I love math because it’s honestly the one thing that doesn't rely on guesswork or opinions. It's like a puzzle where, no matter how messy it looks at first, everything eventually clicks into place. But my love for it didn't just happen by accident, it’s entirely because of my mom. Growing up, whenever I hit a wall with a difficult homework assignment, my mom was always the one who sat down with me. Even when things were financially tight and she was completely exhausted from working long hours at the nonprofit TV station, she never brushed me off. She would sit at the kitchen table and help me figure it out. She didn’t just hand me the answers, either; she taught me how to break big, overwhelming problems down into small, logical steps. Because she had so much patience with me, I actually got really good at it. Her encouragement turned something that usually stresses kids out into a huge confidence-booster for me. Now, that exact same math mindset is my secret weapon in my science classes. You can’t really master science without math, they go hand in hand. Whether I’m balancing equations in chemistry, calculating genetic probabilities in biology, or analyzing nutritional data for my future healthcare career, it all comes back to the basics. The step-by-step problem-solving strategy my mom taught me allows me to look at complex scientific data without panicking, find the patterns, and actually make sense of it. I love math because it gives me the structure to figure out how the rest of the world works.

Growing up in a household run entirely by a single mother, you learn very early on that love isn't just a feeling, it is an action, a sacrifice, and a choice made every single day. My mom has spent years working for a nonprofit Christian television station. It is a job rooted entirely in faith, purpose, and a desire to spread a positive message to the world. But because it is a nonprofit ministry, the financial reality has always been a constant, quiet struggle in our home. We never had the luxury of a safety net or disposable income. Instead, our lives were built on careful budgeting, stretching every dollar, and learning to find contentment in what we had rather than what we lacked. Yet, looking back at our journey, the defining theme of my childhood wasn’t scarcity; it was God’s grace. There were so many moments where the math simply didn’t add up on paper, where bills were due and resources were low, but somehow, through faith and unexpected blessings, we always made it through. Seeing my mom lean on her faith during the most stressful financial seasons taught me a profound lesson about trust and resilience. With God’s grace, He has guided and sustained us to exactly where we are today, transforming our hardships into a testament of strength. Living alongside my mom also became the ultimate masterclass in independence. Because she was managing everything on her own, I didn't grow up waiting for someone else to solve my problems. I learned how to be self-reliant by watching her handle the weight of the household without complaining. Everything important I know about life, how to treat people with kindness, how to manage responsibilities, and how to face adversity with a clear head, I learned directly from her example. She showed me that independence doesn't mean you never need help; it means you possess the grit to stand on your own two feet and the character to keep moving forward when the path gets steep. As I pursue my college degree and work toward becoming a registered dietitian, I carry her work ethic and our shared faith with me into every classroom. I am fully committed to doing the hard work necessary to build a meaningful career, but the financial strain of tuition, fees, and textbooks is a heavy, ongoing burden for a single income family like ours. Receiving help with paying for school would alleviate an immense amount of pressure from both my mother and myself. It would allow me to focus entirely on my clinical studies and community nutrition goals, turning the independence and faith my mom instilled in me into a professional career dedicated to lifting up others.

