Here’s a paragraph from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations (Book 2, Section 1), a work of Stoic philosophy: "Say to yourself at daybreak: I shall come across the meddling busybody, the ungrateful, the overbearing, the treacherous, the envious, the unneighborly. All this has befallen them because they do not know good from evil. But I, who have understood the nature of good—that it is noble—and of evil—that it is shameful—who have recognized the wrongdoer as a relative, not by blood but by a kinship of mind, that he shares in the divine—cannot be harmed by any of them. No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I be angry at my relative or hate him. For we have come into being for cooperation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of upper and lower teeth. To work against one another is therefore unnatural—and anger or rejection is opposition." The Stoic Imperative of Inner Mastery and Communal Duty At the heart of Marcus Aurelius’ reflections in Meditations lies a profound assertion: the key to personal and communal harmony is the mastery of one’s own perceptions and reactions. In the selected passage, Aurelius confronts the inevitability of encountering difficult individuals and challenges the reader to reframe such encounters not as threats but as opportunities for moral constancy. His thesis is radical in its demand for self-discipline—urging us not merely to endure the faults of others but to approach them with understanding, rejecting both hatred and victimhood. This imperative suggests that true strength is found not in dominance over others but in the sovereignty of one’s mind. Aurelius first establishes a psychological framework for resilience. By preemptively acknowledging that he will meet individuals who are deceitful, arrogant, or ungrateful, he removes the element of surprise and, with it, the impulse toward reactionary anger. This is not passive resignation but a conscious act of preparation. He attributes others' moral failings to ignorance rather than inherent malice, a key Stoic principle that reorients blame away from the offender and toward their lack of wisdom. In doing so, Aurelius suggests that moral superiority is not a license for contempt but an obligation for patience. The wise person, in recognizing the roots of wrongdoing, has a duty to remain unshaken by it. This refusal to be “implicated in ugliness” is central to the Stoic notion of invulnerability. Aurelius rejects the idea that external circumstances or the behavior of others can truly harm an individual unless that individual allows it. Here, he echoes the Stoic belief that suffering arises not from events themselves but from our judgments about them. If we strip wrongdoing of its power to offend, we remove its ability to corrupt our inner peace. The modern implications of this philosophy are striking: in an era defined by polarization and outrage, Aurelius’ insistence on self-governance reminds us that dignity lies not in defeating opponents but in remaining unswayed by their provocations. Yet, his argument does not end in self-preservation; it extends into the realm of collective duty. His analogy of human beings as body parts—"like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of upper and lower teeth"—suggests an inherent interconnectedness. To reject another human being, even one who wrongs us, is as absurd as a hand rejecting the foot. This imagery is a powerful counterpoint to the modern glorification of individualism. Aurelius insists that our nature is cooperative, that our purpose is interwoven with others, and that true self-mastery must translate into harmonious coexistence. Even when confronted with hostility, we are called not to retaliate but to realign ourselves with our shared human purpose. This ethos challenges contemporary notions of justice, which often prioritize retribution. The Stoic view does not condone wrongdoing, but it does argue that responding with resentment only perpetuates a cycle of harm. To Aurelius, the enlightened person understands that every interaction is an opportunity for self-examination rather than a battleground for proving superiority. The deeper implication is that peace—both personal and societal—depends on our willingness to see others not as enemies, but as flawed kin who, in their ignorance, deserve guidance rather than scorn. Thus, this passage from Meditations serves as both a blueprint for personal resilience and a radical call for empathy. In a world increasingly defined by division, Aurelius' wisdom is not an antiquated ideal but a pressing necessity. To rise above the ugliness of others is not to ignore wrongdoing, but to refuse to let it dictate the state of our own mind. And in doing so, we do not merely preserve ourselves—we create the conditions for true harmony.

Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American queer student in Compton, California, I’ve faced many challenges, both financial and personal, that have shaped my ambition to succeed. My family has always worked hard to make ends meet, yet financial instability has been a constant in our lives. I’ve watched my parents sacrifice so much to provide for us, taking on long hours and exhausting jobs with little left for themselves. Their perseverance has inspired me, but it has also shown me how crucial a college education is to breaking the cycle of hardship. As a first-generation college student, I carry the weight of not just my dreams, but also my family’s hopes for a better future. Financial barriers have been the most persistent challenge on my journey. While I’ve maintained a 3.8 GPA and worked hard to position myself for college, the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses looms over me. My family is unable to contribute to these costs, so I know I will be relying on scholarships, financial aid, and part-time work to make my education possible. Beyond financial struggles, I’ve faced personal challenges that have strengthened my determination. Navigating my identity as a queer Latina has not always been easy, especially in a community where acceptance can feel limited. Writing became my safe haven during those times. Through journaling and poetry, I found a way to process my emotions and express myself when words felt too heavy to say out loud. This creative outlet not only helped me navigate my own struggles but also fueled my passion for studying the humanities. I plan to major in Media Studies, with a focus on storytelling and advocacy. My goal is to create work that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, including first-generation students, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Representation matters, and I believe that by sharing stories that reflect the diversity of our experiences, we can foster greater empathy and understanding. I also hope to give back directly to my community by mentoring young students, teaching them the power of their own voices, and helping them pursue their own educational dreams. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial stress of attending college but also allow me to fully focus on my studies and creative growth. It would be a step toward overcoming the barriers that have defined so much of my life and toward achieving the goals that mean so much to me and my family. Sharon L. Smartt’s legacy of resilience and success despite financial challenges resonates deeply with me. Her dedication to teaching and the humanities reminds me of the power education has to transform lives. With your support, I can honor her memory by pursuing my education and creating work that uplifts and inspires others. By overcoming my own challenges, I hope to show others that no matter where they come from, their dreams are worth fighting for.

As a first-generation Mexican American queer student from Compton, California, I grew up in a home where dreams often felt limited by financial hardship. Yet, I found boundless possibilities in the pages of books. From an early age, stories became my refuge and my compass. I remember sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, flipping through picture books borrowed from the local library, enchanted by the illustrations and the worlds they revealed. Those books were more than just entertainment—they were windows to possibilities beyond my circumstances and mirrors that allowed me to see myself in new, affirming ways. However, I also remember noticing what was missing. Many of the characters in those stories didn’t look like me or my family. I wondered why the kids in books didn’t speak Spanish at home or navigate the cultural duality I lived every day. It wasn’t until I was older and discovered authors like Sandra Cisneros that I began to see myself reflected in stories. That realization sparked my passion for writing and my dream of creating books that fill those gaps for other children. Literacy has shaped my life in profound ways. Reading and writing have been tools of self-expression and resilience. When I struggled to navigate the challenges of growing up in a low-income household, journaling became my sanctuary. Writing poetry helped me explore my identity as a queer Latina, and through storytelling, I found a voice that was uniquely my own. Literacy gave me confidence, taught me empathy, and empowered me to dream beyond my environment. Picture books hold a special place in my heart because they are often a child’s first encounter with storytelling. They are powerful because they combine words and visuals to make complex emotions and experiences accessible to young minds. I want to create picture books that feature BIPOC characters and celebrate the richness of our cultures, languages, and stories. My goal is to write books that affirm a child’s sense of self while also fostering understanding among readers of all backgrounds. I want kids to open my books and see their own lives, struggles, and joys reflected back at them, knowing they are seen and valued. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me pursue this dream. I plan to major in Media Studies, with a focus on writing and publishing. My education will equip me with the skills to develop inclusive stories that empower children and inspire them to embrace their unique identities. I also hope to mentor young writers in underrepresented communities, helping them find their voices and share their stories with the world. Dr. Valerie Williams-Sanchez’s vision resonates deeply with me because I, too, believe in the transformative power of stories. This scholarship would not only support my education but also validate the importance of creating space for voices like mine in children’s literature. With your support, I am ready to bring my stories to life and make a lasting impact on the next generation of readers.

Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would mean the opportunity to fulfill a dream that often felt out of reach. As a first-generation Mexican American queer student from Compton, California, I have always known the weight of my education. It represents more than personal achievement; it is a symbol of hope and possibility for my family and my community. Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family. Despite their sacrifices, we often struggled to make ends meet, and college always seemed like a distant dream because of its cost. Yet, my parents instilled in me the importance of perseverance and education, and I worked hard to excel academically, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while navigating the challenges of financial instability and limited resources. I have been accepted to college, where I plan to major in Media Studies. This field resonates deeply with me because it allows me to combine my love for writing with my passion for advocacy. Writing has been my anchor throughout life—a way to process emotions, make sense of my experiences, and imagine a better future. I hope to use my education to create media that amplifies marginalized voices, fosters understanding, and inspires change. However, the cost of attending college looms large. As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I am fully responsible for covering tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. My family is unable to contribute financially, and while I am determined to work hard and explore other financial aid options, this scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden that threatens to hold me back. Beyond the financial need, this scholarship represents validation for the hard work I have poured into my education despite the odds. It would allow me to focus on excelling academically and pursuing internships that align with my goals, rather than constantly worrying about how I will afford each semester. It would give me the freedom to immerse myself in my studies and fully embrace the opportunities college offers. My ambition is not just to succeed for myself, but to create a ripple effect of change. With my degree, I hope to produce meaningful content that challenges stereotypes and provides representation for communities like mine. I also plan to give back directly to my community by mentoring first-generation students and organizing workshops to help young people find their voices through storytelling. This scholarship would empower me to pursue these dreams, knowing that my financial circumstances will not dictate my future. It would be a step toward breaking the cycle of poverty in my family and uplifting others who share my struggles. College is not just a milestone for me—it is a gateway to the impact I want to create in the world. With your support, I am ready to seize this opportunity and transform my aspirations into action.

I want to dedicate my life to amplifying voices that too often go unheard. As a first-generation Mexican American queer student from Compton, California, I have faced many challenges that taught me resilience and ignited my passion for creating change. Growing up, I rarely saw people like me represented in books, TV, or leadership roles, and I know what it feels like to be invisible. Those experiences shaped my dream to use storytelling as a way to empower others, foster understanding, and build a more inclusive world. Writing has always been my refuge. When life felt overwhelming—whether due to financial struggles, identity challenges, or feeling out of place—I turned to my journal. Through poetry and storytelling, I discovered my voice and the power of putting emotions into words. Over time, I realized that my writing was not just for me. It could be a tool for connection, a way to help others feel seen and understood. This realization sparked my goal to pursue Media Studies in college. I want to create films, articles, and projects that tell the stories of marginalized communities—stories of resilience, love, and triumph, not just struggle. Representation matters. It shapes how people see themselves and how the world sees them. I want to challenge stereotypes and give people who have been silenced a platform to speak their truth. My commitment to making a difference doesn’t stop at storytelling. I also want to give back directly to my community in Compton. Growing up, I didn’t always have access to the resources and mentorship that could have made the road to college less daunting. I want to change that for the next generation. I envision creating workshops for young writers and artists, teaching them how to channel their emotions into creative expression. I want to help them see that their voices matter and that their dreams are valid, no matter where they come from. As someone who has navigated the challenges of being a first-generation college student, I also plan to mentor others like me. I understand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel to break barriers, but I also know the power of community. By sharing my journey and helping others navigate theirs, I hope to create a ripple effect of empowerment and achievement. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my education and my goals without the constant weight of financial stress. It would be an investment not just in my future, but in the impact I hope to make on others. I want to show young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, that their stories are worth telling and their dreams are worth pursuing. My ultimate goal is to leave the world a little better than I found it—through the stories I tell, the people I mentor, and the communities I uplift. With the support of this scholarship, I am ready to turn my vision into reality and inspire others to do the same.

