John Acuña Memorial Scholarship

My name is Juan Delacruz, and I am honored to apply for the John Acuna Scholarship. I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an 0341 Mortarman, achieving the rank of Corporal. During my time in the Marines, I was deployed to the PACCOM region as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in 2020. I was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, where I developed the skills, discipline, and resilience that have helped shape my life and career ambitions. My experiences in the military have not only molded my character but also inspired my educational and professional goals, particularly in the field of psychology. My current educational goal is to obtain a master’s degree in psychology, I recently graduated from Santa Ana College in the spring of 2024 with two Associates to transfer in Psychology and Administration of Justice and am transferring to Chapman University as a junior this fall with the aim of becoming either a guidance counselor for veterans or a clinical psychologist specializing in veteran care. The military taught me important lessons that have had a deep impact on my daily life and aspirations. Discipline, attention to detail, dependability, integrity, and courage were all qualities instilled in me during my service. These principles have guided me through my transition from the Marines to civilian life, helping me to focus on my studies and pursue a career that allows me to give back to the veteran community. My military service has shown me the importance of mental health support, particularly for those who have served, and this realization has become the driving force behind my educational and career goals. As a veteran, I have faced several challenges while in my pursuit of these goals. The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, as the structure and support systems provided by the military are often not as readily available in civilian life. Navigating educational benefits, managing the demands of academic life and finding a sense of purpose outside the uniform are just a few of the hurdles I have encountered. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my goals, drawing on the resilience and determination that my military service instilled in me. Following my service, I have actively sought ways to give back to my community, much like John Acuna did. I am involved in outreach efforts, particularly in spreading awareness about educational benefits, resources, and career exploration opportunities to active-duty service members and veterans. Additionally, I had the privilege of working alongside John Acuna during my early semesters at Santa Ana College as a Work Study and am now employed by Santa Ana College as the Interim Student Program Specialist at the Veterans Resource Center. It was through this experience that I discovered my passion for helping other veterans and transitioning service members, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in psychology. My commitment to supporting my fellow veterans reflects the values I hold dear, and I am determined to continue this work as I advance in my academic and professional journey. In conclusion, my service in the Marine Corps has significantly shaped who I am today and has influenced my goals of becoming a psychologist specifically for veterans. The challenges I have faced as a veteran have only strengthened my desire to succeed, and my involvement in the community reflects my dedication to giving back to those who have served. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the John Acuna Scholarship, and I am committed to carrying on his legacy of service and support to the veteran community.