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Vivianna Rivera

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Finalist

General information

Location
Jacksonville, FL

Hobbies & Interests

  • Accounting
  • Advertising
  • Anime
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Reading
  • Concerts
  • Movies And Film
  • Spending Time With Friends and Family
  • Food And Eating
  • Conservation
  • Math

Reading

  • Chick Lit
  • Classics
  • Contemporary
  • Horror
  • Literary Fiction
  • Novels

I read books daily.

Bio

Hello! My name is Vivianna Rivera and I’m from Jacksonville Florida. In the summer of 2025, I’ll be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of Central Florida. My goal is to become a financial advisor and help others achieve the financial stability lacked. I also plan to give back by volunteering at high schools to teach students about financial literacy, empowering future generations to take control of their futures. Throughout high school, I’ve embraced every opportunity to lead and grow. I’ve served as President of Future Business Leaders of America, interned at VyStar Credit Union, and joined the Thrive Scholars six-year program. I also worked part-time at Panera Bread, typically 20–25 hours a week. These experiences shaped my character and strengthened my drive to succeed. As a first-generation, low-income student, the journey to college has been tough, but I’m committed to making my parents proud. I look forward to the day I can walk across that stage and hold my degree, knowing that all my effort was worth it. But even with my determination, the question of how to pay for college still lingers. My parents have worked incredibly hard and sacrificed so much to give me the life they couldn’t live. To them, I’m immensely grateful. That’s why I’m applying for scholarships, so I can fund my education and graduate debt-free. With that freedom, I’ll be able to fully embrace everything college has to offer, the ones my parents never could. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me. Wishing you a blessed day!

Education

University of Central Florida

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2029

Majors:
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
GPA4.0 GPA

Duncan U. Fletcher High School

High School

2021 – 2025

GPA3.8 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Associate's degree program
Majors of interest:
Finance and Financial Management Services, Accounting and Related Services
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • As Student Manager, I worked as a bank teller at the Neptune Beach and Duncan U. Fletcher High School VyStar branches, brainstormed and created events to attract members, and led presentations to teach students about financial literacy.

    Banking · VyStar Credit Union

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • As line worker, I led coworkers during rushes, ensured accuracy of orders, conserved a positive attitude, and I received an award for being solution focused.

