“I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy us donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting. I gazed out the window, the air filled with Katy Perry tunes. While eating my strawberry sprinkled donut, I received the news that would change my life forever. As my parents broke the news that my grandmother had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting they were lying. I sat there frozen in time, completely distraught, feeling the weight of the loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window toward the sky and closed my eyes, although in disbelief, deep down, I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandmother fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family, diabetes and cancer both present in my gene pool. I rapidly approached the acceptance stage of grief, as I understood it was her time; unaware that this devastating event would lead me to developing a passion for making an impact in the medical field. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual fall from diabetes brought me overwhelming feelings of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandmother’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate at her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandmother began to lose her memory, and I always questioned how. How could something as minuscule as the brain have the power to erase essential components of my grandmother’s vibrant identity? Searching for an explanation to what seemed to be an unanswerable question sparked my interest in Neuroscience. I immersed myself in the content my AP Psychology teacher passionately spoke about, wondering how I could personally have an impact. Through numerous Neurology online courses and applying for internships to work hands-on, I gain more knowledge about this fascinating branch of science every day. When I watched the person that was once my grandmother lying in her casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the courageous individuals in the medical field. My grandmother will forever be my source of light and who I think of in the face of adversity. During these inevitable feelings of doubt, I hold on to her face and scent, even as her voice and touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience and become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

At just the age of 19, Olivia Rodrigo has successfully influenced my perspective on music, which began when I first saw her perform on screen at a mere 13 years old, while she was just 16 at the time. I would have never anticipated how her music would reshape my view of the world. Olivia's songs, with their moving lyrics, beautiful intonation, and captivating melodies, have left a tremendous impact on me. A particular line from her song "Making the Bed," from her new album GUTS, spoke to me in a way a song has never resonated within me before. That line is: “I'm so tired of being the girl that I am, every good thing has turned into something I dread." Hearing this lyric, and the song as a whole, for the first time felt incredibly personal, as if Olivia was speaking directly to me. It captured a feeling I’ve been having for quite some time. The feeling of being at a low point without a clear cause, a feeling often dismissed by others when I look to them for some clarity. This feeling is viewed as a simple cliche case of senioritis or end-of-high-school shutdown. But I know it's more than that. Basic. I’ve got the basic Latina girl issues, you know? The parents who are together but aren’t really together, the alcoholic father that works 24/7, the mother who’s lost on the path of life, a grandpa who immigrated to the United States at a young age, and a twin sister who’s my unwavering supporter, and a younger sister who inspires me to face each day. All of these problems that stem from childhood have over time crept themselves into the fabric of my daily existence. I found myself envying a girl with the perfect family and wishing I could have her life. It made me wonder why things were the way they were for me. It wasn't just about wanting her life; it was questioning why she was favored by fortune while I struggled. “I’m so tired of being the girl that I am.” At work, I see moments between fathers and their kids that I wish I had. As I was driving home, I thought about how all I ever wanted was a relationship with my father. On the brink of adulthood, I realize that I might leave home without ever truly knowing my father. I've wondered if I am somehow at fault for our relationship. So, I drove, contemplating the inexplicable as I eyed every tree I passed. I’m so tired of being the girl that I am. President of SADD, VP of the Class of 2024, and Captain of the lacrosse team, I sought refuge in activities to escape a lonely home life. All of these endeavors once sources of joy and pride, have become obligations. On March 22 I injured my MCL 10 minutes into my first game of my senior year. As I write this on March 24th, uncertain, the joy these pursuits once brought me has evaporated, leaving behind an ever-present question: what am I fighting for? Olivia Rodrigo's music, especially this song, serves as a powerful reminder that while our battles may be deeply personal, we are not alone in facing them. This song, more than anything, captures my current state: a girl burdened by reality, longing for change but unsure where to find the strength. I am tired of being the girl that I currently am. burdened by daily activities I once loved but now dread. This is why these are the lyrics that I most identify with.

