When I look back at my journey so far, I don’t see a straight path. What I see are challenges that pushed me in unexpected ways; on a volleyball court, in a cafeteria thousands of miles from home, and even in the small choices I make every day. Each moment taught me not only how to grow, but how to use my growth to encourage others. As I prepare to enter the University of New Mexico as a Mechanical Engineering major, with the goal of later specializing in Aerospace Engineering, I know that my story is about proving that small steps can create big ripples of impact. My first challenge came through volleyball. When I was younger, I was overweight and classmates teased me. I pretended not to hear, but it hurt. Volleyball became my escape, though I wasn’t good at all in the beginning. The ball hit the floor more than my hands, but I kept showing up. Slowly, I became stronger, faster, and more confident. The transformation was visible, and it inspired my teammates and even my younger brother, who began practicing with me. I realized that my personal change wasn’t just mine, it gave others permission to believe in themselves too. The second turning point was my exchange year at Menaul School in Albuquerque. On my first day, I sat in the cafeteria listening to jokes I didn’t understand, worried I would never fit in. But I chose to listen more, ask questions, and share stories about Mongolia. Bit by bit, the distance between “foreign student” and “friend” disappeared. By the end of the year, I was laughing at jokes that once puzzled me, and my classmates were learning Mongolian traditions from me. That experience showed me that cultural differences are not barriers, they are bridges if someone is willing to build them. My third lesson came from daily habits. Like many teenagers, I ate fast food and used disposable bottles without thinking. Then I realized those small choices carried big consequences. I decided to change: I cut out fast food, switched to reusable items, and shared my journey online. To my surprise, friends told me they had started bringing their own bottles or cutting down on plastic because of me. That was when I understood that impact doesn’t always come from big campaigns. Sometimes, it starts with a single example. Together, these three experiences taught me the same lesson: every time I grew, I also gave others a reason to grow. Volleyball showed me that discipline and perseverance can inspire teammates. Studying abroad taught me that openness and curiosity can connect cultures. My lifestyle changes proved that even small choices can encourage others to act more responsibly. This scholarship would mean more to me than financial relief though I do need that support. It would also mean the chance to keep turning challenges into sparks of impact. I am determined to use my education in Mechanical Engineering, and eventually Aerospace Engineering, to tackle problems that matter: cleaner technologies, sustainable systems, and innovations that improve lives. But I also know that even while I study, I can continue making a difference in small, everyday ways through persistence, openness, and example. I once thought impact came only from big achievements. Now I know it can begin with a volleyball, a shared joke, or a reusable water bottle. With the help of this scholarship, I can keep turning those small sparks into a brighter path forward for myself, and for others.

From the moment I first watched a rocket ascend into the sky, I felt an unshakable desire to understand the physics behind flight. The thought that human ingenuity could overcome gravity and reach the stars sparked something deep within me -a passion that only grew stronger with time. That passion has since evolved into a clear and determined career goal: to become an aerospace engineer. But I don’t want to just build machines that fly. I want to create the next generation of sustainable, efficient, and innovative aerospace technologies that push humanity forward. My long-term vision includes contributing to interplanetary travel, developing quieter, greener propulsion systems, and designing aircraft that make air travel more accessible and environmentally conscious. These are not mere aspirations; they are missions that align with my values of curiosity, sustainability, and public service. My path begins with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. I chose this major because it sits at the intersection of physics, creativity, and problem-solving. It combines my love for math and science with my desire to make a tangible, global impact. Through this degree, I will gain the technical expertise to contribute to real-world solutions- whether by optimizing airflow over an airfoil or programming autonomous flight control systems. I am deeply driven by the belief that knowledge should serve people. I see engineering not as an isolated discipline, but as a human endeavor aimed at solving challenges that matter. Whether I am designing a UAV to deliver medical supplies to remote communities or working on low-orbit satellites that enhance global communication, my focus remains the same: create technologies that improve lives. Underpinning all my goals is the value of resilience. Aerospace engineering is a field filled with complexity, where failure is not uncommon. But each failure, I believe, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and innovate. This mindset fuels my ambition and keeps me motivated even when faced with setbacks. Ultimately, my dream is not just to fly higher, but to lift others as I rise. I envision a career where I can mentor aspiring engineers, advocate for equity in STEM, and use my knowledge to serve both science and society. Becoming an aerospace engineer is not just a personal goal. It’s a lifelong mission fueled by empathy, imagination, and an unshakable drive to make a difference. With every equation I solve and every blueprint I draft, I am one step closer to building a future where innovation serves both Earth and the stars.