
Hobbies and interests
Anatomy
Anime
Athletic Training
Cooking
Greek
HOSA
True Crime
Video Editing and Production
Concerts
Mariano Farias
1,335
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Mariano Farias
1,335
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Forensic Science embodies the principle of “Innocent until proven guilty.” While many believe in their innocence, circumstances can wrongly label them guilty. Science plays a crucial role in revealing the truth. I chose to major in Forensic Science to focus on building evidence that proves innocence rather than arguing it.
My goal is to earn a doctorate and contribute to advancements in forensic technology and research to prevent wrongful convictions. I hope to work in a Phoenix Police Department lab, where I’ll continue learning about the strengths and weaknesses of forensic methods in law enforcement. With enough experience and support, I aim to lead research on the shortcomings of forensic science—particularly in homicide cases, where sentencing is severe and mistakes can cost lives and freedom.
Personally, I strive to understand people from all walks of life. As a Hispanic male and advocate for minority voices, I seek to bridge gaps between science, justice, and community. Working in a diverse chiropractic office, I’ve learned from older patients with varied cultural perspectives. At ASU, I’ve embraced its diversity and connected with classmates from around the world to better understand evolving social norms. Through forensic science and empathy, I hope to serve my community with integrity, respect, and trust.
Education
Arizona State University-West
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Human Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Forensic science
Dream career goals:
Physical therapist Technician, Recovery, trainer and Front Desk
Advance Spine and Pain2022 – Present3 yearsPhysical Therapisty technician
Advance Spine and Pain2021 – Present4 years
Sports
Football
Junior Varsity2021 – 20232 years
Public services
Advocacy
Sexy Showcase — Executive producer. I managed the entire dance teams and all relations to the event,2024 – 2025Volunteering
National Honor Society — President2021 – 2022Volunteering
Tau Psi Omega Fraternity Incorporated — Current Community Service Chairmen, past: Historian, Special Events, and Social Chairmen2024 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Dr. Tien Vo Healthcare Hope Scholarship
Forensic science stands at the intersection of truth and justice, embodying the principle that everyone is "innocent until proven guilty." I chose to major in forensic science because I want to be a voice for the voiceless—not by arguing innocence, but by building the evidence to prove it. Science is objective and precise, and when applied correctly, it can correct injustice, prevent wrongful convictions, and restore lives that could otherwise be lost to a flawed system. My passion lies in using forensic science not just as a tool for conviction, but as a path to exoneration.
My short-term goal is to graduate from Arizona State University with the highest GPA I can achieve. I want to learn everything possible about forensic science, with a focus on the role it plays in criminal investigations and the legal system. My long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in forensic science and lead a laboratory serving the Phoenix Police Department, with a specialization in homicide cases. I am particularly drawn to this area because of the life-altering consequences a murder conviction carries—minimum sentences of 25 years or more—and the number of people who have lost their freedom due to wrongful accusations. In the future, I hope to establish a research lab focused on identifying the failures of forensic methods and innovating new techniques that ensure greater accuracy and justice.
As a Hispanic male, I am proud to be part of a demographic that is underrepresented in forensic science. My identity motivates me to represent my community with integrity and to serve as a bridge between science and society. I am deeply aware of the mistrust that often exists between marginalized communities and the criminal justice system. This fuels my desire to use forensic science as a force for transparency and reform. My experiences working for a chiropractor, where I interact with patients from diverse cultural and generational backgrounds, have helped me better understand the perspectives and beliefs of others. I’ve made it a personal mission to engage with people from different walks of life—both in and out of the classroom—to gain insight into social behaviors, generational values, and the cultural norms that shape our world today. This helps me grow as both a scientist and a citizen.
My family’s journey is one of resilience. As proud Mexican immigrants, my parents and extended family have made countless sacrifices to provide a better future for the next generation. Financial struggles were constant, but their perseverance has inspired me to take full ownership of my education. Asking them to bear the cost of my college education would force them to relive hardships they’ve worked so hard to overcome. This is why I am committed to funding my own education through scholarships, part-time work, and any opportunity that comes my way.
Receiving this scholarship would greatly relieve the financial burden I carry and allow me to focus on my academic and professional development. It would enable me to invest more time into research, internships, and the kinds of real-world experiences that will prepare me for a career of service and impact. More than just financial help, this scholarship would be an investment in my vision: to make forensic science more accurate, more inclusive, and more just—for everyone.
