Being a student-athlete has not only shaped the way I compete or train, but the way I live my life. Water polo isn't just a sport to me, it's been a classroom, a testing ground, and sometimes even a lifeline. The pool has taught me lessons about resilience, teamwork, and dedication that I carry with me into school, family, and every challenge I face. When I first started playing water polo, I of course wasn't the strongest swimmer on the team. I remember gasping for air during drills, struggling to keep up, and questioning whether I belonged in such a demanding sport. But instead of walking away, I made a choice: to push harder, to stay in the water longer, and believe in myself even when it was uncomfortable. That decision changed everything. Over time, my stamina grew, my confidence grew, and so did my love for the game. Now, as captain of my team, I get to pass those lessons onto others. Leadership isn't just about calling plays, it's about noticing the teammate who's struggling in practice and encouraging them, or the one who doubts themselves before a game and reminding them they have what it takes. I take pride in being the kind of captain who doesn't just lead by words, but by example: showing up early, working through exhaustion, and putting the team before myself. Nothing feels better than seeing a teammate succeed because you believed in them when they didn't believe in themselves. Outside of the pool, I've faced challenges that have tested me in similar ways. Coming from a divorced, low-income household hasn't always been easy. There were many times when money was tight, when I learned how to budget carefully, and when my family responsibilities competed with my athletic and academic commitments. But instead of letting those struggles hold me back, I used them as fuel. They taught me discipline, how to work for the hard things I want, how to stay focused even when life feels overwhelming, and how to appreciate every opportunity I earn. In the classroom, I approach academics the same way I approach sports: with consistency and determination. Balancing practices, games, and heavy training with schoolwork requires sacrifice, but I've learned to manage my time, stay organized, and give my best effort in everything I do. Whether it's an exam or a match, I believe success comes down to preparation and mindset. The truth is, being a student-athlete isn't just about competition, it's about character. It's showing up on the hard days, giving more than you thought you had, and lifting up the people around you. Water polo has given me a sense of purpose and identity, and it's prepared me to face life with courage, no matter what challenge comes next. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial help, it would be a reminder of all the early mornings, the late nights, and the sacrifices are worth it. It would allow me to continue pursuing both my education and athletics with the same passion I've carried this far. My dream is not just to play, but to lead, grow, and to represent the values of dedication, teamwork, and resilience everywhere I go.

Growing up in a low-income household with divorced parents has shaped my life in many ways. From an early age, I learned how to balance responsibilities between two homes and adapt to different environments. While this was not always easy, it taught me discipline, independence, and the value of hard work. I have never been able to take financial security for granted, but instead of letting that hold me back, I used it as motivation to build a better future for myself. One of the ways I have worked to overcome obstacles is by taking initiative in leadership and academics. During my time in AFJROTC, I earned the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant as a sophomore, leading a flight of 20 cadets and also serving as the units physical training officer. I was trusted to lead drills, teach academic lessons, and represent the unit in color guards at military and civilian events. These experiences taught me that true leadership means service, accountability, and consistency, even when life outside of school feels unstable. Financial hardship has also taught me to manage money carefully and work hard for what I want. I have taken on jobs like pool cleaning and construction labor, and I recieve a small monthly allowance for chores, which I budget carefully. Right now, I am saving for a family trip to Oregon to meet my long-distance girlfriend again. To make this possible, I am paying for my sister's ticket as well as my own. It hasn't been easy, and spending money has been very tempting, but saving for this trip has reinforced the value of sacrifice and persistence. Despite these challenges, I have ambitions goals set for my future. My dream is to attend college at CSUSB and serve as an officer in the air force, ultimately becoming a joint operations officer. I am drawn to this path because it combines service, leadership, and resilience, the very qualities I have been building throughout my life. I know the journey will not be easy, but I am prepared to face the challenges because I have already proven to myself that determination can overcome obstacles. Opportunities like grants and scholarships are crucial for students like me. Financial support would allow me to focus more fully on my academics, athletics, and leadership development, rather than constantly worrying about money. It would help relieve the burden on my family while also giving me the chance to pursue opportunities that will make me stronger and more prepared for the future. Motivated students from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve these opportunities because we do not allow hardship to define us, we use it to fuel us. We have learned to push through setbacks, to keep striving when resources are limited, and to dream beyond what seems possible. With the support of this grant, I will continue working to rise above my circumstances and achieve and check off all of my goals.

