
Gresham, OR
Age
21
Gender
Female
Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino
Religion
Christian
Church
Baptist
Hobbies and interests
Horseback Riding
Astronomy
Animals
Spanish
Jewelry Making
Babysitting And Childcare
Beach
Swimming
Travel And Tourism
Culinary Arts
Cooking
Coffee
Reading
Board Games And Puzzles
digital art
Youth Group
Volleyball
Spending Time With Friends and Family
Construction
Church
Learning
Macrame
Ukulele
Archery
Bible Study
Business And Entrepreneurship
Camping
Foreign Languages
Food And Eating
Cinematography
Reading
Christian Fiction
Christianity
Science Fiction
Adventure
Mystery
Historical
Classics
Environment
Science
Short Stories
Travel
Cookbooks
Cultural
I read books multiple times per week
LOW INCOME STUDENT
Yes
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Audrey Velasco
3,135
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
Finalist
Audrey Velasco
3,135
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
Welcome!
My name is Audrey, and I am an aspiring first-generation Colombian-American.
I am really excited about my college experience. I believe my next four college years will be filled with all kinds of challenges - academic and social. But these challenges are exactly what I am determined to overcome.
As a Latina, education is a very big part of my life. A college degree is an honorary achievement that will make my family proud. I wish to attend college to enhance my education further, support my family, and become a better version of myself.
I aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, which will enable me to establish a professional career as a Design Engineer. My career vision is to design and develop electronic systems that enhance in-flight safety for passenger aircraft. I am very passionate about finding innovative solutions to society’s problems through engineering. My career goal is to work in the Aerospace industry at a company like NASA or Boeing, researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft.
I am certain that determination and creativity are vital to building a better future for everyone. I think the engineering industry is the perfect field for those passionate about serving others, like myself. I am confident that serving my community and potentially other communities worldwide will remain an integral part of my life.
Education
University of Portland
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Mechanical Engineering
Mt Hood Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Engineering, General
GPA:
3.9
Open Door Christian Academy
High SchoolGPA:
4
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Engineering, General
Career
Dream career field:
Aviation & Aerospace
Dream career goals:
Bilingual and Passionate Engineer
Prepping and Store Manager
Magic Balloons PDX2023 – 20241 yearCostumer Service Representative
Mt. Hood Community College Aquatic Center2024 – Present1 yearFront Desk / Pantry Assistant
Mount Hood Community College2023 – Present2 years
Sports
Swimming
Intramural2014 – 20162 years
Volleyball
Varsity2019 – Present6 years
Research
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other
Vida Nueva Church — Research2022 – 2022
Arts
Vida Nueva Church
Photography2020 – PresentMetro East Media
VideographyRisen2019 – 2019Free Arts Northwest
VideographyThe Mushroom2017Metro East Media
CinematographyLuna2017 – 2017
Public services
Volunteering
Sam Barlow High School — Assist team meetings and provide support, guidance and encouragement for the build team.2024 – PresentVolunteering
Atlas Riding School — Barn Assistant/ Feeder2024 – PresentVolunteering
Vida Nueva Church — Childcare2017 – 2020Volunteering
Vida Nueva Church — Media Director2018 – PresentVolunteering
Grace Community Church — Childcare Worker2022 – 2023Volunteering
Eagle Fern Camp — Camp Counselor2021 – 2021Volunteering
Northwest Family Services — Data Entry2018 – 2020Volunteering
Birch Community Services — Warehouse Volunteer2017 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Baby OG: Next Gen Female Visionary Scholarship
I’m Audrey: mechanical engineering major, coffee enthusiast, and occasional horse wrangler.
I care about creating things that work beautifully—whether that’s a well-designed machine or a well-organized community event. I’m driven by curiosity and the belief that good ideas deserve good execution.
Growing up in Oregon, I learned that nature isn’t just background scenery—it’s the foundation of life. I care about sustainable engineering—because “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t work when it comes to our planet. Growing up in Oregon, surrounded by forests and rivers, I saw firsthand how quickly nature can be harmed and how long it takes to heal.
If I could shape change in that space, I’d design products and systems with sustainability baked in from day one: energy-efficient, recyclable, and built to last. Less “planned obsolescence,” more “planned stewardship,” and a push to make eco-friendly design the industry standard instead of the niche option.