I felt uneasy as I watched the relentless pursuit of a mysterious creature with long, skinny legs. Its wide-eyed gaze seemed to cast an enchanting spell over the room, causing time to slow down and the temperature to rise tremendously. I had held a staunch belief that the new Jumanji film could never replace the classic, but this experience proved me wrong. The debate with my friends at the end of the film, with me persistently claiming Robin Williams as the original star, seemed insignificant compared to what awaited me. As we neared the exit, to my surprise, no one answered the phone to pick me up, prompting me to walk home. A sense of uneasiness gnawed at me with each step, as I was fearing the worst had occurred. Upon reaching home, the sight of my grandfather and father smiling and waving in apparent obliviousness to my calls left me confused and bewildered. Yet, a veil of discomfort shrouded the evening. I persisted in questioning the inexplicable, but the response was consistently met with pity smiles and doe eyes. That night, I cried myself to sleep, burdened with an overwhelming sense of disturbed assumptions and confusion: she wasn’t coming home. Her disappearance casted a shadow over what was meant to be an enjoyable day at the cinema. The separation of my parents led to an abrupt change in my life. My mother relocated my twin sister, my younger sister, and me to my grandmothers one-bedroom apartment in The Bronx; which was paradise compared to the shelter home we ended up moving to in Shirley, NY, on Long Island; far from our previous life in Valley Stream, NY which was on the other side of the island. This transition was jarring, particularly because it required a two-hour daily commute, which called for our daily cherished Dunkin Donuts stop back to our old neighborhood for school. The shelter home I stayed at was inhabited by a diverse group of people, each with their own unique story and struggles. Conversations with fellow residents about their journeys and experiences left a tremendous mark on me. I distinctly recall two older residents- a boy and a girl both aged sixteen, who shared their remarkable stories of resilience and triumph over adversity. At just a mere thirteen years old, listening to their stories was transformative. Their strong emphasis and admiration for the positive aspects in their lives, in the face of daunting challenges, persuaded me to reshape my perspective on my own situation. This event prompted me to see the world from a different viewpoint. Rather than allowing adversity to break me, I stood tall, grateful for the relationships I formed and the sights I was blessed to see. In hindsight, this experience allowed for me to better my relationship with my mother and sisters and made me realize my love for the beach and the art of journaling. In addition, it allowed me to explore a new town which was much different from my old one. Although it may seem like one would look back at everything I went through and assume it had been a dark chapter in my life, I found in it a radiant light that has without a doubt shaped my personality and character in the present day. I remain eternally grateful to this transformative experience for making me into the person I am today. If I were to give advice to someone who is facing the same circumstances, it would be: look for the light or glimpse of hope in every situation, no matter how hidden it may seem.

I have advocated and carried out numerous of tasks to help make my school and my community a better place. Not only am I the social media coordinator of my schools Key Club, but I am also an active member. Key club is an international high school organization where members strive to make the world a better place through service. I joined Key Club in the 10th grade for the sole fact that for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to help my little village. We clean parks, trains, and parking lots. We also host clothes, food, and can drives. Our aim is to impact locally and globally. Furthermore, I am a member of the Library Squad where I help clean up and organize books in the library and help clean the hallways of the school. Today, I strive for change as committee chair of SCSJ club and president of SADD club. SCSJ, is a club that ranges from 7th-12th grade where we discuss global and local issues. Our aim is to provide knowledge to middle schoolers on things us high schoolers wish we knew in middle school. My personal goal is to spare these kids of the naivety I faced at their age. IN SADD club we bring awareness to substance abuse, a prominent issue in Valley Stream. In middle school I was losing friends left and right to substance abuse, I stand as the last friend who hasn’t tried any type of substance. Furthermore, Long Island is one of the most segregated places in the country. Valley Stream being 35% white borders the town of Lynbrook which is almost 70% white. Segregation is so easily visible on Long Island. Though substance abuse isnt always a racial matter, statistics indicate its common among Hispanic and African Americans- the primary ethnicities in my middle school and high school. In my role as the girls' varsity lacrosse captain, I not only excelled as the lead goal scorer for the 2023 season but also undertook the responsibility of guiding and mentoring current and future players. I contributed to the enhancement of our school team while surmounting personal challenges such as anxiety and isolation, which improved my mental and physical well-being. I've become a source of inspiration for many underclassmen. Instead of viewing this as a burden, I consider it a source of immense pride, knowing that I've made an impact in these young girls' lives. My influence extends beyond teaching lacrosse skills; it also shows essential life virtues such as resilience, teamwork, compassion, and discipline. This underscores the transformative power of lacrosse, which not only encouraged me to break out of my shell but also helped me improve my time management skills, allowing me to excel both in sports and academics. Additionally, I also help my family in numerous ways. To state a few, I drive my mother to the train station every morning so she can take the train to the city for work and pick her up later that evening. I also drop my little sister off at school and bring her to either dance or gymnastics practice. Displaying these services has allowed me to help my family, teammates, and community in many ways. These clubs have all been so impactful because I am able to collaborate with others who all have one aim and that is to make our community and school a better place in hopes it is passed down through the next generations as these are serious topics that plague my town. I strive to see the positive development of my home, school, and community.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

