Growing up, I was raised by my mother in a single-parent household until I was seven years old, when she remarried. Being raised primarily by my mother during those early years shaped the way I understand perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of having someone who believes in you. My mother worked hard to provide for me, and watching her manage the responsibilities of raising a child taught me that success is often built through sacrifices that other people may never see. Although I was young, I understood that my mother was doing everything she could to give me opportunities for a better future. Her determination became an example that I continue to carry with me. It taught me not to take opportunities for granted and to approach challenges with the mindset that difficult circumstances do not have to determine the limits of what I can accomplish. My family also taught me the importance of compassion. During my childhood, my grandmother played an important role in caring for me while my mother worked. She taught me to care about other people and to appreciate education. Those lessons have continued to influence the way I interact with my community. For example, I have volunteered at a local elementary school, where I helped teachers with classroom activities and assisted students with assignments. Encouraging students when they struggled reminded me how important it is to have people who are willing to support you. Today, I am studying Civil Engineering at the University of California, Merced, with a particular interest in hydrology and sustainable water resources. I want to use my education to solve problems that affect communities, including water conservation, flooding, and sustainable infrastructure. My goal is not simply to build structures, but to develop solutions that improve people's quality of life and protect resources that communities depend on. In the future, I also want to use my talents to help the next generation. I hope to mentor younger students and encourage them to pursue education and STEM careers, especially students who may not initially believe those opportunities are available to them. My own experiences taught me how much a person's support system can influence their future. Being raised by a single mother showed me the meaning of perseverance and sacrifice. Those lessons have shaped the student, athlete, volunteer, and future engineer I am becoming. I want to honor the effort my family invested in me by using my education and talents to serve others, create meaningful solutions, and give future generations the same encouragement that helped me move forward.

One issue in my community that I have taken the initiative to address is the need for additional support and encouragement for younger students. I saw this firsthand while volunteering at my local elementary school. I noticed that students do not all have the same level of confidence, academic support, or encouragement, and sometimes having one person take the time to help can make a meaningful difference. I decided to volunteer because I wanted to contribute to my community in a way that directly helped others. At the elementary school, I worked alongside teachers and assisted students with classroom activities and assignments. I answered questions, encouraged students when they became frustrated, and helped create an environment where they felt comfortable asking for help. While these actions may seem small, seeing students become more confident and engaged showed me how valuable consistent support can be. This experience taught me that addressing a community problem does not always begin with a large organization or a complicated program. Sometimes it begins with recognizing a need and being willing to step forward. I also learned that meaningful leadership is about service. Instead of simply identifying a problem, I wanted to become part of the solution. I hope to expand my efforts by continuing to volunteer and eventually mentoring students who are interested in STEM and engineering. As a Civil Engineering student at UC Merced, I want to share my experiences with younger students and show them that careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are achievable. I especially want to encourage students who may not initially see themselves pursuing higher education. My long-term goal is to combine education, mentorship, and engineering to create a broader impact. I hope to become an engineer who improves communities through sustainable infrastructure while also helping the next generation discover their own potential. My experience at the elementary school showed me that positive change can start with one person deciding to help, and I want to continue building on that first step.

My name is Anthony, and I am a Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Merced, with a passion for serving others through both my community involvement and future career. I believe that success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact we have on the people around us. Through academics, athletics, and volunteer service, I have worked to build a life centered on hard work, leadership, and giving back. One of the experiences that has shaped me the most is soccer. Competing at the Division I level and earning MVP honors taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. The recognition of being named MVP was meaningful because it represented countless hours of practice, commitment, and a willingness to push myself beyond my limits. Soccer taught me how to perform under pressure, overcome setbacks, and support teammates through both victories and defeats. These lessons have carried over into every area of my life, especially my education. As a Civil Engineering student, I face rigorous coursework that requires persistence and strong problem-solving skills. The work ethic I developed through athletics has helped me succeed academically while pursuing my long-term goal of specializing in hydrology and sustainable water resources. I hope to design infrastructure that improves communities by providing reliable access to clean water, reducing flooding, and promoting environmental sustainability. For me, engineering is more than a profession—it is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in people's lives. Community service has also played an important role in shaping my values. One of my most meaningful experiences was volunteering at my local elementary school. Working alongside teachers, I helped students with classroom activities, answered questions, and encouraged them when they faced challenges. Seeing students gain confidence and become excited about learning reminded me how powerful encouragement can be. Those experiences taught me that leadership is not about recognition; it is about helping others reach their potential. I am especially grateful for the role my family has played in my development. Growing up, I learned the value of perseverance, compassion, and education. These values continue to motivate me as I work toward my goals and seek opportunities to serve others. Whether on the soccer field, in the classroom, or through volunteer work, I strive to give my best effort and contribute positively to those around me. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden of college expenses, including tuition, textbooks, and other educational costs. More importantly, it would allow me to continue pursuing opportunities that prepare me to serve my community as an engineer and leader. I hope to honor the values that Kalia D. Davis exemplified—excellence, kindness, determination, and service—by using my education and experiences to create meaningful change in the lives of others. Through hard work, community involvement, and a commitment to helping others, I am determined to build a future that reflects those values and leaves a positive impact for generations to come.

My understanding of mental health has been shaped not by my own diagnosis, but by witnessing how a major loss affected someone I love. When my uncle passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm, my family was devastated. His death left a void in our lives, and one of the people most affected was my mother. As a child, I did not fully understand the emotional weight that grief can carry. I only knew that my mother was hurting. Losing her brother was one of the most difficult experiences she had ever faced. There were moments when the sadness was visible, and I could see how deeply the loss affected her. At the same time, I watched her continue to move forward, support our family, and fulfill her responsibilities despite her grief. Seeing my mother navigate that loss changed the way I think about mental and emotional health. It taught me that struggles are not always visible. People can be carrying tremendous pain while still showing strength on the outside. That realization has made me more compassionate and more aware of the challenges others may be facing. I have learned not to assume that everything is fine simply because someone appears to be doing well. This experience also strengthened my relationships with my family. After my uncle's passing, I became more appreciative of the time I spend with the people I care about. Loss reminded me that relationships should never be taken for granted. It encouraged me to be more supportive, listen more carefully, and make an effort to be present for others when they need help. The experience has also influenced my goals. As a Civil Engineering student, I hope to build a career improving communities through sustainable water infrastructure and public works projects. While engineering is often viewed as a technical field, I believe the best engineers understand the human impact of their work. Watching my family cope with loss taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and supporting others through difficult circumstances. These are qualities I hope to bring into both my personal life and professional career. Most importantly, this experience changed my understanding of the world. It showed me that life can change unexpectedly and that everyone faces challenges that may not be immediately visible. Because of that, I believe it is important to create spaces where people feel comfortable talking about their struggles and seeking support when they need it. While grief is something no family wants to experience, it taught me valuable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the importance of caring for both our mental and emotional well-being. My uncle's passing was a painful experience for my family, but it also helped shape the person I am today. It taught me to value relationships, support others through difficult times, and approach the world with greater empathy and understanding.

Of all the books I have read, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini has had one of the greatest impacts on the way I view the world. While many books entertain or inform, this novel challenged me to think more deeply about resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of empathy. Through the lives of its characters, I gained a greater appreciation for the struggles people face and the strength they can demonstrate even in the most difficult circumstances. The story follows Mariam and Laila, two women whose lives become intertwined as they navigate hardship, loss, and oppression in Afghanistan. What stood out to me most was their ability to persevere despite facing challenges that seemed impossible to overcome. Their courage reminded me that difficult circumstances do not define a person's potential. Instead, it is how people respond to adversity that shapes their future. Reading about their experiences made me more grateful for the opportunities available to me and more aware of the obstacles that others may face every day. One of the most important lessons I learned from A Thousand Splendid Suns is the value of compassion. Throughout the novel, acts of kindness and sacrifice create hope even during the darkest moments. The relationships between the characters demonstrate how supporting others can make an enormous difference in their lives. This lesson has influenced the way I approach my own community. Through volunteering at my local elementary school, I have seen firsthand how encouragement and patience can help students build confidence in themselves. The novel reinforced my belief that small acts of kindness can have lasting effects. The book also taught me the importance of perspective. Before reading it, I had limited knowledge of Afghanistan's history and the challenges many people there faced. Literature has the unique ability to place readers in someone else's shoes, allowing them to understand experiences that may be very different from their own. Reading this novel expanded my worldview and reminded me that education is not only about gaining knowledge but also about developing empathy and understanding. These lessons have shaped my goals both personally and professionally. As a Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Merced, I hope to specialize in hydrology and sustainable water resources. My goal is to use engineering to improve communities by designing infrastructure that provides reliable access to clean water and protects people from environmental challenges. While engineering requires technical skills, it also requires an understanding of the people who will be affected by the solutions we create. A Thousand Splendid Suns helped me recognize the importance of considering the human impact of every decision. Books have the power to change the way we think, and A Thousand Splendid Suns changed mine. It taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of understanding perspectives beyond my own. Those lessons continue to guide me as I pursue my education and work toward a future where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Community service has taught me that creating meaningful change does not always require extraordinary actions. Often, it begins with consistently showing up for others, offering support when it is needed, and using your abilities to improve the lives of the people around you. My experiences volunteering in my community have shaped not only who I am today but also the kind of engineer and community member I hope to become. One of the most meaningful ways I have given back has been through volunteering at my local elementary school. Working alongside teachers, I assisted students with classroom activities, answered questions, and encouraged them as they worked through assignments. Every student learned differently, and I quickly realized that patience and encouragement could make a significant difference in a child's confidence. Watching a student who was initially frustrated begin to understand a lesson reminded me that even small acts of service can have lasting effects. My volunteer work also strengthened my appreciation for educators and the role they play in building strong communities. Teachers dedicate countless hours to helping students succeed, and I was grateful for the opportunity to support them however I could. Whether I was helping prepare classroom activities, assisting students one-on-one, or simply providing another positive adult presence, I learned that every contribution matters. Communities become stronger when people are willing to share their time and skills without expecting anything in return. These experiences have influenced my future goals as a Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Merced. I plan to specialize in hydrology and sustainable water resources because I believe engineering is another form of community service. Safe infrastructure and reliable access to clean water improve health, strengthen local economies, and protect families from environmental challenges. My goal is to design sustainable water systems that help communities conserve resources, reduce flooding, and prepare for future generations. Giving back to my community has also taught me the importance of leadership through service. True leadership is not about recognition or titles—it is about using your knowledge and abilities to help others succeed. Whether I am volunteering in a classroom today or designing infrastructure in the future, I want my work to have a positive and lasting impact on the people it serves. As my education continues, I hope to remain involved in volunteer opportunities while also mentoring younger students who are interested in engineering. I want to encourage them to pursue careers where they can solve problems that improve people's lives. The support I have received from my family, teachers, and community has made my own educational journey possible, and I believe I have a responsibility to give that same support to others. Community is built through compassion, service, and a willingness to invest in others. My volunteer experiences have shown me that helping even one person can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond a single moment. As an engineer and community member, I hope to continue building that ripple effect throughout my career by combining technical knowledge with a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Ten years from now, I will be leading my own civil and environmental engineering firm focused on sustainable water infrastructure for growing communities in California and the western United States. My path toward that goal began with a simple realization: water challenges are becoming more severe every year. Droughts, flooding, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand for clean water require innovative solutions that are affordable and scalable. As a Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Merced, I am preparing to build those solutions rather than wait for someone else to create them. In 2036, I envision my company specializing in integrated stormwater capture, treatment, and reuse systems similar to the concept shown in my attached schematic. The system combines rooftop rainwater collection, bioretention basins, multi-stage filtration, and storage cisterns to reduce runoff and conserve water. My goal is to refine this concept into a deployable product that can be adapted for schools, apartment complexes, and small communities. 2026–2029 Phase 1 Complete my Civil Engineering degree with a focus on hydrology and water resources. Gain experience through internships, undergraduate research, and engineering projects. Continue refining sustainable water management concepts and technical designs. 2029–2032 Phase 2 Work for a civil engineering firm specializing in water infrastructure. Earn my Engineer-in-Training certification and begin working toward professional licensure. Build industry relationships and learn how large-scale projects are financed and managed. 2032–2036 Phase 3 Launch my own engineering firm focused on water conservation technologies. Pilot the modular water management system shown in my attachment. Partner with local governments, schools, and developers to implement sustainable infrastructure projects. What I Hope to Accomplish By year ten, I want my company to have completed projects that collectively save millions of gallons of water annually, reduce stormwater pollution entering local waterways, and provide affordable water-reuse solutions for underserved communities. I also hope to create internship opportunities for engineering students who are interested in environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship. What makes this vision entrepreneurial is that I am not simply planning to work as an engineer; I am planning to create a company that develops and implements its own solutions. The attached schematic represents the first step toward that goal. While it is currently a conceptual design, I intend to transform it into a practical system that can be manufactured, installed, and adapted to different communities. Ultimately, I want to be known as an engineer who built solutions that made water conservation more accessible. Ten years from now, I hope to look back and see not just a successful business, but a network of projects that helped communities conserve resources, adapt to environmental challenges, and build a more sustainable future.