That vision is part of why I chose mechanical engineering—it’s the perfect balance of precision and creativity, like solving puzzles that actually move. I will be beginning an internship next summer, which will give me hands-on experience with real problems. My goal in the next five years is to design solutions that actually make it into production, not just onto a PowerPoint deck. I plan to get there by finishing my degree strong, using my internships as both training and testing grounds, and surrounding myself with mentors who challenge me to think bigger.
Education has helped me realize I’m not just a “math-and-science” person—I’m a problem-solver. Between coursework, MECOP training, and attending leadership conferences this summer, I’ve found my sweet spot where technical skill meets the ability to rally people around a shared solution. Whether it’s differential equations or a community project, I thrive when I can take something messy and make it functional. Being a woman in engineering has taught me persistence; when you’re in spaces where women are still underrepresented, you learn to speak up, ask the hard questions, and own your space. I want my presence—and my work—to signal to the next generation, “You belong here too.”
Leadership, to me, is making it easier for others to succeed. I’ve mentored high school robotics students, run media at my church, and launched initiatives like language ID buttons at my college to make spaces more inclusive. Serving my community through my church and volunteer work keeps me grounded in why I do all this in the first place. I’ve also learned that leadership doesn’t always mean holding the loudest megaphone; sometimes it’s quietly removing barriers so others can shine.
That mindset was tested when my family faced a sudden income cut. I had to rework my college plans almost overnight—finding scholarships, adjusting budgets, and leaning into opportunities like MECOP internships that would help me graduate with experience and less debt. Resilience, I learned, is equal parts grit, creativity, and knowing when to ask for help.
If awarded this scholarship, I’d be able to focus more energy on learning, building, and leading instead of juggling constant financial stress. That means applying my internship experiences to real-world problems, continuing my community service, and staying on track toward creating technologies that make the world better.
Future Women In STEM Scholarship
As a child, I believed airplanes were magic.
Every summer, my family would wake up while it was still dark to head to the airport, suitcases clattering, sleepy excitement in the air. We were traveling to Colombia to see the relatives we only knew through phone calls and video chats. When the engines roared to life and we lifted off the ground, I would press my face to the window, amazed that something so massive could fly. I didn’t know it then, but those flights were planting the seeds of my passion for STEM.
Years later, that wide-eyed wonder evolved into curiosity. How does something so heavy stay in the air? What makes flight safe, efficient, and possible? As I grew older, I became fascinated with how planes work and inspired to help design the next generation of aircraft. That curiosity grew into a love for engineering, particularly aerospace, and eventually brought me to community college, where I’m now studying mechanical engineering and preparing to transfer to a four-year university to continue my education.
My passion for STEM was shaped not only by travel but also by my role as a robotics mentor at my local high school. Some have never held a screwdriver before; others have no idea what engineering even is. Watching them grow—seeing their pride when their designs work—is what drives me. It reminds me why engineering matters. Working with students from diverse backgrounds and ages, I saw the excitement spark in their eyes when they got a robot to move for the first time. I remembered how it felt to discover that wonder myself—and how powerful it is to help others find it too. Volunteering as a robotics mentor has shown me the power of guidance and opportunity. Many students I work with face their own doubts and barriers. I want to create mentorship programs and outreach initiatives that help others overcome obstacles and find their place in STEM, just as I am doing.
One of the biggest turning points came when I failed my first engineering midterm. It was a 55%, and for the first time, I questioned if I was meant to be in this field. But I pushed through—late nights, office hours, and pure determination—until I earned an A in the class. That moment taught me I belong in STEM, not because it’s easy, but because I refuse to give up.
Now, I’m driven to work in aerospace design, where I can turn that childhood wonder into real-world innovation.
Victoria Johnson Minority Women in STEM Scholarship
The moment I saw my first midterm grade—a stark 55%—my heart dropped like I’d been punched in the stomach. The numbers on that paper felt like a verdict, one I wasn’t prepared for. I had never struggled like this before; in high school, I was the student who understood concepts quickly and aced tests. But now, staring at that failing score in a challenging engineering class, doubt crept in like a shadow in the corner of the room. Was I really cut out for engineering? Was this dream slipping through my fingers?
