Gary Lamit - Scholarships for Veterans

Introduction

My name is Diana Medina and I am currently student at both De Anza and Foothill College. I have been attending both schools now for approximately 3 years now and plan to graduate this coming June with an AA in Liberal Arts Emphasis in Social and Behavioral Science. If accepted, I plan to transfer to San Jose State University to pursue my BA in Liberal Studies. My ultimate career goal is to be a mentor for children whether it be counseling/teaching juveniles, students, or orphans. I hope to make a difference in their lives one day at a time.
My Story

As a child, I was raised by my mother who supported me and my 3 brothers. It was not long before I realized her struggle was everlasting. Thus, at the age of 16, I graduated from High school eager to become an adult and independent. After seeing my single mother struggle to support our family, I realized that I needed to free myself from her care. In doing so I decided to join the United States Marines at only 17. Exposed to a new environment, I was literally in culture shock. At 18 I was deployed to serve in OIF II among strangers I met only a few months prior. Like a fish out of water, I was certainly out of my element. My experience there left me to appreciate everything we take for granted in the United States. After serving 4.5 years in the military, I returned home with a family of my own, ready to work as a civilian and pursue my education. Going forward, I am now a wife, mother, student and full time employee striving to not only make a better life for my family but teach my child the values of life. After losing my first son in 2006 to Sudden Infant death syndrome, I struggled sometime to find meaning to life. Fortunately, in 2007 we were blessed with our baby boy Daniel who has given me new found purpose to life. As a mother, it is my goal to provide him with means that I as a child have been deprived of. As a result I have continued to work hard in both school and work to set an example for him as well has fulfill my own goals and dreams. This Fall I plan to transfer to San Jose State University which is an amazing accomplishment for me. Unfortunately, my VA education benefits will expire come August and I will have to start the university paying out of pocket expenses which is very costly. With a recovering economy, I have no choice but to continue to work to support my family and provide them with medical benefits that only my company offers. Not to mention, pay for living expenses that are endless. This situation has exempted me from eligible programs like financial aide because I am married and we are both working. However, the reality is that financially we are merely managing to "hold our heads above water" which leaves me unsettled. Oppressed from financial economic gain, any scholarship would surely help financially as well as revoke any delays regarding my education. I would certainly be grateful.

Thank you

"Live, as if you will die today
AND
Dream, as if there is no Tomorrow"