Khalid Noori 2019
"The PIF scholarship has helped me better understand how far I have come in life consdiering my background and my upbringing. As a first-generation immigrant student, I never thought I would make it as far as "normal" people did in the US; those who have had access to all and more opportunities that the US presents in its education system. As a recpeint of the scholarship, I have become more aware and prouder of myself and my progress, and I think such awareness is so important for every other immigrant child to have. I know how it feels to have a family that can't comprehend what it feels like to reach far in life and have a successful career, which makes them difficult to realize their children's achievements, even the small ones. This schoalrship did not only help me, but also helped my parents understand that all of the efforts they have made in bringing me here were worth it, and that I am on the right path that they imagined for me.
I have just graduated from the University of California San Diego this past spring with a B.S. in Human Biology and a minor in Psychology. During my time there, I gained two years of cell bio lab experience and became a co-author on a published paper. I have also participated in many counseling and tutoring jobs and proved my passion for helping people with their struggles. Currently, I am preparing for the medical school admission test (MCAT) as I am on the pre-medicine track, and I also plan to start working full time in a clinic for two years before the start of my medical school career. I want to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and have a side job as a teacher. My main goal is to provide for underserved communities in Afghanistan and to open up clinics affordable for people to get basic health care with little to no financial burden. I have a great passion for helping others and I don't only show it in my professional career, but between my friends and family as well."
ABOUT
A Note from the EHS Pay It Forward Scholarship Founders: There comes a time when all of us take inventory of our lives. Sometimes it’s after a tragic accident, sometimes it’s after the death of a loved one, a job promotion or after reaching some sort of milestone in our lives. And it is in this moment that we (hopefully) feel gratitude for what we have and for those people who we have been blessed to know who have helped us to become who we are today. For Scott Magness and Ruth (Barnett) Barajas, and others from the 80's, 2019 was the time - the year the EHS Class of ’87 turned 50. Yes, half a century. Neither Ruth or Scott live in Escondido anymore. Ruth lives in Northern California and Scott in North Carolina. Ruth works with leaders across California advocating for educational excellence and equity for English learners, while Scott is a professor at UNC Chapel Hill, and leads of team of researchers investigating stem cells in hopes of developing new therapies and cures for human health conditions including cancer.
The 'Pay It Forward' Charter
A committee of EHS Alumni select scholarship recipients based on academic performance, community involvement, extra-curricular activity, and/or financial need. We are looking for those who have the drive to succeed, motivation to do good to others in the community, and build a strong intellectual foundation for the next generations - those who embody the tenants of 'Loyal, Strong, and True'
Donate
All funds go to EHS and all proceeds go to fellow EHS Cougars. Your generous contributions help start the next educational stage of well-deserved recipients.
Please donate through one of the 3 options below.
01
Click on link above
02
EHS Online
then navigate to 'Scholarships' > click on the
'Pay It Forward Donation'
03
Check
You can write a check to:
"PIF Scholarship 342"
Questions: Alejandra Patino Perez EHS Finance Clerk
760-291-4015
Important to add to address
Mail: EHS "PIF Scholarship 342"
Attn: Alex, Finance Clerk
1535 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026
Cougar Recipients
2023
Idalia Salas Cerezo
Jurely Cruz
Rowen Diaz
Alyssa Francine Jacob
Nataly Solano Mendez
Moises Mendoza
Emily Nguyen
Rozaitzel Palacios Balbuena
2022
Alexis Cruz
Midalia Garcia
Hector Gil Morales
Kenya Jackson
Jairo Martinez Arenal
Mariana Sanchez
2021
Melanie Casas Jimenez
Gustavo Gutierrez Vera
Maria Fernanda Luna Martinez
Brianna Martinez
Natalie Martinez
Abigail Perez Loredo
Diana Perez
Yohana Silva Gonzalez
Maria Vargas Arellano
Tiffani Yanez Prieto
2020
Arnold Saldivar
Yussef Haridy
Ana Marie Gutierrez
Estefania Hernandez Jimenez
Aryanna Gomez
Elizabeth Avillaneda Gonzales
Valeria Gomez
2019
Rubi Camacho Estevez
Khalid Noori
I am at the University of California San Diego studying computer science. This scholarship has meant a great deal by helping me afford to pursue a higher education. As a first-generation student, reassuring my mom about not having to worry about paying for college is something I am fortunate of doing with the help of scholarships like this. Just as this scholarship has been a part of helping me reach my aspiration of studying computer science, I hope to return the favor and also pay it forward to others in the future - Emily Nguyen 2023'
I am at the University of California San Diego majoring in Public Health With Concentration in Medicine Sciences. As a first-generation and low-income student, I feared that financial aid would be a burden in my higher education. However, receiving this scholarship extremely uplifted my fears and has now motivated me to pursue a career in health care. I am incredibly grateful for all the donors because this would not have been possible without their support - Jurley Cruz 2023'
Thank you for selecting me to receive your special scholarship. I appreciate the kind letter the committee wrote to me. I didn't expect to get noticed, but your congratulations and interest in my future plans, it truly warmed my heart. Thank you for paying it forward! What you do is AWESOME! - Midalia Garcia 2022'
Organizers & Committees
Fellow Cougars 'Paying It Forward'
Every year a group of EHS alumni get together to select the recipients of the Pay It Forward Scholarship. We have two committees, one that reviews, scores the applications, and selects the recipients. The other committee has the task of fundraising. This scholarship has developed organically since 2019 and is only possible through the generous commitment of time, expertise and talent
to 'Pay It Forward'
