As a first-generation, low-income, BIPOC student, I’ve grown up navigating spaces that weren’t always built with people like me in mind. The road hasn’t always been easy—there have been times when success felt far away—but I’ve learned to create my own opportunities, and more importantly, to bring others along with me. I believe I should be awarded this scholarship not just because I work hard, but because I’m committed to using my education to open doors that too often stay closed for students like me. Through finance and marketing, I want to create meaningful, long-term impact—helping underserved communities access both economic and environmental opportunity. Back in my sophomore year of high school, I noticed something that stuck with me: a lot of students from similar backgrounds—low-income, first-gen, and students of color—felt left out, disconnected, and invisible at our predominantly well-off school. The feeling wasn’t just about not fitting in socially; it was about not feeling seen or supported structurally. I wanted to do something about that. So I turned to something I love: theatre. With the help of friends, I brought Nuevos Tiempos: A New Musical to life. I directed the show, scheduled rehearsals, and even advocated for funding by pitching the project to school administrators and the PTSA. Over 50 students got involved—many of them stepping into the spotlight for the first time. For some, it was about acting or singing, but for many, it was about finally feeling like they belonged. That experience taught me a lot about leadership. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about creating space for others to speak, grow, and lead. That lesson is what drives my career goals. I want to study business—with a focus on finance and marketing—so I can help break down the same kinds of barriers I’ve faced. I’ve seen how financial insecurity can push environmental concerns to the background, especially in communities like mine. I want to change that. I plan to support small businesses—particularly those led by Black, Brown, and Indigenous entrepreneurs—by helping them access funding for green initiatives like sustainable packaging, energy-efficient operations, or eco-conscious supply chains. Financial tools that are tailored, accessible, and inclusive can make all the difference. If we want environmental progress to be equitable, we have to start with who gets to participate—and who gets left out. At the same time, I see marketing as a way to bring these efforts to life. Marketing isn’t just about products; it’s about people, identity, and values. I want to create campaigns that reflect the diversity of the people most affected by climate change and economic inequity—campaigns that don’t just inform, but empower. When people see themselves in the story of sustainability, they’re more likely to care, to act, and to lead. That kind of cultural shift can start with something as simple as a story—but it can ripple outward and change everything. This scholarship wouldn’t just help me pay for school—it would help me keep building something bigger than myself. I’m not just working toward a degree; I’m working toward a future where equity, sustainability, and opportunity aren’t the exception—they’re the norm. I want to use finance to fund equity, and marketing to amplify it. And wherever my path takes me, I’ll keep carving out space—so that others can step into their own power, too.

A college degree in business won’t just open doors for me—it will change the direction of my life and the lives of those who come after me. As a first-generation, low-income student, I’m not just carrying my own dreams—I’m carrying the hopes of my parents and grandparents, who never had the opportunities I have now. To me, earning a business degree means more than a diploma. It represents freedom, security, and the ability to create something bigger than myself. My family always taught me the value of hard work. I watched my parents work multiple jobs, day and night, not just to keep the lights on but to give me a chance at a different future. Their sacrifices taught me determination. They believe deeply in the power of education, even though they didn’t have the chance to pursue it themselves. Every class I take is a step toward making their sacrifices count and building the future they imagined for me. College, to me, is about growth. It’s about learning to believe in myself, even when things are hard. I’ve faced doubt, financial stress, and times when I felt like I didn’t belong. But I’ve kept going, because I know I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing it to honor where I come from and to help others like me see what’s possible. I’ve found a new passion for marketing and finance. I believe that knowing how money works and how to build smart, sustainable businesses can uplift entire communities. In high school, I led a theater production and mentored younger students. Even though I didn’t have many resources, I saw how powerful it was to help others believe in themselves. That experience showed me the kind of leader I want to be—someone who uses business to inspire and create real change. I’ve already started preparing for my future by researching career programs and talking with teachers, counselors, and a former principal about leadership and innovation. I plan to major in business administration and focus on creating businesses that give back—ones that create jobs, solve problems, and support people. Eventually, I want to mentor others the same way I was mentored, especially students from underserved communities. I want to be a reminder to them that success is within reach. Receiving this scholarship would mean everything. It would relieve some of the financial stress that comes with college, and it would help me continue on this path that means so much to me and my family. It would also honor all the values and lessons my family passed down to me. I’m a lifelong learner with a heart full of hope—and I’m determined to build something that lasts for generations.

