I didn’t choose civil engineering just because I liked math or building things—I chose it because it’s practical, purposeful, and problem-driven. Growing up, I was often involved in hands-on projects with my dad, and I developed an interest in how things work and how they can be improved. Whether we were working on a shed, repairing something around the house, or building something from scratch, I loved seeing a project go from an idea to something useful. Over time, that interest turned into a goal: to use engineering to improve infrastructure in real communities, especially in places like where I’m from. I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in civil engineering. I want to work on projects that serve the public—things like safer roads, stronger buildings, and better access to utilities. Civil engineering allows me to work at the intersection of structure and service. I’m especially interested in improving systems in rural or underserved areas where problems are often overlooked but still deeply affect people’s lives. I believe that improving infrastructure is one of the most powerful ways to uplift entire communities. To help pay for school, I currently work two part-time jobs. I made the decision early on not to fully rely on my parents financially, even though they’ve always supported me in every other way. They’ve sacrificed a lot to help me get here, and I want to carry my share of the responsibility. This choice has taught me how to manage my time, stay organized, and push through when things get difficult. It’s also made me more appreciative of every opportunity I’ve had to stay in school and keep working toward my goals. This past year, I learned something important about myself. After a long period of feeling unfocused and overwhelmed, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD. Finally having a name for what I’d been experiencing helped me understand my own learning and attention challenges, and it gave me a clear way forward. Since then, I’ve started adjusting how I approach school and daily tasks. I’m learning better systems for managing time and responsibilities, and I’m looking into campus resources and accommodations to help me stay on track. I feel more in control now and more confident in my ability to handle what’s ahead. I know that being proactive and flexible will be key not just in school, but also in my future career. I believe I’m worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I don’t back down from setbacks. I’ve learned how to be resourceful, self-motivated, and resilient. My goals are not just personal achievements, they’re tied to the impact I want to make through my work. With the right support, I know I can become the kind of engineer who solves real problems and creates lasting improvements for others.

My interest in engineering began long before college. Growing up, I spent countless hours helping my dad build all sorts of things. Whether it was fixing something around the house or taking on a new weekend project, I learned how to work with my hands and solve problems by doing, observing, and asking questions. Those early experiences built the foundation for the career path I’ve chosen today. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in civil engineering. I chose this field because I want to make a real impact in the world by creating safer, stronger, and more sustainable infrastructure. Civil engineering is more than just math and design. It is about solving practical problems and improving everyday life for real people. Coming from a small rural town, I’ve seen how much work there is to be done. Roads are cracked and patched, public spaces are neglected, and many people lack access to reliable water systems or transportation. These problems don’t just make life inconvenient. They affect safety, health, and opportunity. That is what motivates me: the chance to bring lasting improvements to communities like mine through thoughtful engineering. I take great pride in being self-driven, especially when it comes to my education. To avoid putting financial strain on my parents, I currently work two part-time jobs while attending school full-time. Balancing both has taught me discipline, time management, and a deep sense of responsibility. My parents have done everything they can to support me emotionally, and I want to carry the financial weight myself to honor the sacrifices they have made. Beyond financial need, I believe I reflect the values this scholarship seeks to support. I’m ambitious about my future, but I’m also generous with my time and energy. I care deeply about doing work that helps others and have a strong desire to give back to the places and people who shaped me. I know that engineering can be a powerful force for good, and I want to use my skills to create safer communities, reduce environmental impact, and improve quality of life for those who often go overlooked. My long-term career goal is to become a licensed civil engineer working in public infrastructure or community development on projects that benefit low-income or rural areas. Receiving this scholarship would not only help alleviate the financial burden I’m currently facing, but it would also allow me to keep working toward my goals without compromise. I’m grateful for your consideration and for the opportunity to continue my education with the support of those who believe in the power of engineering to change lives.

My interest in engineering began long before college. Growing up, I spent many hours helping my dad build all sorts of things, learning how things work by putting them together. I always prided myself on being the one to find the unexpected solution to whatever project we were working on. Those moments shaped the way I think and gave me a deep appreciation for how things are made. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those early experiences laid the foundation for what would become a strong passion for engineering. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, pursuing a degree in civil engineering. I chose this path because I want to play a direct role in building stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities. Civil engineering gives me the opportunity to solve real-world problems in a way that helps people, whether that’s through designing infrastructure, improving public spaces, or protecting the environment. The idea of creating something that others rely on and benefit from every day is incredibly meaningful to me. Coming from a rural area, I see firsthand how much can be improved through better infrastructure. Roads are often in poor condition and public spaces are limited. A change that I've seen personally is my area has recently gotten hardwired internet connection. Before, we had spotty Wi-Fi connection on the best days, which completely eliminated all productivity at home. Without that change it would have been much more complicated for me to even be applying for this scholarship. These challenges have shown me just how important civil engineering is, especially in small communities like mine. I want to be part of the solution by using my education to bring meaningful improvements to places that are too often overlooked. While working toward this goal, I’ve taken on two part-time jobs to help pay for school. I’m doing this because I’m determined not to place a financial burden on my parents. They’ve always supported me financially and emotionally and done everything they could to help me succeed, and now I want to take on the responsibility. Balancing work and school hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me important skills like time management, perseverance, and discipline. These qualities will not only help me get through college but will also carry over into my future career. My long-term goal is to use my degree to make a meaningful difference in the world. I hope to work on projects that improve quality of life, particularly in communities that are often overlooked or lack the resources they need. I believe engineering is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change, and I want to be a part of that. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial pressure I’m facing and allow me to stay focused on my education. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be considered, and I appreciate the way this scholarship honors Stephen LeCornu Routh’s legacy by supporting students like me who are passionate about building a better future.