I am getting my masters in special education. I am hoping to instigmatize and to bring hope and courage that are over looked. I believe that education can be the key to success and I would do anything to help individuals. I love that I will be educating individuals on there individual strengths and help them to find accommodations and modifications to be better students. It has to be hard coming to school when you can have extremely low self esteem about learning and I want to help change that.

The wisest thing I have ever heard is a poem, Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem “People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; It was never between you and them anyway.” I live by that poem, and read it every morning. That is the wisest thing I have ever heard. It lets me know that it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks around me, that I need to keep up my best work, I need to do what I think is right, and I shouldn’t care what anyone thinks. It’s not between me and them, it’s for me and my higher power.

I believe that I can bring forth different views in a stigma free classroom. Accepting ALL as they are.

When I was younger I did not know what patience was. Over the years I have learned that instant gratification does not help anyone. The harder you work to succeed something, the more grateful you feel when you accomplish it. I really learned patience when having my baby. 40 weeks is not 9 months. It is long and your body is not yours. Then when you go into labor you have to wait on the time the baby is ready not when you are. Four days later I received an emergency C-section. I had to be patient growing baby full term. I had to be patient during delivery for the health of my baby. I had to be even more patient on my recovery. It would have been nice to just pop out the baby then start exercising two weeks later like my friend. However, I had to wait to recover. Then when I received the ok, my body was not and I had to wait a few more months to be released again because I did too much too soon. You realize over the years that sometimes rushing can cause more harm. I thought because I was hurting when working out I was strengthening the muscles. Instead it was my body telling me “nope not today.” Give yourself time and believe it will all be ok if you just take one minute at a time.

By listening and always learning. Never will I know everything, and always someone knows more. Remember, people that have been doing it know more than me. Always know that others can teach you things. Everyone comes into the world having different strengths and abilities. The person I most inspire to be is the person that is always curious. Listening to others perspectives. I don’t know everything but I am excited to keep learning in this journey we call life.

I stay honest. I make sure I do things that I like, I enjoy, and that makes me feel good. It took me a long time to find out who I am and how very capable and strong I truly am. I found myself and I never want to lose that. I was lost for a very long time and once I found myself and what I enjoy and care about with out the worry of others, I knew. I was one with myself. I know now that I am who I am because of my experiences in life. I make sure I do a reflection at least daily of how I could have been better. Seeing how I could have done better. I stay true to myself cause I am honest with myself.

Four days in labor and then an emergency c-section, during Covid. My husband was almost forgotten in the hall when they were cutting me open to get out my baby girl. I was in shock, couldn’t stop shaking. I had oxygen mask on my face, kept asking where my husband was. I was scared. Felt tugging & pulling and again couldn’t “STOP SHAKING!” Finally, my husband came in, I was open and blood was everywhere. He had tears in his eyes. He told me “just breathe.” I was crying until I saw my husband face, told him I can’t stop shaking, the anesthesiologist said he will calm that down once the baby is out. The NICU came rushing in and nurses and doctors were everywhere. I kept feeling my stomach being pulled on, I kept asking is that her? Is that her? And finally the anesthesiologist said, “look at those cheeks?” Even though I was scared I said, “which ones?” Everyone laughed and I hear a sweet sweet cry and see her beautiful face and she was taken away and crying with big ol’ chubby cheeks. The NICU was taking care of her and they asked my husband to cut her cord. Then with my husband holding her. I have never felt that love before. This baby that was the best parts of both of us. So pretty and perfect. I knew then I would do anything to give this baby the best life possible. That I needed to show her a strong women in this world today. The four days of no food, no sleep, all pain, was washed away and I had the two most important people in my life. That is the day that changed me for the ultimate best!!! I knew my 100% purpose right then.

There are two inspirational teachers in my life. The first is mrs. Kebler my kindergarten teacher. I never went to school before and I remeber everything from that class. It was fun learning all the letter and numbers and making friends. It made me love school and look forward to every new school year. Then in junior college I had an amazing professor, Dr. Cole. She was open and honest. Explaining why papers were graded the way they were. She made sure that she was approachable and she believed in me. I ended up taking all honors classes and rocking it. It was because of hers She also had me join the honors psychology club and was so very supportive. I can never forget her kindness and she believed in me more than many around me at that time. I then proceeded to get my bachelors and now my masters. I couldn’t have done it with out these two individuals. One helped shape me and the other knew I could do it and voiced it. I know my parents played a huge role in supporting me as well and always teaching me education was important even though they did not have a college education. My mother was an immigrant and my father was second generation. They knew how to work hard and wanted a better life for me. I finally was able to see how education was he key to success.