Growing up in a low-income, first-generation household, the idea of higher education always felt less like a natural next step and more like an impossible luxury. In my family, conversations around the dinner table weren't about which college campuses to visit; they were about how to cover the next electricity bill or split up a grocery budget to make it last through the month. Because my parents didn't navigate the college system themselves, the path to a degree was an entirely blank map for us, overshadowed by the terrifying reality of tuition costs. For a long time, the price tag alone made me feel like my dreams were restricted by my circumstances. However, living through those financial struggles didn't discourage me—it gave me a firsthand look at how deeply poverty impacts a person’s long-term health, and it sparked my ambition to become a registered dietitian. My future plans are centered on using nutritional science to uplift communities that look exactly like the one I grew up in. I chose this field because I have seen how low-income neighborhoods are systematically cut off from healthy choices. When resources are tight, families are forced to rely on cheap, heavily processed foods, which directly feeds into high rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. I want to become a dietitian to change that narrative. My goal is to work within community health centers and public school systems to provide accessible, realistic nutritional counseling. I don't want to just hand people expensive, out-of-reach meal plans. I want to teach families how to maximize tight budgets, understand food literacy, and make healthy eating attainable, ensuring that a lack of income doesn't equal a lack of health. Reaching this point in my undergraduate journey has been a relentless financial and mental battle. I have had to balance the intense workload of my science prerequisites with working part-time jobs just to stay afloat and pay for textbooks, commutes, and basic necessities. Every semester is a stressful game of financial jigsaw puzzle pieces, and the constant worry of falling short can be incredibly draining. This $550 scholarship would provide critical, tangible relief at a pivotal moment in my education. While it covers a specific portion of my costs, its true impact is immense: it translates directly into hours I can spend studying clinical case studies, volunteering in community nutrition programs, and focusing on my coursework rather than picking up extra shifts just to survive. By easing the immediate pressure of my educational expenses, this funding acts as a direct investment in my drive to succeed. It will help me cross the graduation stage as the first in my family to earn a degree, transforming my past financial hardships into a professional toolkit that I can use to heal, educate, and empower others.

Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, the reality of food insecurity wasn't an abstract public health concept to me; it was a daily calculation. I vividly remember watching my mother stretch a tight budget, which frequently meant prioritizing shelf-stable, highly processed foods over fresh produce simply because they were cheaper and lasted longer. We ate to survive and stay full, not necessarily to fuel our bodies optimally. This lived experience deeply informs my perspective today as a nursing student at the University of Pittsburgh. Walking through the doors of Pitt's School of Nursing, I am constantly reminded that health outcomes are heavily dictated by socioeconomic factors. My education here has solidified my belief that nurses must be at the forefront of tackling nutritional disparities, using our unique clinical positioning to treat food as a foundational pillar of preventative medicine. In the healthcare system, nurses spend the most direct, face-to-face time with patients. This gives us a rare window of opportunity to look beyond an immediate diagnosis and truly understand a patient’s lifestyle. When a patient is admitted with a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the standard clinical response is to manage the acute symptoms with prescriptions and procedures. However, if we send that patient right back into a neighborhood with no grocery stores without any guidance, we are just putting a temporary Band-Aid on a systemic wound. My nursing career will be dedicated to bridging this gap. By integrating thorough nutritional assessments into routine patient care, I can help individuals see how dietary choices directly impact their lab values, energy levels, and long-term vitality, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive wellness. To effectively inspire healthier eating habits, I plan to utilize a realistic, empathetic three-step framework tailored to the specific constraints my patients face. First, I will meet patients exactly where they are financially and culturally. Instead of handing someone an expensive, unrealistic meal plan that they cannot afford, I will conduct collaborative dietary reviews. Together, we can find simple, cost-effective swaps, such as opting for frozen or low-sodium canned vegetables when fresh produce isn't accessible, or replacing sugary beverages with infused water. Second, I will focus heavily on health literacy. Many people genuinely want to eat healthier but find nutrition labels and marketing claims confusing. I will provide straightforward, jargon-free education during bedside care and discharge planning, teaching patients how to identify hidden sugars, read ingredient lists, and understand portion control using simple visual cues rather than complicated scales. Finally, I intend to extend my advocacy beyond the walls of the clinic. Drawing inspiration from public health initiatives across the broader Pittsburgh area, I plan to partner with local community food banks, urban agriculture programs, and mobile markets. By connecting vulnerable patients directly with these community resources, I can help dismantle the physical and financial barriers to nutrition. Through these deliberate steps, I hope to use my Pitt nursing education to empower families to break the cycle of chronic illness and reclaim control over their health.