Adversity has been a constant companion throughout my journey, but it has also been one of my greatest teachers. As a first-generation Mexican American woman, I have faced academic, financial, and emotional challenges that could have easily stopped me in my tracks. But instead of breaking me, they built me. They taught me how to persevere, adapt, and lead with purpose. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced is growing up in a low-income household where education was valued, but not fully understood. My parents, who immigrated to the United States with little more than courage and hope, always pushed me to do well in school—but they couldn't help me fill out financial aid forms, navigate the college admissions process, or understand what it meant to apply to selective universities. I often felt like I was figuring everything out on my own, carrying the weight of my family’s dreams while trying to find my own path. At times, the pressure was overwhelming. There were moments when I questioned if I truly belonged in honors classes, in STEM programs, or even in college at all. I struggled with imposter syndrome, and the lack of representation in these spaces only amplified my doubts. But I reminded myself why I started this journey—to honor the sacrifices my parents made, to create a better future for my family, and to show other young Latinas that they, too, are capable of achieving great things. I turned to resources around me, teachers, mentors, and community programs, to fill in the gaps. I taught myself how to research scholarships, complete FAFSA applications, and write college essays. I learned how to ask for help, even when it felt uncomfortable. And through it all, I kept dancing, volunteering, and engaging with my community, using those outlets as a way to stay grounded and connected to my roots. One particularly difficult time was during the COVID-19 pandemic. My family experienced financial hardship, and I had to balance schoolwork with helping care for my younger siblings while my parents worked long hours. Remote learning was a struggle with limited space and internet access, but I stayed committed. I knew that falling behind wasn’t an option, I had come too far to give up. That period taught me resilience. It showed me that adversity does not define me, my response to it does. It made me stronger, more resourceful, and more determined to succeed. Now, as I pursue a degree in biology, I carry those lessons with me. I want to use my education to make a difference in communities like mine, through healthcare, public outreach, and mentorship. I plan to be a role model, a leader, and an advocate for those who are still fighting their way through adversity. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial burden, but also affirm that my journey, though difficult, is valid, important, and worth supporting. I’ve faced adversity, and I’ve risen because of it. Now, I’m ready to help others do the same.

My name is Marilyn Zazueta, and I am a proud first-generation Mexican American woman pursuing a degree in biology. For me, education is not only a personal milestone but a powerful opportunity to make meaningful change. I come from a family of hardworking immigrants who have sacrificed endlessly to give me a better life. Their journey, rooted in resilience, perseverance, and hope, inspires every step I take toward my future. From a young age, I was fascinated by science. I was the kind of student who asked too many questions, always wanting to know how the human body worked or why diseases impacted some communities more than others. Over time, I realized that my curiosity wasn’t just academic, it was deeply personal. Growing up in a community where access to quality healthcare and health education was limited, I witnessed firsthand how systemic disparities affect people’s lives. That’s when I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. Pursuing a career in biology is the first step toward achieving that goal. I plan to focus my studies on public health and medical research, with the intention of helping to close the gap in healthcare access for underserved communities, particularly those with cultural or language barriers. Whether it's through developing preventative health programs, conducting research on chronic illnesses, or becoming a healthcare advocate, I am determined to use science to uplift others. But my impact won’t stop at science. I believe in the power of representation. As a woman of color in STEM, I understand how important it is for young students, especially girls, to see someone who looks like them thriving in spaces where they've historically been underrepresented. I hope to mentor other first-generation students and inspire them to pursue careers they may have never thought possible. I want to be the person who not only opens the door but holds it open for those coming behind me. Earning a college degree is more than a personal achievement; it’s a promise to my community, my family, and myself. It represents my commitment to making a positive impact in the world, not just through scientific discovery, but through empathy, advocacy, and action. My background has shaped my purpose, and my purpose fuels my ambition. I am ready to learn, lead, and serve. With the support of a scholarship, I can focus fully on my education and continue building the foundation for a career dedicated to healing, empowering, and transforming lives. I may be the first in my family to walk this path, but I know I won’t be the last, and that, to me, is the most powerful impact of all.

