I have a deep passion for problem solving and a furious thirst for finding better ways to live. That is why when the time came to pick a concentration for my civil engineering graduate program, I knew transportation was where I belonged. My interest in the field is holistic, a search for sustainability, equity, and safety. I grew up in a rural area. I was more of a runner than cyclist, myself, but I faced a similar danger. Our street was a backroad, the kind that isn't marked so people assume 55 mph but drive closer to 70. As soon as the sun came out and it was above 40 degrees, I was ready to hit the pavement, literally, because we also didn't have sidewalks. My parents always wanted to know how far I was going and when I would be back. I never understood why they needed something more exact then, 'we will see how I feel when I get out there!' I thought my dad was overbearing when he told me I couldn't wear my headphones because I wouldn't be able to hear the cars. Sure, they flew on our road, but wouldn't I be able to see them and react? Now I have three children of my own, and the two who are old enough to ride bikes are on them every day. I live on a street with no sidewalk, where the speed limit is 40 mph, but people drive closer to 50. Everyday they can convince me, I pack up the stroller, their bikes and helmets, and we drive 5 minutes to the nearest trail. Getting a four and two year old to understand bike safety on a street like ours is not an easy task. So I dream about moving to a house with a sidewalk, where we can access a bike path or trail without loading up the car. Sometimes I think about when they are 14, 12, and 10 and they ride to the park- will I have to sit with the same fear my parents did? Hopefully not, because I have an opportunity to make a difference, however small it may be. As a transportation engineer, I will have say in the design of our streets. It will be my job to advocate and plan for bike lanes, sidewalks, and slower speed limits. My experience will become an asset in the development of our community at large. I look forward to finding better ways to make our roads more equitable for anyone who wants to use them. We all deserve to enjoy the fresh air, safely.

I have loved math for as long as I can remember. My mom was a teacher at my school, and I vividly remember doing extra problems on her chalkboard long after my homework was done—one after another until she was ready to go home. It felt like solving a puzzle, and completely captivated me. So when it was time to select a major for undergrad, I went with the only thing I knew and the one thing I loved, teaching math. Upon embarking on my teaching career, I encountered both the joys of educating young minds and the financial challenges that accompanied it. My initial teaching salary of $35,000 was not sufficient to cover my living expenses, especially while pursuing a graduate degree in math education—a requirement for full licensure in New York. Juggling the demands of teaching, grading, lesson planning, and graduate studies, I often found myself working long nights and weekends. To make ends meet, I took on a side job as a server. Despite my dedication, after two years, I realized that this career path did not align with my long-term aspirations and dreams. Following this realization, I made a pivotal decision to transition into the corporate world. I secured a contracting position in recruiting at a bank, starting at $15/hour. Over the next five years, I diligently worked my way up the corporate ladder, achieving three promotions along the way. While I succeeded in advancing professionally, I found myself lacking a sense of challenge and fulfillment in my work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while reflecting on my career trajectory, I stumbled upon a revelation that altered my perspective entirely. As I explored various career options, I discovered a field that resonated deeply with my passion for math and problem-solving—engineering. Delving into extensive research about engineering disciplines, career prospects, and educational requirements, I felt a surge of excitement and curiosity. The thought of pursuing a career in engineering ignited a newfound sense of purpose within me. After years of contemplating my career path and feeling unfulfilled in my current role, I experienced an epiphany: why not go back to school? Did I truly want to spend the next few decades in a job that didn't align with my passions? With determination and a desire for change, I applied to a Civil Engineering master's program at the age of 31, despite initial doubts about my qualifications. Receiving the acceptance email was a moment of disbelief and immense gratitude. Going back to school at this stage of my life is undoubtedly intimidating, yet I am confident that it is the right decision for both myself and my family. I aspire to take pride in my work, make a meaningful impact on my community through engineering, and fulfill my untapped potential. One day, I will tell my boys about how I reinvented myself, and how they gave me the confidence and motivation to do it. I want them to be proud of their mom and for it to drive their ambition. This scholarship would be an opportunity for me to do just that, and I am so grateful to be in consideration.

