Hi there, I am Aahoot Neupane, a Mechanical Engineering Major currently studying at Drexel University. The second year of high school was the day before our computer science practicals, and we had a group project. This project was an incredible 40% of our total marks, hence significant. The deadline was rapidly approaching. We had each allocated different sections of the projects we would be working on, but one of our peers needed help to attend school with his part. This situation left us with a dilemma. This easy-looking project had morphed, as I had been given a technical challenge at the last minute—one that would either make it or break it. My task was simple in theory: build a system that would allow a series of sensors to communicate wirelessly with each other. However, the catch was that we had no equipment for the experiments; our friend had taken them to his house. There was no reliable hardware on hand, and the solution had to be implemented within hours; the stakes were high, and my mind raced through possible solutions. I started using whatever I found in the computer Science building: an old TP-link router, a few black telephone cables, and an assortment of broken used devices. Our friend's original idea was to use Wi-Fi to transmit data, but this setup needed to be more straightforward due to the constraints. Fortunately, the old Tp-link router still worked, so I used it as a makeshift communication hub. The device was meant for something other than this project, but that is where the challenge lay. I reconfigured the router's firmware and hacked together an alternative method of transmitting the data—one that had not been tried before, at least not in this context. This was not a perfect solution, but it could be decent for make-up. The real breakthrough came when I figured out how to make the sensors communicate via a mesh network. By using a clever combination of low-power signals and reprogramming the old router to handle different frequencies, I got them to link up. Each sensor was now relaying information to the others in a chain, something I had not initially planned for but adapted on the fly. With minutes to spare, I could demonstrate that the system worked—even though it was not the sleek, polished solution I had envisioned. I had built something functional that pushed the boundaries of what the hardware was meant to do. In doing so, I delighted the team with a solution that no one expected, using only what we had. In the end, the project was a success. It met the essential criteria and set the stage for a new approach to the problem to inspire future innovations. That experience was the first time I had an opportunity to experiment on stuff outside my laboratory, and it left me with a further craving to think outside of the box. There is no blueprint for what can be achieved when you embrace the "hacker spirit," that day, I was reminded of just how much you can accomplish when you innovate under pressure. We got a decent grade at the end, and my night with no sleep had paid off.

I am Aahoot Neupane, a student from Nepal currently studying at Drexel University in the United States, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I am a sophomore, and as I move through life, I see it as a process of passing the baton to a better version of myself each year. I promise my future self three things to ensure a fulfilling life: to strive for independence, give back to my community, and pursue excellence in my field. This scholarship plays a crucial role in helping me fulfill these promises. A significant aspect of independence is financial independence. Living in the USA has been a significant financial burden due to the weak value of the Nepali rupee compared to the USD. My relatives currently fund a large portion of my tuition, and their support has been invaluable. However, I am committed to reducing this reliance by securing scholarships like this one. This will not only ease the financial strain on my family but also allow me to fully concentrate on my studies without the constant worry of financial challenges. Secondly, I am dedicated to giving back to my community. My father’s long-term struggle with depression from 2000 to 2020 limited his ability to work, and my mother’s dedication as a teacher became the foundation of our family’s support. Witnessing their sacrifices has inspired me to help others in similar situations. By achieving financial stability and career success, I aim to contribute to my community and support initiatives that assist underrepresented students in STEM fields, just as I have been supported. Lastly, I promise to pursue excellence in my field. My passion for mechanics and mathematics drives my ambition to excel in STEM. This scholarship will not only provide the necessary financial support to continue my education but also allow me to engage in research and projects that push the boundaries of my knowledge and skills. It will enable me to focus on my academic and career goals, striving for innovation and excellence in mechanical engineering. Your contribution will be a significant stepping stone in my journey. Financially, since I am not legally allowed to work in the United States, I have no direct source of income. I am heavily dependent on my parents and relatives for financial support. As time passes, my options for assistance are dwindling, and I am uncertain if I can pay my next tuition on time. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate these uncertainties over the coming year. I am a hardworking student, and I will ensure that the award will not go to waste. In conclusion, this scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it is a necessary step toward fulfilling my promises to myself and making a meaningful impact on my community. It will help alleviate the financial burden on my family, support my educational goals, and empower me to contribute positively to the field of STEM. I am deeply grateful for your consideration and the potential opportunity to receive this scholarship.