My name is Adam Burgess, and I am pursuing a career in the electrical trade, driven by a passion for technology and a desire to create practical solutions. From an early age, I have been fascinated by how electrical systems power our daily lives. These experiences ignited my interest and led me to realize that I thrive when working hands-on to tackle real-world problems. Now, at 35, I have made the decision to shift my career to the electrical trade to better support my family. As a husband and father of four, I recognize the importance of finding stable and rewarding work. Over the past two years, I have been working as an electrical apprentice, gaining valuable hands-on experience that complements my trade education. This experience has solidified my commitment to the field and has provided me with practical skills that I can apply in real-world settings. My immediate goal is to continue this apprenticeship while pursuing my trade education, as learning from seasoned professionals will help me obtain my journeyman’s license—a crucial step in my journey. My long-term aspiration is to establish my own electrical business, offering high-quality services to the community and ensuring that homes and businesses have dependable electrical systems. The idea of being my own boss and building a legacy for my family is both exciting and motivating. However, this career change has not come without its challenges. Currently, my family is experiencing financial difficulties as we navigate this transition. Balancing tuition costs, living expenses, and the necessities of raising four children can be overwhelming. Still, I remain optimistic that things will improve as I progress through this program and my apprenticeship. I know the skills I am acquiring now will lead to greater opportunities and stability for my family in the future. As I continue my journey in the electrical trade, my family remains my primary source of inspiration. I strive to model dedication and commitment for my children and to show them that overcoming obstacles is possible. I want to instill in them a sense of resilience and encourage them to pursue their dreams, regardless of the difficulties they may encounter along the way. In conclusion, my commitment to the electrical trade is rooted in my passion for technology and problem-solving. I plan to continue my work as an apprentice while gaining hands-on experience and eventually starting my own electrical business. Despite the current financial challenges, I am confident that as I progress through my education and training, I will secure a brighter future for myself and my family. With the right education and support, I believe I can navigate this journey and create a successful life for us all. Being awarded this scholarship would easy our financial burdens considerably. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay, and thank you for considering blessing our family.

At the age of 35, I am embarking on a rewarding yet challenging journey as a first-year electrical apprentice. This career change is a significant step for me, particularly as I navigate the complexities of balancing education with the responsibilities of being married and raising four boys. The electrical trade offers not only a pathway to a promising career but also the opportunity to create a bright future for my family. I am eager to harness my skills and passion for this field to secure a stable and fulfilling life for my loved ones. As a father of four, I deeply understand the importance of providing for my family. My desire for financial stability, enriched by my commitment to being a role model for my sons, drives me to pursue this educational path. The electrical trade presents a unique opportunity to combine technical knowledge with practical skills, allowing me to make a significant impact on both my family’s future and the community around me. I am particularly drawn to specializing in renewable energy systems, such as solar panel installations. This focus not only aligns with my personal values but also addresses the critical need for sustainable energy solutions in today’s world. I want my children to grow up in an environment that prioritizes environmental stewardship, and by pursuing a career in this field, I aim to lead by example. The goals I have for my future extend beyond just financial security. I aspire to complete my apprenticeship and obtain my journeyman electrician license within the next few years. With this certification, I will have the foundational skills required to thrive in the electrical field. My plans involve securing a position with a reputable electrical firm, where I can gain hands-on experience while learning from seasoned professionals. As I develop my expertise, I am determined to explore opportunities in various sectors, from residential projects to more complex commercial and industrial work. Every project I undertake will not only contribute to my growth but also reinforce my commitment to my family and their needs. After gaining substantial experience as a journeyman electrician, I have ambitious plans to elevate my career further. My dream is to become a master electrician, which will enable me to take on larger projects and expand my knowledge base. Ultimately, I hope to establish my own electrical contracting business. I aspire to provide job opportunities for skilled tradespeople and inspire my sons to pursue careers in the trades, should they choose that path. Balancing my education and family responsibilities is challenging, especially with four boys who rely on my support and guidance. My wife and I strive to provide the best for them, but financial constraints make it difficult to manage tuition fees and training costs associated with my apprenticeship. A scholarship would greatly alleviate these pressures, allowing me to fully focus on my studies and hands-on training without the constant worry about our financial situation. In conclusion, pursuing a career in the electrical trade represents more than just a job for me; it embodies my commitment to building a better future for my family. Through hard work and dedication, I aim to develop the skills needed to excel in this field, provide for my four sons, and demonstrate the value of resilience and determination. The opportunity to receive this scholarship would be invaluable in helping me achieve my dreams and positively impact my community through my work in the electrical trade. Thank you for considering my application.