That night, I sat alone at my desk, textbooks open and notes scattered around me, feeling overwhelmed but determined. I told myself, “This isn’t the end.” I started attending every office hour, no matter how intimidating it felt to ask for help. I joined study groups and stayed late in the library, repeating problems until they clicked. Slowly, the confusing equations became manageable puzzles, and my confidence began to rebuild. By the end of the semester, I had turned that failing grade into an A. This hard-won victory taught me the power of perseverance and grit.
Financial struggles have been just as real. With both my twin sister and I in college, and my family facing a recent pay cut, the cost of tuition, housing, and application fees loomed large. Each dollar stretched thin, making the path forward feel uncertain.
This scholarship would be a lifeline. It would ease the financial strain and allow me to focus fully on my studies, test prep, and internship opportunities - critical stepping stones toward my dream of aerospace design engineering.
While at community college, I balanced my engineering coursework with working and volunteering, all while discovering my passion for engineering. What excites me most is design - the process of solving complex problems, iterating through ideas, and turning sketches into real systems that fly, function, and improve lives. My experience mentoring a high school robotics team helped shape this passion. I guided students through mechanical and CAD design, testing, and revisions. Watching their pride when a robot moved for the first time reminded me why I love this field: because design is more than technical - it’s creative, empowering, and collaborative.
Giving back fuels my passion as well. I’ve already begun doing this by mentoring high school students in robotics, where I help young people, many from underrepresented communities, learn to design, build, and believe in themselves. As I grow in my career, I want to expand this impact by mentoring college students, supporting scholarships, and creating outreach programs that bring aerospace and design to students who may have never seen someone like them in the field. I imagine a program where engineers and students co-design parts of the aircraft or test prototypes together. My role would include leading design teams, but also helping students, especially those from underserved communities, engage with the project through hands-on learning.
This scholarship wouldn’t just support my education; it would help me lift others as I rise.
Oregon Aerospace Scholarship
My ideal job after graduation is working as a mechanical engineer focused on aerospace design. I’m especially interested in the design of sustainable aircraft systems, like electric propulsion or lightweight airframes. I want to be part of a team that solves big challenges through detailed, thoughtful design that improves performance and reduces environmental impact.
My passion for aerospace started with family. Growing up, the only way I could see my extended family in Colombia was by flying. Those trips gave me a deep appreciation for how meaningful air travel is. It connects people, cultures, and lives. As I grew older, I became fascinated with how planes work and inspired to help design the next generation of aircraft.
These first couple of years after high school, I built a foundation in mechanical engineering while managing work and volunteering. One of the most rewarding parts of my experience has been mentoring a high school robotics team. Helping students design and build robots, often from scratch, showed me how much I enjoy working through mechanical challenges and bringing ideas to life. It also reminded me how powerful design can be when it's used to solve problems and inspire others.
I imagine a program where engineers and students co-design parts of the aircraft or test prototypes together. My role would include leading design teams, but also helping students—especially those from underserved communities—engage with the project through hands-on learning. I’ve guided students through their first experiences with CAD, 3D printing, and using power tools. Many had never considered engineering as a path until they built something that moved. I saw how transformative that moment could be and want to bring that spark into aerospace.
My time in community college also taught me the value of accessible education. I met many students with the talent and passion for engineering, but few resources or mentors. I believe that opening doors to the aerospace field begins with making people feel seen, supported, and capable. My ideal project would combine technical impact with that kind of social impact.
This scholarship would have a direct and lasting impact on my journey toward a career in aerospace. As a first-generation college student studying mechanical engineering, I carry both a deep motivation and a financial burden. My family has worked incredibly hard to support my education. Still, we face challenges that make affording tuition, housing, and supplies difficult, especially with both my twin sister and I in college at the same time. I decided to attend community college for financial reasons two years ago in order not to lose momentum after high school. My family and I have been saving for this fall, when I am finally transferring into a four-year university to continue my passion. Throughout my academic journey, I have learned not only physics and calculus, but also I was learning how to persist, how to manage time, and how to stay focused even when the path wasn’t easy. Being the first in my family to pursue engineering has made me both proud and determined. I’ve come this far, and I’m committed to finishing strong—but scholarships like this one are what make that possible.
