My decision to pursue my education at a community college comes from a combination of life experiences that shaped the way I see opportunity, responsibility, and success. As a first-generation Dominican student who grew up in a single-parent household, I learned early that the path to a better future is built step by step. Community college became the most realistic and powerful starting point for me. When my family moved to the United States, we arrived with almost nothing except hope. My mom worked long hours to keep us stable, and I took on responsibilities at a young age to help our home run smoothly. When I began high school, I realized I needed to work to support my family financially while also keeping my education on track. Balancing school and work taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance, but it also made one thing very clear: affordability mattered. Community college offered me a chance to continue my education without putting a heavy financial burden on my family. It gave me the flexibility to work, the opportunity to explore my academic interests, and the ability to build a strong foundation before transferring or continuing my studies. Instead of being overwhelmed by debt or unrealistic expectations, I could focus on learning, improving, and preparing for my future. What truly influenced my educational path was discovering my passion for design. Growing up in small apartments and crowded spaces, I noticed how much our environment affects our daily lives. I became fascinated with interior spaces, architecture, and the idea of creating environments where people feel safe, inspired, and supported. This led me to pursue a certificate in Interior Design, which is helping me build the skills and confidence I need for the next step: an associate degree in Business Management with a focus on AI. My future educational goals extend far beyond community college. After completing my certificate and associate degree, I plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture or a related field. The combination of design, business knowledge, and technology will allow me to build a career where I can uplift communities like mine. Eventually, I want to create my own business, specializing in designing functional, beautiful spaces for families, youth centers, and community organizations. Education, for me, is not just about a degree. It is about breaking cycles, opening doors, and building something meaningful. Every class I take and every project I complete brings me closer to a future my family has worked so hard for. Community college has given me the chance to start that journey in a way that is accessible, affordable, and full of possibility. My experiences taught me that success doesn’t come from where you start, but from how committed you are to growing. Community college is helping me build the future I once only imagined, and I’m determined to continue until I reach every one of my goals.

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations In this short but powerful sentence, Marcus Aurelius expresses one of the most enduring lessons in philosophy: true strength comes from mastering your inner world, not from controlling what happens around you. Although he wrote these words almost two thousand years ago, the meaning remains universal. Life is unpredictable. We face challenges we never asked for, losses we never expected, and burdens we sometimes feel unprepared to carry. Yet Aurelius reminds us that even when life feels unstable, we still possess one real power: the ability to shape our response. This idea resonates deeply with me because much of my life has been influenced by events I could not control. Growing up in a Dominican single-parent household in Dorchester, I watched my mother work tirelessly to provide for us. I experienced stress, uncertainty, financial pressure, and emotional challenges long before I understood what mental health even meant. Later in life, I suffered one of the greatest losses I have ever experienced—the death of my uncle due to cancer. He was my role model, my support system, and a figure who taught me discipline, respect, and ambition. Losing him felt like the ground under me disappeared. During these moments, Marcus Aurelius’ message became real in a way I could never have predicted. I couldn’t control the illness that took my uncle’s life. I couldn’t control the difficulties my family faced. I couldn’t control school stress, financial challenges, or the responsibilities that fell on me at a young age. But what I could control—slowly, painfully, and with time—was how I responded. Aurelius teaches that inner strength is not something you are born with; it is something you build. And for me, building that strength meant learning to accept what I could not change while choosing to grow anyway. This perspective transformed my beliefs. Instead of seeing myself as a victim of circumstances, I began to see myself as someone capable of rising above them. I stopped believing that struggle defines a person. Instead, I realized that resilience, purpose, and mindset define who you become. This shift also influenced my relationships. I became more patient, more empathetic, and more intentional with the people in my life. I learned to listen without judgment and to support others the way my uncle once supported me. Most importantly, this philosophy shaped my career aspirations. I currently study Interior Design and plan to complete an associate degree in Business Management with an AI concentration, with long-term goals of becoming an Interior Architect. At first, design was simply something I enjoyed. But later, I connected it to something much deeper: emotional well-being. The spaces people live in reflect their inner world, and I want to create spaces that make life easier—especially for communities like mine. Understanding Aurelius’ message helped me grasp that while I cannot control the challenges people face, I can create environments that help them face those challenges with dignity and hope. I want to design youth centers, community spaces, clinics, and homes where people feel safe. I want my work to reflect the same message Aurelius shares: even when the world feels chaotic, peace can still exist inside you. This philosophy also guides how I live my life today. I try to respond to stress with clarity instead of fear. I remind myself that I am responsible for my mindset, my growth, and my actions. Every time I feel overwhelmed balancing school, work, finances, or family obligations, I come back to this truth: I cannot control everything around me, but I can control how I rise from it. In the end, Marcus Aurelius’ words helped me understand something essential: strength is not the absence of hardship—it is the ability to stay grounded despite it. His message shaped who I am becoming: a student determined to grow, a future designer committed to helping others, and a young man learning to transform pain into purpose.

