A native of Seattle, Washington, Michael Peralta is currently in his fifth year of studying American Ethnic Studies and Geography (Geographic Information Systems) with minors in Diversity and Environmental Studies at the University of Washington (UW). He graduated from Renton High School in 2007 after having applied to well over 30 scholarships. With the help of several scholarship grants from organizations, such as the Rotary Foundation, the Washington State Scholarship Foundation, and the College Success Foundation, Michael was able to pursue his dream of being the first in his immigrant family to attend a four-year university right out of high school.
Under Scholarship Junkies Founder Sam Lim’s mentorship and training over the past four years, Michael has become an emerging scholar and expert in the scholarship admissions process. He has been lauded for his depth of scholarship knowledge and ability to effectively captivate audiences both small and large. He has successfully presented to several local organizations in the Seattle area and is eager to share his scholarship knowledge across the nation.
Throughout his collegiate career at the UW, Michael has been involved in several UW campus mentorship programs, including the Dream Project, and the State GEAR UP Project. He continued his work to enhance student life on campus by serving three years as a Resident Advisor. In addition, Michael was selected as a 2011 Mary Gates Research Scholar to conduct research on the relationships among race, education, and issues of social mobility. He was recently awarded both the University of Washington’s Sonnenblick-Del Rio Global Citizens Scholarship and the Global Opportunities (GO!) Scholarship, both of which supported his study abroad to the Philippines during the summer of 2011; this international experience was focused around themes of Education, Memory, and Identity. Michael’s ultimate goal through studying abroad was to further equip himself with an increased global perspective in terms of transforming the way we think and discussing issues relating to education and identity formation.
His long-term goal is to continue advocating for underrepresented minority students through public service. He is also interested in learning how to leverage technology in ways that better serve the needs of underprivileged populations, particularly when it comes to their education and overall well-being as local and global citizens.
Apart from being a full-time student, part-time scholarship consultant, and a part-time website coordinator for the UW Ethnic Cultural Center, Michael enjoys being active and participating in recreational sports and outdoor activities. In 2010, he participated in the nationally-recognized 2010 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic and completed the grueling 200-mile bike ride in less than one day. Michael’s biggest learning outcome from the event was that nothing comes easy and to never underestimate one’s ability as an individual. Just like a 200-mile bike ride, it is important to train, prepare, and be persistent in applying for scholarships. Michael often reminds students that, “if you don’t apply, you guarantee that you will not receive a scholarship.” There may be times that cause feelings of wanting to quit or give up, but by maintaining a strong work ethic and looking at applying for scholarships as a win-win scenario, then it’ll be easier to cross the finish line with a more positive and rewarding experience than if one did not apply.
To contact Michael personally, please email him at mike [@] scholarshipjunkies . com.
Photo Credits | Rachel Youngblood