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household, the reality of our financial situation was something I understood long before I knew how to articulate it. Money was always a source of quiet anxiety in our home. I watched my mom stretch every dollar, skip meals so I could eat, and work grueling hours just to keep a roof over our heads. In an environment like that, you quickly learn that security isn't guaranteed—it is something you have to build from scratch. For a long time, I felt defined by what we lacked. However, as I grew older, that financial hardship stopped being a source of shame and instead became the fuel for my ambition. I chose to pursue a degree in business administration because I want to understand how to build sustainable financial stability, not just for myself, but for my family and community. My decision to enter the business world stems directly from watching my mom struggle to navigate a system that often feels stacked against low-income families. I realized early on that financial literacy is a form of power. Without it, individuals are left vulnerable to predatory cycles of debt and systemic poverty. I want to major in business to learn how capital moves, how organizations are built, and how to create economic opportunities in underserved areas. My drive isn't just about escaping poverty; it is about mastering the very tools required to dismantle the financial barriers that keep families like mine trapped. I want to become a financial advisor and entrepreneur, focusing my future practice on providing accessible wealth-management education to single parents and low-income individuals who are traditionally shut out of these conversations. Receiving a degree in this field will completely rewrite the trajectory of my life. First and foremost, it represents a tangible break from the cycle of generational poverty. To me, a degree is more than a piece of paper; it is a shield against the chronic instability that defined my childhood. It means a stable career, a reliable income, and the profound relief of knowing that a single unexpected medical bill or car repair won't ruin my life. It will allow me to finally support my mother, giving her the peace of mind and rest she earned through decades of self-sacrifice. Beyond the personal impact, this degree will give me the platform and credibility to make a genuine, community-wide impact. It will transform me from someone who merely survived a flawed economic system into someone capable of actively changing it for others. I possess the drive and resilience that can only be forged through adversity. I am not afraid of hard work because I have lived its reality my entire life. Earning this degree will empower me to use my unique perspective to build a more equitable future, proving that where you start in life does not dictate where you are allowed to finish.

There was a specific moment during my junior year on the Woodland Hills volleyball team where I hit a wall, both physically and mentally. We were grinding through a demanding stretch of the season, and after a couple of tough WPIAL match losses, my confidence completely tanked. Volleyball is a game of split-second decisions and momentum, and once you start doubting yourself, it shows instantly. I found myself overthinking every set, hesitating on defense, and letting the fear of making a mistake dictate how I played. Instead of playing freely, I was playing scared. The pressure I was putting on myself became totally paralyzing, and I felt like I was letting down my teammates every time I stepped onto the court. That was when my coach pulled me aside after a particularly grueling practice. I expected a lecture on my footwork or positioning, but instead, they focused entirely on my mindset. They looked at me and reminded me why I fell in love with volleyball in the first place—for the energy, the camaraderie, and the pure joy of competing. They helped me realize that setbacks are just data points, not definitions of who I am as an athlete or a person. My coach pushed me to embrace the discomfort of growth, holding me to an incredibly high standard while simultaneously offering a safe space to fail, learn, and rebuild. That conversation changed everything for me. It taught me how to quiet the internal noise, rely on my hours of preparation, and understand that resilience isn't about never falling; it’s about how quickly you resolve to stand back up and keep swinging. That experience fundamentally shaped how I approach challenges, and it directly mirrors the traits that David valued so deeply: integrity, relentless perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to lifting up the community around you. I try to exemplify David’s values every single day, both on the court and in the classroom. True leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the gym or the person getting all the credit in the stat sheet; it’s about doing the hard, unseen work when nobody is watching. When our team faces a tough rotation, a hostile away crowd, or a seemingly insurmountable deficit, I try to be the anchor. I focus on keeping my composure, encouraging my teammates after a missed block, and maintaining an optimistic, solutions-oriented attitude. Off the court, I bring that exact same discipline to my studies and my local community, understanding that how you do anything is how you do everything. Whether I am studying for a difficult exam or helping a younger player learn the ropes of our defense, I try to act with the integrity David lived by. By choosing accountability over excuses and channeling my personal challenges into a desire to support others, I aim to carry forward the legacy of dedication, grit, and genuine character that David defined.

