Student Sought Scholarships to Support His Dream of a College Education

Julio Meza tells a story of growing up in El Salvador, where a local cobbler used to tease him about becoming a shoemaker when he grew up. “No, I want to own the store!” the precocious young man would reply. 

Not long after, Meza and his family moved to Southern Nevada. Meza worked hard to become a student leader at Desert Pines High School; he was involved in Leadership Las Vegas Youth and the Hugo Brian Youth Conference, and he was the 2002–03 student body president. Always one to reach farther, he knew his continued success relied on a university diploma.

Meza sought local and national scholarships to support his dream of a college education. Perseverance paid off, and three scholarships, two jobs, and an 18-credit spring schedule later, Meza found himself in sophomore standing by fall of 2004. He credits his success to the campus writing development center, a tight circle of friends who encouraged his studies, and the generosity of donors who made his enrollment possible.

“If it weren’t for the scholarships I received, I never would have made it to my first year of college,” Meza explains. His freshman-year scholarships included an opportunity award from UNLV’s Student Financial Services — one that is partially funded through the Annual Fund.

What’s next for the gregarious 19-year-old business major? “I want to expand my horizons here at UNLV. Student government? Clubs? I’m not sure, but my education comes first,” he resolves.