    Food Production · Panera Bread

    Jan 2023 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Financial Services
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Entrepreneurship
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
It’s a scorching August day, and I’m 14 years old. My mother sits across from me on my bed, gently holding my hands in hers. The room, once a comforting shade of pink, now feels stifling, closing in around me. I struggle to process the words that just left her lips, words that she, too, seems unable to fully bear. Her voice trembles, cracking under their weight, and suddenly, we’re both crying, tears falling fast and relentless, like bullets. The doctors have found a lump on her breast. I didn’t fully understand what a “lump” meant. My mother confesses that she doesn’t fully understand it either, but nonetheless, she explains it to me. It became very clear that this was not a good sign. As I was crying, my mother composed herself. She looked me in the eyes, gently squeezed my hands, and said I needed to be ready, just in case she didn’t make it. When my mother started radiation treatment, I saw the toll it took on her almost immediately. After just a few sessions, she was barely recognizable, her once glowing complexion turned pale, her hair thinned, her eyes grew weary, and her body weakened. Yet, no matter how much pain she was in, she always returned home, kissed my head, and asked about my day as if nothing had changed. Watching my mother endure so much while still radiating warmth and strength was truly inspiring. Though her body weakened, her spirit never faltered. Whether offering a shoulder to lean on, words of encouragement, or a comforting hug, she remained a pillar of strength. In witnessing her unwavering resilience, I learned that even in the darkest moments, light can still be found. That lesson has shaped me in ways I never expected. I had always heard the saying, “Live each day as if it were your last,” but I never understood it until my mother’s illness. Life is unpredictable, that was a guarantee. But what matters is how we choose to live it. In what she believed might be her final moments, my mother chose love, kindness, and gratitude over bitterness and sorrow. She didn’t dwell on what was lost but instead cherished the life she had. Her strength and perspective continue to guide me, and I aspire to embody those same qualities, finding light in darkness and gratitude in every step forward. I have showcased these qualities throughout high school. There were times when stress and pressure felt overwhelming, moments when I wanted to shut everything out. There were also times when others hurt me, and I allowed their negativity to take root within me. But I refused to let resentment and grudges define who I am because I know I have so much more to offer the world. Instead, I have chosen to rise above by embracing kindness and focusing on the good, allowing positivity to shape my path forward. My mother has left a powerful influence on me and how I carry my life. Despite having faced all that she has, she carries herself with so much resilience and light that I admire. I hope to continue reflecting her spark onto myself. In college and beyond, no matter what obstacle is thrown in my path, I will look upon them as an opportunity to grow and overcome them.
Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship
During my junior year, I interned for VyStar Credit Union. Besides working as a bank teller at my on-campus branch, I also led financial literary presentations in school. While I loved it, I was a bit ignorant towards it. I didn’t see why we had to teach students about financial skills because I believed it was “basic knowledge.” One day, I’m standing in front of a classroom giving one of these presentations. The topic was about budgeting and savings. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I assumed budgeting was something everyone naturally understood. But I was wrong. To get students involved, I asked questions like, “What’s the difference between net and gross pay?” and “What are some different ways to budget?” But the room stayed quiet. Some students shrugged, others looked confused, and a few just shook their heads. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to speak up, it was that they simply didn’t know. After that day, I couldn’t get this moment out of my head. Coming from a low-income background, I understood how important it was to understand how to handle your money and where you’re putting it. I wanted to help my community gain access to this essential information, helping them be more prepared for the journey ahead. So, I decided to take leadership and help my peers. I partnered with VyStar to create monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions during school lunch. These events brought in VyStar representatives to teach students in a way that felt approachable and engaging. From the first session, we saw a great turnout. Students asked questions, shared their thoughts, and left with a clearer understanding. They were eager to take control of their financial futures, and I loved watching them excitedly raise their hands to ask another question. I could see their confidence grow, and I felt proud knowing I helped my peers gain knowledge they could carry into the future. That’s what sparked my interest in finance and financial education. I’m planning to pursue a degree in finance at the University of Central Florida starting in the summer of 2025. While I aim to become a financial advisor, I also want to create a nonprofit organization that brings accessible financial literacy education to classrooms across the nation. By doing this, I hope to empower future generations to take control of their financial futures and not be afraid or confused by money jargon. Knowing that there are students out there who now understand how to apply for a credit card or start a savings account because of my work is what pushes me to get a higher education. Being a first-generation student, the journey ahead looks daunting. But, I know with my degree and the knowledge I'll gain, I'll be more equipped to help others in the future feel more confident and informed in their financial decisions. However, with my education comes various college expenses, from housing to tuition. This scholarship will support my journey toward success by allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies, without worrying about how I’m going to pay for my classes. My education will help me become the person others can rely on with their money, and that’s why it’s so important for me to commit myself fully to my classes. Getting my degree is just the first goal of many for me, and I can’t wait to get started.
