My favorite K-Pop group has to be Aespa with their unique metaverse concept and stellar vocals. Aespa is undeniably the most unique group out there in the K-Pop scene dominating with different songs and multiple all-kills. Their choreography stands out and is not like any other group which will immediately attract you to them. Members Winter, Karina, NingNing, and Giselle set an example for younger girls that you don't have to fit in with the crowd and you can set trends just by being yourself. Not only does Aespa deliver catchy and hit songs but also has a deep story behind their naevis counterparts and Kwangya which leads to more mystery and interest in the group. From hit songs like Drama to Bahama, Aespa’s ability to adapt to any genre is insanely impressive. All the members of Aespa contribute to its greatness and what makes Aespa one of the best K-Pop groups ever. Not only has Aespa made a significant impact on my life but many other groups including NewJeans, G-IDLE, Twice, LOONA, and many more have altered my life. These girl groups have taught me about independence, creativity, class, and femininity. G-IDLE’s feminism concept and songs like Queencard and Nxde give me confidence in being a woman and being comfortable in my own skin. NewJeans’s concept teaches me that we shouldn't stick to social norms like clothing and attitudes while also highlighting the shift from adolescence to womanhood which also delivers playful and upbeat tunes. Bigger groups like Twice and LOONA taught me the importance of friendship and teamwork. In a time where I felt left out from friends, LOONA and Twice inspired me to put myself out there more and make friends! Along with the important life lessons that I took away from these girl groups I have also gained so much sense of belonging in the K-Pop fandom and happiness from listening to the music. I feel good knowing that I listen to music that genuinely makes me feel happy inside rather than listening to music that I know I don't like to make myself seem cool. The passion I have for K-Pop stems deep and has made me more confident that I even have practiced different dances for exercise! K-Pop has not only had an impact on my learning of Korea but on different countries in Asia as well such as China, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam! It’s important to note that the artists that makeup K-Pop are not just Korean but from all over the world! This has also led me to be more of a traveler and even wanting to study abroad which will help broaden my knowledge of Asia countries even more! In conclusion, K-Pop has had a significant impact on my life whether it be wanting to try new foods to learning new languages, it has given me a new perspective on life and culture. K-Pop is not just about having a bias or a crush on someone but about the music and how it makes you feel! I’m glad I was able to discover the beauty of Korean pop culture and more!

I've forgotten what my father's voice sounds like after 10 years of not seeing or being contacted by him. He is just a distinct memory of my childhood, someone I used to call my dad. Growing up I thought I had the perfect relationship with him so it was shocking to figure out that he hadn't even shown up to my custody hearing. And when I think of betrayal I think of the moment I felt it for the first time when he stopped picking me up on Saturdays. Being without a father deeply affected me throughout my childhood and teenage years, still now I struggle to find the possible reason why he walked away from me. For years I have carried the guilt of feeling like a bad daughter or saying something that might’ve warranted him to not ever want to see me again. Without having my father there I went through so many different hardships where I felt so alone and nobody to count on other than my mother and even then I felt guilty knowing that she had to take care of me full time instead of my father helping out. Eventually, my sadness turned to hate and anger. The constant self-blame took a toll on my mental health and led me to be a bully, taking my anger out on people who just wanted to help me. I was lost and confused but deep down I was just a girl who wanted her dad again but knew he didn't want her. I soon began the healing process where I finally realized it was not my fault my father was not in my life. It was a big pill to swallow and hard to count all the years he missed by not being present. Only recently had I found out that my father engaged with me by filing a report detailing he could not pay the child support he hadn't been paying for 9 years. This led me to discover that he had never even chosen to financially support me even after I had not been in his custody. I was heartbroken and felt hopeless as I am going to be attending college in less than a year, the hope I had for him had vanished. I cannot say I have fully overcome this adversity as dealing with an absent parent is something that will affect you for the rest of your life but I can say that this has shaped me into the woman I am today. With my mother raising me for the rest of my childhood years and now, she has taught me the importance of independence, resilience, and perseverance. She makes me proud to bear her last name. She taught me that I do not need two parents to be successful or feel loved. I don't feel the sadness or anger towards him because I can't miss the father he is not anymore. I have accomplished so many things without him here such as multiple certificates and awards from the Senate and Congress, an exceptional GPA of 4.1 after struggling with my mental health, merit-based awards from school, and much more. D’Andre is the pillar of strength and what fathers like my own should look up to. He is what makes a man, a man. His love still travels even after he is gone and I wish that his beautiful soul could have seen how far his children went in life. I hope that his story continues to inspire younger generations like mine.

