One Olivia Rodrigo song that resonates with my personal journey is “making the bed.” A lyric that especially connects with me is, “I got the things I wanted.” Although the song explores the complicated feelings that can come with getting what you once wished for, I relate to the idea that achieving your goals does not always mean that everything becomes easy. When I think about my own journey, I realize that I have experienced something similar. I had a goal of coming to the United States to continue my education and create more opportunities for my future. Leaving my family in Guatemala was one of the hardest decisions I have made. I knew that pursuing my education would mean being away from the people I love, but I also knew that I needed to take a chance on myself. At times, I felt excited about the opportunities ahead of me, but I also experienced loneliness, uncertainty, and the pressure of having to figure things out on my own. Coming to a new country and adapting to a different environment challenged me in ways I did not expect. I had to become more independent and learn how to handle responsibilities that were unfamiliar to me. There were moments when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions, especially when things did not go according to plan. However, those difficult moments also helped me grow. They taught me that success is not always a straight path and that setbacks do not mean that I have failed. I completed my Associate in Arts degree and continued working toward my bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics. Reaching these milestones has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, but I know that I still have a long way to go. My ultimate goal is to build a career in business, eventually own my own business, and use what I learn to create opportunities for others. I also want to be able to give back to my family because their support and sacrifices have made my education possible. What I take from Olivia Rodrigo’s lyrics is that growing up and pursuing your dreams can be complicated. You can be proud of how far you have come while still feeling overwhelmed by everything ahead of you. My journey has included both triumphs and challenges, and I have learned to appreciate both. The difficult moments have made my accomplishments more meaningful because I know how much effort it took to reach them. My story is still being written. I do not know exactly what every part of my future will look like, but I know that I want to keep moving forward. The challenges I have experienced have not changed my goals; they have made me more determined to achieve them.

My plans for the future are to complete my bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics and build a successful career in the business field. I want to use my education to develop strong skills in business, technology, communication, and problem-solving. In the long term, I hope to own my own business and create opportunities that can benefit not only myself, but also other people in my community. I want my career to have a purpose and to allow me to help others achieve their own goals. My educational journey has taught me that reaching my goals requires dedication, patience, and the willingness to keep going even when things are difficult. I came to the United States to pursue my education and have worked hard to continue moving forward. I completed my Associate in Arts degree at Wake Technical Community College, and I am now continuing my education toward my bachelor’s degree. Starting over in a new country and adapting to a different educational system was not always easy, but it taught me to become more independent and responsible for my future. My family is also a very important part of my motivation. Leaving my family in Guatemala to pursue my education was a difficult decision, but I knew that the opportunity could help me create a better future. My parents have supported me throughout my education, and one of my biggest goals is to make their sacrifices worthwhile. I want to reach a point where I can give back to them and show them that all of their support helped me become the person I am today. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in helping me reach these goals. As an international student, the cost of attending college can be a significant financial responsibility. Tuition, books, transportation, and other educational expenses can add up quickly. Receiving this scholarship would help reduce some of that financial pressure and allow me to dedicate more of my time and energy to my education. More than financial assistance, I would see this scholarship as an encouragement to continue working toward my goals. It would remind me that the effort I have put into my education matters and that others believe in my potential. I am determined to complete my bachelor’s degree, build a meaningful career, and eventually create something of my own that can help others. My future goal is not simply to have a successful career. I want to use the knowledge and opportunities I receive through my education to build a life that allows me to support my family, contribute to my community, and inspire oth

Pursuing higher education as an international student has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my life. My academic journey has required determination, adaptability, and faith in my ability to succeed even when faced with uncertainty. Completing my Associate in Arts degree at Wake Technical Community College marked an important milestone for me, not only academically but personally. It represents the effort, perseverance, and commitment I have invested in building a better future through education. When I first began my studies in the United States, I quickly realized that the experience would challenge me in many ways. Moving to a new country meant adapting to a different culture, a different educational system, and being far away from the support system I had always known. At the beginning, everything felt unfamiliar—from the way classes were structured to learning how to manage responsibilities independently. However, these challenges became opportunities for growth. I learned to become more disciplined, organized, and focused on my goals. Earning my Associate in Arts degree is one of my greatest academic accomplishments because it reflects my dedication to my education and my determination to continue progressing despite obstacles. Throughout my studies, I developed strong study habits and learned how to manage my time effectively. I became more confident in my ability to adapt to new environments and handle challenges with resilience. Completing this degree showed me that persistence and commitment can lead to meaningful achievements. Beyond academics, my personal development during college has been equally important. As someone who values discipline and personal growth, I have always believed that success is not only measured by academic results but also by character, perseverance, and the effort we put into improving ourselves. Maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle has played a role in helping me stay focused and motivated. Physical activity and personal wellness have helped me manage stress and remain committed to my goals, especially during times when school felt demanding. One of the biggest challenges I faced during school was learning how to navigate my academic journey independently as an international student. Being far from home can sometimes feel isolating, and there were moments when I questioned whether I would be able to manage everything successfully. Adjusting to a new system while maintaining strong academic performance required patience and persistence. I had to push myself to stay motivated even when things felt difficult or uncertain. Instead of allowing these challenges to discourage me, I chose to view them as opportunities to grow stronger. I focused on building routines that would help me succeed, including staying organized, setting academic goals, and maintaining a positive mindset. Over time, I became more confident in my ability to overcome obstacles. I learned that resilience is built through difficult experiences, and those experiences helped shape me into a more determined and independent person. Another challenge I faced was learning how to trust the process and remain patient with my progress. There were times when I felt pressure to have everything figured out immediately, especially while planning the next steps of my education. However, I learned that growth takes time and that each stage of the journey is important. Completing my associate degree taught me that persistence and faith in my path are essential in achieving long-term success. Currently, I am applying to universities to continue my education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics. My goal is to expand my knowledge in areas such as data analysis, business decision-making, and strategic thinking. I am interested in understanding how data can be used to solve real-world problems and improve organizations. I believe that gaining these skills will allow me to contribute meaningfully in my future career and open doors to opportunities where I can grow professionally. Receiving the Christian Fitness Association General Scholarship would be incredibly meaningful to me because it represents support for students who are committed not only to education but also to personal growth, discipline, and purpose. I believe that my journey reflects these values. My path has required perseverance, determination, and a willingness to continue moving forward even when challenges arise. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of continuing my education and allow me to focus fully on achieving my academic goals. What makes my journey noteworthy is the determination that has guided me throughout my academic experience. Studying in another country requires courage and commitment, and I am proud of the progress I have made so far. Completing my associate degree was not the end of my journey but the beginning of a new chapter. I am motivated to continue learning, growing, and pursuing opportunities that will help me reach my full potential. Education is extremely important to me because it represents opportunity, transformation, and the ability to create a positive future. I want to continue developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in my chosen field while also inspiring others who may face similar challenges. My experiences have taught me that determination, faith, and hard work can help overcome obstacles that may initially seem overwhelming. Being considered for this scholarship would be an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story. I am committed to continuing my education, pursuing my goals, and making the most of the opportunities that come my way. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to continue my academic journey with confidence and dedication, working toward a future where I can apply my education, skills, and experiences to make a meaningful impact.