At the age of 35, embarking on a career change is fraught with uncertainty. With a family of six, the stakes are higher than ever. Transitioning from my previous job to becoming a first-year electrical apprentice has been both exhilarating and daunting, yet I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This scholarship could significantly ease my financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my education and ultimately build a stable future for my family. I once believed that my career path was predetermined; however, a combination of personal reflection and a growing passion for the electrical trade prompted me to reconsider my direction. As the primary breadwinner in my household, I have always prioritized financial stability and security for my wife and four children. Despite my previous profession providing a reliable income, I found myself unfulfilled and yearning for meaningful work that would also allow me to support my family’s needs effectively. From the moment I began my training, I felt an invigorating sense of purpose. I am captivated by the challenge of understanding electrical systems and the satisfaction that comes from solving complex problems. This field not only offers significant career growth but also aligns with my desire to provide innovative solutions that improve the lives of others. My career objectives are clear: I aim to complete my apprenticeship and obtain my journeyman’s license within the next four years. With this certification, I aspire to work for a reputable electrical contractor where I can gain hands-on experience and further my skills. The electrical trade offers a pathway to both personal satisfaction and financial security, making it an ideal choice for my next chapter. Financial need is a pressing concern for me and my family. As a household of six, our expenses are considerable. We are committed to living within our means, but the rising costs of everyday necessities can be overwhelming. This scholarship would provide much-needed relief, allowing me to focus on my studies and complete my apprenticeship without the constant worry of financial instability. Furthermore, I believe that investing in my education will have a positive ripple effect on my family's future. By gaining essential skills and knowledge in the electrical field, I can secure a better-paying job, which will not only improve our current living conditions but also set an example for my children about the value of education and hard work. I want them to understand that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams and that resilience and determination can lead to rewarding outcomes. In conclusion, being a first-year electrical apprentice at 35 is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. With my family’s support and the potential assistance from this scholarship, I am committed to overcoming obstacles and achieving my career objectives. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the electrical trade and providing a stable, fulfilling life for my family. Thank you for considering my application. Thank you for considering my application.

I've applied for dozens of scholarships over the last few months, and this is probably the most difficult scholarship to apply for due to the content and nature of the essay. I saved this scholarship application for and thought about it for about a week not knowing what to say. I realized this morning after reading the description and prompt that the truth, while difficult to discuss, is where I need to begin. When I left home at 18, I was jaded and wayward. I grew up in a Christian house hold, and I was not enthused about the rules and the structure that my father had implemented in our home. So, when I went off to college in 2008, I fell into a lifestyle of alcohol and drugs. My lifestyle of partying progressed very quickly. Instead of going to class I would roll a blunt and smoke with my friends. I would go to bed drunk, wake up drunk, and go to work drunk. There were very few moments from the age of 18 to 25 when I wasn't sober, and if I was sober, I was anticipating the next time that I would be able to inebriate myself. I somehow managed to make it through 3 semesters of college, but by my second semester of my sophomore year, I was placed on academic probation and kicked out of school. Flash forward a few years and I had gotten married and divorced. I had a kid on the way. I had just been fired from a job, and I was living out of my car. Things seemed hopeless. I'd like to say this is when I found my faith again. And even though it had always been in the back of my mind, reigniting my faith didn't happen until about a year later. By this point I had a few friends who had matured and left the party lifestyle behind. I saw them going to AA. I thought to myself, "that might just work for me." Their lives seemed to be improving, and maybe my life would also improve. The day before my first meeting my divorce had finalized and I was at rock bottom as they say. To ensure that I made it to the meeting on time, I stayed up all night. I got on my bicycle in five in the morning and made it to my first meeting by 530am. I don't remember much from that first meeting, but what I do remember changed me on a fundamental level. When it was my turn to talk I remember saying, "I will do anything to change." Sitting there, broken and in tears, I felt a weight lift from my body. I've been sober now for almost ten years. During that time I went back to school and finished my first degree. I've since been remarried, I have 4 beautiful boys, and I have a great job working in the trades as a first year apprentice electrician. During my time in AA they kept talking about a hire power. I softened my spirit and found my way back to God during that time. Things are financially difficult for my family right now. The hours that I work are long and hard. But I know that I would not be in where I am today without God in my life. My wife and my boys are proud of the work that I do. And I am too. I wish I had more words available to give you more details, but I want to thank you for considering me.