One of the most significant losses I have ever experienced was the passing of my uncle, who died from cancer. He wasn’t just a relative to me; he was a mentor, a protector, and the first adult who made me believe I could become something more than my circumstances. Losing him changed the direction of my life, the way I view time, and the goals I now pursue. Growing up in a Dominican single-parent household in Dorchester, I didn’t have many male figures around. My uncle filled that space with a kind of strength that wasn’t loud but steady. He was the person who encouraged me, who listened, and who told me that even with struggles at home, I could build something bigger for my future. He had an energy that made everyone around him feel safe. When he became sick, I watched cancer take away someone who had always seemed unshakeable. It was the first time I faced the reality that life can change in an instant. His passing broke me in a way I didn’t expect. I felt lost, angry, and confused. But as time passed, I realized the impact he left behind wasn’t gone—it lived in the lessons he gave me. Losing him taught me that life is too short to wait for the “perfect time” to chase your dreams. It taught me to appreciate the people I love more deeply. And it taught me that even when life feels unfair, you can turn pain into purpose. This loss shaped my goals and the career path I’m working toward today. I’m studying Interior Design and planning to complete an associate degree in Business Management with an AI concentration, with the long-term dream of becoming an Interior Architect. At first I chose design because I liked creativity. But after my uncle’s passing, it became something deeper. I realized how important it is for people to feel comfort and peace in their environments. A room can be the place where a family gathers, where someone heals, or where a memory lives forever. My uncle spent his last months in spaces that didn’t always feel calm or comforting, and that experience inspired me to design spaces that do help people feel supported. His death also changed my outlook on how I live my life. I try to be more present, more patient, and more intentional. I remind myself to work hard not just for myself, but for the people who believed in me—including him. He always told me that every opportunity matters, and now I carry that idea into my education, my jobs, and the way I treat others. My uncle’s life and loss taught me resilience. It taught me compassion. And it gave me a purpose: to build a future where I use my talents to create spaces that bring peace to others, the same peace I wish he could have had during his hardest moments. He is gone, but the guidance he left behind continues to shape who I am becoming.

My experience with mental health has shaped the way I move through life, the way I treat people, and the career path I’m building for myself. Growing up in a Dominican single-parent household in Dorchester, I learned early how heavy stress and responsibility can feel. I didn’t always have the language for anxiety or burnout, but I felt their impact every day. As I got older, I began to understand how mental health affects your beliefs, your relationships, and the dreams you allow yourself to chase. For a long time, I believed I had to carry everything alone. I balanced school, work, family responsibilities, and my own expectations without ever stopping to breathe. When I started working while studying, I felt the pressure of wanting to help my mother while also wanting to build a better future for myself. There were nights when I felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or lost. The turning point came when I realized that ignoring my mental health was holding me back, not making me stronger. I learned that acknowledging your emotions is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing. This understanding changed my beliefs. I began to value rest, honesty, and communication. I stopped believing that I had to “push through everything” and started believing that asking for help is a form of courage. I became more patient with myself and more compassionate toward others. When someone around me is stressed, I recognize it instantly because I’ve felt it myself. My relationships improved because I learned to listen without judgment and to speak honestly about how I feel. My experience also influenced my goals for the future. I’m currently pursuing a certificate in Interior Design and planning to complete an associate degree in Business Management with a specialization in AI. Later, I hope to study Interior Architecture. At first, I wanted a career in design simply because I enjoyed it. But as I learned more about mental health, I began to understand how deeply our environments affect our emotions. A space can make someone feel calm, safe, motivated, or overwhelmed. That realization changed everything. Now, I want to use design as a tool for mental well-being. I want to create spaces that support people emotionally: youth centers, community rooms, clinics, and homes where families feel peace instead of pressure. I want to bring good design into communities like mine, where mental health is often ignored or misunderstood. I also want to use AI to create digital tools that connect students and families to affordable mental-health resources. My long-term goal is to combine design, technology, and empathy to make environments that help people breathe easier, focus better, and feel supported. I want younger students from immigrant or low-income communities to see that taking care of your mental health is not selfish — it is necessary. And I want to be an example that you can come from a challenging background and still build a life full of purpose. My experience with mental health didn’t break me. It shaped me. It taught me compassion, resilience, and the importance of creating spaces — both physical and emotional — where people can heal and grow. That is the positive impact I plan to bring into the world.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it is the foundation that allows me to learn, grow, stay focused, and move forward even when life gets stressful. Growing up in a single-parent Dominican household in Dorchester, I learned early that life doesn’t slow down just because you feel overwhelmed. My mom worked long hours, and I carried responsibilities from a young age—helping siblings, working, studying, and trying to hold everything together. I didn’t always have the words for stress or anxiety, but I understood how heavy things could feel. That experience is why mental health matters so much to me today. As a college student pursuing Interior Design and preparing for an associate degree in Business Management with an AI focus, I juggle school, work, financial pressure, and family responsibilities. I’ve had nights when I felt tired, stressed, or unsure about the future. I’ve dealt with worry about paying tuition, fixing my car, or helping at home. Handling all of that while staying focused in class made me realize something important: your mind needs support just as much as your body does. Without taking care of your mental health, everything else becomes harder. My experiences also taught me how mental health affects relationships and community. I learned to communicate better, to check up on others, and to be more patient. Whether I’m working as a supervisor at Chick-fil-A or studying with classmates, I try to be someone who creates a calm and encouraging environment. Younger coworkers sometimes come to me for advice, and I always remind them that it’s okay to feel stressed and that asking for help doesn’t make them weak. In my community and at home, I advocate for mental health through small but consistent actions. I talk openly about stress with my family because many immigrant households grow up believing they have to hold everything inside. I encourage my siblings and friends to set boundaries, take breaks, and express how they feel. When someone is overwhelmed, I don’t brush it off—I listen. Sometimes the biggest support you can give is letting someone know they’re not alone. At school, I help build awareness by sharing resources, encouraging classmates to use counseling services, and speaking up about burnout. I also advocate through my future career goals. As an aspiring Interior Architect, I want to design spaces that make people feel safe, supported, and emotionally grounded. I believe mental health starts with your environment: your room, your home, your school, your workplace. Good design can lower stress, improve focus, and bring peace into daily life. I plan to use my skills in design and AI to help create community spaces, youth centers, and accessible environments that support emotional well-being. I want to make mental-health-focused spaces for immigrant families, low-income communities, and young people who need a place to breathe, reflect, and feel heard. Mental health matters to me because I’ve lived what it looks like when people carry too much alone. It matters because I’ve seen how different life becomes when someone finally feels supported. And it matters because I want to be part of building a future where students like me don’t have to hide their struggles—they can get the care and understanding they deserve.