Since my first year of highschool, I have been committed to service, leadership, and physical training, all for the goal of one day serving and protecting others as a member of the United States Air Force. My dream career is to become a Pararescue Jumper (PJ), one of the most elite combat specialists in the world. If that career doesn't work out for me due to a prior epilepsy diagnosis caused by an accident a few years ago, I will serve as a Joint Operations Officer, combining leadership and strategy in the Air Force. Either way, my core mission remains true: to serve, defend our country, and lead with integrity. To prepare myself for this future, I plan to attend California State University, San Bernardino and pursue a degree in National Secruity Studies through the Air Force ROTC program. I have already begun to acclimate myself to Air Force culture by being an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, and participating in AFJROTC at my highschool for two years, where I held a rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant. I was a physical training officer and flight commander, taking cadets through uniform inspections, physical training, and setting an example. I gained discipline, empathy, and leading by example, skills that I have no doubt will carry with me into the military. Outside of the classroom, I've committed myself to athletics, community service, and self-improvement. I am the president of our school's weightlifting club and a varsity athlete in both swim and water polo, sports that challenge my endurance and have strengthened my readiness for future military training. I've also accumulated over 300 hours of community service through AFJROTC and my work in Rotary Interact Club. Additionally, as an Equity Ambassador, I help build a caring and secure school setting that is reflective of my dedication to justice and compassion. While it may not seem like much, this scholarship will gurantee a small percentage of relived expenses of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies, ROTC responsibilities, and sports without burdening myself or my family with the pain of expenses. I have made an effort to save as much money as I can on my own, however, the support of every dollar helps, especially since I am pursuing a career that will require anything and everything I can come up with. In summary, I hope to serve my country in the Air Force, either on the Frontline rescuing individuals, or playing a role as a strategic commander. This scholarship would be an investment in myself and as an individual to set myself up for that future, and I am sincerely grateful to have the opportunity to be considered.

A defining moment in my life came during my 8th grade year of middle school when I realized that, in order to become a the person I wanted to be, a future Air Force leader, a role model, a loving husband, and a strong father, I needed to take full control of my physical, mental, and emotional health. That year, I made a conscious decision to restructure my lifestyle around wellness and discipline, knowing that it would shape not only who I was then, but also who I’d become in the future. I've always had big goals: joining the Air Force to become a Pararescue Jumper (PJ), and one day running my own fitness and tactical training business. But during middle school, I struggled with consistency. I wanted to be fit, focused, and resilient, but I didn’t yet have the structure to fully support those goals. That changed when I fully committed myself to training, recovery, prayer, and healthy relationships. I developed a rigorous routine: two workouts a day Monday through Friday, two hours of swim training, active recovery on Saturdays, and focused ab/core training on Sundays. I didn’t just do this for looks or strength, it was an act of discipline, a way to sharpen my body and mind for the challenges ahead. I made rest and nutrition a priority as well, ensuring I was properly fueling myself and staying injury-free. I knew that wellness wasn't just about pushing harder, it was about knowing when to slow down, reset, and keep going with intention. But physical health was only one piece of the puzzle. As someone devoted to my Christian faith, I leaned into prayer and daily devotionals to keep my emotional and spiritual center strong. Faith gave me purpose when I felt overwhelmed, and taught me to lead with humility and love. In my relationship with my girlfriend, we keep God at the center, constantly praying together, reading scripture, and building each other up. This has kept me grounded and emotionally healthy, even when life gets chaotic. A moment that deeply impacted me that I can recall is when I took the time to help a new swimmer on my team who had never swam competitively before. I saw myself in him: eager, uncertain, and in need of support. Helping him not only improved his confidence in his abilities, but reminded me of the power of investing in others. That’s when I realized that leadership isn't just about being strong, it's about making others stronger as well. Prioritizing wellness has taught me how to manage stress, build discipline, and lead with purpose. These habits are constantly preparing me for a demanding future in the military, where physical and mental readiness are non-negotiable. They're also preparing me for life outside of uniform, whether it's guiding my future children, starting a business, or continuing my journey as a man of faith. Wellness isn't just something I focus on when things go wrong, it's a way of life I've chosen to live every single day. And because of that, I'm walking into my future stronger, more focused, and ready to serve others any way I can.

