I’m a proud Venezuelan woman, a first-generation college student, and someone living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) a hormonal disorder that has significantly shaped my journey and inspired my passion for nutrition and holistic health. Growing up in a Latino household, food was central to our culture. It was how we celebrated, connected, and showed love. But like many traditional diets, it also included a lot of processed carbs, fried foods, and sugary treats things that, while comforting, can worsen chronic conditions like PCOS. For a long time, I struggled in silence. PCOS affected my hormones, weight, mood, and confidence. But what made it harder was the lack of understanding both in my cultural community and even within healthcare. There wasn’t enough education about how food impacts hormone health, especially for women. I was often told to “just lose weight” without being given the tools or support to do so sustainably or respectfully. That experience opened my eyes to how damaging diet culture can be not only to me a Hispanic woman but to all women of color, race and ethnicity. When I started to learn about holistic nutrition, everything changed. I discovered how balanced meals, anti-inflammatory foods, and mindful eating could reduce my symptoms, stabilize my energy, and restore my confidence. It was through food, not restriction or shame that I began to heal. This experience showed me the power of nutrition as medicine, and it gave me a calling. Through my career, I plan to become a registered dietitian and wellness educator, specializing in women’s health and chronic conditions like PCOS. But more than that, I want to change the conversation around food and health in underserved communities. Too often, nutrition advice overlooks culture, income, or access and it’s rarely inclusive. I want to provide education that is culturally sensitive, bilingual, and empowering, especially for Latinx women like me who often feel unheard in traditional healthcare spaces. I plan to create community programs and digital platforms that blend science-based nutrition with real-life accessibility. I want to lead workshops that teach families how to modify traditional dishes in healthier ways, advocate for better representation of minority women in wellness, and help dismantle toxic diet culture by replacing it with a message of nourishment, balance, and self-respect. To me, making a positive impact means helping people feel seen, supported, and capable of taking control of their health regardless of where they come from or what challenges they face. I’m not just pursuing a degree; I’m building a purpose-driven career rooted in personal experience, cultural pride, and a deep belief that food has the power to heal, connect, and transform lives.

Receiving this scholarship would have a life-changing impact on both my personal and professional journey. As a first-generation college student and the daughter of two Venezuelan immigrants, I’ve always understood the value of education and hard work. However, the financial burden of attending college has been a constant challenge. This funding would ease that pressure, allowing me to focus fully on my studies in nutrition and holistic health without the daily stress of how to afford tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. More importantly, it would help me pursue my purpose: using nutrition to help others heal just as it has helped me. My passion for holistic health began with my battle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Living with this chronic condition has impacted my hormones, energy levels, mental health, and self-esteem. At first, I felt overwhelmed and lost, especially because PCOS is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, especially in communities like mine, where access to women’s health education is limited. However, through my research and with the help of a few supportive health professionals, I discovered the powerful role nutrition plays in managing PCOS. By making intentional, informed changes to my diet reducing processed sugars, balancing my blood sugar, and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods I’ve seen dramatic improvements in my symptoms, cycles, and overall wellness. Nutrition didn’t just improve my physical health it gave me back my confidence, my energy, and a sense of control over my body. This experience was the turning point that showed me how holistic healing can change lives, and it sparked my desire to study nutrition in depth so I can help others do the same. With this scholarship, I hope to become a registered dietitian or wellness educator specializing in hormonal health, chronic conditions like PCOS, and culturally sensitive nutrition counseling. I want to educate women especially those in underserved, immigrant, or minority communities about how food can be a form of empowerment, not just a necessity. I aim to create bilingual workshops, online content, and community programs that teach people how to use food to manage chronic illness, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life. Holistic health is not just about treating symptoms it’s about understanding the full picture: mind, body, and community. I believe that healing starts with education, compassion, and access. This scholarship would not only allow me to pursue my education it would support my mission to make nutrition-based healing more inclusive, affordable, and impactful for everyone. In short, this funding would be an investment in me but more importantly, in the lives of the people I hope to help. I want to be a voice for those who feel overlooked, a guide for those navigating chronic illness, and an advocate for wellness that respects every culture, body, and story.