Cancer treatment and genetic testing. There are so many things in science that amaze me but in the last year I have dealt with very closely and first hand both of these. With genetic testing, I knew at 10 weeks that my baby was healthy and what sex my baby was. I was out at ease knowing my baby was healthy I didn’t have that to worry about. At the same time my father was diagnosed with cancer. The treatments were hard and they also used genetic testing to come up with the correct treatment for him. It is so amazing that that can help so many individuals.

Kindness!! That everyone deserves kindness and a chance. We do not need to hate anymore or be mean to each other. This world needs kindness.

To me independence is knowing I can do it all on my own with no one helping. I can pay for my degree without help and I can pay all my bills and purchase a car and purchase a home to raise my daughter in. This impacts me most because I have to be a strong female role model for my daughter. Letting her know she can reach her dreams by just working hard and she can always do it on her own.

I told care of my elderly father and mother during the whole pandemic. Then last year during the pandemic my elderly father was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Every appointment, every meal, everything he and my mother needed I was there. I was pregnant at the same time and I made sure my seriously ill father saw every ultrasound and saw the good that was coming into this world because of him. In February of this year he was put on hospice care. Everyday we cared for him and he got to meet his granddaughter. He was such a strong brave man. Never once complaining about his pain. Everyday I sat with him and talked to him about how he was! Listened to his stories about his youth, bought him books and cook books to cook different meals that could help bring him strength. Everyday he got weaker and we lost him on April 10th of this year. Now I make sure I visit the elderly in my community. I take my mom for lunch and a walk around the lakes. Help friends of hers with their memories. Play cards with another elderly women that just had knee surgery down the block. I just reach out and say hello. Making sure some individuals know their life means something.

I was a mentor of three developmentally disabled individuals. I helped them learn how to work and to shop. How to look for bargains and deals. I would counsel and help them be stronger individuals. They also helped me be stronger also. I am now a mentor to my daughter. Now I am making sure my daughter has a strong, brave, kind, and bold role model that will let her know anything is possible.

Financial freedom to me means to live a full life and to not stop myself from dreaming because of money. Financial freedom means to me that I get to get the education, the time with my child, set goals, with out the feelings of “I can not do that because I will have too many bills!” My life would be to help others and to accomplish more. That none of my dreams would be put on hold because I am worried about money. That none of my baby girls dreams would suffer because of me taking out too much debt. Not to budget dinner and groceries until next pay day. Not to worry about helping at charities and animal shelters. To give back as much as I can. To help the homeless and those less fortunate. To teach and to love just a little more because I don’t have stress of money.

My undergrad was in psychology and social work, however, I am now getting my masters in special needs education. I have come to realize that it’s me that learns from individuals with developmental disabilities, that my life is better because I work in the field with individuals with developmental disabilities. I have now dedicated my life to helping individuals with developmental disabilities. I want to help k-12 students with developmental disabilities know their strengths. I am dedicated to helping individuals learn to function in society with kindness and patience. I do not see someone one with a disability, but just a person with a different way of finding their abilities. I have worked in a few fields showing support and training to individuals. Even at one time being a dental assistant to individuals with special needs. To me I can not think of any other field that I would love or enjoy than being a special education teacher. I want to help to make this place a better world.

All technology is amazing to me. However, the technology in the treatments for patients with cancer is absolutely wonderful. From the linear radiation technology to the chemoID. These things help patients that even a few years ago would not have a chance against cancer to actually have a fighting chance. This technology is so very important to me because I have just lost my father from a very aggressive cancer and even though he passed, this technology helped us spend more days with him.

I was standing on a bridge and was ready to jump. Then a hand grabbed me and saved my life. It was a San Diego police officer. It took a little while of help, but I woke up one morning and realized that I was here still for a reason. I then dedicated my life to helping others. I changed my life and found out what was truest important. It was to help others and the only way I could do that was through education. I try to make a difference in others life’s daily. But I want to help those that hurt the most. I want to help those that need it most. I want to also help the individuals that need help and do not even know it. I want to advocate and learn how to do so through education. My back to school bold moment was when I realized my life was worth a lot more than I ever thought. I was saved by a bunch of strangers that saw in me more than what I saw in myself. And I never want my daughter to feel like I did. She is the future!

Always buy with in your means. Do your research when spending money or getting loans. Do not use charge cards if you don’t have to. If you charge something make sure you have points. Save, save, save your money. Things may come up and you will be so glad you have a cushion.

It means giving of yourself whole heartedly with out expectations. It could mean handing a meal to someone on the street to lending an ear to an upset friend. It is being a honest and true person that loves to give rather than receive. That giving in any form is the reward. It is giving with out expectation of anything in return or that people are obligated to you. It is because you want to be generous. Plain and simply you give for the gift of giving.