Growing up in Compton, California, as a first-generation Mexican American queer student, I have witnessed both the beauty and the struggles of my community. My upbringing taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of giving back. These values are at the heart of my dream to use my education to empower others who, like me, have been shaped by systemic barriers but remain full of potential. I plan to major in Media Studies, a field that excites me because it combines my love for storytelling with the power to amplify underrepresented voices. For years, writing has been my refuge—a way to navigate my emotions, process my experiences, and envision a better future. I want to use this passion to create media that accurately represents marginalized communities, especially young women and queer people of color. Growing up, I rarely saw people like me in books, on TV, or in leadership roles. I want to change that narrative. Through my education, I aim to build a career in journalism or media production that highlights the stories of my community—the struggles, yes, but also the resilience, joy, and creativity. Beyond representation, I hope to offer resources and mentorship to students in Compton and surrounding areas. Whether by hosting workshops on storytelling, helping young women gain confidence in their voices, or creating platforms for others to share their truths, I want to ensure that my success is never mine alone. Lori Nethaway’s legacy of empowering young women aligns with my vision of uplifting others through education, advocacy, and storytelling. This scholarship would not only help me attend college but also amplify the impact I plan to have as a role model and advocate. I want to inspire the next generation to see that their stories matter and that their dreams are worth fighting for. Education is the foundation of transformation, not just for me but for the community I love. With the support of this scholarship, I am ready to continue Lori Nethaway’s mission: empowering others to find their voice and achieve their goals.

Choosing to major in public relations and advertising stems from my deep-rooted desire to connect people and ideas, but my journey has been shaped significantly by the adversities I've faced. Growing up in a home marked by conflict, I often found myself in an emotionally charged environment where my parents’ arguments created uncertainty and fear. The constant tension within our walls forced me to adapt quickly and develop resilience. In the midst of this chaos, I sought solace in reading and writing, which became my lifelines and guided me toward my chosen field. One of the most defining challenges I encountered was stepping into a caregiver role for my younger sister. At just two years old, she became my responsibility, and while other kids my age played outside, I was changing diapers, preparing meals, and reading her bedtime stories. This role taught me valuable lessons about compassion, empathy, and clear communication. I realized early on that nurturing her well-being required not only practical skills but also the ability to understand her emotions. Navigating her needs helped me see the profound impact that effective communication can have on relationships. As I grew older, the challenges at home continued to shape my identity. In school, I became known as the “good student”—the one teachers relied on to stay on task and excel academically. I felt pressure to maintain this image while grappling with the weight of my responsibilities. I listened more than I spoke, keenly aware of the energy in the classroom. This skill was akin to a chameleon adapting to its surroundings, a strategy that helped me survive emotionally. However, I often felt exhausted, drained from the constant effort of holding everything together. A turning point came when I entered high school. I vividly remember sitting in my first AP English class, feeling the weight of my responsibilities pressing down on me. After spending the morning caring for my sister, I entered the classroom with a whirlwind of thoughts. But that class sparked a shift in me. It wasn’t just the engaging literature; it was the realization that language holds immense power. I discovered that I could use my voice to navigate the world rather than blend into the background. For the first time, I felt emboldened to express myself. Inspired by this newfound confidence, I began to tackle challenges that I once thought were impossible. I applied for a youth mental health internship, determined to use my experiences to help others. The role required vulnerability, forcing me to share my story and connect with those facing their own battles. I learned that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. I became a source of support for others, showing them they weren’t alone in their struggles. Balancing school, home responsibilities, and my own mental well-being remained a challenge, but each time I faced a setback, I adapted. I leaned on the people who understood me and surrounded myself with positivity. I found solace in journaling during quiet hours, taking walks to clear my mind, and being present with my sister, whose laughter became the soundtrack of my healing. These moments reminded me that even in the toughest times, I could find light. Reflecting on these experiences, I see a clear thread of growth that has shaped my identity. I’ve learned that life, much like public relations, is about connection—understanding others, sharing stories, and building meaningful relationships. The adversities I once viewed as burdens have transformed into opportunities for growth and understanding.