Faith, for me, has never been just something I learned in a church or a book. It has always been the quiet strength that carried me through moments when I didn’t know what to do next. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was learning how to support myself and my family while balancing school, work, and my future goals. It was a challenge that forced me to rely on more than my own effort. I had to depend on faith — faith that my hard work would matter, that things would eventually get better, and that I was being guided even when the path felt unclear. I grew up in a single-parent Dominican household in Dorchester. My mother worked long hours, and from a young age I felt the responsibility to help however I could. When I turned sixteen, I started working while still trying to keep up with school. Later, when I entered college, I carried even more pressure: paying bills, helping my family, repairing my car, saving for classes, and trying to stay focused on my dreams of studying Interior Design and eventually becoming an Interior Architect. There were nights when I felt overwhelmed. I worried about money, about whether I was choosing the right career path, about disappointing the people who counted on me. But every time life felt too heavy, my faith reminded me that obstacles are temporary and that perseverance always leads somewhere meaningful. Instead of giving up, I prayed, reflected, and reminded myself that I was capable of more than my circumstances suggested. One moment that tested my faith the most was when I thought I wouldn’t be able to pay for school. The financial pressure made me feel like my goals were slipping away. But I stayed steady, trusting that something would work out. I applied for scholarships, talked to advisors, searched for solutions, and kept working even when it felt impossible. Slowly, doors began to open. I found support, opportunities, and people who believed in my potential. Faith didn’t erase the challenges, but it gave me the courage to walk through them. This experience shaped how I live today. It taught me humility, patience, and the belief that blessings show up when you keep going. My faith now influences the way I treat others, the way I lead at work, and the way I approach my future career. I want to use my talents to design spaces that bring peace and hope to people — community centers, homes, and environments where families feel supported just like I once needed support. Faith helped me overcome fear, stress, and uncertainty. More importantly, it helped me see myself not as a victim of difficult moments, but as someone strong enough to rise from them. I carry that mindset with me into every new challenge. No matter how far I go in my education or my career, I will always remember that faith was the bridge that carried me over obstacles I didn’t think I could cross.

Mental health has shaped my life in ways I didn’t fully understand until I got older. Growing up in a single-parent Dominican household in Dorchester, I learned to stay strong even when everything around me felt unstable. My mother worked long hours, and I carried responsibilities early: helping at home, supporting my siblings, and balancing school with work. I didn’t always have the language for stress or anxiety, but I felt its weight. Those experiences changed my beliefs, my relationships, and the way I see my future. As I got older, especially during high school and early college, I became more aware of how mental health affects everything: how you think, how you react, how you treat people, and how you view your future. There were times when I felt overwhelmed trying to balance work, school, finances, and family expectations. But those moments also taught me honesty, empathy, and the importance of reaching out. I learned that strength is not pretending everything is fine. Strength is admitting when you need help. This understanding has shaped my relationships. I communicate differently now. I try to listen more, especially to friends and younger people who remind me of myself at their age. I don’t judge anyone for struggling, because I know what it feels like to push through silence and pressure. Mental health made me more patient, more aware, and more intentional with the people I love, including my family and my girlfriend. I want to be someone who brings peace instead of stress. My career goals are also influenced by my mental health journey. I am currently studying Interior Design and planning to complete an associate degree in Business Management with a focus on AI, with a long-term goal of becoming an Interior Architect. At first, I chose design because I loved creativity, but with time I realized I’m drawn to how spaces affect people emotionally. A room can make someone feel safe, calm, overwhelmed, or anxious. Growing up in small, crowded apartments taught me that design is not just decoration. It is mental health. In the future, I want to use my talents to design accessible community spaces where people feel welcomed and supported: youth centers, counseling rooms, clinics, quiet study areas, homes for immigrant families, or even digital platforms that use AI to connect people to low-cost mental health resources. I want to build environments that heal instead of harm. I may not be entering a traditional mental health career, but I plan to make a positive impact through my own field. Mental health requires more than therapists. It needs leaders, creators, and designers who understand how physical environments influence emotional well-being. I want to be part of that change. My experiences with mental health taught me resilience, but they also taught me compassion. They helped me understand that each person fights battles we don’t always see. And they pushed me to build a future where I don’t just succeed for myself, but also create spaces and opportunities that help others succeed too. That is the impact I hope to bring to the world.