A college degree in business won’t just open doors for me—it will change the direction of my life and the lives of those who come after me. As a first-generation, low-income student, I’m not just carrying my own dreams—I’m carrying the hopes of my parents and grandparents, who never had the opportunities I have now. To me, earning a business degree means more than a diploma. It represents freedom, security, and the ability to create something bigger than myself. My family always taught me the value of hard work. I watched my parents work multiple jobs, day and night, not just to keep the lights on but to give me a chance at a different future. Their sacrifices taught me determination. They believe deeply in the power of education, even though they didn’t have the chance to pursue it themselves. Every class I take is a step toward making their sacrifices count and building the future they imagined for me. College, to me, is about growth. It’s about learning to believe in myself, even when things are hard. I’ve faced doubt, financial stress, and times when I felt like I didn’t belong. But I’ve kept going, because I know I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing it to honor where I come from and to help others like me see what’s possible. I’ve found a new passion for marketing and finance. I believe that knowing how money works and how to build smart, sustainable businesses can uplift entire communities. In high school, I led a theater production and mentored younger students. Even though I didn’t have many resources, I saw how powerful it was to help others believe in themselves. That experience showed me the kind of leader I want to be—someone who uses business to inspire and create real change. I’ve already started preparing for my future by researching career programs and talking with teachers, counselors, and a former principal about leadership and innovation. I plan to major in business administration and focus on creating businesses that give back—ones that create jobs, solve problems, and support people. Eventually, I want to mentor others the same way I was mentored, especially students from underserved communities. I want to be a reminder to them that success is within reach. Receiving this scholarship would mean everything. It would relieve some of the financial stress that comes with college, and it would help me continue on this path that means so much to me and my family. It would also honor all the values and lessons my family passed down to me. I’m a lifelong learner with a heart full of hope—and I’m determined to build something that lasts for generations.

As a first-generation, low-income, BIPOC student, I’ve grown up navigating spaces that weren’t always built with people like me in mind. The road hasn’t always been easy—there have been times when success felt far away—but I’ve learned to create my own opportunities, and more importantly, to bring others along with me. I believe I should be awarded this scholarship not just because I work hard, but because I’m committed to using my education to open doors that too often stay closed for students like me. Through finance and marketing, I want to create meaningful, long-term impact—helping underserved communities access both economic and environmental opportunity. Back in my sophomore year of high school, I noticed something that stuck with me: a lot of students from similar backgrounds—low-income, first-gen, and students of color—felt left out, disconnected, and invisible at our predominantly well-off school. The feeling wasn’t just about not fitting in socially; it was about not feeling seen or supported structurally. I wanted to do something about that. So I turned to something I love: theatre. With the help of friends, I brought Nuevos Tiempos: A New Musical to life. I directed the show, scheduled rehearsals, and even advocated for funding by pitching the project to school administrators and the PTSA. Over 50 students got involved—many of them stepping into the spotlight for the first time. For some, it was about acting or singing, but for many, it was about finally feeling like they belonged. That experience taught me a lot about leadership. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about creating space for others to speak, grow, and lead. That lesson is what drives my career goals. I want to study business—with a focus on finance and marketing—so I can help break down the same kinds of barriers I’ve faced. I’ve seen how financial insecurity can push environmental concerns to the background, especially in communities like mine. I want to change that. I plan to support small businesses—particularly those led by Black, Brown, and Indigenous entrepreneurs—by helping them access funding for green initiatives like sustainable packaging, energy-efficient operations, or eco-conscious supply chains. Financial tools that are tailored, accessible, and inclusive can make all the difference. If we want environmental progress to be equitable, we have to start with who gets to participate—and who gets left out. At the same time, I see marketing as a way to bring these efforts to life. Marketing isn’t just about products; it’s about people, identity, and values. I want to create campaigns that reflect the diversity of the people most affected by climate change and economic inequity—campaigns that don’t just inform, but empower. When people see themselves in the story of sustainability, they’re more likely to care, to act, and to lead. That kind of cultural shift can start with something as simple as a story—but it can ripple outward and change everything. This scholarship wouldn’t just help me pay for school—it would help me keep building something bigger than myself. I’m not just working toward a degree; I’m working toward a future where equity, sustainability, and opportunity aren’t the exception—they’re the norm. I want to use finance to fund equity, and marketing to amplify it. And wherever my path takes me, I’ll keep carving out space—so that others can step into their own power, too.

Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree has shaped every part of my academic journey. It’s something I carry with pride, but also with responsibility. I’m not just working toward a diploma—I’m creating a path that hasn’t existed in my family before, and that pushes me to work harder, dream bigger, and never give up. My parents had me at a young age, and because of that, they weren’t able to continue their own education. Still, they gave everything they had to support me. Growing up in a low-income household in Texas, I learned how to value opportunities, even when they were rare. Watching my parents sacrifice their time and energy so that I could go further in life gave me a deep understanding of what this journey means—not just for me, but for them too. Pursuing college is my way of honoring their sacrifices and showing them that their hard work mattered. Being a first-generation student hasn’t always been easy. There’s no step-by-step guide, no one in my family I can turn to who’s been through the college process. From filling out applications to understanding financial aid, I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own. But this challenge has also made me more independent and resilient. I’ve learned how to ask questions, seek out help, and push through doubt. Every obstacle I overcome makes me stronger—and more certain that I’m on the right path. I plan to major in business because I want to build something that lasts—not just for me, but for others. My goal is to one day create programs that help underserved communities access education, resources, and mentorship. I want to show that Latino students can thrive in leadership and business, and that success isn’t limited by income or background. Education will give me the tools to do that. What motivates me most is the idea of building a life full of experiences, growth, and purpose. I want to explore the world, meet new people, and become a self-sufficient adult. But more importantly, I want to give back. I want to use my education to help others who feel like college isn’t an option for them. I want to lead by example and show younger students that if I can do it, they can too. Some of my proudest moments have come from celebrating and uplifting my culture—whether through performances during Hispanic Heritage Month or helping with events at school through our LULAC chapter. These experiences have reminded me that being proud of who you are is just as important as chasing your dreams. My culture grounds me, and it inspires everything I do. Being the first in my family to attend college has taught me that success isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about showing up, pushing forward, and staying connected to your purpose. This scholarship would not only help lift some of the financial burden off my shoulders, but it would also be a step toward fulfilling my dream of giving back and creating real, lasting change.

Growing up in a low-income Hispanic household in Texas, I’ve always understood the value of hard work, even when resources were limited. My parents had me at a young age and, as a result, weren’t able to continue their education. Still, they sacrificed endlessly so that I could have the chance they never got. That’s why I’m pursuing higher education—not only to build a better future for myself, but to honor the efforts and dreams of the people who raised me. I plan to study business in college. My goal is to one day create programs and opportunities for underserved communities, especially those like the one I grew up in. I want to prove that Hispanic students can succeed just as much as anyone else, and that with the right support, we can become the leaders and changemakers our communities need. What motivates me most is the desire to explore the world and create new experiences. As someone who has lived in Texas my whole life, I dream of growing beyond my current surroundings—not to leave them behind, but to bring back knowledge, ideas, and inspiration. I want to become an independent adult who takes care of herself, leads others in a righteous path, and continues to give back to the people and culture that shaped me. Being a first-generation student means I’m paving a path that hasn’t been walked in my family before. It’s scary at times, but it’s also empowering. I know I carry the hopes of my parents, my younger siblings, and my community with me. I want to be a role model for others who might not see college as possible right now—because I’ve been in their shoes, and I know how hard it is to imagine something you’ve never seen. This scholarship would help relieve some of the heavy financial burden that comes with college. With rising tuition costs, students like me are often forced to choose between following our dreams and avoiding overwhelming debt. Support like this scholarship makes the difference between “maybe” and “absolutely.” It opens the door wider for people like me who just need a little help getting through it. What keeps me going is the vision of a future where young Latinos see themselves in business, in leadership, in boardrooms, and at the front of change. I want to be part of building that future—not just for myself, but for everyone who’s ever felt like their background limited their possibilities. Education is my way forward. It’s how I’ll become the person I’ve always wanted to be: someone strong, successful, and proud of where they came from. I’m not just chasing a degree. I’m chasing a dream that belongs to me, my parents, and every kid who’s told, “people like us don’t make it.” I’m here to prove that we do.

A college degree in business won’t just open doors for me—it will change the direction of my life and the lives of those who come after me. As a first-generation, low-income student, I’m not just carrying my own dreams—I’m carrying the hopes of my parents and grandparents, who never had the opportunities I have now. To me, earning a business degree means more than a diploma. It represents freedom, security, and the ability to create something bigger than myself. My family always taught me the value of hard work. I watched my parents work multiple jobs, day and night, not just to keep the lights on but to give me a chance at a different future. Their sacrifices taught me determination. Like Alicia Blythe’s parents, mine believe deeply in the power of education, even though they didn’t have the chance to pursue it themselves. Every class I take is a step toward making their sacrifices count and building the future they imagined for me. College, to me, is about growth. It’s about learning to believe in myself, even when things are hard. I’ve faced doubt, financial stress, and times when I felt like I didn’t belong. But I’ve kept going, because I know I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing it to honor where I come from and to help others like me see what’s possible. I’ve found a real passion for marketing and finance. I believe that knowing how money works and how to build smart, sustainable businesses can uplift entire communities. In high school, I led a theater production and mentored younger students. Even though I didn’t have many resources, I saw how powerful it was to help others believe in themselves. That experience showed me the kind of leader I want to be—someone who uses business to inspire and create real change. I’ve already started preparing for my future by researching career programs and talking with teachers, counselors, and a former principal about leadership and innovation. I plan to major in business administration and focus on creating businesses that give back—ones that create jobs, solve problems, and support people. Eventually, I want to mentor others the same way I was mentored, especially students from underserved communities. I want to be a reminder to them that success is within reach. Receiving this scholarship would mean everything. It would relieve some of the financial stress that comes with college, and it would help me continue on this path that means so much to me and my family. It would also honor the legacy of Maria DeFauw and the values she passed down. Like Alicia, I’m a lifelong learner with a heart full of hope—and I’m determined to build something that lasts for generations.

