It would be easy to start off with my name and age to introduce myself as a possible recipient of this scholarship. However, I will be taking a different approach to this scholarship in particular. I am the oldest sister in a family of five altogether. My parents immigrated from their home country, Trinidad & Tobago, to make a better life for themselves. However, that all certainly changed after they had me. The three of us lived illegally in the basement of a family who had empathy for my mother. I have always reminded my mother that I was not meant to be born at the time I did because the residing factors were shown to be true. My mother and father were poor. They could not afford even a closet rack worth of baby clothes for me at the time I was born. Now, I can confidently say that I was born at the right time, thanks to my mother. Presently, I am pursuing my nonmedical biology degree as a first-generation student and woman in STEM. You may have noticed that I mentioned the word mother four times already, and I would like to point out that she is indeed the reason for all of my hard work. Without my mother, I would not be where I am today. I would not be sitting where I am today, writing this scholarship essay on my very own laptop without my mother. I would not be the polite and smart young lady I am today without my mother. My name is Nikkita Hazare. I am nineteen years old, and I am a proud first-generation student. I will be attending Bucks County Community College in the Fall of 2023 to further increase my knowledge of biology and develop my skills, so that I may eventually become a research biologist in the future. Once I achieve this goal, I have high hopes that I would be able to give back to my mother as much as she sacrificed for me, and my sisters. My mother is someone who has very profoundly impacted my life, in which she helps me realize my full potential daily. Recently, I have been learning to drive, and only through the help of my mother. I get nervous each and every single time I get behind the wheel, despite having been driving for months now. These are one of the moments where I can say with my full chest that she helps me realize my full potential. She reminds me every time I am nervous, no matter car ride or final exam, that I am capable of so much more. My mother will not get a chance to read this scholarship essay because she is currently grocery shopping, however, I hope she knows just how internally grateful I am to have someone like her in my life.

As the first-born daughter of two immigrant parents, being a first-generation college student in my family is both an achievement and a challenge. My parents have always instilled in me the importance of education and the value of hard work. Growing up, I was taught that if I wanted to succeed in life, I had to be diligent in my studies and strive to be the best in everything I did. However, the pressure to succeed and the constant pursuit of excellence often took a toll on my mental health. I have struggled with mental health issues, including dysthymia, body dysmorphia, and anxiety. At times, these struggles have been overwhelming, and I have even had thoughts of suicide. Despite these challenges, I have learned to cope with and manage my mental health issues. Through therapy, I have developed strategies to deal with stress and anxiety. One of the most significant ways that I have improved my mental health is by prioritizing self-care. I make sure to take time for myself every day, whether it's by meditating, doing yoga, or simply taking a walk outside. My struggles with mental health have also influenced my relationships with others. I have learned to be more open and honest with my family and friends about how I am feeling, and I have found that sharing my experiences has helped me to feel less alone. I have also become more empathetic toward others who are struggling with mental health issues. As a woman in STEM, I am passionate about pursuing a career in research biology. While my struggles with mental health may seem like a hindrance to my career goals, I believe that they have actually made me a better researcher. I am more aware of the importance of mental health in overall well-being, and I am interested in studying the effects of stress on the body and brain. In short, my experience with mental health has been both challenging and empowering. I have learned to prioritize self-care and seek help when needed, and I have become more empathetic toward others who are struggling. While my mental health issues have presented obstacles, I have also found that they have given me a unique perspective and made me a more resilient person. I am excited to continue pursuing my career goals in research biology and using my experiences to make a positive impact in the world.