Some of my earliest and happiest memories are of spending my days with my grandmother. While my mom worked long shifts to support our family, my grandmother became the person who cared for me and my cousins, whose parents also worked long hours. Her home was always full of laughter, homework, meals shared together, and the feeling that everyone belonged. Although I was young, she created a sense of stability during a time when many adults around me were working tirelessly to provide for us. My grandmother passed away when I was around seven or eight years old, but the lessons she taught me have stayed with me ever since. She was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She treated everyone with patience and compassion, and she showed me that caring for others was something you did without expecting anything in return. Watching the way she looked after not only me but also my cousins taught me that family is built through love, sacrifice, and service. She also sparked my love for mathematics. Instead of making numbers feel intimidating, she made learning enjoyable. She encouraged me to think through problems, stay curious, and never be afraid to make mistakes while learning. Those moments laid the foundation for the passion that eventually led me to pursue Civil Engineering at the University of California, Merced. Today, I am working toward a career specializing in hydrology, where I hope to design sustainable water systems that improve communities and protect one of our most valuable resources. Being raised by my grandmother during those formative years also taught me resilience. Even after she passed away, I carried her lessons with me. Whenever I face difficult engineering courses or financial challenges associated with college, I remember the example she set. She never complained about the sacrifices she made for our family. Instead, she focused on doing everything she could to help us succeed. Her quiet strength reminds me to approach challenges with determination rather than discouragement. Her influence also shaped the way I interact with others. Through volunteering at my local elementary school, I discovered how meaningful it is to encourage young students and help them gain confidence in themselves. In many ways, I hope to give children the same patience and encouragement that my grandmother gave me. Whether through volunteering today or through my future career as an engineer, I want my work to improve the lives of others. My grandmother may not have had the opportunity to see me attend college, but every accomplishment I achieve is a reflection of the values she instilled in me. She taught me that kindness, hard work, and education have the power to change lives. My goal is to honor her legacy by using my education to build stronger communities, serve others with compassion, and create opportunities for future generations, just as she created opportunities for me.

When people think about changing the world, they often imagine one extraordinary act that transforms millions of lives. I believe meaningful change happens differently. It is built through thousands of small decisions to help others, solve problems, and leave every community a little better than you found it. That belief has shaped both the way I serve today and the career I hope to build in the future. One of the experiences that strengthened this mindset was volunteering at my local elementary school. Working alongside teachers, I helped students with classroom activities, encouraged them when they struggled, and supported them throughout the school day. I quickly realized that even small moments—a word of encouragement, extra patience with an assignment, or simply taking the time to listen—could make a student feel more confident. Those experiences taught me that making a positive impact does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with showing up consistently for others. That same desire to serve others inspired me to pursue Civil Engineering at the University of California, Merced. While volunteering allowed me to help individual students, engineering gives me the opportunity to improve entire communities. My goal is to specialize in hydrology and sustainable water resources, designing systems that provide reliable access to clean water, reduce flooding, and protect communities from the growing challenges of climate change. Water is something every person depends on, and I want my career to focus on preserving and improving that resource for future generations. I know this path will not be easy. Engineering demands perseverance, discipline, and continuous learning. Every difficult course and every challenge I overcome remind me that meaningful work requires dedication. Rather than seeing obstacles as reasons to give up, I view them as opportunities to become more capable of serving others in the future. My impact will not stop when I graduate. I hope to mentor younger students who are interested in engineering, especially those who may not see themselves represented in STEM careers. I want to show them that success is possible through hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning. Just as others have invested in my education and encouraged me to pursue my goals, I hope to provide that same encouragement to the next generation. To me, making a positive impact is not about recognition or awards. It is about creating opportunities for others, solving problems that matter, and leaving communities stronger than they were before. Whether I am helping a child gain confidence in the classroom or designing infrastructure that serves thousands of people, I want my life to reflect compassion, service, and purpose. That is the legacy I hope to build, and it is the reason I continue to pursue both education and community service with determination.

Going to college means more to me than earning a degree—it represents the opportunity to turn my passion for solving problems into a career that improves people's lives. College has challenged me academically, pushed me outside my comfort zone, and given me the knowledge and experiences needed to pursue my dream of becoming a civil engineer. Every class I complete brings me one step closer to making a meaningful difference in the communities I hope to serve. As a Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Merced, I plan to specialize in hydrology and sustainable water resources. Water is one of our most essential resources, yet many communities face challenges related to drought, flooding, and aging infrastructure. My goal is to design water systems that improve public safety, conserve natural resources, and create stronger, more resilient communities. I want my career to be defined not only by technical skill but also by the positive impact my work has on people's everyday lives. College has also taught me the value of perseverance. Engineering is demanding, requiring long hours of studying, problem-solving, and continuous learning. There have been difficult moments when balancing coursework, finances, and other responsibilities felt overwhelming. Those experiences have strengthened my resilience and reminded me that meaningful goals require persistence. Every challenge I overcome prepares me for the responsibility of becoming an engineer whose work will directly affect the safety and well-being of others. Beyond academics, college has given me opportunities to grow as a person. Through volunteering at my local elementary school, I discovered how rewarding it is to help others learn and succeed. That experience reinforced my belief that education should be used not only for personal advancement but also to create opportunities for others. In the future, I hope to mentor younger students who are interested in engineering and encourage them to pursue careers where they can make a positive difference. As a minority student, I recognize that earning a college degree represents more than personal success. It is an opportunity to contribute to greater representation in engineering while demonstrating that students from all backgrounds can thrive in challenging fields. I hope my journey encourages others to pursue their goals with confidence, regardless of the obstacles they face. Ultimately, I am trying to accomplish more than graduating with a degree. I want to use my education to build infrastructure that improves lives, protect vital water resources, and give back to the communities that have supported me throughout my journey. For me, college is not the finish line—it is the foundation for a lifetime of service, innovation, and meaningful impact.

To me, selflessness means using my time and abilities to improve someone else's life without expecting anything in return. While I may not have solved major global problems, I have learned that meaningful change often begins with small acts of service. Whether it is helping a student understand a lesson or pursuing a career that will benefit entire communities, I believe that making a difference starts with a willingness to serve others. One of the most meaningful ways I have practiced selflessness was through volunteering at my local elementary school. I worked alongside teachers to support students in the classroom, helping them complete assignments, participate in activities, and stay engaged throughout the school day. Some students needed extra encouragement, while others simply benefited from having another person willing to listen and help. Watching a student gain confidence after understanding a difficult concept reminded me that even small moments of support can have a lasting impact. Volunteering also taught me that helping others requires patience and empathy. Every child learns differently, and I quickly realized that the best way to help someone is to meet them where they are rather than expecting them to learn at the same pace as everyone else. By taking the time to encourage students and celebrate their progress, I learned that kindness and consistency can make someone feel capable of achieving more than they thought possible. My commitment to serving others extends beyond volunteering. I am currently studying Civil Engineering at the University of California, Merced, with the goal of specializing in hydrology. My passion for engineering is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to safe, reliable infrastructure and clean water. I want to design sustainable water systems that help communities prepare for droughts, reduce flooding, and protect natural resources. For me, engineering is another form of service—one that allows me to improve people's lives on a larger scale. Pursuing this path has required perseverance. Engineering is challenging, and balancing demanding coursework with financial responsibilities has not always been easy. There have been moments when the workload felt overwhelming, but I have remained committed because I know the impact I hope to make in the future. Every challenge I overcome brings me closer to a career dedicated to helping others. Michael Rudometkin's legacy reminds us that success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the lives we touch along the way. I strive to embody that same mindset through my volunteer work, my education, and my future career. Whether I am helping one student in a classroom or designing infrastructure that serves thousands of people, I want my actions to reflect compassion, service, and a genuine commitment to making my community—and the world—a better place.

I don't believe I deserve this scholarship because I'm better than everyone else competing for it. I believe I deserve it because I know exactly what I want to do with the opportunity it provides. As a Civil Engineering student at UC Merced, my goal is to specialize in hydrology and help design sustainable water systems that protect communities from drought, flooding, and aging infrastructure. Every class I take brings me one step closer to solving real-world problems that affect millions of people. What gives me an advantage isn't perfection—it's purpose. I have a clear vision, I'm willing to work for it, and I understand that success is built through consistency rather than shortcuts. Whether it's maintaining a strong GPA, volunteering in my community, or balancing school with work to help pay for college, I approach every challenge with determination. This scholarship wouldn't simply reward my hard work—it would allow me to continue investing in an education that I intend to use in service of others. My goal isn't just to earn a degree; it's to leave communities stronger than I found them.

Growing up, I realized that some of the greatest challenges communities face are often invisible until they become emergencies. Safe drinking water, flood protection, and reliable infrastructure are things many people take for granted, yet they affect nearly every aspect of daily life. My goal is to become a civil engineer specializing in hydrology so I can help design sustainable water systems that protect communities and ensure future generations have access to one of our most valuable resources. My education at the University of California, Merced is preparing me to turn that goal into reality. Through coursework in mathematics, physics, engineering, and environmental systems, I am developing the technical skills needed to solve complex problems. However, I believe engineering is about much more than calculations and designs. It is about improving people's lives. Every bridge, roadway, drainage system, and water treatment facility has the potential to strengthen a community, and I want my career to focus on creating infrastructure that is safe, sustainable, and built to last. One experience that reinforced my commitment to serving others was volunteering at my local elementary school. Working alongside teachers and interacting with students showed me how much of a difference one person can make simply by giving their time. Whether I was helping students with classroom activities or encouraging them to stay engaged, I learned that investing in others creates lasting impacts. That experience taught me that meaningful change begins with service, and it inspired me to look for ways to combine my education with giving back. The people who inspire me most are those who quietly dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others without expecting recognition. Teachers, volunteers, engineers, and community leaders all share a common purpose: they solve problems that help people succeed. Their example has shown me that true success is measured not only by personal accomplishments but also by the positive impact we leave on our communities. In the future, I hope to mentor students who are interested in engineering, particularly those from backgrounds where higher education may seem out of reach. I also want to participate in projects that improve water conservation, modernize aging infrastructure, and help communities become more resilient to droughts and flooding. By sharing my experiences and supporting the next generation, I hope to encourage more young people to pursue careers where they can make a difference. Receiving the Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education while reducing the financial burden of college. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to a career dedicated to serving others. My vision is to use engineering not only to build stronger infrastructure but also to build stronger communities. Through education, service, and a commitment to helping others, I hope to create lasting change that extends far beyond the classroom.

Growing up, I learned that opportunities are not always distributed equally. While many students can focus entirely on their education, others must balance financial concerns, family responsibilities, and uncertainty about how they will pay for college. These challenges have motivated me to work hard and make the most of every opportunity I have been given. As a Civil Engineering student at the University of California, Merced, I am committed to building a future where my work improves the lives of others while creating a lasting impact on the environment. My long-term career goal is to become a civil engineer specializing in hydrology and sustainable water resources. Water is one of the world's most valuable resources, and many communities face challenges related to drought, flooding, aging infrastructure, and access to clean water. I want to help design systems that conserve water, improve public infrastructure, and make communities more resilient to environmental challenges. Engineering combines my passion for problem-solving with my desire to create practical solutions that benefit society. Reaching this goal requires years of education, hands-on experience, and professional development. Although I am dedicated to my studies, the financial burden of college is significant. Tuition, textbooks, housing, transportation, and educational supplies all add up quickly. Like many students, I have worked to reduce these costs by applying for scholarships and seeking employment while continuing to prioritize my education. Every scholarship I receive allows me to spend less time worrying about finances and more time focusing on my coursework, engineering projects, and opportunities that will prepare me for my future career. The Bright Lights Scholarship would directly support my academic journey by helping cover educational expenses that are necessary for my success. Reducing financial stress would allow me to devote more time to developing the technical and leadership skills required of an engineer. It would also make it easier for me to participate in internships, undergraduate research, and professional organizations that will strengthen my experience before graduation. Beyond earning my degree, I hope to use my education to give back to the communities that have supported me. Whether I am designing flood protection systems, improving water conservation efforts, or mentoring future engineering students, I want my work to make a meaningful difference. I believe that education is not only a pathway to personal success but also an opportunity to serve others through knowledge, innovation, and leadership. Receiving the Bright Lights Scholarship would be more than financial assistance—it would be an investment in my future and in the positive impact I hope to make throughout my career. With continued hard work, determination, and support from opportunities like this scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and help build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities for generations to come.

One of the most meaningful volunteer experiences I have had was serving at my local elementary school. As a volunteer, I worked with teachers and staff to help create a positive learning environment for students. My responsibilities included assisting students with classroom activities, helping supervise events, and supporting teachers with various tasks throughout the school day. Beyond simply volunteering, I also took initiative by helping organize activities that encouraged student participation and engagement. One event I helped organize was a student enrichment activity designed to make learning more interactive and enjoyable. Working alongside teachers and other volunteers, I assisted with planning materials, setting up the event, and helping students participate throughout the day. This experience taught me the importance of preparation, communication, and teamwork. I learned that successful events do not happen by chance; they require people who are willing to step forward, coordinate efforts, and ensure that everyone feels included. Volunteering at the elementary school allowed me to give back to my community by supporting young students during an important stage of their education. Many children benefit from having positive role models who encourage them to stay curious, work hard, and believe in themselves. By spending time with the students, answering their questions, and helping them complete activities, I was able to contribute to their learning experience while also building meaningful relationships with them. This experience strengthened my belief in the importance of leadership through service. I believe that true leadership is not about holding a title or being in charge of others. Instead, leadership is about serving the people around you and making a positive difference in their lives. When leaders focus on helping others, they build trust, inspire cooperation, and create stronger communities. Leadership through service is especially important because it encourages people to use their skills and abilities to benefit others. Through my volunteer work, I saw firsthand how even small acts of service can have a lasting impact. A few words of encouragement or a helping hand with a difficult assignment can boost a student's confidence and help them succeed. These moments demonstrated that leadership often comes from actions rather than authority. My experience at the elementary school taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, compassion, and teamwork. It showed me that serving others is one of the most effective ways to lead. As I continue my education and pursue my future career, I plan to carry these lessons with me and remain committed to making a positive impact in my community through service and leadership.

