Being true to our unique self in spite of adversity is an important part of who we are at Bella Ella Boutique. It serves as one of our company values. We believe in being genuine and valuing the differences in people.
In continuance of our 2020 scholarship, we wanted to celebrate everyone's unique stories and accomplishments by awarding a $2,500 scholarship to someone who has shown the world their true selves despite the challenges they've had to overcome in their lives.
We wanted you to tell us your unique story. Who are you? What steps are you taking to become a more authentic you? How have your challenges empowered you to be more authentic? Who do you hope to become? How will your education help you get there? How would this scholarship help you get there?
To apply for the Bella Ella Boutique 2021 Be You Scholarship, each applicant had to create a video and answer the questions above. They posted their video to Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube and tagged @bellaellaboutique with the hashtag #BEB2021scholarship.
We had so many wonderful submissions this year! Our team spent hours reviewing each applicant, listening to everyone's unique stories. We appreciate everyone taking the time to apply and heard so many inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome adversity to be who they are today. Thank you again to all applicants!
One applicant's story really stood out to us: Lina Tamayo.
Lina is a Colombian American currently pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Lina was born with a cleft lip and palate and spent a lot of time with speech therapists, which is what inspired her dream of becoming a bilingual speech-language pathologist.
"I was blessed with being able to speak clearly after countless hours and days of training with my speech therapist as a child. Those teachers are why I'm highly motivated to be that teacher empowering a little girl to be confident in her own skin," scholarship winner, Lina Tamayo, says in her application video. "One of my dreams is to help and contribute to other children who are struggling with their speech and language. I can be a positive example to them and let them know that I have been through it as well and that anything is possible."
Having a cleft palate didn't come without many challenges. When she was younger, she struggled with self-image and was often bullied for being "different". She spent most of her childhood in hospitals for surgeries and in therapy. As Lina grew up, she stopped letting other people affect her confidence.
"Receiving therapy has given me the confidence to speak up for myself and achieve success in school," said Lina. "Having a cleft is difficult, yes, but it’s made me into the strong person I am today. My condition helped me grow as a person. Without it, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am right now."
We are so inspired by Lina's story and honored that we can help her achieve her dreams and passion with this scholarship.
Line said, "Receiving this scholarship means so much to me because I am reminded that others believe in me as much as I do. Obtaining this scholarship furthers my passion to thrive in school so I can help others as a future speech-language pathologist."
Thank you so much, Lina! Congratulations in being selected for the Bella Ella Boutique 2021 Be You Scholarship. We look forward to you finishing your education and making a difference!
Check out Lina's application video below!
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