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Leighann Martinez

2,105

Bold Points

3x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

While pursuing my bachelor's degree, I meticulously planned my schedule to accommodate bus transportation, ensuring timely arrival at both school and work. By strategically scheduling my courses, I was able to graduate a semester early in 2018 with a total of 120 credit hours. This achievement not only allowed me to complete my degree ahead of schedule but also qualified me for a tuition rebate from my university. Recognizing the importance of personal time and health, I made a point to maintain a balanced lifestyle. In July 2019, I traveled to Japan, where I immersed myself in the cultural and religious aspects of the country while exploring both rural areas and popular tourist destinations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was diagnosed with PCOS, a condition with no known cure but common among women. This diagnosis prompted me to research the long-term effects and adopt healthier eating and exercise habits. As of August 2024, I have earned a Master's degree in Criminology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I am eager to leverage this degree to explore new opportunities within the City of San Antonio. My goals include enhancing my skills in data collection, communication, and presentation. Currently, I aim to transition within my organization to a role as a Student Conduct Officer, where I can apply my expertise and continue to grow professionally.

Education

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Master's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Criminology

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Bachelor's degree program
2015 - 2018
  • Majors:
    • Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Criminology
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Criminal Justice

    • Dream career goals:

      Criminology Professor, Victim Liaison

    • Accounting Clerk

      Alamo Colleges
      2021 – Present3 years
    • Conservatorship Intern

      Texas Department of Family Protective Services
      2018 – 2018
    • Cashier

      Panda Express
      2015 – 20161 year
    • Eyewear Specialist

      Visionworks
      2017 – 20203 years

    Research

    • Null

      Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Japanese Club — Advertisement
      2015 – 2016
    • Volunteering

      San Antonio Food Bank — Volunteer
      2015 – 2015
    • Volunteering

      Toys for Tots — Gift Wrapper
      2014 – 2014
    • Volunteering

      Department of Family and Protective Services — Conservatorship Intern
      2018 – 2018

