They say you never forget life’s firsts: your first best friend, your first love, your first job. The same is true of my first rescue as a lifeguard– not because it was my first rescue but because it taught me what it truly means to help someone. As a lifeguard, I am trained in water safety and emergency response. It is a job that I do not take lightly because the safety and well-being of others are in my hands. However, two summers ago, my training was put to the test. I had just started my shift and was guarding the diving pool. I noticed a group of boys daring one of their friends, who was standing off to the side, to jump off the diving board. The boy hesitated before climbing the board and jumping into the water. He went under and surfaced a few seconds later. However, instead of swimming to the wall, he remained in place, treading water. My attention immediately sharpened. The community center had strict rules for diving, one of which was that patrons had to be able to swim independently to dive. Within seconds, the boy was thrashing and struggling to stay above water. I activated the Emergency Action Plan, jumped in, and quickly reached him. I brought him out and made sure that he was responsive. Fortunately, he was unharmed. The rescue lasted only moments, but the experience left a lasting impact on me. While I filled out the incident report, I learned the boy’s name was Henry and that he could not swim. Henry, however, wanted to impress his friends and jumped in anyway. He was shaken and frightened, repeatedly apologizing and calling himself stupid. I was prepared to scold Henry for his poor decision. However, seeing how remorseful and embarrassed he was, I realized he did not need criticism from me. He looked like he was beating himself up over his decision enough. Rather, what he needed was understanding and compassion. I reassured him that his safety was the top priority and calmly explained the dangers of showing off in the water. I wanted him to understand the seriousness of the situation, but without feeling ashamed or afraid to return to the pool. Before he left, I encouraged him to take swimming lessons. When he shared that his family could not afford them, I told him about a scholarship program the center offers and gave him an application. I was not sure whether he would follow through, but a couple of weeks later, I saw him back in the pool, this time starting a swim class. Later, he stopped by to tell me that the scholarship had allowed both him and his younger brother to take lessons. Seeing him return, not with fear or shame, but with excitement and determination, was as meaningful as the rescue itself. My first rescue as a lifeguard remains an unforgettable experience. Not only did it put my training to the test, but it also taught me that helping people is not always about taking action or doing something for someone. Sometimes the human connection matters just as much. Being understanding and compassionate, especially when people are vulnerable, can help in ways that go beyond physical assistance. It can provide mental and emotional support and inspire growth. The lesson I learned that day continues to guide me, not only as a lifeguard, but in all areas of my life.

My grandparents escaped a genocide that killed over two million people. They arrived in the United States with nothing but gratitude for a second chance and the determination to build better lives for themselves and others. Their resilience, optimism, and commitment to making meaningful impacts not only represent a legacy that they share with Michael, but also the values I strive to live by every day. With the support of others, my grandparents didn’t just survive; they thrived. In gratitude, they’ve spent their lives helping others and have inspired me to do the same. At school, I’m involved in activities that allow me to serve. As a member of the Red Cross, I help to organize blood drives, recruit volunteers, and promote blood donation. Through Girl Up, I help raise funds for menstrual products and spearhead a program to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for new and incoming female students. I also tutor struggling classmates, especially those with language barriers. My grandparents speak English with heavy accents and mid-sentence pauses. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and prejudice they’ve faced because of how they speak. Their experiences have taught me the importance of empathy and helping others overcome challenges. By supporting my classmates, I hope to make a positive difference in their lives, just as others did for my grandparents. Outside of school, I take great pride in helping my family. I’m the oldest child, and since I was twelve, I’ve volunteered to babysit. I always decline payment because my motivation is to help. Even at a young age, I knew my family didn’t have much money, with most barely making enough to cover their needs. Being able to spend time with my brother and cousins, and knowing that my family trusts me to help, are enough. Besides helping my family, I am a lifeguard and swim instructor, two roles I sought when I turned fifteen. Growing up, I learned how to swim at our community center pool. Not only did I learn a life-saving skill, but I also developed a love of swimming thanks to the kind, supportive instructors and lifeguards. Now, I have the opportunity to give back to the center. Whether I’m helping an anxious adult taking their first swim class or explaining the dangers of showing off to teen boys, I take great pride in knowing that I’m helping to keep people safe in the same place where I’d learned how to swim as a child. This scholarship will not only support my educational and career goals, but also allow me to continue helping others and making a difference. It represents the opportunity to develop the education and skills to build a bright future for myself and others, just as my grandparents did for my family. Whether I choose a career in aviation, law, or business, this scholarship will enable me to carry on the shared legacy of Michael and my family: resilience in the face of struggles, kindness toward others, and a commitment to meaningful impact.

