Diego Rene Cardoza Memorial Scholarship

One of the most significant and impacting events that has come into my life happened only three months ago on March 16, 2024. I had just gotten back from my spring break trip to Magnolia, TX with my boyfriend Daniel’s family. We spent every day sitting by the pool, relaxing in the hot tub, and binge watching movies. I had such a good time hanging out with them so I didn’t want to go back home. After we got back from Magnolia, I decided to hang out at Daniel’s house until around 9 o’clock that night, he was driving me home and we were laughing and listening to music as usual. The first sign that something was off was when we approached my driveway and a police truck pulled into my driveway ahead of us. We were very confused so we followed the truck cautiously. My driveway splits off into different directions so the truck went one way and we went the other way towards the front door. I got out of Daniel’s truck and told him to stay in while I went to check what was going on. I opened the door and all I saw was my eight year old brother Alec crying. I asked him what was wrong and he said “Evan shot himself in the head with a pistol.” Evan was my fifteen year old brother. My heart immediately sank and I felt this immense wave of shock and confusion. I ran back outside to the truck, opened the door, and Daniel could tell that something was wrong so he asked what happened and I told him exactly what Alec told me. We went back into the house to grab Alec so we could sit outside and stay away from all of the chaos that was happening. By that time, some paramedics and police officers showed up. After we were questioned by the police officers, Evan was taken to the hospital to see if anything could be done. Daniel took Alec and me back to his house so we could sleep somewhere that wasn’t our house. Once we got to their house, I couldn’t go to sleep at all. At around 12 o’clock at night, my mom texted and told us that we needed to go to the hospital. Daniel’s dad took us there and we met up with my parents and my twelve year old sister Sydney, who was at her friend's house while all of this was happening. We spent the rest of the night waiting in the children’s ICU waiting room, waiting for the inevitable news that my little brother had died. My brother Evan was officially declared dead on March 18, 2024. This event has been the most impacting thing that has ever happened to me, while I had just experienced this great devastating loss and I was feeling the heaviest weight on my heart as I was reminded everyday that I would no longer get to see Evan anymore, I have also learned not to take any moment with my loved ones for granted because they could be taken away just like that. Since then I have done everything in remembrance for him and I always try to look back at my earliest memories with Evan. As I approach the start of my college freshman year at Angelo State University, I am scared to not be with all of my loved ones everyday but I am excited to experience these opportunities in a new chapter of my life.

Earlier this year, I experienced a loss that altered my life dramatically. My mother passed away, Navigating each day without her has been one of the most challenging aspects of my journey. I miss her guidance and support; I find myself yearning for her advice and presence. This loss has forced me to face a new reality, one that requires me to stand on my own and find my way forward without her by my side. The immediate aftermath of her passing was incredibly tough. I had to adjust to the absence of someone who had been my constant support, guide, and friend. Tasks that were once shared now fell solely on my shoulders. Learning to survive and adapt was a significant challenge, and it was in these moments that I discovered the depths of my resilience. I had to step up in ways I never thought possible, and though it was daunting, I knew it was what my mom would have wanted for me. Living without her has also brought immense mental and emotional struggles. There were days when the grief was all-consuming, making it difficult to focus on anything else. The pain of missing her was sometimes unbearable, and I found myself questioning how to move forward. Yet, through this challenging period, I began to recognize the importance of continuing to live for both myself and my family. My mom's memory became a source of strength, pushing me to persevere even when it felt impossible. Despite the hardships, I've learned some valuable lessons through this experience. I've gained a new sense of independence and resilience, learning to take charge of my own life and responsibilities. I've come to appreciate the significance of living in the moment and cherishing the time we have. My mom's passing reminded me of the fragility of life and the need to make the most of every opportunity. As I look ahead, I am determined to make my mother proud and carry on her legacy. I am motivated to work hard and achieve my goals, not only for my own sake but also for the well-being of my family. I aspire to succeed in my chosen career and provide them with the comfortable life they deserve. This determination fuels my ambition and gives me the strength to face each day with purpose. To realize these dreams, I am planning to attend New Mexico State University (NMSU) for four years in pursuit of a journalism career. I have always had a passion for writing and storytelling, and I believe this field will allow me to use my skills to make a positive impact on the world. By studying journalism at NMSU, I hope to learn the art of effective communication and hone my abilities to craft compelling narratives. My vision for the future involves using my platform as a journalist to tell stories that matter. I want to shine a light on important issues and bring awareness to topics that need attention. Through my work, I hope to inspire change and contribute to a better world. My mom's memory will guide me throughout this journey, as I strive to honor her by making a difference.