José Ventura and Margarita Melendez Mexican-American Scholarship Fund

Hi, My name is Martha, and being a first-generation, Mexican-American student is a big part of why I’m so passionate about pursuing higher education. My parents are immigrants who came to this country with very little, and their sacrifices have shaped not only my life but also the values I carry with me every day. Growing up, I saw my dad work long hours as the sole provider for our family of five while my mom stayed home to take care of us. She’s a deeply faithful woman who often woke up in the middle of the night to pray and ask God for strength and guidance. Even though we didn’t have much, my parents always found ways to make things work. My mom would take us to thrift stores, and she taught me the value of being resourceful and grateful for what we had. But being frugal came with its own challenges. My parents’ hardships made them cautious, and even as they financially recovered, they rarely allowed themselves to enjoy life. That stuck with me because, while I admire their resilience, it also made me realize how important it is to find joy in the life you work so hard to build. As a first-generation student, I didn’t always know what I wanted to do with my life. But when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, everything became clearer. My parents told me to see it as a reminder to slow down, take care of myself, and focus on my future. That advice changed everything for me. It helped me embrace my passion for coding and computers, a field I now see as an opportunity to create a better future, not just for myself, but for my parents, too. Being a first-generation, Mexican-American student means carrying the hopes and dreams of my parents while paving a path of my own. It means honoring their sacrifices by working hard to achieve the opportunities they didn’t have. It means showing gratitude for their resilience and using their story to inspire my own journey. I’m passionate about being a first-generation student because it’s about more than education, it’s about giving back to my family, representing my community, and proving that hard work and perseverance can overcome any obstacle. I hope to one day give my parents that break they deserve and show them how much they mean to me and give them a chance to enjoy life. Thank you so much for allowing me to share my story.

Being a first-generation Mexican-American college graduate is something that fills me with immense pride, not only because it marks an academic achievement, but because it signifies a profound breakthrough for myself, my family, and my community. My journey to college graduation has been shaped by resilience, faith, and the deep belief that when there is a will, there is a way. This passion is fueled by my desire to create change, inspire others, and prove that with hard work, determination, and God’s guidance, everything is possible. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, I was often confronted with the challenges of navigating two cultures. My parents, who emigrated to the U.S. seeking better opportunities, did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, and this sometimes made it difficult to understand the process or the significance of earning a college degree. However, they instilled in me the importance of education and hard work, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams despite the obstacles we faced. I knew that my path to a degree would not only change my life but would set a precedent for future generations in my family. My passion for being a college graduate goes beyond personal accomplishment. It is about breaking barriers and creating a legacy. As a Mexican-American, I understand that our community has often faced systemic challenges and limited access to educational opportunities. By graduating college, I am not only defying those odds but also paving the way for others in my community to believe that a college education is attainable. My success serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, and it encourages others to follow their own dreams despite the difficulties they may face. This journey has been made possible through my unwavering faith in God. I have always believed that with God’s help, nothing is impossible. There were times during my High School years when I felt overwhelmed by the weight of responsibilities, the pressures of fitting in, or the fear of failure. Yet, it was my faith that sustained me through those difficult moments. I prayed for strength, guidance, and courage, and God never failed to show up when I needed Him most. I firmly believe that my accomplishments are not solely the result of my hard work but also the blessings and grace that God has granted me along the way. Ultimately, my passion for being a first-generation Mexican-American college graduate is about more than just earning a degree. It is about causing change, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their dreams if they stay determined and remain faithful. My journey is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big, and no challenge too insurmountable, when we combine our willpower with God’s guidance. I hope to inspire others in my community to pursue higher education, break through barriers, and believe that with faith, hard work, and perseverance, everything is possible.