My name is Adam Burgess and I've chosen to enter into a trade program as an Electrician. I chose this field of work out of necessity. After struggling to find a job that would provide for my family, my best friend suggested I look at the trades. I wanted a career that was going to be engaging, challenging, and financially support my family of six. I made the decision to become an electrician in June of 2023. I applied at every local union shop within 60 miles of my house, and when I handed in my last application, that same company hired me as a material handler the same day. At the age of 35, knowing that this was probably going to be my last career change, I began sweeping floors and moving materials for the next six months. While the work wasn't terribly interesting, I kept my eyes and ears open. I tried to pick up on bits and pieces of information everywhere I could. Eventually my foremen noticed, and he started putting on a few work details. In no time at all I was pulling wire. Soon after I was indentured by the local union. I am currently awaiting the decision of my first raise. I just finished my first year of books with a 4.0 average. And I am enjoying the work. The impact that I want to make is that of a positive attitude, pride in my work, and to show a work ethic that says, "I can." There are a lot of younger individuals in my class. I am about 15 years older than most of the other students. I would hope that they see me as a determined individual. I come to class and work every day prepared and with a willingness to learn. In the field, I try to step up when I can. If there's something difficult to be done, I'm right their ready to lend a hand and ready to learn what needs to be done. My personal reasons for joining this industry far out-way my own ambitions to be successful in the field. My work life balance has always been: faith, family, and then work. My faith has taught me that even when I fail there is something to be gained in way of knowledge, and that there is always more opportunities to be a better man. I strive every day to lead by example in my faith by staying true to what I've learned in the scriptures. This makes me a better employee and a better husband to my wife and a better father to my 4 boys. My family has been very supportive of me. When I became an electrician there was definitely a change in routine in my home. But everyone is adjusting well. My wife and I are a great team, picking up where the other needs and making sure that there we are rearing our children to be good, kind, and hard working people.

With an ever changing landscape of technology and an over emphasis on higher ed., society places less value on working in the trades. Currently, in the electrical trade (which is the trade that I work in), there are more journeymen electricians retiring than there are apprentices starting. Before I became an electrical apprentice, at the age of 35, I hadn't given much thought to how things were built. I think that most people take for granted the local YMCA, McDonalds, Walmart, Schools, ect. It's so easy to just walk into a building and not give a second thought to the trades men and women who worked long hours to erect the structure itself. Trades people work together to support their families and communities with the knowledge of how to safely build these structures for modern society. What are my personal goals? My family comes first. They mean the world to me, and that's why I actually began a career in the trades at such a late stage in life. (The other students in my apprenticeship class actually call me Dad, which I get a big kick out of.) I wanted to work in an industry where I felt that what I did mattered. When I show up to work each day I want to know that I did something good with my hands, I want to know that I built something that I can be proud of. I want to know that at the end of the day that I am going to go home safely to my family and that my coworkers are going home safely home to theirs. I want to know at the end of the day that I am providing for my family. How have the trades personally affected my life? Aside from the aforementioned everyday circumstances of walking in and out of buildings that I had previously taken for granted, I can say that the trades have impacted me positively. I use to think that trades people and skilled labor professionals were a rugged group of Norse like Vikings who knew how to perform tape measure and power tool witchcraft. It seemed so out of reach; like I would never be able to do what they could do. I had a lot of self doubt when I got into this career. Having now gotten into the apprenticeship and working as an electrician and starting school, I am much more confident in my ability to succeed in this career. I am learning a lot about the industry and about myself. But, I am not the only one who has been affected positively from being in the trades. My work-life balance has become much more better. I am able to spend more time with my wife and kids. Currently, I am helping build a solar field. The days are long, the winter chill is not so enjoyable, and most days the wind is brutal. But, I get to work with a great team. I'm learning a lot about DC power and how inverters turn that power into AC current so it can be put onto the power grid. I am so grateful to have found this career. And on behalf of my family and kids, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering me for this scholarship. Adam

