One problem that I am deeply passionate about is the growing division among people in the United States and around the world. Many people are separated by their beliefs, background, and experiences, which should be something to capitalize on. The differences between individuals should be celebrated, used as a way to learn, and bring forth new opportunities. This increasing division harms communities and makes growth difficult. Three key factors that contribute to the issue are the influence of misinformation pushed through social media, political polarization, and economic inequality. The spread of misinformation through social media is one of the most significant causes of division today. The highly favored platforms used to date are designed to push out content that is catered to them, further driving their beliefs. This system creates tunnel vision by limiting exposure to new perspectives. Also, the quickest information spread through the media is the misleading ones. As a result, people cling to these ideas, forming strong opinions based on inaccurate information. When the nation, as a collective, refuses to agree on basic topics, conflict and distrust arise, while respectful dialogue between others plummets. Another notable factor contributing to the division is political polarization. Political differences have grown so intense that they can affect personal relationships, networking opportunities, and the community. Healthy debates to express one's viewpoint and to offer real possibilities of growth seem impossible when they are viewed as personal attacks. The conflicting mindset that judges one's character solely by their stances discourages collaboration and empathy. Communities are prevented from cooperating for the greater good when political identities are prioritized over a shared humanity. Economic inequality also plays a major role in dividing people. An individual's background dictates their quality of education, income, and resources in most situations. These differences create feelings of jealousy and inequality, limiting options for civic duties. As some groups are consistently left behind in the shared pursuit of success, socioeconomic disparities grow. Particularly, education is such a powerful tool to bring people together, yet access to it continuously divides generations. Young people have the utmost important role of addressing this issue. We need to start by looking around and realizing that we all have fundamentally the same desires. To establish a reputation for ourselves, achieve financial freedom, and live in a world of peace, we simply need to discover that common ground on which we can converse and share thoughts. We can take a significant step toward unity by just allowing everyone to feel seen and be heard.

Engineering is more than an academic matter to me now; it's a way of thinking, a mode of problem-solving, and a way of developing solutions that persist and matter. Through my high school specialty program, I have had the opportunity to work on hands-on projects in both engineering and aviation. These engineering experiences have sparked my interest in this field and revealed to me the impact I want to make in the world. I am considering engineering as a career path because the combination of curiosity, responsibility, and creativity in it comes naturally to me. It’s always interested me to understand how things work and how systems form. I discovered during my engineering and aviation program that engineering is more than simply designing machines and structures; it is about improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. That epiphany is what got me into civil engineering, creating infrastructure that protects communities, closes gaps, and empowers them. The practical engineering experience I have, I can say, hails directly from the engineering and aviation program. I’ve worked with real tools, systems, and technical processes that call for precision and discipline. No matter the lesson plan I had, learning an aircraft system, practicing the safety procedures that come with those models, finishing engineering design tasks, all of the practice that I spent on those projects made me look forward to being a future engineer. Those projects forced me to think about problems, work in a team, and remain disciplined even when the work was difficult. I also learned, at the same time, how much I have always liked learning by doing, and this will continue to support me as I move through college and into my career. Outside the classroom, I have had a taste of engineering through my own projects and hands-on experiences. I’ve helped younger students in science and engineering programs at STEM events and expressed what I’ve learned to inspire and teach young students at other STEM programs. These instances made me realize how important representation and mentorship are in STEM fields, particularly for students who don’t always see themselves represented in these spaces. I didn't know before, but it really helped me identify those things. I aspire to design safer infrastructure and apply it toward sustainable solutions, eventually incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient systems. Engineering allows me to transform my talents into impact, building structures, opportunities, and a future that boosts the community I serve. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to reach my goals. It would directly support my college fund and help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. College is expensive, and without significant family or federal support, I am responsible for funding my education. This scholarship would bring me closer to achieving my goals and, in the future, allow me to give back and support others in situations similar to mine.