Growing up in a single-parent household shaped almost everything about who I am, how I work, and what I want my future to look like. I was raised by my mother, a Dominican woman who carried more weight on her shoulders than most people ever see. She worked long hours, stretched every dollar, and still found a way to make my siblings and me feel loved. Watching her do so much on her own taught me two powerful lessons: responsibility is not optional, and every struggle can become part of your strength. Living in a single-parent home meant growing up faster. I learned early what it meant to help around the house, to support my family, and to stay focused on my goals even when things were complicated financially or emotionally. There wasn’t always space for extras, but there was always space for effort. That mindset is what pushed me through school, into internships, and into the jobs I’ve taken to help my family and save for my education. Because of that experience, my future goals are not just about earning a degree. They are about building a life where I can create opportunities for others who grew up like I did. I’m currently working toward a certificate in Interior Design and planning to complete an associate degree in Business Management with a concentration in AI. In the future, I hope to study Interior Architecture. But even though I have ideas about my career, what stays constant is my desire to help people. Growing up in a blended and busy household taught me that people need environments that support them, whether emotionally, mentally, or physically. Space matters. Design matters. And access matters. I want to use my skills in design and problem-solving to create environments that make people feel safe, understood, and included. That might be through designing affordable housing that feels like home, community centers that support immigrant families, or youth spaces that give kids a place to dream bigger than their challenges. My experience also taught me the importance of leadership. At work, especially in roles like supervisor and trainer at Chick-fil-A, I learned how to guide, teach, and support others. I enjoy helping people grow, especially when they doubt themselves. Leadership to me is not about being in front. It is about lifting others so they can move forward too. I imagine a future where I use all my talents — design, communication, bilingual skills, community awareness, and problem-solving — to do good. Even if I don’t know the exact job title yet, I know the purpose: to create change that feels real for families like mine. To make spaces that heal. To make education feel reachable. To show younger kids from Dorchester, from immigrant families, from single-parent homes, that their story doesn’t limit them; it prepares them. My mother’s strength built the foundation I stand on. My goal is to build the next level — not just for myself, but for everyone who will come after me. And that is the future I’m working toward.

Growing up in a Dominican household in Dorchester, I learned how important emotional support is, especially for families who work long hours, face financial stress, and don’t always have access to mental health resources. Because of my own experiences, my unique contribution to the world would be creating spaces and programs that make mental health care more affordable, less intimidating, and easier to reach. As an Interior Design student working toward a future in Interior Architecture and Business Management with AI, I want to combine design, technology, and community impact. I plan to design community centers, clinics, and youth spaces that feel safe, warm, and welcoming, especially for immigrants and minorities who often avoid seeking help because the environment feels cold or unfamiliar. A well-designed space can calm anxiety, reduce stigma, and make people feel seen. Along with design, I want to use AI tools to create low-cost virtual support systems: bilingual platforms, mental-health chat spaces, and resources that students and families can access anytime without fear or judgment. Mental health should not be a luxury. My goal is to make care feel close, affordable, and human, starting with the communities that raised me. If one person walks into a space I created and finally feels supported, that would already be a meaningful change.

Growing up as a young Dominican student in Dorchester, Massachusetts, I learned early that every opportunity matters. My family moved to the United States searching for stability and a better future, and those values shaped who I am today. I am now pursuing a certificate in Interior Design at MassBay Community College, and I plan to continue my education by completing an associate degree in Business Management with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, and eventually becoming an Interior Architect. My path may look different from others, but each step reflects my goal to build a future where creativity, innovation, and community can grow together. I chose Interior Design and Interior Architecture because I have always been fascinated by how spaces affect people. A room can change how someone feels, works, and dreams. When I was younger, my family moved often, and each new space felt like starting over. That taught me that design is not just decoration. It is comfort, safety, identity, and possibility. Later, through my internship with Digital Ready as an architecture intern, and by taking college-level design courses, I realized I wanted to help families like mine feel proud of the spaces they live in. I also chose Business Management with AI because the future of design is changing. Technology, automation, and data are now part of how architects design buildings and how designers understand community needs. Learning AI helps me become a professional who can create modern, accessible spaces while also understanding the business side of the field. As a Hispanic student, especially one who is first-generation and bilingual, I represent a small percentage in both the design and architecture fields. Latinos make up only a small fraction of licensed architects in the United States, and even fewer young men from my background go into Interior Architecture. Instead of letting that discourage me, I see it as motivation. My presence in the classroom is already part of shifting those statistics, because representation improves the moment someone takes the first step. My goal is to make an impact on my community through design and mentorship. I want to create functional, affordable spaces for underrepresented families, especially immigrants who often live in overcrowded or poorly designed housing. I understand their challenges because I lived them. I also hope to inspire the next generation by sharing my journey openly. Whether through workshops, volunteering at youth programs, or mentoring students who feel unsure about college, I want them to see that someone who looks like them, speaks like them, and comes from the same neighborhood can succeed in this field. The odds may not always be in our favor, but change starts when one person opens a door that others can walk through. I want to be that person. Earning this scholarship would help me continue my education without falling behind financially, but more importantly, it would help me become the type of designer, entrepreneur, and community leader who creates opportunities not only for myself, but for others who will come after me. I am determined to keep improving, keep studying, and keep inspiring the people around me, because a better future for me also means a better future for my family and my community.

