OPINION: Don't count yourself out: Why students in New Mexico must apply for scholarships

If you are a high school senior in rural New Mexico, hear this clearly: The money is out there; yet far too often, we are the ones leaving it on the table. I know because I almost did.

I grew up in Hobbs, and when the Daniels Fund came to present at my high school, I realized this was my chance. For me, the scholarship was not simply a nice opportunity, it was the only path I had to leave my hometown and pursue my dream of going to college. My family did not have the means to send me away to school. This was it. My GPA was not the highest, and my ACT and SAT scores were not impressive. On paper, I did not appear to be the kind of student who would win a major scholarship. Still, I applied. The Daniels Fund saw something in me that I had not yet discovered in myself. Their belief in my potential changed the entire course of my life.

When I look back, I realize how close I came to letting imposter syndrome win. Imposter syndrome tells us we do not belong, that we are not good enough, that others are always more deserving. It whispers, “Why even bother applying?” The truth is simple: Every opportunity you fail to pursue is already lost.

The Daniels Scholarship is not the only opportunity available. Each year, billions of dollars in scholarships remain unclaimed nationwide. Some estimates suggest that more than $100 million goes unused annually because students never apply. That is money that could cover tuition, books, housing or other expenses. It could be the key to unlocking a degree, a trade or a dream that feels out of reach.

Here is my message to students in Lea County and beyond: Bet on yourself. Apply for everything and I mean everything — large scholarships, small awards, local grants and national competitions. Do not disqualify yourself before the committees even have a chance to meet you. Even if you are not selected for every award, the process itself will teach you how to tell your story, highlight your strengths and build resilience in the face of fear and self-doubt.

For me, becoming a Daniels Scholar meant attending Grambling State University, traveling beyond Hobbs, and learning that I could not only dream bigger but also achieve bigger. Along the way, mentors reminded me that I was capable and valuable. Their support propelled me into a career as a human resource professional and eventually led me back to Hobbs, where I now serve as a program officer at the JF Maddox Foundation. Today, I have the privilege of giving back to my community in meaningful ways, something that would never have been possible had I not taken that first courageous step to apply.

Education is power. Whether at a university, community college or trade school, it is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape our futures. It equips us with skills, prepares us for opportunities, and gives us the confidence to face new challenges. The cost of education can feel overwhelming, yet scholarships open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

So let me say this clearly: You are worthy of opportunity. You are not “too average,” and you are more than enough. Do not let self-doubt steal your future. Somewhere out there, a committee is waiting to see your potential and invest in you — just as the Daniels Fund once invested in me.

Take the step. Fill out the application. Write the essay. Request the recommendation. Even when the odds feel uncertain, give yourself the chance. You may discover that you are exactly the kind of student these scholarships were created for.

One day, like me, you may look back with an attitude of gratitude, thankful that you did not allow fear or self-doubt to hold you back from betting on yourself.