Raquel was recently awarded a scholarship and recognized by the Latinas United Networking Association, Inc.(L.U.N.A.) at their annual Hispanic Scholarship Fundraiser in Youngstown Ohio. Raquel is a third year pharmacy student at the University of Findlay and has made the Dean's list for five semesters. She received the Latin award in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

In her essay she wrote as part of the requirements for the award entitled "A LACK OF DIRECTION" indicates that many Hispanic women are the first in their family entering college or receiving higher education, moving into unfamiliar territory can be overwhelming and leads to a lack of self-confidence and belief that education is not important. Raquel states that a good support system and surrounding oneself with successful people is what one who desires success must do. She proposes a movement "Preparando Mujeres con Sentido", "Preparing Women with Confidence" to help young women carry themselves with self-esteem, self-worth and respect--to dream of a better life and to define success for their life.