Ten years ago I tried to end my life. I was hospitalized and realized I needed to make change and help others. I was saved for a reason. I had so many people around me that actually cared. Not the individuals you would think but complete strangers that wouldn’t give up on me. I knew there was a reason I was here. I knew I had to pay it forward in some way. The more education I received the more I felt better about myself and then the more I was able to understand not only what was going on in my head but in the heads of others. I was able to be more compassionate and more understanding. People seemed to gravitate around me. I was able to see how important I was. Even though I suffer from major depressive disorder and ptsd, I have been able to see those disorders do not define me. I would do anything to help any individual that would be hurting and swallowed by darkness to just see a little bit of light.

JUST LISTEN

I am pretty close to my dream life. I have been accepted into a masters degree program. I have a beautiful daughter, a wonderful husband who is my best friend. I have my chocolate lab and all my friends and family. However, I am missing one thing! My masters degree in special needs education. That is when I can look around and say I have made it. Not just for myself but for my daughter. She needs to see her mother work hard and be independent and not depend on anyone. I need my daughter to know that she is beautiful but education makes you more confident and independent. I need her to know that hard work equals great life. That she needs to never give up on her dreams. So my dream life is when my daughter works hard and achieves exactly what she wants. When her dreams come true, whatever they maybe and she doesn’t give up!!! That is my dream life. I know I made a strong life that will help change the world…

I need to make change in the world around me. I need people to know that who I am is more than just a grade, just a number, just a women, just anything. I want to be known for the love and compassion that I give to people. I want to make a difference by love and not by hate. I want to work with individuals that are looked over a lot. I want to spend my life working with special needs and having these individuals teach me. My father just passed away with cancer and it took him down in less than 7 months. I realized then that life is too short and you never know when you will go and I want to make an impact in someone’s life outside my family. I need to make one person see life a little more positive or a little brighter. I want to be blessed by individuals around me and wake up every morning knowing that I did something good today and if I don’t wake up or make it home again that I did my part. Teaching children with developmental disabilities is a calling for me. Maybe, just maybe, if I teach with my whole heart I can help change the world just a little while I am here. Then I did my part with my time on earth.

Always looking at people as wonderful, beautiful, individuals. Knowing that I can learn more from others than I think I know. I want to work with a group of individuals that are turned away from in out society. I want to be a special needs educator from k-12. I want to make a difference in individuals life and bring positivity and strength. Looking at it individuals for what they bring to this world. I will bring hope, acceptance, change and love to the classroom everyday. My life will be better because I am able to make a difference in the lives of people. I want to show everyone what they are capable of. I want any person to know they are needed and a blessing. If I do mot make change I promise to do everything I can to keep a positive attitude and learn how to bring change. I will always learn and teach. I will do my best to always do my best.

Imagine dragons scholarship. First things first, I am first generation US citizen. I am first generation graduating from university. I have always been taught to believed that hard work and perseverance will succeed. I will stand strong in my beliefs and make sure I succeed. I do not want want to be another product of hurt or pain. Instead I want to help people know their strengths and succeed as well. Third things third, I was wrecked after this difficult year, of my father passing, covid. Then I had a baby. I am reminded that I am strong and need to continue to grow and get my education to help with change and reducing stigma. Help become a believer because I am a bad liar. My family immigrated with nothing and built a family full of hope and love and strength. My mother was put into an asl class when she first came over and did not understand anything the teacher and other students were saying. She still succeeded and graduated from high school cause education was important. Last thing last, I was born for this. To get education and to make a difference in the world. I wanna build people up!!! I will do whatever it takes. Because I know what hard work is watching my immigrant family go from nothing to having a lot. I need to keep up the belief. (Imagine dragons songs and lyrics with my own words)

I believe that women need to be respected. To be seen as equal and stronger than most men. I just had my daughter in January of this year. My worries had nothing to do with how strong my daughter would be because she has her strength from both me and my husband. However, I was in labor for 4 days than under went an emergency cesarean. Everyday I didn’t think I could make it through the pain and being uncomfortable. My nurses kept reminding me I am a women and I am strong! So many women go through abuse, hardship, and inequality. We need to start believing in all women. In all walks of life. I have no worries for my daughter in the future. She will be strong and a warrior. She has me to show her the way. I want to show her hard work a determination can get you through anything. To be a survivor and not a victim. I know through my life I have suffered abuse and I have grown stronger because of it and want to change the world with kindness and compassion. I want her to know it will be possible to do anything she sets her mind to do. She will need to not give up. She will need to pursue her dreams with strength and grit. Knowing that life is not without suffering and pain. It’s how you get out of that pain and show the world you may knock me down but I will get right back up and try again. Even if you have to fight your way through!!! Never to give up and failing or getting hurt is part of the battle.