If I get this opportunity, my focus would be on helping patients and their families understand how nutrition affects their health. We know that what we eat plays a big role in managing chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. But a lot of people feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice they see. I want to take the scientific research and turn it into simple, practical steps that people can actually use in their daily routines. As a student at the University of Pittsburgh, I plan to build a strong background in health sciences. I want to learn from experts in medicine and public health so I can better understand how dietary choices impact recovery and disease prevention. This education will help me explain these complex topics more clearly to the people I work with. I believe that nutrition advice has to be personal. Everyone has a different medical history, budget, and cultural background, so a single plan won't work for everyone. I would work with patients to find realistic changes that fit their specific lives. For example, a person with heart disease might need to focus on eating less salt and more whole grains, while someone with diabetes might need help managing their blood sugar. When recommendations are tailored to the individual, the habits are much easier to keep up over time. It is also important to involve the whole family. Since eating is usually a household activity, having family support makes a huge difference. I would help families learn together about things like meal planning, shopping, and cooking. When everyone is on the same team, it is much easier to maintain healthy habits that benefit everyone. Another part of my goal is to help people deal with misinformation. There are so many fad diets and unverified claims online today. I want to teach people how to look at health information critically and find sources that are actually backed by science. This way, they can make informed choices about their own well-being. I also believe that prevention is just as important as treatment, and proper nutrition can help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases before they develop. By empowering patients with knowledge and practical tools, I can help them make lasting lifestyle changes that support long-term health and well-being. Ultimately, nutrition education is about helping people live better, more active lives. Whether it is about having more energy or managing symptoms, the right food choices can make a huge difference. Through my studies at the University of Pittsburgh, I hope to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their health.

Empowering Change with Business When I think of the kind of individual I want to be, I always picture the women who have guided me most — those who built something out of nothing, those who opened up space for others when the world gave them little. I remember growing up and seeing my mom begin a small business out of our kitchen as she raised a family and worked full-time. She never called herself an entrepreneur, but looking back, that’s exactly what she was — resourceful, determined, and fearless in the face of uncertainty. Watching her taught me that business isn’t just about money; it’s about resilience, creativity, and the courage to believe in your own ideas even when no one else does. That’s why pursuing a business degree isn’t just a career choice for me — it’s personal. I want to use what I've learned from the trailblazing women who came before me and inspire others to create their own platforms. Business can be seen as cold or elitist, but I see it differently. I see it as a place where creativity meets impact — where one idea can transform not just a company, but a community. I wish to employ my degree to construct bridges for others, especially women who are often underestimated or not heard. I remember distinctly the first time I realized how much influence business has. We were in a high school entrepreneurship class and the task was to produce a business plan addressing a real-world issue. My team addressed the challenge of helping young women to acquire professional clothing and interview skills for career opportunities. We didn't stop at the idea — we actually put together clothes donations and threw a small party for teens in the neighborhood. It was simple, but it did teach me something important: business can be a form of empowerment. It can unlock the door, instill confidence, and equip individuals with the resources needed to change their own lives. As I've educated myself on the business world, I've also become more conscious of its gaps — especially when it comes to representation. Women, and especially women of color, are still underrepresented in leadership, entrepreneurship, and finance. I hope to be part of the generation that creates change. My dream is to start a women-owned small business consulting firm — helping them with marketing, money, and strategy so that they can compete and thrive. I would like to use my education not only to achieve success for myself, but to bring others up with me. Business excites me because it's solving problems. It's looking at something that isn't working and saying, "How am I going to fix it? " But what I am passionate about is that it unites people. It's about mission, leadership, and teamwork. Done well, business can do a lot of good — it can create jobs, fund education, save the world, and empower communities. That's the kind of business I want to be a part of — the kind that can make a real, positive impact.". I’ve always believed that change doesn’t have to come from the top. It can start small — with one person daring to think differently. My goal is to use my degree to become that person: someone who uses knowledge, empathy, and innovation to build something that matters.

