Legacy Scholars 40th Anniversary

Finding Purpose Through Opportunity

Graduated: 2024

Major: English

The Legacy program has afforded me for the past two years a life where I could focus on my college career. I could not only pay for my campus housing but actively learn in my classes without the worry of needing to pay my tuition. While the legacy scholarship helped with my finances, the program also provided the opportunity for social connections and expanded my passion for helping others. The sophomore academy has given me the chance to form bonds with people on campus, while also talking about philanthropy and volunteering in the community. My volunteer hours through the program have created this passion inside of me to help others in library environments while also being surrounded by that which I love. The program has overall impacted my life tremendously, giving me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. While English as a major is not a currently popular pick, I chose it because I have always enjoyed writing from a small age. English was the class that I looked forward to through school and every time I had the chance to write anything, I was ecstatic. Despite the small population of this major, English is a crucial subject across many careers and pathways, making it important for others to comprehend. I want my English degree to help impact readers and audience members with my words and invoke something from them. After my bachelor’s degree, I plan to pursue a career as a journalist or editor for an online company. I only started to investigate this pathway at the end of my first year, but it gives me the chance to truly get my voice out in many ways. I want to write about the world and the events that are happening that affect the whole of our community. I also would like one day to have the capability of pursuing the publication of a book in fiction, as that has been a small dream of mine. The Herbert L. Cartwright Scholarship will fully fund my tuition and fees when I attend West Texas A&M for the next two years. I plan to take a minimum of twelve credit hours per semester, which equates to $4,320.37 per semester shown on WTAMU's 2024-2025 undergraduate rate table. With tuition and fees paid, I can afford to pay rent through my job and focus fully on my college career without the weight of money on my shoulders. Not only this, but the continuance scholarship will also give me the chance to pursue the future that I want and do so with confidence. 

Finding Purpose Through Opportunity

Graduated: 2024

Major: Business Management

Striving toward higher education is not merely about achieving a degree; it's about embracing an opportunity for personal growth and academic excellence and contributing positively to the world. As I eagerly anticipate the prospect of joining Texas Tech University, I am writing to express my profound gratitude for considering the Herbert Cartwright Educational Continuance Scholarship, which not only represents financial assistance but also signifies a pivotal step in my journey toward realizing my educational aspirations.

Joining Midland College's Legacy Program was a natural choice for me, aligning perfectly with my values of community service and giving back. This experience has ignited my passion for helping others and inspired my career path in real estate. The opportunity to positively impact lives while experiencing personal and professional growth makes it an exciting journey ahead.

Choosing Texas Tech University was not a decision made lightly; it was a culmination of various factors, each resonating deeply with my values and aspirations. At the forefront lies Texas Tech's unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The university's reputation for providing exceptional programs within the field of Business management serves as a testament to its dedication to fostering a learning environment that educates, inspires, and challenges students to reach their fullest potential. The opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty members renowned in their respective fields is both exhilarating and humbling, offering a wealth of knowledge and mentorship that transcends the boundaries of traditional education.

Equally compelling is Texas Tech's commitment to student success. As a prospective student, I am profoundly impressed by the university's holistic approach to education, which extends beyond the confines of the classroom to encompass many resources and opportunities to nurture personal and professional growth. From career services to mentorship programs and extracurricular activities, Texas Tech provides a supportive ecosystem that empowers students to excel academically while honing their leadership skills and preparing them for the demands of a dynamic and ever-evolving world.

Financial need is an inevitable reality for many aspiring students, myself included. While I await responses from other avenues of financial assistance, the Herbert Cartwright Educational Continuance Scholarship holds immense significance in alleviating the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education. As a Legacy Scholar, the prospect of receiving renewable financial support of up to $6,250 per semester for two years is not merely a lifeline; it's a beacon of hope that enables me to pursue my dreams without compromising on the quality of my education or the breadth of my experiences.

In addition to the Herbert Cartwright Educational Continuance Scholarship, I am actively exploring other forms of financial assistance to supplement my educational pursuits. While details on these opportunities are still pending, my commitment to maximizing all available resources remains unwavering. I am determined to leave no stone unturned in my quest to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder my ability to achieve my academic goals and make a meaningful impact in my chosen field.

Upon graduating from Texas Tech University with a major in business management, I am resolute in my determination to leverage my education for the betterment of society through Real Estate and managing my own brokerage firm along with numerous other businesses in mind. Although whether through research endeavors, community engagement initiatives, or professional pursuits, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, addressing pressing societal challenges and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation to spread on. My ultimate goal is not merely to succeed in my chosen field but to leave a lasting legacy that inspires future generations to dream big and pursue their own passions with unwavering determination.

