When my mom's necklace shattered many years ago, it turned out to be the first of many barriers that would be broken. Pushing past the limitations imposed on me by myself, other people, and life in general, allowed me to learn to understand what I truly want, and push myself to pursue whatever that is, no matter what. Breaking my first barrier of cancer also ignited my passion for service, especially when it comes to serving those in the cancer community.

Ava S.

I completed treatment for leukemia on May 3, 2023. It was the best day of my life! Ringing that bell brought tears of joy to my smiling face. It was the same face that a once frail thirteen-year-old boy had when he faced the fear of dying from leukemia. This day symbolized the end of a physical and spiritual war… This experience encouraged me to take on opportunities that come my way. In eleventh grade, I was nominated and elected as vice-president of law enforcement club at World Scholars Academy. This has fueled my desire to pursue my dream of having a career in law enforcement like my father. This is what this scholarship will help me accomplish.

Diego H.

When my family first came to the U.S., everything was unfamiliar—the language, the culture, and even the way of life. We had come here with the hope of a better future, but adjusting was not easy….Just as I was starting to settle into my new surroundings, my world was turned upside down again when I was diagnosed with leukemia….While battling leukemia, math became my safe space. In a world where everything felt chaotic and unpredictable, math offered me something solid—a way to focus my mind and remind myself that every problem has a solution if you work through it. It became my anchor, providing comfort when I needed it most…In the future, I want to pursue a degree in mathematics, not just because I love the subject, but because it has been a source of strength for me during my hardest times.

Jiaxin Y.