My name is Adam Burgess and this story is about my big brother Andrew. Recently my 9 year old came home from school and was very excited to show me a project that he was working on at school. He said, "Dad, we need to call uncle Andy." My son Rian, proceeded to tell me that he was doing a Veterans Day project at school. As I read through the assignment, I grumbled a bit, knowing that I'd need to do most of the work. (It wasn't a graded assignment, which should be noted.) I told Rian that we could see if uncle Andy was available. I texted my brother and he said he was, so we called him up right away. Rian began firing questions off left and right. "What branch are you in? How long have you been serving? How many medals have you earned, and what are they?" There were a few more questions that I can't remember. Andy began to happily answer each question with patience. I could tell that he was excited to talk to his nephew and share his life with him in this way. "I'm in the Army. I've served for 18 years." And then he listed off some 30 out of the 40 medals that he's earned so far. I've spoke with Andy about his military career before, but it's always about where he's stationed and what type of assignment he's working on. However, that day we called Andy, I learned that he has a big love for our country. He's served overseas in both Germany and Iraq. Andy has a good service record. And he's earned many awards. All of the service accolades aside, the thing that I'm most proud of my brother for is his commitment to his family. You see, growing up Andy was kind of a wild child. He never took himself or anything too seriously. And when he said he was joining the Army at 19 I thought, "Oh, boy, he's in for a rude awakening." But that wasn't the case. Andy went to school and worked hard to get his LPN. He got married and blessed me with a niece and nephew. And he has shown me what it means to work hard. Even though I'm 35 and have a wife and 4 kids, I knew that when I recently changed careers that I would be fine. I began an electrical apprentice ship in September of this year. The schooling is tough, the hours are long, and the work is brand new. I do, however, thoroughly enjoy the challenge. Both of my big brothers who served in the military are an inspiration to me. They show me everyday what it means to work hard, maintain a work-life balance, and how to believe in yourself. They both joined the military to better themselves and support their families. And I am forever grateful to them for their service to our country. I'm going to continue to work hard in my studies. I currently have a 4.0 at school and the first year is almost done. There's only one test left. I am learning a lot while working in the field. And I'm making lifelong friendships. I want to thank you on behalf of my family for taking time to read through my story and for considering me for this scholarship. Adam

My name is Adam Burgess. Before I got into the trades, as an Electrician, I never really gave much thought to the industry. On tv and in movies, trades people are always shown as being dullards unfit for regular jobs. That is definitely not the case. At 35 and in a season of life where I needed to make a career change for my family, I called one of my best friends who is an electrician. He explained to me what his life is like and how much he enjoys the work. I began applying to local shops the next day to see if they needed a material handler. Before I knew it, I was moving pipe, cleaning job sites, and organizing tools. Soon after that I was able to become indentured and join the local electrical union. There have been many challenges along the way. It is very difficult to support a family of six on a first year apprentice wage. The hours are long, and the work can be tough. For instance, right now I am helping to build a solar field in the middle of winter. There are days when my team and I work in zero degree temperatures with brutal wind. To me, it's totally worth it. Not only is my family one hundred percent supportive, but as I progress I know things will become more financially easy. I'm also learning a lot. Being an electrician is something that I'll always be able to carry with me as a skill. And that is invaluable. How have I helped others? One of the ways that I feel that I've helped others is with school. I've always been pretty good at the book learning. So, this year, my first year of class, I started a group study. Every weekend a bunch of us from class get together and quiz each other, go over homework, and ensure that everyone is prepared for upcoming tests. So far, everyone is passing their lessons, and nobody in our study group has failed a test. I also know that I'm not the only one struggling financially, so I shared the bold.org website with everyone in class. Not too many people were inspired to look at it, but there were two guys from class who both wanted more information. Both of them have families like me, and I know that they could be considered competition by showing them the website, but I did, and they are grateful. I sat down with both of them last weekend and helped them create their profiles and showed them how to apply for scholarships. I'm hoping that we all benefit from it. How do I plan to utilize my trade skills? I want to become a master electrician. I want to work hard so that my kids can see what it means to have a work ethic. I want to show them that they don't have to go to a 4 year college to make a good life for themselves. I want to be able to help my family when they need an electrician. And while it is quite far off into the future, I am considering opening up my own business. I want to have a legacy to leave to my kids when it is time. On behalf of my wife, my kids, everyone who has shown me support and believes in me and my pursuit of this career, and myself, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to consider me for this scholarship. Adam