Concrete Rose Scholarship Award
During my junior year, I interned for VyStar Credit Union. Besides working as a bank teller at my on-campus branch, I also led financial literary presentations in school. While I loved it, I was a bit ignorant towards it. I didn’t see why we had to teach students about financial skills because I believed it was “basic knowledge.” One day, I’m standing in front of a classroom giving one of these presentations. The topic was about budgeting and savings. At first, I didn’t think much of it. I assumed budgeting was something everyone naturally understood. But I was wrong. To get students involved, I asked questions like, “What’s the difference between net and gross pay?” and “What are some different ways to budget?” But the room stayed quiet. Some students shrugged, others looked confused, and a few just shook their heads. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to speak up, it was that they simply didn’t know. After that day, I couldn’t get this moment out of my head. Coming from a low-income background, I understood how important it was to understand how to handle your money and where you’re putting it. I wanted to help my community gain access to this essential information, helping them be more prepared for the journey ahead. So, I decided to take leadership and help my peers. I partnered with VyStar to create monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions during school lunch. These events brought in VyStar representatives to teach students in a way that felt approachable and engaging. From the first session, we saw a great turnout. Students asked questions, shared their thoughts, and left with a clearer understanding. They were eager to take control of their financial futures, and I loved watching them excitedly raise their hands to ask another question. I could see their confidence grow, and I felt proud knowing I helped my peers gain knowledge they could carry into the future. That’s what sparked my interest in finance and financial education. I’m planning to pursue a degree in finance at the University of Central Florida starting in the summer of 2025. While I aim to become a financial advisor, I also want to create a nonprofit organization that brings accessible financial literacy education to classrooms across the nation. By doing this, I hope to empower future generations to embrace money, not be afraid or confused by it. Knowing that there are students out there who now understand how to apply for a credit card or start a savings account because of my work is motivating. I want to continue doing it. But before I think about doing that, I must first focus on my education. And with my education comes various expenses, from tuition to housing. My mother suffers from numerous medical problems, with two past cancer diagnoses and present nerve damage. This means that our money focuses on her appointments, treatment, and medications. I want the focus to remain on her, which is why I am seeking this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship will support my journey toward success by allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies, without worrying about how I’m going to pay for my classes. My education will help me become the person others can rely on with their money, and that’s why it’s so important for me to commit myself fully to my classes. Getting my degree is just the first goal of many for me, and I can’t wait to get started.
FLIK Hospitality Group’s Entrepreneurial Council Scholarship
Growing up, I didn’t have the luxury of understanding my parents, at least not in a linguistic sense. They spoke Spanish, and I didn’t. No matter how much they tried to get me to learn, the words never quite rolled off my tongue the way they should. In a way, that became their secret weapon. They would talk about serious things right in front of me, knowing I wouldn’t be able to understand. Still, I listened, trying to piece things together. It didn’t take long for me to become aware of certain words and what they meant. Over time, one word kept popping up again and again. It seemed to dominate every conversation. That word was dinero. Money was always tight at my house; the topic of it always made the people in my household uneasy. Initially, I saw my upbringing as a disadvantage. I lacked the certain luxuries of my peers. I couldn’t buy new back-to-school clothes or shoes and dinners were usually the same every night, rice and red beans. I envied others, but I grew to understand that this background actually gave me a unique advantage. It allowed me to become aware of the importance of money, and if you properly handle it, you can do the things you’d like to freely. However, I also understood that others didn’t have this. During my junior year, I had an amazing opportunity to intern for VyStar Credit Union, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience as a bank teller and lead financial literacy presentations at school. In the presentations, I covered basic financial topics, such as budgeting, credit, and savings. It helped me learn so much about how to handle your money, and I still apply these skills today. But, I saw many students lacking this essential knowledge. And even though I was