My name is Yeremi Sanquintin, and my story begins in a small apartment in Dorchester where our furniture never quite matched, and our plans rarely stayed still. Growing up in an immigrant family taught me resilience before I even knew the word existed. I learned early that nothing is promised, but everything can be built with enough patience, hard work, and a clear vision. Today, that vision is to become an interior architect and a designer who creates spaces that bring stability, inspiration, and dignity to people who often feel forgotten by the world. Right now, I am completing my Interior Design Certificate at MassBay Community College, while preparing to begin an Associate Degree in Business Management with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence. My goal is to combine creativity, architecture, technology, and business so I can design spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but also function intelligently and serve communities in meaningful ways. I want to create environments that help people breathe easier, think clearer, and feel safe. Designing spaces is, for me, a way of giving people something I always wished I had growing up: a place that feels like home. My journey hasn’t been simple. My family has struggled financially for years, and I have worked consistently to support myself and contribute at home. I currently work as a supervisor at Chick-fil-A, where I train new employees, manage safety procedures, keep operations running smoothly, and try to set an example of professionalism and kindness. Before that, I worked as an architecture intern through Digital Ready, at the Museum of Science assisting guests, and even as a teacher assistant at Sarah Greenwood School. These experiences taught me how to lead, communicate, adapt, and show up for people no matter what is happening in my own life. Education has always been my pathway to a better future, but balancing tuition, bills, responsibilities at home, and full-time work is incredibly difficult. Every semester, I feel like I’m trying to climb a staircase while carrying several backpacks at once. This scholarship would remove a weight that I’ve been carrying for years. It would give me the chance to focus fully on my classes, expand my design skills, build my portfolio, and move forward without constantly worrying about whether I can afford the next step. I plan to use my education to make a positive impact on the world through design. I want to work on projects that improve the quality of life in low-income communities: designing affordable housing with smart layouts, creating community buildings that feel welcoming, building youth centers that spark creativity, and eventually starting my own design studio that trains and hires young people who, like me, grew up without many opportunities. I believe that design can change how people feel about themselves and their future. A well-designed space can make someone feel valued. It can remind them that their life deserves beauty, order, and comfort. That is the type of impact I want to create. This scholarship would not only invest in my education, but also in the communities and people I hope to serve. It would help me turn my story into a foundation strong enough to build a better life, not just for me, but for my family and for others who need someone to believe in them.

Being a first-generation college student means carrying both the hopes and the sacrifices of my family with me. My parents never had the chance to pursue higher education, but they believed in me even when I didn’t fully believe in myself. For me, being first-generation is not just about being the first to attend college. It is about becoming the bridge that connects my family to opportunities we never had before. My path has not been easy. I grew up in a low-income household where every decision had to be calculated and every dollar mattered. I learned early that if I wanted something, I had to work for it. Balancing school, responsibilities at home, and work became part of my routine. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, especially when I struggled to understand the college process on my own. Financial aid forms, class planning, and choosing a career path were things I had to learn step by step. But each challenge taught me resilience, problem solving, and independence. Despite these obstacles, I pushed forward and began building my future one goal at a time. I’m currently earning my Interior Design Certificate and preparing to continue with an associate degree. My dream is to become an interior architect and eventually start my own business. I want to design spaces that improve people’s lives, especially families who come from backgrounds like mine. My experiences taught me to see potential where others might see limitations, and that perspective shapes my passion for design. This scholarship would move me closer to my goals in a very real way. As a first-generation student, financial barriers are one of the biggest challenges I face. Every semester, I balance tuition, transportation, books, and the responsibilities of supporting myself. Receiving this scholarship would give me the stability to focus more on my education and less on financial stress. It would allow me to continue my studies without having to pause or delay my progress due to money. What drives me is the desire to break generational barriers and to show my family, especially the younger ones, that anything is possible. I want to be someone they can look up to, someone who proves that with hard work and determination, you can build a future that once felt out of reach. My journey is still unfolding, but I am determined to keep moving forward with purpose, heart, and gratitude. This scholarship would not only support my education; it would support the future I am working hard to build.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household has taught me perseverance in a way no classroom ever could. My mother carried our family on her shoulders, and watching her work through every obstacle showed me what resilience truly looks like. We didn’t always have enough, but that pushed me to become resourceful, independent, and determined to create a better future. These experiences shaped how I approach challenges today. When something feels overwhelming, I remind myself that giving up is not an option. That mindset helped me balance school, work, and responsibilities at home from a young age. It also led me to pursue higher education as a first-generation student, even when the process felt confusing or intimidating. Instead of letting our financial situation limit me, it became my motivation to keep moving forward. I plan to use my life experiences to make a positive impact in my community. As I work toward becoming an interior architect and a business professional, my goal is to design spaces that support families like mine and to eventually mentor young students who also come from low-income or single-parent homes. I want them to see that their circumstances do not define their future. Right now, I am actively taking steps toward my goals by completing my Interior Design Certificate, planning my associate degree, working to support my education, and constantly learning new skills. Every class I take and every job I work brings me closer to the life I want to build. My background taught me to persist, and my future is shaped by that strength. I want to transform the challenges I faced into opportunities for others.

Being a first-generation college student has shaped my career goals in a powerful way. Growing up, education was something my family valued deeply, but it was also something none of us fully understood. Every form I fill out, every class I register for, and every financial decision I make is a step no one in my family has taken before. Instead of making me feel discouraged, it has pushed me to work harder and build a future where I can open doors not only for myself, but for the people who look up to me. Because I am the first in my family to go to college, I have learned how important financial stability and opportunity are. This motivates me to pursue a career in interior architecture and business management. I want to combine design, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship to create functional spaces and eventually start my own business. My goal is to build a career where I can support my family and show them that their sacrifices mattered. Being first-generation also taught me to be resourceful and independent. When I do not know something, I research it, ask questions, and find a way forward. These habits have prepared me to succeed in college and in my future career. I want to become the person younger students in my community can come to for advice, so they don’t have to struggle through the process alone like I did. Overall, being a first-generation student is not just part of my story; it is the reason I am determined to reach my goals. It pushes me to create a future where education becomes the norm in my family and where my career can create stability and opportunities for the next generation.