With an ever changing landscape of technology and an over emphasis on higher ed., society places less value on working in the trades. Currently, in the electrical trade (which is the trade that I work in), there are more journeymen electricians retiring than there are apprentices starting. Before I became an electrical apprentice, at the age of 35, I hadn't given much thought to how things were built. I think that most people take for granted the local YMCA, McDonalds, Walmart, School, ect. It's so easy to just walk into a building and not give a second thought to the trades men and women who worked long hours to erect the structure itself. Trades people work together to support their families and communities with the knowledge of how to safely build these structures for modern society. What are my personal goals? My family comes first. They mean the world to me, and that's why I actually began a career in the trades at such a late stage in life. (The other students in my apprenticeship class actually call me Dad, which I get a big kick out of.) I wanted to work in an industry where I felt that what I did mattered. When I show up to work each day I want to know that I did something good with my hands, that I built something that I can be proud of. I want to know that at the end of the day that I am going to go home safely to my family and that my coworkers are going home safely home to theirs. I want to know at the end of the day that I am providing for my family. How have the trades personally affected my life? Aside from the aforementioned everyday circumstances of walking in and out of buildings that I had previously taken for granted, I can say that the trades have impacted me positively. I used to think that trades people and skilled labor professionals were a rugged group of Norse like Vikings who knew how to perform tape measure and power tool witchcraft. It seemed so out of reach; like I would never be able to do what they could do. I had a lot of self doubt when I got into this career. Having now gotten into the apprenticeship and working as an electrician and starting school, I am much more confident in my ability to succeed in this career. I am learning a lot about the industry and about myself. But, I am not the only one who has been affected positively from being in the trades. My work-life balance has become much more even. I am able to spend more time with my wife and kids. I think that I embody generosity by lending a helpful hand when it is not always asked but where it might sometimes be needed. Bringing donuts to work doesn't hurt either. I embody respect by recognizing the wisdom and knowledge that others have. I also try to show respect by recognizing that everyone can teach you something, whether that be a trade skill or interpersonal skill. I embody innovation through outside of the box thing. For example, there are a lot of things that can be flat head screw driver in a pinch. And I embody team work through my attitude. Attitude is everything. We get to choose how to act and react to others. Through empathy we can better understand each other and have great teamwork. I know I can do this. Please believe in me the same way my wife and boys do. And thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read this.

I am currently enrolled in an Electrical Apprenticeship program. I chose this program because of it's practical application in our society. Literally everything requires some form of electricity, either directly or indirectly. Being an electrician isn't easy. There are so many opportunities to work in industrial, commercial, and residential environments. And, in each one of those environments people are counting on you (me), to do a good job. I realize that being in this trade isn't just about the money and job security that it provides to my family and me. Being an electrician is a responsibility that requires steadfastness in studies and on the job. I know that I'll be successful in this trade. My wife, Samantha and 4 sons, are very supportive. Currently there are more electricians retiring than are entering into the electrical apprenticeship. This means that there are less people to do the work, and there is a huge strain on the workers who are responsible for getting the job done. These men and women that I work around each day have become my second family, and I want them to go home safe each day. By becoming an electrician, I can help share the load and responsibility that each electrician carries day after day. I want to learn as much as I can so that I can pass my knowledge onto future apprentices and possibly my 4 sons. What is a successful life and what does it look like? For a long time, I didn't know what that looked like. I thought a successful life was the doctor with the big house and boat, or the engineer who gets to sit at a desk all day. For me success comes in the form of "why." What I mean to say is that if a person knows their "why," then everything else will follow. My "why" is my family. A successful life, to me, is providing for my wife and my kids. Success means teaching my family the value of hard work. Success is working in an industry that is in desperate need of skilled professionals. Success is showing up to work each day knowing that my time is a value to the company that I work for. Success to me is knowing that, at the end of the day, I've helped build something that will last. Success to me is knowing that at the end of the day I'm going home safe and that my coworkers are going home safe. I know I can do this. Please believe in me the same way my wife and boys do. And thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read this.