In conclusion, the Herbert Cartwright Educational Continuance Scholarship represents far more than financial assistance; it symbolizes an investment in my potential, my aspirations, and my future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. I am committed to honoring it by embodying the values of academic excellence, leadership, and service that it represents. With the support of this scholarship and the esteemed academic community at Texas Tech University, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in this world.

Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders

Graduated: 2025

Major: Applied Sciences, Automation

 Starting at Midland College as a freshman, I was highly uncertain about how all this would play out due to my fear of the unknown. Yet, I had to learn to balance my goals and studies, which has allowed me to gain more discipline and taught me how to strategize better. Yet, my transition from high school to college would've been much harder without the Legacy Scholars program. As a Legacy Scholars student, I've connected with peers and found support continuously motivating me toward my dream career. This program is more than financial help; it enables me to pursue my dreams and grow as an individual for my community.     

To start with, being a Legacy Student has sincerely made a significant impact on me throughout my college career, whether it's having a strive coach that I can meet with and discuss my goals in life or being part of the sophomore academy, which primarily focuses on my next steps in my academic career while also teaching me the fundamentals of philanthropy. These are a few of many examples of why the Legacy program has helped me become better than who I ever thought I could be. For instance, My strive coach, Mr. John Gaspard, has been an anchor for me these past few semesters. I can quickly go to him with anything on my mind, and he's there to listen and advise me on what he believes is best, but he'll never go out of his way and tell me to do it his way since he thinks that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Also, Mr. Gaspard has held me accountable for many of the goals I have set with him throughout my semester. Whether academically related or not, each goal has helped me realize the importance of discipline and strategizing, which has seeped through with my school work ethic. I couldn't be more grateful for his counseling and mentorship. Also, the Sophomore Academy has been a great way to make new connections with my peers in the Legacy program; by being a part of this program, I have learned how to work better as a team and also lead and organize group meetings when necessary between my inner group so that we can accomplish our shared goals together, for instance, right now we're currently doing a fundraiser which is for Casa De Amigos and by doing this, I have to make sure that each of my team member is accountable for doing their fair share of work so that we all work equally for the same goal. Also, being in the Sophomore Academy has allowed me to plan for the next steps in my academic career, providing me with so much peace when it felt like everything was coming at me all at once. 

Furthermore, receiving the Legacy Scholarship has been a tremendous financial blessing, not just for me but for my family as well. It has empowered me to focus entirely on completing my associate degree in applied sciences, specializing in automation. Coming from a family with a strong background in the oilfield industry, as a child, witnessing my dad return home after lengthy hours of demanding work to provide for our family ignited a passion within me. I learned early on that nothing in life comes easily, but if my dad could navigate the oil field's challenges, so could I. I am drawn to this major because of the industry's constant evolution and increasing demand for automation. My goal is to become an automation engineer, where I can excel in troubleshooting and configuring devices in the oilfield. I have always been a problem solver and look forward to this field's daily learning challenges.     

As I approach the end of my sophomore year in college, I reflect on the lessons I’ve learned. One aspect of my journey that stands out is my incredible opportunity to participate in the Legacy program at Midland College. While my path hasn’t always been easy, it has been driven by determination, hard work, and a pursuit of excellence. Receiving the Herbert Cartwright Scholarship, similar to the Legacy Scholarship, would greatly alleviate the financial worries that often accompany the pursuit of a higher degree. I am proud to say that I have balanced work and academic challenges without paying out-of-pocket expenses or placing a burden on my parents. With the support of the Cartwright Scholarship, I am confident that I will reach heights I dreamed were only impossible.

Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders

Graduated: 2026

Major: Mechanical Engineering

My name is Rosly Sanchez, and participating in the Legacy Scholars program has had a meaningful impact on my academic development and my understanding of community responsibility. Through the program’s service requirements, I gained a clearer perspective on the needs that exist throughout the Permian Basin. Volunteering at events such as the CAF AIRSHO and with Basin PBS showed me how many local organizations depend on consistent support to operate effectively. These experiences helped me understand the importance of reliable volunteers and the role community programs play in supporting families, education, and local initiatives. The program also strengthened my time‑management and organizational skills, as each service commitment required planning and reliable execution. Serving as elected Treasurer for Legacy Academy reinforced accountability and professionalism, as the position required attention to detail, communication, and financial responsibility. Being part of a program that emphasizes service, leadership, and academic progress has provided structure and motivation as I continue working toward my degree.