Mental health is incredibly important to me as a student because I’ve seen firsthand how it can impact not only our emotions and mindset but also our physical health and academic performance. As students, we are often under a lot of pressure—balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social expectations. When mental health is neglected, it can affect all aspects of our lives, from our physical health to our ability to succeed academically. I’ve noticed that when students experience mental health struggles, whether it’s anxiety, depression, or stress, it can significantly affect their performance in school. Mental health issues can cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, and even physical ailments like headaches or stomachaches. These physical symptoms often make it difficult to concentrate or stay motivated in class, leading to a cycle of poor performance and frustration. When students are mentally overwhelmed, it can feel like there’s no way out, and academic setbacks become harder to overcome. This can have a lasting effect on a student's self-esteem and overall well-being. For me, advocating for mental health within my community has become a priority. I believe that raising awareness and providing support to others is crucial. In my school community, I make it a point to check in on my friends and peers, especially when I notice they seem overwhelmed or stressed. If someone expresses that they’re struggling, I encourage them to reach out for help, whether it’s talking to a counselor, a trusted teacher, or even a family member. I’ve also made it a habit to promote the importance of self-care practices, like taking breaks when studying, engaging in physical activities, and getting enough sleep. At home, I encourage open conversations about mental health, where my family can discuss their feelings without fear of judgment. I’ve learned that mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health, and it’s essential to create an environment where it’s okay to talk about struggles. I also share resources, such as helplines and wellness apps, with those who might need additional support, knowing that having a network of support can make all the difference. Advocating for mental health and understanding its effects on students is important because it helps create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone. When students’ mental well-being is prioritized, they are more likely to thrive academically and personally. I am committed to continuing this advocacy, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and ensuring that others have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Growing up with a single mother has shaped the person I am today. My mother's journey has had many obstacles and achievements. As a little girl I always wished for things I could not have. At a young age, I was aware of the financial instability my mom faced. Looking back, I wish “little me” could see how much I truly had in my life. I had an amazing and loving mother, food always at the dinner table, and a warm home. Even though my house was not as “big” or as “nice” as everyone else's homes, or I did not have the “coolest” shoes or clothes as other kids; I did have an amazing and loving mother. I wish I could have been more thankful for my mom and everything she provided. My mom has been there for me through everything. She has always found the energy to help me with school projects and homework after long work days. She has always been there for me when I feel like I’m not good enough, or when I'm having a hard time with school or sports. She always makes sure I have everything I need and more. She has done an amazing job without a partner to help her share the weight of all the overwhelming tasks and schedules for me. The countless hours she has spent driving me to work, friend's houses, shopping, and picking me up after after-school activities will never be forgotten. She has made countless sacrifices for me, often putting my needs and wants before hers and I could not thank her enough. Despite these challenges, my mom's strength can shine through anything. With it just being the two of us, we can always make the time we have the best together. We go on vacations together and have fun with the two of us. She can always make any situation the best it can be. The bond between my mother and me is inviolable, shaped through hardships and achievements. I could never ask for a better mother to care for me the way my mom does. With this essay, I want to spread awareness of how hard it is being a single mother, yet so many women succeed and go beyond caring for their children. Women have power, beauty, and determination, and I am proud to be my mother's daughter because she is all of that and more. In reflection of my journey having a single mother, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The unwavering support, love, and care my mother has shown me has shaped who I am today. She has taught me the art of love, the rewards of being kind, the power of independence, and how to love others. She has shown me one's strength is not defined by their situation but by how one embraces their circumstances with grace and intelligence. As I continue my journey of life, I do so with every lesson she has taught me and the knowledge she has prepared me with.

