Jesus Flores
Hammonton High School
University of Virginia
La cultura hispana es una parte integral de mi identidad como adolescente hispano. Sus principios fundamentales, como el respeto a la familia, la importancia de la educación y la calidez hacia los demás, han sido de gran ayuda durante mi tiempo en la escuela secundaria. La conexión con mi herencia hispana me ha brindado una perspectiva única y me ha permitido apreciar la diversidad y la riqueza de nuestras tradiciones.
Además, el énfasis en el trabajo duro y la perseverancia me ha motivado a superar desafíos académicos. Estoy orgulloso de ser parte de la cultura hispana y estoy agradecido por cómo ha enriquecido mi experiencia en la escuela secundaria.
My Hispanic heritage has instilled a background that has helped me achieve some of my largest goals, but at the same time I had to deal with a lot of challenges because of my Hispanic heritage.
At Hammonton High school we have a large Hispanic community, however many do not wish to pursue a higher education level. I often felt ostracized or isolated because I would be looked at differently because of my participation in class or effort. My friends would always say I cared too much about school and that I should go and hang out with them more. These situations would really test my diligence and passion, because I did want to hang out with them, but I knew I had a future in school and I had to stick with it.
It was often very demoralizing trying to compete with my classmates. Since my parents worked long hours, I had to walk after every club meeting, track practice, and community service events I participated in.
Moreover, it was also frustrating that kids in my grade had the resources to hire expensive tutors to prepare them for the SAT, while I had to find free time to devote to study for the SAT. Those same kids were also the kids I had to compete in the college application process. The college application process is one of the most grueling and challenging moments for a teenager, and this was even harder for me as a first-generation applicant.
These are just some of the difficulties I have been faced with, but these challenges have shaped me into the person I am today. My accomplishments in the classroom are a testament to the countless late nights, sacrifices, and unwavering perseverance I have.
This scholarship will be a big help in funding my goal of becoming a Chemical engineer from one of the best universities in the country- University of Virginia.
I will use this money to help offset the price of books and travel expenses during my next four years. In the engineering field I wish to build a community that fosters Hispanics and sets them up for success. This journey is not about me, it will be for those that came before me, and those that will come after me.