My name is Rebecca Hodges, and I am currently a student attending Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas. Before becoming a student, I served in the United States Marine Corps for just under 8 years. Joining the military wasn’t originally how I thought my future would go after graduating high school, but I am forever grateful that’s the path I took. Serving in the military gave me a sense of purpose, helped me grow into the adult I am today, truly made me understand what it means to be selfless and courageous, as well as helped me transform from a timid and shy 19-year-old girl, into a strong and independent woman. At the end of my military service, I soon realized when the real challenge in my life began, and that was entering Motherhood. Thanks to my time in the military, I was able to handle high stress situations (like wrangling a toddler in the middle of a meltdown), and I was able to adapt to any unexpected issues that may arise (like my daughter getting carsick all over herself on our way to our destination). But in all seriousness, my time in the military, as well as the joys of Motherhood, have helped me realize what is truly the meaning and purpose of my life, who I aim to be as a person, and the goals I intend to reach to not only fulfill my own dreams and aspirations, but also continue to be a positive role model for my now 5-year-old daughter. And to continue being someone she is so proud and grateful to get to call “Mama”. My goals for college are to further my education and work towards being a Conservation Scientist, or a career that falls under Conservation. I have always been very intrigued with nature, curious with how different types of wildlife live and function, as well as being very invested in what I can do as a human to not only take care of the planet, but also preserve and strengthen the planet for future generations. As far as where I will be career wise post-graduation, that is still unknown. But I do know that getting into Conservation Science is something I am truly passionate about, and that I will enjoy for years to come. I’m applying for this scholarship, because as a single mother and also a homeowner, who sometimes lives paycheck to paycheck, the money I would receive would greatly help my life as well as help me handle potential unexpected financial situations that come with it. Not only will it help me out financially, but it will also help put my mind at ease a bit with bills or life expenses, which will in return help me focus more towards my education and doing what I have to do to reach my career goals in the future. Thank you so much for your time and consideration while reading my essay.

My name is Rebecca Hodges, and I am currently a student attending Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas. Before becoming a student, I served in the United States Marine Corps for just under 8 years. Joining the military wasn’t originally how I thought my future would go after graduating high school, but I am forever grateful that’s the path I took. Serving in the military gave me a sense of purpose, helped me grow into the adult I am today, truly made me understand what it means to be selfless and courageous, as well as helped me transform from a timid and shy 19-year-old girl, into a strong and independent woman. At the end of my military service, I soon realized when the real challenge in my life began, and that was entering Motherhood. Thanks to my time in the military, I was able to handle high stress situations (like wrangling a toddler in the middle of a meltdown), and I was able to adapt to any unexpected issues that may arise (like my daughter getting carsick all over herself on our way to our destination). But in all seriousness, my time in the military, as well as the joys of Motherhood, have helped me realize what is truly the meaning and purpose of my life, who I aim to be as a person, and the goals I intend to reach to not only fulfill my own dreams and aspirations, but also continue to be a positive role model for my now 5-year-old daughter. And to continue being someone she is so proud and grateful to get to call “Mama”. My goals for college are to further my education and work towards being a Conservation Scientist, or a career that falls under Conservation. I have always been very intrigued with nature, curious with how different types of wildlife live and function, as well as being very invested in what I can do as a human to not only take care of the planet, but also preserve and strengthen the planet for future generations. As far as where I will be career wise post-graduation, that is still unknown. But I do know that getting into Conservation Science is something I am truly passionate about, and that I will enjoy for years to come. I’m applying for this scholarship, because as a single mother and also a homeowner, who sometimes lives paycheck to paycheck, the money I would receive would greatly help my life as well as help me handle potential unexpected financial situations that come with it. Not only will it help me out financially, but it will also help put my mind at ease a bit with bills or life expenses, which will in return help me focus more towards my education and doing what I have to do to reach my career goals in the future. Thank you so much for your time and consideration while reading my essay.