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Osiel Cruz

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My goals in life is to become the first in my family to go to college, I aspire to go to college because I come from a low income community with very little opportunities. I do it for my mom and my two younger sisters, with my dad out of the picture I want to be able to provide for my family once I am older by having a higher education and pushing my sisters to do higher education as well. I aim to become a pediatrician, I had an internship at Kaiser and in doing so I solidified my ambition in life to become. I believe I am a strong candidate because despite all the obstacles and limitations in my life I have done as much as I could with the resources available to me.

Education

Phineas Banning Senior High

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biopsychology
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

    • Summer Intern

      Kaiser Permanente
      2025 – 2025

    Sports

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2024 – 20262 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Associated Student Body — Commissioner of Athletics
      2024 – 2026
    Mark L. Williams Scholarship
    Winner
    Some people come into our lives and leave a lasting impact not just through what they teach but through how they care and treat others. For me that person is my teacher Mr.Ruppert. He has been more than just an educator who pushes me; he has been a mentor, a role model, and a father figure who has helped guide me toward a better future. When I first met Mr.Ruppert I did not fully believe in myself nor understand the importance of education. School felt like something I had to accomplish as a duty, not as something that could open doors for me. Mr.Ruppert saw something in me he saw potential in me that I had not seen yet in myself. Instead of treating me like every other student, he took the time to understand who I was, what I struggled with, and what I was capable of doing. One of the ways Mr.Ruppert made such a big difference in my life was by helping me build my character. I used to doubt myself and stayed quiet because I was afraid of being wrong. Mr.Ruppert encouraged me to speak up, share my ideas, and to trust my personal capabilities. Even when I made mistakes, he reminded me that growth comes from failure, no one that is great wasn't a failure at some point. Over time his encouragement helped me believe in myself more and I started to see that I was capable and capable of making it far. Another reason I resonate so strongly with Mr.Ruppert is because we share similar lives is because we share similar life experiences and hardships. Like me, he grew up without a father and had to take on responsibilities being the man of the house and taking care of his siblings. Knowing that he went through similar struggles and still became successful and a man he can be proud of inspired me. It made me feel understood in a way that only a select few can. He wasn´t just giving advice, he was speaking to me from experience as a kid who also lived through the same and that made his words more meaningful and real. Mr.Ruppert also stepped into a role that held much significance to me. He became a father figure in my life, he offered guidance, discipline, and encouragement at my highest and lows. He showed me the importance of responsibility,respect, and believing in myself. Whether it was offering guidance or simply checking in on to see how I was doing, his presence and warmth made me feel valued and seen. A crucial lesson Mr.Ruppert taught me is that my future is in my hands . He helped me understand that education is not just about passing classes, it is about creating opportunities and building a better life for myself. Because of him, I began to take my education seriously, get more involved, and set goals for my future. He motivated me to aim higher and believe that I am capable of achieving more than I ever dreamed of. Mr.Rupperts influence has changed the way I carry myself and how I view the world around me. He taught me that with hard work, dedication, and a strive for excellence, I can overcome my obstacles as he did. More importantly he made me feel seen and like I wasn't alone, pushing me to pursue higher education not for approval, not for status, but for a better and more prosperous life for me.