From artists to aerospace engineers. Musicians to educators. The Live Más Scholarship supports students not based on grades or athletics, but on their drive to positively impact the world.

Receiving this scholarship is just the beginning. Scholars join a community of over 3,000 peers, surrounded by people eager to help them succeed. They gain access to workshops, mentorship, and both in-person & virtual events designed to help them grow their passions. Each year, the Taco Bell Foundation invites 300 scholars to this all-expenses-paid Summer of Connection in San Diego, California. It's packed with inspirational speakers, creative activities, career exploration, networking, and workshops. The best part? Building lasting friendships rooted in mutual support!

I first received the Live Más Scholarship in 2018. Since then, I have attended regional overnight workshops, was a featured artist at the 2021 FRANMAC event in Colorado Springs, CO, served two terms on the Alumni Council as the Communication Lead, and have been a staff lead at the Summer of Connection through ColabL for the last 2 years. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at SOC2025!

Day 1: Setting the Stage!

Before the scholars arrived, it was all hands on deck for setup! We helped prepare everything from signage, check-in logistics, and decorating the Scholar Lounge and Zen Den. This year, ColabL asked me to create a 22ft by 6ft wall display for the Scholar Lounge, crafted entirely from Taco Bell Hot Sauce Packets and Taco Wrappers!

After the wall display was installed, I helped assemble the Art Showcase near the Scholar Lounge. The Art Showcase featuring a diverse range of styles and materials from fellow scholars, including acrylics, digital art, ceramics, and even live succulents!

The day ended with a dinner by the water, allowing staff, alumni, and early-arriving scholars to reconnect and enjoy each other's company.

Day 2: Welcomes and Inspiring Words!

My day started bright and early at the airport, making sure every arriving scholar got on the correct shuttle and was greeted with a warm welcome. While scholars were arriving, they would be greeted at the hotel with Taco Bell Foundation swag bags, food, and a pool party!

(L-R): Jesse Zumstein, Myself, Jeffrey Acevedo, Kimberly Uehisa, Naomi Cho, Chandler Owen and Mitch Holson.

The opening keynote speaker, Kai Kight, shared insightful thoughts on finding comfort in the practice. He even treated us all to a beautiful violin performance. My key takeaway: "Take the time to create something worth hearing." Powerful words to share!

To cap off the night, I hosted Costume Wars, one of six "Creative Connections" activities. Teams had 60 minutes to create a costume based on the theme "Storytelling," using provided materials and a communal table. The fun really kicked in when mystery boxes, unlocked by Taco Bell-themed riddles, were introduced! The night concluded with a costume runway show, complete with music, scripts, and feedback from judges!

Day 3: Exploring Career Paths and Cultural Connections!

Daniel Horgan from ColabL led the Career Path Simulator, an interactive session that dived into the pros and cons of common internship and job crossroads. A diverse panel offered valuable advice. My key takeaway: "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." - Daniel Horgan

After a Career Track Networking Lunch, I participated in the Education Panel, where I shared my insights alongside Ang Richard, Briana Means, and Dr. Kirin Macapugay, which was co-facilitated by Samantha Harker and Idia Uwaifo.

The night ended with Maci J and I leading the Cultural Exploration at the San Diego Zoo with 110 scholars!

(L-R): Gavin Diehl, Myself, Maci J and Allyssa Van Cuyk.

Day 4: Celebrating a Decade of Impact and Looking Forward!

The main session was a celebration of 10 years of the Live Más Scholarship! This included panels led by Andrew German and Sean Trevant, the CEO of Taco Bell. Trevant interviewed five inspiring Live Más Scholars (L-R): Miles Spearman, Ariella Buckley, Bryana Appley, Mitch Holson and Ayushi Agarwal.

After overseeing skill and passion accelerator workshops, Jovian Zayne delivered the powerful closing keynote. She left a lasting impression on the community, emphasizing the importance of "knowing your why" through one's legacy, impact, identity, and purpose.

The conference concluded with a Beach Celebration and a Food Culture Marketplace! Local California-based non-profits were present where attendees could donate their scholar dollars (the TBF’s form of “money” earned through engagement) to the non-profits. The scholar dollars would later be exchanged for a real donation at the end of the event!