teaching them through these presentations, I wanted to do more. So, I decided to partner with VyStar and begin monthly Lunch and Learns at my high school. These were monthly, free events where students could sign up to attend a financial literacy session over lunch. We invited representatives from VyStar who could introduce complex financial topics into more understandable lessons. Students were encouraged to ask questions and openly discuss what was being taught. Even for our first session, the turnout was incredible. Many students were ready to take action for their futures and learn how to become financially successful, not through getting high paying jobs but through skills. Seeing each student leave, I saw how much more confident they felt. Their feelings reflected onto me as my efforts proved to be worth it. I was glad knowing that I had helped so many students gain access to valuable knowledge, knowing they will effectively apply it in their future. However, I still thrive to do more. I plan to continue making a positive impact in my community and others by volunteering at different high schools and educating students about the importance of becoming financially literate. I’ll expand the lessons that the “Lunch and Learn” sessions discussed and help even more students than before. By doing this, I want to help future generations not be afraid of money, and instead embrace it. I don’t want the topic of money to prove to be an uneasy topic in their families, and instead something they tackle head-on, knowing they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so. I can’t wait for what the future has in store for me, and the many others I hope to impact.
Mark Green Memorial Scholarship
Growing up, I didn’t have the luxury of understanding my parents, at least not in a linguistic sense. They spoke Spanish, and I didn’t. No matter how much they tried to get me to learn, the words never quite rolled off my tongue the way they should. In a way, that became their secret weapon. They would talk about serious things right in front of me, knowing I wouldn’t be able to understand. Still, I listened, trying to piece things together. It didn’t take long for me to become aware of certain words and what they meant. Over time, one word kept popping up again and again. It seemed to dominate every conversation. That word was dinero. Money was always tight at my house; the topic of it always made my family uneasy. Initially, I saw my upbringing as a disadvantage. I lacked the certain luxuries of my peers. I couldn’t buy new back-to-school clothes or shoes and dinners were usually the same every night, rice and red beans. I envied others, but I grew to understand that this background actually gave me a unique advantage. It allowed me to become aware of the importance of money, and if you properly handle it, you have all the power in the world. However, I also understood that others didn’t have this understanding. During my junior year, I had an amazing opportunity to intern for VyStar Credit Union, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience as a bank teller and lead financial literacy presentations at school. In the presentations, I covered basic financial topics, such as budgeting, credit, and savings. It helped me learn so much about how to handle your money, and I still apply these skills today. But, I saw many students lacking this essential knowledge. And even though I was teaching them through these presentations, I wanted to do more. So, I decided to partner with VyStar and begin monthly "Lunch and Learn" sessions at my high school. These were monthly, free events where students could sign up to attend a financial literacy session over lunch. We invited representatives from VyStar who could introduce complex financial topics into more understandable lessons. Students were encouraged to ask questions and openly discuss what was being taught. Even for our first session, the turnout was incredible. Many students were ready to take action for their futures and learn how to become financially successful, not through getting high paying jobs but through skills. Seeing each student leave, I saw how much more confident they felt. Their feelings reflected onto me as my efforts proved to be worth it. I was glad knowing that I had helped so many students gain access to valuable knowledge, knowing they will effectively apply it in their future. However, I still thrive to do more. I plan to continue making a positive impact in my community and others by volunteering at different high schools and educating students about the importance of becoming financially literate. I’ll expand the lessons that the “Lunch and Learn” sessions discussed and help even more students than before. By doing this, I want to help future generations not be afraid of money, and instead embrace it. I don’t want the topic of money to prove to be an uneasy topic in their families, and instead something they tackle head-on, knowing they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to do so. I can’t wait for what the future has in store for me, and the many others I hope to impact.
Gregory Chase Carter Memorial Scholarship