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson. These words struck something in me. They don’t just reflect my ambition to forge my own way—they capture my commitment to helping others, especially those from marginalized communities, find their paths too. As a first-generation student from a low-income, BIPOC background, I’ve experienced firsthand how systems can often feel inaccessible, unwelcoming, or built to exclude. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to creating opportunities not just for me, but for those who walk a similar path. One of the projects I’m most proud of is the theatre productions I directed at my high school. These weren’t just shows—they were spaces of belonging and creativity, especially for students who often felt left out. During my sophomore year, I noticed a clear divide at my school: many of my peers from lower-income backgrounds struggled to feel like they belonged in an environment where others had access to more resources and support. I was one of those students. And like many of them, I felt invisible. That changed when I discovered the directing class. I worked hard to earn a place in it, not for prestige, but to build the kind of inclusive, empowering community I wished I’d had earlier. As a director, I led rehearsals, shaped a vision, and took responsibility for the outcome. But more importantly, I focused on building confidence in others. I reached out to experienced teachers for guidance, offered mentorship to newer students, and made sure everyone—regardless of background—had a chance to grow. My proudest accomplishment came during the creation of Nuevos Tiempos: A New Musical. Bringing it to life meant overcoming countless challenges—especially convincing the school to support it. I met with teachers, the PTSA, and administrators, and wrote formal proposals to secure funding for props, costumes, and technical equipment. There were moments I questioned whether I could really pull it off. But I kept thinking about how far I’d come—and how many students were counting on me to create this space. In the end, we succeeded. Over 50 students participated in the production, many of them finding not just creative freedom, but a sense of purpose, pride, and community. That experience reminded me that leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about being in service. It taught me that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something new; sometimes it means reimagining what already exists, and making it accessible to those who’ve been left out. If I’m honored with this scholarship, I will continue this mission by pursuing a degree in business. I believe business is a powerful tool for social change—one that can dismantle barriers, uplift underserved communities, and create pathways to success. I want to be at the forefront of that transformation. I want to use my education to launch initiatives that support and empower those who, like me, have had to navigate systems not built with their success in mind. To be recognized as a changemaker would not only help me pursue my academic and professional goals—it would also fuel my drive to leave a trail for others to follow. I’m ready to keep forging new paths. And I’m determined to bring others with me.

I am passionate about pursuing an education and getting my bachelor's in business. Being the first in my family to go to college, I want to give back to my community for all it's done for me. The support I receive from my friends and family will always push me to strive for opportunities. Since my parents had me at a young age, they never got to continue their education and missed out on many experiences other kids experienced at my age. My parents paved the way for me and my siblings, but when it comes to college, they lack the knowledge they should have received but we're busy raising me and my siblings. Due to those circumstances, I have to find ways to help financially support my college funds. When I run into any issues, I tend to plan back-ups and use my determination of my passion to take me there. If there's a will, there's a way is what my dad says. My passion stems from the support of my family. Without them, I wouldn't be the person that I am now. Some specific ways I want to give back to my community is to provide college advice to the younger generation and help them be more prepared than I was. Luckily at my school, there is this ASP program that does exactly that. I want to be more interactive with the recreation center in my neighborhood and visit the library to see the events. I want to do more volunteer work and connect with the people who were raised in my area. To share experiences and create relationships with one another is something so valuable to me. It's another part of me that I am so passionate about. In the line of work that I do, I will have to be able to have people skills and also multi-task. Although I like focusing and completing something until it's fully correct, the skill that I will improve on is expanding my work radius by being able to handle multiple things at once. With time and experience, I am certain that will change drastically. I am passionate about pursuing the business world because it opens many doors and has many opportunities that will challenge me to strive for the better. Using my passion for my major, I will use the determination to change my life and others for the better.