Merari Santana has a fervent desire to become an engineer. Carrying a 4.17 GPA and highly interested in math and biology, Merari was chosen as a Simon Scholar and then subsequently was selected for the COSMOS Program, one wherein students work side-by-side with university researchers exploring advanced topics and receiving hands-on training at the University of California. Following a recent near-scare in which Merari’s family faced the possibility that she had a potentially life-threatening disease, Merari felt like she had a new lease on life and is now intent on graduating from UC Berkeley or Stanford. “I am pursuing a career in engineering,” she said, “so that I can help people and the community – whether it’s making an artificial heart for patients who need it or constructing a hospital for innocent children with diseases.” She added that being selected as a recipient of the Simon Family Foundation Scholarship has already immensely impacted her life. “I am going to work hard to contribute improving the lives of others.” Living in a household with 10 family members is a challenge, and struggling to make ends meet is a daily routine. But that’s about all that is routine when it comes to Merari Santana. Her list of accomplishments include the Green and Gold award in 2011, three Principal’s Honor Roll recognitions, and a State of California Assembly scholastic AVID achievement award, just to name a few. She is Vice President of the “Make a Wish” Club and a member of the “Free the Children" Club. Her AVID Coordinator said that Merari “possesses a quiet strength and a serious commitment to learning. Despite living in a home shared by her immediate family and at least six other relatives, Merari has maintained her grades and her optimism about the future.” She added, “I believe she will be an ambassador for your Foundation.” Welcome, Merari.

Born in El Salvador, Daniel Santos came to America in 2008 all by himself – at the young age of 12. Although it was extremely difficult to leave his mother behind, Daniel made the decision to be reunited with his father in the U.S. largely to form a relationship with him and because he truly believes that here “there are many more opportunities for a good education and a better future than in El Salvador.” He said that “even people with master’s degrees in El Salvador are not guaranteed a good paying job, and the quality of education is much lower than in the U.S.” Reconnecting with his father has been difficult, Daniel admitted. “I hadn’t seen him since birth,” Daniel said. “I wanted to get to know him better and build a dad-to-son relationship.” They’re still working on that. Meanwhile, Daniel also has had to learn a new language and adjust to a new family – a stepmom and two half-sisters and one half-brother. “In reality, I miss my mom,” he said, “but to help me be strong, I think back on the reasons why I moved to the U.S.” Daniel currently has a 3.3 GPA and wants to graduate from a 4-year university and pursue a career as an epidemiologist, or doctor of medicine. He works non-stop trying to master the English language. “I read many books and take a comprehension quiz afterwards. I take copious notes and read them every day to improve my knowledge and vocabulary. I watch TV, sing and listen to music in English and I ask people for help with my pronunciation. My Salvadorian accent is still very thick; however, I will try my best and keep my motivation up until I master the English language.” His Reading and Writing teacher said that Daniel’s progress has been nothing short of amazing. “Having arrived in this country only 3 years ago,” she said, “one would expect him to still be in beginning English classes; however, he is ready to be exited from the program as an advanced learner. His drive and ability will truly be an asset to your Foundation.” His Physical Science teacher said that “Daniel has shown great resiliency. From my experience in interacting with young adults, few have displayed the level of maturity that Daniel shows every day. He recognizes the difficulties that lie ahead.” Daniel’s ultimate goal? To sponsor his mother when he turns 21 so that she, too, can come to the United States, and they can have a better life experiencing the American dream together.

Most everyone that knows Kathy Tran would describe her as an “overachiever,” but that would be a gross understatement. Instead, she prefers to think of herself as “a strong, independent young woman who has come from humble beginnings” but meant for great things. With a 4.3 GPA, her list of accomplishments are already too numerous to mention. Just a few of her activities include serving as Senior Patrol Leader for her Girl Scout troop, being a member of Human Relations (an Orange County based agency for social justice), Key Club, the Swim Team, Orchestra and being a student representative for the Los Amigos Site Council. “I have always maintained a strong work ethic,” Kathy said. “My mom (a hairstylist and the sole support of their family of 5) is my role model who has taught me that life’s goals are never impossible as long as you try your best. I will do my best because my family’s future depends on me.” Kathy’s goal is to graduate from UC Berkeley and become either a politician or an attorney. Her father is disabled, diagnosed with glaucoma, and her oldest brother is a special education student. “Having to break many barriers as the first in my entire family to be born in the United States, I have had many pressures on being the first to graduate from a prestigious university and change my family’s history and future forever.” Kathy hopes to contribute toward making a difference in correcting society’s social injustices through politics and empowerment. “Being in the Simon Scholars Program will allow me to give my experiences back to the community,” she said. Her World History teacher said that she is already “regarded as a leader in the classroom by those that look up to her with great admiration and respect. Well mannered and polite, her character and integrity are extraordinary. Without hesitation, I can firmly attest that she is one of the most exceptional candidates I have ever had the privilege of recommending for the Simon Family Foundation scholarship.” Her Senior Human Relations Specialist said that Kathy has “seen the difficulties her family has worked hard to overcome. She truly believes that education can and will empower her family, her community and herself. Her dedication, passion and reliability have made her a shining example.”