CVMF 2025 West Valley Mission College Scholarship Winners

The 2025 Campbell Veteran Memorial Foundation Scholarships at West Valley and Mission Colleges were awarded to Harold Oliver and Anthony Vasquez.

Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement, Melissa Johns, shared the following about the importance of scholarships as well as the stories of the two students awarded the CVMF scholarships.

"Our students take pride in the significance of this award. To them, scholarships mean more than just financial help; they serve as a vote of confidence in their potential, a belief in their dreams, and a cheer from the crowd for their continued success. Thank you for being part of our generous donor community.

With your help, we continue to remove the barriers that often stand in the way of student success. Our district proudly offers students free tuition, childcare, parking, and beginning this fall - free meals. These initiatives make it easier for students to start their educational journey, but financial support from donors like you helps students cross the finish line. The financial assistance made possible by the Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation Scholarship helps students worry less about money and focus on what matters most: their future."

HAROLD OLIVER

Describe Your Academic and Career Aspirations. Share your vision for the future. We would like to understand your goals, how and what you hope to achieve academically and professionally.

As a 32-year-old Black married veteran, my academic and career aspirations in cybersecurity are deeply rooted in my passion for technology and a strong desire to contribute to the safety and privacy of individuals and organizations. Having served in the military, I gained valuable experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, and working under pressure-skills that are directly transferable to the field of cybersecurity. My goal is to combine my technical expertise with a deep commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of digital environments. Academically, I aim to obtain advanced certifications and a degree in cybersecurity to build a strong foundation in areas such as ethical hacking, network security, and risk management. I'm particularly interested in learning about emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, and how they can be used to defend against evolving threats. I plan to enroll in a cybersecurity degree program that not only covers the basics but also provides opportunities for hands-on experience through internships or projects. Professionally, I hope to pursue a career where I can actively protect organizations from cyber threats, while promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech community. One of my long-term goals is to become a cybersecurity specialist or consultant, advising businesses on how to strengthen their security protocols and respond to potential breaches. I also aspire to take on leadership roles that allow me to mentor others, particularly underrepresented individuals, in cybersecurity. Looking toward the future, I am committed to staying ahead of technological trends and contributing to the global conversation on digital security. I see cybersecurity as an essential field, and my vision is to become a trusted expert who not only mitigates risks but also makes the digital world a safer place for everyone.

Tell us who you are outside of the classroom. We would like to know about your community involvement, leadership experience, or other interests. Tell us about activities, clubs, work, or community service that you do.

Outside of the classroom, I lead a fulfilling and dynamic life that is shaped by my roles as a father, husband, deacon, photographer, traveler, and free spirit. These experiences not only define who I am but also contribute to the person I strive to be in both my personal and professional life. As a deacon at my church, I am committed to serving my community and supporting those in need. This role has taught me the value of compassion, leadership, and humility. It's not just about spiritual guidance, but also about being present for others and helping to uplift those around me. Being a father and a husband further deepens my sense of responsibility and purpose. My family is my anchor, and I prioritize nurturing a loving, supportive environment where we can all grow together. Balancing these roles has given me a sense of discipline and structure, while also reminding me to embrace life's joys. Photography is one of my most cherished passions. Through my lens, I capture moments that reflect the beauty and complexity of life, whether it's the serene landscape of a quiet morning or the raw emotions of a candid moment. This creative outlet helps me stay grounded while allowing me to see the world in unique and unexpected ways. Traveling is another way I feed my soul. Exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures expand my perspective and ignite my curiosity. My way of breaking free from routine, embracing adventure, and reminding myself that the world is full of possibilities. At my core, I am a free spirit-someone who values authenticity, growth, and the endless opportunities that life offers. All these aspects come together to make me who I am today, constantly evolving, learning, and striving to make the most of every moment.

Share Your Story and Journey to Mission College. Help us get to know you better by sharing your background and what has brought you to this point in your education. Reflect on current or past challenges in your life and/or achievements that have shaped you.

My journey to Mission College has been anything but conventional, shaped by both profound struggles and remarkable moments of triumph. As I reflect on the path that has led me here, I recognize that it's a story of resilience, transformation, and a deep desire for change. I began my adult life serving in the U.S. Army, where I was taught discipline, resilience, and how to overcome adversity. It was a time of growth, but it also set me on a trajectory that I never could have anticipated. After leaving the Army, I encountered a series of life-altering events that would test my strength in ways I could never have imagined. One of the most defining moments came when I was shot. The physical pain was excruciating, but the emotional toll was greater. It forced me to confront my vulnerabilities and reflect on my life. The experience ignited a desire for a new beginning-one where I could take control of my future and begin to build a life that I could be proud of. After the shooting, things got worse. I found myself homeless, a father of seven, and unsure of how to provide. The weight of responsibility was overwhelming, but it also fueled my determination to change my circumstances. I realized that for my children's sake-I needed to break the cycle of hardship and create new opportunities. During this time, I found Jesus. My faith became a source of strength and guidance, providing me with a sense of purpose I had been lacking. It was through this spiritual awakening that I understood the importance of personal growth, healing, and forgiveness. With Jesus in my heart, I knew I could move forward with a renewed sense of hope and a deep desire to make a better life for my family. As a husband and father, I knew that my role in my family's life was critical. I realized that my children looked up to me not just as a provider, but as a role model. I wanted them to see that it's never too late to change your life, to grow, and to strive for something better. They have motivated me every day to push forward. Eventually, I found myself at a crossroads. After years of struggle and reflection, I knew that the only way to truly change my life and create the future I envisioned was through education. I had always been interested in technology, particularly cybersecurity, and I realized that pursuing a degree in this field would give me the tools to build a stable career and a better life for my family. Today, I stand at a place in life where I am ready to embrace change, armed with the lessons I've learned from my past. Leaving the Army, surviving being shot, facing homelessness, and taking responsibility for a large family-have all shaped me into someone who is not only stronger but committed to making a positive impact. Mission College represents opportunity to transform my dreams into reality.

