Support: Scholarship
Sharon K.

I grew up in a low-income California neighborhood where sirens and injustice echoed louder than opportunity. Volunteering with ex-gang members opened my eyes—many had taken plea deals not because they were guilty, but because they couldn’t afford proper legal help. That moment lit a fire in me: I would become someone who stood between people and a broken system.
Now, as a Paralegal Studies major, I advocate daily—not only in the classroom but in life. My son has Level III autism, and every IEP meeting, doctor visit, and evaluation is a battle I fight with love. A professor once told us, “They can take everything, but never your education.†That truth became my anchor through grief, relocations, and diagnosis.
My two boys are my world. Coming from a broken home, I’ve made it my mission to build them a future rooted in strength, stability, and hope. They see me push through sleepless nights, heartbreak, and hardship—not because it’s easy, but because I refuse to quit. I want them to know that resilience is their legacy.
This scholarship is more than financial aid—it’s a lifeline. It tells me, “You’re not alone. We believe in you.†And that belief fuels me. If I could leave one message for others walking a hard road: use every resource, lean on your community, and never forget why you started.
You are stronger than your circumstances—and your story is far from over.
These past two years have tested my family in every way—from the heartbreak of a major loss to the challenges of relocating and navigating my son’s recent diagnosis. Through it all, we’ve held onto hope. Your support means more than words can express. It not only lightens our load—it reminds me that we’re not alone in this journey. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for believing in me and making a real difference in our lives.”

