2026 Awardee – Scarlett Bocachica – Crimson Cliffs High School HS

Learning Resilience Through My Father

I never expected the biggest challenge in my life to arrive at just the age of 11. My father, who was my role model, biggest supporter, and best friend, died by suicide, just a day after my brother’s birthday. In just the blink of an eye, my entire world shattered into unexplainable pieces. During dinner, he was there, making jokes with our family. Just hours later, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (shares how her father died. We blank these out because they trigger the suicidal. We honor HIM and his sweet daughter in their journey). He’s gone. At that age, my brain couldn’t comprehend the loss of such a big part of my life.

Immediately following his death, I felt that coping was a waste of time. The following week of his passing, I went back to school, hanging out with friends, showing no signs of grief. I told my mother, my teachers, and my counselors that I didn’t need any help. I thought that strength meant silence, that surviving meant moving forward without looking back. Therapy felt unnecessary to me. I thought it would allow my weakness to show itself. So, I hid my grief deep down, where nobody could find it, including me.

Two years later, I felt the loss of him stronger with each passing day. This time, it was different. Maturing throughout these years made me realize the permanence of his absence. It was hard to grasp the concept that I’ll never see or hear from him again. He will never be there for my graduation. He will never walk me down the aisle at my wedding. He will never meet my first child. This realization kept coming back in waves, each stronger than the last. I had lost not only my father, but my future memories with him.

What shattered me most, though, was losing my biggest cheerleader. My father always pushed me forward, loving me unconditionally. He was the only supporter of my passion for interior design. He always knew I had potential. Even while writing this, I will never know why he did it, and that unanswered question is a burden I’m forced to live with. However, I’m not letting the loss of my father end my own story.

I choose resilience.

Through my loss, I discovered my purpose. I spent time focusing on myself, and I finally understood that designing spaces brought me comfort. I learned that my creativity can shape a person’s emotions. During life’s biggest challenges, a well-developed environment can bring security. I want homes to be seen as a haven for any obstacle. In numerous ways, interior design became my language for expressing what I could not say out loud.

To put my passion in motion, I am going to study interior architecture and design at Utah State University. I want my work to make people feel supported, seen, and comforted, especially for individuals who don’t feel it often. Though my journey has many trials, I strive to carry on with resilience, hope, and, above all, my desire to pursue my dream that began with my late father to make a difference in the world.