My grandparents escaped a genocide that killed over two million people. They arrived in the United States with nothing but gratitude for a second chance and the determination to build better lives for themselves and others. Their resilience, optimism, and commitment to making meaningful impacts not only represent a legacy that they share with Thomas, but also the values I strive to live by every day. With the support of others, my grandparents didn’t just survive; they thrived. In gratitude, they’ve spent their lives helping others and have inspired me to do the same. At school, I’m involved in activities that allow me to serve. As a member of the Red Cross, I help to organize blood drives, recruit volunteers, and promote blood donation. Through Girl Up, I help raise funds for menstrual products and spearhead a program to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for new and incoming female students. I also tutor struggling classmates, especially those with language barriers. My grandparents speak English with heavy accents and mid-sentence pauses. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and prejudice they’ve faced because of how they speak. Their experiences have taught me the importance of empathy and helping others overcome challenges. By supporting my classmates, I hope to make a positive difference in their lives, just as others did for my grandparents. Outside of school, I take great pride in helping my family. I’m the oldest child, and since I was twelve, I’ve volunteered to babysit. I always decline payment because my motivation is to help. Even at a young age, I knew my family didn’t have much money, with most barely making enough to cover their needs. Being able to spend time with my brother and cousins, and knowing that my family trusts me to help, are enough. Besides helping my family, I am a lifeguard and swim instructor, two roles I sought when I turned fifteen. Growing up, I learned how to swim at our community center pool. Not only did I learn a life-saving skill, but I also developed a love of swimming thanks to the kind, supportive instructors and lifeguards. Now, I have the opportunity to give back to the center. Whether I’m helping an anxious adult taking their first swim class or explaining the dangers of showing off to teen boys, I take great pride in knowing that I’m helping to keep people safe in the same place where I’d learned how to swim as a child. This scholarship will not only support my educational and career goals, but also allow me to continue helping others and making a difference. It represents the opportunity to develop the education and skills to build a bright future for myself and others, just as my grandparents did for my family. Whether I choose a career in aviation, law, or business, this scholarship will enable me to carry on the shared legacy of Thomas and my family: resilience in the face of struggles, kindness toward others, and a commitment to meaningful impact.

My mom and grandparents were among the lucky ones who managed to escape Cambodia’s brutal Khmer Rouge regime. They arrived in America traumatized, with few possessions and little knowledge of English. However, with the kindness and support of the community that sponsored them, they slowly adapted. With determination, they rebuilt their lives. With gratitude, they pursued opportunities and goals. They did not let the Khmer Rouge leave its legacy of destruction and hate. Instead, they fought to create better, brighter lives for themselves and others. It is to my mom and grandparents’ legacy that I strive to carry on. Growing up with their stories of survival and triumph made me aware of the importance of never giving up. It is this mindset that has helped me to overcome challenges, pursue goals, and keep pushing myself. They went through so much to survive. The least I can do to honor their struggles and sacrifices is to work hard, do my best, and not take what I have for granted. My mom and grandparents also inspire me to help make positive impacts. They often speak about the people who helped them. Their stories taught me how important community is because without the compassion and support they received, our lives would be different. Because of this, I try to give back to my community. At school, I’m involved in the Girl Up Club and the Asian Student Union to make school more welcoming and inclusive. I’m also the social media manager and co-captain of the swim team. In both roles, I focus on helping others feel encouraged and supported, especially newer swimmers who might not have the skills and feel less confident. I understand how important support is, and I try to lead with empathy and respect. Most of all, I enjoy helping classmates. I remember my grandparents telling me stories of how they struggled to learn English, and how, if it hadn’t been for the encouragement and support of others, they wouldn’t have learned as much. I see the same struggles in some of my classmates who are bright and capable, but because of language barriers, aren’t able to understand the lesson or communicate their answers. I’ve witnessed teachers not helping and being dismissive. I may only speak English, and I may not fully understand the material myself, but my family taught me not to stand by and watch others struggle, so I help however I can. Beyond school, I take great pride in helping my family. I am the oldest sibling and cousin, and since I was twelve, I have volunteered to babysit. I always declined any offer of payment because my motivation was to help, not to earn money. Even at a young age, I knew my family did not have much money, with most barely making enough to cover their needs. I knew my parents and relatives appreciated my help and appreciated saving money. Being able to spend time with my brother and cousins, and the bond we formed was more than enough. This scholarship greatly resonates with me. The story of Ms. Sun’s life mirrors my mom and grandparents’ lives so much. Their resilience and determination to rise above the Khmer Rouge and to work on making a better life for themselves and others are why I, as a second-generation Khmer American, am here. Because of them, I have the opportunities to pursue my goals and to give back to my family and community. Their legacy is what I strive to carry on.

