LMS Alumni: Unwrapping Gifts of Wisdom 

As we look toward a fresh new year, our Live Más Scholarship Alumni Council reflected on how they’ve grown. Chandler learned to balance ambition with self-care, Jesse stepped into bold new leadership opportunities, and Rebecca embraced the power of rest and weekly resets. Together, their reflections reveal a year defined by courage, clarity, and growth—both inward and outward. Read on to unwrap more gifts of wisdom from other Alumni Council members. 

Goals They’re Chasing in 2026 

As you’ve come to expect, there’s no slowing this group of scholars down next year. Here are some of the goals they’ve set: 

• Sharmaine: I aim to achieve a better work-life balance. I want to spend more time outdoors and make it a priority to connect with my family. 

• Kimberly: I want to honor my journey by being more present and sharing my story. To take more time to pause and draw inspiration from how far I’ve come, focusing on where I am and not on what’s ahead of me. 

• Emmalee: To stay grounded. I want to prioritize rest and being intentional with my commitments. 

Their Live Más Scholarship Experience 

When our alumni look back on highlights of their Live Más Scholarship experiences, one theme rises to the top: connection.  

• Erek: The community and people I’ve met! I’m so grateful to have connected with so many amazing scholars with incredibly unique stories and backgrounds. 

• Immanuel: Leading the Alumni Programming Committee and working with dedicated colleagues to create impactful opportunities for our scholar community. 

Advice for Future Scholars 

When it comes to applying for the Live Más Scholarship, our alumni had one message they repeated again and again: be authentically, unapologetically you.  

• Danielle: Be yourself and own your passion! No one else has the story that you do, and one of the best parts about the Taco Bell Foundation is how all passions and stories are uplifted and celebrated. 

• Kyle: Apply and go for it! Remember to be honest and stay true to yourself and your passion. 

Our Alumni Council has offered each of these gifts of wisdom and insight with heart. We’re reminded that the greatest gifts this season aren’t wrapped – they’re shared: growth that propels you forward, connection that grounds you, the clarity of knowing who you are, and the vision to see where you’re headed next. May their stories inspire you to take your own bold leap in 2026.

To learn more about the Live Más Scholarship visit tacobellfoundation.org.   

The Taco Bell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.