My name is Melissa Cueva, and I am a dedicated student at MiraCosta College, navigating the complexities of academia while fulfilling the responsibilities of a mother to five wonderful children, whose ages range from 20 years to a spirited 3-year-old. My journey has been richly textured, filled with remarkable challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. I have grappled with significant obstacles, including periods of incarceration, battles with addiction, and navigating the intricacies of mental health issues. Yet, despite these hardships, I made the life-altering decision to reintegrate into education after a long respite of over a decade. With a heart full of ambition, my goal is to earn a degree in Social Work and Human Services, ultimately aspiring to establish a career with Child Welfare Services (CWS). Through the storms of my life, I have emerged with a resilience that drives me forward. My past, though tinged with pain, has imbued me with profound insights and experiences that I hope to channel into helping others who may be facing their own dark moments. I want to be a beacon of hope, demonstrating that transformation is possible and that a brighter, fulfilling future awaits those willing to pursue it. Education has always been a fundamental pillar in my life, thanks to my father, Servando Cueva, who instilled in me the intrinsic value of learning. My teenage years were fraught with challenges, as I became a mother at the tender age of 16 while still in high school. Nevertheless, I persevered against the odds, completing my junior year while pregnant and triumphantly earning my High School Diploma in 2005 through a dedicated homeschooling program. Though my journey as a former drug addict has imposed limitations on my opportunities, I am now actively working to expunge my record, making way for a newfound beginning. Currently, I find joy in volunteering at my son’s high school in Vista, California, where I contribute positively to our community. Additionally, I am proud to hold a position as a student worker in the Student Life and Leadership department at MiraCosta College. The unwavering support I've received from my college community has fostered growth in my confidence, significantly impacting all facets of my life, including my role as a mother. I hope to impart to my children the invaluable lesson that regardless of the challenges presented by the past, the pursuit of education is a priceless endeavor. Receiving this scholarship would be an incredible blessing, providing me with the means to support my family’s essential needs, including household items and educational resources for both myself and my children. As I raise my children in this rapidly changing world, I am determined to guide them toward embracing learning and personal growth as keys to a successful future. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.