My name is Xandria Aileen Cortez, and I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at California State University, Stanislaus, with an expected graduation in Spring 2026. I began my academic journey at Merced College, where I earned Associate Degrees for Transfer (AAT) in Sociology and Psychology, and I am proud to be the first in my family to pursue higher education. As a first-generation college student from a traditional Mexican family, my journey has been shaped by perseverance, dedication, and a deep desire to give back to my community. Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have developed a passion for working with children and contributing to public health and education. My current internship with the Public Health Department of Merced allows me to make tangible contributions to my community by participating in initiatives like the Smoke & Vape Free Scholars Program. I design educational materials, conduct compliance surveys, and support outreach programs aimed at improving the well-being of youth. Previously, as a paraprofessional for the Los Banos Unified School District, I worked closely with first graders, helping them build confidence and academic skills while engaging with their families to foster a supportive environment. Sports have also played a significant role in shaping my character and resilience. My time in high school athletics taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and leadership—qualities that continue to guide me in my academic and professional pursuits. Additionally, I’ve dedicated my time to community service, volunteering with local school districts and engaging in activities that bring meaningful change to underserved populations. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges many families face and have motivated me to pursue a career that addresses systemic inequities in education and social services. This scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of tuition and living expenses but also allow me to dedicate more time and energy to my education and community initiatives. With this support, I can focus on excelling academically, building my professional skills, and furthering my long-term goal of earning a doctorate in sociology with a minor in child development. My ultimate ambition is to become a social worker, advocating for children and families in need while addressing gaps in education and public health. The opportunity to receive this scholarship would empower me to continue my work in creating a better future for children in my community and beyond. I am committed to using my education, skills, and experiences to uplift others and inspire change, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me in achieving their dreams.

What inspired me to become the first in my family to pursue higher education was my upbringing in a traditional Mexican family with deep-rooted cultural expectations. As the first-born granddaughter, I was raised to shoulder responsibilities at a young age. From cooking for my siblings and cousins to meeting household expectations, I developed a strong work ethic and the ability to multitask early on. These experiences shaped my perspective and planted the seeds of ambition within me, allowing me to break from traditional expectations and envision a future where I could make a meaningful impact on others. My desire to pursue higher education stemmed from two certainties that became clear as I grew older: my passion for working with children and my natural ability to connect with people. I discovered this during kindergarten when I was placed in a fifth-grade class for language arts and ended up helping my “big buddy.” Watching my mother, a paraprofessional in a school, further inspired me. At just 7th grade, I began volunteering with kindergarteners, building on the foundation of service and care that would guide my future goals. In high school, I balanced rigorous academic commitments, including college prep courses, while working three jobs and maintaining strong academic performance. These challenges solidified my resilience and determination, proving to myself that I was capable of more than what was culturally expected of me. Despite stereotypes, I embraced opportunities to grow and defied limitations, not by stepping away from my roots, but by building upon them. When I became an after-school teacher, I realized the profound influence I could have on children. Seeing their enthusiasm and growth under my guidance solidified my goal of becoming a social worker. My interactions with children and families from diverse backgrounds have given me insight into the importance of advocacy and systemic change in education. I am driven to make a difference not just for my future children and family, but for all children who need someone to believe in them. My background has instilled in me a sense of empathy, hard work, and resilience that drives my career aspirations. Pursuing a doctorate in sociology with a minor in child development studies will prepare me to address critical issues within our education and social systems. I understand that as a social worker, I may face challenges and difficult perceptions, but I am committed to prioritizing the well-being of children and advocating for resources and opportunities that allow them to thrive. Breaking the cycle of cultural expectations and becoming the first in my family to pursue higher education is not just a personal achievement—it is a testament to the power of resilience and the belief that change begins with education. My journey has taught me that hard work never comes easy, but it is always worth it when it leads to making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Growing up in a community where socioeconomic adversity shaped the lives of many, I learned resilience and the value of service at an early age. From my experiences as a student and professional, I’ve developed a passion for addressing disparities and fostering equity, which continues to guide my academic, professional, and personal endeavors. Pursuing an AAT in Sociology and Psychology at Merced College, now complemented by my studies at California State University Stanislaus, I have delved into the systemic challenges that contribute to socioeconomic inequality. My academic journey has been enriched by opportunities like my current internship at the Merced Public Health Department. There, I collaborate with initiatives such as the Smoke & Vape Free Scholars Program to reduce youth exposure to harmful substances, participate in public health campaigns, and design educational materials. These experiences have equipped me with the tools to address pressing community health issues effectively. Not only that but it allowed me to meet many amazing people, who are trying to make differences for these local schools and communities. My time as a paraprofessional with the Los Banos Unified School District was transformative, as it allowed me to work closely with young students facing personal and academic challenges. I was lucky to work in a newer school for my contract, but before then I went to the older schools. In the older schools I was able to see how the funding system does have its favorites. Designing creative activities, leading student clubs, and mediating between teachers, parents, and students highlighted the importance of empathy and communication. These interactions not only strengthened my resolve to empower others but also emphasized the critical need for equitable access to resources and support systems. Socioeconomic adversity has profoundly shaped my beliefs and aspirations. Growing up, I witnessed how financial instability often limited opportunities, creating barriers to education, health, and overall well-being. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance and community engagement. They also deepened my understanding of the systemic factors at play and fueled my desire to contribute meaningfully to breaking cycles of poverty and disadvantage. As I look toward the future, I aim to leverage my skills and experiences to implement community-focused initiatives that address social inequities. Whether through public health advocacy, creating educational programs, or mentoring youth, I am committed to fostering environments where individuals feel supported and valued. My ability to connect with people across diverse backgrounds, coupled with my fluency in Spanish and strong organizational skills, positions me to bridge gaps and make a lasting impact. Ultimately, I believe that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant change. By using my education, work experiences, and personal drive to address socioeconomic challenges, I hope to inspire others to overcome obstacles and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. My journey is not just about personal growth but about uplifting those around me, ensuring that opportunities are within reach for all.

