Being a first-generation student means stepping into unknown territory without a clear path. It means figuring out homework and college applications on my own because my parents haven’t faced these challenges before. While they have supported me in every way they can, they don’t have the experience to guide me through these processes. Being first-gen has made me more independent, as I’ve had to take initiative, ask questions, and advocate for myself in ways many classmates haven’t. At times, it has been overwhelming, not having someone at home who truly understands the academic process or college system. But I’m proud of how I’ve learned to navigate these obstacles by staying focused and motivated, reminding myself why I’m doing this: to build a better future for myself and my family. This scholarship would bring me closer to that dream. My parents cannot afford my college tuition, so I am responsible for covering my tuition cost. Receiving this support would relieve a major financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies and goals instead of worrying about money. My dream is to earn a degree in civil engineering to create meaningful change. I am passionate about design and structure, but more than that, I want to help others. Growing up in Nepal, I saw firsthand the struggles of underdeveloped infrastructure. I feel a strong responsibility to give back by working on projects that improve infrastructure in underserved communities, like safer roads, clean water systems, and sustainable buildings. My goal is not just to succeed personally but to uplift my family and community. I want to be an example to other first-generation students, especially young women, showing them that they can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. This scholarship would support my educational journey and strengthen my commitment to building, serving, and uplifting those in need.

I am Tibetan, and being Buddhist is deeply connected to my culture and identity. However, I want to make it clear that my decision to follow Buddhism isn’t just because I was raised in a Tibetan household or because it’s expected of me. Choosing to be Buddhist was a personal decision, one I made through reflection and experience. It’s something I’ve embraced because it truly aligns with who I want to be as a person. For me, Buddhism is more than a religion; it’s a way of life. Its core teachings of compassion, kindness, mindfulness, and non-attachment have helped guide me through both good and difficult times. The belief in karma, that the energy you put out into the world comes back to you, has especially shaped how I treat others and carry myself. I truly believe that the more good you do, the more good returns to you, and the same applies when you hurt others. This perspective constantly reminds me to stay humble and be patient. While Buddhism hasn’t directly influenced my academic or career goals, such as my plan to study civil engineering, it has deeply shaped my personal goals and the kind of person I want to become. I want to live a life that reflects Buddhist values: one where I am not only growing professionally but also becoming more compassionate, self-aware, and generous. One of the most important teachings in Buddhism is the idea of interconnectedness, that we are all connected and that our actions have an effect on the people and the world around us. This belief has made me even more passionate about giving back to my community. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, culture, and strength of my Tibetan and Buddhist community. Once I graduate, I hope to give back in meaningful ways. Through civil engineering, I plan to work on infrastructure projects that benefit underserved communities. I want to focus not only on efficiency and sustainability but also on projects that serve people with dignity and care, especially in places where resources are limited. Eventually, I hope to bring this work to communities like the ones I grew up in and to places like Nepal, where I spent part of my childhood. Beyond my professional goals, I also hope to stay connected to my roots by staying involved in the Tibetan community and supporting the next generation.

My name is Tenzin Dolma. I will be attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where I plan to major in civil engineering, a field that combines many of my personal passions and professional goals. I’ve chosen to pursue STEM because it offers the perfect balance between creativity, problem-solving, and real-world impact. Civil engineering, in particular, excites me because of its ability to shape the physical world in meaningful and lasting ways. Through a combination of office and fieldwork, engineers help improve infrastructure, promote sustainability, and make daily life safer and more efficient for communities. I am especially passionate about using my future career to improve the infrastructure of underserved areas, communities that are often left behind due to limited resources or lack of attention. Growing up between two very different worlds, Nepal and the United States, I saw firsthand how drastically access to safe, sustainable infrastructure can affect people’s quality of life. Experiencing both the challenges of developing areas and the conveniences of developed ones inspired me to want to close that gap. I believe that everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves access to clean water, reliable transportation, and safe buildings. Civil engineering will allow me to make this kind of difference, and that mission motivates me every day. Another major reason I’ve chosen to pursue STEM is because of the lack of female representation in the field. STEM has long been dominated by men, and this imbalance can often discourage young girls from seeing it as a path meant for them. I want to help change that narrative. I hope to become a role model for other young women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds who might not yet see themselves in roles like engineer, architect, or scientist. It’s important for girls to know that they don’t have to choose between creativity and logic, or between curiosity and impact. STEM is a place where all of those qualities can come together. By succeeding in this field and actively supporting other women along the way, I hope to break down some of the barriers that continue to exist. Representation is a big thing, and I want to be part of a generation of women who make it easier for the next one to step into these roles with confidence. I also believe that having more women in engineering will bring new perspectives and solutions to the table, especially in areas like community development, sustainability, and public health. Finally, I’ve always been drawn to challenges and driven by curiosity. I love learning, exploring new ideas, and finding creative solutions to problems, all of which are part of the world of STEM. For me, engineering is more than just a career path; it’s a way to continue growing while contributing to something larger than myself.