I have always known my love for traveling and exploration. From the excitement I felt in the airport, to boarding the plane with it’s loud engine roaring, to reaching the location, the thrill never ended. Seeing the world from above the clouds showed me how much smaller our lives are, and how beautiful the world is. As I got older traveling became therapeutic and educational. I began to see how life looked differently depending on your location accessibility, which I found so culturally fascinating. It unlocked the drive to explore and adventure. The drive to learn more and further my education on travel and transport. My uncle, a captain for a major airline, knew about the passion I felt and suggested I go for a test flight with him in a small fixed wing aircraft a couple miles away from home. I remember how it felt being in that tiny Cessna 172. Ever since then, flying has not left my mind and the feeling I get when I do it. Exhilaration and completeness. That is how I know exactly that I want to go into the field of aviation, because I feel truly passionate about my experiences with airplanes. I have always loved to learn more about the function behind machinery or transportation vehicles, excelling in classes such as automotive, engineering, and physics. Seeing my talents lied heavily in STEM, I always encouraged myself to go into a male-dominated field and create change in an industry, which is where I developed my ideology that I would feel no higher calling than to represent women and minorities in aviation. Showing up to alter the course of a workforce is certainly not completed just by one candidate but I would love to contribute to a significant difference through my education. That is why receiving this scholarship would benefit me greatly, because through my education I can expand my knowledge and provide a truly great public service. I have always applied myself heavily to school and love learning, which makes me more thrilled to continue on my journey after high school, making myself and my family proud. I will do anything to achieve my goals of becoming a pilot, as it is where my love lies and I know that it is my destiny. Seeking adventure is something that is largely part of who I am, and I am ready to face challenges that I may meet, head on.

I am an Asian, First generation American student, graduating in June 2026 with the hopes of pursuing a career in the field of Aviation. I have always felt a calling to the pilot profession, with my love of travel, leadership, and fascination with technology or mechanics. I have know what I've wanted to do with my life since the seventh grade, when my uncle took me on a discovery flight in a tiny Cessna 172. The feeling of being up in the sky, with no limits or boundaries. Success and representation have always been driving motivations for me to work hard and achieve my goals. From the feeling of winning a race during track, to scoring slightly stronger than I anticipated on a test. The feeling of accomplishing my goals is what drives me to persevere and push for excellence. This desire to face challenges and achieve is what makes me a strong student, but also a candidate. With large plans, I hope to become a first captain for a major airline and represent women and minorities in the industry of aviation after college. As I was always encouraged to find diversity in what I succeed in, it led me to desire a job where I am continuously using critical thinking and skill application. Earning this scholarship would support me financially in attending college to receive a bachelor's degree in Professional Flight or Aeronautics. Knowing that my families income is two teachers salaries is frightening, knowing financial support is limited, but does not deter me from seeking higher education. I will have the ability to expand my knowledge and provide a truly noble public service. It will also provide me the opportunity to represent thousands of young women who have the same dream as I do, showing them that achievement of our dreams are possible with hard work and dedication. My greatest motivation is what the feeling of success feels or looks like for myself personally, and the ideology that I am helping revolutionize a male-dominated industry. I will always continue to value education and growth, helping me challenge adversity in everything. Remembering that this industry has so much waiting for me, and I am thrilled to continue my journey into it. I always felt my successes lied heavily in areas that are less commonly succeeded in. For example, in elementary school when it was unanimously decided that the fastest boys were most popular, I wanted to be the fastest girl and beat the quickest boy. Not because I wanted popularity, but for the love of the game, and to be better than any boy. Little stories like this are looked over in young age, but as you get older, begin to bite. People began to use my desire to be different against me, calling me terms like "try hard" because I showed more interest in successes than stereotypical subjects. Even now, in high school, as I've decided to enter the male-dominated field of aviation, people still ask me "Why don't you just find a more comfortable profession?" or "I haven't heard many women wanting to do that." These questions feel accusatory. Like it is my fault I was born for greater things than comfort. However, now I don't respond with getting myself worked up. I take pride in my differences and have realized that my future successes lie beyond the comprehension of those adversaries. I have learned that the greatest accomplishments are not those that blend in, but those that win the races. Even when the races aren't meant to be won by someone like you.