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    I Can Do Anything Scholarship
    Envisioning my future self, I see a mentor, a leader, and an advocate who utilizes her professional resources to assist low-income families in San Antonio, Texas.
    Texas Women Empowerment Scholarship
    Opinions. It resonates and cooperates with personal beliefs. These views can label people based on characteristics, behaviors, and associations. It develops a chain link reaction that can negatively impact the community by creating disparity and animosity. These differences can nurture unintended consequences that assemble bias, discrimination, and unfair treatment within the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, there are still gender disparities among victims, offenders, and crime. There are common perceptions that victims are female, senior citizens, or whites. However, victims are more likely men, youths, and African Americans. People commonly perceive offenders as strangers who are repeated criminals targeting the weak and vulnerable. Reality demonstrates that most offenders aged out of crime and have a known relationship with the victim. The criminal justice system implements policies based on public outcries, high crime rates, or "celebrated cases" that generate debate. However, this system must present accountability and extensive research for policies that display objectives to decrease crime and protect victims. By utilizing my current skills and obtaining a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, I strive to change gender disparity by presenting accurate information about victims, offenders, and policies that target these specific groups. A master's degree in Criminology generates a stable foundation to analyze individuals involved with the criminal justice system. For example, Daniel Mears (2010) explains an effective method of analyzing policies through five different types of evaluation. Applying this technique will allow my future career in Criminal Justice to determine whether current laws need revisions or whether newly developed policies fulfill their objectives. Studying criminal justice provides students like me to understand how individuals enter the system, why convictions occur through plea bargains, and how hundreds of cases are filtered out. My future aspirations within this field include becoming a victim liaison, a researcher, a professor, and an advocate. Each profession mentioned above has the opportunity to create a positive impact within the community. My degree will deliver me the ability to reach out to civilians at risk of victimization and anyone who seeks reliable information about the system that contributes to law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. As of February 28th, 2022, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice demonstrates an even representation of male and female employees. Fifty-two percent of males and forty-eight percent of females contribute to the operations and supervision of adult offenders within local and state jails. This example alone demonstrates the opportunity to deter gender disparity within the criminal justice system. I strive to become an employee for either the city, the state, or the government that works within the criminal justice system. As a Hispanic female, I seek to continue increasing diversity and to be a part of equal representation among employees. My contribution as a future criminal justice employee will go toward those who suffer from disparity. Assisting victims to ensure they gain confidence to confide in law enforcement and prosecutors. To be the first point of contact for victims and become a voice for those who enter the system. My future career will allow me to amplify reliable information for civilians who seek to know more about the criminal justice system. Lastly, I will conduct research through experiments to determine the effectiveness of laws and policies.
    Tim Watabe Doing Hard Things Scholarship
    The well-being of my family and I outweighed the possibility of working during a global pandemic. The seriousness displayed the urgency for my parents to continue working within their medical fields. Within our household, several underage individuals did not qualify to receive covid vaccines. I felt confident in finding employment once the community demonstrated lower covid rates. In addition, I stayed at home to ensure my sister and niece continued their schooling through remote learning. Concerns about my well-being emerged during the pandemic, and I decided to schedule appointments with doctors to discuss my health. These initial appointments allowed doctors to diagnose two medical conditions. The first was locating a cyst on my pancreas. Doctors indicated it as benign and are monitoring its size for potential removal. The second condition is called polycystic ovary syndrome which causes fertility and hormonal issues. These initial diagnoses caused fear and anxiety about my likelihood of having surgeries and starting a family. I spoke to my parents about my concerns, and they provided their medical expertise. I discussed my medical condition with my current partner, and he reassured me of our future possibilities. These events impacted me, my family, and my partner by strengthening our relationships and allowing us to keep a positive mindset. I am among the millions who received a drastic change during the pandemic, and I desired the ability to help my community. With my current degree in Criminal Justice, I assumed I had opportunities to find employment within San Antonio. However, the lack of professional experience prevents me from securing a job in this field. To offset this requirement from job applications, earning a master's degree in criminology will allow me to substitute knowledge for experience. However, my employment status deterred me from applying to graduate school, and I sought work to accommodate the cost of tuition and fees. Within one year of my unemployment status, I submitted numerous job applications, attended online interviews, and received several rejection letters from employers. I continued searching for employment by motivating myself until I secured a part-time job in July 