To briefly introduce myself, I am part of the Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology program at my school, where I’ve developed a strong foundation in hands-on engineering and problem‑solving. Growing up with limited representation in STEM pushed me to work harder for opportunities and to pursue civil engineering to design safer, more resilient infrastructure for communities like my own. I am committed to using my education to uplift others, close opportunity gaps, and contribute to long‑term improvements in public safety and community development. I discovered during my engineering and aviation program that engineering is more than simply designing machines and structures; it is about improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. That epiphany is what got me into civil engineering: creating infrastructure that protects communities, closes gaps, and empowers them. The practical engineering experience I can say hails directly from the engineering and aviation program. I’ve worked with real tools, systems, and technical processes that call for precision and discipline. No matter the lesson plan I had, learning an aircraft system, practicing the safety procedures that come with those models, finishing engineering design tasks, all of the practice that I spent on those projects made me look forward to being a future engineer. Those projects forced me to think about problems, work in a team, and remain disciplined even when the work was difficult. I am deeply committed to pursuing civil engineering because I want to help build safer, stronger, and more sustainable communities. Growing up, I saw firsthand how much infrastructure impacts everyday life — from the quality of the roads people drive on to the reliability of the systems that keep families safe. That’s what pushed me into my high school engineering and aviation program, where I learned to solve problems hands‑on and to think critically. Those experiences made it clear that engineering is not just a career path for me — it’s a purpose. Morgan State University is the place where I want to grow into the kind of engineer who can make that impact. The university’s legacy, its commitment to community, and its engineering programs align perfectly with the future I’m working toward. I want to be part of that environment, contribute to it, and represent Morgan with the same determination I’ve shown in my academic and engineering work so far. However, my current financial aid package makes it extremely difficult for me to attend. My family is doing everything we can, but the remaining cost is beyond what we can realistically manage. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to reach my goals. It would directly support my college fund and help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. College is expensive, and without significant family or federal support, I am responsible for funding my education. This scholarship would bring me closer to achieving my goals and, in the future, allow me to give back and support others in situations similar to mine.

One thing that has me genuinely excited about learning is the moment when something I have only known to me in theory hits reality, something that is done hands‑on. As a senior in the Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology program at DuVal Senior High School, I have applied the concepts learned in the classroom to engineering and aviation projects over the past few years, transforming them into practical applications. That sensation when a system that I studied begins to click as I’m building or testing, or diagnosing it, is the reason why I love to learn. One of the earliest projects I truly enjoyed was my first experience working on an aircraft systems project, where I understood how all the pieces worked together, however small they might be, to form the complete puzzle. Rather than memorizing parts or facts, it was about understanding how they connected, to understand how precision defined the right thing to do; how engineering decisions had real consequences on real people. That made me want to find out more, not because I had to, but because I have a desire to learn more. This excitement drives me to study civil engineering in college. I want to learn in a way that connects knowledge with impact and builds better infrastructure, addresses actual problems, and applies every new skill I’ve learned to make the communities around me stronger. When we do something that sticks around, that gives learning meaning. Utilizing my engineering education, I think of myself working to build a more inclusive and equitable society that also supports those who frequently find themselves behind. As a senior in the Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology program at DuVal Senior High School, I have seen how valuable hands‑on opportunities can be. Engineering and taking on real aviation projects is where it began to show me where my confidence is coming from, my strict discipline, and why I believe that people from every walk of life should have a chance to enter into field learning experiences that lead to their potential being discovered. I hope to be able to continue mentoring younger students to help them see themselves in the STEM field of study, especially those who don’t see themselves represented in the field. I know the value that someone who’s had to fight for a chance before does; I want to be able to make it clear for someone else's mind. Whether it is working as a tutor, leading engineering workshops for underclassmen, or giving some time to a local community program, I want to show other young people how to succeed. I’m also hoping, as a future civil engineer, to create infrastructure that works for communities, safer roads, stronger buildings, and systems that serve everybody, not just those with money. Access, representation, and someone ready to show up help create a more inclusive community. I plan to be that person. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to reach my goals. It would directly support my college fund and help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. College is expensive, and without significant family or federal support, I am responsible for funding my education. This scholarship would bring me closer to achieving my goals and, in the future, allow me to give back and support others in situations similar to mine.