As a first-generation Mexican American woman, my academic and professional goals are not just about personal success, they are about creating change and giving back to the community that raised me. I plan to pursue a degree in biology with the goal of working in healthcare or medical research, specifically focused on addressing health disparities that affect underserved populations. I want to be a part of the solution to the inequities that too often leave communities like mine without proper access to care, education, or support. Science has always fascinated me, the way the human body works, how diseases progress, and how research can lead to life-saving solutions. But it wasn’t until I began volunteering in my community that I understood how closely science and service are connected. I started giving back by tutoring younger students, organizing school supply drives, and helping with community clean-up events. These experiences opened my eyes to the power of small actions and how deeply they can impact people’s lives. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve given back has been through volunteering at local health fairs and food distribution events. I helped translate for Spanish-speaking families, provided information about free clinics, and assisted in educating people about nutrition and preventive care. Seeing the relief on parents’ faces when they understood the resources available to them made me realize how much of a gap there still is in healthcare access—and how important it is to have professionals who can connect with and represent the communities they serve. These experiences have inspired me to make a difference by becoming a bilingual healthcare advocate or researcher who bridges those gaps. I want to be someone who can sit across from a patient or a family and not only provide answers, but also empathy and cultural understanding. I want to be involved in outreach programs that educate, empower, and improve health outcomes for people who have long been overlooked. In the future, I also hope to mentor other first-generation students like myself. I understand the confusion and pressure that comes with navigating college applications, financial aid, and career planning without a roadmap. I want to share what I’ve learned and help others see that they, too, can achieve their dreams. Continuing my education will give me the tools and knowledge to turn my goals into action. A college degree is not just a personal milestone, it’s a stepping stone toward becoming a leader in my field and a voice for those who need one. I carry my family’s sacrifices, my culture, and my community with me in everything I do. They have shaped who I am and continue to fuel my desire to create change. My journey is just beginning, but my purpose is clear: to use my education to uplift others, promote equity, and help build a healthier, more just world for future generations.

My greatest achievement to date is not a trophy, a title, or a perfect performance, it’s the moment I found my voice and confidence through dance. As a first-generation Mexican American woman, dance has always been more than movement to me. It has been a form of expression, identity, and healing. It has helped me push past limitations and grow into the person I am today. From a young age, I fell in love with dancing. Whether it was folklórico at family gatherings or contemporary and hip hop at school, dance gave me a sense of joy and connection. But for a long time, I struggled with self-doubt. I compared myself to others, worried that I wasn’t good enough, and hesitated to put myself in the spotlight. It wasn’t until I auditioned, and was selected, for the lead role in our school’s dance showcase that I truly began to believe in my potential. Being chosen as the lead came with pressure, responsibility, and the fear of letting others down. I had to choreograph sections, lead rehearsals, and perform in front of a large audience. There were times I questioned if I could handle it. But with each rehearsal, I pushed myself harder, stayed late to perfect my movements, and learned how to lead with both confidence and compassion. The night of the performance, as the lights came up and I stood center stage, I felt a powerful shift. I wasn’t just performing, I was owning my story. That experience taught me that my biggest obstacle had always been my own fear. Once I stopped letting that fear define me, I was able to step into my strength, not just as a dancer, but as a leader, a role model, and a young woman capable of inspiring others. Dance gave me a platform to express who I am and where I come from. It taught me that perseverance, passion, and self-belief can take you farther than talent alone ever will. Looking ahead, I hope to continue using dance as a form of empowerment, not just for myself, but for others. I plan to major in biology, but I’ll always carry my passion for dance with me. I want to create programs that merge health, movement, and community, especially for young people in underserved areas. I believe dance can be a powerful tool for physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Whether it’s teaching classes, starting a wellness program, or simply inspiring others to express themselves, I hope to bring dance and science together to heal and uplift. Earning a college degree will give me the foundation to achieve that vision. It will allow me to explore new fields, connect with mentors, and build something that lasts. But no matter where I go, I’ll always remember the moment I stepped on stage and realized that I was more than enough. That is my greatest achievement, and it’s only the beginning.