2021. However, the application period for graduate school closed for the 2021-2022 academic term. I saw this as an opportunity to dedicate my time to strengthening my application for the following academic term. With one year to prepare my submission for the master's program, I attended numerous online seminars to heighten my application. I reached out to my previous managers and professors for letters of recommendation. Lastly, I traveled to the University of Texas at San Antonio's main campus to receive assistance and to obtain a fee waiver for my application. My determination to pursue higher education paid off when I received a notification of my acceptance in May 2022. With all of my successes, I found the opportunity to move out of my family's household and live independently for the first time. I am managing my finances to accommodate rent, bills, and paying off my student loans. My parents and my boyfriend continue to provide words of encouragement when issues arise. Overall, these events have demonstrated that those close to me will always find ways to support each other, and one's successes come from everyone's determination.
    Grandmaster Nam K Hyong Scholarship
    Throughout the years, my fascination with Criminology concentrated on victimization, delinquency, and the correlations between gender and crime. These specific subjects piqued my interest as I grew up and witnessed various events. During my adolescence, the academic environment presented many norms in which my peers participated in delinquent behavior. Even though I left those conditions in high school, I encountered inappropriate behavior from an adult who made advances toward me while I was alone at my bus stop. Events such as these should not occur to underage individuals; however, labeling an individual as an offender can happen anywhere and anytime. I want to pursue these topics at a higher educational level and create a positive impact within the research community through my analysis of these subjects. As a young adult, I focused on securing a part-time job that provided flexibility when I attended school full-time. I found employment with two companies that allowed me to communicate with a diverse age group. The day-to-day activities included maintaining accurate orders and organizing personal information in correspondence to HIPAA/FERPA regulations. With my academic and working presence, I needed organization to ensure my arrival at various locations. Due to conflicting schedules with my parents' work hours, I relied on public transportation to get me to school and work. In some situations, I would miss the bus and had to utilize Uber or Lyft to drop me off at work. Regardless, I continue to use VIA buses while saving a portion of my checks to buy myself a personal vehicle. With a goal in mind, I set a date to secure a car by the end of my academic program. Since one of the requirements needed to earn a degree included participation in an internship program, I required personal transportation to travel to multiple destinations. A part of my success in buying my first car and securing a diver's license resulted in my father and significant partner's assistance. Any free time I had went towards learning how to operate a vehicle with my boyfriend as my instructor. With my father's guidance, I bought a used Mazda 3 from a car auction and purchased the necessary parts my dad needed to fix the vehicle. Obtaining reliable transportation gave me the confidence to accept an internship with the Department of Family Protective Service. In the fall of 2018, I received placement within the Conservatorship division. Throughout the 3-month duration, I focused on various case files given to 5 employees by organizing confidential documents and scanning classified paperwork. Meanwhile, I supervised court-ordered visitations and summarized interactions between parent and child. Projecting a 4-year outline from the required courses needed to earn my bachelor's degree, I successfully graduated a semester early in comparison to my peers by accumulating exactly 120 credit hours. With that accomplishment, I qualified and earned a tuition rebate of $1000 from the institution. Now there are several scholarly ideas and professional goals I strive to accomplish while participating in the master's program. My ambitions throughout the academic year include obtaining a solid foundation in research methods to address topics that correlate crime to gender and minorities. With access to the college research capabilities, some goals include independent studies, participation in group discussions, and learning various seminar topics. Exploring the resources provided by the university, I seek to secure a Teaching Assistant position so I can obtain professional experience in an academic setting. Upon completing the master's program, I aim for full-time employment that will utilize the skills acquired towards becoming a victim advocate for minorities. My long-term goals include applying my abilities and knowledge to earn a profession as a professor teaching a Criminal Justice course. Reflecting on the time spent during the undergraduate program, I lacked the resources to advance myself when professors offered opportunities to accomplish scholarly achievements. However, the courses taken throughout my academic attendance allowed me to observe various facilities that correlate to the criminal justice system. I visited establishments like the Fusion Center, a facility that maintains constant communication for multiple agencies. In addition, I toured an Adult Detention Center that detains adult males for various durations. Within my 4-year education gap, I decided to continue my part-time employment with Visionworks to improve my individual growth and develop skills in leadership and communications. I took more supervision roles amongst my peers and spoke to customers when they were dissatisfied. As I continued my employment, I received multiple recognizations. Customers wrote positive reviews on Google that addressed their impressions about the facility and interactions with me. During our monthly meetings, I received an incentive for having the highest lens enhancement sales. Lastly, I received a certificate