I didn’t grow up surrounded by engineers or pilots—but I did grow up surrounded by stories. My grandfather’s tales of flying sparked something in me: a fascination with the sky and the science that made flight possible. That spark led me to airshows, aviation museums, and eventually to the cockpit. But my journey into STEM wasn’t just about inspiration—it was about determination. I pursued ground school through the Ninety-Nines, where I learned the fundamentals of aviation alongside a community of trailblazing women. To afford flight lessons, I cleaned planes at the local airport. I didn’t mind the grease or the early mornings—each hour spent polishing wings brought me closer to the sky. That experience taught me that opportunity isn’t always handed to you. Sometimes, you earn it with grit. In school, I found another outlet for my passion: engineering. I became the Engineering Lead and later President of our Engineering Arts Club, where I led projects that blended creativity with technical skill. I organized builds, mentored younger students, and helped grow the club into a space where ideas could thrive. Leadership wasn’t just about managing tasks—it was about creating a culture of curiosity and collaboration. I also joined the Civil Air Patrol, where I gained hands-on experience in aerospace education and emergency services. CAP taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay calm under pressure—skills that are essential in both aviation and STEM. These experiences helped me see STEM not just as a field of study, but as a way to serve others and solve real-world problems. As a math tutor, I’ve had the privilege of helping students overcome fear and frustration. I break down complex concepts into manageable steps, tailoring my approach to each learner. Tutoring has shown me how powerful representation can be. When students see a woman confidently solving equations and leading engineering projects, it changes what they believe is possible. I’ve chosen STEM because it challenges me, empowers me, and gives me the tools to make a difference. I hope to pursue aerospace engineering and continue flight training, with the goal of contributing to safer, more sustainable aviation systems. But I also want to be a mentor, a role model, and an advocate for young women entering STEM. I believe in lifting others as I climb—because progress is most powerful when it’s shared. This scholarship would help me continue that journey—not just toward a career, but toward impact. I’m not just pursuing STEM. I’m helping shape its future.

Aviation has always been a part of my story—woven through family memories, personal grit, and a relentless drive to learn. My earliest exposure came from listening to my grandfather’s stories of flying. His tales weren’t just entertaining—they planted a seed. I began attending airshows and visiting aviation museums, captivated by the elegance of flight and the complexity behind it. That curiosity quickly evolved into a commitment: I didn’t just want to admire planes—I wanted to fly them. I took initiative early. I enrolled in ground school through the Ninety-Nines, an organization that empowered me with foundational knowledge and connected me to a legacy of trailblazing women in aviation. To afford flight lessons, I cleaned planes at the local airport—trading hard work for airtime. Each hour spent scrubbing fuselages and polishing wings brought me closer to the sky. That experience taught me discipline, humility, and the value of persistence. My leadership journey developed alongside my aviation path. I served as Engineering Lead and later President of my school’s Engineering Arts Club. In these roles, I led diverse teams through complex design challenges, blending creativity with technical precision. I organized projects, mentored younger students, and cultivated a collaborative environment where ideas could flourish. Under my leadership, the club expanded its reach and impact, tackling ambitious builds that showcased both innovation and teamwork. I also joined the Civil Air Patrol, where I gained firsthand experience in aerospace education, emergency services, and leadership training. CAP taught me the importance of structure, service, and calm decision-making under pressure. Whether coordinating search-and-rescue simulations or participating in drill exercises, I learned that leadership in aviation isn’t just about confidence—it’s about accountability, communication, and resilience. Leadership, to me, means stepping forward when it’s hard, listening when it matters, and lifting others as you climb. I’ve mentored younger students in STEM, and consistently sought ways to serve my community. I believe leadership is a ripple effect—when you empower others, you create momentum that extends far beyond yourself to others. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it’s an investment in a future aviator and leader. I aspire to contribute to aviation not only as a skilled pilot or engineer but as someone who champions innovation, safety, and inclusion. My journey has been shaped by stories, sweat, and a relentless drive to rise. With your support, I’ll continue to push boundaries, inspire others, and make meaningful contributions to the field of aviation.