My name is Tenzin Dolma, and I will be attending a four-year college where I plan to major in Civil Engineering. My long-term career goal is to become a civil engineer who works to design and improve infrastructure in underserved communities, especially in rural areas where access to safe and sustainable structures is often limited. I envision a career that not only allows me to apply engineering skills but also creates real, lasting change for communities that need it the most. I hope to be part of efforts that close the infrastructure gap between developed and developing areas, ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live has access to safe roads, clean water systems, and resilient buildings. This goal is deeply personal to me. I spent part of my childhood in Nepal before moving to the United States, and I experienced firsthand the big differences in infrastructure between the two countries. In Nepal, many roads were unpaved, buildings were not always built to withstand natural disasters, and basic necessities like clean water were often hard to access. In contrast, the United States offered stability and systems. These experiences opened my eyes to how much impact infrastructure can have on daily life, public health, and economic opportunity. They also inspired me to pursue a career where I could use my education to help communities like the one I came from. The values that drive me are equity, service, perseverance, and a love for learning. These have shaped both my personal journey and my professional ambitions. As a first-generation college student, I am motivated by my parents' sacrifices and the opportunities they worked hard to provide. Their resilience has taught me the importance of giving back and using my skills to uplift others. I see Civil Engineering as the perfect field to channel these values. It’s a profession rooted in solving problems, serving communities, and creating sustainable systems that support growth and safety. What excites me most about engineering is its blend of creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application. I’ve always been someone who enjoys stepping outside of my comfort zone to explore new ideas and challenges. I love learning especially when it means applying new knowledge to make things better. Engineering allows me to think analytically while also designing solutions that are practical and impactful. Whether it's finding a more sustainable building material or improving the layout of a rural road system, every project is an opportunity to learn and to serve. Academically, my goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and later pursue a master’s degree while gaining experience in the field. I plan to work on diverse projects that give me both the technical skills and the hands-on experience necessary to lead impactful work in the future. Long-term, I hope to establish or join initiatives that bring infrastructure development to underfunded regions around the world, starting with areas I am personally connected to. Ultimately, I want my career to be about more than just building structures, I want to build a better future for others. I believe that infrastructure is a foundation for opportunity, and I am committed to using my education, passion, and values to help create a more equitable world.

My name is Tenzin Dolma, and I am a high school senior who will be attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where I plan to major in Civil Engineering, a field that combines many of my personal passions and professional goals. Outside of academics, I have a wide range of interests that help me stay active and motivated. I love to read, cook, and make art, especially drawing, which has been one of my favorite hobbies for as long as I can remember. I also have a deep love for travel. Exploring new places and cultures has opened my eyes to different ways of life, and once I finish my education and begin working, I hope to travel the world and continue learning from it. I am extremely passionate about studying Civil Engineering because it will allow me to combine both office and fieldwork in order to design and improve infrastructure in different cities, especially in rural and underserved areas that are often overlooked. I believe this field will give me the perfect opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of many people. My interest in Civil Engineering comes from my own personal experiences growing up. Having spent part of my childhood in Nepal and later moving to the United States, I was able to witness the drastic contrast between the infrastructure of a developing country and that of a developed one. Living through these differences inspired me to pursue a career where I could help create safer, more efficient, and much more sustainable infrastructure in communities that often do not have the necessary resources to do so on their own. I want to use my education and passion to close the gap a bit more. Beyond this personal connection, I have always had a strong passion for trying new things and constantly pushing myself to explore more. I truly enjoy expanding my knowledge and stepping out of my comfort zone, especially when it comes to fascinating and challenging topics such as engineering, technology, and design. What excites me most about engineering is not just the technical side of it, but the opportunity it provides to solve real-world problems through a mix of creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Every project or idea presents a chance to tackle new challenges, learn something valuable, and make a big impact—qualities that fit perfectly with my love for continuous learning.