Dr. Monique Dupree Scholarship for BIPOC Students
My curiosity about physical therapy started while I was in my senior year at Copper Canyon High School when I was allowed to intern at West Valley Wellness and Rehabilitation. Initially hired as a sports medicine intern from December 2021 to May 2022, I was shown the field of patient care in a hands-on and rewarding manner. My responsibilities then were to watch and aid the Chiropractic Assistant with new patient paperwork, taking patient vital signs, and documenting patient complaints through an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. I was quickly interested in the healing process and how specific therapeutic exercise and modalities could help individuals heal and restore function.
The experience created a higher interest and enthusiasm in me for physical therapy that grew stronger still as I transitioned to being in a salaried capacity as a Chiropractic Assistant and Physical Therapy Technician with the same clinic. As part of my duties, I dealt directly with patients, teaching rehabilitation exercises, helping patients with stretching, and applying therapeutic modalities such as electrical stimulation, spinal decompression, ultrasound, and cold laser therapy. I also helped on the administrative side—taking co-payments, booking appointments, and completing patient intake forms. This well-rounded experience showed me how multifaceted and widespread a physical therapy career can be.
To date, I am currently employed at Advanced Spine and Pain, a pain center where I have been employed since March 2023. I assist the chiropractor in performing patient intakes, taking vital signs, and documenting complaints. I also travel through several cities like Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix to help grow chiropractic and neurological testing practices. The real-world aspect of my practice has only made me love it more. Every day I see the immediate effects of our treatment—how someone comes in in pain and leaves with palpable relief. That type of patient transformation is what fuels me.
Apart from my clinical duties, I've taken the extra effort to learn the terminology in medical Spanish so that I may serve our Spanish-speaking patients more effectively. I interpret for the front office staff regularly and communicate personally with patients who otherwise may have trouble communicating their health concerns. Such an initiative not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances trust and rapport between healthcare providers and the communities we serve.
I'm also training our current intern in doing the technical and interpersonal processes of the job. Learning how to train others has made me understand just how far I've come and how much I value continuing to improve in this field.
Currently, I have my certification as a chiropractic and physical therapy technician and am learning how to operate x-ray machines to assist with minimally invasive treatment. These continuing education experiences have only reinforced my belief that physical therapy is not only a profession—it's a vocation. Having the ability to help people regain functional independence, ease pain, and return to everyday activities is what drives me on a daily basis. My own clinical and administrative experience has provided a solid foundation, and I would like to continue it through formal education and higher physical therapy training.
Learner Math Lover Scholarship
Calculus is a fundamental mathematical field that deals with rates of change and accumulation. In the broader fields of STEM, calculus is a fundamental tool for modeling, analysis, and problem solving. From predicting planetary orbits to algorithm optimization and chemical reaction study, calculus allows scientists and engineers to describe and understand the world in quantitative, precise language. Its applications reach into all STEM fields, and forensic science is no exception.
In STEM, calculus serves as the basis for studying dynamic systems. In physics, it explains motion and energy; in biology, it models population growth or disease transmission; in engineering, it determines structural makeup and fluid flow. Technology and computer science borrow from calculus for graphics, machine learning, and data modeling. Without calculus, the ability to make accurate predictions or study systems at a granular level would be severely compromised.
Forensic science, a field that applies scientific principles to assist in criminal investigations, may not be the first to come to mind when calculus is mentioned. However, calculus plays a major role in many of the forensic techniques, especially those with precise measurement and analysis. Forensic bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) has one of the largest applications. Forensic scientists use calculus to determine the blood splatter trajectories to know the angle and velocity at which the splatters landed on a surface. These calculations help reconstruct the order of events of a crime, for example, where the killer and victim were.
Another area where calculus is particularly useful is in decay rate analysis. Forensic examiners are likely to make an approximation of the time of death from body temperature or breakdown of biological tissues. Exponential decay models govern these processes—a process with its roots in differential calculus. By studying how quickly the body loses heat (algor mortis), forensic examiners use calculus to make a better estimation of the time elapsed since death.
