Growing up in a single-parent household was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It was not easy to balance my schoolwork and take care of my younger sister while my mother worked tirelessly to provide for us. However, these difficulties have only made me more determined to succeed and work harder to achieve my goals. I have always had a passion for learning and wish to pursue higher education.

As a first-generation college student, I have encountered difficulties in recognizing and taking advantage of opportunities. Money is a significant obstacle for my family, particularly with the rising living costs. My mother works long hours to make ends meet, and we have always had to be mindful of our expenses. As a result, I have had to come to terms with the fact that my family won’t be able to help me financially with college expenses.

So far, I have been able to pay out of pocket for college using the money I’ve earned working part-time. If I don’t receive any scholarships for next semester, it will be challenging to maintain my academic studies while paying off student loans. Although I am an extremely hard worker and committed to seeing college through and achieving my career goals, such a financial burden may detract from my ability to succeed. The Wiingy Future STEM Leaders Scholarship would allow me to focus on my coursework while also providing me with the time and resources necessary to pursue internships and conduct research as a geology major.

With the expansion of geology jobs, I am thrilled about the possibility of traveling and conducting independent research to gain a better understanding of how certain features are formed and how we can utilize Earth’s natural resources. With a degree in geology, I would be able to make a valuable contribution towards combating various environmental challenges. I aim to make my family proud by earning a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s degree, and ultimately achieving a successful career. I believe that higher education will provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to excel. I am passionate about learning, and I am confident that with hard work, dedication, and the support of my loved ones and mentors, I will be able to achieve my lifelong goals. I understand that the journey towards earning a degree is not easy, but I am willing to put in the effort and make sacrifices to succeed. I am grateful for any assistance I receive in achieving my lifelong goals and am committed to making the most of this opportunity.