I chose to pursue a major in mechanical engineering because I have always been interested in understanding how systems function and how complex mechanisms are designed. Mechanical engineering provides a strong foundation for analyzing, building, and improving machines and structures that support modern industry. The field aligns with my growing problem solving abilities and my interest in hands-on, technical work. I am particularly drawn to areas involving mechanical systems, robotics, and automated processes. Mechanical engineering offers the opportunity to work on projects that require both analytical thinking and practical application, and it provides a broad skill set that can be used across multiple industries. My work experience as a Chick‑fil‑A shift lead has also helped me develop skills that translate well into engineering. Managing a team in a fast‑paced environment taught me how to stay organized, communicate clearly, and make decisions under pressure. These skills are valuable in engineering settings where teamwork, precision, and reliability are essential. Mechanical engineering challenges me academically while preparing me for a career that contributes to technological progress, and it provides long‑term stability and opportunities for advancement.

After completing my degree, I plan to pursue a career as an Autonomous Systems Engineer. This occupation aligns with my interest in mechanical systems and my goal of working with advanced, intelligent technology. Autonomous systems engineering focuses on designing mechanical systems that can sense their environment, make decisions, and operate independently. I’m particularly drawn to the mechanical side of autonomous systems, especially the design and integration of components used in robotic inspectors, self‑guided vehicles, drones, and other automated equipment. Autonomous systems are becoming increasingly important in the Permian Basin as industries seek safer and more efficient ways to operate. The region continues to modernize, and there is a growing need for engineers who can support automation, remote inspection, and advanced mechanical systems. By pursuing this career, I hope to contribute to the Permian Basin’s technological development and support efforts to introduce systems that improve safety, productivity, and long‑term sustainability. My goal is to apply engineering principles to help modernize local industry and support continued growth in the region.

As a first‑generation college student, receiving this scholarship would provide essential financial support as I continue my education. Balancing full‑time coursework with the financial responsibilities of tuition, textbooks, transportation, and other expenses can be challenging. Working while attending school helps, but extended work hours reduce the time available for studying and completing assignments. This scholarship would reduce that burden and allow me to dedicate more time to my academic responsibilities. It would also provide stability, which is important for maintaining consistent progress toward my degree. Without financial assistance, I would need to rely more heavily on long work hours, which would make it more difficult to stay focused on my coursework. The scholarship would help me stay on track academically and reduce the stress associated with balancing work and school. It would give me the opportunity to pipeline into engineering and philanthropy‑focused societies, helping me become a more well‑rounded student. This support would make a meaningful difference in my ability to complete my degree and pursue my long‑term career goals.

Serving Communities Through Education

Graduated: 2025

Major: Biology

The Legacy Scholars Program has deepened my awareness of my community’s needs and reinforced my commitment to serving the people who have supported me throughout my life. I plan to fulfill this mission by becoming a Family Medicine/Obstetrics physician and returning to West Texas to combat healthcare disparities; however, the journey to becoming a physician is long and costly, often leaving students in significant debt. This scholarship is a vital opportunity that will help me minimize financial burdens as I work toward my goal.

Among the many lessons the Legacy Scholars Program has taught me, the two most valuable have been raising my awareness of my community’s needs and deepening my commitment to giving back. While the program requires community service hours as part of its scholarship requirements, I quickly realized that true service goes beyond just checking a box—it is about immersing myself in the experience and learning from those around me. While volunteering with Casa de Amigos’ Leslie’s Place, I saw firsthand how many individuals in our community are either uninsured or underinsured. As humans, we all deserve the opportunity to care for our health, regardless of financial circumstances. My interactions with patients only strengthened my commitment to helping them and others facing similar challenges. These experiences also inspired me to adopt Casa in the Legacy Sophomore Academy, leading me to help fundraise for Leslie’s Place, knowing how costly it can be to provide free healthcare services. Through both my volunteer work and fundraising efforts, I hope to have made a meaningful impact on my community. The Legacy Scholars Program gave me the opportunity to be present in and for my community—something for which I will always be grateful.

My mission to give back to my community will be realized once I become a Family Medicine and Obstetrics physician in West Texas. I have always wanted to be a doctor, but my calling was further solidified through my experiences shadowing and volunteering in rural towns across the region. My involvement with the mobile healthcare program, Medicine on the Move (MOTM), has given me firsthand insight into the healthcare disparities rural families face. The shortage of healthcare providers and language barriers are two major obstacles, but as a bilingual future physician, I know I can help bridge these gaps. I realized it was my duty to serve and advocate for these families—it became a question of, 'If not me, then who?' Shadowing Dr. Billings in Alpine, TX, further confirmed my passion for rural medicine. I witnessed how close-knit and caring these communities are; they show up for each other, and I want to be part of that. I hope my future patients will see me as more than just a physician—I want them to see me as family. Pursuing a bachelor's in biology will equip me with the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed in medical school and, ultimately, in my career as a primary care physician.