Growing up, I learned that chess is much more than a game. Every move requires careful planning, patience, and the ability to think several steps ahead. Those same skills have shaped the way I approach my education and my career goals. As a civil engineering student, I hope to build a career in hydrology, designing sustainable water systems that improve communities and protect one of our most valuable resources. The mindset I have developed through chess will help me succeed in achieving these goals. One of the greatest lessons chess has taught me is the importance of thinking ahead. In chess, every move affects the position of every piece on the board. A strong player does not focus only on the next move but considers how today's decisions will influence the outcome many turns later. I approach my education in the same way. Every class I complete, every project I participate in, and every skill I develop prepares me for the engineer I hope to become. Success does not happen overnight; it is the result of many thoughtful decisions made over time. Chess has also taught me resilience. Even the best players make mistakes, but one mistake does not have to determine the outcome of the game. Instead of giving up, successful players analyze what went wrong, adjust their strategy, and continue competing. Throughout my education, I have faced difficult coursework that challenged me to become a better student. Rather than becoming discouraged, I learned to adapt my study habits, ask questions, and continue working toward my goals. This perseverance will be essential as I pursue a career in engineering, where solving complex problems often requires multiple attempts before finding the best solution. Another valuable lesson from chess is patience. Winning rarely comes from rushing into action. It comes from evaluating every option, anticipating challenges, and making thoughtful decisions. Engineers must apply this same mindset when designing infrastructure that people rely on every day. Whether developing water management systems or improving flood control, careful planning can have lasting effects on the safety and well-being of entire communities. Finally, chess has strengthened my ability to think critically under pressure. Every game presents new challenges that require creativity, analysis, and confidence. These are the same qualities I hope to bring into my engineering career as I work to develop sustainable solutions for future generations. As a young minority student pursuing higher education, I recognize the opportunities that education can provide. My goal is not only to build a successful career but also to use my skills to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve. Chess has given me more than an enjoyable hobby—it has taught me discipline, resilience, strategic thinking, and patience. These lessons will continue to guide me as I work toward becoming a civil engineer dedicated to improving access to safe and sustainable water resources.

Here is the thing about me that consistently catches people off guard: I am an introvert. I know — on paper, that doesn't sound like much of a revelation. But context matters. I am involved. I show up. I participate in school activities, engage in class, take on roles that require me to be present and visible. From the outside, I apparently read as someone who finds all of that effortless, maybe even energizing. People assume I am naturally outgoing, that I thrive in groups, that social situations are my element. They are usually pretty surprised to find out that after any of it, I need to go be alone for a while. I am not shy — that is the part people mix up. Shyness and introversion are not the same thing, though I spent a long time thinking they were. Shy means afraid. Introvert means that engagement costs energy rather than generating it. I can walk into a room full of people, hold a conversation, give a presentation, be genuinely present — and then go home completely drained in a way that my more extroverted peers do not seem to experience. Where they leave a social situation feeling refueled, I leave needing quiet the way you need water. For a long time I thought something was wrong with me. Everyone around me seemed to find the social parts of school natural and fun, and I was quietly calculating how much alone time I would need afterward to recover. I got good at performing extroversion — smiling at the right moments, asking the follow-up question, staying at the thing longer than I wanted to. I became, functionally, a pretty convincing extrovert on the outside while being a textbook introvert on the inside. What changed was deciding to stop treating that as a problem to solve and start treating it as just... how I am wired. The introversion didn't go away, but the shame around it did. I started being more honest about needing space, more deliberate about where I put my social energy, and more selective about the environments I committed to. Paradoxically, I became more genuinely engaged once I stopped pretending the engagement cost me nothing. There is something I think Charles Brazelton's family would appreciate in this, actually — the idea that who you are on the surface and who you are underneath don't have to match perfectly. Charles was a swimmer in a basketball world, left-handed in a right-handed one. He found his thing and was extraordinary at it, even when it wasn't what people expected. I find that quietly inspiring. My thing is that I show up fully, give what I have, and then go home and recharge in peace. It is not the most dramatic contradiction in the world. But it is genuinely mine, and I have stopped apologizing for it. That feels like the right place to start.

There is something almost uncomfortably accurate about the way Olivia Rodrigo captures the moment when someone moves on and you are still standing in the same spot, wondering how they made it look so easy. "good 4 u" is, on its surface, a breakup song — sharp, sarcastic, and wrapped in the kind of pop-punk energy that makes it easy to scream along to without thinking too hard about the words. But when I sat with the lyrics more carefully, I found something that went beyond heartbreak. I found a portrait of what it feels like to be left behind while everyone else seems to be thriving — and that experience, for me, has had very little to do with romance. The pressure to meet expectations has been one of the defining tensions of my life. Not dramatic, all-at-once pressure, but the steady, accumulating kind — the sense that there is a version of yourself that other people are waiting for you to become, and that you are perpetually slightly behind schedule. I watched peers seem to find their footing effortlessly: clear goals, obvious talents, the confidence of people who have never seriously doubted their direction. Meanwhile, I was doing the internal work that doesn't show up anywhere visible, asking harder questions about who I actually was versus who I was performing for everyone else. That is where "good 4 u" hit differently for me. The song's narrator is watching someone flourish — seemingly unbothered, apparently fine — while she is still processing, still feeling, still figuring it out. The biting irony in the lyrics isn't really about anger at another person. It's about the disorientation of measuring yourself against someone else's highlight reel and coming up short. When Rodrigo sings about the other person moving on without looking back, what I hear is the specific sting of comparison: the feeling that growth is supposed to look a certain way, happen on a certain timeline, and be visible enough for others to notice. What I've learned — slowly, and with some resistance — is that the expectations I was most pressured by were largely ones I had internalized and was enforcing on myself. The external pressure was real, but I was its most diligent enforcer. Rodrigo's music helped me articulate that, oddly enough. Her willingness to write about feelings that are not flattering — jealousy, bitterness, confusion — permitted me to stop performing the version of myself that had everything figured out and start being honest about the process. That honesty has changed how I move through school and toward my future. I stopped treating uncertainty as a personal failure and started treating it as part of the work. I stopped measuring my progress against other people's timelines and started building my own. The expectations I try to meet now are ones I have actually chosen, not inherited. Olivia Rodrigo did not give me any of those insights directly. She just wrote truthfully about her own experience, and in doing so, handed listeners a mirror. Sometimes that is exactly what growing up requires — someone else's honesty about how hard it actually is.

Joe Gilroy kept a to-do list in his shirt pocket every single day. That detail says everything: success is not accidental. It is the result of knowing what needs to be done, writing it down, and doing it. "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan." I have adopted that philosophy as my own, and it is the principle behind every decision I have made about my education and my future in engineering. The Goal My goal is to complete a four-year engineering degree and enter the manufacturing or industrial engineering sector, where I can contribute to the design and optimization of systems and processes that real industries depend on. Engineering is not an abstract ambition for me — it is a field I have deliberately chosen because it combines the technical problem-solving I am drawn to with tangible, practical outcomes. I want to build things and improve things, and I want to do it with precision. The Plan I have broken my path into three phases. Phase One — Funding the Degree (Now through graduation): My total education cost falls in the $10,000–$30,000 range, which requires a systematic and disciplined approach to financing. I am not relying on any single source. I have built a scholarship application pipeline — identifying opportunities by deadline, eligibility, and essay requirements, and working through them consistently rather than sporadically. This scholarship is part of that pipeline. I treat scholarship applications the way an entrepreneur treats a sales funnel: volume matters, but so does targeting the right opportunities and submitting the strongest possible application for each one. I supplement this with federal financial aid and am tracking every dollar of cost against every dollar of incoming support. Phase Two — Academic and Professional Development (Years one through four): Alongside coursework, I am planning for the experiences that turn a degree into a career. This means pursuing internships in manufacturing or industrial settings starting as early as my sophomore year, building technical skills in CAD software and systems analysis, and developing relationships with faculty and industry professionals who can open doors. I have identified specific companies in the engineering and manufacturing sector where I intend to apply for internships, and I am tracking application cycles and requirements now so I am ready when the time comes. Phase Three — Early Career and Long-Term Trajectory: Upon graduation, my target is an entry-level role in process or manufacturing engineering, with a starting salary range that allows me to be financially stable while building experience. Within five years, I aim to move into a project lead or systems engineering role. The longer arc points toward either specialization in a high-demand area of industrial engineering or, eventually, running operations at a smaller manufacturing firm — a goal that feels directly connected to the kind of entrepreneurial, hands-on ownership that Joe Gilroy embodied. Why This Scholarship Matters The $1,315 from this scholarship covers a specific and meaningful portion of my remaining funding gap. In a plan built on precise allocation of resources, every confirmed dollar matters. This award would allow me to reduce the number of loan hours I need to work to cover costs, keeping more of my time and energy directed at academics and career development — exactly where they need to be. Joe Gilroy planned his work and worked his plan. So will I.

There is an image I return to often: my parent, still awake long after I had gone to bed, managing the details of a life built entirely alone. Bills on the table. A calendar marked with work shifts and school events. The quiet, unglamorous work of keeping everything together without a partner to share the weight. I grew up watching that, and it changed me in ways I am still discovering. Being raised by a single parent did not feel like a hardship from the inside — not because it was easy, but because my parent never let it become a reason to expect less. There were sacrifices I only understood in retrospect: the trips that didn't happen, the things we didn't buy, the exhaustion my parent carried and never complained about. What I witnessed, year after year, was someone choosing their child's future over their own comfort, consistently and without fanfare. That image became my standard. If my parent could give that much, the least I could do was make it mean something. That determination has defined my educational journey. I have approached school not as an obligation but as the thing my parent worked to make possible. Every grade, every completed assignment, every moment I pushed through difficulty instead of giving up — these felt personal, connected directly to the sacrifices I had witnessed at home. I wanted my parent to see that the investment was worth it. I still do. But the lesson I absorbed went beyond personal achievement. Watching one person carry so much taught me to notice when others are carrying more than they should have to carry alone. It built in me an instinct to step in, to contribute, to show up for others the way my parent showed up for me. That instinct led me to volunteering, which has become one of the most grounding parts of my life outside the classroom. Giving time to others — whether through mentoring, community service, or simply being present for people who need support — feels like the most honest response I can make to the life I have been given. Looking forward, that commitment to community is not something I plan to leave behind when I finish school. If anything, a college education will expand what I am able to offer. I want to build a career that creates real value for the people around me, and I want to stay rooted in service regardless of what that career looks like. Larry Darnell Green lived a life defined by helping others and giving back — that kind of legacy resonates deeply with me, because I was raised by someone who embodied the same values on a quieter stage. This scholarship would ease a financial burden that is real and present, and it would allow me to move through my education with more focus and less anxiety about cost. More than that, receiving support established in someone's memory carries a responsibility I take seriously: to live and give in a way that honors the intention behind it. My parents showed me what it looks like to sacrifice for someone else's future. I intend to spend mine doing the same.

I have been taught, for as long as I can remember, to give everything I do my full effort. Not because perfection is the goal, but because the people who shaped me believed that showing up completely — in the classroom, on the field, in relationships, in life — is itself a form of integrity. That lesson has become the foundation of who I am, and it is the lens through which I approach everything ahead of me as I prepare to enter college this fall. I am pursuing a degree in engineering and computer science, a path that reflects both my natural strengths and my genuine excitement about what technology can build. I have always been drawn to systems — the way complex problems can be broken into logical steps, the way a well-designed solution can make life more efficient, more accessible, more human. Engineering, to me, is not just a career direction. It is a way of thinking about the world and my responsibility within it: to see what is broken or inefficient or unnecessarily hard, and to work toward something better. That drive to improve things has shown up in how I engage with my community. Through sports and leadership roles, I have learned that the most important skills are rarely the most visible ones. Showing up consistently when it is inconvenient. Keeping the team moving when energy is low. Earning trust through reliability rather than performance. These are the qualities I have tried to build in myself, and they are the ones I intend to carry into college and beyond. Whether I am on an engineering team, in a leadership organization, or eventually in a career where my work touches other people's lives, I want to be the person others can count on. I will not pretend my path has been defined by dramatic hardship. What has shaped my determination is something quieter but no less real: a standard set by the people who raised me and a personal commitment to honor it. I was taught that being your best is not about comparison — it is about accountability to yourself and to the people who invest in you. That belief has pushed me to maintain a strong GPA while staying fully engaged in activities outside the classroom, to take on leadership when it would have been easier to follow, and to keep going on the days when the work felt overwhelming. College will bring new levels of that challenge, and I am ready for it. I also know that the financial reality of a four-year degree is significant. This scholarship would directly reduce the burden my family faces in making this next step possible. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and less on the financial stress that can quietly erode a student's ability to perform and contribute at their highest level. Every dollar of support like this translates into one fewer distraction from the work that matters most. When I read about Treye Knorr — about the life his family hoped he would live, the character and dreams they believed he carried — I felt the weight of that hope. A scholarship created in someone's memory is not just financial assistance. It is an invitation to live with the kind of purpose and intentionality that honors the investment. I do not take that lightly. I intend to build a life of meaningful work, steady contribution, and faithful effort. That is the only way I know how to move forward, and it is the way I plan to begin.

