Choosing a career in the skilled trades wasn’t just a decision for me — it was a survival choice. I grew up learning how to make something out of nothing, stay strong even when things felt unstable, and keep going when life was heavy. I didn’t come from money or privilege, but I came from resilience, and that pushed me toward a future where I could build stability with my own hands. As a Black woman entering the trades, I often feel like I am entering spaces not designed with me in mind. There are days I feel out of place, underestimated, or invisible, but deep down, I know I belong here. I am not just trying to break into this field — I am trying to break generational barriers. I want to be proof that girls like me can work with their hands, master technical skills, and build powerful careers. The obstacles I've faced haven’t only been academic or financial. They have been emotional. I've had to fight moments of self-doubt, fear, and the pressure of wanting more for my future than what I've seen growing up. I've carried the weight of wondering if I'm doing enough, choosing the right path, or if anyone will see my potential. Still, I show up. I keep studying. I keep trying. What drives me is simple but powerful: I want independence. I want to build a life where I don’t feel trapped by circumstances or limited by fear. I want to be able to take care of myself, provide for my future, and stand confidently on my own. I want stability, pride in my work, and a future I can control. Learning a trade empowers me to shape my own path and create a life that feels secure and meaningful. This scholarship would mean more than just financial support. It would lift a financial burden and allow me to be fully present in my education. Instead of constantly worrying about how I will afford this training, I could focus on sharpening my skills and showing up every day with confidence and motivation. Skilled work matters because behind every safe building, every working system, and every protected space is someone who cared enough to do it right. I want to be that person. I want people to be safer because I chose not to give up. I am proud of my journey, not just because of where I am now, but because of what it took to get here. Every obstacle I faced taught me resilience. Every setback taught me patience. I am not just learning a trade — I am building a future that breaks cycles and opens doors. I carry the responsibility of being a role model, not only for myself but for other young women watching and wondering if they can do it too. I am ready to work hard and represent my community with pride. I am not just chasing a career — I am building a legacy.

In today's world, where technology and automation are advancing at a rapid pace, the importance of the trades is often overlooked. People talk about coding, artificial intelligence, and robotics as if they're the future, but those things still rely on the hands-on work of skilled tradespeople. Without the trades, the world doesn't move. The lights don't turn on, the buildings don’t stand, and the machines don’t run. The trades aren’t just important- they’re essential. As a black woman entering this field, I believe that representation and inclusion are just as vital as the work itself. When I first started learning about the trades, I noticed something right away- there weren’t many people who looked like me. Walking into the classroom and worksites, I don’t see many women, and even fewer black women. But instead of this discouraging me, it motivates me. I want to be part of the new wave of skilled workers who break barriers and show that the trades are for everyone. Because when more people like me step into these spaces, we bring new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. Trades are the backbone of every community. Every wire, every pipe, every structure connects back to the work of someone who decided to learn a skill and use it to make life better for others. Electricians make it possible for hospitals to run, students to learn under bright lights, and families to stay warm during winter. Plumbers make clean water and sanitation possible- things people often take for granted. Welders, HVAC techs, and construction workers are the reason our cities and homes exist. These jobs may not always be glamorous, but they are powerful. They represent real, honest work that keeps the world together. In modern society, there’s also a gap between people who create technology and those who maintain the system that makes that technology usable. Artificial intelligence might design blueprints or predict energy use, but it can’t crawl into an attic to fix wiring or walk onto a construction site to install a safety system. That’s where tradespeople come in, bridging the space between innovation and real-world function. The more technology we create, the more skilled hands we’ll need to keep it all running. That’s another reason I’m so passionate about the field. The world needs tradespeople who can adapt and grow with technology- people who can learn the digital tools and still understand the value of human skills. When young black girls see someone like me doing it, it can open a door. It says, "You belong here too.” Representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about shifting the narrative of what tradespeople look like. The trades are also important because they build confidence, independence, and community. This isn’t a career where you sit behind a desk all day- it’s one where you see the results of your work immediately. You can stand back at the end of the day and know you have built something that matters. That feeling of accomplishment can’t be replaced by any algorithm or app. For me, entering the trade isn’t just about finding a career- it’s about creating impact. It’s about being part of a generation that values hard work, skill, and diversity. As a black woman, I want to prove that I can hold my own in a male-dominated field. I want her to know that she doesn’t have to choose between being smart, strong, and skilled; she can be all three. In the end, the importance of the trades in modern society goes far beyond wiring, pipes, or construction. It's about building opportunities, equality, and community. It’s about making sure the future is built by all of us, not just some of us. As I continue my path, I hope to be part of the change- one circuit, one project, one barrier at a time.