I learned the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance through my involvement in sports. As a team captain, academic all-star, and first-team all-star in high school sports, I developed crucial leadership skills and a strong work ethic that continue to guide me today. These experiences taught me the importance of collaboration, discipline, and striving for excellence in every endeavor. Beyond sports, I have dedicated myself to serving my community through volunteer work. I have been a soccer coach, mentoring and inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field. Additionally, I have volunteered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and FeedMore WNY, contributing my time and effort to make a positive impact on those in need. My decision to pursue further education in engineering has been a long-standing dream, one that I have postponed in order to prioritize my family responsibilities. As a parent of three children, I understand the financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education. When my letter of acceptance came, the dream started to feel like reality. The last piece of the puzzle, is funding. I promised my family I would only ask for this sacrifice of their time if I could do it without taking on more student loans. Through my volunteer experiences in the community, I have seen first-hand what community and generosity can do to change lives. I am here, humbly asking that you help me change mine. This opportunity would allow me to stop working two jobs to make ends meet. It would give me a greater purpose in life. Specifically, it would allow me to pursue my masters in Civil Engineering and provide both financially stability to my children and empowerment to myself. Despite these obstacles, I am determined to turn my dream into reality and create a better future not only for myself but also for my children. Receiving the Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship would be a transformative opportunity for me. It would alleviate the financial burden of tuition and allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and career goals. With this scholarship, I will be able to complete my master's degree in engineering, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful contributions to my field and community. More than just a financial aid, this scholarship represents a vote of confidence in my ambition, dedication, and potential to succeed. I am committed to maximizing this opportunity and using my education to make a positive impact on society. One day, I look forward to sharing with my children the story of how hard work, perseverance, and the support of generous individuals like the Morgan Levine Dolan Scholarship Committee helped me achieve my dreams. Thank you for considering my application and for your commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and scholars.

From the moment I saw the positive result on that pregnancy test, my life took a dramatic turn. It wasn't a lack of desire for children that made my stomach drop—it was the realization that my current work situation, contract work at a bank and bartending nearly 40 hours a week, wouldn't provide the stability I needed to be the kind of mother I envisioned. That moment ignited a journey of challenges, growth, and profound significance that continues to shape my career goals today. Fast forward five years, and I find myself a full-time employee at the bank, benefiting from paid maternity leave and decent perks. However, the work, while stable, lacks the fulfillment I crave. As my children grow older, a deep-seated desire to pursue something more meaningful intensifies within me. I want to be the kind of mother who not only provides but also inspires—a mother who demonstrates through her actions that pursuing one's dreams is always worthwhile. My undergraduate years were dedicated to math education, but teaching didn't align with my aspirations. Engineering, however, had always beckoned to me. Yet, the timing never seemed right amidst the responsibilities of motherhood. My current job is not lucrative but it is flexible, which means when the kids are sick, or someone has a dentist appointment, or there is nothing in the fridge for dinner, the responsibility falls on me. It is an honor to hold the role of mother, but it would be dishonest to say it did not feel like a trap some days. It took the realization that there would never be a "perfect" time to finally take the leap. I started with a free GRE vocabulary app that I could review while making dinner or getting the kids to bed. Once I really committed I bought the books and would study each night for two hours after getting three kids fed, bathed and to bed. Finally, I took the exam and sent in my application, feeling both hopeful and terrified. Then the acceptance into a master's program in engineering came, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my journey. However, with three children, the financial strain of pursuing this dream weighs heavily. This is where the significance of scholarships becomes apparent. They aren't just financial aids; they represent opportunities, doors to a future where I can provide for my family while pursuing a fulfilling career in engineering. It's a chance to show my children firsthand the value of hard work, determination, and resilience. This journey isn't just about me; it's about the difference in quality of life I can offer my children. It's about turning challenges into stepping stones and embracing the complexities of balancing work and caregiving. Each hurdle has taught me resilience, each decision has shaped my path, and each moment has reinforced the significance of chasing dreams, no matter the obstacles. In conclusion, my experiences balancing work and caregiving have been transformative. They've taught me the importance of stability, the value of perseverance, and the power of passion. With this scholarship, I hope to continue this journey of growth, honoring Jennifer's memory, and setting an example for my children that dreams are not just worth pursuing but are attainable with dedication and determination.