Being a first-generation college graduate means everything to me. Growing up, my parents didn't have the opportunity to attend college, which shaped my perspective on education and success. Their hard work, sacrifices, and determination to give me a better life fueled my desire to pursue higher education and break the cycle. Their journey has taught me the value of resilience and the importance of creating opportunities for myself, as well as for future generations. Because of this, my college dream isn't just about earning a degree, it’s about honoring the sacrifices my parents made and proving to myself that I can achieve something they didn’t have the chance to. It’s about pushing past challenges, overcoming obstacles, and setting an example for others in my community who may feel like they don’t have access to the same opportunities. I want to show others that no matter where you come from, education is a powerful tool that can open doors to new possibilities. My extracurricular activities have been a crucial part of shaping who I am today. They have allowed me to explore my interests, build leadership skills, and connect with others who share similar goals. Being involved in volunteer work, student organizations, and mentorship programs has taught me the importance of community and perseverance. These experiences have not only prepared me for the academic challenges of college but have also reinforced the belief that success is a journey that goes beyond the classroom. By participating in these activities, I’ve learned how to advocate for myself and others and how to find strength in teamwork and collaboration. They’ve been instrumental in my growth as both a student and an individual, helping me become more confident, driven, and aware of the impact I can have in my community and beyond. Leadership roles and volunteer work have also shown me the value of giving back. Helping others navigate their own challenges has strengthened my desire to be a role model and mentor to those who may feel uncertain about their future. As a senior in high school, I have taken multiple classes that have helped me decide on my future. I obtained a CPR and childcare certification my freshman year, a CNA certification my junior year, and I started my own photography business my senior year. My extracurricular activities, such as my Photoshop classes, have not only given me the skills to launch a business but have also helped me start saving for college. The ability to earn money through my own hard work and creativity has given me a sense of independence and responsibility. My parents have always emphasized the importance of being self-made, and their lessons have shaped my mindset toward success. Watching them work tirelessly to provide for our family has inspired me to take control of my own future. Through my education, business ventures, and community involvement, I am committed to continuing their legacy of perseverance and dedication. Being a first-generation college student is not just my journey—it is a testament to the sacrifices made by those before me and a promise to create a better future for those who come after me.

Growing up in a family that faced financial struggles, I have always been determined to overcome these barriers and pursue my passion for healthcare. My dream is to become a Nursing Midwife, a profession that will allow me to make a meaningful difference in others' lives. However, the financial challenges I face make this journey difficult. This scholarship would provide the crucial support I need to focus on my education, alleviating the financial burden that stands in my way and enabling me to develop the skills necessary to make a positive impact in the healthcare world. My passion for healthcare, particularly midwifery, began at an early age. As a young child, I started babysitting and quickly became aware of the struggles faced by mothers with newborns and young children. Watching these mothers navigate the challenges of caring for their babies left a lasting impression on me. I began to appreciate the importance of emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth. As I continued babysitting, I also heard various birth stories from mothers of different backgrounds, which broadened my understanding of the diverse needs of families. These experiences sparked my desire to pursue a career where I could offer similar support to others in a more profound and lasting way. As a midwife, I would not only provide medical care during childbirth but also offer emotional guidance and support, fostering meaningful relationships with mothers and their families. I am deeply committed to becoming a skilled healthcare professional who can make a real difference in communities. The financial resources required to pursue this path are a challenge, but I am determined to overcome them in order to reach my goals. By promoting an inclusive and supportive healthcare system, I hope to contribute to creating a better future for families and communities. I believe that women have the capacity not only to provide compassionate care but also to lead with innovation and make a lasting impact in healthcare. Despite my parents’ unwavering support for my education, they have faced their own financial hardships, which has made it difficult for them to contribute financially to my college tuition. Throughout high school, I worked multiple part-time jobs to save money for college, all while maintaining strong academic performance. I took nursing classes throughout high school and obtained my PCT certification in my junior year. However, the cost of tuition and other college-related expenses remains overwhelming, and without additional financial support, it will be challenging for me to pursue my education. A scholarship would relieve this financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about how to cover tuition. Receiving this scholarship would not only provide financial assistance, but also serve as a recognition of my hard work and determination. It would be a validation of the sacrifices I have made and the challenges I have faced in pursuing my dream. With this support, I would be able to concentrate on my nursing program and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become a qualified and compassionate midwife. In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my ability to achieve my dream of becoming a Nursing Midwife. It would alleviate the financial strain on my family and me, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and professional development. I am committed to using this opportunity to improve the lives of women and families through compassionate care. I truly believe that with your support, I can fulfill my dream and make a lasting difference in the healthcare field. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Mia Horton, and I am a senior at Panhandle High School. High school has been a transformative journey, marked by challenges such as quitting beloved activities due to health concerns, navigating difficult relationships, and overcoming setbacks like failed cheer tryouts, all of which have ultimately strengthened my resilience and shaped my personal growth. When I first entered high school, I was excited but also nervous about what lay ahead. Freshman year was tough. I struggled to find my place as I am a small percentage of African American women in my town, and making friends wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped. I quickly realized that high school wasn’t just about academics; it was a complex social environment where fitting in seemed to matter as much as grades. Unfortunately, I encountered my fair share of mean girls who made the transition even harder. Their comments and actions chipped away at my confidence, leaving me questioning myself more often than I’d like to admit. I was left out of friend groups and found it hard to find my clique. Despite these challenges, I was passionate about sports and activities. The track was my first love. I had always found solace in running, feeling free and powerful with every stride. However, life threw me a curveball when health concerns forced me to quit. It was devastating to give up something that had been such a big part of my life. The decision wasn’t easy, but my health had to come first. Losing track was like losing a part of myself, and I struggled to fill that void. Dance was another passion of mine, and I had participated in it since I was four years old. It allowed me to express myself in ways that words couldn’t. But again, circumstances beyond my control forced me to quit. The loss of both track and dance felt like the universe was conspiring against me, taking away the things I loved most. I had to dig deep to find new ways to cope with the stress and emotional turmoil these losses brought on. Relationships during high school added another layer of complexity to my experience. Navigating friendships and romantic relationships often felt like walking a tightrope. There were moments of joy, but also moments of pain and confusion. Learning who I could trust and who truly cared for me was a process filled with trial and error. Some relationships crumbled under the weight of high school drama. However, others grew stronger, teaching me valuable lessons about loyalty and self-respect. One of the most challenging experiences was trying out for the cheer team. I had always admired the cheerleaders, their confidence, and the way they represented the school. My first attempt at making the team failed. My second attempt also failed. I was really discouraged. I was crushed, feeling like I wasn’t good enough. But something inside me refused to give up. I trained harder and worked on my skills, and when tryouts came around again, I gave it everything I had. Finally, I made the team. The moment I saw my name on the list, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t just about cheerleading; it was about proving to myself that I could overcome setbacks and achieve my goals no matter my race. I plan to attend Amarillo College for two years and WT for four. I have always wanted to be an ultrasound technician. This scholarship will mean so much to me in achieving my goals and aspirations to help people. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.