of recognition titled the Hero Award for 2021 for upholding the company's goals. Unfortunately, my employer closed their establishment and gave vague answers on when all employees would return to work. With CDC regulations enforcing limitations of individuals in one facility, several employees and I received a furloughed notice. It took a few months to receive a definitive answer on my employment status. However, I left my previous employer after weighing the pros and cons of Covid-19. Difficult conversations emerged in my family about the community's impact on the current pandemic. We determined our the household's main priority is taking care of each. In addition, I had a significant amount of funds set aside in my savings account that secured me until changes occurred within the community. Maintaining my well-being, I scheduled annual physical exams. As a result, I became diagnosed with PCOS and a pancreatic cyst. Even though PCOS is common in women, there is not enough scientific data that explains why females are diagnosed with this condition. Overall, it increases testosterone in female bodies and makes our bodies insulin resistant. Currently, I am taking medication to moderate my body while researching other ways to maintain a positive lifestyle. I became aware of my pancreatic cyst because my provider requested an MRI. My doctor recommended an out-of-state facility to analyze fluids from the cyst based on its location and size. The results determine benign cells, and a follow-up appointment is set for October to recalculate the size and shape. Unforeseen circumstances emerged throughout the pandemic that caused me financial, medical, and social barriers. However, my hesitation in applying for higher education diminished after positive results from medical professionals. I mustered up the courage to follow up on the application process by attending online sessions and traveling to the university to request additional assistance. With the guidance I received from my peers and parents, the college notified my acceptance into the Masters of Science in Criminal Justice on May 9th. Rejoining the university gives me openings to connect with professors, guest speakers, and experts with professional experience in my field of interest. The public university I am attending received a prestige title of a Tier One institution. I will confide with the Criminal Justice department when researching data, set myself to flourish within the community, and become a reliable assistant to the faculty. Overall, my expertise will strengthen my applications for career advancement and increase my opportunities to educate undergrads in a college setting.
    A Dog Changed My Life Scholarship
    As an animal lover, there is a specific breed that I prefer to have as a pet. Gravitating towards canines originates from their unique characteristics and intelligence. Dogs can sense danger and are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect their owners. Others are hesitant to interact with humans until they feel safe and secure. Overall, dogs deserve love because they are selfless and loyal pets. Humans and canines develop a mutualistic relationship through companionships and creating unforgettable memories. Providing affection, a stable home environment, and yearly check-ups are the least an individual can do for their pets. My first encounter with a dog happened during my early teens when an adorable white poodle followed my uncle back home. She had matted fur and walked around the house with long nails. We kept the sweet miniature poodle and named her Daisy after numerous attempts to search for her owners. Throughout Daisy’s life in our home, she presented well-behaved manners and showed her love for us in multiple ways. With no prior experience interacting with a dog, Daisy was the first to enter my household. I presented some hesitation the first night she slept with me because of her behavior. Along with her tiny appearance, her personality was quiet and shy. Overall, she displayed a calm demeanor. Initially, I wanted to cuddle and have her sleep right beside me; however, I became worried about the possibility of me tossing and turning throughout the night. After numerous scenarios played in my head, I finally decided to have her sleep above me. This event is one of the many memories with Daisy I reflect upon in life because I understood the importance of ensuring the well-being of an animal. As a pet owner, attention is crucial when a dog communicates through gestures or barking. One night, I awoke by Daisy’s barks and decided to find her. I walked out of my room and turned on the hallway light. From my point of view, she was near the front entrance. She refused to move and continued to bark. My dog’s persistent behavior brought my attention to the door. While staring at the door, the doorknob started to jiggle. Sheer panic rose as I realized my dog was alerting the family of a potential break-in. The end of this scary situation resulted in the individuals driving away after my pet’s consistent barking woke up the entire family. After that disturbing experience, Daisy received lots of treats and affection from the whole family. My mother decided to pamper her by scheduling a grooming appointment with a special package. This bundle included the usual bath and trim; however, Daisy got her nails painted and bows placed on her ears. She became a symbol of a hero regardless of her tiny build. Even though her breed gave her a youthful appearance, her old age resulted in her passing. She was a part of my life for four years, and my family lost our sweet pet the day before Thanksgiving ten years ago. When I reflect upon my memories of Daisy, my emotions change because she is no longer with us. However, I reminisce on the happy moments and remain humble about having a loveable and relaxed pet. Throughout my journey with Daisy, I learned about the year-round necessities for a pet. Overall, the obligations of annual wellness exams and the out-of-pocket costs for vaccinations and grooming. Ensuring a set schedule is in place for feedings and potty breaks. The warning signs pets provide when they are sick, injured, or uncomfortable. Since the passing of my first pet, my family and I have two male dogs with hyper personalities. In addition, I recently discovered that I am allergic to dogs. Adjusting my lifestyle is a small price to provide comfort for myself while keeping dogs a part of my life. Overall, I am thankful for all the pets I have in my life and for those with whom I interacted. The impact made by Daisy opened the doors for me to continue adopting from my local animal shelters. In return for the love and bravery I received from my first dog, I want to give my current and future pets a sense of security and affection.
