What drew me to aerospace engineering was a mix of wonder, challenge, and a desire to contribute to something bigger than myself. Growing up, I was always fascinated by flight. Planes, rockets, and space exploration weren’t just cool—they were mysteries I wanted to understand. I remember watching documentaries about the Apollo missions and NASA's latest innovations, and instead of just admiring them, I found myself asking how and why. How does something so heavy defy gravity? Why does a rocket need multiple stages to reach orbit? That curiosity turned into a passion for engineering. But it wasn’t just the science that pulled me in—it was the possibility. Aerospace engineering sits at the edge of human innovation. It’s a field that constantly pushes the limits of what’s possible, from faster aircraft to reusable rockets to the dream of colonizing other planets. I want to be part of that progress. I want to work on solutions that not only advance technology but also improve life on Earth, whether that’s through cleaner aviation, improved satellite systems, or sustainable space travel. I also chose this path because I’ve always been drawn to challenge. Aerospace isn’t easy—it’s known for being one of the most difficult fields in engineering. But I’ve never been someone who backs away from hard work. In fact, I welcome it. Whether it's balancing rigorous college courses, training for the Golden Gloves boxing tournament, or mentoring kids at my gym, I’ve always thrived when there's something meaningful to work toward. The complexity of aerospace engineering motivates me because I know that each breakthrough can make a massive impact. Through my career, I plan on making a difference in two ways: through innovation and mentorship. First, I want to contribute to projects that make air and space travel more sustainable and accessible. Whether that means designing fuel-efficient aircraft or helping develop technology for deep space missions, I want to be part of creating a future where exploration doesn’t come at the cost of our planet. Second, I want to be a mentor to others—especially young people who might not see many role models in STEM. As a first-generation college student, I understand how valuable guidance and encouragement can be. I’ve been that person for kids at my boxing gym, and I want to continue being that presence for others in my field. I also carry my family's hopes with me. I’m the “Golden Child”—the one my grandparents always believed would succeed. I made a promise to them that I would chase my dreams and make something of myself. That promise fuels my purpose. It reminds me that success isn’t just personal—it’s a responsibility to those who believed in me. Aerospace engineering is my way of fulfilling that responsibility. It’s where my passion and purpose meet. And through it, I plan to leave a legacy of progress, service, and inspiration.

My name is Bishop Upton, I’m a first-generation college student majoring in aerospace engineering, and my path toward aviation was shaped by a mix of curiosity, inspiration, and responsibility. From a young age, I was fascinated by flight—how planes could lift off the ground, how spacecraft could travel beyond Earth. I remember watching videos about space exploration and trying to understand the science behind it. As I got older, this interest turned into a passion for engineering. I wanted to be the person designing the technology that takes us further, faster, and more efficiently. That’s why I chose aerospace engineering: it allows me to work on solving some of the most exciting and important challenges in the world. I’ve also always carried a strong sense of duty—not just to my dreams, but to my family. I’m often called the “Golden Child,” the one everyone believes will make something of himself. My grandparents, especially, have always told me I’m destined to do great things. I promised them I would chase my dreams and become the man they always saw in me. That promise drives me every single day, through tough classes, long nights, and intense training. Outside of academics, I exemplify leadership through action. At my boxing gym, I don’t just train—I teach. I work with kids, helping them learn the basics of boxing, but more importantly, I help them build confidence, discipline, and mental toughness. I also support newcomers at the gym, especially elders or those unfamiliar with the space, making sure they feel welcome and motivated. Leadership to me isn’t about a title—it’s about showing up consistently, setting a standard, and being someone others can depend on. I'm also training to compete in the Golden Gloves tournament. Boxing has taught me a lot about perseverance, structure, and focus—qualities that directly shape how I lead in other areas of my life. I bring that same energy into my academics, where I take initiative in group projects, push myself to understand difficult concepts, and help peers when I can. Ultimately, I believe leadership is about lifting others as you rise. It’s about recognizing your influence and using it to inspire, support, and serve. Whether in the ring, the classroom, or my community, I strive to be someone who leads with purpose, humility, and heart. Thank You for your time and consideration of this scholarship, I hope to hear back from you soon.

Growing up, my mother always reminded me of two things: “Everything takes hard work and discipline” and “It will always be TeamUs.” At first, I struggled with what to write, but after asking my mother for help, I realized I needed to write about her—my hero. The prompt asked me to describe something so meaningful that I’d feel incomplete without it, and that’s my mother and the impact her hardships have had on my life. My mother grew up in Hampton, Virginia, in a lower-class family, facing many challenges. She lost both parents by age 16—her mother after ten years on dialysis and her father to a heart attack after struggling with drug addiction. By 18, she had my sister, and by 22, she had me, raising us alone since my father wasn’t around. She worked two jobs, often going without food so we could eat, and had few social experiences due to the lack of support. Witnessing her sacrifices taught me the value of hard work and resilience. I will never take her for granted, as she provided the blueprint for my work ethic and perseverance. Her struggles also led to emotional challenges. As I grew older, our relationship became strained. She had a lot of unresolved emotions from her past, and without a father figure, I struggled to understand what it meant to be a “man”. Feeling inadequate, I held myself to impossibly high standards, which caused anger and frustration. Over time, this confusion built up, and I often took it out on my mother. We argued frequently—often over small things that always escalated. I felt misunderstood, convinced that only my absent father could understand me. Our constant fighting strained our bond, but over time, I realized that my mom and I were more alike than I thought. We were both shaped by our trauma. This realization helped me understand that it wasn’t my mother who didn’t understand me, but that I hadn’t fully understood her. Once I recognized that, our relationship began to heal. Over the past year, we’ve grown much closer, and I am deeply grateful for that. My mother isn’t perfect—no one is, but if I had to choose in any universe, I’d pick her as my mom every time. She taught me everything I know, from her sacrifices to the life lessons she instilled in our long talks. She paved the way for me to be a successful Black man, and I owe everything to her. Reflecting on these difficult moments forced me to confront my own emotions, behavior, and identity. Healing from my trauma required me to address deeper emotions such as sadness, anger, and confusion. These experiences helped me develop empathy and understand the value of forgiveness. In my everyday life, I now aim to create positive change by helping others appreciate the importance of letting go and moving forward. This healing process led to my personal growth. By letting go of my resentment towards my father and forgiving my mother for the emotional wounds we shared, I felt liberated. It allowed me to approach life with a lighter heart and an open mind. I transformed from an angry, confused kid into a strong-willed man. These lessons were difficult, but without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. My mother is my superhero. She raised me to be strong, kind, and hardworking, and I will never let her sacrifices go to waste. I promised myself that I would never give up. Whether in college, boxing, or life in general, I am determined to succeed because of everything she’s done for me. I aspire to achieve success, whether it’s in aerospace engineering or professional boxing. I work toward these goals every day, knowing that if I give it my all, I won’t fail. If I had to describe my mother in one word, it would be this: My Superhero.