Rica. This opportunity was my first time leaving the country. I found peace in nature, connection in community, and a new sense of possibility. One defining moment was participating in a cultural dance appreciation seminar led by the elderly women in Monte Verde. Their performance was breathtaking, though a story of coffee farming, agriculture, deep connection to the land, and love for the forest. In that moment, I realized that health is not only about medicine but also about culture, environment, and community. This moment is still engraved in my memory, reshaping my world and future. Now, I am preparing my next steps in my education. Studying abroad is a requirement for my Global Health major at Arizona State University. I have been accepted into the London program “Plague Pits and Body Snatcher History of Health and Disease in a Global City.” Exploring the history of disease through hands-on learning across the city. From studying pandemics like the bubonic plague and cholera to visiting sites such as the Wellcome Collection, Highgate Cemetery, and the British Museum. This program will demonstrate and examine how history continues to shape modern health systems. I am currently coordinating my travel, working closely with advisors, and securing scholarships to make this opportunity possible. Studying abroad in London represents more than an academic requirement; it’s a continuation of my journey from survival to purposeful advocacy, as I aim for equitable healthcare access.

I come from a family defined by perseverance, hard work, and overcoming setbacks. I am a Hispanic woman who grew up in a low-income household where my parents were never married in the eyes of the state, but to my sisters and me, they have always been. Growing up in a two-bedroom trailer with a small backyard and a dog felt like my utopia. The memories I have with my family taught me early on that love, resilience, and determination can thrive in a world full of uncertainty. However, the road of life is never a continuous straight line. During my third year of high school, my parents separated. Watching the two people whom I love most in the world begin to turn against each other, questioning my understanding of family and stability. That experience was painful and, at times, overwhelming, but it ultimately forced me to grow in ways I had not expected. With the support of my therapist, I learned how to move forward and better process my emotions, adapting to change despite the uncertainty. While my personal life has not always been easy to navigate, these experiences have strengthened my sense of self-worth, empathy, resilience, and compassion. They have also taught me how to better understand myself deeply and to support others who may feel unseen or unheard. Despite the challenges I have faced, theses lesions are the foundation for how I see the world and why I am furthering my education. My values for education have always been a priority; however, one of the most defining moments in my life reinforces my purpose. During the massive increase in immigration enforcement on migrants, enforced under President Trump's executive order, a member of my family was detained by immigration authorities. That moment brought fear and uncertainty into my life, yet it also changed my understanding of the realities that families similar to mine endure. So yes, my passion, purpose, and determination to continue my education is out of animosity As a global health major, I am driven to address health inequalities, respond to crises, and support underrepresented communities at the local, national, and global levels. I am especially interested in working in a hospital setting, where I can directly support individuals and families during sensitive moments while also contributing to broader public health efforts. My goal is to participate in a system that not only treats illnesses but also advocates for equity and access to care. I am especially proud of the initiative I took in my online American Sign Language (ASL) course. I recognized that many students felt disconnected in a virtual environment, so I communicated with my ASL professor and created a study group that fostered collaboration, accountability, and support. This effort not only strengthened my own learning but also helped my peers feel more confident and engaged. My efforts were recognized by the same professor, who offered me a position as a teacher's assistant. This initiative experience inspired me to pursue a certificate in ASL interpretation after graduation to help bridge communication gaps and advocate for the Deaf community in Arizona. My background has shaped a unique perspective, allowing me to understand what it means to come from an often overlooked community. I carry my parents' sacrifice with pride and am committed to applying my education to meaningful action that uplifts others Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of my education, permitting me to focus fully on my academic goals. I am determined to turn my experiences into meaningful actions that uplift others, leaving a positive change

My name is Maria Paola Vargas Cesario. I'm an Arizona State University undergraduate majoring in Global Health (BA). I graduated from Glendale High School (2022-2024) with an advanced diploma. I’ve played the flute for over 8 years of my life, joining the high school's concert band. Marching band, jazz band, and stagecraft. This experience allowed me to have a deep passion for the arts program. While I don’t anticipate doing this again in the future, I've learned to go above and beyond and validate my hard work and achievements For all my life, I grew up as a low-income Hispanic child. Both of my parents are Mexican and immigrated to a new country at a young age, between 17 to 21 years old. As the youngest of three daughters, I witnessed firsthand the financial struggles my parents sacrificed. Despite them working long hours every day of the week, they still managed to care for me and my two older sisters. Unfortunately, we were impacted by the 2008 recession. Our family lost our home, car, and even our pets, as we couldn't continue to afford that privileged lifestyle. We moved into a trailer mobile home park in a small two-bedroom and one bathroom house. Both of my parents worked overtime, sacrificing their free time away from us. I shared a room with my two older sisters with little to no privacy. I understood the value of money as my sister and I translated bank transactions and the cost of items, and listened to family conversations about the increase in prices. Yet, despite all of our struggles and challenges along the way, my parents encouraged my siblings and me to escape our once small lifestyle. To always rise above and never forget where we come from and who we are, and to never let our struggles undermine our hard work in life. Our once small lifestyle becomes a reminder to always stay humble and resilient. Throughout high school, I voluntarily worked for other clubs and school boards during concert seasons and awards, doing everything from ushering to working backstage, lights, to even sound. Navigating and communicating with students' family members in Spanish during their performances or award ceremonies. I cared for not only my community but also for any individual who entered the opening doors with a smile on my face and say, “Thank you for coming; enjoy the show!” My passion is to one day repay the kindness of my parents, family members, and friends who are a part of the Hispanic community by expanding my assistance to other communities. With a degree in Global Health, I aim to work closely with low-income areas and underdeveloped countries to provide aid and education and prevent the spread of diseases and illnesses across borders. Living through the COVID-19 pandemic showed me how critical it is for Global Health students to advocate for the well-being of individuals, communities, and entire nations, especially when access to healthcare is limited during times of crisis. This experience strengthened my commitment to improving health equality and ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations receive the care and support they need.