    Pettable Life Transitions Pet Lovers Scholarship
    Forever Sisters - Olivia Jansen Memorial Scholarship
    In today's society, many online platforms advocate for users to speak out when an individual is in danger. However, people ignore the warning signs of abuse. From personal experiences, inappropriate behavior presents itself through gestures and dialogue. Adolescents cannot voice these events if the offender threatens them or encourages the child to keep it a secret. Family, acquaintances, and strangers can influence minors to believe they deserve abuse because of their actions. Participating in the undergraduate program guided me to an internship opportunity with the Department of Family Protective Services. Throughout the 3-month duration, I assisted the Conservatorship division in several case files by organizing confidential documents and scanning classified paperwork. Meanwhile, I supervised court-ordered visitations and summarized interactions between parent and child. My participation with the conservatorship department allowed me to understand various perspectives. Employees need to focus on the well-being of the children involved and investigate the parents who engaged in abuse or neglect. The timeframe of one case cannot exceed one year. If certain circumstances present themselves within the year, a judge can extend the case for an extra six months. Caseworkers provide resources, instructions, and goals that the guardians must fulfill within the necessary time frame. Each task assigned to the parents will provide proof of their accomplishments or failures. Then it is up to a judge to rule on either removing parental rights or reinstating the parents' rights to their child. Devastated parents are emotional when losing their children. However, there is enough justification for the removal of the child. It is up to individuals involved to partake in the necessary steps to reinstate their parental rights. On the other hand, the department's responsibility is to assume guardianship of the child and determine a suitable environment. Determining permanent placement requires the state to consider caretakers, housing, and the minor's well-being. For the upcoming academic semester, I seek to research adult behavior while interacting with children and their methods to influence the youth. Understanding the authority adults demonstrate when conversing with a child could provide a correlation to the victimization of juveniles. Upon completing the graduate program, I aim for full-time employment that will utilize the skills acquired towards becoming a victim advocate for minorities. My professional experiences provided insight into various scenarios and laid a foundation for me to pursue long-term employment in helping adolescents. I want to utilize my desired career as a Victim Advocate to become the voice of any minor who is a victim of neglect or abuse. The responsibilities assigned to a Victim Advocate include acting as a liaison and locating resources to support the victim. The aftermath of any traumatizing experience can cause obstacles. While victim blaming can jeopardize the child's self-esteem and individuality. Not only will my skills guide them on the right path, but they can also provide comfort to families knowing that their child is reintegrating back into society successfully. This profession communicates to multiple departments within the Criminal Justice system. Maintaining resources will strengthen the victim's rehabilitation and continue the criminal proceedings of a speedy trial. Overall, to be their voice against their offender is an achievement that demonstrates their trust in me and other Victim Advocates. Even though media outlets present signs of victims and abuse, children have disadvantages in protecting themselves from their offenders. It will be up to me and many others in this occupation to help minors recuperate from their traumatizing experience.
    Bold Bravery Scholarship
    Throughout grade school, I dreaded one question most teachers ask their students on the first day of school. "What did you do during summer vacation?". My classmates shared with excitement the various places they visited throughout the summer. As for me, I had to be creative in explaining my summer was spent mainly at home watching my siblings. Occasionally, my extended family and friends invited me to social gatherings; however, my parents allowed me to attend briefly. The limitations of going out with others kept me distant and shy. Once I graduated high school, I wanted to change myself by becoming vocal and independent. The first trip I planned, without parental supervision, was to Austin, Texas. My friends and I spent New Year's Eve attending an anime convention. I was in complete awe seeing people dressed up in cosplays. I mustered up the courage and asked a few cosplayers for a photo. From that experience, I set aside a portion of my income for all future trips with friends. After budgeting and creating itineraries, I ventured to a neighboring state with my boyfriend and internationally with my best friend. With my significant partner, I left Texas for the first time and traveled to Louisiana. We visited New Orleans to view its famous landmarks. I ate my first beignet from Café Du Monde and bought souvenirs at their local French Market. In July 2019, I traveled to Japan for two weeks and explored multiple cities. I learned about Japan's diverse culture while touring its shrines and temples. In addition, I became adventurous by eating native dishes and unique desserts. These delightful experiences are great conversation starters at any social event. In addition, it allows me to get out of my comfort zone and present myself as a courageous woman.
