Three years ago, I became a mother. Holding my daughter for the first time, I realized that I wanted to pursue my education not only for myself, but to show her that dreams are achievable no matter the obstacles. I want her to see that perseverance, hard work, and dedication can open doors, even when life doesn’t follow a straight path. This realization inspired me to return to school at 30 years old, as a first-generation, Mexican-American student, determined to build a better future for both myself and my family. Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned the value of responsibility and resilience early on. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for us, and as the oldest sibling, I often helped at home while balancing school. Life’s challenges made pursuing college immediately after high school feel impossible. I worked, supported my family, and focused on staying afloat, all while keeping my dream of becoming a veterinarian alive in my heart. My daughter’s arrival crystallized that dream: it was time to move forward, not just for me, but to be a role model for her, showing that education and ambition are always within reach. My love for animals and my volunteer work at my local animal shelter have been central to this journey. Since my junior year of high school, I have dedicated myself to caring for abandoned and rescued animals and assisting families during adoptions. Volunteering taught me patience, compassion, and the impact one person can make. It also strengthened my desire to pursue veterinary medicine, a career that combines service, science, and advocacy. These experiences showed me firsthand how access to veterinary care can transform lives, not just for animals, but for the families who love them. Returning to school as an adult and a parent comes with unique challenges. Balancing coursework, family responsibilities, and part-time work requires discipline, focus, and perseverance. There are days when fatigue and doubt threaten to overwhelm me, but the sight of my daughter reminds me why I am here. Every assignment, every late night, and every hurdle is a step toward creating a future where I can lead by example, showing her that setbacks do not define possibility. My long-term goal is to become a veterinarian and open a clinic that provides affordable, accessible care to underserved communities. I want to eliminate barriers, financial, cultural, and linguistic, that prevent families from seeking the care their pets need. By combining my education, volunteer experience, and personal perspective, I hope to uplift both animals and the people who love them, creating meaningful impact in my community. This scholarship would make a significant difference in helping me achieve these goals. It would alleviate financial pressures, allowing me to focus fully on my studies, volunteer work, and preparation for veterinary school. More importantly, it would reinforce the message I hope to instill in my daughter: that education is powerful, perseverance pays off, and no dream is too late to pursue. Geneva Mabry’s story resonates deeply with me because it proves that determination can overcome obstacles at any stage in life. Like her, I am committed to persevering and creating a future defined by purpose, education, and resilience, for myself, my daughter, and the generations who follow.

Being a first-generation Mexican-American student means carrying both pride and responsibility. It means honoring the sacrifices my family made while also breaking new ground for myself and for my siblings who look up to me. My passion for education comes not only from my own ambitions, but also from my desire to continue the legacy of resilience and perseverance that defines so many immigrant families, including mine. I was raised by my mom, who has always been my greatest role model. Growing up without my dad in the picture, I watched my mom work tirelessly to provide for us and to give me opportunities she never had. She taught me that education is the path to independence and to a future filled with possibilities. Her sacrifices, working long hours, managing countless responsibilities, and still being present for us, are the foundation of my motivation. As a first-generation student, I often felt like I was navigating uncharted territory. My family did not have a blueprint for college applications, financial aid, or the process of pursuing higher education. I had to learn these steps on my own, sometimes through trial and error. At times, it was intimidating and overwhelming. But each challenge taught me independence, resourcefulness, and determination. I came to understand that while my mom could not provide me with direct guidance in these areas, she gave me something even more valuable: the courage to keep pushing forward no matter how difficult the path. Being Mexican-American also gives me a deep sense of connection to my community. I grew up in a culture where family, faith, and hard work are at the center of life. I carry those values with me into everything I do. My heritage reminds me that every achievement I earn is not just mine, it belongs to my family and to the generations before me who dreamed of opportunities they never had. My journey is about honoring them as much as it is about building a future for myself. One of the experiences that has shaped both my career goals and my character is volunteering at my local animal shelter. Since my junior year of high school, I have dedicated time every week to caring for abandoned and rescued animals. This work has taught me responsibility, patience, and compassion. It has also reinforced my commitment to becoming a veterinarian. Watching animals recover with proper care, and seeing families adopt them into loving homes, reminds me that veterinary medicine is about more than science, it is about healing, advocacy, and giving both animals and people a second chance. Volunteering at the shelter has shown me firsthand how service can create real impact, and it has deepened my desire to dedicate my education and career to helping others. Being a first-generation, Mexican-American student is more than just an identity. It is about showing my siblings that they, too, can aim high. It is about honoring the sacrifices of my mom, who worked hard so I could have opportunities she never did. And it is about using my education to serve others, ensuring that the doors I walk through are left open for those who come after me. I am passionate about this journey because I know education has the power to transform not only my life, but the lives of my family and my community. Like José Melendez, I believe that perseverance and faith in education can create a legacy that lasts for generations.