From a more artistic viewpoint, I love Desmos for being a free and unique graphing calculator. In high school, I was given an extra credit assignment if we were able to draw anything we pleased using only mathematical functions and define barriers. Despite the amount of time and exact positioning like (0.000001 x, 0.00002 y), it was fun to create art out of math.
Learner Calculus Scholarship
Calculus is a fundamental mathematical field that deals with rates of change and accumulation. In the broader fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), calculus is a fundamentaltool for modeling, analysis, and problem solving. From predicting planetary orbits to algorithm optimization and chemical reaction study, calculus allows scientists and engineers to describe and understand the world in quantitative, precise language. Its applications reach into all STEM fields—and forensic science is no exception.
In STEM, calculus serves as the basis for studying dynamic systems. In physics, it explains motion and energy; in biology, it models population growth or disease transmission; in engineering, it determines structural makeup and fluid flow. Technology and computer science borrow from calculus for graphics, machine learning, and data modeling. Without calculus, the ability to make accurate predictions or study systems at a granular level would be severely compromised.
As a Forensic Science major, I aim to represents the statement of "Innocent until proven guilty", during a court case many people constantly believe their innocence but due to some circumstances, some are accused of being guilty. Science has always been a key role in proving right from wrong. I decided to major in Forensic science where I can build evidence for the jury to believe a man is innocent rather than argue an innocence.
Forensic science, a field that applies scientific principles to assist in criminal investigations, may not be the first to come to mind when calculus is mentioned. However, calculus plays a major role in many of the forensic techniques, especially those with precise measurement and analysis. Forensic bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) has one of the largest applications. Forensic scientists use calculus to determine the blood splatter trajectories in order to know the angle and velocity at which the splatters landed on a surface. These calculations help reconstruct the order of events of a crime, for example, where the killerand victim were.
Another area where calculus comes in handy is decay rate analysis. Forensic examiners are likely to make an approximation of the time of death from body temperature or breakdown of biological tissues. These processes are governed by exponential decay models—a process withits roots in differential calculus. By studying how quickly the body losesheat (algor mortis), forensic examiners use calculus to make a better estimation of the time elapsed since death.
Furthermore, drug metabolism and toxicology are also dependent on calculus. Drugs and toxins are metabolized by the human bodydynamically, typically defined in terms of differential equations. Through the simulation of the absorption, distribution, and eliminationof substances over time, forensic toxicologists are able to assess whether an individual was intoxicated at the time of a crime or if aningredient was responsible for a fatality.
Calculus also benefits digital forensics, especially for image analysis and signal processing. Whether enhancing grainy surveillance footage or deciphering sound waves from a recording, techniques founded on Fourier analysis—a field of calculus—are employed to extract pertinentinformation.
In brief, calculus is not just a basis of STEM but also a vital tool in forensic science. It enables forensic scientists to identify physical evidence with precision and uncover the truth hidden in data and patterns. If calculus were absent, many existing methods ofinvestigation would be far less effective, downgrading the validity of crucial evidence in pursuing justice.
STEAM Generator Scholarship
Forensic science stands at the intersection of truth and justice, embodying the principle that everyone is "innocent until proven guilty." I chose to major in forensic science because I want to be a voice for the voiceless—not by arguing innocence, but by building the evidence to prove it. Science is objective and precise, and when applied correctly, it can correct injustice, prevent wrongful convictions, and restore lives that could otherwise be lost to a flawed system. My passion lies in using forensic science not just as a tool for conviction, but as a path to exoneration.
My short-term goal is to graduate from Arizona State University with the highest GPA I can achieve. I want to learn everything possible about forensic science, with a focus on the role it plays in criminal investigations and the legal system. My long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in forensic science and lead a laboratory serving the Phoenix Police Department, with a specialization in homicide cases. I am particularly drawn to this area because of the life-altering consequences a murder conviction carries—minimum sentences of 25 years or more—and the number of people who have lost their freedom due to wrongful accusations. In the future, I hope to establish a research lab focused on identifying the failures of forensic methods and innovating new techniques that ensure greater accuracy and justice.
As a Hispanic male, I am proud to be part of a demographic that is underrepresented in forensic science. My identity motivates me to represent my community with integrity and to serve as a bridge between science and society. I am deeply aware of the mistrust that often exists between marginalized communities and the criminal justice system. This fuels my desire to use forensic science as a force for transparency and reform. My experiences working for a chiropractor, where I interact with patients from diverse cultural and generational backgrounds, have helped me better understand the perspectives and beliefs of others. I’ve made it a personal mission to engage with people from different walks of life—both in and out of the classroom—to gain insight into social behaviors, generational values, and the cultural norms that shape our world today. This helps me grow as both a scientist and a citizen.