Beyond financial relief, this scholarship would represent a vote of confidence. It would show that others believe in my potential and in the impact I want to make, not only through engineering design but through mentoring, outreach, and service. I want to build the next generation of aircraft, and I want to bring others with me. This scholarship is an investment not just in my education, but in the kind of engineer and leader I’m striving to become.
Lynch Engineering Scholarship
When I was younger, I used to count down the days until my family would board a plane to Colombia. My suitcase would be packed a week early, and I’d rush to the window seat, eager to watch the plane lift off. Those flights were the only way I could see my grandparents, cousins, and extended family. For me, air travel was more than just transportation—it was a connection. Air travel became something magical to me, not just for the technology, but for what it allowed: connection, love, and a sense of belonging. It brought me to people I loved who lived thousands of miles away. That experience left a deep impression on me. I became fascinated with how planes work, but even more with what they make possible.
That’s where my dream began. My long-term goal is to become a mechanical engineer working in sustainable aerospace or renewable energy. I want to help design cleaner, more efficient systems—whether that’s electric aircraft, innovative propulsion technologies, or greener energy solutions. I want to be part of building a future where families can stay connected through travel without contributing to climate change. I want people, especially those in underserved communities, to have access to technology that improves lives while preserving our planet.
My values—stewardship, perseverance, and curiosity—guide everything I do. Growing up in the beautiful state of Oregon, surrounded by lush forests, cool rivers, and a community that values the environment, taught me early on to care about sustainability. However, my interest grew stronger when I began volunteering with a high school robotics team last year. As a mentor, I’ve worked with students from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Before joining the team, some had never used a power tool or written a line of code. Watching them grow in confidence and ability as they built and programmed robots reminded me of the importance of access and opportunity in STEM. It made me realize I don’t just want to be an engineer—I want to be someone who helps others enter and thrive in engineering, too.
I have come to learn that engineering isn’t just about designing machines. It’s about designing solutions for people, for communities, and for the future. My passion for flight, shaped by childhood trips to Colombia, combined with my hands-on experience mentoring others, fuels my desire to create technologies that are sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful.
For me, engineering is about people. It’s about designing a better future where no one has to choose between seeing their family and protecting the planet.
Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship
I was lucky to watch SpaceX's Crew Dragon take flight in person at the Kennedy Space Center. That was the moment I was captivated by flight and my passion has grown ever since.
In the aerospace field, I would be passionate about researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft systems. Along with taking care of passengers, I believe it is vital to take care of our planet. I would work to lower carbon-dioxide emissions significantly, using electric power as the main source of fuel. Carbon-dioxide emissions get trapped in the earth's atmosphere and cause global warming. Using electric power would help protect and preserve a healthy climate for current and future generations.
Since I was 14 years old, I have been volunteering at Birch Community Services. Birch is a non-profit that aims to support hard-working families who are struggling to make ends meet by giving them food, clothing, and household items. I have had the opportunity to help sort donated food, perform housekeeping, and distribute boxes around the warehouse to improve efficiency. Personally, my favorite activity has been volunteering in the Birch community garden during the winter and spring months. Through my love for the outdoors, I have used skills like weeding, planting, and pruning to serve my community. As well as, building beds, laying paths, and spreading mulch as the garden expands over the years. I have learned skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork by serving others at Birch.
Volunteering in my community has also equipped me with innumerable hard skills like - data entry, photography, and graphic design. As well as many soft skills that shape the person I am today.
I also lead the production team at my church. I have learned to effectively research available resources that would help improve the church’s website and social media accounts, as well as equipment to produce a live stream. Working with a team was difficult at times; however, this experience instilled new confidence within me and forced me out of my comfort zone.
I am sure that serving my community and possibly others around the world will be an ever present part of my life, especially through my new venture of engineering.
I am confident that determination and creativity are vital to build a better future for everyone. I think the engineering industry is perfect for those passionate to serve others, like myself. I hope to become a recipient of your scholarship to obtain my aerospace engineering degree and reach my career goals.
I Can Do Anything Scholarship
The dream version of myself I passionately wish to become is a uniquely driven and fast learner among my peers who inspires others to fight tirelessly for their goals and uses her skills and talents for the betterment of the community.
