Distance into Purpose by ricardo

Distance into Purpose by ricardo - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

A defining moment when I discovered a new strength in myself came from learning how to move forward while feeling incomplete. Living in the United States while half of my family remains in the other side of the world. It forced me to develop resilience at a young age. Being separated from my father and my younger sisters due to immigration issues meant missing important milestones. First steps, first birthdays, and everyday moments. Through this experience, I realized that strength is the ability to keep going with purpose despite challenges.

For a long time, I believed success meant focusing on academics. That mindset shifted when I recognized that my experiences gave me the ability to create belonging for others. Instead of giving up, I chose to become more involved in my school and community. I joined Spanish National Honor Society, and Latinos in Action, where I learned how leadership and service can bring people together. These opportunities helped me discover confidence in my voice and responsibility in my actions.
This growth continued as I stepped into leadership roles, including serving as an editor for my club and later becoming involved in the National Honor Society. Organizing events such as food drives and community fundraisers taught me how to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and support others facing challenges of their own.

Balancing leadership with a part-time job at Adidas further strengthened my work ethic and discipline. Being recognized twice as employee of the month showed me that the skills I was developing such as: consistency, teamwork, and accountability, went beyond the classroom.
Discovering my strength guided me towards my goals and my future. I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, a path that reflects my adaptability and desire to lead with purpose. What began as personal challenges became the foundation of my growth, teaching me that true strength lies in turning challenges into opportunities to motivate others and create spaces where everyone feels they belong.