2025 Who Inspires You Scholarship Winner: Crystal Vazquez
Biography: My name is Crystal Vazquez, and I am a proud first-generation Mexican-American college student at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. I am currently a sophomore pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As the eldest daughter in my family, I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility to set a positive example and to make the most of opportunities. Growing up, I saw how powerful compassionate care can be and the impact it has made on families while forever changing lives. This inspired my dream to become a nurse who not only treats patients but also listens to them and makes them feel seen and valued. My mission is to serve others with faith, kindness, and diligence. Through nursing, I hope to give back to the community that has shaped me: low-income, bilingual communities. My roots will forever be a reminder that with perseverance and heart, every act of care can make a lasting difference.
Reaction Statement: When I found out I had been selected as a scholarship recipient, I was in complete shock. I had just finished my health assessment exam that morning (which I thankfully passed) and I got the notification during my lunch break. Seeing the reward notification was truly surreal. My first instinct was to thank God for this blessing, and I called my mom right after to share the news. Afterward, I went to the campus chapel to express my gratitude. Receiving this scholarship fills me with deep appreciation and motivation to continue working hard toward my goals, knowing that my efforts and faith are being recognized and supported.
2024 Who Inspires You Scholarship Winner: Porter Jones
Biography: My name is Porter Jones, and I live in Southern Utah. I am currently a Senior at Enterprise High School and a Utah Tech CE student. After high school I hope to go to BYU to receive my bachelors. I haven’t chosen a major yet, but the plan right now is to later get into BYU’s law program and decide what to do from there. Before all that though, my first priorities are to go on a 2 year mission for my church, and then start preparing for a family.
Reaction Statement: I’m quite excited to have such a large sum of money help me towards my schooling. I’m actually wanting to go to Law school so Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris LLP really helped me in reaching this goal. I am currently on track to graduate from Utah Tech with my Associates, and then I’ll be able to transfer to BYU where I will hopefully be able to make it into their law school. Thank you Schechter, Shaffer, & Harris LLP for giving me such a neat opportunity.
2023 Who Inspires You Scholarship Winner: Daisy Moran
Biography: Hi, I’m Daisy Moran! I’m 17 years old, the youngest of three, and was born in Glendale, California, but I moved to San Antonio, Texas before I turned 1. I currently go to Marshall Law and Medical Services High School and have been studying under their EMT program. I plan to major in Biology and go to Medical School right after college. I dream of becoming a surgeon and making sure my parents’ efforts to give me a good life and education do not go to waste.
Reaction Statement: First and foremost, I was in shock. It’s incredibly special to me to have won this scholarship with an essay that is so close to my heart and who I am as a person. Everything moved so fast, one second I was reading my emails and the next I was jumping up and down. The only person I think was more excited than me was my mom, who sends me scholarships to complete every other day. I couldn’t be more grateful for this scholarship and the help it will provide to fund my college education. Huge thank you to everyone who read it and liked it, it means more to me than you could ever imagine!