When I began swimming as a freshman, I had no idea that it would be such a large aspect of my life. I was drawn to swimming because I wanted to a different sport, something that not everyone was doing. I wanted to challenge myself and push myself out of my comfort zone, and swimming offered me that challenge since it is a very physically demanding sports It's the difficulty that drew me in, and in the end, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. Originally, I was struggling to keep pace. What seemed like endless laps, the technical prowess, it was all new to me. Instead of quitting however, I embraced the discomfort. I looked forward to coming to practice everyday to put in the hard work, and before long, I was no longer just holding on trying to keep pace, I was improving. I became faster in the water, I was able to hold my breath for longer periods of time, and I even crossed quite a few finish lines. I became hooked, not just with the sport itself, but in the process of getting better each and every day. What encouraged my passion for swimming was the opportunity to guide and mentor others. Through maturity, I began to help the new team members who just joined the swim team, especially those with zero competitive swimming experience. I recall a swimmer who recently joined the team without even knowing the basics. As we talked, I promised to help him on a daily basis everyday at practice. Over time, not only did he learn to swim, but he even participated and won competitions. Times like those taught me that being a leader is not about being the best in the pool, it's taking other people with you. Swimming gave me the chance to do that, and that is something that I carry with me well beyond stepping out of the water. Swimming has impacted my life in quite a few ways such as teaching me discipline, time-management, perseverance, and the power of consistency. It has also prepared me physically and mentally for my future goals. I've long aspired to join the U.S. Air Force and become a Pararescue Jumper (PJ), one of the most elite and physically demanding roles in the military. Coincidentally, swimming is also one of the most vital elements in PJ training and operations. Whether it’s underwater rescues, far-water navigation, or treading water while fully geared up under stressful conditions. I see now swimming not only as a sport, but as an integral part of the grander vision in achieving my ultimate objective at safeguarding and saving lives. Other than my military goals, swimming has shaped my life in numerous ways. I've learned to lead and not merely follow, to serve others and prioritize their needs over mine, and to seek challenges others fear. I've learned confidence, focus, and tenacity through swimming, and these are the things that will carry me through every aspect of my life. Swimming eventually transcended into more than a sport for me. It turned into a leadership training ground, a discipline training ground, and a purpose training ground. It started as something that would make me excell, but it turned into something that was part of who I am.

My Christian faith is the foundation of how I live, love, and lead. Though I don't come from a specific church background, I was raised in a mostly Catholic family, and it wasn't until my teenage years that my faith truly became my own. Through the influence of my strongest devoted Christians I know in my life, my Nana and my girlfriend, I began to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Since then, my faith has shaped the way I carry myself, the way I treat others, and even in the way I lead. One verse that I constantly turn to, especially when I feel weak, is 1 Corithians 16:13, where it reads: "Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be courageous, be strong." That scripture has become something of a personal anthem–reminding me that true strength comes from God, especially in moments of pressure or doubt. It pushes me to lead with courage, to do what is right even when it's hard, and to serve others with humility and love. In AFJROTC, where I served as a Cadet Second Lieutenant, I saw the real impact faith-based leadership could have. I didn't lead with a loud voice–I led by example, by lifting others up, and showing compassion. When one of my cadets was struggling physically and emotionally, I stayed after school to train with him, encourage him, and remind him of his worth. That quiet persistence–not just in words, but in action–is how I strive to reflect Christ's love and strength. Outside of school, faith continues to guide me. I pray daily, read devotionals, and do my very best to treat every person I meet with love and kindness, just as Christ showed love even to those who despised Him. My girlfriend and I share the same faith-centered relationship–we pray together, hold Bible study sessions, and dream of one day getting baptized side-by-side. Our relationship is built on the values of love, patience, and mutual spiritual growth. Looking ahead, I believe God is calling me to serve with a purpose. Though I hoped to attend the Air Force Academy, I now plan to attaned CSUSB, while leaving the Air Force Academy as a possible avenue. At CSUSB, I would like to join AFROTC, and major in National Secruity Studies. My overall goal is to become a Pararescue Jumper, but regardless of the exact path, I know my mission is to lead with integrity, to serve at heart, and to keep my faith at the center of everything I do. Whether I become a PJ, a Joint Operations Officer, a first responder, or a physical trainer, I want my future to reflect the leadership Christ modeled–strong, humble, and sacrificial. In conclusion, faith isn't just part of who I am–it's the reason I lead the way I do. I don't want to just command others; I want to inspire them, serve them, and leave a legacy of light that far out lasts my presence. That is the vision God has placed onto my heart, and I plan to follow it wherever He leads me.

