![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/1630982281051.webp)
Age
20
Gender
Female
Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino
Hobbies and interests
Public Speaking
Baking
Teaching
Reading
Cookbooks
Childrens
Environment
Politics
I read books multiple times per month
Valarie Alfaro
4,515
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/1630982281051.webp)
Valarie Alfaro
4,515
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hello everyone! My name is Valarie Alfaro. I am a first-generation 2nd year community college student eager to be the first one to be in college and expand my education.
I have a passion for wanting to help children with special needs and believe in treating everyone with equality and kindness regardless of any differences simply because we're all human. My desire for helping children with special needs comes from having family members and friends with those needs and seeing how they struggle daily.
My goal is to change the world of special education/speech therapy and make it more available to all families regardless of their income because it is a necessity and not a luxury.
Education
Crafton Hills College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Social Sciences, General
Minors:
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Citrus Valley High
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Social Sciences, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Career
Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
Speech Language Path
Behavior Tech
ASIST2023 – Present1 yearEmployee
Juice it up2020 – 20211 yearEmployee
tillys2021 – 20232 years
Sports
Wrestling
Varsity2019 – 20212 years
Track & Field
Varsity2020 – 20211 year
Arts
YMCA
Poirally2014 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Feed Across America — packaging food2018 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Lemon-Aid Scholarship
The impact of one person's kindness on my life is embodied in the remarkable presence of Mrs. Johnson, a school librarian at a school I went and now work there too. She is not only the embodiment of kindness but also a mentor, friend, and guiding light who has left an indelible mark on the way I think and navigate the world.
Mrs. Johnson's influence extends far beyond the confines of the school library. She has been a constant source of advice, a compassionate listener, and an unwavering pillar of support in my life. What truly distinguishes her is her authentic concern for the welfare and success of every student. She doesn't simply organize books; she cultivates minds.
Her kindness is evident in the equitable and empathetic manner in which she treats each student, regardless of age or background. She has fostered an inclusive environment in the library where everyone feels valued and embraced. This sense of belonging has instilled in me the importance of acceptance and the significance of embracing diversity within our community.
Mrs. Johnson's kindness transcends words; it is manifested in her actions. She often goes above and beyond to make the library a hub of inspiration and learning. She curates book displays that promote understanding and empathy, igniting conversations about crucial societal issues. Through her efforts, she has illuminated the power of literature to expand perspectives and stimulate positive social change.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mrs. Johnson's character is her unwavering belief in the potential of each student. She has shown me that kindness isn't just about being pleasant; it's about empowering others to believe in themselves. She encourages us to dream big and equips us with the tools and encouragement needed to pursue those dreams.
Mrs. Johnson's kindness has fundamentally altered my perspective on my role in the world. She has illuminated the fact that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, touching the lives of many. Her dedication to the betterment of our school community has spurred me to be more compassionate, open-minded, and proactive in catalyzing positive change.
Through her shining example, I've come to recognize that the world is a better place when kindness serves as our guiding principle. Mrs. Henderson has instilled in me the belief that a single person can enact significant change, and her kindness has not only profoundly affected my life but has also molded me into a more empathetic and considerate individual. She is more than just a librarian; she is a living testament to the transformative potency of kindness. Mrs. Johnson's unwavering kindness has not only impacted my life but has also shaped the way I view the world, inspiring me to be a kinder, more compassionate person.
Imagine Dragons Origins Scholarship
In theory, it's simple: go to school, graduate, work, and live well. It's the American dream! Seems so simple right? It is simple, but only when having guidance; Growing up as a first generation American, the "simple path" was not always available. Many children of immigrants face multiple roadblocks that begin with the culture. The Hispanic and American cultures differ in various ways. One of the biggest differences is the way both cultures approach education.
From my experience, American parents are more willing to provide academic help to their kids simply because they know the material. Meanwhile, in the Hispanic culture, kids like myself have to be more self-reliant and ask for more help when we are confused. This ties into facing the academic pressure, because I will be the first person going to college in my family; I face these indicators and challenges. However, I will not sit back and mope about what most people call "setbacks." If anything, they are challenges that take me out of my comfort zone. My role model has always told me, "If you're going to do something, do it right." That role model is my father. He came to this country with nothing but the clothes on his back, and he did not speak, let alone understand English, but he came here for a better life and new opportunities. He learned to live out of his comfort zone and learn what was required to become successful. I am fully aware that going to college while being the first one in my family will be challenging. I will not have a parental guide to help me navigate the problematic areas of college simply because my parents can not provide it in a way they wish they could; financially or academically which means I am fully responsible for my education and Even with this, I know that I have what it takes to persevere and accomplish my goals. Setting an example for others in similar positions is something I strive to do, and being the person others look up to, doing the things they might have thought were impossible, is something I strive to achieve. Being able to help others and take on challenges like our parents is my way to show how much I appreciate them and what they did for us.
Darryl Davis "Follow Your Heart" Scholarship
Being the first generation I have always valued the power of education and seek for the opportunities to a better life for myself. With that being said, I make one big goal and set smaller goals to reach the ultimate goal. I have always had a passion for special education and I want to change the world of special education by becoming a special needs teacher or speech pathologist; by doing so I plan on being the first person to go to college and finish my academic career.
Going to college with no previous guidance will be difficult but I view it as a challenge rather than a setback. My father came to this country with the clothes of his back and not a word of English, now he is a citizen with a successful business, the reason I bring this up is that he has always been my role model and I get my perseverance and hunger to always be better from him. Now that I know what I want to do and figured out my plan on how to do so, I want to do everything to my best ability to achieve it; starting with finishing high school and going to college.