I have always believed that God has a plan for me. When one door closes another opens and I have to thank Him for that. He gives me solace and inspiration to continue practicing my faith and to keep going in life. Throughout my life, I have struggled with multiple hardships including the loss of loved ones and my mental health spiraling. Practicing my faith helps keep me grounded and safe, whenever I enter a church I can only feel the spirits of my angels protecting me lifting the weight of the burden off my chest. In times of difficulty, my faith and God have provided me with the strength and comfort, He gives me a sense of belonging and purpose in life. In a time of uncertainty, I felt the presence of Mary enter my life. I was faced with issues regarding my faith and trouble with believing in it but by giving myself up to her I felt loved and protected by her. She took good care of my soul and became a beacon of feminity and motherly love for me. I knew that she loved me unconditionally no matter what kind of person I had been and that is the most beautiful part of my faith. And because I knelt before God I feel as if I can stand before anyone now. I believe that my faith will assist me in my career by playing a significant role in shaping my outlook on life and my priorities. As someone who wants to be involved in the legal field, I know that He will guide me through the tough trauma I may face and that He will give me passion in fighting for justice. More modern traditions of how my faith will assist me in my career is by practicing values such as integrity and compassion which will enhance my relationships with the families I will help and clients I represent. I know that by giving people a helping hand I can be the voice they do not have. Although many people have different beliefs in what is right and wrong. Many are more strict in how they practice their faith and hold themselves to a certain expectation but I believe that my faith is intended for me and that others may have a different opinion but I live my life comfortably knowing that God still loves me.

Although growing up in a single-parent household has impacted my educational journey, it has shaped me into the resilient and determined woman I am today. From years of wondering what I did wrong for a parent to want to walk out on me, I finally realized that I hold greatness and the guilt I carried for years finally washed away. No young girl should ever have to beg her father for a relationship better yet hold the guilt of feeling that she did something wrong. My mother practically became both my mom and my dad. She was strict but loving. Stern but caring. She made me feel safe when I didn't know what safe felt like. We were and still are happy on our own but now that college applications are creeping there is a lingering worry that I may not be able to afford to go to the schools I've dreamed of attending since elementary. 10 years with no support from my biological father has not hit harder than now, especially in this time of need. The sadness of having an absent parent is great but seeing that they do not want to financially support your education is greater. Although it has only ever been my mother supporting me I still have hope and remain grateful for her soul. She is the biggest blessing and I would choose her to be my mother in every single lifetime. She supports me no matter what and she makes me proud to share her name. As a child, I was always aware that the justice system was failing America. It was never designed to protect our people but rather benefit those who hold more status. I have been an advocate for years for countless issues including wrongful convictions, women's rights, animal welfare, and gun control. For me, this is nothing but a passion. I speak for those who cannot find the words to even mumble a sentence. I do it all for my community and to make things right in our country. That being said my advocacy and volunteer experience has led me to want to become a lawyer for many different areas. Immigration, criminal defense, prosecution, and civil rights just to name a few that I will cover soon. My goals are to help my community become safer and eventually become a role model for younger girls to do the same thing. This scholarship will help me pursue higher education and allow me to learn the things I love. It gives me an opportunity for the next big step and will only add fuel to my motivation. I know that I can honor Dimon and make the world a better place. Thank you.

