AAUW Scholarship Application Essay 2022

I would describe myself as optimistic, caring, and resilient. Throughout my life, I have

kept a positive outlook on life. I believe hardships are necessary for the balance of life; as they say, you cannot have sunshine without rain. After I graduated high school, I worked three jobs to help pay bills because I lived with an aunt. No one in my family had ever been to college, and it was not a topic of conversation at any point in my life growing up. I quickly realized that if I did not further my education, I would likely be working several jobs with no purpose or passion for the rest of my life.

My goal is to add value to society and be a voice for women who haven’t always believed in themselves. Along with my love of science, I have always been fascinated by the human body. It made sense to pursue nursing because it aligned with my desire to help others as well. I am in the first semester of my bachelor’s degree in nursing, and all I can say is wow! This field is very demanding and requires many sacrifices, but I know the hard work it takes is what will make this career that much more rewarding. As a nurse, I will be able to fulfill every dream of mine: to help others, make a difference, and be an example that belief in oneself is all that is needed to succeed.

I decided to apply for this scholarship because of the organization’s values and its

impact on society. When my university suggested this scholarship, I was so excited to learn that there are organizations empowering women to pursue their life paths. I’d love to be an example for women everywhere, and it would be an honor to pursue my goals with the help of a respectable community such as this one. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay.

Vanessa Trevino
University of Texas at Arlington

AAUW Scholarship Application Essay 2023

My journey as a returning student started out slowly, and I was filled with apprehension. The two previous times I had attempted an associate’s degree, I was not able to complete my classes so that I could graduate. Several years went by before I attempted my degree again. In the fall of 2019, I drove to the Eastfield campus and began my first college course with Dallas College. I took one small step at a time. The end seemed so far away, but I began to feel hopeful as I continued to receive A and B grades in each of my classes. Finally, in the Fall of 2022, I finished my last associate’s class, signed up for graduation, and began my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with Dallas College. I had finally made it! What an honor it was to throw my hat in the air and celebrate with my family, including my dad who flew in from Illinois.

My future plans as a student are to complete my bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2025. I will walk with honors from Phi Theta Kappa and Honors Society. Once I graduate, I plan to continue working in Early Childhood Education with Dallas ISD as a teacher for first or second grade. I look forward to changing the lives of children around me just as several specific teachers have done the same for me. I plan to use my scholarship to continue the financial support of my academics. I feel honored to receive the AAUW scholarship, and I hope my words are an encouragement for those who want to accomplish their educational goals.

Brandy Gutierrez
Dallas College