When I think of creating and positively changing my community, I envision my future career in civil engineering, with a deeply perceptive mindset. When I say this, I don’t just mean the kind used in design or infrastructure. I mean a deeper awareness of the bigger picture, seeing the forest for the trees. As an engineer or a person in any field, it’s important to see beyond the surface. You cannot focus only on the structure being built or what you see at face value; you must also understand the environment, the community it serves, and the people you’re working with. It also means paying attention to others, being able to read emotions, observe behaviors, and understand what’s not always said out loud. This awareness allows me to see every angle of a situation, both physically and mentally, and helps me build stronger, more respectful teams. This connects directly to emotional control and emotional intelligence. In any team setting, especially in a demanding field like civil engineering, things are bound to go wrong or not go as planned. Projects may fail, and deadlines can become tight and stressful. And, in these moments, it is important to have emotional control. It’s about having the patience and discipline to stay calm, think clearly, and guide others in a positive direction instead of reacting out of frustration. I aim to be a strong leader who can help my future team stay focused, not add to the chaos, but steady it, even under pressure. Optimism and positivity are key to creating real change. The energy you bring into a space can easily affect everyone around you. Knowing this, I strive to create a domino effect everywhere I go, exhibiting encouraging and resilient energy. Maintaining a positive spirit helps teams adopt the same behavior; to never give up and to look at things as the glass half full, not half empty. I discovered during my engineering and aviation program that engineering is more than simply designing machines and structures; it is about improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. That epiphany is what got me into civil engineering, creating infrastructure that protects communities, closes gaps, and empowers them. The practical engineering experience I have, I can say, hails directly from the engineering and aviation program. I’ve worked with real tools, systems, and technical processes that call for precision and discipline. No matter the lesson plan I had, learning an aircraft system, practicing the safety procedures that come with those models, finishing engineering design tasks, all of the practice that I spent on those projects made me look forward to being a future engineer. Those projects forced me to think about problems, work in a team, and remain disciplined even when the work was difficult. I also learned, at the same time, how much I have always liked learning by doing, and this will continue to support me as I move through college and into my career. Outside the classroom, I have had a taste of engineering through my own projects and hands-on experiences. I’ve helped younger students in science and engineering programs at STEM events and expressed what I’ve learned to inspire and teach young students at other STEM programs. These instances made me realize how important representation and mentorship are in STEM fields, particularly for students who don’t always see themselves represented in these spaces. I didn't know before, but it really helped me identify those things. I aspire to design safer infrastructure and apply it toward sustainable solutions, eventually incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient systems. Engineering allows me to transform my talents into impact, building structures, opportunities, and a future that boosts the community I serve.

Engineering is more than an academic matter to me now; it's a way of thinking, a mode of problem-solving, and a way of developing solutions that persist and matter. Through my high school specialty program, I have had the opportunity to work on hands-on projects in both engineering and aviation. These engineering experiences have sparked my interest in this field and revealed to me the impact I want to make in the world. I am considering engineering as a career path because the combination of curiosity, responsibility, and creativity in it comes naturally to me. It’s always interested me to understand how things work and how systems form. I discovered during my engineering and aviation program that engineering is more than simply designing machines and structures; it is about improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. That epiphany is what got me into civil engineering, creating infrastructure that protects communities, closes gaps, and empowers them. The practical engineering experience I have, I can say, hails directly from the engineering and aviation program. I’ve worked with real tools, systems, and technical processes that call for precision and discipline. No matter the lesson plan I had, learning an aircraft system, practicing the safety procedures that come with those models, finishing engineering design tasks, all of the practice that I spent on those projects made me look forward to being a future engineer. Those projects forced me to think about problems, work in a team, and remain disciplined even when the work was difficult. I also learned, at the same time, how much I have always liked learning by doing, and this will continue to support me as I move through college and into my career. Outside the classroom, I have had a taste of engineering through my own projects and hands-on experiences. I’ve helped younger students in science and engineering programs at STEM events and expressed what I’ve learned to inspire and teach young students at other STEM programs. These instances made me realize how important representation and mentorship are in STEM fields, particularly for students who don’t always see themselves represented in these spaces. I didn't know before, but it really helped me identify those things. I aspire to design safer infrastructure and apply it toward sustainable solutions, eventually incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient systems. Engineering allows me to transform my talents into impact, building structures, opportunities, and a future that boosts the community I serve.

It is often said that adversity builds strength, preparing you for the world to come. But nothing could have prepared me for one of the most difficult challenges I faced during my sophomore year of high school: the passing of my grandfather, Papa. My grandfather was a true down-to-earth individual. More than just a family elder or caregiver, he was someone you could come to with your worst problems, and he wouldn't judge. Instead, he taught me a fundamental lesson to help guide me throughout my journey of life. As he once said, “What’s done is done.” This means that there’s no need to stress the small things in life, and you must always remain in total control of your emotions at all times. He believed that stress is a personal choice of what you allow to affect you and your outlook on situations. Therefore, you have the supreme choice of whether to accept or reject the obstacles that shape character. He saw this emotional control as the true source of power, something that no one else could or should be able to break. I remember a time when he discovered his car had been broken into, leaving the windows completely shattered. He didn't yell, throw a fit, or even shed a tear. All he simply said was, "Wowwww," in a surprised tone, as if he had just opened a gift on Christmas morning. That was just the person he was, and remains to be, the optimistic light of our family. The sudden loss of Papa was not only painful but also a test of my resilience. In the beginning, I found myself struggling to remain motivated. I was constantly distracted at school and bombarded by emotions I didn’t know how to navigate. However, I realized that giving up would not have paid homage to his memory. I reminded myself of the life lessons he had always taught me: to stay strong, remain composed, and value education as the key to opportunity. Through this experience, I learned how to balance personal struggles while upholding commitments. I discovered that resilience is not at all about avoiding hardship, but accepting it, and finding the strength to keep moving forward in spite of it. This lesson has shaped me into an overall stronger, more mature person. Today, my ultimate goal is to make a lasting and positive change in the world by becoming a civil engineer. This career will allow me to help develop safe, long-lasting infrastructure that benefits communities in tremendous ways. As I move through life, this new definition of resilience, rooted in the conscious choice of emotional control, will serve me well. Now I live by this motto every day: find your peace of mind, trust the signs, and everything will turn out fine. My grandfather’s passing was the hardest experience of my life, but it gave me the strength, maturity, and determination that continue to guide me today, and for that, I thank him.