My family’s journey is one of resilience. As proud Mexican immigrants, my parents and extended family have made countless sacrifices to provide a better future for the next generation. Financial struggles were constant, but their perseverance has inspired me to take full ownership of my education. Asking them to bear the cost of my college education would force them to relive hardships they’ve worked so hard to overcome. This is why I am committed to funding my own education through scholarships, part-time work, and any opportunity that comes my way.
Receiving this scholarship would greatly relieve the financial burden I carry and allow me to focus on my academic and professional development. It would enable me to invest more time into research, internships, and the kinds of real-world experiences that will prepare me for a career of service and impact. More than just financial help, this scholarship would be an investment in my vision: to make forensic science more accurate, more inclusive, and more just—for everyone.
Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship
Forensic science stands at the intersection of truth and justice, embodying the principle that everyone is "innocent until proven guilty." I chose to major in forensic science because I want to be a voice for the voiceless—not by arguing innocence, but by building the evidence to prove it. Science is objective and precise, and when applied correctly, it can correct injustice, prevent wrongful convictions, and restore lives that could otherwise be lost to a flawed system. My passion lies in using forensic science not just as a tool for conviction, but as a path to exoneration.
My short-term goal is to graduate from Arizona State University with the highest GPA I can achieve. I want to learn everything possible about forensic science, with a focus on the role it plays in criminal investigations and the legal system. My long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in forensic science and lead a laboratory serving the Phoenix Police Department, with a specialization in homicide cases. I am particularly drawn to this area because of the life-altering consequences a murder conviction carries—minimum sentences of 25 years or more—and the number of people who have lost their freedom due to wrongful accusations. In the future, I hope to establish a research lab focused on identifying the failures of forensic methods and innovating new techniques that ensure greater accuracy and justice.
As a Hispanic male, I am proud to be part of a demographic that is underrepresented in forensic science. My identity motivates me to represent my community with integrity and to serve as a bridge between science and society. I am deeply aware of the mistrust that often exists between marginalized communities and the criminal justice system. This fuels my desire to use forensic science as a force for transparency and reform. My experiences working for a chiropractor, where I interact with patients from diverse cultural and generational backgrounds, have helped me better understand the perspectives and beliefs of others. I’ve made it a personal mission to engage with people from different walks of life—both in and out of the classroom—to gain insight into social behaviors, generational values, and the cultural norms that shape our world today. This helps me grow as both a scientist and a citizen.
My family’s journey is one of resilience. As proud Mexican immigrants, my parents and extended family have made countless sacrifices to provide a better future for the next generation. Financial struggles were constant, but their perseverance has inspired me to take full ownership of my education. Asking them to bear the cost of my college education would force them to relive hardships they’ve worked so hard to overcome. This is why I am committed to funding my own education through scholarships, part-time work, and any opportunity that comes my way.
Receiving this scholarship would greatly relieve the financial burden I carry and allow me to focus on my academic and professional development. It would enable me to invest more time into research, internships, and the kinds of real-world experiences that will prepare me for a career of service and impact. More than just financial help, this scholarship would be an investment in my vision: to make forensic science more accurate, more inclusive, and more just—for everyone.
Youth Equine Service Scholarship
From 2019 to 2021, I participated in the NHS (National Honor Society) as a member who would perform community service projects, from helping donate to the needy to donating blood to blood drives like Vitalant (a Non-profit Organization). The members also provided help for the staff by assisting teachers in their classes or providing filing work and scheduling for the front office workers. During my senior year (2021-2022), I was elected president of the NHS of Copper Canyon High School. My duties as a president were to organize my leaders in the group (Vice President, Treasurer, Dean of Students, and Social Media Director) into splitting up the responsibilities of running NHS into their own respective areas of strength by hosting private meetings before the club members' meeting. Additionally, as the president, I was in charge of creating weekly PowerPoint presentations and presenting them to the members each Wednesday. Most meetings consisted of new community service activities, collecting hours, setting up for new school projects, and advising all the members.