Hello! My name is Victoria Fuentes. I currently reside in California where I was raised. My family comes from Mexican roots going all the way back to a little pueblito called Changuitiro in Michoacan. My family immigrated to the U.S. and opened a successful car shop which was their primary income. Although business went slow for some years they persisted and fought through the drought of customers. For this reason, I am passionate about helping my community specifically the thousands of Latino families that live here in Modesto. One of my experiences includes being a part of the Mi Familia En Accion program where a group of local high school girls including me all teamed up and learned about the issues affecting our city and how we can address them. This included volunteering for events and promoting the local families to register to vote to push favorable laws into effect. We also volunteered for bigger volunteer events like Love Modesto where we went to our local rematito flea market and helped with Dia Del Nino and helped other people discover the beautiful culture of Mexico. This program set off a chain of events that would eventually lead me to discover my passion for helping my community from a deeper, more legal perspective. Something I knew had to be done and I could do.. From my experience being a part of the Mi Familia En Accion program I quickly learned that many of the local Latino families do not have much of an understanding of the law and voting. Many of the families didn't even know they were eligible to vote because of their status in the US. The worry and hesitation of families not even knowing their rights deeply affected me after that and I knew that I needed to do something about it. As I became more aware of the issues that affected my community I realized that I could become a beacon of hope for many families. After much research I learned that many Latino families suffer from immigration issues and criminal whether it be a victim of a crime or the perpetrator which inspires me to become an immigration, criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor. Yes, those are many career paths to have on the table but I believe through my passion and hard work I am able to do everything to keep my community safe and help those in need. It is well known that our justice system has been failing the Latino community for decades now.. Whether it be racial profiling, unjust sentences, deportation of innocent individuals or even ignoring victims and allowing families to become homeless it is known that Hispanics are a heavy target within the government and legal proceedings. I believe that I can do many things to help keep my community safe whether it be advocating for people being accused of crimes they didn't commit or prosecuting the real criminals by becoming a District Attorney. The question “How have your identities as a first-generation Latin-American student impacted your future goals?” does not make me think about the hardships i’ve faced and how they have slowed down my process of receiving higher education but rather fuel my passion even more. Knowing that I can be a role model for younger girls just like me is what drives me to succeed and pursue my goals even more. I know that by receiving this scholarship it not only goes towards me being able to learn on the university level but also goes towards many families who I vow to help after.

From a young age, I have been drawn to the stark contrasts of black and white, right and wrong, guilt and innocence. Yet, as I grew older, I began to understand that the world is painted in shades far more complex and that the criminal justice system, a realm I once believed in, is fraught with imperfections. This realization did not deter my passion for criminal justice and forensics; it fueled it. Inspired by the work of organizations like the Innocence Project, which epitomizes the fight against wrongful convictions, I am determined to dedicate my career to ensuring that justice prevails—not just for the innocent but also for society, which relies on the integrity of its legal systems. My drive toward this field is not solely academic; it is personal. I have witnessed firsthand the destructive impact of racial prejudice within the legal system. A close relative of mine, who shared my complexion and cultural heritage, fell victim to a system that viewed him with suspicion. The experience shook my family to its core and opened my eyes to the reality that justice is not always served. It ignited a fierce desire within me to become an agent of change, to help prevent such travesties from destroying other families as they did mine. But my relative's story is not unique... It is a real nightmare shared by countless individuals (specifically minorities) who have been wrongfully accused and convicted, their voices often drowned out and outspoken. It highlights the vital need for forensic experts who can navigate the nuances of evidence with precision and for criminal justice professionals who can advocate for the truth with unwavering commitment and dedication. My education in criminal justice and forensics is more than a career path; it is a mission. Through rigorous academic training and hands-on experience, I am equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat criminal cases, scrutinize evidence with a critical eye, and uphold the highest standards of investigative integrity. I am committed to mastering the science that speaks when human voices cannot, to ensure that every piece of evidence is carefully analyzed and that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth. I am confident in my belief that with every wrongful conviction overturned, society takes a step closer to the ideal of justice for all. The Innocence Project and similar organizations represent beacons of hope, demonstrating that change is possible and that the fight for justice is an ongoing battle worth waging and partaking. In conclusion, my passion for criminal justice and forensics is both a personal crusade against the injustices faced by my family and a broader commitment to safeguarding the principles of truth and justice. By contributing to this field, I hope not only to honor my relative's struggle but also to be part of a larger movement that seeks to end injustice and build a fairer, more equitable legal system. It is a journey that I embark upon with a goal: to utilize my education and skills to ensure that the innocent walk free, the truth is revered, and the real perpetrators are brought to justice. This scholarship would not only assist me in achieving my academic and professional goals but would also serve as an investment in a fairer future for all, a future where justice is blind to race and prejudice, and every verdict is a testament to the integrity of our criminal justice system.

