When Kamila Merchand applied for Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarship just before the deadline, she’d convinced herself that the funds were probably already spoken for. For her, the idea of winning felt so out of reach.

But her manager at the time encouraged her to apply and then, something incredible happened. Kamila, a first generation college attendee and nursing student (in a highly competitive program), was awarded a whopping $25,000 to support her studies! It’s the largest scholarship amount available through the Live Más Program.

Taco Bell’s Live Más Scholarships and DDO’s flexible schedules make college entirely possible for young adults like Kamila.

For someone who’s always worrying about money, Kamila says the scholarship brings peace of mind to her and her family. 

“It was a lot of pressure, constantly checking my account,” she shares. “It was kind of eating me alive.”

While finances have been hard, Kamila says support is a big deal in her culture. There was never any doubt her family would be there for her but she knew they had other bills to pay, too – so she carried around guilt as she juggled work with Desert de Oro Foods (DDO) and school.

Now, Kamila has her own college money for tuition, books and fees. “It meant being able to just live, you know,” she shares. “My heart doesn’t have to drop.” 

Finding Purpose in the Delivery Room

Kamila is in her first year at Arizona State University; her dream is to become a labor and delivery nurse. She’s passionate about helping others and feels really connected to women and the birthing process.

“Life can only be so fulfilling if you’re not giving.”

-Kamila Merchand, Live Más Scholar

Kamila’s ultimate goal is to help mothers experience birth as the special event that it is. “In that moment, that’s the highest moment,” she says. She believes women who choose to become mothers deserve the best of care, and she wants to be a part of it!

While Kamila has since left her DDO Taco Bell job to focus on studies full time, we’re reminded that our restaurants are a career launchpad, not just somewhere to work. We’re proud to offer working students flexible schedules, GED assistance, access to Live Más Scholarships, and supportive teams.

And as for this wonderful person, we hope Kamila’s story inspires others who are contemplating college or dragging their feet on scholarship applications.

“I think a lot of people live with potential in mind,” she says. “[Taking] the first step is what makes that reality.” So don’t wait, get after it! The application window for the next round of Live Más submissions is October through early January. Read up on eligibility and FAQs.