Being the daughter of two Venezuelan immigrants and a first-generation college student has greatly shaped how I see the world and my role in it. I grew up watching my parents work tirelessly to build a life from the ground up often sacrificing their dreams to give me opportunities they never had. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in the value of education became the foundation of my identity. In our home, I learned to navigate two world's, one rooted in the rich culture, food, and language of Venezuela, the other shaped by the challenges and opportunities of growing up in the U.S. This dual perspective has given me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a strong sense of responsibility to uplift others like me those who feel caught between worlds, yet driven to succeed. Being a first-gen student means I’ve had to figure things out on my own from college applications to understanding financial aid but it’s also made me fiercely determined, resourceful, and deeply empathetic. I carry my family’s sacrifices with me in everything I do, and they remind me that success is not just personal it’s generational. My identity has taught me that representation matters and that I have a voice worth using. I want to use my education to advocate for equity, access, and culturally sensitive wellness, especially for immigrant and underserved communities who deserve the same opportunities to thrive. Saying all this I will always be grateful for the sacrifices made by my parents.

As a Venezuelan woman living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), I have experienced firsthand the physical, emotional, and cultural challenges that come with managing a chronic condition. PCOS affects many aspects of life from irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances to weight gain, insulin resistance, and mental health struggles. In my culture, conversations about women’s health are often silenced or misunderstood, and access to accurate, compassionate care is limited. My journey with PCOS has inspired my passion for nutrition and the powerful role it plays in both healing and empowerment. If awarded, I would dedicate myself to educating and supporting patients and their families by using nutrition as a key tool to improve both the quantity and quality of life especially for women dealing with hormonal conditions like PCOS. Nutritional science isn’t just about calories or diets it’s about understanding how food interacts with our bodies on a cellular level. For those with PCOS, making informed dietary choices can reduce inflammation, stabilize insulin levels, regulate hormones, and ultimately reduce symptoms and improve long-term health outcomes. Through my studies and lived experience, I’ve learned how balancing macronutrients, prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods, reducing processed sugar, and supporting gut health can make a major difference. These aren’t just textbook recommendations they’re strategies I’ve had to implement myself, often in the face of misinformation, stigma, and cultural expectations. Growing up in a Venezuelan household, food was a way to connect, celebrate, and show love. However many traditional dishes are heavy in starches, fried components, and processed ingredients. Learning how to honor my heritage while adapting recipes for better health has taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity in nutrition education. If given the opportunity, I would create culturally tailored nutrition programs for women especially young Latinas facing PCOS and other hormonal or metabolic conditions. These programs would provide clear, science-based guidance on how to manage symptoms through diet while respecting cultural food traditions. I would focus on community workshops, both in-person and online, that educate families on the connection between food and health, helping them shift their habits in a way that feels empowering rather than restrictive. I also want to support patients emotionally because managing a condition like PCOS is more than just physical. It’s about self-esteem, body image, and mental resilience. I would integrate wellness coaching, support groups, and culturally competent resources to help families feel seen and supported on every level. On a broader scale, I aim to advocate for nutrition as a central part of chronic disease treatment not just a secondary consideration. Whether working in clinics, public health settings, or through nonprofit initiatives, I will push for better access to nutrition counseling and preventative care, especially in communities of color and immigrant populations. Too often, these groups are underserved and underrepresented in healthcare conversations. I want to change that. Ultimately, my own experience as a Venezuelan woman with PCOS has taught me how powerful nutrition can be not just for managing a condition, but for reclaiming health, confidence, and control. I want to give that same power to others. Through education, compassion, and cultural understanding, I hope to help people live longer, fuller, and healthier lives.