When I became president of my high school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter, I knew this position gave me great responsibility. It wasn’t just about leading the club, but also making a positive impact in our community. Every year, the president chooses a nonprofit organization for our club to work with. Once chosen, we begin to volunteer with them and help spread their cause. While there are many great charities and organizations to choose from, it was difficult to find one that truly resonated with our team. Until we were introduced to Forgotten Angels. Forgotten Angels is a nonprofit organization that brings cheer to those who live in underprivileged nursing homes. They do this by providing care packages for the residents or hosting holiday parties to entice socialization and connection. The founders became committed to this cause when they realized how very few charities focus on the well-being of the elderly. Instead of letting them be continuously overlooked, they created Forgotten Angels to work towards this meaningful cause. However, they are a small organization. This means that they lack the funds to carry out their efforts, often going into their own pockets to afford items for the residents. When we found out about their mission, we immediately knew we wanted to help and relieve the financial strain on them. At my high school, we hosted a donation drive to collect toiletries, such as shampoo and moisturizer, to later give to the residents. Because these homes are underprivileged, they cannot provide these essentials to their residents. By creating this donation drive, we were filling that gap. Once we finished collecting the items, we volunteered to package these items into care packages. Rather than simply dropping off the donations to a home, we walked through every hallway, personally handing gifts to each resident. Through this initiative, we not only met material needs but also fostered emotional and social support. Many residents’ faces lit up when they received their gifts, often expressing that’s the first one they’ve gotten in a while. Volunteers and residents engaged in heartfelt conversation, laughing and sharing smiles, forming connections that may ease feelings of isolation. This sight was heartwarming to see, knowing that our efforts truly helped these residents in some sense. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: giving back isn’t just about donating time or needs–it’s about truly connecting with the people you’re helping. Now, my team and I visit the nursing home every other weekend, bringing games, food, and friends to help brighten their day. After our first visit, we were so moved by the warmth and joy we felt that we knew we had to keep coming back. After this, I hope it inspired awareness amongst my community. There are many great charities, but we should dig beneath the surface and find those who are often overlooked. More importantly, I want my community to focus on who they're meeting, and less on what they're giving. As I continue with Forgotten Angels-and hopefully carry their mission with me into college-I wish to do the same. The real gift is in the conversations, the laughter, and the genuine connections we share.
Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship
It wasn’t unusual for me to find my mother hunched over the dinner table, worrying about bills that cannot be paid. My parents, born in San Juan, came to the mainland United States to achieve the American dream. A place full of opportunity and prosperity. However, their journey wasn’t an easy one. My parents faced immense challenges. Whether it be from financial instability to language barriers, they were constantly overcoming. Despite these obstacles, they remained resilient and accomplished the life they fought for. However, witnessing our struggles, left a lasting impression on me. Growing up in a household that constantly faced financial uncertainty, I saw firsthand the stress that came with not knowing how to navigate the complexity of money or balance life’s many challenges. Inspired by my background, I wanted to work towards understanding finances myself. In my junior year, I had the privilege of interning at VyStar Credit Union. This gave me hands-on experience of the banking field and an unique opportunity to teach my peers about financial literacy. However, during these presentations, I noticed a significant issue: the lack of awareness about financial management among young people. My presentations entailed that I asked questions, such as “What are good ways to save your money?” But, questions like this would leave students puzzled, uncertainty spread across their faces. Even when some would answer, they would joke, not recognizing the usefulness a question like this may have for their future. Because of my background, I had put a strong emphasis on my money management early-on to prepare myself for the future. It was disheartening to see that a lot of students were not equipped with these necessary financial skills. In our ever evolving world, understanding how your money works is one of the most important life lessons you can receive. So, I decided to take initiative and fight this issue. The VyStar internship showed me the impact of accessible financial education. These topics aren’t often taught in classrooms, and when they are, students often lack the focus to engage. To address this, I created “Lunch and Learns” as President of Future Business Leaders of America. These sessions, led by mentors or teachers, covered financial topics like budgeting and investments, paired with a warm lunch and an encouraging atmosphere. Afterward, students, especially seniors nearing adulthood, expressed their gratitude for the practical lessons. This initiative not only expanded my peers' financial knowledge but also inspired me to expand these programs nationwide. In the fall of 2025, I plan to pursue a degree in finance at the University of Central Florida. My goal is to leverage this education to later become a financial advisor. Because of my experiences with VyStar’s internship, I wish to work towards implementing finance internship programs. However, I aim to take this initiative further by incorporating more hands-on experience for the students. It would include shadowing opportunities, mentorships, and life-skill workshops. By doing so, I hope to empower students with the financial knowledge they need to make informed decisions and build stable futures. This passion for financial literacy has not only shaped my educational and professional goals but has also instilled in me a commitment to helping others. By addressing this critical issue, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the next generation, ensuring that they are equipped with the tools to succeed.
Vivianna Rivera Student Profile | Bold.org