I have been shaped not only by my own choices but also by my father’s example. He is a veteran, a dedicated parent, and an entrepreneur who started his own photography business with the same commitment he showed in the military. Seeing him switch from serving his country with a camera to serving his community was the first step that has shaped how I think about leadership, responsibility, and the impact I want to make through engineering. My father’s photography business started in the most unlikely of places: the sidelines of my younger brother’s soccer games. What started as a way of making the team remember grew into something more. Parents began requesting photographs, then teams, then local organizations. But what inspired me was more than the business itself; it was how he built it. He took those similar values the military imparted to him: precision, patience, discipline, and pride in getting things right. He taught me that entrepreneurship is not all about making money; it is about making something meaningful, something that serves people. Growing up with a veteran parent was an upbringing with structure and expectations, but the most important thing of all was the sacrifice. My father raised me in a family environment that taught me that showing up is mandatory, of course, for your family, your ambitions and goals, and your community. That kind of view influenced how I dealt with school, especially with family responsibilities, engineering classes, and my own goals, while I was still pursuing engineering and life. There were periods when life became oppressive, but watching him bear those hurdles that were infinitely more daunting than mine taught me resilience that took years to learn. His path to entrepreneurship also informed my professional ambitions. Watching him build something from scratch reminded me that I want to build, as well as businesses, but infrastructure that lifts communities. In the Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology program, I found that I enjoy hands-on problem-solving. That experience, combined with my father’s example, helped me decide to pursue a degree in civil engineering in college. I want to create safer roads, stronger bridges, and smarter systems that protect families the way my father protected ours. His time in the military also shaped how I view impact. Veterans do know what it actually means to serve something larger than themselves. That motivates my desire to mentor younger students, particularly those who may not always see themselves in STEM. To the same extent that my father used his skills to raise others, whether on the soccer field or behind the camera, I want to use my education to support communities through engineering and service. My father’s experience helped me learn that leadership isn't loud; it is steady. Effect isn’t always dramatic; sometimes it’s forged one moment, one project, one person at a time. His devotion and work, as well as his entrepreneurial experience, have influenced the person I am and the engineer I hope to become. Because of him, I need more than a career; I need a purpose. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to reach my goals. It would directly support my college fund and help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. College is expensive, and without significant family or federal support, I am responsible for funding my education. This scholarship would bring me closer to achieving my goals and, in the future, allow me to give back and support others in situations similar to mine.

Engineering is more than an academic matter to me now; it's a way of thinking, a mode of problem-solving, and a way of developing solutions that persist and matter. Through my high school specialty program, I have had the opportunity to work on hands-on projects in both engineering and aviation. These engineering experiences have sparked my interest in this field and revealed to me the impact I want to make in the world. I am considering engineering as a career path because the combination of curiosity, responsibility, and creativity in it comes naturally to me. It’s always interested me to understand how things work and how systems form. I discovered during my engineering and aviation program that engineering is more than simply designing machines and structures; it is about improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. That epiphany is what got me into civil engineering: creating infrastructure that protects communities, closes gaps, and empowers them. The practical engineering experience I have, I can say, hails directly from the engineering and aviation program. I’ve worked with real tools, systems, and technical processes that call for precision and discipline. No matter the lesson plan I had, learning an aircraft system, practicing the safety procedures that come with those models, finishing engineering design tasks, all of the practice that I spent on those projects made me look forward to being a future engineer. Those projects forced me to think about problems, work in a team, and remain disciplined even when the work was difficult. I also learned, at the same time, how much I have always liked learning by doing, and this will continue to support me as I move through college and into my career. Outside the classroom, I have had a taste of engineering through my own projects and hands-on experiences. I’ve helped younger students in science and engineering programs at STEM events and expressed what I’ve learned to inspire and teach young students at other STEM programs. These instances made me realize how important representation and mentorship are in STEM fields, particularly for students who don’t always see themselves represented in these spaces. I didn't know before, but it really helped me identify those things. I aspire to design safer infrastructure and apply it toward sustainable solutions, eventually incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient systems. Engineering allows me to transform my talents into impact, building structures, opportunities, and a future that boosts the community I serve. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to reach my goals. It would directly support my college fund and help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. College is expensive, and without significant family or federal support, I am responsible for funding my education. This scholarship would bring me closer to achieving my goals and, in the future, allow me to give back and support others in situations similar to mine.