There is a particular feeling that comes with solving a problem that once seemed impossible. A proof clicking into place. A circuit finally behaving the way the equations said it should. For me, that feeling has been a constant thread running through my life — the quiet thrill of understanding something deeply, of wrestling with math and science until the world reveals a little more of its logic. That love is what brought me to engineering. Not a single dramatic turning point, but years of accumulated curiosity — staying after class to understand a concept that didn't need to be understood yet, filling notebooks with problems that had nothing to do with homework, gravitating instinctively toward the hardest questions in the room. Math and science didn't feel like subjects to me. They felt like a language I was born wanting to speak fluently. Engineering is where that language becomes action. It is the discipline that takes the abstract beauty of mathematics and the rigor of science and turns them into things that work — bridges, prosthetics, robots, systems that move and sense and respond. Studying engineering means I get to live inside both worlds simultaneously: the elegance of theory and the concrete satisfaction of building something real. That combination is, for me, irresistible. But my path into this field has also meant something else: learning to belong in spaces that were not always designed with me in mind. As a person of color in engineering, I have sat in classrooms where I could count the students who looked like me on one hand. I have felt the subtle weight of being underrepresented, not just in numbers, but in the assumptions others sometimes carry about who a future engineer looks like. Those experiences did not discourage me. They clarified my purpose. Because representation is not just about fairness, though it is certainly that. It is about what becomes possible when diverse minds enter a field together. The problems engineering must solve — climate resilience, health equity, accessible technology, sustainable infrastructure- are not abstract challenges. They are human ones, and they require people who bring the full range of human experience to the table. My background, my community, my perspective: these are not separate from my engineering work. They are part of what I bring to it. The impact I want most to have is simple but profound: I want to be someone a younger student of color can point to. Someone who proves, by being visible and succeeding, that this path is available to them too. I know what it would have meant to me, earlier in my journey, to see that clearly. I want to be that clarity for someone else. I chose engineering because I love what it demands of my mind. I intend to stay in it and to thrive because of what that presence might mean for those who come after me.

When I first met my mentor, I didn't yet understand what science could actually do. I knew the periodic table. I could balance equations. But science, to me, was something that lived inside textbooks — precise, important, and somehow distant from the world outside my classroom window. That changed the moment my mentor pointed out that window and said, simply, "Chemistry is already out there. The question is whether it's working for people or against them." That sentence reoriented everything. My mentor was involved in environmental advocacy, specifically around water quality and the chemical contamination affecting communities near industrial sites. Watching someone use scientific knowledge not just to understand a problem but to fight for people galvanized something in me. I became fascinated by environmental chemistry, the way pollutants move through ecosystems, how chemical reactions in soil and water can quietly reshape human health over decades, and how the same scientific literacy that industry uses to cause harm can be turned into a tool for accountability and justice. Since then, I've pursued that fascination with real intention. Beyond coursework, I've read extensively about legacy contamination cases, studied the chemistry of heavy metals in drinking water, and explored how organizations use spectroscopy and chemical analysis to build legal cases against polluters. Chemistry stopped being abstract. It became urgent. But passion without communication is incomplete. One of the things my mentor taught me is that science loses its power the moment it becomes inaccessible. A study that no one reads, a finding that no one understands, that doesn't protect anyone. That belief has pushed me to become not just a student of science, but an advocate for it. At school, I tutor peers who struggle with chemistry, and I've made it a point to connect concepts to real-world relevance whenever I can. When we cover solubility, I bring in examples from groundwater contamination. When we study reaction rates, I talk about industrial runoff. I've seen classmates go from glazed eyes to genuine curiosity when they realize chemistry isn't separate from their lives; it is their lives. Beyond school, I've participated in community outreach events focused on environmental awareness. I've helped present information to neighborhood groups about how to interpret local air and water quality data, translating technical reports into language that anyone can act on. These experiences have shown me that science advocacy isn't about performing expertise; it's about building trust and handing people the tools to ask better questions. What is at stake if science isn't championed? Everything. Environmental policy shaped by misinformation. Communities unable to identify what is harming them. A generation that inherits the consequences of decisions made without scientific grounding. I refuse to accept that future as inevitable. Science gave me a way to understand the world. My mentor showed me how it could change. Everything I do now is in service of both.

When I was younger, I began noticing how much infrastructure shapes people’s everyday lives, even when most people never think about it. Clean water, safe roads, drainage systems, and reliable public works all determine the quality of a community. I also realized that many underserved communities often lack the same level of investment and protection. That realization is what inspired me to pursue Civil Engineering and develop an interest in hydrology and infrastructure systems. As a student at University of California, Merced, I chose STEM because I want to build solutions that directly improve people’s lives. Civil engineering combines problem-solving, mathematics, environmental awareness, and service to communities, which are all areas I am passionate about. My interest in hydrology specifically comes from understanding how important water systems are for both environmental sustainability and public safety, especially in places vulnerable to drought, flooding, and aging infrastructure. My short-term goal is to successfully complete my undergraduate degree while gaining hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities, and engineering projects. I want to continue strengthening my technical skills and learning how engineering decisions affect real communities. Long-term, I hope to work on infrastructure and water resource projects that improve sustainability and accessibility for underserved populations. I also want to become someone younger students from underrepresented backgrounds can look up to, proving that success in STEM is possible regardless of where you come from. Being an underrepresented minority in STEM has strongly influenced my goals and motivation. Growing up, I rarely saw people from backgrounds similar to mine represented in engineering and technical fields. At times, that can make these spaces feel intimidating or difficult to navigate. However, instead of discouraging me, it has motivated me even more to succeed. I understand that representation matters. When students see people who look like them succeeding in STEM, it helps them believe they can achieve those same goals as well. My experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. Pursuing a STEM degree requires long hours of studying, discipline, and sacrifice, especially while balancing financial responsibilities and academic pressure. As someone from an underrepresented community, I feel a responsibility not only to succeed for myself, but also to open doors and inspire others who may doubt whether they belong in these fields. This scholarship would significantly help me financially by reducing the burden of educational expenses such as tuition, books, transportation, and other college costs. Financial support would allow me to focus more of my time and energy on academics, professional development, and opportunities that will help me grow as an engineer. More importantly, this scholarship would serve as encouragement that my goals, hard work, and aspirations are recognized and supported. I am committed to using my education to create meaningful change through engineering and environmental sustainability. With continued support and opportunity, I hope to make a lasting impact on both my community and the future of infrastructure development.

Growing up as a Pacific Islander, I was taught that success is never achieved alone. Every accomplishment reflects the sacrifices of family, the strength of culture, and the responsibility to give back to others. Attending college means more to me than earning a degree—it means honoring the struggles and dreams of the generations before me while creating opportunities for the generations that will come after me. As a Samoan student, I understand that my education is not only for myself, but also for my family, my community, and future generations. In our culture, we are taught the importance of faith, respect, service, and perseverance. Those values continue to guide me throughout my academic journey and motivate me to pursue success even when challenges arise. Growing up, I learned that Pacific Islanders are often underrepresented in higher education, especially in fields related to science, engineering, and environmental work. Because of this, attending college means more than earning a degree—it means breaking barriers and proving that students from our communities are capable of making meaningful contributions to society. I currently attend the University of California, Merced as a Civil Engineering student with an interest in hydrology and infrastructure. My goal is to help create systems that improve communities and protect important natural resources such as water. I want to use my education to serve others and make a positive impact, especially in communities that are often overlooked. The values described in this scholarship deeply resonate with me. The phrase “O le ala i le pule o le tautua,” meaning “the path to leadership is service,” reflects the way I try to live my life. Leadership is not about recognition or status, but about helping others and setting an example through hard work and humility. My family has taught me to stay grounded, remain faithful, and continue striving for excellence no matter the obstacles I face. I believe I deserve this scholarship because I am committed to reaching my full potential and using my education to give back to others. College has required discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance, but I continue pushing forward because I know my success represents more than just myself. I carry the hopes of my family and the legacy of my culture with me. Receiving this scholarship would not only help relieve financial stress, but it would also encourage me to continue pursuing my goals and honor the sacrifices made by those before me. The quote “E lele le toloa, ae ma’au lava i le vai” reminds me that no matter how far I go in life, I will always remain connected to my roots, my culture, and my community. As I continue my educational journey, I hope to represent Pacific Islanders with pride and inspire younger generations to believe that they, too, can succeed in higher education and make a difference in the world.

My interest in STEM comes from a desire to understand how the world works and to use that understanding to improve people’s lives. From an early age, I was curious about how cities function—how water reaches homes, how roads support communities, and how infrastructure shapes opportunity. This curiosity led me to pursue civil engineering, where I discovered a passion for hydrology and water systems. STEM is not just an academic path for me; it is a way to solve real problems that affect real communities, especially those that are often overlooked. I hope to make an impact by improving water sustainability, flood protection, and infrastructure equity in vulnerable communities. Access to clean water and safe infrastructure should not depend on income or location, yet many communities continue to face these challenges. Through a career in civil and environmental engineering, I want to design systems that protect people from environmental risks while also preserving natural resources for future generations. As climate change increases pressure on water supplies and infrastructure, engineers have a responsibility to create solutions that are both innovative and equitable. My goal is to be part of that solution. Along my journey, I have faced challenges that tested my persistence and commitment to education. As a student from an underrepresented background pursuing a demanding STEM field, I have had to navigate limited resources, high expectations, and moments of self-doubt. Balancing academic responsibilities with personal and family obligations required discipline, time management, and resilience. There were times when the path forward felt uncertain, but each obstacle strengthened my determination rather than weakening it. These experiences taught me that perseverance is just as important as intelligence in achieving long-term success. Despite these challenges, I have continued to push forward by focusing on growth and opportunity. Through my coursework in physics, mathematics, and engineering, I have gained hands-on experience applying scientific principles to real-world problems. Collaborative projects and laboratory work have helped me develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that are essential in STEM careers. More importantly, these experiences confirmed that I am capable of succeeding in a rigorous field and contributing meaningful ideas. Beyond my personal goals, I am motivated by the opportunity to inspire others. Representation in STEM matters, and I hope that my journey can encourage younger students from similar backgrounds to believe that they belong in science and engineering. By mentoring, sharing my experiences, and staying connected to my community, I want to help create pathways for future innovators. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education financially but also affirm my commitment to making a positive difference through STEM. I am driven by curiosity, strengthened by adversity, and focused on impact. Through civil engineering and hydrology, I plan to build safer, more sustainable communities and contribute to a future where opportunity and essential resources are accessible to all.

Paragraph Selection (Ancient Text) Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book II (trans. Gregory Hays) “Begin the morning by saying to yourself, I shall meet with busybody, the ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful, envious, unsocial. All these things happen to them by reason of their ignorance of what is good and evil. I can neither be harmed by any of them, nor can I be angry with my kinsman, nor hate him; for we are made for co-operation.” Thesis In this passage, Marcus Aurelius argues that inner peace is not achieved by avoiding conflict or injustice, but by understanding the moral ignorance of others and choosing rational compassion over emotional reaction; the true discipline he promotes is mastery of one’s own judgments rather than control of the external world. Close Reading and Analysis At first glance, Marcus Aurelius appears to be offering a pessimistic forecast of human behavior. The opening sentence lists negative traits—“busybody, ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful”—as inevitable encounters. However, the purpose of this anticipation is not cynicism, but preparation. By beginning the morning with this reflection, Marcus is training the mind to remain stable when confronted with difficulty. The underlying claim is that suffering is intensified not by events themselves, but by our surprise and emotional resistance to them. The phrase “by reason of their ignorance of what is good and evil” is central to Marcus’s moral philosophy. He does not describe wrongdoing as malice, but as ignorance. This distinction reframes moral failure as a cognitive error rather than an intentional assault. In Stoic thought, ignorance is a flaw to be understood, not a crime to be punished emotionally. By redefining harm as misunderstanding rather than hostility, Marcus dissolves the justification for anger. Anger, in this framework, is not righteous—it is irrational. This logic is reinforced by the claim, “I can neither be harmed by any of them.” Marcus is not denying physical harm or injustice; instead, he is redefining harm as something that occurs only when one’s moral character is compromised. If virtue is the highest good, then insults, deception, or social friction cannot truly damage the self unless one allows them to corrupt judgment or behavior. This redefinition transfers power from the external world to the internal one. Control over reaction becomes the primary site of ethical responsibility. The sentence “nor can I be angry with my kinsman” reveals another layer of meaning. Marcus refers to all people as kin, extending familial obligation beyond bloodlines to humanity as a whole. This is not sentimental universalism; it is philosophical consistency. If all humans share rationality, then they share moral membership. Anger toward others, then, becomes not only irrational but incoherent—it is hostility toward one’s own nature. The Stoic self is inseparable from the social whole. The concluding phrase, “for we are made for co-operation,” clarifies the ethical aim of the passage. Human beings are not isolated moral projects but interdependent agents. Marcus suggests that cooperation is not a preference but a design principle of human existence. To act against others through hatred or resentment is to violate one’s own function, much like a tool being used improperly. Moral failure, therefore, is not emotional weakness but functional error. What makes this passage especially powerful is its implicit discipline. Marcus is not excusing harmful behavior or advocating passivity. Instead, he is insisting that ethical clarity must precede action. By stripping emotional reaction of its authority, he demands a higher standard: deliberate response grounded in reason. Compassion here is not softness, but strength—the strength to refuse being ruled by impulse. In a modern context, this passage challenges contemporary assumptions about justice and self-expression. Anger is often framed as authenticity, and reaction as empowerment. Marcus offers a counterargument: that freedom is found not in the expression of emotion, but in the governance of it. His philosophy suggests that reacting without reflection is a form of enslavement to circumstance. Ultimately, Marcus Aurelius teaches that peace is an active practice, not a passive state. The morning exercise he describes is a ritual of intellectual armor—anticipating adversity not to despair, but to remain intact. The underlying meaning of the text is not resignation, but responsibility: responsibility for one’s judgments, values, and conduct in a world that will never conform to individual expectations. By reframing human conflict as ignorance rather than malice, and by locating harm within moral failure rather than external offense, Marcus Aurelius provides a timeless model of resilience. His message is demanding but liberating: the world may be chaotic, but the self need not be.

