Our 2010 Scholarship Recipients

As the oldest of 5, I have always felt responsible to help take care of and provide for my family. In Middle School, I began volunteering at my Aunt's restaurant and have continued to take summer and part-time jobs to help my family in any way. In my spare time I volunteer at the Dell's Children's Hospital and hope to eventually become a pediatrician.

While I will be the first to graduate High School in my family, the road was not easy. With no father at home, I have held down a part-time job to help pay our bills because my disabled mother cannot work. While I realize college will be hard, I am determined to pursue an education. After college I want to become a veterinarian because my internship at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services has confirmed my passion for working with animals.

Moving to the US just before High School, my parents never understood the importance of a college education. Instead of going to college, my parents insist I get a job to help my family cover our home expenses. But I am determined. I have devoted myself to school, taking extra classes at a local college and waking up at 4am in order to complete my school work. I plan to study biomedical engineering.

I've always been a passionate and inquisitive person. From a young age drove my mom insane with a constant barrage of the simple question: "Why?" I learned very fast that there is a big world out there, and I try to take advantage of that from being involved in Upward Bound to being the Senior Class president. I plan to continue this in college by double majoring in Earth Sciences and Journalism.

Moving to the US just before High School was difficult. While knowing little English was difficult, I focused on studying hard, getting good grades and working various jobs to help support my family. In going to college, I want to give back to my community and my family. I will be attending San Francisco State University and plan to study architecture.

Four years ago I was diagnosed with alopecia, causing most of my hair to fall out and soon after my grandmother died, bringing on a stage of depression. While this was a challenging time, I was determined to persevere. I will be the first in my family to graduate college and hope to become a broadcast journalist and eventually obtain a Masters in Business Administration.