My name is Yeremi Sanquintin, and my story is one shaped by resilience, responsibility, and the determination to build a better future for myself and my family. I was born in the Dominican Republic, and when my family and I came to the United States, everything changed. Starting over in a new country as a young immigrant taught me early that nothing comes easy—but it also showed me the power of hard work, sacrifice, and hope. I grew up in a single-parent household with my mom and my sibling. My mom has always been the heart of our family. She worked long hours, often taking whatever job she could find, to make sure we had food, stability, and a chance at a better life. Watching her struggle and still show up every day with strength taught me more than any classroom ever could. It taught me what commitment looks like. It taught me that family is a team, and every member has a role. Because it was just us, I learned responsibilities early. As I grew older, I started working to help support my family. I currently work at Chick-fil-A, where I have grown from a back-of-house team member to a trainer and supervisor. Work has taught me leadership, discipline, time management, and what it means to show up even when life feels heavy. I am proud of how far I’ve come, not because it’s been easy, but because every step represents something bigger—my family’s sacrifices and my desire to honor them. Education is a major part of my journey. I am studying Interior Design and completing a 27-credit certificate, and I plan to pursue an associate degree in Business Management with a focus on AI. My long-term goal is to become an interior architect and eventually run my own design-related business. I love design because it allows me to create spaces that make people feel safe, inspired, and connected. Growing up in a small apartment with limited resources taught me how much our environment affects our emotions and our ability to thrive. I want to create spaces that uplift families like mine—families who deserve beauty, comfort, and opportunity. Being the first in my family to pursue college has not been a simple path. I’ve had to navigate financial aid, schooling, and college applications on my own. I’ve had moments where I felt overwhelmed, but I never stopped pushing. Every challenge reminded me of why I started: I want to break generational barriers, create stability for my family, and open doors for my future children that were never open for us. My future plans go beyond personal success. I want to give back to my community in Dorchester by helping redesign youth centers, schools, and community spaces. I want to mentor younger Latino students who feel lost or unsure of their path. And I want to show my family—and myself—that our story doesn’t end with survival. It continues with growth, opportunity, and success. This scholarship would support my education and relieve some of the financial stress that comes with being a full-time student and a provider at home. It would help me stay focused on my goals and continue building the future my family has worked so hard for. My family dynamic, my schooling, and my dreams are all connected by one thing: hope. And I am committed to turning that hope into reality.

Giving back has always been a natural part of who I am, not because I was told to do it, but because I grew up in a community where people survive by helping each other. As a first-generation Dominican student living in Dorchester, I learned early that every small act of support can create a big difference for someone else. Whether it was helping at school, supporting my family, or participating in neighborhood clean-ups, I understood that change begins with the people closest to you. Right now, I give back in several ways. One of the most meaningful is supporting my family. Growing up in a single-parent home, I learned responsibility early. I work while attending school, help cover expenses when I can, and try to set a positive example for my younger sibling. For me, giving back starts at home, making sure the people who raised me feel supported as I pursue my goals. Beyond my family, I’ve always tried to contribute to my community. I participated in the Wednesday neighborhood clean-ups in Dorchester, helping maintain a safer and cleaner environment for everyone. These experiences taught me how impactful it can be when young people step up and give their time to improve their own neighborhoods. Through internships like Digital Ready, where I worked as an Architecture Intern, I also gave back by helping create design ideas that can improve community spaces. And at the Museum of Science, I supported families and children by guiding them through exhibits and helping them learn in a fun and safe environment. Even small moments—like helping a child understand an experiment or supporting a visitor who feels lost—felt like a way of giving back. All these experiences inspired my long-term goal: to make a positive impact through design, creativity, and leadership. I want to become an interior architect, and my dream is to use my skills to improve the spaces where people live, learn, and grow. I want to design homes for families like mine who deserve safety and comfort. I want to create better environments for youth centers, schools, and community programs, especially in neighborhoods where resources are limited. I believe good design has the power to inspire confidence and hope. In the future, I also want to mentor young Latino students who feel lost or unsupported, just like I once did. Many young people in my community face financial stress, language barriers, and uncertainty about the future. I want to show them that they can reach higher, study what they love, and break generational barriers. I want to share my journey so they know they are not alone. Ultimately, my purpose is simple: to lift others as I move forward. Giving back is not something I do for recognition. It is something I do because I know what it feels like to need support and not have many people to turn to. If I can become the person I once needed, then I know I’m making the world a better place. This scholarship would support my education and allow me to keep pursuing the goals that will help me give back on an even bigger scale. With the right tools, I know I can continue creating a positive impact—one family, one community, and one space at a time.