Every summer, millions of students are released from school, marking the end of the academic year and the beginning of a long break. However, among these students, only a small percentage are fortunate enough to participate in opportunities outside of their regular school environment. These opportunities often include summer camps, educational programs, and various activities designed to enhance their learning and personal development. Unfortunately, a significant number of students are left at home during this time. Instead of engaging in activities that could help them grow academically and socially, many find themselves absorbed in electronic devices, which do little to support their educational progress. This issue is particularly pronounced in underserved communities, where families face difficult decisions. Parents often find themselves caught in a struggle between affording summer camp programs that could provide their children with valuable experiences and managing the mounting bills that come with everyday life. Understanding the gravity of this situation, I decided as an enthusiastic freshman to take the audacious step of starting a non-profit tutoring program that would facilitate disadvantaged Himalayan children the avenue to advance their academics while providing additional educational resources that their parents aren't able to offer. The more I uncover about kids sequestered at home, the more I recognize that if this trend continues, a growing proportion of children would be falling behind in school, unable to obtain assistance due to their circumstances. This persistent lack of support could erode their self-confidence and diminish their overall interest in learning, setting them on a path that could limit their future opportunities. Through my own experiences, I have come to understand the profound impact that education can have on a person's life. This realization has firmly rooted the value of education in my belief system. I strongly believe that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have access to various educational opportunities. With this conviction firmly planted in my mind at the age of 13, I began to research and explore ways to turn my vision of helping fellow students into reality. As both the founder and a tutor of this program, I quickly learned the importance of balancing the significant responsibilities associated with my role. It was essential for me to be present for the children, providing them with the support they needed while also managing the many behind-the-scenes tasks. These tasks included creating customized lesson plans, keeping parents updated on their children's progress, designing engaging workshops, and recruiting passionate volunteers who shared my commitment to education. Despite the stress and challenges that sometimes arose during the summer, the joy I experienced in witnessing these children build new friendships, actively engage in learning, and ultimately enjoy their time was immensely rewarding. This made every effort worthwhile. Each small contribution, no matter how minor it may seem, can make a significant difference in the lives of these students and their families. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to give back to my community. As we look towards the future, it is essential that we support the younger generations, just as those who came before us supported our growth and development.

My name is Tenzin Dolma, and I will be attending a four-year college, where I plan to major in Civil Engineering. I am extremely passionate about studying Civil Engineering because it will allow me to combine both office and fieldwork in order to design and improve infrastructure in different cities, especially in rural and underserved areas that are often overlooked. I believe this field will give me the perfect opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of many people. My interest in Civil Engineering comes from my own personal experiences growing up. Having spent part of my childhood in Nepal and later moving to the United States, I was able to witness the drastic contrast between the infrastructure of a developing country and that of a developed one. Living through these differences inspired me to pursue a career where I could help create safer, more efficient, and much more sustainable infrastructure in communities that often do not have the necessary resources to do so on their own. I want to use my education and passion to close the gap a bit more. Beyond this personal connection, I have always had a strong passion for trying new things and constantly pushing myself to explore more. I truly enjoy expanding my knowledge and stepping out of my comfort zone, especially when it comes to fascinating and challenging topics such as engineering, technology, and design. What excites me most about engineering is not just the technical side of it, but the opportunity it provides to solve real-world problems through a mix of creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Every project or idea presents a chance to tackle new challenges, learn something valuable, and make a big impact, qualities that fits perfectly with my love for continuous learning. Academically, my goal is to earn my bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and eventually pursue a master’s degree while gaining important real-world experience through working in the field. I believe this path will allow me to deepen my skills, expand my opportunities, and apply everything I learn in meaningful ways that can help others. Personally, as a first generation college student, I am determined to make the most out of my education, not only for myself but also to honor my parents' sacrifices. Ultimately, I hope to build a future where I can support them and work toward improving the lives of underserved communities around me.