My exposure to military life began at a very young age. Watching war films and documentaries with my family, especially those focused on World War l and World War ll, instilled a deep respect for military service as well as a desire to serve and protect others. That early interest matured over time into a serious goal of joining the Air Force. In middle school, I worked closely with my father doing physical labor such as cleaning pools, and eventually working construction with my stepdad–experiences that helped me build mental and physical resilience, which I knew were essential traits for a service member. In 9th grade, I officially began my military journey by joining Air Force JROTC, and I've been committed to growing as a leader ever since. In JROTC, I reached the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant by my sophomore year and commanded a flight of roughly 20 cadets. In addition, I served as the units Physical Training Officer, turning my passion for exercise and health into a leadership role in my unit. I led PT sessions, organized drill, inspections, and academic lessons. These responsibilities gave me a taste of what it means to lead by example–something I've come to belive is the core of true leadership. Over my highschool career, I've logged over 300 hours of community service, much of it through JROTC, including setting up American flags, event coordinating, and participating in numerous color guards. These experiences taught me discipline, service before self, and the importance of representing something greater than myself. Being a Hispanic American myself, being an minority in America and seeing others like me succeed in the military has been empowering. Through conversations with minority military officials, as well as movies and videos on military service, I've learned that while minorities have historically faced obstacles, they have also built legacies of strength, excellence, and leadership within the armed forces. The military today is increasingly diverse, offering a structured, merit-based environment where those willing to work hard often rise, regardless of background. This has encouraged me to keep pushing myself, knowing that I can earn my place and contribute meaningfully. Originally, I had planned to attend the Air Force Academy to explore avenues to become a Pararescue Jumper (PJ). While I still intend to pursue the Pararescue pipeline, I've recently shifted my academic focus. Instead, I plan to attend Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB), major in National Secruity Studies, and participate in the AFROTC program. If the PJ route doesn't work out for me, my degree and leadership training will prepare me for a role as a Joint Operations Officer in the Air Force. My long-term vision is to serve my country and retire from the Air Force with a skill set to launch my own business– training civilians in physical fitness, weapons handling, and self-defense. In conclusion, JROTC helped me discover that my strengths lie not just within physical ability, but in my passion for leadership, mentorship, and service. It also helped me balance discipline with compassion–lessons I plan to carry forward whether I'm leading a team on the battlefield, or mentoring someone in the gym.

