Osbaldo Aguilar attributes early behavioral problems in his life to being shuttled back and forth between his mom and dad’s homes. “When I was 8 years old, I gained a stepmom,” Osbaldo said, which subsequently added to his indecision about which person in his life was truly his mom. An ensuing custody battle and constant changes in environment led to Osbaldo acting out in destructive ways. After being placed in special education, counselors taught Osbaldo to learn how to express his feelings constructively, especially in the school environment. Since then, Osbaldo has never looked back. “Seeing the outcome of my decisions has taught me to be able to laugh at myself,” or to recognize “when to stop and take things slow, to think them through.” With a 3.6 GPA, Osbaldo has set his sights on becoming a cardiologist. Being named a Simon Scholar will enable him to polish his communication and leadership skills. Having already spent more than 400 hours volunteering at Del Rio Elementary School, Osbaldo is committed to giving back to his community. The supervising teacher at Del Rio said that Osbaldo “is a natural leader” with the small children that he assists. His AVID teacher said that Osbaldo has “incredible resilience and determination. He is truly an example of someone who has faced an obstacle and overcome it – and he has done so with his head held high. He speaks with wisdom and clarity about what he has been through and addresses his future with commitment and resolve.”

A member of the Girard Prep Program for college-bound students, David Ayala already knows where he wants to go. “I am on a journey toward my long-term goals, and I will achieve them at any cost,” he said confidently. With CST scores that placed him in the “top 20” district-wide in math and currently maintaining a 3.5 GPA, David aspires to attend USC to study in the engineering field. “Since 8th grade, I have wanted to be an engineer,” he said, even though this has sometimes required him to pass up trips to amusement parks or band competitions. Working hard on his #1 priority, David enrolled in MESA, where his team won 3rd place in a state-wide competition. In 9th grade, he enrolled in pre-engineering and design and was awarded 3rd place for toy design at the Del Mar Fair. He has also received numerous citizenship, honor roll, and science awards. After his parents’ divorce, he and his father, aunt and cousins, who make up a family of 6, moved in together, and they continue to “struggle against the economy.” David’s father is a Mexican immigrant who works as a translator with the Oceanside USD. His former AP World History teacher said of David that “despite the hardships of his family life, he has not lost sight of his goals. He truly wants to achieve to help bring stability to his struggling family.” His Math teacher concurred, saying, “I have used David as an example to my students of what determination, listening, and perseverance are all about.” The Simon Family Foundation looks forward to assisting David in reaching his goals.

Vanesa Bedolla wants to break what she considers “the stereotype that Hispanics can’t get anywhere in life or become somebody,” and she is grateful that the Simon Family Foundation Scholarship will provide her with the necessary tools and a safety net to catch her if she falls. “I feel like I have to rely on myself,” she said, and having fellow Scholars to support her will certainly be a huge plus. “I feel pressure and responsibility to show my brother and sister that we can all succeed,” she added. “I want to be the example my parents weren’t able to be for my siblings.” Vanesa receives emotional support from her parents, both of whom received only rudimentary education, and she is very appreciative of what the Simon Scholars Program can offer. Because her parents immigrated here to make a better life for their family, Vanesa feels that “if I don’t make something out of my life, my parents would have given up practically everything for nothing.” With a GPA of 3.4, Vanesa hopes to become a veterinary technician. Her Chemistry teacher said that Vanesa is serious about her academic achievement. “She can be counted on to ask thoughtful, clarifying questions that benefit all and she is always a positive contributor to the classroom environment.” Her Math teacher describes Vanesa as “one of the finest students he has met in his entire career. The quality of her thinking and reasoning continually amaze me – sometimes I stand and listen with my mouth open in wonder at the things she sees and the clarity and depth at which she understands.” He went on to say that Vanesa “impacts every place, person or situation for the better.”

Growing up has presented many challenges for Aja Estrella. Being poor was only a small part of her struggles. “I lived with my drug-addicted mother for 8 years,” she said. “I felt worthless, guilty and unloved. My father saved me and became my role model. He showed me right from wrong; he showed me that there is more to life than drugs and poverty.” Aja’s father is disabled and has been diagnosed with AIDS. In spite of this, Aja remains optimistic about her future. “I can do so much with my life – save people even, and that would mean the world to me!” Her short-term goal is to be a great student, and with a 3.45 GPA, she is well on her way. Aja is a member of the OHS marching band, where music plays a big part in her life. She is also enrolled in American Sign Language classes and enjoys it so much that she is considering attending Gallaudet University to pursue a degree in ASL Interpretation. Aja looks forward to the many doors that will be opened to her through the Simon Family Foundation. “I want to be a Simon Scholar because I want to be someone in the world,” Aja said. “With this Program, I can do things. When I get a job, I want to be the best at it. My life goal is to touch peoples’ lives. I want to help make the world a better, cleaner and safer place to live.” Three words used often by her teachers in writing about Aja are “responsible, respectful, and humble, “and it is said that she brightens the classroom just by her presence. Aja describes herself as “a simple girl with simple interests. I love to take pictures and get lost in my music. I love to make people laugh.” She went on to say, “I will always be a fighter, and I will never give up on my dreams.” The Simon Family Foundation looks forward to watching her go far.

Brenda Gil immigrated from Mexico to America with her family in 2006. Carrying a 4.0 GPA has been the easy part. The breakup of her parents at age 10 and having to watch her single parent mother try to make ends meet for a family of four by working as a housekeeper has been the real challenge for Brenda. “I’ve never struggled in school,” she said. “I’ve always taken responsibility for my work because I know what direction it can take me.” The direction she’s aiming for is to be the first in her family to complete high school, graduate from a reputable university and become a pathologist. “There are times when I’ve felt completely alone, due to the stress on my mom and me being unable to help.” However, Brenda credits certain instrumental people in her life who have lifted her up, showing her that she is a unique person capable of excelling. “When I receive compliments, it motivates me to become my best and work to my full potential,” she said. “I thank God for all I’ve been through because tests help me improve and learn. Mistakes, whether they’re mine or my parents, make me better and wiser.” Brenda’s chemistry teacher said that Brenda is “one of those people you just know will succeed because you see the talent and drive she possesses.” Her AVID teacher and mentor agreed, saying that Brenda has used the “obstacles of a second language learner and a broken home” to inspire her. Brenda wants to give others a fighting chance at a new life, just as she believes she’s been given that chance. “I say this with all my heart,” she said. “All I need is this scholarship and my future will not be just a dream – but a reality.”