Book Lovers Scholarship
Before Thomas was ever labeled "The Maze Runner," or Katniss Everdeen ever volunteered for the Hunger Games, there was Jonas.
As the 11-year-old hero of Lois Lowry's epic young adult dystopian novel "The Giver," Jonas set on a path to become his society's next Receiver. He is to become the person designated to carry on memories of the way his community once was before the government enacted "Sameness," taking everything from color to emotion out of the equation for the population. There's just one problem: Receiving the memories makes Jonas question his surroundings and escape the only life he's known.
I believe everyone should read “The Giver” at least once in their life. David Mahan, a professor of religion in literature at Yale University, points out a distinguishing point that makes “The Giver” dramatically inspiring.
"'The Giver' is dealing with questions that get to the heart of the things we most deeply want to know," Mahan said. "In a market-driven (novel), the meaning of life isn’t going to be addressed. I think it's because the notion of virtue is largely unexplored."
This novel speaks about issues that are often overlooked and rarely discussed in the youth community. For example, issues like discovering one’s identity, feeling helpless, or placing yourself in another's shoes. A young child might identify with the helplessness of being dependent on adults, while a teen might find more meaning in Jonas' struggle to discover injustice when the world doesn't want him to.
Everyone deserves a book that acts as an advocate on their behalf. “The Giver” does this, and it does so by saying to the reader: Your feelings matter. Your pain is real. Your life is worth living.
Lauren Czebatul Scholarship
“3…2…1…blast off”
The world watches and cheers as SpaceX's Crew Dragon lands on the ISS. I was lucky enough to watch this amazing moment in person at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In less than 20 minutes, the aircraft had already landed on the Space Station and the mission was complete! That was the moment, at 11 years old, when I was captivated by flight. I wanted to be part of an immense project as a spacecraft or an equally amazing project like a helicopter. No matter how big the vessel, flight has since been a fascinating passion of mine.
As I reflect on all my years in school, I have been fortunate enough to see how sharing my skills and talents with others can have a positive influence on their lives. Since I was young, I have loved being outdoors and watching how things grow and change around. I am lucky to live in the state of Oregon, where all four seasons are beautifully prevalent during the year. Outdoor skills and attention to detail that I have gained through experiences and education throughout life have inspired me to serve in the community.
Since I was 14 years old, I have been volunteering at Birch Community Services. Birch is a non-profit that aims to support hard-working families who are struggling to make ends meet by giving them food, clothing, and household items. I have had the opportunity to help sort donated food, perform housekeeping, and distribute boxes around the warehouse to improve efficiency. Personally, my favorite activity has been volunteering in the Birch community garden during the winter and spring months. Through my love for the outdoors, I have used skills like weeding, planting, and pruning to serve my community. As well as, building beds, laying paths, and spreading mulch as the garden expands over the years.
Looking to the future, in the aerospace field,I would be passionate about researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft systems. Along with taking care of passengers, I believe it is vital to take care of our planet. I would work to lower carbon-dioxide emissions significantly, using electric power as the main source of fuel. This would help protect and preserve a healthy climate for current and future generations.
I am certain that determination and creativity are vital to build a better future for everyone. I think the engineering industry is the perfect field for those passionate in serving others, like myself. I am sure that serving my community and possibly other communities around the world will be an ever present part of my life and goals.
I am grateful to find opportunities like the one that the Lauren Czebatul Scholarship is providing to students like me who are constantly fighting for the right to receive an education. This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition and having my twin sister in college at the same time as me it hasn’t been enough. I hope to become a recipient of your scholarship to obtain my aerospace engineering degree and reach my career goals.
Sunshine Legall Scholarship
Hello, my name is Audrey Velasco and I have been traveling since I was 2 months old. I am a first generation college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
I was lucky enough to watch SpaceX's Crew Dragon take flight in person at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In less than 20 minutes, the aircraft had already landed on the International Space Station. That was the moment, at 7 years old, when I was captivated by flight. My passion has grown ever since. I moved to the US with my sister and parents 11 years ago, so Spanish is my first language.