From a young age, I have been drawn to the stark contrasts of black and white, right and wrong, guilt and innocence. Yet, as I grew older, I began to understand that the world is painted in shades far more complex and that the criminal justice system, a realm I once believed in, is fraught with imperfections. This realization did not deter my passion for criminal justice and forensics; it fueled it. Inspired by the work of organizations like the Innocence Project, which epitomizes the fight against wrongful convictions, I am determined to dedicate my career to ensuring that justice prevails—not just for the innocent but also for society, which relies on the integrity of its legal systems. My drive toward this field is not solely academic; it is personal. I have witnessed firsthand the destructive impact of racial prejudice within the legal system. A close relative of mine, who shared my complexion and cultural heritage, fell victim to a system that viewed him with suspicion. The experience shook my family to its core and opened my eyes to the reality that justice is not always served. It ignited a fierce desire within me to become an agent of change, to help prevent such travesties from destroying other families as they did mine. But my relative's story is not unique... It is a real nightmare shared by countless individuals (specifically minorities) who have been wrongfully accused and convicted, their voices often drowned out and outspoken. It highlights the vital need for forensic experts who can navigate the nuances of evidence with precision and for criminal justice professionals who can advocate for the truth with unwavering commitment and dedication. My education in criminal justice and forensics is more than a career path; it is a mission. Through rigorous academic training and hands-on experience, I am equipping myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat criminal cases, scrutinize evidence with a critical eye, and uphold the highest standards of investigative integrity. I am committed to mastering the science that speaks when human voices cannot, to ensure that every piece of evidence is carefully analyzed and that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth. I am confident in my belief that with every wrongful conviction overturned, society takes a step closer to the ideal of justice for all. The Innocence Project and similar organizations represent beacons of hope, demonstrating that change is possible and that the fight for justice is an ongoing battle worth waging and partaking. In conclusion, my passion for criminal justice and forensics is both a personal crusade against the injustices faced by my family and a broader commitment to safeguarding the principles of truth and justice. By contributing to this field, I hope not only to honor my relative's struggle but also to be part of a larger movement that seeks to end injustice and build a fairer, more equitable legal system. It is a journey that I embark upon with a goal: to utilize my education and skills to ensure that the innocent walk free, the truth is revered, and the real perpetrators are brought to justice. This scholarship would not only assist me in achieving my academic and professional goals but would also serve as an investment in a fairer future for all, a future where justice is blind to race and prejudice, and every verdict is a testament to the integrity of our criminal justice system.

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book it would be Amy Tan's, Joy Luck Club. People should read "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan for several reasons. First and foremost, the novel offers a compelling and intimate portrayal of the Chinese-American immigrant experience. Through the stories of four Chinese immigrant women and their American-born daughters, the book explores themes of identity, cultural clashes, generational divides, and the search for belonging. "The Joy Luck Club" dives into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, shedding light on the challenges of communication, understanding, and reconciliation between different generations. It explores the tension between traditional Chinese values and the desire for individuality and independence in a Westernized society. Amy Tan's writing is richly descriptive and emotionally resonant, allowing readers to empathize with the characters and their struggles. The book provides a window into Chinese culture, history, and traditions, offering insights into the unique experiences and perspectives of immigrant communities. Moreover, "The Joy Luck Club" highlights universal themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, making it relatable to readers from various backgrounds. It encourages empathy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human relationships. By reading "The Joy Luck Club," individuals can gain a greater understanding of the immigrant experience, appreciate the significance of cultural heritage, and reflect on the bonds that connect us all as human beings. It is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that has the power to broaden perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and foster a greater appreciation for diversity and the complexities of our shared humanity.