I am an Asian, First generation American student, graduating in June 2026 with the hopes of pursuing a career in the field of Aviation. I have always felt a calling to the pilot profession, with my love of travel, leadership, and fascination with technology or mechanics. Always loving to learn about functions of machinery or transportation vehicles, and excelling in classes such as automotive, engineering, and physics. I have know what I've wanted to do with my life since the seventh grade, when my uncle took me on a discovery flight in a tiny Cessna 172. The feeling of being up in the sky, with no limits or boundaries. Everything felt possible. Success and representation have always been driving motivations for me to work hard and achieve my goals. From the feeling of winning a race during track, to scoring slightly stronger than I anticipated on a test. The feeling of accomplishing my goals is what drives me to persevere and push for excellence. This desire to face challenges and achieve is what makes me a strong student, but also a candidate. With large scale plans, I hope to become a first captain for a major airline and represent women and minorities in the industry of aviation after college. As I was always encouraged to find diversity in what I succeed in, it led me to desire a job where I am continuously using critical thinking and skill application. Earning this scholarship would support me financially in attending college to receive a bachelor's degree in Professional Flight or Aeronautics, where my strive for success will never falter. I will have the ability to expand my knowledge and provide a truly noble public service. It will also provide me the opportunity to represent thousands of young women who have the same dream as I do, showing them that achievement of our dreams are possible with hard work and dedication. Women in STEM are the future, and I would feel no higher calling then to be part of this change. My greatest motivation is what the feeling of success feels or looks like for myself personally, and the ideology that I am helping revolutionize a male-dominated industry. I will always continue to value education and growth, helping me challenge adversity in everything I face. Remembering that this industry has so much waiting for me, and I am thrilled to continue my journey into it.

As a kid, I always noticed differences between myself and the kids I played with at recess. I liked to chase, they liked to run. They liked the colors pink and purple, I liked the color purple but despised pink. Their hair is blonde, my hair is black. These differences, barely recognizable. As time passed, others began to point them out. “Why are you eating that for lunch?” or “Why does your skin get so dark in the sun?”. Observations became questions, and questions became accusations. Slowly, I became insecure about these moments and my identity. The biggest blow happened in fifth grade when I was at an art camp after school. In the cafeteria, we were making hand-turkeys for Thanksgiving. I got up to switch out the paint for a darker brown when it was taken out of my hands. A girl, another fifth grader, much taller, glared bitterly at me before spitting out the words, “Go back to where you came from.” I remember feeling like all of my words were caught in my chest, an ache forming in place of them. I had no idea what this meant, but her words were biting. I am from here. What does she mean by " where I came from”? I went to the bathroom to wash my hands and began crying. And I couldn't stop. I went home and sobbed to my grandparents, who were there to watch over me until Mom got home. When my grandma realized what had happened, fury grew in her eyes. “What girl?” she demanded. “Ba!” She yelled to my grandpa, demanding he translate. Sadness cloaked his face as he sat me down on the sofa. That is when I first learned of the Khmer Rouge. Telling your granddaughter of the war that caused your entire family to flee their homeland is certainly not an easy conversation, especially when she is more concerned about being different than her classmates. “Come here, Oun.” My grandfather whispered gently. “We immigrated here for opportunities and a new life. Do you know how lucky we are? How lucky you are?” Lucky? I didn't feel lucky. Not at the time. As the years went by, I learned. I learned about the atrocities the people of Cambodia endured during the civil war. I began listening, listening to the experiences of the survivors, gruesome details that made me taste bile. I watched as tears were brought to my grandparents as they prayed for their brothers and sisters who weren't so fortunate. 2 million people in the span of 4 years. These people were all more than numbers. It wasn't until I grew older that I fully grasped the expanse of this loss and what it meant for my family - and me. Only time could teach me why the shame I felt in elementary school was stupid. Only stories could make me hear the whispered truths. My grandparents and my family's stories showed me how survival is built with resilience and pain. The emotions that are brought with it must be faced head-on. They taught me my worldview on what success looks like to different people, from different places, and how lucky I truly am. My identity has been molded by my family's story and triumphs. Everything I do is for them, because they gave me this chance to build something incredible, as they did.