The journey to becoming a physician is long and costly, often leaving students with significant financial burdens. I have been fortunate to pay very little for my education thus far, thanks to the Legacy Scholarship; however, as I transition to a four-year institution, the cost of my education will increase drastically. As the eldest of three daughters to immigrant parents, I feel a deep responsibility to minimize the financial strain on my family. As a first-generation student, I want my parents' hard-earned money to go toward my younger siblings’ education and other necessities. This financial pressure has only grown since my father lost his stable job of eleven years last year and has struggled to find long-term employment. I understand that pursuing a career in medicine requires a significant financial investment, but I am determined to graduate as a physician with as little debt as possible. Scholarships like the Cartwright Scholarship would provide crucial support as I take on new expenses—rent, groceries, tuition, and more—at my four-year institution. My education is my top priority, and I never want financial stress to stand in the way of my academic success or my dream of becoming a physician. The impact of this scholarship would be immeasurable, and I would be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to continue my education with its support.

As mentioned, the Legacy Program and my experiences have shaped my dream of becoming a physician in West Texas. The Cartwright Scholarship would ease financial burdens, allowing me to give back to the community that shaped me into the woman I am.

Serving Communities Through Education

Graduated: 2026

Major: Biology

Community service has revealed to me how local nonprofit organizations actively reduce barriers that impact the health and wellbeing of the community. The Legacy Scholars Program has been at the root of my Midland College experience and is responsible for a noteworthy shift in my perspective of the necessity of community engagement. Although I initially entered the program for financial support, my experiences evolved into an opportunity to examine the diverse needs of my local community, and how organizations strive to bridge access to critical resources. Through weekly meetings, site visits, and fundraising, I have gained meaningful exposure to the essential role and challenges nonprofits experience to work towards empowering the community. The Legacy Scholars Program has encouraged me to think proactively about how I, as a student, can contribute and make an impact. Furthermore, I have broadened my perspective of community health, especially in witnessing how impactful access to nutritional food, hygiene, and education are on the wellbeing of one’s life. In many ways, healthcare and community service are closely intertwined in their foundational values of helping people achieve stability and a greater quality of life. 

Through the Primary Care Pathway Program at Midland College, I have been immersed into the academic and professional foundations necessary for a career in medicine as a physician. This program focuses education on the biological sciences, or the major of biology, providing a strong scientific groundwork in life sciences and research. In studying biology, I have gained a preliminary understanding of health, while also gaining hands-on experience with the maintenance of respect, empathy, and cultural awareness in both research and patient-care practices. Beyond academics, my program has supplied invaluable exposure to the disparities of rural healthcare and the principles of holistic, patient-centered medicine. My academic experiences have strengthened my enthusiasm and passion for life sciences and the social factors that influence community wellbeing and health. 

As I transition into the next step of my academic journey, my goal following graduation is to attend the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I would receive the education and training necessary to become a physician. The combined impact of my experiences with the Legacy Scholars Program and the Primary Care Pathway Program has shaped my career aspirations towards serving rural or underserved communities as a primary care physician. In having the opportunity to witness and experience the community wide impact of a lack of medical and social resources during my college education, I hope to spend my career contributing to the efforts of creating a healthier and more supported community. 

The financial support of the Legacy Scholars Program, alongside other Midland College general scholarship funds, have provided me with the resources to complete my first two years of college debt-free. After my first semester of college attendance, my family experienced a job loss of our primary income earner. Consequently, my family is still recovering from the financial strain following several months of unemployment and a job transition. Although my parents continue to support my living and housing necessities as I attend Midland College, transferring to a new academic institution will introduce additional financial challenges. Relocating to a new city will require a new set of housing expenses with the purchase of an additional reliable vehicle. In addition to the costs of attendance, fees, and supplies for a university institution. Receiving the Herbert L. Cartwright Education Continuance Scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden my next educational journey will have on my family, alongside decreasing the necessity of student loans prior to medical school. Aside from finances, this scholarship opportunity would allow me to devote greater time towards academics and engagement with community building experiences that will continue to shape my commitment towards serving communities. 

As I reflect back on my college experience, I recognize that a significant portion of my personal and professional growth is a result of the perspectives, guidance, and opportunities offered to me by the Legacy Scholars Program. The values and insights I have gained will continue to shape my experiences as I transition throughout my education and contribute to community efforts. I hope that my foundation at Midland College will continue to guide my educational aspirations, community engagement, and my development towards becoming a well-rounded physician committed to healing my community. 