Minecraft has always been with me throughout my childhood. From the playing age of 6 to now, a 16-year-old. This game has brought me a sense of belonging and individualism in savoring the gameplay by myself. It has increased my creativity and thought process. From fighting the ender dragon to building a dirt house for the night. Minecraft has provided me with various ways to express myself when nobody else could understand me. It comforted me in moments when I felt the whole world against me. Then the unfortunate pandemic hit the world. I was struck with grief, loss, and loneliness. I had no idea how to socialize with other people so I turned to my favorite childhood game. Minecraft. Filled with nostalgia, I started playing online which unlocked a whole new community for me and gave me opportunities to get out of my shell and make friends. I discovered that making friends within the game became my favorite aspect of Minecraft. The Minecraft community embraced me with open arms, fostering an environment of inclusivity and acceptance. Whether engaging in a bustling server or participating in online forums, I discovered a place where my interests were celebrated and my voice was heard. The shared experiences and camaraderie within the Minecraft community made me feel connected to something greater than myself—a vibrant and diverse network of individuals who were also seeking solace and connection during challenging times. Amidst the vast virtual landscapes of Minecraft, I stumbled upon a friendship that would prove to be transformative. As I explored the game, I encountered a fellow player who shared my enthusiasm and creativity. Over time, our interactions blossomed into a deep and meaningful bond. We shared personal experiences, supported each other during difficult times, and celebrated our triumphs together. Despite never meeting in person, our friendship grew stronger with each passing day. Minecraft became the bridge that connected our lives and forged an unbreakable friendship. Through this virtual world, I met my online best friend, connected with numerous individuals, and found a sense of belonging within the Minecraft community. I was accepted. Nobody judged me. Constantly logging on with friends from all over the world waiting to play with me. It was an experience I will never achieve again and for that, I am forever grateful for Minecraft giving me that opportunity. In a time of uncertainty, Minecraft has become a testament to the resilience of human connection and the ability of technology to bridge gaps and bring people together. It was a time that I will forever reminisce.

If I could have everyone read just one book it would be "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan for several reasons. First of all, the novel offers a compelling and intimate portrayal of the Chinese-American immigrant experience. While reading through the stories of the four Chinese immigrant women and their daughters, a theme is developed introducing cultural clashes between different ethnicities, generational trauma, and a search for belonging. "The Joy Luck Club" dives into the concept of mother-daughter relationships and the challenges of communication between generations. It explores the traditional Chinese values of the mother's upkeep meanwhile their daughters seek to find acceptance in a Westernized society. Amy Tan's writing is rich in emotions and truly describes the challenges of immigration from her own culture. She allows readers the perspective of the characters and their struggles. The book provides insight into the unique experiences each character experiences including Chinese culture and history. "The Joy Luck Club" highlights the universal themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, making it relatable to readers from different backgrounds. It encourages empathy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human relationships. If everyone could read "The Joy Luck Club" it can help individuals gain an understanding of the Chinese immigration experience and even help people appreciate the power and significance of many cultural heritages not just Chinese. It is a touching and tear-jerking novel that has the power to broaden the world's perspectives and foster a greater appreciation for diversity and the complexities of our shared humanity.

Growing up with my grandfather and working in his shop, I learned valuable life lessons. The long and hot days we would withstand in the northern California heat always had us exhausted. Running to our local taco truck to grab a few Jarritos and water to cool us down had always helped. My grandfather has always been my biggest inspiration growing up. From a young boy in a small town in Michoacan who didn't know how to read to a man with his own business in California. He worked hard for his shop even learning how to perform an alignment on his own. My grandfather exhausted from the heat and work, never failed to support his family. Now my grandfather achieved his dream of owning his shop even giving back to the community and giving jobs to people in need. Like father like daughter, my mother was also a hard worker. Raising me by herself, working a job, and being in college at the same time. It was always me and her going from apartments to houses to back at my grandfathers. Never really having a place of our own to call home. Only having one parent growing up my mother had to be my mom and my dad at the same time. These two important people taught me to be a hard worker and never give up on my dreams. Even then, I often find myself disappointed and discipline myself too hard because society taught me that there's always going to be someone better. There are times when opportunities open up for other people when I work just as hard maybe even more. Sometimes life isn't fair and I acknowledge that but when I started high school I realized that sometimes opportunities open up for people not because of the work they put in but for the color of their skin or blatant favoritism among certain students. Then it all ties into how my mother worked so hard to provide for me, the injustice she might've faced too. My grandfather, took years for him to finally achieve his dream, and the racism he faced when just trying to earn a job to provide for his family. These obstacles don't tear me down anymore. They inspire me. I work a little harder each day now and push myself to be the best I can be. I advocate for my community and advocate for injustice against my people. My grandfather inspired me to want to major in business while my mother inspires me to work hard for it. To hopefully be like him, give back to my community, and give jobs to people in need. These adversities helped shape me into the woman I am today.