When asked why he wants to go to college, Jose Alvarenga has many answers, but the main goal is “…to be happy…” He has lived a life of struggle and wants to “… give my children the childhood I never had…” Jose is from a loving family, with parents who work hard to provide a stable home for him and his younger brother. They live in a one-bedroom home, often opening their doors to relatives and friends who need a place to stay. His mother works long hours, leaving early in the morning and coming home late at night, yet they still must receive food stamps.

Jose carries the weight, with pride, to be a role model for his brother and the first in his family to go to college. He is strong of mind and body, working out regularly and enjoying all sports, excelling on the football field during high school, while maintaining a 4.00 G.P.A. with AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and AP U.S. History.

With a strong motivation for success and unwavering hope, Jose is an Applied Mathematics major at U.C. San Diego. He is interested in studying mechanic engineering, but is leaving his options open to pursue his passions. He considers himself a perfectionist in all he attempts. With an open-mindedness that will serve him well, he looks forward to making new friends, getting involved with intermural sports, and who know, even learning to surf! Jose knows that the first step to reaching his main goal of happiness is a college education.

“Knowledge is one of the most important gifts in this world. It can open endless possibilities to someone’s future… Ignorance holds people back from achieving their full potential… Inspiration keeps the world moving forward, helping creativityto become effective… impacting its surroundings… I want to inspire other students to pursue their aspirations and show them that is it possible with determination.”