Growing up in a working-class, low-income family in the Coachella Valley, I was taught early on about the value of perseverance and service. I have been committed to multiple leadership roles, community service events, and mentoring peers throughout high school, always striving to be a positive role model in my school as well as my larger community. Throughout my two years in AFJROTC, I achieved the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant and led a flight of roughly twenty cadets, the largest flight in my unit at the time. In addition to this, I was also the units physical training officer and instructor, helping organize coordinated physical training events. I also helped coordinate and perform several color guard performances at both civilian and military functions to maintain respect for veterans and national heritage. Outside of school, I have volunteered to take part in activities like the Tour de Palm Springs, placing American flags along the race course to honor competitors and fallen heroes. I believe leadership comes from service, and I strive to be an example of integrity, discipline, and kindness to those around me. Financially, going into a higher institution of learning has been a big challenge. My family’s income supports two homes, and while my parents and step-parents work hard, there is little room for maneuver in assisting with college expenses. As a result of this, I have been saving my own money in highschool by working side jobs part time–doing pool cleaning with my dad, labor construction with my step dad, and other jobs I can find, because I know that financing my education will be primarily on my own. I am committed to pursue my dreams of serving in the U.S. Air Force as a Pararescue Jumper and later specializing as a Joint Operations Officer, however, I will be in need of financial aid to make this dream a possibility. I am also passionate about making the world and my community a safer place for younger students and children, both on and off the internet. I believe the best way approach to combating bullying and cyberbullying is mentorship and education. I step in wherever possible to mentor students through leadership clubs and sports teams, showing respectful behavior and refusing to stand for abuse. I talk freely about the importance of kindness and online responsibility, urging others to treat online interaction as respectfully as they would a face-to-face interaction. By being transparent and leading by example, I aim to make my school and community safer places for everyone. In every part of my life–whether through community service, academic leadership, or future military service–I work to make an impact. Through the help of scholarships and financial aid, I am confident that I can continue to grow as a leader and a protector for those around me.

Helping others is something that I've always believed in. From the moment I could speak as a toddler, I always enjoyed giving people compliments, lending a hand, or helping my parents cook dinner. However, there is one moment that stands out from the rest, a moment where I truly made a difference in someone's life. It was a scorching hot day in the Coachella Valley, nearing a whopping 127 degrees fahrenheit. School had just gotten out, and I was heading home with my dad. On the way, I was looking out the window at the desert landscape and the rest of the students walking home, when I noticed a boy walking alone, dressed in a black hoodie and black sweatpants. At the time, I didn't think much of it, I figured maybe he was just someone who enjoyed wearing dark clothes despite the scorching heat. However, something about it stuck in my mind. Later, we stopped at our local gas station, which was around seven miles from the school. That's when I saw him again, this time sitting on a low wall, clearly suffering from heat exhaustion. His head was down, face red, and he was drenched in sweat. He looked like he could barely keep his eyes open. I recognized him immediately and walked over, concerned. When I asked for his name, he told me it was Matthew, and that he had recently moved to the area from Oceanside, California. It made sense then: Oceanside has a much cooler, coastal climate, and he probably wasn't prepared for how extreme the desert heat would be. I knew I couldn't just leave him there. I took Matthew into the gas station and bought him water, helping him cool down. My dad and I made sure he was feeling better, then offered to drive him home so he wouldn't have to walk the rest of the way in the brutal weather. On the way, I explained to him how dangerous the heat can be in the valley and gave him some advice about dressing more appropriately for the climate. However, what started as a simple act of kindness didn't end there. That day turned into a friendship that has lasted for years. Matthew and I started talking more at school, hanging out on the weekends, and getting to know each other better. I learned that moving to new places wasn't new for him, but it was tough since his dad was in the military, but I was glad he could be someone he could count on, even from that very first day. Helping Matthew taught me that being aware of the people around us can make a big difference. It would have been easy to ignore him or just assume that someone else would help him, but by choosing to step in and be that first person to help, not only did I perform an act of kindness, but I also gained a loyal friend. That experience reminded me that doing the right thing doesn't just help others; it can shape your own life in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Throughout my lifetime, I have strived to participate in challenges that push my endurance, leadership, and commitment to serve. Through ROTC, sports, and volunteer work, I have gained a high level of discipline and responsibility. These experiences have pushed me to pursue my dream of becoming a first-responder, specifically a Pararescue Jumper (PJ) in the United States Air Force, where I can have the opportunity to make a real difference, and save lives in the most dangerous conditions. As