I lost my father on April 10, 2021. He lost his fight of cancer. Although he fought hard the pancreatic cancer took him out fast. He always was my strength and showed me loyalty. He always gave me unconditional love. He is the reason I know how to love so much. I moved into my parents house to help take care of him. He went from a strong man that could build a whole car by himself to bedridden and nit able to walk or move himself. His last day he was in and out of this world. I was sitting next to him in bed telling him how amazing of a father he was and I love him and it’s ok he can go. I started crying and he woke out of where ever he was and said in his strong voice, “what’s wrong she? Are you ok?” I said, “yes dad I am fine now!” Even at his extremely weak state he was still concerned with how I was. I miss him so much everyday. I need to make sure I continue his legacy and be their for people and support people the way he supported me. I have learned through my life that not all people have such strong roll models. I need to pass that on to individuals and pass on the strength and love he has shown me. He never cared about an individuals ethnicity, disability, religion, or where they came from. He only cared about the persons heart. He taught me never to judge a book by its cover and to read it. Never think any job is to low for you. Honest work is honest and good money. He was a hard worker and he taught me that as well. I want to share what this strong man had taught me to others. I want to make difference in the world as he did in others: At his funeral people stood up saying how much my father helped with no question. Saying how he was the most honest man they ever met. A family friend (that I consider a sister), stood up and said that my father was her second father. And how he always showed her love and compassion. He wouldn’t ask questions he would just pour a cup of coffee and ask what he could do and hand her a cup of coffee. This is what my legacy is and I know that with this scholarship I can pass on his kindness, care , and love. I would be working on my masters of special education and getting my teaching credentials. I know this is a much needed field that needs advocacy for a extremely diverse population. My heart, patience, kindness, determination, and perseverance that has been given to me by my father will be strong in this field that is lacking the staff it needs. I can not wait to start my graduate classes abd start working with this extremely marginalized individuals and show each person how very important they are. Thank you for reading my story and honoring my father.

My cousin was in and out of jail then prison since he was 13 years old. He struggled with drug addiction and was in and out of rehabs as well. He wanted to do better and get off drugs but he just couldn’t. His heart was broken and tried but failed over and over again. He had chance after chance of trying to turn his life around. He was so giving and kind that even during these times he would send me letters from prison to make sure I stayed happy and my life on track. I could not believe his kindness. When I was struggling so very hard and couldn’t find my way. I was so lost, he wrote me and told me what a beautiful light I was and to keep going and get the bad sh*%# out of my life. At that time I went back to school, I got my AA degree in psychology. I then transferred to Northern Arizona University and received my bachelors. I came home and took time off school because my father was then diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My father passed away and as we were making the funeral arrangements I found out my cousin had passed a month before. I was in shock. He was only 45 and just was released from prison. He was in a half way house and went missing. Family searched and searched for him. He was found in a shady downtown motel. He had either overdosed or committed suicide. I was devastated. I couldn’t believe this man that was so kind was taken because of drugs. From incarceration over and over, that didn’t rehabilitate him. To drug treatment centers, that didn’t work either. To then him giving up on the fight and he surrendered to the drugs. He had mad so many wrong turns in his life. But after losing my gather and finding out my cousin had passed, it made me realize that I need to make a difference somewhere in this world. I need to be kinder and more caring. I need to use the gifts I have to help people. Because my cousin helped me. He saw a light in me that I saw in him. He didn’t see that light anymore. He let his light fizzle away and left his mother with a broken heart and also the rest of his friends and family saddened. I know now that I need to be better for my cousin. I need to get my masters degree to help those with disabilities and to let them know the light they have. If I just help one individual like my cousin helped me see the good in me then I have passed in his kindness. I know this cousin of mine was not perfect and that is why he was incarcerated, however, he helped me see something good in myself. He was one person that believed in me when only a few did. And because of that, because I had people that loved and believed in me I changed. I made my life better and I was able to graduate with my bachelors and now I am going and getting my masters. This was all because someone that was in prison and struggled so very much shared how his way was the wrong way. He explained the pain he caused his parents and how he missed out on life. So for my cousin I am going to live and fulfill things he can not do anymore. I am going to make sure he knows his life was not in vain and he changed my life. That he was a good soul and he was meant to be here because he made a difference in many peoples life. Eventhough he felt he had failed and that he would never be able to be anything more than an inmate.