Growing up in a single-family household shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until I got older. My family and I came from the Dominican Republic looking for safety, opportunity, and a chance to build a better future. From the moment we arrived, it was just my mom, my sibling, and me—three people trying to rebuild a life in a country where everything was new. Living in a single-parent home meant that I learned responsibilities early, but it also meant learning about strength, sacrifice, and love in the purest form. My mom has always been the center of our family. She worked long hours, often taking on jobs that were tiring and underpaid, but she never let us feel hopeless. Watching her taught me what resilience looks like. Even when money was tight, even when life felt overwhelming, she kept pushing forward. Her determination became my motivation. I grew up understanding that if I wanted something in life—education, stability, a better future—I had to work for it. Because we were a small family, we depended on each other. I helped when I could, especially as I got older. I worked part-time while going to school, contributed what I could to the house, and tried to make sure my sibling had someone to look up to. Balancing work and school wasn’t always easy, but growing up in a single-parent household taught me how to push through challenges instead of running from them. It shaped my character, my values, and the way I see the world. Despite the difficulties, my home was always full of warmth. We didn’t have many luxuries, but we had effort, unity, and love. My mom always pushed us to stay in school, stay focused, and stay hopeful. She reminded us that being immigrants or coming from a single-family home didn’t make us less capable. If anything, it made us stronger. We learned to adapt, to fight for opportunities, and to never take anything for granted. These experiences are the reason I take my education so seriously today. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education, working toward a certificate in Interior Design and planning an associate degree in Business Management with a focus on AI. My dream is to become an interior architect and eventually run my own business. I want to create spaces that make people feel safe, inspired, and proud—especially families like mine, who often don’t see themselves reflected in professional design fields. Growing up in a single-family household also made me aware of the importance of community. My neighborhood in Dorchester, Massachusetts, showed me how much people rely on each other, especially when resources are limited. I want to give back by using my skills to improve community spaces—schools, youth centers, and homes—so families like mine have environments that support growth and opportunity. This scholarship would help me continue my education without adding more weight to my mom’s shoulders. It would allow me to focus on my studies, reduce financial stress, and stay on the path toward the future my family has worked so hard for. Every class I take, every project I complete, and every goal I reach brings us one step closer to breaking cycles and creating generational change. Growing up in a single-family household taught me resilience, responsibility, and hope. It made me who I am, and it’s the reason I’m determined to build a better life—not just for myself, but for my family and my community.

Growing up in a Latino immigrant community, I saw how much young people struggle to find safe spaces where they can grow, express themselves, and stay motivated. Many of us come from families that work long hours, have limited resources, and face challenges that can distract us from our goals. Because of this, youth sports have always been powerful in my community—not just as a way to stay active, but as a space where young people can learn discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Although I am not an athlete at a competitive level, I understand the impact that sports can have because I have seen it in the lives of people around me. Sports have the ability to keep young people focused, help them avoid negative influences, and give them a sense of belonging. For many families like mine, youth sports are one of the few outlets where kids can feel supported, encouraged, and connected. As someone who works hard in school and in life, I plan to use my leadership skills—and my future career in interior architecture—to create better environments for young people in my community. One of my goals is to help redesign and improve local community centers, after-school spaces, and sports areas so that kids have a safe and inspiring place to play. Spaces have a huge effect on how young people feel, and I want to create environments that motivate them to stay active, healthy, and connected. But my impact goes beyond design. My own journey has taught me how important guidance and positive role models are. I grew up balancing school, work, and responsibilities, and I know how easy it is to feel lost or unsupported. I want to mentor younger teens in my community by sharing what I’ve learned—how to manage responsibilities, how to stay focused on goals, and how to use sports or group activities to build discipline and confidence. Youth sports are a powerful foundation for life skills. Being part of a team teaches young people how to communicate, how to trust others, how to push themselves, and how to handle failure. Those skills translate into school, work, and their future careers. I want to be someone who helps build those foundations, especially for students who feel they don’t have opportunities. In the future, I hope to partner with community organizations in places like Dorchester to support summer sports programs, after-school activities, and mentorship groups. Whether it’s helping run events, organizing cleanups for community fields, or designing better spaces for youth activities, I want to contribute in any way I can. My dream is to create environments that protect and uplift young people—the same way others once did for me. This scholarship would help me continue my education in interior design and business management, giving me the tools I need to build programs and spaces that truly serve my community. With the support of this scholarship, I can stay focused on my goals and move one step closer to making a real difference in the lives of young people who deserve guidance, support, and opportunities to grow.

Being a first-generation Latino college student means carrying the dreams of my family with me everywhere I go. Even though I am not Mexican-American, my experience as a Dominican immigrant in the United States reflects the same struggle, pride, and determination shared by many first-generation Latino students across the country. For me, pursuing a college education is more than a personal goal; it is a promise to my family and a step toward changing the future of the generations that come after me. Growing up in an immigrant household taught me early that nothing is handed to you. My family came to this country searching for safety, opportunity, and a chance to build a life that was impossible where we came from. They sacrificed their comfort, their language, and sometimes their dreams so that I could have the freedom to create mine. That responsibility stays with me every day and pushes me to keep going, even when the path gets hard. As a first-generation student, I am learning everything from scratch. I didn’t grow up around people who went to college, understood financial aid, or knew how to navigate higher education. I had to teach myself how to apply, how to choose classes, how to balance work and school, and how to stay focused even when my life outside of school was stressful. There were many moments when I felt lost, but I never let myself give up. Each challenge reminded me that I am breaking generational barriers that once felt unbreakable. My passion comes from understanding what education truly means for families like mine. When you’re first-generation, a degree isn’t just a piece of paper. It is proof that your family’s sacrifices were worth it. It is the moment where everything they endured—the long work hours, the fear of starting over, the moments of feeling out of place—transforms into pride. It becomes a symbol of hope for younger siblings, cousins, and future children who will grow up knowing that college isn’t impossible. It is part of who we are now. I am passionate about this journey because I want to become the first in my family to earn a college degree and open doors that once seemed locked. My goal is to pursue interior architecture and eventually start my own business. I want to design spaces that reflect culture, community, and possibility. I want to show other Latino students that even if you start with little, you can build something powerful with hard work and belief in yourself. Most importantly, being a first-generation student has taught me that success isn’t just personal—it’s shared. When I walk across a graduation stage one day, it won’t be only my accomplishment. It will belong to my mother, my family, and everyone who carried me through the journey. It will be proof that our story matters, that our community deserves to be seen, and that our dreams are just as important as anyone else’s. My passion comes from knowing that I am not just studying for myself—I am studying for the people who came before me and for the ones who will come after.

