Maia Spallino: A dream that is built with effort and support
At the López Foundation, we believe that talent and determination can transform lives. Our mission is not only to provide scholarships, but also to accompany students on their path to a bright future. Today we want to share the story of Maia Spallino, our 2024 scholarship recipient, who embodies the values that inspire us: effort, resilience and dedication.
Maia Spallino
"Thanks to your support, I have been able to focus on what I truly value: my education, my family, and connecting with other people. College is challenging, but it has given me the opportunity to grow and explore new areas."
A commitment to excellence
From the moment we met Maia, we knew her story deserved to be told. As a senior at Marysville High School, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his education and his community. Not only did she maintain an impressive 4.2 GPA, she also combined her academic life with a part-time job, serving as Vice President of the ASB, participating in the National Student Leadership Conference of Medicine at the University of California, Berkeley, and being part of the Upward Bound Program at California State University, Chico.
Their determination, hard work, and leadership were key to receiving our $10,000 annual scholarship, a critical step on their path to higher education.
A new chapter at the university
Today, Maia is pursuing her studies at California State University, Chico, where she continues to excel in and out of the classroom. In his thank you email, he shared how this opportunity has changed his life:
“College is challenging, but it has given me the opportunity to grow and explore new areas. I have had the privilege of joining organizations such as the Society of Physics Students, the American Chemistry Society-Student Chapter, and the Chico STEM Connections Collaborative, where I have found mentorship, research opportunities, and an environment that motivates me to continue learning."
More than a scholarship: constant support
At the López Foundation, our commitment to Maia did not end with the award of the scholarship. We continue to support her through mentoring and guidance, ensuring she has the resources necessary to overcome the challenges of college life. In our last conversation, he shared his interest in finding a mentor in the physician assistant field, his field of interest.
"I would like to speak with someone who has been through Physician Assistant school to better understand what I should focus on and how I can make the most of my summers with internships or research."
These types of conversations reflect the essence of our foundation: to be a real support in the lives of our scholarship recipients, guiding them not only academically, but also in their personal and professional growth.
Building more opportunities: You can be part of the change
Stories like Maia's remind us of the impact we can generate when we believe in the potential of young people. However, our mission does not end here. We want to continue expanding the number of scholarships and opportunities, and for that we need the support of our community.
You can also make a difference. With your donation, we can help more students achieve their dreams and break barriers in their educational path.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Together, we are building a future full of opportunities.