Dreaming Bigger, Reaching Higher

Graduated: 2025

Major: Commercial Aviation

The Midland Legacy Scholars Program has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. It has given me the opportunities to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and connections that i would have missed out on. The program also taught me that we as humans are always learning. In fact the program taught me I can learn just as much outside of the classroom about philanthropy, volunteering, academics, and my myself. I saw tremendous growth in all these aspects of my life due to the program having us volunteer a large sum of community hours, have in depth conversations about philanthropy, and offer academic help through our strive coaches. 

As mentioned previously in my application I have chose Commercial Aviation to be my Major at Angelo State University. The reason I have chosen this major is because ever since I was little I have been obsessed with all things Aviation! When people ask me where this passion came from I tell them I blame my parents for showing me Top Gun when I was four years old. At that same time I just happened to go on my first flight. after we touched down in Dallas my dad wanted a picture of me exiting the plane. The Captain of the plane noticed this and said "I got a better idea for a photo." He then sat me in the cockpit with his headset on. these two events lit a fire in me so strong that since that day I known I want to be a pilot. The passion for my career is so strong that there is no plan B. One way or another i will find a way to get my license and join the impressive growing industry of Aviation.

After I have completed school like everyone else I am presented with the big question, 'what next?' Thankfully I have made use of my time in Midland build connections and talking to a ton of different kinds of pilots. They have helped me narrow down my broad lens of aviation jobs to a few careers. Firsts career has a limited time frame on it so I plan to do it right after completing school. The first job is to be a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corp. I love my country and feel a debited service to it for all the freedom it has allotted to me. As for the Marine Corp I feel a strong heritage connection with them since my family has been in the Corp as far back as the Civil War. Transitioning back to civilian life I want to continue flying in a way that lets me serve others. After military flying I want to be a firefighting pilot. These careers I believe will offer me the best experience to make the most of the passion for aviation and the heart for service that God has given me.

This Scholarship would honestly mean the world to me! To me it is more than money. It shows that people still want to help each other build a better tomorrow by investing in the next generation. Showing us that dreams are not always out reach. I plan to stick by my word when I say there is no plan B, I will be pursuing my current career even if there is financial struggle ahead. I just hope that I am consideration for this scholarship to ease that financial burden obviously but also to share my success with all the donors that made it possible.

Dreaming Bigger, Reaching Higher

Graduated: 2026

Major: Biology

The journey I have taken through this program has been nothing short of an expounding experience. Before this academy, I had never worked with such a large group for such an important goal. I had never needed to take others' opinions and ideas into such a great account, nor needed to collaborate for such an extensive time to walk to the path of completion. In many ways, I needed a splash of cold water to the face through this program, and in many more, I believe I will inherit this knowledge as my own for all that lies ahead for me. 

I was rather new to philanthropy as I entered the sophomore academy this year. I did community service, almost always through my church; however, I never attempted or thought I could attempt something as large as this. Week by week, legacy has been teaching me that consistency breeds real change. I have grown to enjoy, appreciate, and root for the work we have planned for so long. We planted this idea from the start and have been watering and watching it grow. Likewise, I am learning what it really means to work with a team. Teamwork is easy when you are doing a large portion of the work, or your entire team agrees on everything important. . . neither of the two described Academy. We worked hard, and collaborated well, to achieve the team and direction we now have. I learned a lot about what it meant to have a voice, listen to others, and make corrections to my vision to fit a broader one. 

My career vision similarly has taken several new turns. I have searched for a career path that will fit three major things for me. I want to do something I enjoy, I want to do something I am passionate about, and I want to do something that is impactful to people. I have now finally settled on biology as the means to accomplish these three. I plan on becoming a neurologist. I want to do this in order to help people learn about their psyche, mental health, and to aid those that struggle with the two. Life science is a fascinating field, and this society needs as much help as it can in the area of their mental health these days. 

Doctorates, so far as I am aware, are no easy feat, and not a small amount of schooling in the slightest. I have a long road ahead of me, and with it, a lot of school to pay for. I have been blessed and fortunate to have legacy aid me in my associates. I am likewise lucky for the opportunity to even be considered for a scholarship such as this. To receive it would be nothing short of a great help to me as I work towards a bachelors in biology. It would prevent me from drawing on federal aid, and furthermore prevent me from having any debt owed as a graduate and enter my career field. I hope to prevent myself from such debt, for my sake, and my future family’s sake. So, more explicitly, to receive this scholarship would be a monumental help financially in my journey.