Over the next five years, I will create a positive environmental impact on my local and global communities through the lens of wellness, with a specific focus on nutrition. As someone studying nutrition, I believe deeply in the power of food not just to heal our bodies, but to transform our communities and protect our planet. What we eat impacts everything from personal health to agricultural systems, carbon emissions, and global food equity. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, I want to help individuals make better food choices that lead to healthier lives and a healthier environment. My passion for nutrition is not only rooted in science but also in culture and identity. As the daughter of Venezuelan parents, I’ve grown up witnessing both the joy and the struggle that food can bring. In Venezuela, food insecurity and lack of access to basic nutrition have become widespread issues due to economic and political instability. This has given me a global perspective on how critical access to nutritious food is not just as a wellness issue but as a human right. It has also made me deeply aware of the disparities that exist in food systems and how culture must be considered when addressing wellness on a community level. In my local community, I plan to combine my academic background in nutrition with my cultural heritage to promote food education that is inclusive and relatable. I want to create programs that teach people how to incorporate healthy, plant-based alternatives into traditional meals like using legumes, grains, and vegetables in familiar Latin recipes. This approach allows people to make sustainable dietary changes without sacrificing cultural identity. I’ll also work with schools, community centers, and health clinics to promote nutrition literacy, particularly in underserved or immigrant communities where health education and access to fresh foods are often lacking. To make an even greater impact, I aim to partner with local farmers and food co-ops to bring more culturally relevant produce to markets and food pantries. Promoting local agriculture not only supports the environment but also empowers small growers, many of whom are immigrants themselves. My goal is to show how healthy, sustainable eating can be both affordable and culturally rich bridging the gap between wellness and tradition. On a global level, I’ll use technology and social media to share insights and resources about sustainable nutrition. I want to be a voice that educates and empowers people everywhere especially in Latin American and marginalized communities by providing practical tips and science-based guidance in both English and Spanish. Whether it’s through recipes, educational videos, or online workshops, I’ll promote wellness practices that are good for both people and the planet. In five years, I hope to be at the forefront of a movement that sees food as medicine, culture as strength, and nutrition as a path to environmental change. Being Venezuelan means I carry with me a deep respect for resilience, community, and creativity values that will guide my efforts to make a lasting difference through the power of nutrition.

Empathy is often described as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, but to me, it's much more, it's a bridge that connects hearts and minds across divides, allowing us to see the humanity in every individual. One of my greatest strengths is this deep sense of empathy, which has shaped how I interact with people from all walks of life. I don’t just listen to their words; I strive to understand their experiences, fears, and hopes. In a world that often feels fragmented and divided, I believe that empathy is the foundation upon which we can build a more compassionate and inclusive global community. My passion for immigration, women’s rights, and human rights fuels my commitment to using empathy as a tool for meaningful change. Immigrants, for example, often face tremendous challenges leaving behind their homes, families, and cultures in search of safety and opportunity. I have listened to stories of struggle, hope, and resilience, and these stories have deepened my resolve to stand alongside those navigating the complexities of immigration. By understanding their journeys, I can advocate for policies and communities that welcome and support newcomers with kindness rather than suspicion. Similarly, women around the world continue to fight for equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. My empathy pushes me to listen to their voices, amplify their stories, and challenge the systems that silence them. Whether it’s promoting education for girls, supporting women’s leadership, or combating gender-based violence, I believe that empathy allows me to connect across differences and work toward a world where everyone’s rights are respected. Human rights, the universal principles that affirm the dignity of every person, are at the core of my vision for a global community grounded in understanding. When we approach issues like poverty, discrimination, and injustice with empathy, we move beyond seeing problems as abstract concepts. Instead, we recognize the individuals affected and the urgency of our collective responsibility to act. This shift in perspective motivates me to engage in activism, education, and dialogue that highlight our shared humanity. Building empathy on a global scale requires more than personal feelings—it requires action. I plan to use my empathy to create safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue, where people can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Through these conversations, barriers of misunderstanding and prejudice can be broken down. I also want to work with organizations that support immigrants and women, lending my voice to campaigns and initiatives that promote justice and equality. Moreover, I believe empathy can be cultivated through education. By sharing stories and fostering curiosity about different cultures and histories, I hope to inspire others to see the world through a more compassionate lens. Empathy grows when we recognize that despite our differences, we all desire safety, respect, and the chance to live fulfilling lives. The world does not need more division or conflict; it needs understanding and connection. My unique talent for empathy is my way of answering that call. Through it, I aim to build bridges where there were walls, to transform fear into kindness, and to create a global community where every person’s story is honored. This scholarship would empower me to continue growing these skills and applying them on a broader scale, contributing to a future where empathy leads the way.