Engineering is more than an academic matter to me now; it's a way of thinking, a mode of problem-solving, and a way of developing solutions that persist and matter. Through my high school specialty program, I have had the opportunity to work on hands-on projects in both engineering and aviation. These engineering experiences have sparked my interest in this field and revealed to me the impact I want to make in the world. I am considering engineering as a career path because the combination of curiosity, responsibility, and creativity in it comes naturally to me. It’s always interested me to understand how things work and how systems form. I discovered during my engineering and aviation program that engineering is more than simply designing machines and structures; it is about improving people’s lives and strengthening communities. That epiphany is what got me into civil engineering: creating infrastructure that protects communities, closes gaps, and empowers them. The practical engineering experience I have, I can say, hails directly from the engineering and aviation program. I’ve worked with real tools, systems, and technical processes that call for precision and discipline. No matter the lesson plan I had, learning an aircraft system, practicing the safety procedures that come with those models, finishing engineering design tasks, all of the practice that I spent on those projects made me look forward to being a future engineer. Those projects forced me to think about problems, work in a team, and remain disciplined even when the work was difficult. I also learned, at the same time, how much I have always liked learning by doing, and this will continue to support me as I move through college and into my career. Outside the classroom, I have had a taste of engineering through my own projects and hands-on experiences. I’ve helped younger students in science and engineering programs at STEM events and expressed what I’ve learned to inspire and teach young students at other STEM programs. These instances made me realize how important representation and mentorship are in STEM fields, particularly for students who don’t always see themselves represented in these spaces. I didn't know before, but it really helped me identify those things. I aspire to design safer infrastructure and apply it toward sustainable solutions, eventually incorporating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to create smarter, more efficient systems. Engineering allows me to transform my talents into impact, building structures, opportunities, and a future that boosts the community I serve. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my ability to reach my goals. It would directly support my college fund and help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. College is expensive, and without significant family or federal support, I am responsible for funding my education. This scholarship would bring me closer to achieving my goals and, in the future, allow me to give back and support others in situations similar to mine.

My name is Amara Burton, and I am a senior at DuVal Senior High School in Lanham, Maryland. I am an Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology student, and the last few years have been dedicated to hands-on engineering and aviation projects that have allowed me to develop the skills I need to analyze, solve problems, and remain calm when things are out of control. These life experiences sparked a passion for engineering and led me to civil engineering — a discipline that empowers me to use my skills to improve communities and construct structures that keep people safe. This is why civil engineering interests me: linking technical problem-solving with real-world impact. While growing up, I witnessed the impact infrastructure has on daily life — whether in the safety of the roads we travel on or in the quality of the buildings we learn in and work in. I would like to help design systems to make communities safer, more resilient, and sustainable. Engineering allows me to build something that endures, something that transforms people’s lives long after the work is completed. I wish to create much more than the building I design; I hope to make an impact. I want to open doors for younger students, especially those students who may not always see themselves represented in STEM. I volunteered at local events, helped younger students in STEM programs, and have been a source of support for children in my age group, someone people can depend on. Mentorship is important to me because I know the immense impact that comes from someone believing in you. I want to be that role model — somebody who proves it is possible to come from anywhere, to push you when you need it, to be in an ordinary situation, to put yourself through real adversity, and yet to build something worthwhile. I have faced my own challenges, from juggling school and other family responsibilities to feeling underrepresented in spaces. It taught me to be resilient, to be disciplined, to show up when you have no hope. They made me tougher, someone who really doesn’t give up easily and understands the power of work ethic. I believe the journey into civil engineering will provide me with a way to turn this into action. My ambition was to create safer infrastructure, to engage in community‑driven engineering projects, and, ultimately, to use newer technologies such as AI to establish smarter, more efficient systems. My ambition is to help lift people, build communities, and provide opportunities for tomorrow’s engineers.

