Growing up in Orange Cove, California, money is a struggle, and coming from a family of farmworkers, I've faced my share of challenges. When my parents split up, we had to sell our house, and I moved in with my grandparents. Despite the tough times, my parents, especially my dad, who works in agriculture despite having a learning disability, always worked hard to provide for me and my sisters. Living in a town where money is tight, my family always puts the essentials first and watches our spending. Whether conserving water or overhearing my parents' stress about paying bills, I've learned the importance of being responsible with money. But even through all the hardships, my family's work ethic and determination have taught me never to give up. Facing personal challenges like obesity and family issues, I found my strength and purpose in fitness and faith. Starting with weightlifting as a way to lose weight, I became passionate about it and turned it into a hobby. Through my journey, I also found a deeper connection with God, which helped me overcome my struggles and find peace. Learning from the struggles I've experienced, I plan to build a life that my future kids and family won't have to deal with. That's why I'm determined to pursue my passion for fitness by studying Kinesiology in college. Whether I become a fitness instructor, a PE teacher, or a physical therapist, I want to use my experiences and skills to help others improve their health and well-being. My goal is to better myself, give back to my community, and inspire others, just like my family has inspired me. Growing up, my family's roots in Mexico and their journey from poverty to striving for a better future have shaped my understanding of finances. Witnessing my parents' struggles as they worked tirelessly to provide for our family has made me appreciate the value of hard work and perseverance. Despite our challenges, my family always emphasized the importance of being resourceful and making the most of what we had. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am committed to giving back to my community. By sharing my own experiences and insights, I hope to empower others to overcome obstacles and positively impact their lives. Through faith, fitness, and education, I am determined to build a better future for myself and for the generations to come. Thank you for considering this scholarship.

Growing up there was a lot of weighting me down but I was able to turn things around. I’m passionate about weightlifting, and it became a hobby that first started as an effort to lose weight. Entering my first year of high school wasn’t easy. I was going through many challenges, both personally and in my family. I weighed 230lbs, was depressed, and struggled to focus in class, and the pandemic didn’t make it easier. Looking into the mirror, I didn’t like what I saw and knew it was time for me to take action. So, I started showing up to the weight room for my high school football program and showed up every single morning. It wasn't easy, but I began progressing with determination, hard work, fitness goals, and meal plans. From a young age, I have always loved helping others. If a family member or strangers need a hand, I’m always there to lend my strength. I can be setting up chairs and tables for a baby shower, carrying groceries for my grandma, or giving money to people without homes in my area. Serving others brings me joy. I grew up getting ready for church on sunday mornings with my family, and I even recall going to Bible camps with my cousins when we were little ones. I have known about God but never had a true relationship with Him until recently. I learned much about His love for me, which changed my heart and how I treat others with patience and kindness. During my parent's divorce and dealing with obesity, I was often angry at myself and others. I wasn't happy with what was going on at home, but by overcoming this stronghold through fitness, faith, and love, I found peace. My life goal is to positively impact the people in my community, love, and serve others. Looking ahead, my educational and personal goals line up with my passion for fitness and serving others. I am determined to pursue higher education in Kinesiology to deepen my understanding of the human body and its movement. With this education i plan on turning my passion into a career by becoming certified to assist others in their fitness goals. Whether a fitness instructor, PE teacher, or physical therapist, I am committed to applying my experiences and skills to make a positive impact in the lives of others.