Since I was 14, I’ve been working multiple jobs to support myself . I started off with part-time roles in babysitting, then I got into commercial businesses. I gradually worked my way up to more responsibility in various positions. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about the value of money, budgeting, and managing my finances. My first big accomplishment was saving up enough money to buy my car, something that not only gave me independence but also taught me a lot about the importance of saving and planning for significant expenses. Having to work while balancing school, sports, and other responsibilities has given me a strong sense of financial responsibility. Through my jobs, I learned how to budget my earnings, avoid unnecessary spending, and prioritize my financial needs. I quickly realized that every dollar I earned needed to be used wisely if I wanted to meet both my immediate needs and long-term goals. For example, when I was saving for my car, I carefully tracked my spending, cut out unnecessary purchases, and stuck to a strict savings plan to reach my goal. However, as I approach college, my perspective on finances has changed. While I have always been good at managing my income from part-time jobs, the reality of financing an expensive college education is a different challenge altogether. I’m pursuing a major that is not only time-consuming but also costly. The tuition and fees for my flight program have left me feeling anxious about the financial burden. I know that obtaining a degree in my chosen field is important for my future, but the weight of how to afford it and what kind of debt I may incur is daunting. The thought of student loans and the potential for long-term financial strain worries me, especially because I’ve always been independent and worked hard to avoid accumulating debt. While I’ve always been cautious with my finances, I’m now faced with a much larger scale of financial decisions. I plan to use everything I’ve learned about budgeting and saving to manage the costs of my college education. I know that financial education will be essential in helping me navigate the world of student loans, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. I’ve already started researching scholarships and grants that might be available to me and am looking into potential work-study programs to help ease the financial load. I also plan on continuing to work part-time while in college to maintain some financial independence and lessen my reliance on loans. Ultimately, my experiences with finances have taught me the importance of being proactive and seeking out resources to help manage money. I’ve learned that financial education is crucial to making informed decisions, and I’m determined to continue educating myself on how to handle my finances responsibly as I move forward. By staying informed, managing my spending, and taking advantage of every opportunity for financial support, I hope to minimize the stress surrounding my major’s cost and ensure that I’m making sound decisions for my future.

Aviation has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by airplanes and the idea of flying. I remember watching planes soar across the sky and wondering how they stayed up there, defying gravity. It wasn’t just the way they looked or moved through the air that caught my attention, though. It was the idea of control—of being able to navigate something so large and powerful through the sky with skill and precision. Over time, my interest in flying only grew stronger, and it eventually led me to choose aviation as my major. Becoming a commercial pilot is my ultimate goal because it combines my passion for flying with the opportunity to work in a career that requires both responsibility and skill. I chose aviation as my major because I want to understand more about how airplanes work and how pilots can safely navigate them through the sky. Aviation is not just about flying; it’s about understanding the science behind it. I’m learning about aerodynamics, weather patterns, flight controls, and all the things that make flying safe and efficient. To be a pilot, you have to know how the plane operates, how to read weather reports, and how to make decisions quickly in case something goes wrong. The more I learn, the more I realize how important it is to have a solid foundation in these areas. By choosing aviation, I’m setting myself up to become a skilled and responsible pilot. As a first-generation student, I’ve worked incredibly hard to prepare myself for college. Throughout high school, I maintained a 4.2 GPA and earned straight A’s for all four years. Achieving this was no easy feat, but I was determined to push myself and make the most of my education. I knew that my future depended on the effort I put in, and I was ready to give it my all. In addition to academics, I was involved in both school and club volleyball, which required a significant amount of time and dedication. Balancing practice, games, and travel with my schoolwork wasn’t always easy, but I managed to stay focused and on top of everything. I learned how to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks, which became essential for my success. On top of my academic and athletic commitments, I also worked multiple jobs throughout high school to support myself and my family. Working while going to school taught me valuable life skills such as responsibility, time management, and financial independence. It wasn’t always easy juggling work with school and volleyball, but it helped me build a strong work ethic and develop a sense of resilience. Preparing for college as a first-generation student hasn’t been without its challenges, but I’ve never backed down from hard work. The combination of my academic success, athletic involvement, and job experience has equipped me with the skills and determination I need to succeed in college. I’m excited to continue working hard and achieving my goals, knowing that my efforts will pave the way for a successful future.