Being Hispanic has never been a burden to me in fact, it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. My heritage has shaped the way I see the world and the values I carry with me each day. I grew up in a Venezuelan household where family, culture, resilience, and gratitude were at the core of everything we did. These values have guided my path in life and influenced the way I view challenges and opportunities. My parents immigrated to the United States from Venezuela with the hope of giving me a better future. They left behind their home, their comfort, and their careers in search of safety, stability, and opportunity. Watching them make those sacrifices has left a deep impact on me. It made me realize from a young age that the things I sometimes take for granted like education, safety, or even food on the table are the very things they fought so hard to provide. I carry that awareness with me everywhere I go. Being Hispanic has opened my eyes to the power of perseverance and community. I’ve seen firsthand how much strength exists in our culture, even in the face of adversity. But I’ve also felt the heartbreak that comes from knowing that my background can sometimes limit my access to certain opportunities. It’s painful to realize that no matter how hard my family works or how much I strive, there are systems and barriers that make it harder for people like us to get ahead. Still, I’ve never let that stop me. If anything, it’s made me more determined to rise above those obstacles and prove what I’m capable of. One of the biggest challenges we face as a family is the financial burden of higher education. My parents have always done everything they can to support me, but the cost of college is overwhelming. I know how hard they work, and I do everything I can to help lighten the load whether it’s through scholarships, working part-time, or excelling in school to open new doors. Receiving financial assistance to pay for my tuition would be a huge step forward for me and my family. It would allow me to continue my education without the constant worry of putting more pressure on those who have already given so much. I see education as a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices and build a better future not just for myself, but for my entire family. I want to use the opportunities I earn to give back to my community, uplift others with similar backgrounds, and be a role model for those who may not always see themselves represented in higher education. Being Hispanic has shaped who I am: strong, proud, and determined. It has taught me to never give up, even when the odds are stacked against me. I will always carry that spirit with me, and I hope to use it to make a lasting difference in the world.

Being Hispanic has never been a burden to me in fact, it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. My heritage has shaped the way I see the world and the values I carry with me each day. I grew up in a Venezuelan household where family, culture, resilience, and gratitude were at the core of everything we did. These values have guided my path in life and influenced the way I view challenges and opportunities. My parents immigrated to the United States from Venezuela with the hope of giving me a better future. They left behind their home, their comfort, and their careers in search of safety, stability, and opportunity. Watching them make those sacrifices has left a deep impact on me. It made me realize from a young age that the things I sometimes take for granted like education, safety, or even food on the table are the very things they fought so hard to provide. I carry that awareness with me everywhere I go. Being Hispanic has opened my eyes to the power of perseverance and community. I’ve seen firsthand how much strength exists in our culture, even in the face of adversity. But I’ve also felt the heartbreak that comes from knowing that my background can sometimes limit my access to certain opportunities. It’s painful to realize that no matter how hard my family works or how much I strive, there are systems and barriers that make it harder for people like us to get ahead. Still, I’ve never let that stop me. If anything, it’s made me more determined to rise above those obstacles and prove what I’m capable of. One of the biggest challenges we face as a family is the financial burden of higher education. My parents have always done everything they can to support me, but the cost of college is overwhelming. I know how hard they work, and I do everything I can to help lighten the load whether it’s through scholarships, working part-time, or excelling in school to open new doors. Receiving financial assistance to pay for my tuition would be a huge step forward for me and my family. It would allow me to continue my education without the constant worry of putting more pressure on those who have already given so much. I see education as a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices and build a better future not just for myself, but for my entire family. I want to use the opportunities I earn to give back to my community, uplift others with similar backgrounds, and be a role model for those who may not always see themselves represented in higher education. Being Hispanic has shaped who I am: strong, proud, and determined. It has taught me to never give up, even when the odds are stacked against me. I will always carry that spirit with me, and I hope to use it to make a lasting difference in the world.