My involvement in this club as a member and then the president allowed me to learn the importance of public speaking and multiple communication skills. The role would mostly consist of me talking in front of a crowd of students who I did not know, which gave me anxiety originally but allowed me to learn how to understand what feeling nervous and scared is like, and rather than drop the role, I decided to learn from it and push the club for greatness. One thing I did not believe I was going to learn was how to present myself in front of individuals older and more educated than I am. I realized I had to change my vocabulary, the way I projected myself, the tone of speaking, and what I wore when requesting anything from adults and administration. My professionalism and respect for the community initially came from this club because I finally understood what it meant to influence and lead others.
As a member of Tau Psi Omega Fraternity Incorporated, a community service-based brotherhood, I’ve held roles like Historian, Social Chair, and Special Events Chair. I organized and presented a Safe Sex Awareness Initiative to over 300 college students, addressing critical issues through education and advocacy. This project, along with over 53 hours of community service as a fraternity member, reinforced my belief in the importance of outreach and awareness.
One of my most significant accomplishments has been with Amigos Paz y Bien, a community service organization that provides essential items to orphanages in Mexico. I helped collect toys and hygiene products, ensuring that children in need had access to basic necessities and moments of joy. Personally delivering donations and spending time with the children reinforced the importance of our work and the impact of direct engagement.
The common thread in all these activities is my desire to help those in need. I am driven by the belief that everyone can benefit from a helping hand and that change is possible if we genuinely try. These experiences have taught me empathy, resilience, and teamwork while giving me a sense of purpose. Moving forward, I am determined to build on these experiences and continue making a positive impact in the world
SigaLa Education Scholarship
Forensic science stands at the intersection of truth and justice, embodying the principle that everyone is "innocent until proven guilty." I chose to major in forensic science because I want to be a voice for the voiceless, not by arguing innocence, but by building the evidence to prove it. Science is objective and precise, and when applied correctly, it can correct injustice, prevent wrongful convictions, and restore lives that could otherwise be lost to a flawed system. My passion lies in using forensic science not just as a tool for conviction, but as a path to exoneration.
My short-term goal is to graduate from Arizona State University with the highest GPA I can achieve. I want to learn everything possible about forensic science, with a focus on the role it plays in criminal investigations and the legal system. My long-term goal is to earn a doctorate in forensic science and lead a laboratory serving the Phoenix Police Department, with a specialization in homicide cases. I am particularly drawn to this area because of the life-altering consequences a murder conviction carries—minimum sentences of 25 years or more—and the number of people who have lost their freedom due to wrongful accusations. In the future, I hope to establish a research lab focused on identifying the failures of forensic methods and innovating new techniques that ensure greater accuracy and justice.
As a Hispanic male, I am proud to be part of a demographic that is underrepresented in forensic science. My identity motivates me to represent my community with integrity and to serve as a bridge between science and society. I am deeply aware of the mistrust that often exists between marginalized communities and the criminal justice system. This fuels my desire to use forensic science as a force for transparency and reform. My experiences working for a chiropractor, where I interact with patients from diverse cultural and generational backgrounds, have helped me better understand the perspectives and beliefs of others. I’ve made it a personal mission to engage with people from different walks of life—both in and out of the classroom—to gain insight into social behaviors, generational values, and the cultural norms that shape our world today. This helps me grow as both a scientist and a citizen.
My family’s journey is one of resilience. As proud Mexican immigrants, my parents and extended family have made countless sacrifices to provide a better future for the next generation. Financial struggles were constant, but their perseverance has inspired me to take full ownership of my education. Asking them to bear the cost of my college education would force them to relive hardships they’ve worked so hard to overcome. This is why I am committed to funding my education through scholarships, part-time work, and any opportunity that comes my way.
Receiving this scholarship would greatly relieve the financial burden I carry and allow me to focus on my academic and professional development. It would enable me to invest more time in research, internships, and the kinds of real-world experiences that will prepare me for a career of service and impact. More than just financial help, this scholarship would be an investment in my vision: to make forensic science more accurate, more inclusive, and more just for everyone.
Jackanow Suicide Awareness Scholarship
In June 2021, my life changed forever. A close family friend—someone we all considered our cousin—was found dead in what was reported as a murder-suicide. Out of respect for his memory, I won’t share his name. He was only 26 years old.