My story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination in the face of adversity. Growing up in a low-income home, I always felt different compared to my friends. While they didn’t have to worry about money, I knew from an early age that I would need to work harder than most to achieve my goals. My mom did the best she could, but we often struggled to make ends meet. I quickly realized that if I wanted the same opportunities as my friends, I would need to find a way to make things happen on my own. At the age of 14, I decided to enter the workforce. While many of my friends focused on school and extracurricular activities, I began working part-time jobs to help support myself. My first job was as a babysitter, and I worked weekends and evenings. Balancing schoolwork and a job was tough, but I quickly learned how to manage my time and responsibilities. I often felt isolated because my friends couldn’t understand why I couldn’t hang out as much, but I didn’t let that discourage me. I knew that my future was bigger than the temporary discomfort of missing social events. As I entered high school, I increased my work hours. I took on different jobs after school and during the summer. Some days, I was exhausted, but I stayed focused on my long-term goals. Every paycheck, no matter how small, brought me one step closer to the future I wanted. The day I saved enough money to buy my first car was a huge milestone. It symbolized my independence and the rewards of my hard work. It also gave me the freedom to commute to work and school on my own, which felt empowering. Despite all the challenges, I never gave up on my education. I knew how important it was to maintain a balance between work and school. It wasn’t always easy, but I managed to keep my grades up while juggling my job. My persistence paid off when I graduated high school, already having a job lined up at a well-established company. By then, I had saved enough money to contribute to my college tuition, which was a huge relief. Looking back, I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. Growing up in a low-income home presented obstacles that many of my friends couldn’t relate to. But rather than letting those circumstances define me, I used them as motivation to work harder. My story is a reminder that with determination, hard work, and a clear vision, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. I didn’t just survive my challenges—I thrived.

Aviation has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by airplanes and the idea of flying. I remember watching planes soar across the sky and wondering how they stayed up there, defying gravity. It wasn’t just the way they looked or moved through the air that caught my attention, though. It was the idea of control—of being able to navigate something so large and powerful through the sky with skill and precision. Over time, my interest in flying only grew stronger, and it eventually led me to choose aviation as my major. Becoming a commercial pilot is my ultimate goal because it combines my passion for flying with the opportunity to work in a career that requires both responsibility and skill. I chose aviation as my major because I want to understand more about how airplanes work and how pilots can safely navigate them through the sky. Aviation is not just about flying; it’s about understanding the science behind it. I’m learning about aerodynamics, weather patterns, flight controls, and all the things that make flying safe and efficient. To be a pilot, you have to know how the plane operates, how to read weather reports, and how to make decisions quickly in case something goes wrong. The more I learn, the more I realize how important it is to have a solid foundation in these areas. By choosing aviation, I’m setting myself up to become a skilled and responsible pilot. My college career coach inspired me to pursue aviation. After months of researching various careers, I realized I’ve always had a passion for flying. However, I was too scared of failing to fully embrace it. But with encouragement and guidance, I started to believe in my potential and decided to pursue a path in aviation. It’s been a challenging yet exciting journey, and I’m grateful for the push I needed to follow my dreams. Beyond my career aspirations, I believe that giving back to my community is essential. One way I’ve been able to make a difference is by volunteering at the boys’ and girls’ soccer games, where I help run the concession stand. This role allows me to contribute in a hands-on way, ensuring everything runs smoothly for both spectators and athletes. It’s rewarding to be part of an event that not only supports local sports teams but also brings people together. Whether I’m serving food or assisting with setup, I know my efforts are helping create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Volunteering has shown me the value of giving back, and it continues to inspire me to seek ways to help others and be an active participant in my community.