Legacy is not just about what we leave behind; it’s about the lives we touch and the changes we inspire. For me, creating a legacy involves combining my passion for public service, education, and innovation to make a lasting impact on my community and beyond. It’s about living a life that reflects purpose and the drive to leave the world better than I found it. My vision for the future involves establishing a business that aligns with my deep interest in social betterment and community development. Drawing from my experience as an intern with the Public Health Department of Merced, I have developed a keen understanding of how public health initiatives can transform lives and communities. I hope to create a business that integrates health advocacy, technology, and education to address pressing social issues. Whether through developing a platform that educates the public on wellness or providing tools for young people to thrive, I want my venture to be a beacon of hope, progress, and empowerment. Technology has always been a passion of mine. My earlier training in mobile applications at S.V.C.T.E. taught me to harness innovation for practical solutions. This foundation inspires me to develop products that not only solve problems but also empower individuals to take charge of their futures. My hope is to merge my technological background with my passion for public health and education, building solutions that create ripples of positive change. Shining my light means using my unique skills and life experiences to inspire and uplift those around me. As a paraprofessional, I had the privilege of mentoring first graders, guiding them not only academically but emotionally. Witnessing their growth and confidence bloom was a testament to how small, intentional actions can leave a profound impact. I also bring my light into the public health space, where my contributions to smoke- and vape-free (Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Internship, Honors Program) initiatives demonstrate my commitment to fostering healthier communities and safeguarding younger generations. Ultimately, my legacy will be measured by the lives I have touched, the opportunities I have created, and the communities I have strengthened. Whether through my work with children, my contributions to public health, or my future entrepreneurial endeavors, I aim to leave the world a little brighter and more hopeful than I found it. In everything I do, my guiding principle is simple yet powerful: to serve others with creativity, compassion, and determination. My journey is just beginning, but my heart is set on making a difference—one that stands the test of time.

Growing up I've always been around children, whether they were siblings, cousins, or friends . Many think women belong in the kitchen, surrounded by their own kids, cleaning, doing laundry, etc. but that's not the way I see it. Since I was able to walk I was expected to help in the kitchen (which I never minded doing & am actually quite skilled at), but Grandma insisted I had to start young. I also cooked for both my siblings(because I'm the only daughter out of 3), and if I was at my grandma's house I'd have to cook for all my cousins when I was 8 years old. Now, being the first born granddaughter to a traditional Mexican family, I'm expected to make a life changing career choice. I know all these expectations should probably have me aiming for a career away from working with kids, (you know to not feed into the stereotype), but I realized something. To this day there are few things I'm sure about life wise, but two things were for sure. I wanted to help make an impact with kids and I'm really good at school. In kinder I was put in a fifth grade class for my language arts/ reading comprehension with a big buddy, but I had to help my buddy. My mom was a paraprofessional at a school in San Jose, and I was only a 7th grader going to volunteer with kindergarteners. Then, I was a tutor when I was in high school, per the request of my teachers. Plus, I had been taking college prep classes since 5th grade. Also, worked 3 jobs in high school and in college with 7 classes in one semester. I was a complete wreck, but hard work never comes easy. I love exceeding my own expectations, because I know I'm capable of so much more than what was taught to me culturally. Last year I became an after school teacher for first graders! My students love me and I love them, as cheesy as that sounds. That's when I realized how much I can impact someone, especially a child. There was one child who I can't ever forget, he was sweet but had a temper, and never really trusted anyone. There was a lot going on for this little first grader at home. Well after a little incident of kickball, I had a talk with him. I saw how angry and upset he was, so I just reminded him we are what we want to be. If he chose to be mean then there will be consequences, but if he chose to be nice then the world repays him back 100 times more. Since that talk, he'll come to visit me and talks about his day or problems. I know it might not mean much to others but that's when it really dawned upon me ... I am slowly making an impact. So my career goal is to be a social worker. I'm aiming for my doctorates in sociology and a minor in child studies, and I will be graduating with honors. I feel like my goals are going to have a huge impact on people, including my family. I understand being a social worker I'll be seen as a "bad guy", but I know that there are many kids in homes where they truly shouldn't be. I'll see things in this field that will impact the way I view my very own life, but nothing compares to the priority of helping a child.