Hobbies and interests
Reading
Education
Weightlifting
Photography and Photo Editing
Video Editing and Production
Cosplay
Movies And Film
Finance
Astrology
Astronomy
English
Reading
Academic
Anthropology
Classics
Education
I read books multiple times per week
Aaron Raya
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FinalistAaron Raya
1,435
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FinalistBio
My passion is education! I want to become a teacher who supports students with learning disabilities. I was one of those students who had a learning disability, and I would like to give the same support back to the next generation.
My goal is to transfer to a university and make my dream a reality! I come from a Latino family, and I am also a first-generation student.
I graduated from C.K. McClatchy Senior High School with a 4.2 GPA with honors. I was a writer for the school's newspaper, The Prospector. I am an experienced lifeguard who supported students with swimming on campus for a year. During my last year at CKM, I was the president of the German club, where the club board and I were teaching the German culture to the members.
I volunteered as a tutor at Cal Middle School for my senior project to gain experience as a future teacher. I absolutely loved it there, and I can't wait to see what my future holds!
I am currently a college sophomore at Sacramento City Community College who is majoring in English. I am also a secretary of the Puente Club, in association with the Puente Project.
Education
C K Mcclatchy High School
High SchoolMajors:
- English Language and Literature, General
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Education, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Career
Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
Teacher for students with disabilities
I work in the produce and dairy departments. I am also a cashier!
Save Mart Super Markets2019 – Present5 years
Sports
Bodybuilding
Club2016 – Present8 years
Awards
- n/a
Public services
Volunteering
Cal Middle School — Tutor2019 – 2020
Future Interests
Volunteering
Philanthropy
You Glow Differently When You're Happy Scholarship
A happy memory that makes me feel good is when I graduated from high school in 2020. I was a struggling student with poor grades, and I was on a study grind to pull those grades up as much as I can. At the time, I was a student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) so it was difficult to concentrate of what I was doing during class. Throughout the journey, I had many support from teachers, especially from my case manager. They motivated me to become a someone who I want to be in the future, my true self.
First-Generation Educators Scholarship
The educator who had the most positive impact on my life was my Individualized Education Plan (IEP) teacher, Mr. Stark. He supported me as a student who had an IEP where I was studying in classrooms based on my selected accommodations. He also gave me advice on how to successfully transfer to a university, maintain my time management, gave me the best suited teachers, and supported me on how to get around campus. If it wasn't for him, I do not think I would standing in this position academically. I was even given the chance to excel my education and enroll into AP classes. It was a challenge for myself since I was stepping outside of my comfort zone, however, I was grateful for this opportunity to build my mindset into a stronger one.
As soon as I graduated from C.K McClatchy HS, I realized that I wanted to become an IEP teacher as well. The support I received from my teachers, especially Mr. Stark, inspired me to help those students with learning disabilities the same method they helped me. Additionally, many students could be losing hope or not believing in themselves, and I would like to be apart of their journey where I can guide them toward their desired goal. I would also like to become a big role model for my students, because I was once in their shoes as a kid; I understand the struggle of being in these circumstances. I can be used for advice and educational knowledge.
I love making others happy, because it makes me feel happy too.
As a first generation student, I wanted to go to college because I wanted to show not only my family but myself what I am capable of in life. I understand this world has infinite possibilities and it is hard to determine your own fate, but I already know who I need to be. I need to be someone who supports the next generation of students, and create a path for them to pursue their dreams. After seeing what I can do, I know I can do more with this motivation. In order for me to pursue my dream, I need to keep moving forward.
In conclusion, my life goal is to make my family proud, especially my grandparents. They both supported me with ditches in my journey, but they gave me hope. Hope that I never knew I can harness within myself. I am happy where I am at now, and I am excited to see what my future looks like later on!
Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship
Throughout my life, I learned to never stop moving forward when you are struggling with something. I had to learn that the hard way. When I was attending Sutter Middle School, I thought students were gifted naturally, instead of working towards what they desire for their goals academically. I've always doubted myself, because I did not take myself seriously when it came to finding my interest in classes.
I enjoyed film production and photography because I paid close attention to the detail of the picture, not just of what was being photographed. I even offered to join a film class where my classmates and I create a school news channel. Essentially, we inform the school about special events and sport games during the week. The class was my opportunity to show myself that I am capable of doing something amazing; I was just not fully aware of it yet.
After months of production, we submitted a video for the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SEVA). We were in the finals and had the opportunity to present our video in front of an audience. It was truly an amazing feeling, and I felt honored to stand there with my fellow classmates. When I realized that life is something we can always achieve a goal in, I never wanted to stop moving the direction I am heading towards. Every day after the ceremony, I couldn't stop imagining myself on stage and accepting an award with the class. Not only it did give me motivation to achieve high, it also demonstrated that anything is possible in this world.
Once I promoted from middle school to high school, I always wanted to remember that I have to move forward. If I fail the attempt, I would be grateful that I gave it a shot.
Bold Dream Big Scholarship
My dream is to become a teacher who supports students with disabilities. The reason why is because I was a student who had a learning disability from elementary school to high school. The support my teachers gave to me motivated me to help the next generation the same way they did for me.
I was also a tutor at Cal Middle school in 2019-2020. I inherited my English teacher's skills as they helped me with assignments. I teach by giving the students real life examples and present it with pictures so they can understand the concept properly. I really hoped they understood it, and they did which made me feel really good about myself.
I am currently majoring in English at Sacramento City College, pursuing a teaching career in the future. That is my dream life. My passion is to support students when they are either stuck on a problem or need friendly advice from a teacher.
"Wise Words" Scholarship
"Live today like it is your last because today is the most important day of your life." - Grandfather
When I first heard those words from my grandfather, I was motivationally moved. I was a struggling student who lost that, however, everything changed after that. I felt like there was a fire of hope fueling me to believe that I finally have what it takes in this world.
In my perspective, it means that everyone should spend their time and day wisely. It can be your last day or it can be the first day of your future. I say that because life is a confusing path that can sometimes bring all of us down. But we should never give up that dream. The dream to be who you want to be in the future. Today, you can win a $1,000,000 lotto ticket or sit at home doing absolutely nothing. It is completely random but life is funny like that. Everything that you are doing right now will eventually pay off. When you are on the lowest level of doubt, do not give up; keep moving.
It means so much to me, especially where I am at now, because I never knew I would be given this opportunity to graduate high school with a 4.2 GPA and attend a city college while I am working a minimum wage job. I am grateful because I treat everyday to the fullest and I do not want to wait until the next day, next week, next month, or next year. My goal is to do this now because I know I can.
Along this journey, I thank my grandfather who I love very much. I know I made him proud from then to present. The true meaning of the quote is that we should always complete the steps toward success, instead of procrastinating on what to do. Go get it!