I am a freshman at the University of Arizona. I am studying Chemical Engineering and Project Management, with plans to use my education to pursue a career in weapons development and national defense. I’ve been asked to share a little more about my story and the path that led me to the University of Arizona.

I am originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I spent most of my childhood. When I was about twelve years old, my life changed after my father passed away in a tragic work-related accident. Shortly after, Brock Carter from Kids’ Chance New Mexico reached out to my mom to offer support. At the time, I was still very young and didn’t fully understand what that support would mean for my future. It wouldn’t be until my junior year of high school that I personally reconnected with Kids’ Chance, but by then, the foundation had already been laid.

By the time I got back in contact, I knew two things for sure: I wanted to pursue higher education, and I wanted to attend school outside of New Mexico. Brock Carter, helped guide me through that next step and connected me with Kids’ Chance Arizona where I met Karolyn Kiburz and Cat Kvasnicka. Their support made what once felt overwhelming feel achievable. Kids’ Chance didn’t just help financially, they provided guidance, encouragement, and belief at a time when I was learning how to navigate life and plan for my future.

Choosing the University of Arizona felt natural. I’ve always had a deep connection to Arizona, visiting often with my family growing up. We were huge fans of UofA basketball and attended games whenever we had the chance, so the campus already felt familiar long before I applied. When I learned more about the university’s strong STEM programs, the decision became even clearer. UofA offered both the academic opportunities I was looking for and a place that already felt like home.

Outside of academics, I’m a huge nerd at heart. I love comics, sci-fi and anime, and my admiration for Iron Man played a big role in sparking my interest in STEM and, eventually, national defense. I also enjoy gaming in my free time, which has always been a way for me to relax and stay connected with friends. One of the most important parts of my life, though, has been martial arts. Training in Jiu Jitsu, Karate, and Muay Thai played a major role in how I processed grief and found discipline and balance. It continues to be a grounding force for me today.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support Kids’ Chance has given me and for the people who believed in me along the way. Their help allowed me to pursue my education with confidence and purpose. As I continue my journey at the University of Arizona, I hope to make the most of every opportunity and, one day, give back to others who find themselves facing similar challenges.

I am a Business Administration major at Oregon State University, in my senior year. I chose this major because I was interested in understanding how organizations make decisions, compete, and create value in complex environments. Alongside school, I have worked for several years in business development at a company that designs and manufactures expeditionary power systems, which helped shape my interest in strategy, defense, and government contracting. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in the defense industry, with the goal of working in capture management for a prime contractor. I am incredibly thankful for the support that Kids Chance AZ has provided to me, my sisters, and my family throughout our journeys.

This brother and sister from Tucson are both doing very well as previous Kids’ Chance recipients. Rick completed a Master’s degree in Architecture at MIT in Boston. Erin has just accepted a job at White Mountain Pediatrics in Pinetop, AZ. She has just passed her medical certification with a pediatric specialty.

Three sisters, three scholarships. This family suffered a blow when their father was permanently disabled in the line of duty as a Tucson police officer. These girls have not let that get in their way. With the help of Kids’ Chance of Arizona each is making her mark. The oldest, Kelsey, graduated in December 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern New Mexico. Her sister Kami graduated Summer 2008 from the University of Arizona and Stephanie graduated in May 2011 from the University of Northern Iowa and went on to become an RN.

From the students…

We would like to thank you for your continued support in helping us to achieve our goals. Tyler graduated in May 2008 from Arizona State University Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Management Technology, Magna Cum Laude. He is currently working at Mesa Pilot Development as a flight instructor and hopes to soon become a commercial airline pilot. Amanda is currently enrolled in the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and works there as well. Thank you so much for all you do!

From the parents….

Every yesterday is a memory of dreams. Every tomorrow is vision of hope. With Great Joy and Pride Mr. Samuel Benjamin Lee Jr. & Mrs. Loletta Marie Lee Announce that their daughter Miss Constance Vera Lee is a candidate for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Music from Lake Forest College Saturday, the Ninth of May Two Thousand and fifteen Constance Vera will be continuing her education this Fall at Lake Forest College Master’s Program in Music Education. We extend a sincere expression of gratitude to  the Kids’ Chance Scholarship Foundation Your kindness and Provision has gone Unmatched.  I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. Philippians 4:18