I am Amara Burton, a senior at DuVal Senior High School in Lanham, Maryland. I am still studying Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology, where I dabble in all sorts of practical engineering and aviation topics. Through these experiences, I gained an understanding of STEM careers, and my interest in them grew from there; I also recognized the enormous impact diversity could have on one's field of study. In my role as an aspiring civil engineer, representation is not only important — it is necessary for innovation, equity, and a healthy community. Diversity in STEM is important because the problems we see today affect everyone, and the solutions must be collective. The ideas we get when people from different backgrounds bring their experiences, cultural perspectives, and lived realities together with engineering, technology, and science. I didn’t always see people who looked like me in engineering spaces when I was growing up. That absence made me think about how important it is for young students — especially girls and students of color — to see themselves in STEM fields. Representation shows them they are welcome, their ideas matter, and they can lead. My own path through this field has been paved with inquisitiveness, resilience, and devotion to service. I’ve volunteered at community events, helped younger students with STEM projects, and been the person my peers can lean on. Mentorship is particularly important to me as I know how powerful it is to have someone believe in you. As a civil engineer, I strive to be that example for others — someone who breaks the walls and opens doors. Civil engineering is what allows me to design infrastructure that protects families, enriches communities, and improves quality of life. However, in order to best serve diverse communities, the field itself must reflect that diversity. Engineers who understand what life is like in underserved neighborhoods can design safer roads, more resilient structures, and fairer systems. The material I’m trained to use will give me technical expertise to contribute to this purpose, but the viewpoint through which I’m educated will grant me enough perspective to do so with intention and purpose. I intend to earn my degree and use it to support others by mentoring students, engaging through community‑connected engineering projects, and expanding the reach of STEM spaces. Diversity in STEM is important because it produces better solutions — and because all young people deserve the chance to imagine a future in which they can build, innovate and lead.

I'm Amara Burton, a senior at DuVal Senior High School in Lanham, Maryland. I'm a student of Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology where I do a lot of hands‑on engineering and aviation‑related projects. These experiences have not only developed my technical skills but my role as a problem‑solver who learns by doing. That says something about my childhood experiences too, since I learned at a young age that resilience, responsibility, and being there for others is just as important as talent. This is what I value in life, and it still drives me to take on engineering work. Building systems that safeguard and build communities is what ignites my interest in civil engineering. My work in aviation and engineering projects taught me that how highly design, safety, and precision shape people’s lives matters. It occurred to me that infrastructure — roads, bridges, water systems, transportation networks — is the very backbone of any community. I want to design safe, sustainable, and accessible structures, particularly in regions that are often overlooked. Leadership and service have always been one of my ways. I’ve done community service at school, assisted even younger students with science, engineering or math and been a mentor for kids. So I'm especially passionate about having people that guide me. What it means to not know where you want to go but know what's next must be a big part of everyone living in such an atmosphere. I want younger students — particularly those underrepresented in engineering — to see someone like them succeed and to know they have a place in these spaces, too. The civil engineering degree that I hope to earn will offer me the technical underpinning to turn this dream into practice. In college, I expect to be involved in engineering organizations and research and take part in service‑based engineering initiatives that tackle real life problems. Through these opportunities, I’ll gain the ability to design safer infrastructure and to contribute to long‑term community resilience. Upon completion, I intend to leverage my education for long-lasting impact by undertaking projects in safety, sustainability, and quality of life for the general public. I hope eventually to combine engineering with other emerging technologies, such as AI, to create more intelligent and efficient systems. I don’t just want to succeed, I want to enable and lift people up — to mentor and serve and help build the structures and opportunities that hold communities together for generations.

My name is Amara Burton and I am a senior at DuVal Senior High School in Lanham, Maryland. I'm an Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology student; it's exciting to get my hands on real life engineering and aviation projects. I would love to go to college for more engineering course work where I could get into civil engineering. As I get ready for my next chapter here at Earth, my goals — at the university, at the start of college and after graduating — are that I will combine my academic skills around shaping the communities that are in need, opening doors for STEM, and building a future rooted in resilience, service and purpose. While I am in college, I want to build the foundation building a civil engineering knowledge base so I can understand how a piece of infrastructure influences the safety and quality of life of a community. I would like to integrate myself with research, internships, engineering organizations that help me use what I learn on actual problems facing society. I will join service‐oriented engineering groups—e.g., Engineers Without Borders or campus sustainability teams—because I want my education to remain connected with those for whom it was intended to serve. It suits me, and so I want to put that same strength into the projects that make our transport faster, our environment safer—and our communities more capable. My life in community service has always been there. I have volunteered for local events, sponsored younger students in STEM activities and supported my family as I’ve needed to. I’ve learned from these experiences that service isn’t always about big gestures; sometimes it’s about being consistent, reliable and being someone who others can count on. I will be continuing to mentor younger students in college, particularly those who are underrepresented for the engineering field. I want them to see someone who looks like them doing well in STEM and that they can do their part, too. I have a dream of going on to become a civil engineer when I graduate, designing safer infrastructure for the entire community. I’m interested in finding projects that safeguard families, build resilient communities and meet future challenges. In the long‑term, I would love to combine engineering and next‑generation tech like AI to build more intelligent, efficient systems. Where my career takes me, service will always take me, but service is not irrelevant. My vision is to create structures, opportunities, and pathways that are better for the people I work with.