I remember the day vividly. It was late at night after a long shift working as a bar cook during my senior year of high school. I was exhausted but happy to finally go home. My mom picked me up, and as soon as I got in the car, I knew something was wrong. She looked at me and quietly said, “I need you to stay calm.” I felt the blood drain from my body. A tingling sensation spread through me as I sat there, completely speechless. I didn’t know if I wanted to cry, scream, or shut down completely.
The story was everywhere—on the news, online, and in hushed conversations within the community. AZ Fox News released a report, painting my cousin as the one solely responsible. According to them, it was his fault, his rage, his actions. I couldn’t understand it. The police reports and the statements from the victim’s family described him as a violent, abusive man. But that wasn’t the person I knew.
He was generous, kind-hearted, and deeply loving. He was a devoted brother who always encouraged his younger sibling to be himself, even when the world wasn’t kind about it. He was a father who cherished his children. And while no one is perfect, it was hard for me to reconcile the man I knew with the image being portrayed by the media and authorities.
I also knew the victim. They were in a relationship—one that was complicated, like many are. They had two kids together. She was kind, caring, and devoted. But like any relationship, theirs had its dark moments. Over time, I learned from people close to the situation that both had been unfaithful, and their relationship had become a cycle of hurt, mistrust, and emotional conflict. Still, none of that made sense of what happened in the end.
I attended the funeral and helped carry his casket. As I stood there, watching the dirt fall onto the coffin, I felt like I was burying not just a person, but a piece of my understanding of the world. I learned more details about the situation during those moments—whispers among family and friends, little facts that made the picture even more confusing. The pain, the questions, and the unknowns were unbearable.
Moments like that change you. They tear down the walls of certainty and leave you staring at the fragile truth that we never really know anyone—not fully. Not until the very end. Even then, the truth can be lost in the silence that follows tragedy.
That incident didn’t just mark a period of grief—it became a turning point in my life. It ignited something inside of me. I couldn’t stop thinking: If I could turn back time and read their minds, what would I have found? What is the real story? That question haunts me. And it’s also what drives me.
Despite the pain, or maybe because of it, I found clarity in my purpose. I want to pursue a career in forensic science—not just to analyze crime scenes, but to uncover the truth in tragedies like this. I want to be the person who can look at the facts without bias, without judgment, and with the commitment to finding the truth, no matter how complex it may be.
This tragedy reminded me that real life isn’t black and white. People are layered, stories are tangled, and sometimes justice is unclear. But science can help bring clarity where emotions and opinions cloud the view. I want to be part of that. I want to help prevent others from having to wonder what happened to someone they loved.
There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about my cousin. I’ll never know everything, and maybe that’s something I’ll have to live with. But what I do know is that his memory continues to push me forward. I carry both the heartbreak and the motivation with me every time I step into a classroom, every time I study a case, and every time I think about my future.
This isn’t just a career goal—it’s personal. And I’ll spend my life seeking the answers, for my cousin and for every other family who’s ever had to live with the weight of not knowing the full story.
Jose Prado Scholarship – Strength, Faith, and Family
My family’s story is one of perseverance. As proud Mexicans, many of whom have faced the challenges of immigration and economic hardships, we have always valued hard work and resourcefulness. My parents and extended family have endured sacrifices to provide better opportunities for the next generation, often prioritizing the needs of others over their own. They have already borne the weight of financial and emotional struggles to pave the way for me to dream bigger. To ask them to stretch themselves further for my education would feel like a step backward, forcing them to relive the same burdens they have spent years overcoming.
This conviction has fueled my commitment to taking full responsibility for funding my education. I am determined to work hard, seek scholarships, and explore opportunities that will allow me to pursue my dreams while maintaining my family’s peace of mind. Whether through part-time jobs, internships, or creative ways of reducing costs, I am ready to put my heart and soul into reaching my goals. These efforts not only reflect my independence but also my gratitude for everything my family has already done for me.
I know this path will not be easy. There will be long nights, financial pressures, and moments of doubt. But these challenges will serve as reminders of why I chose to stand on my own two feet and to keep my head up. My family’s struggles have shown me the importance of perseverance and resilience, and I am determined to honor their sacrifices by becoming an individual who can support not only myself but also others in the future.