Growing up without a father can be challenging at times. I never truly realized how much it affected me until I started spending more time with my friends and noticed the difference. Most of my friends came from households with two parents, and that always made me feel a little out of place. I often found myself wishing for what they had—a full family with both a mom and a dad. I didn’t fully understand what I was missing, but there was always this feeling that something was incomplete. One of my closest friends was Skyla. We did everything together—camps, swimming, trips to the lake, and simply hanging out. We were inseparable, and our bond only grew stronger as the years passed. Even though we don’t hang out as often as we did when we were younger, I still cherish every moment we spend together. Something about Skyla’s family was different, though. It wasn’t just the typical "friend’s family" vibe. Her family welcomed me with open arms, and they made me feel like I was part of the family, too. There was always room at their table, and they never hesitated to invite me over for dinner, family outings, or just a quiet evening at home. Skyla’s dad was the most significant part of that feeling. It was as though he had a natural ability to make everyone feel safe and loved. He was one of the best father figures I had ever encountered, even though he wasn’t my father. Sometimes, he could be a little hard on me—nothing out of the ordinary, just the kind of tough love you expect from a father who cares. I appreciated that, though. It was clear he wanted me to be my best, and I respected him for that. Skyla’s dad always took care of us. Whether it was making sure we were safe when we went out or offering advice when we needed it, he was there. His guidance and support were things I had longed for but never had, and I came to look up to him like I would my own father. The way he treated me made me feel as though I was one of his children. He didn’t just see me as a friend of his daughter—he treated me like I belonged there, like I was part of the family. He would always joke around with me. I felt seen. I felt valued. It was hard to put into words, but every time I was at their house, I felt like I was home. When I didn’t have a dad around, Skyla’s family filled that void. They gave me the love, security, and care that I needed, even though it wasn’t their responsibility. Skylas dad taught me lessons that I still carry with me to this day. Some of the most valuable things I’ve learned in life came from the wisdom he shared, even in passing conversations. Looking back, I can honestly say that Skyla’s family helped shape me into who I am today. Through them, I learned what it meant to have strong, reliable role models in my life and to feel cared for by people who weren’t bound to me by blood but by love and respect. Her dad may not have been my father, but in many ways, he filled that role for me in a way that I could never have imagined. I will always be thankful for that and for the comfort and guidance he provided during some of my toughest times.

I plan on making a positive impact through my business degree by using my knowledge to uplift and support communities wherever my job takes me. I want to focus on working with products and businesses that serve our communities by helping and creating more sustainable products and ways. For example, working in healthcare or education, I could help support businesses that want to serve these communities and institutions. By championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, I hope to create more equitable workplaces that value different perspectives and backgrounds. I also want to use my degree to help create more equitable workplaces for others with different backgrounds. I want to contribute to economic growth and development, whether by starting my own business or helping build an already-established business. I feel I would be good at seeking areas that need business growth and can help them succeed. Choosing a major is a significant decision that shapes not only one's career but also their contribution to society. For me, pursuing business as a major is more than just a casual choice; it is a passion driven by a desire to understand the complexities of the world and to create a meaningful impact within it. Business, as a field of study, offers a unique intersection of creativity, strategy, and social influence, and it is this dynamic combination that fuels my enthusiasm and commitment to pursuing it as a major. Business is, at its core, about problem-solving. Every day, businesses face challenges, from navigating economic fluctuations to managing complex organizational structures. The analytical and strategic thinking required to solve these problems is something I find incredibly stimulating. I enjoy the process of breaking down complex issues, analyzing data, and developing strategic plans to overcome obstacles. Learning and becoming better at these scenarios is exciting to me and I'm excited for my college career. This intellectual challenge is one of the main reasons I am passionate about studying business. Finally, my passion for business is driven by a desire for lifelong learning and growth. The business world is constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and market dynamics emerging all the time. This ever-changing landscape means that a business career is never stagnant; there is always something new to learn and new challenges to tackle. I am passionate about the idea of continuous growth—both personally and professionally—and I believe that a business degree will provide the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning. I see myself striving for greatness in the field of business.