Explain How This Scholarship Will Support Your Goals. We want to know how this scholarship would impact your ability to pursue your education. Tell us more about your financial situation and why winning this scholarship would be meaningful to you.

This scholarship would be a life-changing opportunity for me and my family, providing the crucial financial support I need to pursue my education and ultimately build a better future for my seven children. As a working, student parent, I face the daily challenge of balancing my responsibilities as a father and husband with my academic and professional aspirations. While I am fully committed to my education, the financial burden is a constant source of stress, and without assistance, it becomes incredibly difficult to make ends meet. My family is my priority, and I am determined to give my children a better life than the one I had growing up. However, managing a household of seven children while attending school and working full-time leaves little room for anything else. My income goes directly toward providing for their needs-food, shelter, clothing-and there's often not enough left over to cover the cost of gas, food and other educational expenses. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial strain, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on how I will make ends meet each month. Winning this scholarship would mean more than just financial relief; it would be a tangible step toward breaking the cycle of hardship. It would show my children that perseverance, hard work, and education are the keys to creating opportunities. It would also allow me to invest in my future, so that I can ultimately provide for my family in a more sustainable way. With this scholarship, I would have the resources to complete my degree and secure a stable career in cybersecurity, setting a positive example for my children and helping me fulfill my responsibility as a father and role model. I would be extremely thankful to be a recipient of one of the scholarships.

ANTHONY VASQUEZ

Describe Your Academic and Career Aspirations. Share your vision for the future. We would like to understand your goals, how and what you hope to achieve academically and professionally.

As far as academic and career aspirations go, I would love to be a teacher, a high school art teacher to be more specific. I wish I would have known this over 1 o years I ago when I first enrolled here at West Valley College but here we are. West Valley is part of the journey, it is a crucial stepping stone in order to get me to where I want to be. I plan on completing my AAT here and then transferring to San Jose State University where I will get my BFA in art and minor in education. So far everything has been laid out for me ever since I connected with Melissa and Jim at the Veterans Resource Center. With their help we came up with a game plan and really honed in on what I want to do as far as education goes. The only thing left is to execute the plan.

Tell us who you are outside of the classroom. We would like to know about your community involvement, leadership experience, or other interests. Tell us about activities, clubs, work, or community service that you do.

Outside of the classroom, I am an adventurer, an artist, a big brother, and a member of some clubs that have to do with my hobbies and interests. My days away from school might look like driving over the hill to Santa Cruz to visit friends and then going on a hike, walking West Cliff, or taking photos of people passing by. Growing up, I was always into art, and for some reason, I seemed to have let go of that spark, only to find it once again through photography. Photography is my main passion and hopefully a door into a career path. My dream would to one day teach younger adults and teenagers how to creativily express themselves through the lens of life. Other than that being outdoors is something else I enjoy spending time doing. Going on a hike in Bonny Dune, on a run up in Quicksilver Almaden, or a walk around the neighborhood.

Share Your Story and Journey to West Valley College. Help us get to know you better by sharing your background and what has brought you to this point in your education. Reflect on current or past challenges in your life and/or achievements that have shaped you.

Not to get into too much detail but growing up in San Jose all my life I was poor, family of four, homeless a handful of times, and then thought the Army was my only option, the only way I could see myself living past 25 years old. It sucked, I wanted to be in school even if I did not know what I wanted to do at the time but I did not have that luxury. I had to work two jobs just to get by and support a family. So, here I am about 1 o years from when I first enrolled at West Valley College, giving it another shot. This time I am a little more wise, have my GI Bill which helps, and I have a goal in mind. I have a future and career that I want to pursue, and that would be teaching. West Valley is part of that journey and part of that stepping stone that will allow me to get to that point in life. I have not even started classes yet this semester and the VRC is so much help. Actually the VRC is why I am writing this today, in hopes of acquiring some assistance.

Explain How This Scholarship Will Support Your Goals. We want to know how this scholarship would impact your ability to pursue your education. Tell us more about your financial situation and why winning this scholarship would be meaningful to you.

The scholarship is not just about money for me, it is about unlocking potential. They say money can not buy happiness, but it can buy groceries, gas, and other basic human needs. Living in California it is not easy getting by, especially if you are an unemployed veteran. If I were to be awarded a scholarship my mental state would possibly change for the best. The first go around at West Valley College I remember being so stressed out about bills that my attention or brain power was focused on living and not on my math final. There is too many things going on in life during these times that stress is competing for my attention and being a possibility of robbing me from my education once more. I am more proactive this time though, which is why I am applying for this resource in hopes that I can primarily focus on my education for once.

CVMF is proud to help deserving students through our scholarship program. We extend our warmest congratulations to Harold and Anthony!