Loss hit me when I was just figuring out who I really was, you know, and what kind of future I might want. It was the death of someone who meant a lot, and it messed with my everyday stuff, plus how I thought about time and what should come first in life. Resilience, too, has got a whole new meaning. I carry that grief around still, kind of quietly, and it's changing my view on things even now, I think. Right after it happened, the world felt so much heavier. Like, going to classes or just planning what to do next, those things that used to be easy, they took real work. Grief can make you feel so alone, especially at school, where everyone else keeps going as if nothing happened. Some days, just getting out of bed and showing up was all I could manage, and that felt like enough. I didn't realize I had that kind of strength in me to keep up with school through it all. It took time, but this whole thing started changing me inside. I had to slow down a bit, think about what actually counts. Empathy came easier after that, in a way that nothing else taught me. Now I notice how people hide their own hard stuff, and I'm more patient with myself and others. Resilience isn't about not feeling the hurt; it's about going on while remembering what you lost. That part still unfolds for me sometimes. My goals shifted because of it, and how I see life overall. Success isnt just hitting marks or getting ahead anymore. Purpose matters more, and making a difference, plus keeping some balance. I want to build something solid for myself, but also help out others in real ways. Knowing life can break so easily, it makes me want to use school and chances on purpose, not waste them. When challenges come now, academically or whatever, I handle them differently. Setbacks don't seem as big next to something permanent like loss. Stress or not knowing what next, I'm tougher with that. I keep pushing even if it's slow, because sticking with it counts. This has made me more driven, not less, I guess. Gratitude is the big lesson, though. I try to notice the now more, hold onto people close, chase things that fit what I believe. Grief sticks around in my story, but it doesn't own me; it builds me up. Compassion, sticking through, and having purpose, those are what I value now. It seems like that shapes everything. That scholarship means a lot beyond the money part. It sees the guts it takes to keep going after losing someone. I use what happened as fuel to live big and work steady, honoring their memory by making a life that's strong and full of real meaning.

Faith has been a steady presence in my life, especially during moments of uncertainty, pressure, and self-doubt. As the child of immigrants who came to the United States with limited resources but limitless hope, I grew up witnessing how faith can ground a person when there is no clear roadmap forward. My belief in God has not only shaped who I am morally, but has also guided how I approach challenges, responsibility, and long-term goals. Throughout my life, faith has helped me persevere when circumstances felt overwhelming. There were times when financial stress, academic pressure, and family responsibilities made my goals feel distant. In those moments, prayer and reflection gave me clarity and peace, reminding me that setbacks are not failures but growth opportunities. Faith taught me patience when results did not come immediately and humility when I needed to ask for help. It helped me trust that effort paired with integrity would eventually lead to progress. Growing up in a household where sacrifice was necessary, my faith reinforced the importance of gratitude and discipline. My parents modeled resilience through their actions, and faith gave meaning to their perseverance. Watching them work tirelessly while remaining grounded in their values taught me that success is not just about achievement, but about character. This perspective has stayed with me throughout my educational journey and continues to shape my decisions today. As I pursue a degree in civil engineering with an interest in hydrology, my faith will remain central to how I approach my career. Engineering is a profession built on trust—people rely on engineers to design systems that protect lives, communities, and resources. My faith calls me to act with honesty, accountability, and service, ensuring that the work I do benefits others and prioritizes safety and sustainability over shortcuts or personal gain. Integrity is not optional in this field, and my faith reinforces that responsibility. Additionally, my faith encourages me to think beyond personal success. I hope to use my education to serve communities that are often overlooked, particularly those facing infrastructure and environmental challenges. Whether it is improving water systems or contributing to resilient infrastructure, I want my work to reflect compassion and stewardship. Faith reminds me that leadership means service and that true success is measured by impact, not status. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it affirms the idea that ambition and morality can coexist. Like the immigrants honored by this scholarship, I strive to work hard, remain faithful to my values, and build a future rooted in integrity. With faith as my foundation, I am confident that I can pursue success without losing sight of who I am or why I began this journey.

I am a student-athlete who has learned to balance discipline, responsibility, and perseverance through both academics and sports. Being part of a team has shaped how I approach challenges in all areas of my life, teaching me accountability, leadership, and resilience. These lessons extend far beyond the field and into my education, family life, and future aspirations. Family has always been the foundation of who I am. My family dynamic is rooted in support, sacrifice, and shared responsibility. While we may not always have had access to abundant resources, we have always prioritized hard work, integrity, and commitment. My family has been my motivation to push forward when things feel overwhelming, especially during moments when balancing school, athletics, and personal responsibilities becomes difficult. Their belief in me fuels my determination to succeed, not only for myself but for them as well. Athletics have played a central role in my development. Being a student-athlete requires time management, mental toughness, and consistency—qualities that I carry into the classroom. Practices, competitions, and conditioning have taught me how to handle pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and stay focused on long-term goals. Sports have also taught me the importance of competition done with respect, pushing myself while uplifting teammates. These values closely align with the principles Stephan Laurence Wolley stood for: family, faith, and competition. My educational journey has not always been straightforward, but it has been purposeful. I am currently pursuing a college education to earn my undergraduate degree and build a meaningful career. Navigating higher education has required me to be proactive—seeking guidance, managing financial concerns, and staying committed even when the path feels uncertain. As a student-athlete, I’ve learned that progress is earned daily, whether that means early morning workouts or late nights studying. Looking ahead, my plans center on creating impact through both my career and my character. I want to use my education to contribute to my community in a meaningful way while continuing to embody the values athletics have instilled in me: discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I also hope to serve as a role model for younger students who may feel that balancing sports and academics is impossible. I want to show them that dedication to both is not only achievable but also powerful. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it represents belief. Belief in student-athletes who strive to excel in every aspect of their lives, and belief in turning tragedy into opportunity. Carrying forward Stephan Laurence Wolley’s legacy through ambition, drive, and impact would be an honor, and I am committed to making the most of that opportunity.

Entering higher education has always felt both hopeful and intimidating to me because I am navigating a system my family never had the opportunity to experience. As a second-generation immigrant, college has represented possibility, stability, and growth—but also uncertainty and fear. My parents worked hard to provide for my siblings and me, yet higher education was never something they could guide me through. As a result, pursuing a bachelor’s degree has required learning how to succeed in an unfamiliar space while carrying the responsibility of honoring the sacrifices that made this opportunity possible. Growing up, education was emphasized as the pathway to a better life, even if the details of that path were unclear. My parents encouraged hard work and perseverance, but financial aid forms, academic planning, internships, and long-term career preparation were things I had to learn on my own. This lack of generational knowledge often made me feel like an outsider—someone trying to decode unspoken rules while keeping up academically. There were moments when I questioned whether I truly belonged in college, especially when faced with peers who seemed more prepared or supported. Despite these concerns, my background has also become my greatest source of motivation. Seeing my family work tirelessly without the benefits of higher education instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and drive. I am pursuing a degree in civil engineering with an interest in hydrology because I want my education to directly improve communities like my own—communities that are often underserved and vulnerable to environmental and infrastructure challenges. Water access, flood control, and sustainable infrastructure are not abstract concepts to me; they are real issues that affect real families. My hopes for higher education center on creating a lasting impact. I hope to gain the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to contribute to resilient infrastructure systems and equitable resource management. I want to be someone who bridges gaps—between communities and institutions, between data and people, and between opportunity and access. At the same time, I fear the financial burden that comes with pursuing this path. Rising tuition and living costs add pressure, not only on me, but on my entire family, who already carry significant responsibilities. Still, I continue forward because I understand what is at stake. Higher education is not just a personal achievement for me; it is a step toward breaking generational barriers and setting an example for my younger siblings and others who may feel excluded from academic spaces. My experience as an outsider has taught me resilience, adaptability, and purpose. These qualities fuel my ambition and passion, and they are what drive me to succeed—not only for myself, but for the community that shaped me.

What I want to build is more than a structure—it’s a system that protects people, resources, and futures. As a student pursuing civil engineering with a focus on hydrology, I want to help build resilient water infrastructure that supports communities before problems become disasters. Water is something many people take for granted until there is too much of it, too little of it, or it becomes unsafe. I want to be part of the generation of engineers that plans ahead rather than reacts too late. Growing up, I became aware of how infrastructure quietly shapes everyday life. Flooded streets, drought restrictions, aging drainage systems, and unequal access to clean water aren’t abstract concepts—they directly affect families, neighborhoods, and local economies. These experiences pushed me to think deeply about how engineering decisions impact real people, especially communities that are often overlooked. I realized that building strong infrastructure is also about building trust, safety, and long-term stability. Through my education, I hope to build solutions that balance technical precision with environmental responsibility. In hydrology, this means designing systems that manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, and protect natural waterways while accounting for climate change and population growth. I want to help communities adapt rather than suffer as environmental challenges increase. That goal drives my commitment to learning not just how systems work, but why they matter. Building my future also means building myself—developing discipline, ethical responsibility, and a mindset focused on service. Engineering requires persistence and problem-solving, especially when solutions aren’t obvious. Every class, project, and challenge is part of constructing the skills I’ll need to contribute meaningfully to society. The impact I hope to make extends beyond my own career. By working in civil engineering and hydrology, I aim to contribute to safer neighborhoods, sustainable development, and more equitable access to reliable infrastructure. When communities have systems they can depend on, people have the freedom to focus on education, health, and opportunity rather than survival. This scholarship would support my journey by helping me continue building toward that future—one where thoughtful engineering strengthens communities and creates lasting positive change. What I want to develop is a career rooted in purpose, and an infrastructure that stands as quiet proof that someone planned with care.

Mental health is important to me as a student because it shapes every part of how we learn, grow, and show up in the world. Academic success is often measured by grades, test scores, and achievements, but behind those numbers are real people navigating stress, loss, pressure, and uncertainty. I have learned that mental health is not separate from education—it is the foundation that makes learning possible. Throughout my life, I have seen how mental health challenges can quietly affect motivation, focus, and self-worth. I experienced this personally during periods of loss and transition, especially as I prepared for college while coping with grief and emotional strain. During those moments, I realized how easy it is for students to feel isolated while still being expected to perform at their best. That experience reshaped how I view success—not as perfection, but as persistence, honesty, and asking for help when it’s needed. Because of this, I advocate for mental health in my community by being present and open with the people around me. I make an effort to check in on friends and classmates, especially during stressful periods like exams or major life changes. Sometimes advocacy isn’t about having the right words—it’s about listening without judgment and making people feel seen. I’ve learned that simply giving someone space to talk can make a meaningful difference. Within my home and school community, I also try to normalize conversations about mental health. I openly acknowledge that stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles are valid experiences, not weaknesses. By sharing my own challenges when appropriate, I hope to create an environment where others feel less pressure to hide what they’re going through. These conversations help reduce stigma and remind people that they are not alone. As a student pursuing a demanding field, I am especially aware of how high expectations can lead people to neglect their well-being. I advocate for balance—encouraging rest, healthy boundaries, and seeking support rather than pushing through burnout. Mental health awareness is not about lowering standards; it’s about giving students the tools to meet them sustainably. Mental health matters to me because I have seen how compassion can change outcomes. When students feel supported emotionally, they are more likely to succeed academically and personally. Through empathy, openness, and advocacy in everyday interactions, I aim to be part of a community that values mental well-being as much as achievement. By continuing to support others and speak openly about mental health, I hope to contribute to a culture where students are empowered to thrive—not just survive.

I remember seeing Wicked for the first time, thinking it would just be this fun fantasy thing in Oz with all the colors and magic. But it hit me in a way I did not see coming, like it was talking right about stuff in my own life. The whole story is not only a musical, it digs into who you are, bouncing back from hard things, and holding onto yourself when everyone else gets it wrong. Elphabas part really got to me. She gets called wicked, but its not her personality, its because she wont just fit in with what people want. I watched her deal with feeling different, yet she still picks kindness over everything, and that brought back times when I tried to do what felt right but ended up feeling left out. The song Defying Gravity, that one shows the bravery to push past what others expect, and the fear that comes with it. When she chooses not to hide anymore, it kind of felt personal, like growth means dealing with some messiness along the way. Glinda changes too, and its interesting how she starts off chasing popularity and what looks good to everyone else. It seems easy to fall into that, getting validation from outside, but then realizing deeper stuff matters more as you get older. Their friendship comes through in For Good, how people change you even if you go separate ways. That idea stuck around when I was going through shifts in friendships, or dealing with loss, times when things felt shaky and uncertain. Wicked makes you question the tales we hear all the time. Like, who decides someone is wrong, or who tells the story in the first place, and history skips over the complicated parts a lot. I think those ideas pushed me to look at things more carefully, challenge what I assume, and try to understand people instead of jumping to judge. With the movie coming out soon, it will probably bring all this to more folks who have not seen it yet. Im sort of excited about that. The show made me want to own my quirks more, stick to what I believe, even if its not simple. Being yourself might be tough, but worth it, I guess. It still echoes for me after everything ends.

