
Hobbies and interests
Art
Drawing And Illustration
Painting and Studio Art
Abigail Collins-Gillyard
1x
Finalist
Abigail Collins-Gillyard
1x
FinalistBio
I am a student driven by curiosity, creativity, and purpose. My interests in engineering, art, and psychology shape how I approach the world and my future. I aspire to become an engineer, designing innovative technologies that improve lives. One of my goals is to help develop efficient self-driving vehicles that can increase independence, especially for individuals who are visually impaired.
My background in art has strengthened my creativity and attention to detail. It has taught me how to visualize ideas and turn them into something meaningful. At the same time, my interest in psychology allows me to better understand how people think and respond to challenges, helping me approach problem-solving with empathy.
Through my experiences, I have developed resilience and determination. I am committed to growing academically and using my skills to make a positive impact. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my education and continue working toward a future where innovation and understanding come together to improve lives.
Education
Springfield High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Technical bootcamp
Majors of interest:
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Career
Dream career field:
electrical engineering
Dream career goals:
Arts
Springfield High School
Painting2023 – 2024Springfield High School
Drawing2023 – 2024
Public services
Volunteering
Teens For Positive Empowerment Club — Vice president/Volunteer2023 – Present
Future Interests
Entrepreneurship
$25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship
Miley Cyrus Fan No-Essay Scholarship
Bold.org No-Essay Top Friend Scholarship
K-POP Fan No-Essay Scholarship
Honorable Shawn Long Memorial Scholarship
My passion for robotics and electrical engineering comes from both creativity and personal experience. Growing up, I spent hours drawing and coloring pieces inspired by the fictional worlds I created in my imagination. Art taught me to think beyond limitations and imagine possibilities that did not yet exist. At the same time, I developed a love for math and problem-solving because I enjoyed figuring out how things worked and how they could be improved. Over time, I realized I did not just want to imagine a better future; I wanted to help create it. Robotics and electrical engineering became the perfect combination of creativity, innovation, and purpose.
My career goals are also deeply connected to my mother’s story. My mother lost her eyesight due to a failed surgery, and I have witnessed firsthand how vision loss changed her life. It prevented her from doing many of the things she once loved or dreamed about trying. Simple freedoms that many people take for granted became difficult or impossible for her. One dream she always had was learning how to drive a car. Watching someone you love lose opportunities because of circumstances beyond their control changes the way you see the world. Instead of only feeling sadness for what was taken away, I became inspired by the possibilities technology can create.
That inspiration is one of the main reasons I want to pursue robotics and electrical engineering. Technology already has the power to transform lives, and I want to be part of pushing those advancements even further. Whether through robotics, artificial intelligence, or accessible transportation technology, I want to help create innovations that give people greater independence and freedom. To me, engineering is not just about circuits, machines, or equations;it is about solving problems that impact real people. If I can contribute to technology that allows visually impaired individuals like my mother to safely experience opportunities they once thought were impossible, then I know my work will have meaning.
To achieve these goals, I plan to attend a technical or trade school where I can gain the hands-on training and specialized skills needed to succeed in this field. I learn best through practical experience, and I know that developing strong technical knowledge in robotics and electrical systems will prepare me for a meaningful career. However, financial hardship stands in the way of that future. My family and I cannot easily afford the cost of tuition, tools, and training. It is difficult knowing that the only thing that could hold me back from achieving my goals is the lack of financial resources.
Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial assistance. It would give me the opportunity to pursue my education without constantly worrying about whether I can afford it. This scholarship would allow me to focus on building the skills needed to turn my passion into reality. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to creating technology that could improve lives, including my mother’s.
I believe the possibilities within robotics and electrical engineering are endless. With determination, creativity, and the right support, I hope to turn my passion into a career that not only fulfills my dreams, but also helps others regain opportunities they thought they had lost forever.