As the first-born daughter of two immigrant parents, I have learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and determination. My parents came to this country with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a dream of a better life. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family and instilled in me the importance of education as the key to success. Growing up, I saw my parents struggle to make ends meet while working long hours in low-wage jobs. Despite the challenges, they always emphasized the importance of education as a means of upward mobility. As a result, I developed a strong work ethic and a desire to excel academically. As a first-generation student and a woman in STEM, I have faced many challenges on my journey to pursue my passion for science. However, I have always been driven by my love for the natural world and the desire to make a difference through my work. I chose to study biology because I believe that understanding the mechanisms of life can help us address pressing global issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and pandemics. Currently, I am enrolled in a community college and pursuing a degree in biology. My coursework has included foundational courses such as biology, chemistry, and calculus, as well as upper-level courses such as genetics and ecology. While I am a freshman, I wish to gain more experience. Despite my achievements, the cost of higher education has been a significant obstacle for me and my family. Only one of my parents works, my mother is too sick and has not worked in over 15 years. However, the cost of tuition, textbooks, and supplies is a constant source of stress, and I worry about the impact it will have on my academic and career goals. That is why I am applying for this scholarship - to alleviate some of the financial burdens and enable me to focus on my studies and research. This scholarship would make a significant difference in my ability to pursue my career goals. It would provide me with the resources I need to enroll in advanced science courses, participate in research opportunities, and attend conferences and workshops. It would also enable me to purchase textbooks and equipment and cover other educational expenses. With this scholarship, I would be able to participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs and volunteering opportunities that would enhance my knowledge and network in the field. For example, I would like to join the biology club at my college, which organizes events such as guest lectures and field trips. Additionally, I would like to participate in volunteering opportunities such as environmental cleanups and citizen science projects, which would provide me with hands-on experience in the field and help me give back to the community. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the scientific community by conducting research on infectious diseases and developing novel treatments. With this scholarship, I would be one step closer to achieving my dreams and making a positive impact on society. I am committed to working hard and making the most of this opportunity to achieve my goals and make a difference in the world. In short, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for the support of those who believe in my potential. I am determined to overcome the financial and academic challenges I face and pursue my passion for biology. With this scholarship, I would be able to focus on my studies and research, participate in extracurricular activities, and achieve my goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Positive impacts on the world benefit by improving the quality of life for others, not just for myself. With the education I will receive from BCCC, I will be able to persist in my strong desire to become a research biologist. With these redeeming qualities that I will soon master, I hope to one day change people's lives with the information I will find. Scientists are discovering new findings each day, repeating a cycle of success. I wish to be included in that cycle of success eventually. As a woman in STEM and a first-generation student, I am fueled with more determination than ever before. I crave to go far and publish my results, even after failed attempts. Science can not exist without failure, but even then, it would be worth it to improve the quality of life for others. Through this journey of first-time college education, I have goals to give aid to poor third-world countries. For now, however, I am learning the basics on my own. I am laying down the foundation for my road to science. After I have completed my credits at my current community college, I will be transferring to Delaware Valley University. Programs in botany, agriculture, and zoology (for example) would all enable me to learn more and execute my goals. It would be simple enough to say, "I want to help people," and leave it at that. However, helping people does not give retrospect to short-term or long-term help. That is why I say that I want to improve the quality of life for others. I desire for my work to linger from the point of creation, even when I am long gone. I would like to think that my own discoveries would also improve life quality for the grandchildren of this generation as well, but I know I have to pace myself. Take it one step at a time. Baby steps, even. Still, that does not discourage me from these goals I have set for myself. I motivate myself to strive and go far. My support system of friends and family also have high expectations of me, but even they are also aware that small steps are needed before my goals are fulfilled. For now, my positive impacts include those of community service and advocating for the environment. I plan, in the future, to aid in making the environment flourish as means to improve the quality of life for others, no matter who they are.

Positive impacts on the world benefit by improving the quality of life for others, not just for myself. With the money I receive from this scholarship, I will be able to persist in my strong desire to become a research biologist. With these redeeming qualities that I will soon master, I hope to one day change people's lives with the information I will find. Scientists are discovering new findings each day, repeating a cycle of success. I wish to be included in that cycle of success eventually. As a woman in STEM, and a first-generation student, I am fueled with more determination than ever before. I crave to go far and publish my results, even after failed attempts. Science can not exist without failure, but even then, it would be worth it to improve the quality of life for others. Through this journey of first-time college education, I have goals to give aid to poor third-world countries. For now, however, I am learning the basics on my own. I am laying down the foundation for my road to science. After I have completed my credits at my current community college, I will be transferring to Delaware Valley University. Their biology programs will set me up to succeed. Programs in botany, agriculture, and zoology (for example) would all enable me to learn more and execute my goals. It would be simple enough to say, "I want to help people," and leave it at that. However, helping people does not give retrospect to short-term or long-term help. That is why I say that I want to improve the quality of life for others. I desire for my work to linger from the point of creation, even when I am long gone. I would like to think that my own discoveries would also improve life quality for the grandchildren of this generation as well, but I know I have to pace myself. Take it one step at a time. Baby steps, even. Still, that does not discourage me from these goals I have set for myself. I motivate myself to strive and go far. My support system of friends and family also have high expectations of me, but even they are also aware that small steps are needed before my goals are fulfilled. For now, my positive impacts include those of community service and advocating for the environment. I plan, in the future, to aid in making the environment flourish as means to improve the quality of life for others, no matter who they are.