Ever since I first heard about the Wright brothers, I’ve been hooked on the magic of flight. There’s just something wild about the way people figured out how to get a hunk of metal off the ground—using creativity, physics, and a whole lot of problem-solving. Flying isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s where everything I love about engineering comes together. As someone diving into civil engineering with a focus on hydrology, I see aviation as proof that applying science can actually change the world. Every plane, every takeoff, every new design—these are stories of stubborn curiosity and technical grit. That spark, honestly, is what drives me as a student and a problem-solver. My obsession with flight started when I was a kid, soaking up stories about early pilots and poring over books on aircraft design. The science behind lift and propulsion isn’t just some formula on a page—it’s real. You can see it every time a plane leaves the runway. For an engineer, aviation is this giant experiment that never stops, where theory explodes into action, reliability, and safety. Watching a plane take off, I can’t help but think about all the brains and teamwork involved in making that moment happen. But flying’s taught me more than just science. It’s hammered home patience, sharp attention to detail, and the kind of perseverance you need to see things through. Logging flight hours and finishing training isn’t all that different from working on an engineering project—it takes planning, precision, and being ready for whatever curveballs come your way. Each flight reminds me to stay disciplined and creative, whether I’m mapping out a water system, designing infrastructure, or pulling off a tricky maneuver up in the clouds. Aviation pushes me to chase new limits, but also to respect just how complex these systems really are. Joining the Civil Club has been a game-changer. It’s more than just flying planes—it’s about belonging to a group that values learning, skill, and curiosity. We swap stories, share advice, and push each other to get better. It’s a lot like what engineers do: working together, learning, and building things that matter. Pilots make their mark on the skies, just like engineers shape the world below. That’s the kind of impact I want to have—combining my passion for engineering and aviation with focus, creativity, and a real drive to contribute. This scholarship would help me keep chasing my dream of flight while letting me zero in on my studies and grow as a professional. It would give me the freedom to bring what I learn in the cockpit—precision, innovation, and grit—straight into my engineering career. Kevin Howard set the bar high when it comes to passion and excellence in aviation, and I want to honor that legacy by flying with the same energy, curiosity, and respect for the engineering wonder that is flight. For me, flying isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s discovery, it’s proof of what people can do, and it’s a source of constant inspiration. It keeps me thinking sharp, pushing boundaries, and tackling the world’s toughest problems with open eyes and ambition.

If I had to pick one challenge that really shaped me, it’s learning to keep going when there just wasn’t enough time, money, energy, you name it—while everyone still expected my best. I grew up knowing the playing field wasn’t exactly level. Some people get more chances than others. That stings, but it’s real. What it taught me, though, is that you can’t just wait around for things to get easier. You need grit, patience, and sometimes a bit of creativity to make your own way. Juggling schoolwork, family duties, and money worries forced me to get good at handling stress without losing sight of what I wanted long-term. I stopped seeing those pressures as roadblocks. Instead, they became fuel. I pushed harder, stayed focused, and, honestly, built up a toughness I didn’t know I had. Funny enough, one of my favorite ways to recharge was something as simple as stamp collecting. On the surface, it sounds old-fashioned, but for me, it was a window to the world. Every stamp has its own story—some lost piece of history, a glimpse into another culture, a message from a different time. Sorting through them, tracking down their origins, I learned patience and realized how much detail and care go into preserving stories, big and small. It also opened my eyes to how connected people are, even if they’re separated by oceans and decades. Stamp collecting was more than a hobby. It grounded me, especially when life felt shaky. Something is calming about putting things in order, one piece at a time. That rhythm seeped into my schoolwork and my daily life. I stopped thinking I needed to sprint to the finish. Real progress is slow, steady, and built on consistency. If I get this scholarship, it would lift a huge weight. I could spend less time stressing about money and more time helping others—especially younger students who are facing the same uphill battles I did. I want to be the mentor I wish I’d had: someone who offers real advice, encouragement, and support for figuring out school and life beyond it. I also want to use what I’m learning to pitch in on community projects that make a real difference where I live. And, I’d love to share my stamp collecting passion with others. It’s an underrated way to get kids interested in history, geography, and the bigger world. I can see myself weaving it into tutoring sessions, workshops, or youth programs—helping curiosity take root outside the classroom. This scholarship wouldn’t just help me stay in school. It would let me turn everything I’ve learned—about persistence, patience, and the importance of stories—into action. Progress, like a stamp collection, comes together piece by piece, with care and intention. I want to build something worth sharing, and give back as much as I can along the way.

I’m an undergrad studying civil engineering, and honestly, I’m here because I want to build systems that really matter—things that help and protect people. My time in college has been about pushing through, stepping up, and aiming high. Those are the same values that Kalia D. Davis stood for, and I try to carry them with me every day, whether I’m in class, volunteering, or just trying to grow as a person. School keeps me busy, but I’ve always made room for more. Sports, for example, taught me so much more than just how to play. I learned how to stick with my goals, hold myself accountable, and work as part of a team. That stuff sticks with you. Pressure situations on the field forced me to lead and support others, and that mindset spills over into everything I do now. I’m convinced that showing up, doing the work, and staying honest matters way more than just natural talent. But it’s not only about grades or games for me. I care deeply about giving back. Volunteering opened my eyes to just how much a community can change when people have access to good education, solid infrastructure, and basic resources. That’s a big reason why I chose civil engineering in the first place, especially with a focus on water and environmental systems. I want to design projects that work for everyone, not just the lucky few. Fair, sustainable solutions—that’s the goal. What really hits home for me about Kalia D. Davis is her drive and the way she lifted others up as she worked toward her own goals. She set a standard for leadership, kindness, and service—qualities I hope to live up to. I want to be that person other people can count on, someone who brings energy and encouragement wherever I go. Kalia’s approach—living, loving, laughing, learning, and leaving something real behind—reminds me that real success is about making an impact, not just stacking up awards. This scholarship would be a game-changer. It would give me the financial breathing room to focus on school instead of worrying about money. I’d be able to dive deeper into internships, research, or service projects that really build my skills and make me a better engineer. Less stress means more time and energy to become the kind of professional—and person—I want to be. In the end, I’m here to use what I learn to serve others. I want to build infrastructure that actually improves lives, protects the environment, and supports communities. Winning this scholarship would honor Kalia D. Davis’s legacy and push me to keep reaching higher, making a real difference wherever I can. I’m committed to carrying forward her values and making sure her impact keeps growing—through action, through service, through every project I take on.

The person who has had the biggest impact on my life is my uncle, whose passing shortly before I began college dramatically shaped my perspective on life, resilience, and ambition. Losing him was a profound loss, leaving me to navigate grief while simultaneously adjusting to the responsibilities of higher education. That period challenged me in ways I had never experienced, forcing me to confront the fragility of life and the importance of making the most of every opportunity. My uncle’s influence extended beyond his presence—he modeled dedication, kindness, and the value of supporting others. He was always someone I could turn to for guidance, encouragement, and perspective. His passing left a void, but it also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to carry forward the lessons he taught through his example. I realized that life is fleeting, and the best way to honor those we lose is to use their influence as a guide for our own growth and contributions to the world. This experience taught me resilience and self-reliance. Transitioning into college while processing grief required discipline, focus, and emotional strength. I found myself balancing academic demands with personal healing, learning to channel my emotions into productivity rather than letting them hold me back. It also strengthened my empathy, helping me better understand the struggles of others and the importance of offering support when people are facing hardship. The loss of my uncle has influenced both my educational and personal ambitions. I am pursuing a degree in civil engineering with a focus on hydrology, motivated by a desire to make tangible improvements to communities, such as designing resilient water systems and infrastructure that protect and serve others. In many ways, my career choice reflects a dedication to service and problem-solving, qualities I admired in my uncle and now seek to embody in my own life. Beyond academics, this event has motivated me to create stronger connections with those around me. I make a conscious effort to foster bonds with friends and family, organize small gatherings, and support peers, understanding how meaningful these connections can be. The grief I experienced has reinforced my belief that even small acts of kindness and community-building matter—they honor those we have lost and strengthen the fabric of our own communities. Ultimately, my uncle’s passing was a pivotal event that reshaped my perspective, instilled resilience, and motivated me to act with purpose. While I deeply miss his presence, his impact lives on in the choices I make, the goals I pursue, and the way I support others. His life and the lessons he imparted continue to guide me toward becoming someone who contributes meaningfully to the world, even in the face of loss and adversity.

Growing up in a single-parent household until I was seven taught me lessons that continue to shape my values, ambitions, and approach to life. My parent worked tirelessly to provide for our family, balancing financial responsibilities with emotional support, all while maintaining a sense of stability and love. Witnessing that level of dedication instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and perseverance—qualities I carry into every aspect of my education and personal growth. Being raised in a single-parent home also gave me a firsthand understanding of sacrifice and the importance of community. I saw how my parent often put the needs of the family above their own, which inspired me to develop empathy and a strong sense of responsibility from a young age. These experiences made me aware of the challenges that many people face, particularly in families where resources are limited, and motivated me to contribute positively wherever I can. Education became my way to honor those sacrifices. I pursued my studies with dedication, recognizing that success could provide not only personal growth but also opportunities to create a positive impact for others. As a civil engineering student with a focus on hydrology, I am drawn to solving real-world problems that affect communities—such as designing water systems that improve access, sustainability, and safety. My background has made me especially mindful of the needs of underserved communities, and I hope to use my skills to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Beyond academics, I aim to use my talents to support and uplift others in meaningful ways. Whether through mentoring younger students, volunteering in community initiatives, or contributing to projects that improve public spaces and infrastructure, I want to help people overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. Growing up in a single-parent household taught me that support and encouragement can change the trajectory of a person’s life, and I hope to be a source of that for others. The lessons I learned during my early years continue to guide me: resilience in the face of challenge, the value of hard work, and the power of empathy and service. These principles shape not only my goals but also the way I interact with the world. I aspire to use my education and abilities to improve the lives of others, addressing both practical challenges and social needs, and to honor the sacrifices of my parent by making a lasting positive impact. Ultimately, my experience growing up in a single-parent household gave me a foundation of strength, perseverance, and compassion. It showed me that challenges can be transformed into motivation, and that dedication and service can create meaningful change. I hope to carry these lessons into my career and community involvement, using my talents to help people, build stronger communities, and inspire those who, like me, are working to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.

Life does not always follow the path we expect, and for me, that reality became clear as I faced challenges transitioning into college. The loss of my uncle right before starting my first year was a profound blow, leaving me navigating grief while adjusting to new academic and personal responsibilities. That experience made me realize the importance of resilience, self-direction, and seeking opportunities to create positive change, not only for myself but for others around me. I want to make a change in my life because I refuse to let circumstances define my future. Adversity has taught me that setbacks are not permanent, and with focus, effort, and guidance, it is possible to move forward and create meaningful impact. In practical terms, I have taken steps to pursue my goals despite obstacles: I maintain a rigorous academic schedule as a civil engineering student, apply for scholarships to ease financial pressures, and dedicate time to community service and mentorship. These steps allow me to build both the skills and the support system necessary to succeed while preparing me to help others along the way. This scholarship would help me continue moving toward my goals by providing resources that reduce financial stress and allow me to focus on both my studies and service initiatives. With less burden, I can devote more energy to pursuing projects that have tangible impacts on my community, such as volunteering in educational workshops, supporting younger students in STEM, and contributing to infrastructure-focused initiatives that improve local quality of life. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my personal growth but would also amplify the effect of my efforts on others. I plan to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting individuals who face obstacles similar to those I have experienced. Just as Nelson Vecchione believed in giving people a second chance, I aim to offer guidance, encouragement, and tangible assistance to peers and community members who may be struggling. By sharing my experiences, listening to others, and creating opportunities for growth, I hope to continue the cycle of support and empowerment that can have lasting effects far beyond a single interaction. In essence, adversity has shown me both the fragility and the potential of life. By committing to my education, serving my community, and embracing the philosophy of second chances, I strive to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. This scholarship would enable me to continue on that path, strengthen my ability to make a difference, and ensure that I can extend the same hope, guidance, and second chances to others, just as Nelson inspired through his life and legacy.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in civil engineering, with a focus on hydrology, because I am fascinated by how the natural world interacts with human-built systems and how thoughtful design can protect and improve communities. Water is essential to life, yet many communities face challenges with access, safety, and sustainability. By studying hydrology, I can contribute to solutions that address these critical issues while also ensuring that infrastructure is equitable, resilient, and environmentally responsible. My interest in STEM stems from a curiosity about how things work and a desire to understand problems at both a technical and systemic level. Engineering challenges are rarely simple—they require creativity, analysis, and collaboration, all skills I enjoy exercising. Beyond solving technical problems, I am drawn to STEM because of the tangible impact it can have on people’s lives. Building water systems, designing flood prevention measures, or implementing sustainable urban infrastructure are ways that engineering directly improves communities, particularly those that are often overlooked or underserved. As a person of color in STEM, I recognize the importance of representation. Historically, underrepresented groups have faced barriers that limited their participation and visibility in technical fields. Being part of this space not only allows me to pursue my own passions, but also to serve as a visible example for younger students who may not see themselves reflected in science or engineering. I hope to inspire others to pursue STEM careers by sharing my experiences, mentoring students, and highlighting how diverse perspectives contribute to innovation. Representation is not just about presence—it is about demonstrating that talent, determination, and creativity are not bound by race or background. In the future, I aim to combine technical expertise with community-focused initiatives. Beyond traditional engineering projects, I want to engage in outreach and education, showing students from underrepresented backgrounds that STEM is accessible and impactful. By addressing real-world problems while fostering inclusivity, I can help shape a STEM community that is diverse, collaborative, and capable of tackling challenges from multiple perspectives. My ultimate goal is to contribute solutions that improve the quality of life, empower communities, and encourage the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. Choosing STEM is more than an academic decision—it is a commitment to using knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference. As a BIPOC student, I carry both the responsibility and the opportunity to show that diverse voices strengthen the field. Through my studies, my work, and my mentorship, I hope to leave a positive mark on the STEM community and create a more equitable, innovative, and sustainable future for all.