Ultimately, I see education as a privilege, not an entitlement. It is an opportunity I am willing to work tirelessly for, driven by my passion and ambition. By taking ownership of this journey, I hope to show my family that their sacrifices were not in vain—and that their strength lives on in me.
The pursuit of education is a deeply personal journey, and for me, it is also a testament to resilience, independence, and self-reliance. While many expect families to contribute to the cost of higher education, I firmly believe that achieving my goals should not come at the expense of my family’s financial well-being. Instead, I view my education as a responsibility I must shoulder—an opportunity to prove that with determination and effort, I can create a path forward without adding undue stress to those I love most.
José Ventura and Margarita Melendez Mexican-American Scholarship Fund
My family’s story is one of perseverance. As proud Mexicans, many of whom have faced the challenges of immigration and economic hardships, we have always valued hard work and resourcefulness. My parents and extended family have endured sacrifices to provide better opportunities for the next generation, often prioritizing the needs of others over their own. They have already borne the weight of financial and emotional struggles to pave the way for me to dream bigger. To ask them to stretch themselves further for my education would feel like a step backward, forcing them to relive the same burdens they have spent years overcoming.
This conviction has fueled my commitment to taking full responsibility for funding my education. I am determined to work hard, seek scholarships, and explore opportunities that will allow me to pursue my dreams while maintaining my family’s peace of mind. Whether through part-time jobs, internships, or creative ways of reducing costs, I am ready to put my heart and soul into reaching my goals. These efforts not only reflect my independence but also my gratitude for everything my family has already done for me.
I know this path will not be easy. There will be long nights, financial pressures, and moments of doubt. But these challenges will serve as reminders of why I chose to stand on my own two feet. My family’s struggles have shown me the importance of perseverance and resilience, and I am determined to honor their sacrifices by becoming an individual who can support not only myself but also others in the future.
Ultimately, I see education as a privilege, not an entitlement. It is an opportunity I am willing to work tirelessly for, driven by my passion and ambition. By taking ownership of this journey, I hope to show my family that their sacrifices were not in vain—and that their strength lives on in me as seen through my hard work.
The pursuit of education is a deeply personal journey, and for me, it is also a testament to resilience, independence, and self-reliance. While many expect families to contribute to the cost of higher education, I firmly believe that achieving my goals should not come at the expense of my family’s financial well-being. Instead, I view my education as a responsibility I must shoulder—an opportunity to prove that with determination and effort, I can create a path forward without adding undue stress to those I love most.
Mark Green Memorial Scholarship
Forensic Science represents the statement of "Innocent until proven guilty", during a court case many people constantly believe their innocence but due to some circumstances, some are accused of being guilty. Science has always been a key role in proving right from wrong. I decided to major in Forensic science where I can build evidence for the jury to believe a man is innocent rather than argue an innocence.
My goal is to graduate with a doctorate in forensic science so I can continue to advance technology and research for forensic science to further clear the names of the innocent. In the near future I see myself working in my own lab for the Phoenix police department and educating myself on the positive and negative aspects of forensic science in law enforcement. With enough experience, and financial aid, I can open research to begin studying the failures of forensic science to better it. My personal interest of study would be homicide due to the minimum sentencing being 25 years (depending on the state), as well as multiple people in the past being accused of murder and losing time that can not be returned. I am pushing for the highest G.P.A. and education I can receive in order to build a resume strong enough to have others believe and join me in my research.
My personal goal is to be able to understand others a much as possible before graduating from ASU. Scientists and law enforcement are consistently looked down upon due to their actions causing controversy in the community which leads to political anger and social distress. As a hispanic male and a supporter of minorities, I have pushed to try and learn about social behaviors and cultures of others from around the world. Currently I am working for a chiropractor that has a patient demographic of older individuals, many from different cultural backgrounds. I have asked for their experience and beliefs in multiple subjects without giving out my own opinion in order to understand the past social norm and why they believe in their opinions. Due to ASU’s diversity, and my social butterfly personality, I have been able to talk to classmates from different parts of the world that I have never heard of. Similar to the older individuals, I would ask multiple individuals of their beliefs and thoughts on subjects so that this time I can understand the new world social norm. As I continue to learn more about Forensic science and the social norms, I will then be able to better myself as science for the community in an aspect that is respected and reliable.