Fredy Jacobo wants to be the best that he can be, and his 4.8 GPA demonstrates that he is putting forth his best efforts to achieve that goal. An Honors and Advanced Placement student, Fredy immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, speaking not a word of English. His father and older brother, also a Simon Scholar, helped him adapt to a new environment and learn the language, while his mother helped him cope with the loneliness stemming from the absence of his grandparents. “My future was in the U.S.,” he said, while admitting the difficulties of being placed in 3rd grade instead of 4th upon his arrival. But this ambitious young man quickly made up for lost time. Today, Fredy is not only an outstanding student but also a highly involved athlete serving on both his high school basketball and volleyball teams. His counselor stated that “Fredy remains a very positive young man whose personality makes it easy for him to establish quality relationships with his peers.” He added that the exceptional rigor of Fredy’s courses and his ranking at the top of his class provide evidence that he will reach his goal of graduating from a university and becoming a successful entrepreneur.

The first born child to parents of Mexican descent, Jorge Lazaro, a  high school Senior, faced struggles when he and his family immigrated to the United States speaking only Spanish. But he quickly emerged as one of the smartest students in his class, and in 3^rd grade was named “Student of the Month” three times.  By the time he reached middle school, Jorge was a member of the Outstanding Citizenship Club and the UCI Math Academy. He is currently on the Honor Roll earning a 3.2 GPA while taking Advanced Placement and Honors classes.  Financial difficulties have plagued his family of four, but Jorge remains focused on pursuing his lifelong dream of graduating from a university and becoming a doctor.   His Science teacher said that “Jorge is a serious, hard-working young man who also has a good sense of humor.” His Algebra teacher said that “When you first meet Jorge, he is calm and quietly doing his work.  But when you get to know the real Jorge, he is an intelligent, outgoing individual who can take charge in a heartbeat.”  Those who know Jorge well describe him as someone who always gives 100% and takes pleasure in helping others.  His life goals are to become a model citizen and someone that other kids look up to.  “I would like to have a better life and give a better life to my children so they won’t have to struggle to get ahead like I have.”

The middle child in a family of 7, Arlene Lopez knows what it means to be responsible. While her parents are working, she cares for her younger siblings and has taken on many domestic chores, including the family cooking. “My family doesn’t always have what we need, and we struggle,” she said, “but we manage to stay happy.” Arlene’s father was shot in the head during a gang incident, which left him with brain damage and no short term memory. As a young child, Arlene was the victim of abuse by a close family member, but she has worked hard to overcome the emotional scars left behind. “In this world, people are hurting,” she said, “but what they don’t know is they can use their hurt to help others.” Arlene is a Simon Scholar who plans to attend college and receive a degree in criminal justice. “I want to help other girls that have been in a situation similar to mine,” she said. One of her teachers commented on Arlene by saying, “She is a great student with a great heart.” Another teacher said that Arlene is “mature, thoughtful and motivated.” “Her dedication to education is evident in how well prepared she is every day and in the quality of her work.” Being selected as a Simon Scholar, Arlene believes that for her, the best is yet to come.

In 2009, Vanessa Lopez’ father suffered an accident in Mexico that changed her family’s life forever. Severely injured and now a paraplegic, Vanessa’s father also experienced great physical and emotional pain, which affected the entire family of 5. After a difficult transition, Vanessa promised herself something. “I would keep my education unaffected. I made great efforts, with the support of my parents, who taught me about family unity, moral values, hard work and determination. I learned English and obtained great grades. Academic excellence is something I will strive for during the remainder of my education.” This is no empty boast – Vanessa currently carries a GPA of 4.4. She hopes to graduate from UCI and become an occupational therapist. She has worked hard to overcome her shyness by getting involved in extracurricular activities such as volunteer work and the Spanish Club. “Despite all my difficulties,” she said, “I discovered that my desire for learning was still very much alive.” Her Science instructor said that Vanessa is just one of those students for whom you “want to put everything down in order to make her future a priority. In trying to express all the emotions I feel for her as a person, I keep coming back to this feeling – inspiration. She inspires me, as an instructor and as a person.” As a volunteer for a family medical practice, a Physician’s Assistant said that Vanessa is “a teenager who must be watched in the future. She has a much higher-than-average desire to succeed. She also carries along all of the values of a true leader – honesty, hard working, respectful, and focused – and yet, she remains humble and happy. Did I mention her smile?” The Simon Family Foundation staff smiles in full acceptance of her as a member of its Simon Scholars Program.

Personal loss may have influenced the life of Eileen Macias, but she will not allow herself to be defined by it. Born the eldest of three children, Eileen felt that responsibility has become the key to her success so far. The loss of her baby brother, her family home and the breakup of her parents’ marriage are “personal hardships that I carry with me every day,” she said. Financial difficulties may have prevented her from continuing on with her love and passion of martial arts, but it hasn’t squelched the desire Eileen has to improve herself. “My mom showed me that if you have hope, you should never give up,” Eileen said. Enrolled in honors and advanced placement classes, Eileen maintains a 3.0 GPA even though she lives an hour across town from Segerstrom High School. Eileen enjoys cross country running, track and field, and served as a volunteer for “Youth Developing Through Martial Arts” and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana. The President of Toyama Karate-Do Organization highly recommends Eileen for the Simon Family Foundation Scholarship, stating that she is “a person always willing to help and go the extra mile.” He said she is “dedicated, goal oriented and easy to approach.” Her French teacher echoes these sentiments, stating that Eileen “possesses a strong sense of integrity and an ability to focus and prioritize.” Eileen’s career goal is to graduate from a four year university; mostly likely UC San Diego or Boston University, majoring in psychology or French language, and running on the cross country team. “I always think about how much I have ahead of me,” she said. “I’m looking for a chance to give a helping hand and improve myself to become the best I can be.”