A Lone Star College-Kingwood graduate has been awarded a $15,000 Tu Camino Scholarship.
Dayana Alvarenga submitted her essay to the Univision Essay Contest and won the scholarship, which allows up to $15,000 for up to three academic years, commencing Spring 2026. Students can use the funds for tuition, fees, and books.
“I honestly didn’t think I would win the scholarship. To anyone who feels the same way low hopes, doubts, or fear of failing I want to say: believe in yourself. Trust your instincts. Go for it. Even if you think you won’t gain anything, you’ll always learn something valuable. Sharing my own struggles helped me grow into a stronger person.”
Alvarenga recently completed the Certified Nursing Assistant program at LSC, where she discovered her love for the healthcare field.
“It was an amazing experience,” Alvarenga shared. “I made new friends, learned so much, and had the best teacher I could ever ask for. It gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a CNA. I had the chance to work with wonderful people, and I truly loved every moment of it.”
Alvarenga says her LSC instructors were instrumental in her success.
“One of the biggest blessings during this journey was my CNA teacher, Mr. DeLisa Sumpter. She has been like a second mom to me so kind, supportive, and genuinely proud of everything I accomplished. She believed in me even when I doubted myself, and she helped shape me into a better person. She is truly an incredible woman.”
Alvarenga is currently working toward an Associate of Science in Nursing with a focus on Biology. Her goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
“With this scholarship, so many new opportunities have opened up for me. I’m especially interested in the sonography program I really feel that’s where I belong, and I’m confident I’ll do well. I’m excited to step into something new and see what I’m able to achieve next.”
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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