Fishing has always been more than a hobby for me—it is a way to practice patience, respect, and perseverance, qualities that carry over into both my academic and community life. Whether casting a line in a quiet pond or learning new techniques, I approach fishing with dedication and a willingness to learn from every experience. Like Travis Ely, I believe that success is not measured only by results, but by the effort, integrity, and respect demonstrated along the way. On the water, I strive to embody sportsmanship by respecting fellow anglers and the natural environment. I adhere to sustainable practices, such as catch-and-release when appropriate, and take care to minimize my impact on the ecosystems I enjoy. Fishing requires patience and focus, but it also requires humility—accepting that not every trip will be perfect, that mistakes are opportunities to grow, and that collaboration and respect for others enhance the experience for everyone. These lessons translate directly to my work in the community and in school: teamwork, empathy, and resilience are just as important as technical skill. In my community, I exemplify character and work ethic by committing to service and leadership roles. I have volunteered at local educational workshops, mentoring younger students and helping them develop practical skills and confidence. I also participate in neighborhood initiatives, such as cleanups and donation drives, approaching each project with consistency and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. These efforts mirror the dedication I bring to fishing: a commitment to showing up, putting in the work, and being someone others can rely on. My academic journey in civil engineering, with a focus on hydrology, further reflects my dedication and work ethic. Hydrology requires precision, problem-solving, and long-term planning—qualities that are also essential on the water and in building strong communities. I approach every project with the same care and persistence I bring to fishing: analyzing challenges, applying effort, and seeking solutions that benefit not just myself, but the people and environment around me. The legacy of Travis Ely resonates with me because it represents the combination of passion, integrity, and service. His dedication to his craft, his studies, and his community demonstrates the kind of life I aspire to lead. By practicing patience, respect, and perseverance in both fishing and my community involvement, I aim to honor that legacy and continue embodying the values he represented. Whether on the water or in my neighborhood, I strive to contribute positively, maintain high standards of conduct, and work tirelessly to make a meaningful impact on those around me.

Giving back has always been an integral part of who I am. Growing up, I witnessed the ways small acts of service could ripple through a community, changing not only the immediate circumstances of those helped but also inspiring others to contribute. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and the belief that service is not just an obligation—it is a way to leave a meaningful impact on the world. In my own life, I have pursued opportunities to serve through volunteering, mentoring, and community engagement. I have helped organize and participate in local educational workshops, guiding younger students in STEM and fostering curiosity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. In addition, I have contributed to neighborhood initiatives, such as organizing donation drives, environmental cleanups, and community projects aimed at improving shared spaces. Each project has taught me that service is about more than completing tasks; it is about listening, understanding the needs of others, and finding ways to use one’s skills and resources for the greater good. My interest in civil engineering, specifically hydrology, is also tied to my commitment to service. Infrastructure and water systems directly affect the well-being of communities, influencing public health, safety, and quality of life. By pursuing this field, I aim to combine technical expertise with a service-oriented mindset to design solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and resilient. Whether addressing flood risks, improving water accessibility, or implementing environmentally conscious designs, I see engineering as a platform for positive change that impacts both individuals and entire communities. Looking to the future, I plan to continue serving both directly and indirectly. Beyond my career, I want to mentor students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, in STEM and community service. I hope to encourage the next generation to recognize their ability to make a difference, no matter their age or resources. By fostering educational opportunities, promoting environmental stewardship, and designing infrastructure that protects communities, I aim to create tangible benefits while inspiring others to do the same. The legacy of Priscilla Shireen Luke resonates deeply with me because it reflects the power of selfless service. Her commitment to bettering the lives of others is the kind of example I strive to follow in my own life. Giving back is not just a one-time act; it is a lifelong dedication to improving the world around you. Through both my career and personal efforts, I aim to carry forward this legacy, using my skills, knowledge, and compassion to create a world that is safer, stronger, and more inclusive for future generations.

Mental health is often overlooked in communities, yet it has a profound impact on individuals’ well-being, performance, and opportunities. Growing up, I witnessed friends and family members struggle with stress, anxiety, and grief, and I realized how essential support and understanding are for emotional resilience. While my academic path is in civil engineering with a focus on hydrology, I have consistently sought ways to support those around me mentally and emotionally, recognizing that healthy minds are necessary for thriving communities. In high school and college, I often served as a listener and mentor for peers navigating personal challenges. Whether it was helping a friend cope with loss, guiding classmates through stressful academic projects, or simply being present during difficult times, I learned that offering empathy, encouragement, and a nonjudgmental ear can make a meaningful difference. I also promoted mental wellness indirectly through teamwork, leadership, and collaboration, creating environments where individuals felt safe, supported, and valued—whether on group projects, volunteer initiatives, or community events. As I continue my studies, I plan to integrate mental health advocacy into my work in engineering and community projects. Infrastructure, especially water and environmental systems, affects the quality of life and well-being of entire communities. I aim to design solutions that not only meet technical standards but also reduce stress and promote security for the people who rely on them. For example, resilient water systems can alleviate the anxiety and hardship caused by floods or contamination, directly improving community mental health alongside physical safety. Beyond technical solutions, I hope to mentor younger students and peers in STEM, fostering a culture where mental health is valued as much as academic success. By sharing coping strategies, encouraging self-care, and creating supportive networks, I can help others develop resilience and confidence as they pursue their goals. Supporting mental health is not limited to clinical settings; it is about empathy, awareness, and practical action in everyday life. Through my studies and future career, I will continue advocating for emotional well-being—listening, mentoring, and building systems that protect and uplift communities both physically and mentally.

Growing up as a member of an underrepresented minority, I quickly realized that access to education and opportunity are not equal for everyone. My experiences in my community—witnessing both the resilience and the obstacles of those around me—shaped my desire to pursue a field where I could make a tangible impact. Civil engineering, with a focus on hydrology, stood out as the perfect way to combine problem-solving, science, and service to society. Water systems are not just infrastructure; they are lifelines for communities, and designing them responsibly can improve the quality of life for thousands of people. Choosing civil engineering and hydrology was motivated by both personal and practical considerations. I’ve always been fascinated by how natural systems interact with human-built environments. Growing up in areas where water management and environmental planning directly affected neighborhoods, I saw the importance of sustainable, well-designed systems. I want to dedicate my education and career to creating solutions that mitigate flooding, ensure clean water access, and build resilience in communities that are often overlooked in planning processes. By addressing these challenges, I hope to contribute to a future where environmental and social equity are prioritized. Representation matters. In STEM fields like civil engineering, BIPOC students are significantly underrepresented, particularly in specialized areas such as hydrology. By pursuing this path, I am not only following my own passion but also serving as an example that students who look like me can succeed in technical and scientific careers. I want young people from similar backgrounds to see that their ambitions are achievable and that they, too, can make meaningful contributions to their communities. Representation is about more than numbers—it is about visibility, encouragement, and opening doors that have historically been closed. I plan to make an impact in my field by combining technical expertise with community-focused projects. Whether through designing sustainable water infrastructure, engaging in outreach to teach younger students about engineering, or mentoring underrepresented students in STEM, I aim to create opportunities and awareness that broaden access to the field. By showing that success is possible and that the work can directly benefit communities, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue STEM careers with confidence and purpose. Ultimately, pursuing civil engineering with a focus on hydrology is both a personal dream and a responsibility. It allows me to address real-world challenges while representing a group that has historically been underrepresented in STEM. Through my education, mentorship, and professional contributions, I hope to increase opportunities for future BIPOC engineers, build more resilient communities, and demonstrate that dedication, passion, and service can overcome systemic barriers.

Growing up, I learned early that community and family are intertwined, and that supporting others is as much a responsibility as it is a privilege. My experiences helping those around me—whether through volunteering, mentoring, or assisting with community projects—have shaped both my character and my ambitions. I have always been drawn to service because it allows me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, no matter how small, and to contribute to a stronger, more connected community. One experience that stands out occurred during my time volunteering at a local community center. I helped organize educational workshops and recreational activities for younger students in the neighborhood, many of whom faced challenges outside the classroom. I worked with a group of kids on a STEM project that involved building small water filtration models, connecting my passion for engineering to teach practical skills and problem-solving. Watching the students collaborate, experiment, and gain confidence in their abilities was incredibly rewarding. Several of the kids later told me that these workshops made them feel more capable and excited about learning—a moment that reminded me why community service matters. Beyond educational projects, I have also participated in initiatives that directly addressed community needs, such as organizing donation drives for families in need and assisting with neighborhood cleanups. Each project reinforced the idea that service is not only about giving time, but also about empathy, listening, and understanding the unique needs of those you are trying to help. By being present, consistent, and willing to take action, I saw firsthand how even small contributions can create a ripple effect of positive change. These experiences have strengthened my dedication to pursuing a career that centers on service. While my academic path is in civil engineering, I am particularly interested in projects that benefit communities—designing resilient infrastructure, improving water systems, and addressing environmental challenges that impact public health. By combining technical knowledge with a mindset of service, I hope to improve not just physical systems but also the quality of life for the people who rely on them. Receiving the Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship would allow me to continue dedicating time and energy to community-oriented projects, while also supporting my education. It would be a recognition that service is both valued and essential, and it would further motivate me to carry on a tradition of giving back. I aim to honor the spirit of this scholarship by committing to initiatives that uplift, empower, and support others, whether through volunteer work, mentorship, or professional contributions in my field. Service, I have learned, is not always about grand gestures—it is about showing up, listening, and using your skills to meet the needs of your community. Each project, each hour spent helping others, has shaped my perspective, my goals, and my drive to create meaningful impact. Through dedication, empathy, and consistent action, I strive to continue this legacy of servitude and make a lasting difference in the communities I serve.

The path to higher education has never felt like a straight or simple road for me, and much of that comes from growing up as a member of an underrepresented minority group. From an early age, I became aware that access, opportunity, and representation were not distributed equally. While these realities created challenges, they also shaped my resilience, perspective, and motivation to pursue higher education with purpose. As a student of color, I have often found myself navigating spaces where I was underrepresented, whether academically or socially. That lack of representation can be isolating, especially in environments where few people share your background or lived experiences. At times, it felt like I had to work harder to prove that I belonged in academic spaces or that my goals were valid. These experiences taught me adaptability and self-advocacy—skills that are not always visible on a transcript but are essential for success. Financial and familial responsibilities also played a significant role in shaping my journey. Like many students from underrepresented communities, I grew up understanding the value of education not just as a personal goal, but as a pathway to stability and opportunity for my family. This awareness pushed me to take my education seriously and to persist even when obstacles made the road forward feel uncertain. Rather than discouraging me, these pressures strengthened my resolve and sense of responsibility. Being part of a minority group has also given me a deeper appreciation for community. I learned early on that progress often happens collectively, not individually. That mindset continues to influence how I approach my education and future career. I aim not only to succeed for myself, but also to create opportunities, representation, and positive change for others who may one day follow a similar path. Looking ahead, my identity will continue to shape how I move through academic and professional spaces. As I pursue my undergraduate degree, I intend to use my background as a source of insight rather than limitation. I want to contribute diverse perspectives, challenge inequities when I encounter them, and serve as proof that students from underrepresented backgrounds belong in higher education and beyond. Ultimately, my identity has taught me perseverance, empathy, and purpose. While being part of an underrepresented minority has come with challenges, it has also fueled my ambition and drive. I carry my experiences with me not as a burden, but as motivation—to keep going, to uplift others, and to make meaningful contributions wherever I am.

Sports have always been more than competition to me—they are one of the most effective ways to build character, confidence, and community. Through my experiences as a student-athlete and active community member, I have seen how youth sports create structure, belonging, and mentorship for young people at critical stages of their lives. These lessons have shaped who I am today and how I hope to make a positive impact moving forward. Growing up, sports taught me discipline, accountability, and teamwork. Being part of a team meant learning how to manage my time, support others, and push through challenges even when motivation was low. Athletics gave me a space where effort mattered just as much as talent, and where growth came from consistency and perseverance. These values carried over into my academic life and community involvement, helping me develop a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility to those around me. As I grew older, I became more aware of the influence athletes and coaches have on younger players. I’ve seen how encouragement from an older student or coach can change a young person’s confidence, mindset, and sense of belonging. That realization motivated me to stay involved in community sports spaces—not just to play, but to lead by example. Whether helping younger athletes during practices, offering guidance, or simply being a positive presence, I strive to reflect the values of patience, respect, and inclusion. In the future, I plan to continue making a difference through youth sports by mentoring and supporting younger athletes, especially those who may lack access to structured programs or positive role models. I believe sports should be welcoming environments where all kids feel valued, regardless of skill level or background. By fostering teamwork and positivity, youth sports can become powerful tools for personal growth and community connection. I am particularly inspired by the legacy of Jimmie “DC” Sullivan, whose commitment to youth and community through athletics reflects the impact one individual can make. His dedication reminds me that leadership in sports is not about recognition, but about consistently showing up, caring deeply, and investing in the next generation. I hope to carry those values forward by being someone young athletes can rely on—not just as a teammate or mentor, but as someone who believes in their potential. Ultimately, my goal is to use sports as a platform for encouragement, growth, and community building. By supporting youth athletics, I aim to help young people develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that will benefit them long after the game ends.