As a first-generation Mexican American woman, my journey in education has been shaped by both challenge and hope. From navigating a school system unfamiliar to my family to confronting the internal and external doubts that often come with being a minority in STEM, my path has not been easy. But along the way, one educator made all the difference, a difference that sparked confidence in me when I needed it most. During my sophomore year of high school, I hit a wall. I had been struggling silently in my honors biology class, overwhelmed by complex concepts and unsure if I truly belonged in such a rigorous course. The feeling of being "not good enough" crept in, fueled by the pressure of representing my family, my culture, and my hopes for the future. I began to consider dropping the class altogether. But then, my teacher, Ms. Tan, pulled me aside after class one day. She had noticed my quiet determination and saw potential in me that I was too afraid to see in myself. Instead of letting me give up, she offered to tutor me after school and walked me through the material with patience and encouragement. More importantly, she shared her own story as a Latina in STEM, showing me that my background was not a barrier but a strength. With her support, I not only passed the class, I excelled. That experience taught me that asking for help is not a weakness and that mentorship can be life-changing. Ms. Tan didn’t just teach biology; she taught me resilience, self-belief, and the importance of representation. Because of her, I decided to pursue a degree in biology and dedicate myself to the sciences. But the road forward hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles I’ve had to overcome is the financial and emotional strain of being the first in my family to attend college. I’ve had to navigate college applications, financial aid, and academic pressure largely on my own. Still, I press forward, not just for myself, but for my family and every young Latina who will one day stand where I do. I am passionate about biology because it offers the power to understand life and improve it. I plan to use my degree to work in healthcare or research, focusing on eliminating health disparities in underserved communities. I want to ensure that every family, regardless of income, race, or immigration status, has access to quality care and information. Beyond my career, I want to return to my community to mentor students, especially girls of color, just like Ms. Tan did for me. Education has changed my life, and I intend to pay it forward. With every step I take, I hope to be a bridge: between cultures, between challenges and opportunities, and between dreams and reality.

As a first-generation Mexican American woman, the opportunity to earn a college degree means more than just a personal achievement, it means rewriting the narrative of my family’s future. A degree in biology isn’t just about entering the world of science; it’s about creating generational change, breaking cycles, and proving that where you come from doesn’t define where you can go. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to give me opportunities they never had. Their hard work and resilience laid the foundation for my dreams, even though they couldn't always provide academic guidance. Education was always emphasized in my home, not because it was familiar, but because it was aspirational. Earning a college degree would be a tribute to their sacrifices, a milestone that symbolizes hope, progress, and possibility, not just for me, but for my younger siblings, cousins, and future children who will see that higher education is within their reach. Personally, a college degree would mean validation. It would affirm that my efforts, struggles, and dreams are worth something. It would mean that all the late nights studying, the moments of doubt, and the battles with imposter syndrome were not in vain. More importantly, it would give me the tools to build a meaningful career in a field I love, biology. I am passionate about science because it allows us to understand life, solve problems, and improve the world around us. My goal is to work in medical research or public health, focusing on health disparities that affect underserved communities like my own. To pursue my passion, I have taken every opportunity to immerse myself in science. I’ve enrolled in advanced STEM courses, participated in science fairs, and volunteered at community health events. I’ve spent time shadowing healthcare professionals and exploring labs, eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. These experiences have only deepened my love for biology and solidified my commitment to using science as a force for good. But my passion doesn't stop at academics. I’m also passionate about representation. As a woman of color in STEM, I know how rare it is to see someone who looks like me in scientific spaces. That’s why I mentor younger students in my community, especially girls, encouraging them to explore science and believe in their potential. I want to be the role model I didn’t have, proof that it’s possible to rise, thrive, and lead in spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented. A college degree is more than a piece of paper. For me, it’s a key, one that unlocks doors to opportunity, lifts my family, and lights the way for future generations. It’s a promise to use my education not just for personal success, but to empower others and make lasting change.

