Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by how things work. I was the kid who wanted to take apart the fan just to see what made it spin. As I got older, that curiosity grew into a real passion for fixing and building things with my hands. That’s what led me to the trade I want to pursue—HVAC, which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It’s a career that combines hands-on skill, problem-solving, and helping others. But the biggest reason I chose this path is because of my grandpa, Clarence. My grandpa was an Army veteran and one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known. He passed away about three years ago, but he still inspires me every day. Growing up, I watched him fix just about everything—cars, wiring, plumbing, you name it. He was the kind of person who could look at something broken and figure out how to make it work again. I always admired how confident and capable he was with his hands, and I wanted to be like that too. What I remember most about my grandpa wasn’t just how talented he was, but how much pride he took in his work. He always said, “If you take care of your work, your work will take care of you.” That saying has stuck with me. It reminds me to give my best effort and to do things the right way, even when it’s not easy. When I read about the Calvin C. Donelson Scholarship, I immediately thought of my grandpa. Just like Mr. Donelson, my grandpa believed in the importance of skilled trades. He knew that success doesn’t only come from a college degree—it also comes from hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication. Both of them showed that if you have passion and perseverance, you can build something meaningful. For me, HVAC represents that same kind of purpose. It’s a field that requires both technical knowledge and hands-on ability. I like that it challenges me to think and solve problems, and that it helps people live more comfortably and safely. I want to be someone who can provide that kind of service and dependability to others. My goal is to become a certified HVAC technician and eventually give back by teaching or mentoring others in the trade. This scholarship would help me take the next step toward that goal. I want to carry forward the same values that guided my grandpa and Mr. Donelson—hard work, pride, and a love for the craft.

From an early age, I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and solving practical problems. Whether it was fixing things around the house, helping family with small projects, or learning how different systems work, I found a deep sense of satisfaction in building and repairing. That curiosity naturally grew into a passion for the trades. I chose to pursue a career in this field because I see it as an opportunity to create real, tangible results that make people’s lives better. In a world that often prioritizes digital work, the trades remind us of the value of skilled craftsmanship—of knowing that your effort directly improves someone’s comfort, safety, or quality of life. My decision to enter the HVAC program is more than just a career choice; it’s a commitment to mastering a craft that keeps homes and businesses running efficiently. I take pride in knowing that my work can bring relief to a family on a sweltering summer day or warmth to someone in the middle of winter. The trades represent honesty, reliability, and the kind of integrity that comes from doing a job right the first time. I admire how this line of work teaches discipline, problem-solving, and teamwork, and how it offers opportunities to continue learning every day. There is no shortcut to skill, and that’s something I deeply respect. Beyond the technical side, I’m drawn to the trades because they’re essential for strong communities. Skilled workers are the backbone of every city—building, maintaining, and improving the infrastructure everyone depends on. Unfortunately, society doesn’t always give enough recognition to trade professionals, even though these careers are vital and full of potential. By succeeding in my field, I hope to set an example for others, especially younger people who might not realize that success doesn’t always require a college degree. There’s real dignity and opportunity in the trades, and I want to help change how people view them. When it comes to social causes, I care most about supporting veterans and promoting access to skilled trade education. My stepdad is a military veteran, and through him I’ve learned the importance of discipline, service, and resilience. Many veterans have the qualities that make great tradespeople—dedication, problem-solving, and a strong work ethic—but they often struggle to transition into civilian life. I believe more programs should exist to connect veterans with trade schools and apprenticeships, giving them a new mission and purpose after service. I also care about making trade education more accessible to students who can’t afford college. Not everyone has the means or desire to pursue a four-year degree, and that shouldn’t limit their future. I want to help raise awareness about how rewarding and financially stable the trades can be. Scholarships like the Slater Miller Memorial Scholarship make a real difference by empowering people like me to turn passion into a lifelong career. In the end, my goal is simple: to build a career that reflects hard work, respect, and service to others. Pursuing a trade isn’t just about learning a skill—it’s about carrying forward the values of craftsmanship, community, and perseverance. I’m proud to be part of a generation keeping those values alive.

Growing up, I always admired people who could fix things. Whether it was a broken air conditioner in the summer or a furnace that stopped working on a freezing winter day, I noticed how much relief and appreciation people showed toward the technicians who restored comfort to their homes. Over time, I realized that HVAC professionals don’t just work with equipment—they serve people. That realization sparked my passion for the HVAC field and shaped my goal to become a highly skilled technician who uses my craft to improve lives and give back to the community. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it’s a stepping stone toward a meaningful career that combines technical expertise, service, and leadership. As a trade school student, I’m fully committed to mastering the mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems that make HVAC such a critical part of modern life. But beyond the classroom, I view this scholarship as a responsibility to invest what I learn back into others. The HVAC industry is about balance—between technology and nature, comfort and efficiency, individual work and teamwork. I plan to use my education to bring that same balance to my community. By learning the latest methods in energy efficiency and green technology, I can help local homes and small businesses reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint. Many people don’t realize how much impact an HVAC system has on both utility bills and the environment. I want to help families in my community stay comfortable without having to sacrifice financial stability or sustainability. In the long term, my goal is to start my own HVAC business that emphasizes education, mentorship, and community support. I want to offer affordable maintenance programs for low-income households and create apprenticeship opportunities for young people who, like me, are driven but may not have access to traditional college paths. This scholarship will help me gain the technical and leadership foundation I need to make that dream a reality. Every skill I develop in school—from diagnostics to installation to customer relations—will eventually be used to train and empower others. Another way I plan to give back is by volunteering my services for community improvement projects. Many schools, shelters, and community centers operate with outdated or inefficient HVAC systems that affect comfort, health, and even safety. Once I’m licensed, I hope to work with local organizations to provide free or low-cost maintenance and repairs for these facilities. A properly running system can make a big difference, especially for children, seniors, or families in need. In addition to the technical side of HVAC, I’m drawn to the human side—the opportunity to build trust, solve problems, and make someone’s day better. I’ve learned through work experience that reliability and professionalism matter as much as skill. A big part of advancing my field is setting a standard for quality service that reflects integrity and respect. By being a role model who takes pride in honest work, I hope to elevate the reputation of trade professionals and inspire others to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and certifications without the stress of financial limitations. It would also motivate me to push even harder toward my goals, knowing that others believe in my potential to make a difference. The HVAC trade isn’t just a job for me—it’s a lifelong path of learning, growth, and service. Every lesson I learn in school and every system I repair in the field will contribute to a larger mission: building stronger communities through skill, compassion, and hard work. In a world that’s constantly changing, skilled trades are the backbone that keeps society running smoothly. HVAC technicians are problem-solvers, innovators, and essential workers. By investing in my education, this scholarship will help me become one of those professionals who not only keeps systems running but keeps people comfortable, safe, and supported. Ultimately, I plan to use what I gain from this opportunity to lift others up—by sharing knowledge, offering help, and creating career pathways for the next generation of technicians. The comfort and stability that HVAC provides can extend far beyond temperature control—it can bring peace of mind, opportunity, and community pride. That’s the kind of impact I want to make, and this scholarship will help me get there.