    Youssef University’s College Life Scholarship
    If a thousand dollars appeared in my bank, I would be in disbelief. Triple-checking to ensure I can utilize the funds, the money given to me would be split into three categories. As a part-time employee, the majority of my income pays for rent and water. While my roommate covers electricity, groceries, and renters' insurance. A portion of the thousand dollars would go towards our basic necessities and lessen the burdens of prioritizing which bills get paid first. While, I can utilize the funds for services needed for my two dogs. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle while living in the Texas heat, I need to schedule grooming appointments to prevent matting and prevent skin irritation. In addition, out-of-pocket costs for medications and physical exams range in the hundreds but detect any premature medical issues. Arranging these appointments will ensure my pets a greater life expectancy. Lastly, any remaining funds would allow me to purchase gifts for my immediate family, whose birthdays are coming up in August and September. I plan on giving my niece items that correlate to her favorite; Turning Red. While I want to give my mother a gift that she has requested on different occasions, a dashcam for her vehicle. In addition, I am looking at various accessories and clothing for my two sisters based on their current wants and needs. There are many possibilities to what thousand dollars could cover during my day-to-day activities. However, the money would go towards necessities and gifts for my family.
    Bold Generosity Matters Scholarship
    For some, seeking support is a last resort. Allowing strangers to glimpse their life through personal struggles, individuals depend on resources for their basic necessities or unforeseen circumstances. A difficult conversation about funeral arrangements transpired when my uncle passed away in the fall of 2020. My paternal grandmother and cousins only had funds to cover cremation services. However, my parents took it upon themselves to organize my uncle's funeral for a burial with police escort. My parents went straight to planning with little time to cope with the loss of a relative. In order to cover the cost, my father took out money from his 401K. While my mom, maintained communications between the morgue, the funeral home, and the burial site. This unfortunate event defines the meaning of generosity. Their kindness overshadowed the harsh reality of my uncle’s life. Now the sensation of his departure reflects similarities to his presence throughout my life. He was a relative labeled as an individual who went in-and-out of prisons. However, my father looked past my uncle's wrongdoings. He told stories about their childhood that characterized my uncle as the oldest looking after his siblings. They had no father figure to guide them. Generosity is a way to bring positivity into one’s life; to forgive individuals for any transgressions and perform a courageous act with no strings attached. My parents sympathized with my cousins, who now have families of their own. While my grandmother has limited mobility as a result of a stroke that occurred a few years prior. This unforeseen event demonstrates how sacrifices coincide with generous acts. Even though monetary exchange took place, my parents' kindness provided a way to visit our family member. Generosity defines opportunities to put one's self in someone's shoes, and perform noble acts to relieve someone's worries.
    Fleming Law College Scholarship
    My fascination with operating digital devices began during childhood through the opportunity to learn about electronics in a computer course. Accessing the internet brought interest in retrieving numerous information by searching it on the web. While the first introduction to a smartphone was owning one to guarantee my safety and well-being at a young age. The portable phone is easier to travel with and incorporate into my daily routine. Now individuals see me as a dependable person to contact and as a tech-savvy individual who understands the significance of managing my smartphone usage within my environment. At an early stage in life, smartphones provide a sense of security and comfort when separated from my parents. Regardless of the distance between my family and me, connecting to people occurred in seconds based on the contacts list stored on the phone. As changes occurred for after-school pick-up, I waited for long periods outside the facility until my parents arrived from their work shifts. With the concerns of picking up their child throughout the week, my parents provided an easier solution in communicating their location and an estimated time of pick-up in a suitable manner. The initial goal of owning a smartphone was to update my current whereabouts and to ensure I was always with adult supervision. However, with access to the internet and apps on my device, my day-to-day activities became entertaining and beneficial by receiving hands-on experience with technology. Throughout my K-12th grade education and college, transportation became a topic that needed multiple solutions. Informing my parents of my daily activities became possible with the use of a smartphone. The apps downloaded into the cellular phone organized my contacts, social media, and emails to maintain structure in my day-to-day activities. When I transitioned to college, I relied on my phone to keep in touch with my friends and family. On the other hand, I used apps like Uber and Google Maps to locate transportation so I can attend my courses. In order to pay for daily necessities while attending college, I utilized my smartphone to locate jobs through the Indeed app. I connected with various employers looking for part-time associates, and secured a position that coincided with my class schedule. During the early stages of adulthood, I lacked transportation and needed resources to ensure I took public transportation throughout the day. To maintain my daily routine, using Google Maps was crucial in receiving an estimated time of arrival. Even though I utilized public buses I have