Two First-Gen College Students Win LSC Foundation Essay Contest: How College Gave Them More Than Just an Education
Before they ever stepped into a classroom at Lone Star College-CyFair, Carolina Cando and Ryan Lopez were carrying something heavy: doubt.
Both are first-generation college students—Cando, the daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants, and Lopez, a young aspiring engineer still trying to figure out his place in the world. They knew college could open doors. What they didn’t expect was how much it would open their hearts to a new sense of confidence, possibility, and purpose.
Now, the two have been named winners of the Lone Star College Foundation’s annual Chancellor’s Student Essay Contest, selected from across the college system for their deeply personal stories about transformation, resilience, and the power of being seen.
Their reward? A $1,000 scholarship—and the chance to share their journeys at the Jan. 27 Chancellor’s Donor Appreciation Luncheon, where their words echoed a common truth: education can change everything.
“The access to quality education has allowed me many benefits, with which I feel confident that I will be able to build a solid future,” Cando wrote.
In her essay, Cando described how her father’s accident—and the doctors who helped him—sparked a dream to become a plastic surgeon. But it was the day-to-day support she received at LSC-CyFair that helped her start believing that dream was actually possible.
She found encouragement from advisors, resources in the library, connection through campus sports, and a sense of community that pushed her forward. It wasn’t just about getting good grades. It was about becoming someone who believed she was capable.
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“I want to give back the smile and confidence to those who place their lives in my hands,” she said.
Lopez, too, wrote about transformation—not just academic, but personal. A mechanical engineering student, he admitted that before college, he lacked direction. But with every class, every conversation, something started to shift.
“Experiencing a welcoming campus environment has helped me adjust to college-level expectations,” he wrote. “LSC-CyFair is providing the foundation and confidence I need to succeed academically and professionally.”
Now, he sees engineering as more than a career—it’s a calling. For him, it’s about solving problems, building better systems, and creating a future that makes life easier for others.
“Engineering is about more than just building machines,” he said. “It’s about finding solutions, making lives better, and making the world a better place.”
Their essays were among 16 chosen across Lone Star College System’s eight campuses. Each student offered a window into their world—single parents chasing second chances, students rediscovering purpose after setbacks, and young adults like Cando and Lopez stepping into their potential with the help of a college that believed in them.
“Lone Star College System exists to help students get from where they are to where they want to be,” said LSCS Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D. “These essays highlight the powerful stories of students determined to improve their lives through education despite the obstacles they face.”
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Since 1991, the Lone Star College Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships and more than $14 million in emergency and program support. The Foundation continues to serve as a lifeline for students whose determination is strong—but whose financial means may be limited.
Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, executive director of the Foundation, said the stories shared this year reflect not just struggle, but hope.
“With the support of our generous donors, we can alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with the pursuit of higher education,” she said.
The deadline to apply for fall 2026 LSC Foundation scholarships is June 1. To learn more about how to support students like Cando and Lopez—or to apply—visit LoneStar.edu/Giving.
At the end of the day, Cando and Lopez both say it’s not just about the scholarship. It’s about what it represents: someone saw their potential, and believed in it.
Now, they believe in it too.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