Most of my family lives in Cali, Colombia so traveling is vital for me to spend precious time with my grandparents and relatives. Last year, we had a family reunion in Florida to celebrate the holidays together. Both of my grandparents have special auditory needs and mobility impairments which made travel very difficult for them. In my career as an aerospace engineer, I would be committed to improving the overall in-flight experience for all passengers.
This would look like keeping a uniform and pleasing temperature in the entire cabin and lowering engine and exterior airflow noise inside an aircraft. This will help contribute to the overall tourism industry and create broader access to individuals with disabilities and special needs. This will make it easier to spend priceless moments with our loved ones.
Another career project would be researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft systems. Along with taking care of passengers, I believe it is vital to take care of our planet. I would work to lower carbon-dioxide emissions significantly, using electric power as the main source of fuel. This would help protect and preserve a healthy climate for current and future generations.
I am certain that determination and creativity are vital to build a better future for everyone. I think the engineering industry is the perfect field for those passionate in serving others, like myself. I am sure that serving my community and possibly other communities around the world will be an ever present part of my life and goals.
I am grateful to find opportunities like the one that the Shawanda Legall Scholarship is providing to students like me who are constantly fighting for the right to receive an education. I hope to become a recipient of your scholarship to obtain my aerospace engineering degree and reach my career goals.
Voila Natural Lifestyle Scholarship
Hello, my name is Audrey Velasco and I have been traveling since I was 2 months old. I am a first generation college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
I was lucky enough to watch SpaceX's Crew Dragon take flight in person at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In less than 20 minutes, the aircraft had already landed on the International Space Station. That was the moment, at 7 years old, when I was captivated by flight. My passion has grown ever since. I moved to the US with my sister and parents 11 years ago, so Spanish is my first language.
Most of my family lives in Cali, Colombia so traveling is vital for me to spend precious time with my grandparents and relatives. Last year, we had a family reunion in Florida to celebrate the holidays together. Both of my grandparents have special auditory needs and mobility impairments which made travel very difficult for them. In my career as an aerospace engineer, I would be committed to improving the overall in-flight experience for all passengers.
This would look like keeping a uniform and pleasing temperature in the entire cabin and lowering engine and exterior airflow noise inside an aircraft. This will help contribute to the overall tourism industry and create broader access to individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Another career project would be researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft systems. Along with taking care of passengers, I believe it is vital to take care of our planet. I would work to lower carbon-dioxide emissions significantly, using electric power as the main source of fuel. This would help protect and preserve a healthy climate for current and future generations.
I am certain that determination and creativity are vital to build a better future for everyone. I hope to become a recipient of your scholarship to reach my dreams. I think the engineering industry is the perfect field for those passionate in serving others, like myself. I am sure that serving my community and possibly other communities around the world will be an ever present part of my life and goals.
I am grateful to find opportunities like the one that The Voila Natural Lifestyle is providing to students like me who are constantly fighting for the right to receive an education. I hope to become a recipient of your scholarship to obtain my aerospace engineering degree and reach my career goals.
Lillian's & Ruby's Way Scholarship
Hello, my name is Audrey Velasco and I have been traveling since I was 2 months old. I am a first generation college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at University of Portland.
I was lucky enough to watch SpaceX's Crew Dragon take flight in person at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In less than 20 minutes, the aircraft had already landed on the International Space Station. That was the moment, at 7 years old, when I was captivated by flight. My passion has grown ever since. I moved to the US with my sister and parents 11 years ago, so Spanish is my first language.
Most of my family lives in Cali, Colombia so traveling is vital for me to spend precious time with my grandparents and relatives. Last year, we had a family reunion in Florida to celebrate the holidays together. Both of my grandparents have special auditory needs and mobility impairments which made travel very difficult for them. In my career as an aerospace engineer, I would be committed to improving the overall in-flight experience for all passengers.
This would look like keeping a uniform and pleasing temperature in the entire cabin and lowering engine and exterior airflow noise inside an aircraft. This will help contribute to the overall tourism industry and create broader access to individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Another career project would be researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft systems. Along with taking care of passengers, I believe it is vital to take care of our planet. I would work to lower carbon-dioxide emissions significantly, using electric power as the main source of fuel. This would help protect and preserve a healthy climate for current and future generations.
