What do you think? I wrote from my heart. This letter is for scholarship committees. I wrote about things that touched my heart, in greater detail than her personal statement.

They will also get her personal statement that says at age 12, she began working in orchards, pouring 25-pound buckets of cherries into a bin for seven hours. As the first-generation and the oldest child of Mexican immigrants, her Spanish-speaking parents have always depended on her. Daniela began translating for her parents at age eight.

In her junior and senior years, Daniela has taken classes at Wenatchee Valley College through the Running Start program. In June, she will graduate with a two-year Associates college degree, in addition to her high school diploma. My daughter did Running Start, too.

Photo: Daniela (right) and her mother at a high school football game. They are the same height. Sept. 2019.

Good morning!

I highly recommend Daniela for a scholarship based on her accomplishments, inner drive, ability to overcome adversity, people skills and commitment to helping people in need. Daniela is fluent in Spanish and English. Despite growing up in poverty, Daniela forged ahead and excelled academically, joining the Running Start program at Wenatchee Valley College and earning a 3.75 GPA.

This remarkable young woman is the most responsible teenager I have met. Starting in third grade, Daniela rushed to pick up her three younger siblings from their classrooms and daycare (now ages six to 14). Daniela took charge of making dinner and helped her siblings with homework, baths, reading and bedtime, then did her own homework.

“My mother is amazed that I have a big whiteboard on my bedroom wall with deadlines, my work and sports schedules for me and my siblings,” Daniela said. “I go to my siblings’ games. It helps them to know a family member is there, cheering them on.”

“I had to grow up very fast,” Daniela said. “Playing sports let me be a kid.”

She played soccer for five years, followed by track, basketball, football, volleyball, swimming, tennis (grades 10-12), and weightlifting. Athletics increased her well-being and helped her stay centered. Being an athlete inspired her to become a physical therapist.

“Physical therapy fits because I want to do something on my feet,” Daniela said. “I want to learn about muscles and bones, about my own body and help other people.”

One of Daniela’ most charming personality traits is her modesty. Daniela is thoughtful, self-motivated, organized and a wonderful, descriptive writer. She leads by example. This girl will make you proud.

Kathleen