Being a non-traditional college student has profoundly shaped my educational experience and future goals. My journey has been anything but linear, marked by significant challenges that have tested my resilience and forced me to redefine my purpose. As a first-generation college student, I entered college unaware of many aspects of higher education, from navigating financial aid appeals to understanding the work-study program. The pressure to succeed, not just for myself but for my family, was immense. My parents had sacrificed so much to give me this opportunity, and I felt the weight of being the first in my family to attend college. This stress was intensified when, during my first year, my baby sister was diagnosed with cancer. The emotional toll of her illness, coupled with the need to work and help my mother with bills, was overwhelming. By my third year, the effects of burnout and depression were impossible to ignore. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my situation worsened. I lost my job, and with it, my motivation to continue my studies. The financial strain became unbearable, and I found myself without a stable place to live, sleeping on friends' couches. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to drop out of college, just one year shy of graduation. It was a painful choice, one that left me questioning everything. Had I been pursuing a degree to fulfill my own dreams, or was I simply trying to meet others' expectations? Did I truly love the path I was on, or was I just afraid of disappointing those who believed in me? Dropping out felt like a failure, especially as I watched my friends graduate on time. I was ashamed and embarrassed, thinking about how long it would take me to finish a bachelor's degree. The guilt I carried for not completing my degree, despite my parents' sacrifices, was crushing. I felt lost and adrift, unsure of my direction in life. But in the midst of this turmoil, I began to ask myself the hard questions. I realized that the time away from school was an opportunity for deep self-reflection. I needed to reassess my goals and rediscover my passion. This period of soul-searching allowed me to understand that my true calling lies in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I realized that my previous path, while valuable, wasn't fully aligned with my purpose. Returning to college as a non-traditional student has given me a renewed sense of purpose. My experiences have made me more resilient, more focused, and more determined to succeed—not just for myself, but for the impact I can have on others. I no longer see my non-traditional path as a setback but as a unique journey that has equipped me with the strength and clarity needed to achieve my goals. My future aspirations are now deeply rooted in the lessons I've learned along the way. I aim to use my education and experiences to create positive change, particularly for those who, like me, face significant barriers in their pursuit of higher education. Being a non-traditional student has taught me that success is not measured by how quickly we reach our goals, but by the perseverance and dedication we show in overcoming the obstacles along the way. In conclusion, my non-traditional college experience has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. It has reshaped my educational goals and clarified my purpose in life. I am more committed than ever to achieving my dreams and making a difference in the world, one day at a time.

Growing up with congenital anosmia, I have never experienced the nostalgic or sentimental memories that are often evoked by certain smells. While this sensory absence may seem insignificant to some, it has had a huge impact on my life. I am unable to detect the comforting scent of home-cooked meals or the fragrance of blooming flowers. More critically, I cannot sense harmful odors such as gas leaks, smoke, or spoiled food, which puts my safety at risk. This invisible disability has shaped both my personal experiences and my career aspirations. My condition made acquiring a service animal a necessity rather than a luxury. Unfortunately, coming from a low-income family, obtaining and maintaining a service animal seemed almost impossible. The costs associated with training, vet care, and daily upkeep were daunting. Despite these challenges, I was able to get a service animal who has since become an essential part of my life, not only enhancing my safety but also providing companionship. This experience opened my eyes to the significant role that service animals play in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. As someone who lives with a disability, I intimately understand the challenges that people like me face daily. Inspired by my own experiences, I am currently studying biomedical science with the goal of pursuing a career in veterinary science. My long-term ambition is to establish a nonprofit organization that will provide low-cost or free service animal training, grooming, and veterinary services. I want to ensure that people with disabilities, especially those from low-income backgrounds, have access to the vital support that service animals offer. By alleviating the financial burden, I hope to make these life-changing services more accessible to those who need them most. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease the financial strain of my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on the costs associated with them. It would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of making a difference in the lives of others who, like me, rely on service animals for safety, independence, and emotional well-being. In conclusion, my disability has shaped not only my life but also my career goals. Anosmia has taught me resilience and resourcefulness, and it has driven me to create opportunities that will benefit other people with disabilities. With the help of this scholarship, I am determined to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the support they need to live a safe and fulfilling life. As I work towards my goals, I strive to make the unseen challenges of people with disabilities visible, ensuring that our needs are recognized and met.

My name is Tiara Colon, and I am deeply commited to addressing social issues, driven by personal experiences and a passion for making a difference in my community. Food insecurity and its effects on vulnerable populations have always hit close to home for me. Through volunteering at soup kitchens and organizations that provide meals to immunocompromised individuals, I aim to alleviate hunger and nutritional challenges. Providing meals to immunocompromised people is important due to their strict dietary needs resulting from weakened immune systems. My own sister, diagnosed with cancer at the age of eight, faced similar challenges. She couldn't eat certain foods because of her illness, making it crucial for her to receive proper nutritional support. Ensuring that these vulnerable populations receive the right nutrition can improve their health, quality of life, and aid in their recovery. My efforts are not only about meeting immediate food needs but also about fostering a sense of community and support, which is essential for their overall well-being. This work has deepened my understanding of the hidden issues faced by the immunocompromised and the way they must navigate the world. Coming from a low-income background, our family lacked the proper nutritional meals needed for our development. These experiences have fueled my passion to support others in similar situations. The most impactful experience in my life was when my baby sister was diagnosed with cancer during my freshman year of college. At just eight years old, she faced a difficult battle, which deeply affected our family. My mother had to quit her job to care for her, leaving us in a challenging financial situation. As a low-income, first-generation college student, I had to balance working to support my family while maintaining my academic responsibilities. This experience was incredibly transformative for my family and me. It taught me the importance of prioritizing family while balancing work, school, and caregiving responsibilities. Witnessing my sister's bravery and my mother’s unwavering dedication inspired me to persevere through my own struggles. This period of my life reinforced my commitment to helping others, particularly those facing health and financial hardships. In conclusion, my dedication to addressing food insecurity, driven by personal experiences, has shaped my journey and strengthened my resolve to contribute positively to society. These experiences have increased my resilience and empathy, essential qualities for making meaningful differences in the lives of others, particularly the most vulnerable. Through my volunteer work and personal challenges, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of proper nutrition and community support in improving the quality of life for others.

@tiara.colon