THE FLORAL PARK HOME & GARDEN TOUR SUPPORTS
FLORAL PARK NEIGHBORHOOOD ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS BENEFITING
LOCAL SANTA ANA HIGH SCHOOL & SANTA ANA COLLEGE STUDENTS
We asked a few of our recent scholarship recipients to discuss the impact receiving a Floral Park Neighborhood Association scholarship had on their academic futures. This is what they had to say…
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
WENDY RODRIGUEZ
Education and Social Transformation Major
UCLA Class of 2026
“Coming from a low income family and as a first generation student, college seemed out of reach for me. With how expensive college is, I remember always talking about the cost of it which shouldn’t be a barrier for those who want to go to college. It’s scholarships like this one that helped make that possible for me. I am super thankful for the Floral Park scholarship and even more grateful that I get to be at my dream school, UCLA! Thank you!”
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Andrés Ríos
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
California State University Fullerton
“I grew up enduring lots of financial instability in my household but knew two sure things about myself: I wanted to pursue higher education and become an educator; I did not know specifically how it would happen, but it would.
As a first-generation student, I had the luxury of being a recipient for the Floral Park Scholarship amidst a global pandemic in the spring of 2020 upon graduating high school. I was blessed with this financial opportunity that enabled me to purchase a computer for my virtual Zoom classes at the time, thus contributing crucially to my college success.
I graduated CSU Fullerton in 2023 with my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and I am one month away from finishing my Single Subject Credential Program to become a Spanish teacher. I hope to teach back in my community and help shape students like me.
Thank you Floral Park!”
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
CINTHIA OCHOA CARMONA
Sociology Major
University of California, Riverside
“I received this award three years ago right before starting college. I had spent the past two years sitting in front of a computer during Covid and was feeling many emotions as I tried to prepare for college. When I applied for the award, I have to be honest and say that I did not think I would get it. I used to struggle a lot with finding self-confidence and did not think that many of my actions matter. However, the minute that I received the award, I felt love and kindness from people that I was meeting for the first time which made me realize that my actions did matter, and I began to gain more confidence, as I prepared for college. Throughout all four years of high school, I volunteered tutoring children at the Lighthouse Community Center in a low-income neighborhood, which I grew up in. I was also a private tutor for a family friend that was struggling in school. Among other community service, I had over 200 hours of community service. Although I enjoyed volunteering and did this out of the kindness of my heart, being recognized for this made me realize putting good out into the world would soon or later be returned. It also opened my eyes to the kindness of others and realized that not only was I helping others, but there were others who could help me. This experience influenced me to always be kind and do what I can to help others in every situation that I am in. This positivity has helped me become more optimistic and hopeful in our society. I hope this community knows that this award is very significant to me, and it helped me gain a lot more confidence as I embarked on a new journey in college as a first generation student.
The scholarship was incredibly helpful as a low income student. Throughout my entire life, college was always a dream, but I always had to keep in mind that it was a very expensive dream. The minute I began planning on going to college, I was greeted with a lot of excitement as well as worry for my financial status. I was looking at book purchases, dorm deposits, dining plans, school supplies, and many more financial obligations. I was very disappointed and felt that my excitement was being tainted by the financial stress I was feeling. Receiving this scholarship relieved me of stress by covering a lot of the cost that I had and for that I was eternally grateful then and I continue to be grateful now. The FPNA award was very significant and impactful in multiple ways. I am forever grateful for this award and to the Floral Park Neighborhood Association for their work and support they offer.”
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
ESMERALDA COETO MEDINA
Psychological Science Major
University of California, Irvine
“A year ago, I was a high school senior applying to college. I had fulfilled all academic achievements, participated in extracurriculars, and did my due diligence as a community member. However, my mind was preoccupied with how I would finance my higher education. It came as a great honor and relief to receive the Floral Park Neighborhood Association Scholarship and to know that my community acknowledged and valued my contributions. The scholarship provided me with financial stability to maintain and increase my intellectual growth. I did not fear that the expenses of college would threaten my academic pursuits, instead I had the opportunity to focus on my studies and form a deeper understanding with my coursework. I’m proud to say that I have maintained a 4.0 grade average during my first year of college. Not to mention, I had time to allocate for more academic endeavors. I am now looking at Social Policy and Public Service as a potential second major to accompany my Psychological Science major at the University of California, Irvine. I hope to engage in the value, appreciation, and responsibility of community and civic engagement. Beyond academic success, the scholarship expanded my ability to participate in new opportunities. I am now a part of a professional development program called Student Achievement Guided by Experience (SAGE). In the program, I am involved in a family of rising professionals who are committed to enhancing their leadership and academic skills as well advancing their competencies in their field. I have dedicated time to participate in community service to instill a culture of civic responsibility, participated in networking events to meet influential guests, and attended specialized classes to enhance my professional skills. During my time at SAGE, I will be connected to paid internship positions with sponsored corporations or non-profit organizations. Upon having received the scholarship, I am most grateful for your belief and continued support in funding future Santa Ana youth recipients. This scholarship is a life-changing opportunity and it shows the importance of investing in outstanding students in our community. This scholarship has been an influential factor for my relief of financial burdens, trajectory into higher education, and commitment to pursue opportunities I never would have imagined. Your investment will not be forgotten. Thank you again for your generous and thoughtful consideration.”
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
DEYSI MOJICA
Education Major
University of California, Riverside
“As an undocumented college student, the pathway to pursuing higher education often feels like an overwhelming challenge. The barriers vary from financial constraints to legal restrictions. However, obtaining the Floral Park Scholarship in 2022 gave me hope amidst the uncertainty.
First, this $1000 scholarship provided me with financial relief. Without access to federal funding or traditional funding, the cost of college can seem overwhelmingly prohibitive. Thankfully, the Floral Park Scholarship is open to all students in Santa Ana regardless of immigration status. This financial support removed a significant obstacle that would have otherwise hindered my ability to pursue my educational goals.
Beyond the financial support, the Floral Park Scholarship offered a sense of validation and recognition of my academic potential. Despite the systemic barriers and societal stigma associated with being undocumented, receiving this scholarship acknowledged my hard work, dedication, and academic achievements. It helped me recognize that my status should not limit my goals.
The Floral Park Scholarship was put to great use and has allowed me to attend UCR as an education major. This has opened my eyes to a world outside of Santa Ana. I have been given access to an R1, Hispanic Serving institution, where I have gotten the chance to work in a research team as early as my first year, networking with non-profit organizations, and so many more opportunities.”