Scholarships are known for helping students achieve the education they want by providing financial support to students. This October, Bonita Vista High (BVH) senior Jonathan Enriquez received the Chula Vista Elks Lodge Teenager of the Month of October scholarship, winning 1000 dollars in recognition of his academics, leadership and community service.
“It is for both the recognition and the money. I know that it will help me in the future for college and to reach my overall goals,” J. Enriquez said.
While applying, J. Enriquez completed an 250-750 word essay focusing on the questions; what is a moment in his life that defined him, and what would he like to do someday, as in where he hopes to be in 10 years.
“For the moment in my life that defines me, I described how I volunteer at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center where I have enjoyed the environment and assisting people. I have been able to get a feeling of how it feels to ‘work’ in a hospital. So far I have volunteered in the gift shop and will soon move to a new position involving delivering medicines to different departments,” J. Enriquez said.
J. Enriquez plans on going to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and majoring in nursing or chemistry. With J. Enriquez working at the hospital, he is closer to the profession he plans to pursue, and hopes that UCLA will get him there. J. Enriquez mentions how he always makes an effort to be goodhearted and the best version of himself because it inspires him to make an impact in his community.
“My family and I are hard working and even through all the obstacles we face, we are still able to persevere through them. I also added [in my essay] that I grew up with and still apply Christian principles to my life,” J. Enriquez said.
J. Enriquez shares that he has an amazing support system from his parents and fellow peers. His peers include his robotics team members, his parents and his International Baccalaureate English Higher Level 1 and Theory of Knowledge teacher, Jason Good. One reason J. Enriquez believes that Good is an amazing support system for him because they have known each other for three years.
“He’s super kind. I do not know if everyone realizes that about Jonathan, but he is a very nice human being and intelligent. He’s got some cool ideas about what we work on in my classes that are all interpretation based,” Good said.
Good has always encouraged J. Enriquez to be a full IB diploma candidate, to take advanced classes and to participate in extracurriculars. Moreover, J. Enriquez highlights how his father, Alex Enriquez, has been a huge inspiration for his success. With the help of this inspiration he has fully accomplished his scholarship.
“As long as I can remember, Jonathan has been a dedicated student. He loves school, he embraces education and has an eagerness to keep advancing his skills and knowledge. I can see that Jonathan has respect for his teachers and peers,” A. Enriquez said.
J. Enriquez witnessed all of Enriquez’s qualities such as his persistent dedication which he applies to his daily life, assisting him to his success in education. A. Enriquez shares that his son is more than capable of receiving an amazing scholarship like the one he just received with his efforts of dedication.
“[Getting the scholarship] felt great and gave me an insight on what I can accomplish. It made me happy to see my supporters there from my counselor to my parents. It was overall an amazing experience,” J. Enriquez said.