My passion for pursuing a degree in civil engineering comes from a mix of where I come from, who I’ve had to become, and what I want to build for the future. I didn’t grow up surrounded by engineers or advanced technology. I grew up in a place where you learn to show up, take responsibility, and figure things out even when the path isn’t clear. Over time, those experiences shaped me into someone who sees engineering not just as a career, but as a way to create real, lasting impact for the people and communities that raised me. Being part of an engineering and aviation program in high school opened my eyes to how much I enjoy solving problems with my hands and my mind. I like understanding how things work, why they fail, and how they can be improved. Whether I’m working on a project in class, exploring AI tools, or teaching myself something new, I’m driven by curiosity and the satisfaction of turning an idea into something real. Civil engineering stood out to me because it connects that curiosity to purpose. It’s a field where the work you do becomes part of people’s everyday lives — the roads they drive on, the water systems they rely on, the buildings that keep them safe. I’m passionate about this degree because I want to help build infrastructure that protects families and strengthens communities, especially those that are overlooked or under-resourced. I’ve seen what it looks like when neighborhoods don’t have the safest roads, the best drainage, or the most reliable structures. I’ve also seen how much of a difference it makes when someone cares enough to fix those problems. Civil engineering gives me the tools to be that person — someone who doesn’t just point out what’s wrong, but designs what’s better. My interest in AI adds another layer to that passion. I believe the future of engineering will rely heavily on technology that can predict failures, optimize designs, and make infrastructure more sustainable. Learning how to combine civil engineering with AI allows me to imagine solutions that are smarter, safer, and more efficient. I want to be part of the generation that uses technology not to replace people, but to protect them. My passion is also shaped by the responsibility I feel toward my family and my younger sibling, who looks up to me. I want them to see that you can come from a regular place, face real challenges, and still build something meaningful. Pursuing this degree is my way of honoring the people who supported me while also creating a future where I can support others. It’s a chance to turn the resilience, discipline, and determination I’ve learned into something that benefits more than just myself. Civil engineering is more than a major to me — it’s a commitment. It’s the path that allows me to take everything I’ve learned about responsibility, problem‑solving, and community, and turn it into work that makes life safer and better for the people around me. That’s why I’m passionate about it, and why I’m determined to pursue it with everything I have.

I see myself as a positive force in society because I’ve learned to turn responsibility into purpose. Growing up, I became someone who shows up — for my family, for my goals, and for the people who depend on me. That mindset didn’t come from a perfect situation; it came from real challenges that taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of building something better than what you started with. Even now, as a high school student in an engineering and aviation program, I try to make a difference by being the person others can rely on, whether that’s helping classmates understand a concept, supporting my younger siblings, or taking initiative in projects that push our learning forward. My curiosity and hands‑on approach to engineering also shape the way I contribute. I’m drawn to solving problems that matter — the kind that make communities safer, more sustainable, and more connected. Exploring AI and engineering has shown me how innovation can serve people directly, especially those who don’t always have access to the newest tools or opportunities. I want to be part of closing that gap. Right now, that means learning everything I can. In the future, it means using civil engineering and AI to design infrastructure that protects families, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for the next generation. The way I think about being a “positive force” is shaped by the social norms I grew up around — norms that say success is individual, that you’re supposed to figure everything out alone, and that where you come from limits where you can go. I don’t accept that. My experiences have taught me that progress is collective, that showing up for others is just as important as achieving for yourself, and that people from regular places can create extraordinary change. These norms push me to redefine what leadership looks like: not being the loudest voice, but being the most dependable one; not chasing recognition, but creating impact. They also motivate me to challenge expectations placed on young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, by proving that ambition and service can exist together. College represents the next step in becoming the kind of engineer and community leader I want to be. It’s where I’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and network to turn my determination into real solutions. I want my future work to reflect the values that shaped me — resilience, curiosity, responsibility, and heart — and to prove that meaningful change can start anywhere, as long as someone is willing to build it.