I am certain that determination and creativity are vital to build a better future for everyone. I think the engineering industry is the perfect field for those passionate in serving others, like myself. I am sure that serving my community and possibly other communities around the world will be an ever present part of my life and goals.
I am grateful to find opportunities like the one that Lillian’s and Ruby’s Way LLC is providing to students like me who are constantly fighting for the right to receive an education. I hope to become a recipient of your scholarship to obtain my aerospace engineering degree and reach my career goals.
Aircraft Mechanics for Aircraft Mechanics Scholarship
“3…2…1…blast off”
The world watches and cheers as the SpaceX's Crew Dragon lands on the ISS. I was lucky enough to watch this amazing moment in person at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In less than 20 minutes, the aircraft had already landed on the Space Station. That was the moment, at 11 years old, when I was captivated by flight. I wanted to be part of such an immense project as a spacecraft or an equally amazing project like a helicopter. No matter how big the vessel, flight has since been a fascinating passion of mine.
My career vision is to one day be able to create electronic systems that provide in-flight safety and comfort for today's advanced aerospace industry. I am certain that if I do not complete my college degree, I could never have the opportunity to achieve my career goals.
I decided to attain a career in aircraft maintenance because my passion has always been solving problems and connecting with people. Travel has also always been a passion of mine, since my first flight when I was two months old. Having no extended family in the country, airplane travel has been critical for visiting my family. Pursuing such a career will provide me the opportunity to help improve the speed, quality and usability of aircrafts and work for a safer aviation industry.
Furthermore, one of my first projects would be to develop new technologies that will maximize comfort for passengers. This would look like keeping a uniform and pleasing temperature in the entire cabin and lowering engine and exterior airflow noise inside an aircraft. This will help contribute to the overall tourism industry and create broader access to individuals with disabilities. Having traveled with my grandparents, who both have special auditory needs and mobility impairments, I would be committed to improving the overall in-flight experience for all passengers.
Another career project would be researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft propulsion systems. Along with taking care of passengers, I believe it is vital to take into account our planet. I would work to lower carbon-dioxide emissions significantly. I would use my expertise to use electric power as the main source of fuel for aircraft.
I know that all of my goals will remain dreams if I do not complete my Engineering degree.
Therefore, I am committed to working hard in school and looking for opportunities that could help me make my goals a reality.
Kyle Rairdan Memorial Aviation Scholarship
“3…2…1…blast off”
The world watches and cheers as SpaceX's Crew Dragon lands on the ISS. I was lucky enough to watch this amazing moment in person at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In less than 20 minutes, the aircraft had already landed on the Space Station. That was the moment, at 11 years old, when I was captivated by flight. I wanted to be part of such an immense project as a spacecraft or an equally amazing project like a helicopter. No matter how big the vessel, flight has since been a fascinating passion of mine.
My career vision is to one day be able to create electronic systems that provide in-flight safety and comfort for today's advanced aerospace industry. I am certain that if I do not complete my college degree, I could never have the opportunity to achieve my career goals.
I decided to attain a career in aerospace engineering because my passion has always been solving problems and connecting with people. Travel has also always been a passion of mine since my first flight when I was two months old. Having no extended family in the country, airplane travel has been critical for visiting my family. Pursuing such a career will provide me the opportunity to help improve the speed, quality and usability of aircrafts and work for a safer aviation industry.
Furthermore, one of my first projects would be to develop new technologies that will maximize comfort for passengers. This would look like keeping a uniform and pleasing temperature in the entire cabin and lowering engine and exterior airflow noise inside an aircraft. This will help contribute to the overall tourism industry and create broader access to individuals with disabilities. Having traveled with my grandparents, who both have special auditory needs and mobility impairments, I would be committed to improving the overall in-flight experience for all passengers.
Another career project would be researching new ways to create fully hybrid or electric aircraft propulsion systems. Along with taking care of passengers, I believe it is vital to take into account our planet. I would work to lower carbon-dioxide emissions significantly. I would use my expertise to use electric power as the main source of fuel for aircraft.
I know that all of my goals will remain dreams if I do not complete my Engineering degree.
Therefore, I am committed to working hard in school and looking for opportunities that could help me make my goals a reality.