witnessed the dangers of driving while distracted by smartphones. While heading back home by using the VIA bus, I noticed a person using their left hand to drive and their right hand to hold their phone and look at social media. During stop-and-go traffic, cars stopped in an unusual pattern and this individual collided with the car in front of them. Observing a negative event in using a smartphone while driving, enables me to control my impulses in utilizing my cellular device while on the road. Now that I purchased my own personal vehicle, driving responsibly is critical and I put aside my smartphone to clearly drive throughout the day. Comparing to the early stages of operating a smartphone, my routine has a better structure in maintaining professional and personal appearances. If I decide to use my phone while driving, I increase the chances of injuring myself and others. I refuse to jeopardize the lives of my passengers and those sharing the road and only use my phone during appropriate times. Overall, my smartphone creates convenience to ensure I accomplish my responsibilities throughout the year.
    Brynn Elliott "Tell Me I’m Pretty" Scholarship
    My strive and willpower originate from a woman who displayed her diligence to support her family. Everyone has a commitment that demonstrates their determination to achieve their goals. For most, their ambitions are to support their family. On the other hand, people thrive to assist and aid their community. Both of my parents worked various jobs and multiple shifts to help obtain our daily essentials. However, my mom is the breadwinner who ensured that bills were paid, and funds were available during unexpected emergencies. As a woman with aspirations to work in the medical field, my mom began working as a phlebotomist by earning a certificate and started employment at various hospitals. Within fifteen years of working in her occupation, my mother understood the importance of teamwork with other medical professionals to ensure the well-being of their patients. My mother decided to focus on herself by changing her career and attended community college. Within two years, she obtained an Associates and earned a certificate to become a medical lab technician. Her individual goals always focused on assisting the public while supporting her four children. She balanced her full-time employment and part-time school while cooking and cleaning in her spare time. Eventually, she transitioned and became a full-time student by reducing her hours at work. After graduating, my mother began working full-time employment as a medical lab technician and tests bloodwork for patients. She continues to pursue her goals by applying to a University where she can earn a Bachelor of Science. Through my mother's guidance and nurture, I observe a professional woman who organizes her time to support those around her. I established my parent as a role model by witnessing her willpower to achieve her daily and long-term goals. Throughout my childhood, my mom became involved with my academics and displayed delightfulness with my passing grades. If problems arose from my school, my mother emailed my teacher(s) and the faculty. During my moments of struggle, my mother sat down beside me and offered her time to help solve my issues. Once I got older, she guided and encouraged me to focus on my personal goals based on my interests. By concentrating on various ideas, I determined my professional occupation and education. My mother’s influence showcases the professionalism needed to gain respect from my colleagues. In the fall of 2020, an unforeseen loss occurred when my family received news of my uncle’s passing. My father struggled with losing his older brother while my mother stayed by his side and comforted him. My parents reached a mutual agreement and decided to pay for the services and burial for my uncle's funeral. Since my father worked as a PRN, he received no paid time off while he made the arrangements for the services. My mother convinced my father to keep working while she planned for the services. She believed it would help clear my father’s mind from his unexpected loss and prevent him from getting fired since he supported other absent employees. I assisted my mother when my father was not around by going to the funeral home and helping pay the cost for the funeral. Her determination has impacted me to become an independent woman with a bachelor's to support others. My personal goals center on helping the community and concentrate on aiding the public by working alongside law enforcement. I would not be the woman I am today without her guidance and influence. She gives me positive critiques and helps her children by supporting their future. The life lessons given to me throughout life provide me to believe in my abilities to support my community and my family. I want to give back to the public through similar techniques my mom implemented at work and home. To achieve my objectives I will further my education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. I strive to become an Evidence technician and collect evidence left behind crime scenes. Locating identifiers of an offender will generate a story as to why the individual became the victim of a horrendous crime. In some situations, I want to assist in giving families closure by finding the offender who committed the crime. The life lessons I learned from my mother include supporting others by working as a team and committing to your objectives even if it takes years to achieve them.
    Bold Moments No-Essay Scholarship
    Born into a middle-class family, income was solely utilized for monthly bills and groceries. Throughout childhood, my peers expressed their excitement about upcoming trips planned by their families. As for me, I anticipated staying home and helping my parents with my younger siblings. I accomplished my personal goals of travelling at the age of twenty-two by touring a foreign country. This amazing achievement occurred by saving my personal income from my part-time job while attending school full-time. The trip lasted for two weeks and I learned about Japan’s history and traditions while visiting historic sites and popular tourist attractions.