As a first-generation Mexican American woman, pursuing an education in STEM, specifically biology, is more than just a career choice. It is a deeply personal mission shaped by my heritage, my identity, and my dreams of creating a meaningful impact in both my community and the scientific world. Growing up, I often found myself navigating two worlds: the culture-rich, hardworking environment of my Mexican American family and the broader educational landscape where people who looked like me were few and far between. My parents, who came to this country seeking better opportunities, taught me the value of perseverance and the power of education. They didn’t have the chance to pursue higher education themselves, but they instilled in me the belief that I could become whatever I set my mind to, even if the path wasn’t easy. Biology has always fascinated me because it reveals the intricate systems that sustain life, from the tiniest cell to the most complex ecosystems. I remember being captivated by the way our bodies heal, adapt, and grow. This fascination became a passion as I began to see how biology intersects with real-world problems, health disparities, environmental change, and access to medical care, all issues that disproportionately affect underrepresented communities like my own. Choosing biology means choosing to understand life at its core so I can help improve it. I am especially interested in contributing to medical research and healthcare equity, because it has done so much for so many people around the world and I would love to give back. I want to be a scientist who not only makes discoveries but also ensures those discoveries benefit everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Being a Latina in STEM is both a challenge and a responsibility. It means breaking stereotypes, overcoming imposter syndrome, and carving a path for those who will come after me. But it also means bringing a unique perspective, resilience, and determination that are deeply rooted in my culture and experiences. As well as the dedication my image at parents had for me to have this opportunity. Receiving a scholarship would not only relieve the financial burden of college, it would affirm that my voice, my background, and my aspirations matter. I am committed to using my education in STEM to advocate for representation, innovation, and access in science. With every step I take in biology, I carry with me the hopes of my family, the strength of my community, and a vision of a more inclusive future in STEM.

Empowerment, to me, means discovering the strength within myself to overcome obstacles, assert my worth, and build a future that reflects my aspirations. As a first-generation Mexican American woman, this concept is not just theoretical; it is a powerful force that has shaped my identity, my decisions, and my vision for the future. Empowerment is about breaking through societal and cultural barriers, acknowledging my worth, and using my experiences to inspire others. It means having the courage to challenge expectations and create opportunities, not just for myself but for my community. Growing up in a Mexican household, I was always surrounded by the values of hard work, family, and perseverance. My parents, who immigrated to the United States seeking a better life for their children, instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to achieve more than they could. They sacrificed so much to provide us with opportunities they never had. However, as a first-generation student, I faced unique challenges. I was navigating an educational system that was unfamiliar to my family and often felt out of place in environments where I was one of the few people who looked like me. Yet, despite these struggles, I learned that empowerment is not about being unaffected by these challenges, but rather, it’s about finding strength in the face of them. For me, empowerment is about embracing both my Mexican heritage and my ambitions. My culture has taught me to be resilient, to value community, and to be proud of who I am. However, I’ve also had to reconcile these values with the realities of being a woman in a competitive, predominantly white, academic environment. I have learned that empowerment comes from accepting that my unique experiences—being a woman, a Latina, and a first-generation college student—are not obstacles but sources of strength. These experiences have made me more determined to succeed, not just for myself but also for my family and my community. Empowerment has had a significant impact on my life by allowing me to redefine what success means. Success, for me, is not only about individual accomplishments, but also about lifting others as I climb. I have realized that my success can inspire other young Mexican American girls who may feel discouraged or unsure about their potential. Growing up, I didn’t see many women who looked like me in positions of power or leadership, but I now understand that I have the opportunity to be that role model for others. Empowerment, in this sense, is about breaking cycles and creating new narratives for the next generation. As a first-generation Mexican American woman, empowerment has also shaped the way I view education. It is not merely a tool for personal growth, but a means of transforming the future for my community. I recognize the privilege and responsibility that come with the opportunities I have, and I am determined to use my education to give back. Whether through mentorship or advocating for policies that support underrepresented communities, I understand that empowerment is most impactful when it is shared. In conclusion, empowerment means having the courage to acknowledge my own strength, embrace my cultural identity, and use my experiences to create a better future for myself and others. As a first-generation Mexican American woman, empowerment has taught me to break through barriers, redefine success, and commit to making a difference in my community. It is not just about personal growth but about using that growth to uplift others, ensuring that the path I pave is one that others can follow.