"I’m incredibly grateful to have received Berkeley City College’s 2024 President’s Medallion Award. This scholarship will support me immensely in my transfer to UC Berkeley, primarily with tuition and housing expenses. BCC was the first learning community in which I truly felt supported to grow. In the past two years, I discovered my passion for business, advocacy, and working in leadership roles. This scholarship not only assists me financially but recognizes my story and potential. As I leave community college, I’m committed to repaying this honor in service to helping others."

"As a first-generation Latina student, my experience in college has been influenced by resilience, determination, and a drive to create change. After losing my father in 2015, a week before my high school graduation, I didn't imagine myself being able to overcome the mental struggles with figuring life out. This is why I am continuing my education to get my bachelor's and master's in psychology with a minor in ethnic studies. Receiving the President's Medallion scholarship isn't only about support; it's a reflection of my confidence in my ability to make a significant difference in the field of psychology. Dealing with my own mental health struggles has shown me firsthand how crucial it is to have accessible and fair mental health services. This scholarship provides me with opportunities to pursue my goal of breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their background, can access the help they require and need. With unwavering dedication and appreciation for this chance, I am prepared to start this chapter in my journey, fueled by the belief that I can achieve anything I set out to do. Many thanks to the scholarship committee for acknowledging my journey and investing in my dreams and aspirations. This is for my mother, who continues to be a light in my life, and my father, who may not be here with us today, but whose love and support continue to inspire me. ¡Si Se Pudo y Mas Se Puede!"

"It is such an honor to be recognized for this amazing scholarship. I have had the amazing opportunity to be a committed, full-time student at a college that I love, so this has just been the greatest finishing touch. I have grown up with a very disadvantaged start, being without any of my parents, so earning an award like this is such an inspiring thing for me. It has always been my goal in life to help disadvantaged folks towards their definition of personal success, and I hope to continue achieving this at UC San Diego, where I'll be pursuing International Relations. This scholarship will help me financially continue my studies, and will forever be a beacon of hope for me and my future."

"I am immensely grateful to have been honored with the President's Medallion Award and to Dr. David Johnson for his support. This prestigious award is a recognition of my academic diligence and my commitment to my community as I advance toward a career in nursing. As I prepare to pursue my Bachelor's in Nursing, this award will significantly ease the financial challenges associated with higher education. I am especially motivated by the opportunity to increase the representation of Latina nurses within the healthcare sector, as we currently represent only 7% of the nursing workforce. The support from the President's Medallion Award will be instrumental in helping me focus on my studies and clinical experiences without the overwhelming burden of financial constraints. Thank you, Dr. David Johnson and the award committee, for this incredible honor. I am eager to uphold the values represented by this award and look forward to contributing positively to our community as a professional nurse."