My name is Yeremi Sanquintin, and I am an 18-year-old student working toward a future built on education, creativity, and responsibility. I am completing an Interior Design certificate while preparing to pursue an associate degree in Business Management with a focus on AI. My long-term goal is to become an interior architect and eventually run my own design-related business. Every step I take is not only for myself, but also for a better future for my family. My path has not been simple or easy. I’ve learned to balance school, work, and family responsibilities since a young age. While managing classes, I also work at Chick-fil-A, where I grew from a back-of-house team member to a trainer and supervisor. This experience taught me discipline, leadership, and how to stay focused even when life becomes demanding. I’ve also gained professional experience through internships at places like Digital Ready, where I explored architecture and design, and the Museum of Science, where I supported education and visitor engagement. These experiences showed me that no matter where you come from, you can grow as long as you keep moving forward. I am passionate about design because I believe spaces can change how people feel. A well-designed room can bring comfort, inspiration, and peace. My dream is to create those kinds of spaces and eventually serve communities like the one I grew up in. I want to show younger students, especially those with limited resources, that they can turn their creativity into a career and their dreams into something real. However, the financial challenges are real. Paying for college while supporting my family and covering my own expenses has been one of my biggest obstacles. Every semester, I worry about tuition, books, transportation, and the basic costs of staying in school. Sometimes I have to choose between extra work hours for money or extra study hours for school. It is a constant balancing act, and although I am committed to pushing forward, it is not something I can do alone. Receiving this scholarship would change my life. It would help relieve the financial pressure that often holds me back or slows me down. It would allow me to focus on my education without worrying about whether I can afford the next class or whether I need to sacrifice school time for another shift at work. With this support, I can continue building my career in interior architecture, complete my degrees, and stay on the path that will allow me to provide stability for my family. More than anything, this scholarship would give me the chance to keep growing. It would be an investment not only in my education, but in my potential to give back to my community, support my family, and become a leader in the field I am passionate about. My goal is not only to succeed for myself, but to show others that your background does not define your future. Hard work, discipline, and opportunity can open doors that once seemed impossible. Thank you for considering my story and my dreams. With your support, I know I can continue building the future I’ve been working so hard for.

To me, the phrase “not all stars must fall” is a reminder that our value does not depend on how fast we succeed, but on how brightly we keep trying even when life gets heavy. Stars don’t disappear just because the world gets dark; they shine through it. That idea has guided me through some of the hardest moments of my life, especially as I work toward building a better future for myself and my family. One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to balance school, work, and responsibility at a very young age. When I was still in high school, I was already helping my family and working jobs that demanded long hours. I didn’t have the luxury of choosing whether to work or study; I had to do both. While other teenagers were figuring out what they wanted to do, I was figuring out how to survive, how to support my family, and how to keep up with my goals at the same time. It wasn’t easy. There were nights when I came home too tired to even think about homework, and mornings when I woke up before the sun to get ready for another long shift. I remember trying to study for my classes during short breaks, on the bus, or in any quiet moment I could find. Sometimes I felt like I was falling behind, like I wasn’t moving as fast as everyone else. And that’s when the meaning of “not all stars must fall” became real in my life. I realized that even if my path looked different, it didn’t mean I was failing. It meant I was fighting. Another challenge came when I decided to pursue interior design and later interior architecture. Most people don’t expect someone from my background to go into a design field that requires creativity, discipline, and education. The financial side made everything even harder. There were moments when I wasn’t sure how I would pay for school, how I would stay enrolled, or whether I would be able to keep going. Every semester felt like a battle between my goals and my reality. But instead of giving up, I found strength in the idea that stars shine because they refuse to be swallowed by the darkness around them. I pushed through by working extra hours, saving every dollar I could, asking questions, and finding support wherever possible. I learned that I didn’t have to be perfect, I just had to stay in motion. I had to keep going. My experience has taught me how to overcome obstacles not with luck, but with persistence. Whenever things got difficult, I reminded myself of the future I’m working toward: a future where I become an interior architect, where I design spaces that feel safe and inspiring, where I run my own business, and where I can give my family the stability we’ve always needed. That vision keeps me grounded. It keeps me moving. This journey has also given me a purpose bigger than myself. As someone who has faced financial struggles, academic pressure, and responsibilities at a young age, I want to show others that your circumstances do not define your potential. You don’t need to be the “falling star” that burns out quickly just to impress the world. You can be the steady star that rises slowly, quietly, but powerfully. And that shine can guide others too. If someone else were struggling the way I did, I would tell them this: You don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest. You just have to believe that your story matters. You have to give yourself permission to try again, even on the days when everything feels impossible. Your dreams are not too big just because your situation is hard. Sometimes the hardest lives create the strongest stars. “Not all stars must fall” means that my story is still rising. I am still building, still learning, still shining. Every challenge I’ve overcome has made me more determined to reach the future I see for myself and my family. And with the support of this scholarship, I know I can continue moving forward toward the life I’m working so hard to create.