Dear Members of the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship Committee,
My name is Juan Steven Bello Ovando. I am a senior at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom
High School in the South Bronx, about to start my freshman year at SUNY Binghamton. I want
to express my extreme thanks and gratitude as the recipient of this year’s scholarship in the
memory of Stephanie Marie Burgos. Thanks to this scholarship, I am one step closer to
achieving my dreams of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
Growing up in the South Bronx, my mom wouldn't let me out much, for my safety. Life
seemed to be always changing, there was always something new to deal with. But Basketball
was a constant for me. It was one of the few things outside of school that I really enjoyed, and
thrived in. Some of the most fun I’ve had was after school in the park with my friends. It was my
outlet. When I was at home, I wasn’t just me. I was a big brother and a role model first. I had
other duties and responsibilities that came before my own. I love my family, and I was happy
with that, until the pandemic came. Without being able to go outside, I fell into a slump. I didn’t
have the same excitement for life anymore, and I became a poor role model for my younger
brothers. Eventually I realized that I wanted to make a life for myself. It took a lot- my grades
had seriously suffered. When we got back to school, the first priority on my mind was to join the
basketball team. It was there that I found a mentor, and lifelong friends. Basketball once again
became a constant, and showed me how well perseverance pays off. Three years ago, sitting at
home with my zoom classes in the background, college was the last thing on my mind. I never
thought that at the end of my senior year I’d be heading out of the city on my way to become a
biologist.
I was born in the Dominican Republic. We moved to the States soon after. When I went
back in 2017, I was able to see why my family loved it so much. The island is gorgeous.
Growing up in NYC you aren’t exposed to much nature. That’s because there really just isn’t
anything in New York like the scenery in the Dominican Republic, because of all the damage the
people that live here have done. That contrast- between nature and concrete- is what has
motivated me to pursue a degree in biology. I am determined to be the first in my immediate
family to graduate from college. I want my brothers to see me succeed, and follow suit. I will be
forever grateful to the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship fund for bringing me even closer to
my dreams.
Thank you so much for helping me achieve my dreams!
Warmest Regards,
Steven