a student-athlete, I have had my fair share of difficult training, particularly in water polo. The sport requires a combination of strength, stamina, and strategic thinking. Although I have delt with fatigue while in game, I diligently challenge myself every year through hard training and conditioning. This experience has shown me that resilience is not about lacking challenges, but rather going through them with persistence. Outside of sports, managing AFJROTC, academics, and leadership commitments have been a tough, but fulfilling challenge. Learning how to manage my time to stay disciplined has taught me the value of perseverance: characteristics that will be beneficial for me as a first responder. My 2 years of experience of AFJROTC has given me the knowledge and the courage to become a good leader and to serve. By my sophomore year, I advanced to the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant, and was given a leadership position as a flight commander, where I led a flight of 20 cadets. This leadership position demanded that I provide motivation, training and mentoring to others, as well as keeping my composure under pressure, and lead by example. As the physical training officer in the unit, I conducted physical training sessions and made sure cadets reached physical training standards. I encouraged them to step outside of their mental comfort zone to reach further goals. Furthermore, I also actively led my flights drill instruction, academic classes, and inspections. All of this helped me grow my task management and setting discipline among others skills. Community service was also a huge part of my experience in the AFJROTC program. One of the most memorable experiences from my freshman year occurred during a community service event where the unit helped set up flags and deliver supplies for athletes taking part in the Tour de Palm Springs. I have also been involved in numerous color guards, where I have presented the American flag, California flag, AFJROTC flag, as well as the rifles. These color guards have taken place at both civilian events, as well as military events. These experiences have further enriched my belief in service, and the significance of representing something bigger than myself. In addition to being a member of AFJROTC, my position as an Equity Ambassador at my school helped me to expand my leadership and communication skills. This role involved me promoting equity and justice among my classmates, guranteeing every voice was heard in my school community. The skills of being able to listen, understand the views of others, and to act will be priceless in my future career as a first responder, where swift communication and team work are vital. My overall future goal is to get into the U.S. Air Force Academy to pursue becoming a Pararescue Jumper (PJ). This job is the right blend of my interests: physical fitness, medical knowledge, and having the potential to save lives in the most unforgiving environments. The PJ motto, "That Others May Live," speaks volume to me, for I strive to put my life on the line in service to save those in jeopardy. As a first responder, I will uphold the ethics of medical staff: compassion, and speed of thought. The extent of this job will need me to be self-motivated, continually develop, and keep calm under stress. From the ranks of AFJROTC, athletics, and its various leadership positions, I have been trained and well equipped to handle these demanding situations, and I am ready to accept the challenge. Apart from my career, I wish to be a great husband and father, producing which has the very same advantages of resilience and determination. My target is not just to be successful at my job, it is to construct a lifestyle that varies my dedication to service, hard work, and our advancement. By perseverance, leadership, and a zeal for excellence, I look forward to committing my life to make a difference in someone else's.

At my highschool, student fights and conflicts are among one of the biggest problems. Over time, student conflict has grown stronger, resulting in more real conflict on school grounds whether that be physically or verbally. These fights make it hard for students to learn as they can serve as a distraction for students around the school. Using my experience in my schools Equity Ambassador program, I chose to work with my fellow Equity Ambassadors and schoolmates to help solve problems and build bonds with one another. Watching how student fights affected everyone on campus emotionally and academically drove me to take action. Some of my classmates and friends didn't feel safe attending school or extracurriculars without worrying about certain people that may cause conflict. The problems escalated even more due to students using online platforms to manage arguments and spread rumors, causing serious conflict among groups of people. Due to my experience in sports and my aspirations for the future, I have learned the value of discipline and teamwork; I have realized that schools need some sort of conflict resolution program to stay united. As an Equity Ambassador, I try to help students solve their problems through open dialogue and communication with each other. When people get angry, an Equity Ambassador steps in to tell them that conflict can end badly and hurt more than they help. I have promoted sports and clubs to get involved in on campus to ensure people can stay occupied without having to worry about drama. Through my actions, I demonstrate to my classmates that strength comes from managing emotions better than physical strength alone. I plan to help grow our project by suggesting school leaders add more peer mediations and peer counseling programs throughout the school so that students have more access to these conflict resolution programs. By holding workshops and events on conflict resolution and emotional intelligence, I want to teach students how to avoid conflict early on. I aim to develop an environment at school where people can resolve issues without resorting to fighting to build a safer space and leaving environment for all students.