Challenge Name: Truth or Trust So the Truth or Trust challenge in Love Island is all about testing how honest people are emotionally and if they really trust each other plus seeing if they even match up well. It gets to the core of what the show is about with those three things: loyalty, compatibility, and all that. I think it forces the islanders to figure out if their pairing is real or just something easy for the moment. And yeah, it leads to some touching scenes but also a lot of drama that feels inevitable. They bring everyone to the fire pit and pair them up with whoever they are with right now. Then each couple gets this sealed envelope with a super personal question inside about their relationship or maybe feelings for someone else in the villa. Like stuff, such as who do you have more chemistry with than your partner or are you sticking with this person just for safety or because you actually like them. Each one in the couple has to pick truth or trust on their own without knowing what the other picked. If someone goes with truth they have to answer the question right there in front of the whole group honestly. But if they choose trust they hand it over to their partner and basically say I trust you to answer this for me truthfully. It seems kind of risky either way. Now the twist makes it even more intense. If both pick trust the envelope opens up and there's this video clip that no one has seen before, showing something from the villa tied to the question, maybe a flirty talk, a secret confession, or just a look that lingered too long. That way, you can't really hide, and it keeps things from being too predictable. If one does truth and the other trust, then the truth answer is what counts, but the one who trusted has to say why they did or why they may not have fully trusted their partner. And if both go truth they each answer separately, which can show they feel totally different things about the same stuff. For scoring, couples get points if their choices match or if they seem really honest about it. The ones with the lowest score end up vulnerable, I guess, meaning they might be at risk. But the top couple wins something nice, like a night in a private hideaway or a fancy date. What I like about it is how it mixes this psychological stuff with being vulnerable emotionally. It points out problems in the relationships and the kind of rewards when people are straight up. They have to think about what they really want. Unlike those challenges that are just physical or about trivia, this one actually helps build the characters more and pushes the stories along in a natural way. Some people might say it's too messy, but that is what stands out. Overall, this challenge captures why Love Island is so addictive with the romance when there's pressure and taking emotional chances, plus those moments that everyone talks about forever after watching. It feels like it could go either way sometimes.

I lost my girlfriend a while back, and that hit me hard. Everything just got so quiet, but overwhelming too, like I could not handle the weight of it all. School felt heavier, friends seemed distant, even figuring out what to do next was tough. That is when Sabrina Carpenters music kind of stepped in for me. Her songs became this thing I could count on, something steady when my feelings were all over the place. I did not know how to process the grief at first, it was messy. Listening to her helped, even if I could not explain why right away. Take songs like Please Please Please and Espresso, they sound fun and upbeat, but for me it was more about the real stuff underneath. Honesty in the lyrics, showing how emotions are not simple, that got to me. Heartbreak, trying to grow from it, reflecting on yourself, all that resilience she sings about made me feel less alone. I struggled to put my own pain into words back then, and her music just gave me space to feel it all, grieve, remember things. It seems like what stands out is how she has changed as an artist over time. Starting from Disney stuff to now in music and movies, she owns it without apology. Watching that made me think about growth after pain, how people can shift and redefine who they are. For me during that loss, it was powerful, grief shapes you but does not have to end everything. I am not totally sure, but it helped me see that. Beyond just the songs, her realness and confidence pushed me to open up more about my emotions. Be patient with myself too. Vulnerability is not weakness, it is strength, that idea stuck. It changed how I handle school now, or relationships, even planning ahead. Instead of closing off when things get hard, I try reflecting, growing, moving on, though it is uncomfortable sometimes. Being a fan of her is not only the tunes or shows. It is about how she connects on a personal level with real feelings. When I felt so lost, her music showed healing is not straight forward, it is okay to feel deep, hope can mix with the pain. Her career impacted me lasting, not like she solved everything, but her art let me find my way. Through the music, I got that after big loss, you can still grow, dream, go forward with some strength. That part feels a bit unresolved still for me.

Math pulls me in because it makes me think hard and really pay attention to how things work. Every new problem isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s a chance to dig into why that answer even exists, how it fits with everything else, and what it tells me about the patterns running through our world. Math isn’t only about numbers; it’s a way of seeing, a language for figuring out what’s going on all around us, from the tiniest details to the biggest mysteries out in space. I keep coming back to math because I like stretching myself. Tough problems don’t scare me—they actually make things interesting. Whether I’m looking at some tricky equation, trying to figure out how math pops up in real life, or just puzzling over an idea for its own sake, I end up thinking in new ways. There’s something really satisfying about finally cracking a problem that felt impossible at first. That feeling keeps me curious and pushes me to keep at it. What really grabs me, though, is how math shows up everywhere. The rules that solve a basic algebra question also help people design new technology, understand the economy, or explain how nature works. When I start seeing these patterns, things make more sense. It makes me feel more connected to everything else going on in the world. Math helps me find order in chaos, spot connections between ideas, and see the beauty in logical thinking. Honestly, math isn’t just another class for me. It’s the way I look at things, question what I’m told, and figure out how the universe clicks together. It’s taught me to be patient, to keep going when things get tough, and to love that moment when something finally makes sense. My passion for math keeps me looking for new things to learn, new challenges to tackle, and fresh ways to use what I know to make sense of the world and, maybe, solve some real problems along the way.

The summer before college was supposed to be full of excitement, but everything changed when my uncle died. He was always there—cracking jokes, cheering me on, giving advice when I needed it most. Suddenly, that steady support was gone, right before I was about to take this huge step into a new chapter. I felt lost, honestly. Grief weighed me down, and I wasn’t sure how to move forward. At first, it just hit hard. Packing for school felt pointless. I couldn’t concentrate. Even easy things seemed impossible. I’d lie awake at night, missing my uncle, wishing he could see me off to college. The sadness was almost paralyzing. I started to worry that all the plans and dreams I’d been chasing might slip away. But then I remembered something he always tried to teach me—resilience. Maybe I didn’t fully get it before, but now it started to make sense. So, I tried to pick myself up. I told myself my uncle would want me to keep going, and I leaned on family and friends for help. I talked to people about what I was feeling, even went to counseling, and it helped. I realized you don’t have to face everything alone—sometimes you need a hand to steady you. Slowly, I learned to let myself feel the grief, but not let it stop me from moving forward. Losing my uncle changed the way I look at everything. I started paying more attention to the people around me. I worked harder, but I also tried to be kinder—to myself and others. I saw that tough times could actually build you up, not just break you down. Now, when something gets hard, I remember: perseverance isn’t about dodging pain, but pushing through it anyway. Community matters, too. The support I got made all the difference, so I try to give it back—helping younger students, volunteering, or just listening when someone needs to talk. If I can be even a little bit of the encouragement my uncle was for me, I know I’m keeping his spirit alive. Losing him hurt more than I can say, but it didn’t stop me from growing. If anything, it pushed me to be stronger, more determined, and more compassionate. Every step I take toward my goals feels like a way of honoring him. Grief didn’t close me off—it opened me up and made me more resilient than ever.

I grew up watching my parents work nonstop to keep our family going. They always made sure we had what we needed, but with several kids, money and time always felt tight. Pretty early on, I figured out that if I wanted to do well, I had to pitch in—helping my younger siblings with homework, translating papers, or picking up chores, all while trying to keep my own grades up. It wasn’t easy, but those days pushed me to get good at juggling responsibilities and taught me how to keep moving forward, even when things got tough. Finding my place as a Filipino American in a mostly unfamiliar community brought its own set of challenges. I rarely saw people who looked like me in the careers or colleges I dreamed about. Still, I was proud of where I came from. I started looking for mentors and programs that would actually encourage students like me to aim higher. That search made it clear—community support and access to resources aren’t just helpful, they’re essential for breaking through barriers that a lot of us face. Through all of this, I’ve stayed focused on my education. For me, it’s more than just a personal goal; it’s a way to open doors for my family and others who share my experience. I’m set on earning a degree that lets me make a real difference—maybe in healthcare, education, or by working directly with my community. I want to be the person who can give others the support, advice, and tools they need to chase their own dreams. Honestly, I see education as a way to serve. I plan to use what I learn to mentor younger students, fight for fair access to resources, and get involved in projects that lift up people who don’t always get a fair shot. The Rev. and Mrs. E B Dunbar Scholarship would lift a big weight off my shoulders. It would let me put my energy where it matters most—into my studies and into giving back. Every obstacle I’ve faced has taught me something. They’re not just setbacks—they’re chances to grow, step up, and help others along the way. I want to honor the spirit of this scholarship by using my education to bridge gaps and empower my community for years to come.

Back in my sophomore year of high school, I started noticing something that bothered me. A lot of students at our local community center seemed adrift after school. There just weren’t many places where they could hang out, learn, or feel like they belonged. Thinking about Jorge Campos—how he always showed kindness, stuck with things, and made everyone feel included—I decided to do something. I set up a weekly mentorship and homework help program for middle schoolers in the neighborhood. My goal? I wanted every student to feel noticed, supported, and like they could really grow. I started small. I reached out to friends and neighbors, asking them to pitch in—help tutor, run activities, just be there. I put together some workshops on study skills, time management, and personal growth. But pretty quickly, I realized something: academics mattered, but what really made a difference was the atmosphere. So I focused on celebrating each kid’s effort, pushing for teamwork instead of rivalry, and building a place where anyone could speak up or share what was on their mind. It worked. Week by week, more students joined. Before long, we had more than thirty kids showing up every week—a little community built on learning, friendship, and having each other’s backs. It wasn’t always smooth. Sometimes schedules clashed, or kids showed up weighed down by stuff going on at home or in class. That’s where I had to lean on patience, flexibility, and plain old persistence—things I always admired in Jorge Campos. I found out that the smallest things—a quick word of encouragement, really listening, or staying late to help someone—could mean everything. I learned that leading with kindness and service, not chasing recognition, is what actually creates a space where people feel seen and supported. And honestly, that’s what brought everyone together. Running this program changed more than just the lives of the students. It changed me, too. I got more confident, learned how to lead, and figured out how to bring people together even when they came from all sorts of backgrounds. I learned to motivate others, to communicate so people actually listened, and to keep a group moving in the same direction. Most of all, I realized service isn’t just something you do—it’s a way of thinking. It’s about noticing what people need and stepping up, even when it’s inconvenient or takes some creative problem-solving. All of this has shaped what I want to do next. I want to keep building opportunities for connection and growth, especially in communities that don’t always get enough support. Whether it’s through education, healthcare, or community organizing, I want to use what I’ve learned to create places where kindness and inclusion come first, and where everyone gets a real shot at reaching their potential. Getting this scholarship would help me keep moving in that direction, and it would reinforce the values—service, empathy, and dedication—that I try to live by every day. Jorge Campos showed me that real impact isn’t about getting credit; it’s about making life a little better for someone else. That’s the kind of legacy I want to carry forward—building communities where everyone feels welcome, supported, and ready to succeed.

I grew up in a Filipino home, where education wasn’t just about personal success—it was a responsibility. My family talked a lot about sacrifice. Not in a sad way, but as something worthwhile when it opened doors for the next generation. That idea runs deep in Filipino culture, and honestly, it’s shaped the way I see my own education. I’ve always wanted to use what I learn to help others. As the child of Filipino immigrants, I saw up close how much grit it takes to start over in a new place. My family’s story, much like Alexander de Guia’s, is all about resilience and pushing through. Education was the way forward. Not because it was easy, but because it meant new possibilities that weren’t there before. That’s why I push myself in school—with discipline and ambition—knowing my success matters for more than just me. It reflects on my family and my community. One of the best memories from my childhood? Watching Manny Pacquiao's fights. My whole family, neighbors, friends—we’d all crowd into someone’s living room, sharing food and stories, cheering together. Those nights were about more than boxing. Pacquiao showed us that someone from humble beginnings could make it big and bring people together. He gave back, and he made us proud. Those fights taught me that representation matters, and that when one person rises, the whole community feels it. That lesson still sticks with me as I think about my own goals. For me, education is a way to serve. I want to become a doctor, to help people—especially those who can’t easily get the care they need. Filipino values like bayanihan, the idea of everyone coming together to help, really shaped how I see service. I want my education to be more than words—I want to turn it into action. That means making healthcare and mental health support more accessible and standing up for those who are often overlooked. Getting this scholarship would make a huge difference for my family and me. It would ease the financial pressure and let me focus on my classes and giving back. I have younger siblings who look up to me, so earning this support would show them that hard work and education really do open up opportunities. It would help me keep serving my community, now and in the future. Alexander de Guia’s legacy is about resilience, learning, and service values that I try to live by. If I can pursue my education with purpose and gratitude, I hope to honor that legacy and help build a future where compassion, community, and opportunity always come first.

I remember this one time when I was just sitting there, watching my family member go through some tough stuff with their mental health. No one really talked about it, we all acted like things were normal. That hit me hard, more than any class or book ever did. It made me see how you have to be patient and really try to understand people, even when its uncomfortable. Stories like that, from real life or whatever, they change how I look at everything. Books pull me in because they don't give simple fixes; they make you think about the hard parts, like stories about people dealing with pain and bouncing back, or figuring out what's right. I think that's what real life is, full of not knowing for sure. Growth comes from that messiness, I guess, instead of just pointing fingers. It makes me want to do medicine, but not the cold science kind, more like something that involves listening to people and caring about them as people. Mental health stuff has been around me a lot, quietly shaping things. Ive had my own moments, and seen it in family too. Pain like that can hide so easily, no one notices. Compassion matters a ton there, especially since you cant see it. It reminds me people arent just about what they do or achieve. In friendships, Ive gotten better at being patient because of it. For my future, it pushes me toward work where you need empathy just as much as facts. Coming from Filipino roots, family means everything, like sacrifice and pushing through. Being the oldest, I learned to look out for my siblings early on. My parents gave up so much for us to go to college, hoping it would lead to better chances. I want to pay that back by going into medicine, helping communities that get ignored, ones with no easy access to health care or support for mental health. Philosophy draws me because it lets me question things without needing all the answers. In my culture, we focus on respect and how everyone connects. Ive always wondered about my actions and others. What makes life worth it? How to help without burning out. Those thoughts mix into how I see science or helping people. Health inequality bugs me, especially mental health in places without resources. Stigma keeps people away from help. I've seen it. Early on in my path, but I hope to push for care that's open and fits cultures, treating mind stuff like body issues. Not just for me, but to make real shifts. My education feels bigger than a paper; it's about learning to hear out, fix, and give back. All these stories and tough spots Ive seen, the questions still nagging me, they lead toward something with heart and thought. It seems like responsibility ties it all.