Buck Beneschott Native American Scholarship

As children, we are taught to think analytically and critically in order to solve the issues present at a young age; for example, the square-shaped block goes into the square hole. All of childhood, even life as a whole, is one gigantic learning experience where we continually mold and re-shape who we are to resolve the problems around us; we never stop learning. Many people deny this learning experience and are perfectly content with going on living their daily lives; these people find comfort in the monotony. Yet, ever since I was a child, I have enjoyed creative problem-solving and thinking “outside of the box”, which is why I have chosen to study in the field of engineering with a double major in business. Engineering is anything but monotonous, and it is my belief that the engineering field will allow me to explore issues from a innovative and free-thinking standpoint. In my experience, it seems as though many people are used to remaining “in the box” and refuse to step out of their comfort zone to truly shine and this is exactly what engineering will allow me to overcome. My goal is to be a lifelong learner; one who is constantly and consistently overcoming the next challenge, whether that be a personal obstacle, or the next engineering project. This is how my higher education will continually benefit my life. However, I wish to use my higher education not only to improve myself, but to improve the lives of those around me. One of the biggest problems that many native communities face today is lack of access to infrastructure. Mesa Grande, the tribe from which I descend, has extremely limited access to running water, electricity, and other utilities essential to a modern day living standard. My mother is currently on the economic board for our tribe, and I believe that my business degree will allow me to follow in her footsteps to both improve Mesa Grande’s standard of living and our economic output. One of my goals is to be able to pave the way for our tribe to have a voice, and to be “put on the map” both physically and financially. Seeing my extended family’s lack of access to these essentials pains my heart; engineering will allow me the time and resources to achieve this goal, and a business degree will provide me with both the knowledge and ability to help provide these rights to my tribe. Through engineering and business, I plan to find a way to provide infrastructure and economic boons while still holding reverence to both ecology and traditional cultural values; these benefit both our native heritage and the land we call home. I’m hopeful and excited for my future, and I’m even more excited for the way I know that I can change things.