Ashley Beristain Palafox
This scholarship means a lot to me. As a first-generation & low-income student, I’ve had to balance school with supporting myself, which has been difficult.
Being recognized in this way through this scholarship feels really meaningful and reminds me that my hard work matters. This scholarship would help take some financial pressure off and allow me to focus more on my education. I plan to pursue a master’s degree, so this money would go directly toward that goal and help me continue my studies without as much stress.
This scholarship also represents an investment in my future and the work I hope to do. I want to give back to underserved communities and support others who come from backgrounds like mine. This brings me one step closer to that.
Denise Roberta Ann Vergara
This scholarship represents both relief and affirmation. As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines and a student navigating financial, medical, and personal challenges, this support allows me to continue my education at UC Berkeley with greater stability and focus.
I intend to use the funds to support both my current educational expenses and my upcoming law school application process, including application fees, LSAT-related costs, and other essential expenses that can often be barriers for students like me. More importantly, this recognition motivates me to continue the work I am deeply passionate about: supporting immigrant and underrepresented communities through service, advocacy, and future legal work.
My long-term goal is to pursue a career in immigration law, where I can give back to communities like my own and help others access opportunities and justice.
Nikia Denetha Durgin
I am grateful for the GOALS Scholarship, which offers students like me the resources to fully pursue our educational aspirations. Being ambitious can be expensive, with hard-earned opportunities coming with a price.
The GOALS Scholarship ensures I never have to limit my ambition to afford my seat at the table.These funds will support my studies in UC Berkeley’s Summer Abroad Program, London & the Literary Imagination.
I am truly honored that through my writing you were able to see me. That is an invaluable affirmation for someone in my position.
Merilyn Navarro Sanchez
I am a first-generation, low-income, and system-impacted Oaxacan student who comes from a single-parent mixed-status household. Coming from nothing to graduating from UC Berkeley with two bachelor’s degrees, receiving the GOALS scholarship means I am closer to my next goal of continuing my education in law school with a focus on immigration and civil rights.
My reason for becoming a lawyer stems from my own lived experiences. I moved from California to Mexico to escape abuse, for safety. Living in an unfamiliar country was tough; cultural differences and my American accent made me stand out, and school was difficult due to bullying and a lack of teacher support despite my struggles with language. Although Spanish is my first language, my education in the U.S. left gaps that complicated my adjustment. I later returned to the U.S. to escape the abuse that was being inflicted on me in Mexico.
I currently work at NAVCAL and The Public Service Center under Alternative Breaks: San Diego Immigration Rights and College Corps. These experiences have shaped why I want to serve immigrant and historically marginalized communities. I know the path ahead will be difficult, but I’ve already faced setbacks, learned to adapt, and kept moving forward. The funds of the GOALS Scholarship will be for Law School, as I want to serve the communities I come from and be of assistance in any way, shape, or form.
Evelyn Dominguez
