McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship Series, Featuring Lucila Barocio

HACER Oct Lucila Barocio

Author Catherine Pulsifer once said, “time and balance are the two most difficult things to have control over, yet they are both the things that we do control.” That’s exactly how we would describe McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship recipient Lucila Barocio’s life. For many, balancing school, a job and family can be a challenge; however, Barocio embraced the adversities and transformed them into opportunities.

Although she did not know what the future would hold, Lucila Barocio always remained optimistic. She worked tirelessly as a scholar while participating in community service and volunteer work. In addition to earning a spot on her school’s honor roll list for four years in a row, she aimed to leave a positive impact on society and gain real-world experiences that would be a part of her forever.

Her service to those who need it most, plus her excellent grades, earned her a McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship. Barocio was awarded a five thousand dollar scholarship that she used towards her tuition costs. Like Barocio, you too can be the next McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship recipient. Now, McDonald’s is helping more Hispanic undergraduate students than ever before. They are awarding thirty students based on their academic achievements, community involvement, and financial need to reach their higher education goals. Scholarship recipients can receive up to $100,000 to help finance their tuition.

Amazing students deserve more recognition. This is why we want you to know more about Lucila Barocio’s beautiful story and encourage you to apply to the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship. The scholarship application period opens on October 7, 2019 and runs through February 5, 2020.

How did you hear about the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship? What motivated you to apply?

I heard about the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship from an after-school club called the Boys and Girls West Valley Club. They helped me discover a lot of extraordinary scholarship opportunities that I’m eternally grateful for. My family members and friends encouraged me to apply to the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship. I knew that participating in the opportunity would be a great honor.

What are you studying? Why did you choose your career path? Where are you studying?

I am currently an exploratory major at California State University Northridge. Although my major is currently undecided, I’m interested in changing it to Biology in the future. I plan to become a veterinarian because I have a deep love for working with animals. I want to have a career where I can help others.

Why did you choose that specific college?

I chose to attend California State University Northridge for many reasons. First, I would receive a lot of benefits and useful resources should I become a CSUN student. On top of that, when I started to learn about the wonderful and helpful people, and the diverse and kind community, I knew that I would consider CSUN a second home. It’s the place where my career path would begin.

Your parents couldn’t graduate from college, to them, you attending California State University must be a dream come true. What did they say when you received the email notifying you were a scholarship recipient?

Initially, my parents didn’t know I applied for the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship, so when I told them that I was a scholarship recipient, they were extremely surprised and proud of me. My mother burst into tears of joy and my father praised my hard work and effort. They knew I deserved and earned the opportunity. I was very happy to make them proud of me.

Since I come from a low-income household, my parents were overjoyed that I would be able to use the award to fund my first semester as a college freshman.

OCT Hacer Lucila Barocio

What was your reaction when you received the notification?

When I received an email notifying me that I was a scholarship recipient, I couldn’t be more happy and thankful that I was considered worthy of being given such a great award. I was shocked. I refreshed my inbox a few times before I believed that I was actually a scholarship recipient. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole day! I couldn’t wait to tell my mentor and my close friends the good news.

Who is your role model? Why?

My role model is my Aunt Ramona. She persevered through many struggles and challenges, but ultimately graduated with a university degree, while having a job and being a full-time mom. I really looked up to her and when I saw her walk across the stage during her graduation, I knew that I wanted to do the same. She had always been so kind and helpful to me. She inspired me to do what I am passionate about and that if I work hard, and keep moving forward, then I can achieve my goals and succeed.

You do a lot of community service and volunteer work. What motivated you to help others? 

I must thank a close friend of mine for motivating me to volunteer in my community and to keep helping others. It helped me improve my social and public speaking skills. She was the reason I did a majority of my community service and volunteer work. She pushed me to get myself out there and I am thankful for it. I am thankful to the Future Farmers of America organization. I was a member of the organization during my junior and senior years of high school. It provided me with a lot of volunteer opportunities which helped me become who I am today.

What are your plans for the future? 

My plans for the future aren’t completely decided. I like to believe that nothing is said and done. Although, I do plan on getting a lot of first-hand experiences and become a veterinarian. Then, by the grace of God, I plan on opening an animal shelter.

Would you like to fund your own organization to benefit animals?

I would definitely consider funding my own organization to benefit animals and spread awareness of endangered animals. I believe I can make a real change, or at least inspire people to follow in my footsteps, so animals can have better chances for a good long-lasting life.

Please send a positive message to our community and invite Latinx students living in the US to apply to the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship.

I would like to tell Latinx students to not let anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals. It doesn’t matter where you come from, or how you look, you can do anything as long as you put in the hard work. Your hard work can be rewarded by applying to the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship. Remember, if you ever need help along the way, don’t ever be afraid to ask.

The McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship was established in 2008, and since then, the program has awarded nearly $5 million in financial help to 46 students across the country. If like Lucila Barocio you are top Hispanic student in need, you can apply to the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship from October 7, 2019 through February 5, 2020.

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