Author: Kristy Mojardin

Posted on: 06/26/2025

Meet Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholar: Kristy Mojardin

Kofa High School, Class of 2023

Arizona State University

I’ll be a junior at Arizona State University this fall, where I’m majoring in criminology and criminal justice. Throughout my time at ASU, I’ve been adjusting to college life, taking insightful classes and learning from some of the best professors. While the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing, I can confidently say that the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship has made my time at ASU easier thus far.  

During the hard nights spent studying, the moments of feeling completely lost due to not being able to be with my loved ones back at home, or the weight of being a first-generation Latinx student, one thing I haven’t had to worry about is finances. Thanks to the incredible support from Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship, I’ve been able to focus on my education without financial stress. I would not have been able to attend a four-year institution if it weren’t for the financial support that this scholarship has provided me. 

I’m a proud first-generation college student, and this scholarship hasn’t just impacted my life, but also my entire family. My education is for them. Many of my family members have had to sacrifice so much to give me the life I am fortunate to be living today. This scholarship is helping me accomplish what my family members started. 

With resilience and determination, I worked hard to get into ASU. With my family's sacrifices, endless love, and support, I was able to conquer any challenges that awaited me. And with the financial support from the Helios Ready Now Yuma Scholarship, I was able to attend ASU without the need to work and the fear of struggling or having to watch my family struggle to put their kid through school. This gave me the chance to be a student before anything else, which has allowed me to prioritize my future without having to worry about it being taken away due to finances. 

I’m beyond grateful for this life-changing opportunity, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.