Going to college means more to me than earning a degree. It represents the chance to build a future that’s bigger than the one I started with, and to prove to myself and my family that the work I’ve put in over the years truly matters. For me, college is an opportunity to take everything I’ve learned — from responsibility at home to hands‑on experience in my aerospace engineering and aviation technology program — and turn it into something that can create real impact. It’s a step toward becoming the kind of person I’ve always aimed to be: someone who shows up, someone who solves problems, and someone who builds a better path not just for myself, but for the people who look up to me. I’ve always been the type of person who learns by doing. Whether I’m working on engineering projects, exploring AI tools, or figuring out something completely new, I like challenges and I like proving to myself that I can figure things out. That mindset is a big part of why college matters to me. It’s a place where I can keep growing, keep experimenting, and keep pushing myself even when the path isn’t simple. I want to study civil engineering because I’m drawn to the idea of building systems that keep communities safe, strong, and connected. College gives me the chance to turn that interest into real skills. But college isn’t just about academics for me. It’s also about the people I carry with me — especially my younger sibling who looks to me as an example. I want them to see that you can come from a regular place, face real challenges, and still create something meaningful. Every step I take toward my education is also a step toward showing them what’s possible. That responsibility motivates me more than anything else. What I’m trying to accomplish goes beyond a career. I want to use engineering and AI to help build safer infrastructure, smarter systems, and stronger communities. I want to be part of the generation that improves the world we live in, not just adapts to it. College is the doorway to that future — a place where I can sharpen my skills, expand my perspective, and prepare myself to make a real difference. To me, going to college means growth, opportunity, and purpose. It means becoming the version of myself I’ve been working toward for years — resilient, curious, and ready to build something better.

Who I am goes far beyond my GPA, my major, or the programs I’m part of. At my core, I’m someone who shows up — for my family, my goals, and the people who depend on me. I’ve poured love, loyalty, and effort into everything connected to my home and my future, and that responsibility shapes how I move through the world. It guides how I think, how I work, and how I treat others, even on days when things feel heavy or uncertain. That mindset is what led me to explore AI and engineering — not because I had to, but because I’m naturally curious about how things work and how they can be improved. I like challenges, and I like proving to myself that I can figure things out, even when I start with limited knowledge.I’m also someone who cares deeply about the people around me. My family motivates me, especially my younger sibling who looks to me as an example. I want them to see that you can come from a regular place, face real challenges, and still build something meaningful. What makes me “me” is the mix of resilience, curiosity, and heart. I’m a problem‑solver, a big thinker, and someone who believes in creating a future better than the one I started with. That’s the version of myself I bring into every opportunity, and the version I’m proud to keep becoming.

My hands-on experience with AI and machine learning comes from exploring how these technologies can support the type of engineering work I’ve been exposed to in my aerospace engineering and aviation technology program. Even though I am still in high school, I’ve made it a priority to understand how AI works and how it can be used to solve real problems. I started by experimenting with beginner‑friendly Python and machine learning platforms, where I trained small models like image classifiers and simple prediction tools. Working with these programs helped me see how data affects accuracy, and I learned how changing certain inputs or adjusting the code could completely shift the results. These early projects taught me the basics of how AI “learns,” and they showed me how important it is to think carefully about the information you give a model, especially when the goal is to create something reliable. I also explored low‑code AI tools to create early prototypes of app ideas. One of the concepts I worked on was an engineering assistant app that could analyze structural patterns and suggest design improvements. It wasn’t a full app, but building the prototype helped me understand how AI can support engineers by making certain tasks faster and more efficient. It also showed me that even as a student, I can use AI to bring an idea to life if I’m willing to experiment, troubleshoot, and keep learning along the way. That experience made me realize that innovation doesn’t always require advanced tools—sometimes it just requires curiosity and the confidence to try. Being part of an engineering and aviation program has shaped the way I approach technology. We focus heavily on precision, safety, and understanding how systems work from the inside out. Because of that, I naturally became interested in how AI is being used in engineering fields today—whether it’s predicting maintenance needs, improving design accuracy, or helping analyze large amounts of data. Seeing these real-world examples made me want to learn more and figure out how I could contribute in the future, especially as technology continues to evolve. As I prepare to study civil engineering in college, I want to continue building my skills in AI and machine learning. I’m especially interested in how AI can help create safer and more sustainable infrastructure. Whether it’s analyzing data to predict structural issues, improving transportation systems, or supporting smart city planning, I believe AI will play a major role in the future of engineering. My goal is to combine what I’ve learned in aviation and engineering with new AI skills to help build stronger, safer communities and contribute to meaningful progress in the world around me.