“I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. One of my greatest accomplishments thus far is getting into my dream college, this showcased that my hard work and dedication throughout high school paid off and gave me a sense of pride knowing that I can graduate from college someday and be a role model for my younger sister and cousins. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.

I ran up the stairs of the house, pleased to see what was to be the next few years of my life. A new house! It looked like the Barbie houses straight out of my dreams—just missing the pink. Months went by, but the separation anxiety from leaving my grandparents behind in our old house was still lurking. “I want Dunkin Donuts, please.” I was surprised when my parents agreed to buy me donuts because everyone knows sweets are bad for your teeth. My twin sister, my older sister, and I sat in the car patiently waiting for our donuts. The air was filled with Katy Perry tunes. Never did I expect to be eating a strawberry-sprinkled donut when I got the news that changed my life forever. When my parents told me and my sisters the news that my grandma had passed away, my sister began screaming and crying, insisting that my parents were lying. I sat there frozen in time and in complete distraught, feeling the weight of loss yet unable to shed a tear. I looked out of the window towards the sky and closed my eyes; I knew she was gone. My name is Mariela Lopez. I am a low-income Latina from the suburbs of Long Island, NY. I lost my grandma at the age of eight. My grandma fought diabetes for many years, and her battle was nothing short of difficult and arduous—a struggle that’s familiar to many in my family as both diabetes and cancer are present in my gene pool. My acceptance of her death was swift because I knew in my heart it was her time; what I didn’t know was that this would set me off on the road I am currently still on. Reflecting on my grandmother’s life and her eventual demise due to diabetes brought me to the conflicting crossroads of grief, curiosity, and determination. When my grandma’s diabetes became terminal, she was unable to run casual daily errands. I watched as the diabetes ate her from the inside out. Towards the end of her difficult journey, my grandma began to lose her memory, and I always questioned why. How could the brain be so powerful to the capacity of transforming thoughts that were once factors of my grandma’s identity into complete oblivion? This is why I became interested in Neuroscience. I decided to take AP Psychology my junior year of High School and completely fell in love with the subject, but quickly realized it wasn’t enough. I took numerous online courses in Neurology and am currently applying for internships to work hands-on, learn more, and gain tangible experience in this fascinating branch of science. When I watched the person that used to be my grandma laying there in that casket, I knew I wanted to make a difference. There is no better way to do that than to work amongst the brave and courageous individuals of the medical field. My grandma will forever be my source of light and what I think of when I feel like giving up. During the inevitable moments of doubt, I hold onto the memory of her face and scent, even as her voice and her touch fade from my memory. This scholarship will help me pursue my dreams in the medical field by providing me with the financial aid that I need to pay for school. My ambition is to pursue a career in neuroscience nursing or ultimately become a neurosurgeon. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves to remember their loved one’s voice.