Dear Scholarship Committee, I am writing to apply for the José Melendez scholarship as a first-generation Afro-Latina student who is committed to individualized education for all, specifically those with developmental disabilities. My passion for teaching others, especially those with special needs, started at home. My Tia Erma was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that contributes to a multitude of fine and gross motor deficits. My Abuelita modeled patience and maintained dignity for Tia by conversing with her, although she is nonverbal. It makes me feel overcome with joy when I think of Tia Erma first being taught to say two very important words: “no” and "yeah." It’s that feeling that reinforces the fact that I want to be the person who persists in teaching life skills to those whom some may deem “unteachable." This scholarship is so important for all of the driven Latinx kids who have witnessed generations of their loved ones struggle financially, which then creates a ripple effect of adversity. This scholarship aims to bridge the gap between first-generation Mexican-American students and the high costs of education that deter many from attending college. As a first-generation college student, my drive stems from the aspiration to create a stable and peaceful future for myself, my family, and my community. There have been many hiccups and hurdles throughout my college journey, but despite the hardships, I have been galvanized to rise above and not be deterred or intimidated by these challenges. Instead, I am determined to be a leader for generations to come. Coming from a Mexican American family, I am equipped with a unique perspective in the field of special education. Minority families naturally gravitate toward me in educational settings regarding their learners. This can be critical when interacting with learners and the families who support them at home. I know that my experiences and cultural background can create an enhanced environment of diversity and inclusion. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have also gained valuable volunteering experience. In 2019, I volunteered as an usher at the Grand Rapids Civic Theater. Additionally, for the last two years, I have volunteered at the Woodfield Community Center, a haven for refugee kids who live in the Woodfield Apartments Community. I may not have earned a dollar volunteering at WCC, but the experience I’ve gained while playing with and tutoring those kids is priceless. Furthermore, I volunteered at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, which is a non-profit in my community. I worked on preparing and setting up events held by the organization to raise environmental awareness. Through these experiences, I have developed critical social skills such as communication, unselfishness, and teamwork, which I know will be imperative in my future academic and career endeavors as an educator and mentor for individuals with special needs. Receiving the José Melendez scholarship would be an honor and provide me with financial support to continue towards my Master's degree. It would also give me more time to focus on my studies and pursue further community-based experiences. In conclusion, I am passionate about being a first-generation Mexican-American student because it allows me to overcome barriers, inspire others, and bring a flood of diversity to educational settings. I am dedicated to becoming a first-generation Mexican-American college student because I strive to be a role model of persistence and hard work, as well as a symbol of the possibility of prosperity for everyone, especially the Mexican-American community. By earning a college degree, I will be greatly investing in not only myself but also my community. Thank you for considering my application for the José Melendez scholarship

Walking up the endless stairs at Seattle Pacific University with a burrito made of chilaquiles con huevo in my hand, I was struck by the magnitude of the moment. There I was, a first-generation Mexican-American on a predominantly white university campus with a breakfast made by my mother at 4 am before heading to work with my dad. In that instant, I was reminded of all of the challenges and struggles that my parents and I faced to make my education possible. As I headed to the commuter lounge to heat my burrito before going to a group study meeting, my heart was filled with overwhelming gratitude. I am passionate about being a first-generation Mexican-American student because my graduation will be the culmination and fruition of many sacrifices, hard work, and determination. It is with guilt and inspiration that I have watched my parents wake up at 4 am to commute an hour and a half every day to their jobs. Their work ethic has inspired mine and it is through them that I learned that with hard work and ambition, anything is possible. Working the moment I turned 16, late nights studying to maintain a high GPA, playing volleyball, and endlessly volunteering all in the hopes of getting into a university. I am determined to make the most out of my education and take advantage of every opportunity available to me. I currently work as an accounting assistant and although it is challenging to balance school and work, I know it'll be worth it in the long run. As a Mexican-American, I grew up being at a crossroads between my two identities. My collectivistic Mexican upbringing clashed with my individualistic American environment and I felt that I was "ni de aquí y ni de allá". I remember wishing my family could be “normal” and I wondered why we didn’t wear cashmere sweaters and eat steak and salad every night like the Americans on TV. I resented that other kids had parents who could speak English and that they didn't have to act the adult by interpreting and thus growing up too fast as a result of these responsibilities. I can also count on my fingers the number of times I tried to ask my parents for help with my homework (three times). I so desperately wanted to be a kid who could rely on their parents and ask them for help instead of having it be the other way around. But by wanting so much to be “normal”, I ignored the beauty of my cultural upbringing and how it has shaped who I am today. Instead of complaining about my circumstances like I used to, I have realized that all of these experiences have given me valuable skills and lessons that I can use in the workplace, at school, in life, and to help other people. I am fiercely independent, resourceful, self-driven, empathetic, caring, and resilient. These characteristics are the reason that I will graduate with honors, get a good job, and make my parents as proud of me as I am of them. They are my biggest supporters and I will make their sacrifices worth it. Getting to graduate university when my parents did not even finish middle school is a blessing I do not take lightly. Just like my parents have worked hard so that me and my siblings would not have to face the struggles that they did, I will also do the same for my future children. Being a first-generation Mexican-American student is difficult, but it has become my greatest strength.