I’m a small-town girl with big dreams to do big things. My community and household family is small, close nit and loving. They taught me the importance of hard work and helping those in need. Growing up, I was very active in my school, community and in Soccer. I was a quiet person but was continuously recognized for my accomplishments within the classroom and on the field of play. I have now become a scholar athlete ranked #2 in my class and tutor others, a polarizing player on the pitch where I am Captain of my team, and a leader in my community where I give back because it has given me so much. It is my goal in having the assistance of the Young Women In Scholarship help pave my pathway to excellence, education and entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to graduate from the esteemed engineering school at N.C. State University, majoring in Civil engineering. Being enriched with an elite education, I will further my pursuit of excellence through entrepreneurship. With my degree, entrepreneurial mind and creativity, I plan to build my business from the ground up by owning an outsourcing agency, where I can help construct the ideas of others and make them a structural reality. Through entrepreneurship and mentorship, it is my duty to give back. Being the first to achieve success is important, however I want to ensure that those who look, dream and have goals like me are not the last. Civil engineering is a Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) related field that focuses on the design and construction of the environment in which we live. This includes but is certainly not limited to buildings, bridges, pipelines, roadways, railways, subways and various other ways we go about our day-to-day civil lives. I plan to engage in the best technology to bring about the most effective and efficient project designs for the betterment of our environment and everything within. For example, using technology that helps with material testing is key. This allows civil engineers to use the best materials in order to provide support and more than sufficient usage when constructing buildings and bridges to name a few. I'd like to focus on taking material testing a step further by concentrating on using materials that not only innovatively provide the best support structurally but being heath conscious by using more natural materials that are eco friendly and enhance our environment. Mother Earth provides, nurtures and takes care of us, so it is only right that we preserve her, protect her and provide the best care for her in return. After all, this is what makes the world go around. My goal is to elevate the work that goes into the calculation, design, construction and completion of building a better world (literally). This applied technological approach will help enhance other civil engineers how they go about their respective processes and help propel my business globally after it’s lifted off the ground and for many years to come. The untimely passing of my grandmother crippled the solid foundation of our family tree and forced us to re-root ourselves on the principles she planted within us. She raised me to be the best version of myself and show compassion for others by always helping those in need. Not only did she help shape who I am today but provided guidance throughout my academic/athletic journey. My grandmother would drive an hour to take me to soccer practice/games. Furthermore, her background heavily supported me in my IB Spanish classes. Her influence led to a better understanding of the language. After her passing, I commuted the hour to soccer and completed my Spanish tasks without her guidance. I was determined to maintain my A in Spanish and remain dedicated to my team. My extended commute took away from my time I had to spend on schoolwork, however, I overcame the hardships. Those seeds of success she sewed within me are still being watered today and I know she is super proud of her girl. While at N.C. State, I plan to travel and study abroad in Rosario Argentina. It was my grandmother's plan to take me to visit her birthplace in Argentina before her untimely passing. Now it is my plan to ensure hers is fulfilled. While studying in Argentina, I plan to seize the opportunity to not only enhance my Spanish but also increase my business acumen in hopes to better position me for continuous success throughout my education, entrepreneurship and life itself.

Service is an act many can participate in, yet many lack participation in their acts of service to others. I honorably serve my High School Women’s Varsity Soccer team as Captain. Alongside two others, we have led our team to many victories and long-lasting relationships. Individually, I lead my team by being a figure of guidance, encouragement and support for each player to look up to, not just as their upperclassman. Whether they need positive reinforcement, encouragement, constructive feedback or a little humor to lighten the mood, I’m the utility person that gives them what they need, which hopefully aligns with what they want. As a servant leader, I realize it’s bigger than soccer. I give back to them through my service and it feels great to do so whether win, learn or draw. I was also selected to bestow my leadership abilities within the YMCA Young Leaders Institute. Within this group, I demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, and perseverance. Together, we were educated on how to enhance our leadership skills. Taking this newly learned leadership advice, I became a part of the Junior YMCA Board, where we actively participate in community service. I have led our efforts in our trash pick-up because I want my neighborhood to look presentable and environmentally friendly. Additionally, I have helped organize youth initiatives such as our Easter Basket Project, where we give to children in need. I adore being able to assist my local community and the YMCA junior board provides me with the resources to do just that. Continuing my acts of service, I actively volunteer with several churches by participating in Vacation Bible School, helping in local nursing homes, and donating to organizations that benefit children. In the nursing homes and children’s organizations, I collect essentials, toiletries and snacks and bring in lightly used clothing to donate to these establishments. The people within these donation-based organizations express great satisfaction seeing young people paying it forward. During Vacation Bible School, I helped the children complete their crafts and participated in their activities, like dancing and playing on the playground. Interacting with the youth allowed me to experience the same joy they share amongst each other. I strive to exchange that same joy and give them some excitement to look forward to. Furthermore, I serve my local elementary school through my service in the Halloween STEM and Arts Celebration, as Field Day Leader and Spanish Immersion Tutor. For Spanish Immersion, a select group of students act as assistants and help the students with their assignments. Since I frequently visit the children, I have formed connections with youth of all ages. Being surrounded by them regularly has allowed me to understand them and inspired me to interact with them even more. Lastly, I have served my community with Waymakers, which is an organization that prepares free meals for those in need. I help assemble the meals and fashion together toiletry bags. I have a burning passion for serving with Waymakers because I love seeing the expression of hope on people’s faces when they see a helping hand. The price I pay for being a servant leader is priceless, just as the many smiles on the faces of those I’m blessed to impact. I am thankful to the Della Fleetwood-Sherrod Humanitarian Scholarship for this opportunity and the chance to join the ranks of those you have impacted that have gone on to impact the world. It is my sincere desire to become another success story, where you can share a priceless smile as you tell it to other promising young humanitarians destined to do the same.