Ramon Valadez

My journey as a scholar and aspiring criminologist began on November 29, 2006, in the vibrant city of Pomona, California. I am Ramon Valadez Jr, the embodiment of the American Dream as the first generation in my family to be born in the United States and attend college. The prospect of attending college not only marks a personal milestone but sets a precedent for future generations, especially that of my siblings.

I have attended Bloomington High School since 2020, and I graduate in 2024 with honors maintaining a 3.5 GPA. I began playing soccer at Bloomington High for their Junior Varsity Team and eventually made my way into the Varsity Team as a Junior and now as a Senior. In the realm of academic excellence, my passion for soccer has been a defining aspect of my life since the tender age of 7. As a defensive fullback, I've not only represented my school on the field but also assumed the role of captain for my external team, "Fontana Football Club”. The pride I feel wearing the captain's armband extends beyond local competitions; I've proudly taken my skills to national as well as international platforms. At the national level, I’ve played across the state of California, as well as in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the international level, my journeys to Mexico City and Guadalajara, Jalisco for scouting events under "La Liga MX" with Fontana FC have broadened my perspective on the sport and life in general.

Being a proud Bruin since 2020 has taught me so many different things for the past 4 years. Losing, but then winning our soccer games has shown me sportsmanship and the importance of a community and the impact that a good support system has on you mentally. I will forever be grateful to Bloomington High, our teachers, and our counselors for always being there for me when I had so many doubts along the way. All of the lessons learned along the way of what is right and what is wrong will always follow me along all of my future endeavors. My fellow Bloomington peers have also taught me valuable lessons of friendship that I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Many of them share my adversities of being first generation chicano and being economically challenged and that is a bond that can never be broken. Many of us will also be the first in our family to attend college and that makes me very proud.

Besides sports and academics, I also spend my free time playing music. I play the acoustic bass as well as the tololoche (also known as the cello) in a Mexican music band that I have formed with my childhood friends. I thoroughly enjoy playing music, writing songs, and singing in my spare time.

In my family life, I stand as the eldest of three siblings, navigating the delicate balance of responsibility and ambition. My roots trace back to Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico, through my mother, and Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, through my father. These diverse influences have sculpted my identity and fostered a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. My roots have also influenced my taste in music as well as the sport of soccer. I will be the first one in my family to attend college and I plan to take the advantage to the fullest if given an opportunity to make my family proud.

Looking ahead, my collegiate aspirations converge on a major in criminology, driven by a fascination with justice and peace. My aspiration to pursue a career in law enforcement, criminal justice, and/or forensic psychology has been driven by my drive to understanding the root causes of crime, and my desire to contribute to creating a safer community.

However, my ambitions extend beyond the criminology realm. Aiming to synergize my criminology expertise with legal acumen, I harbor dreams of eventually obtaining a law degree to become a lawyer. This interdisciplinary approach reflects my belief in the power of multifaceted skills to effect positive change. I have unwavering faith in the judicial system and eagerly anticipate immersing myself in it at the earliest opportunity.

In conclusion, my narrative is one of resilience, ambition, and a commitment to breaking barriers. The journey from Pomona to Bloomington and beyond is a testament to my unwavering dedication to education, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of a career that involves seeking justice overall. I humbly seek your support in the form of a full scholarship, recognizing that it is not merely a financial investment, but an endorsement of a promising future fueled by passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge. Thank you.