I don’t usually think of myself as “selfless.” I just notice when someone needs help and have a hard time walking past it. One example is from trap shooting with my Young Guns 4‑H team. A younger shooter was having a terrible night. He kept missing targets, got more and more frustrated, and finally said he was done and wanted to quit for the evening. I was in the middle of my own round and could have focused on my score, but I could tell he was more upset as a person than as a shooter. I decided to step away from my lane, stand with him, and talk him through it. We worked on his stance and how he was holding the gun, and I shared a couple of my own bad‑round stories so he knew he wasn’t the only one who had struggled. He didn’t suddenly start hitting everything, but he calmed down and finished. For me, that felt more important than my own perfect score. Another example is from golf. One of my teammates had a rough front nine during a meet and was clearly checked out. On the walk between holes, I stayed near him instead of hanging back with my usual group. I kept the conversation light, reminded him that everyone has bad holes, and focused on one shot at a time instead of the whole card. I didn’t fix his swing, but I helped him not give up on himself. That meant a lot to him, and it taught me that sometimes selflessness is just choosing to carry someone’s frustration with them so they don’t feel alone. At home, when my dad was going through cancer treatment, helping in small ways became normal for me. I watched younger siblings more, did extra around the house, and tried to keep things as calm as I could so my parents had a little less to worry about. None of that was dramatic. It was things like making sure chores were done without being asked and being patient when everyone was stressed. To me, embodying selflessness is not about big heroic moments. It is about noticing when someone else is struggling and quietly shifting your focus from what you want in that moment to what they need. Whether it is stepping away from my own score to help a teammate, staying late to support a younger shooter, or picking up more at home during a hard time, I try to be the person who makes things a little lighter for someone else, even if nobody else sees it.

My “awkward thing” has always been that I look like the stereotypical athlete, but I’m not the loud, showy competitor people expect. In middle school, teachers and classmates kept asking if I was “the next big football star.” I’m taller and broader than a lot of kids my age, so people just assumed I lived for big hits and highlight plays. I do play sports, but I’m not the guy who’s yelling in the locker room or hyping myself up on social media. I’m the one quietly making sure everyone has a ride to practice and checking on the kid who just had a bad game. At first, that felt awkward. Coaches wanted me to “be more aggressive,” and friends told me I needed to “get louder” if I wanted to be a leader. I tried it a few times and it felt completely fake. Yelling at people didn’t make me play better, and it definitely didn’t help my teammates who were already nervous. Over time I realized that what actually fit me was being the calm one. In golf, when a teammate melts down after a bad hole, I’m the person walking beside them, cracking a small joke, reminding them that one triple bogey doesn’t ruin their whole season. In trap shooting, when a younger shooter is missing everything and wants to quit, I’m the one who slows things down, helps with their stance, and talks them through the next shot. I care a lot about how people around me are doing, and I’d rather help them settle down than try to be the loud center of attention. The awkward part is that it doesn’t always look like much from the outside. You cannot point to a stat line for “talked teammate off the ledge between holes” or “kept the bus ride home from being miserable.” There were times I wondered if what I was doing even counted, especially when the kids who shouted the most seemed to get called “leaders” first. What changed things for me was noticing how people acted when it really mattered. When someone got hurt, or when a teammate’s family was going through something hard, they usually did not go to the loudest guy on the team. They came to the person they trusted to listen and not make it about himself. I realized that my quiet, steady way of showing up is different, but it has its own kind of impact. So my “awkward” thing is that I look like I should be the intense, chest‑bumping athlete, but instead I’m the one checking on everyone else. It used to feel like I was doing leadership wrong. Now I see that standing out a little, by being the calm person people can count on, is actually something I like about myself.

1. What trade are you pursuing and why are you passionate about it? The first time I watched a bare piece of ground turn into a finished house, I knew I wanted to be part of that process. I’m pursuing Construction Technology because I like seeing real, physical results from my work. I grew up thinking I’d be a mechanic since I enjoyed taking things apart and fixing them. That changed when I got a summer job with a local contractor and spent my days on job sites instead of in a garage. In high school, I’ve picked construction and shop classes whenever I could. I enjoy reading plans, measuring and cutting materials, and working with a crew to make sure everything is square and solid. Construction lets me use my hands and my head at the same time while creating something people depend on every day: safe, sturdy places to live and work. 2. What are your future plans after your trade education? I plan to go from the classroom straight to the job site. After completing the Construction Technology program at Southeast Community College, I want to work in residential and light commercial construction. My first goal is to be a dependable crew member who shows up on time, works hard, and keeps learning from more experienced workers. I want to get comfortable with all parts of the job, from reading blueprints and setting forms to framing and basic finish work. As I gain experience, I hope to move into roles with more responsibility, like lead carpenter or foreman. Long term, I’d like to run a small construction business in a community like the one I grew up in. I want to be the person families call when they need a project done and know they’ll get honest work for a fair price. 3. Describe a time in your life when you overcame adversity. How did you work through it? The hardest challenge I’ve faced was watching my dad fight cancer while my family tried to stay afloat. His treatment meant surgeries, hospital stays, chemo, and radiation. There were months when he couldn’t work. I remember hearing my parents talk quietly at the kitchen table about bills and wondering how we were going to keep up. On paper, my parents’ income looks too high for a lot of financial aid, but in real life much of that money has gone to medical costs and basic expenses. During that time, I helped more at home, watched younger family members, and tried to keep my grades up while everything felt uncertain. It pushed me to think harder about my future and choose a trade where I could start working sooner and eventually help my family. I worked through this by focusing on what I could control: showing up at school, working part‑time when I could, and helping my parents with whatever they needed. I researched trade programs and started applying for scholarships. My dad is doing better now, but the medical debt is still there. That experience taught me to stay steady under stress and see a skilled trade as a way to build stability for my family and for the people I’ll serve through my work.

I plan to make a positive impact on the world by doing steady, honest work that helps other people live safer and more stable lives. For me, that starts with learning the skills to build and work on homes. A house is where families gather, rest, and feel protected. If I can help build homes that are safe, solid, and built with care, then I am already doing something that matters for the people who live in them, even if they never know my name. My goal is to become a reliable construction worker and, over time, move into roles where I can help organize and guide projects. I want to be the person who shows up on time, does the work the right way, and pays attention to details that keep people safe. When someone moves into a house my crew helped build, I want them to feel confident that it was done with care. That is one concrete way I can make a difference in my community. I also want to make a positive impact by helping others find their own path in the trades. Not everyone wants or is able to go to a four-year college, but that should not mean they are out of options. I hope one day to be in a position where I can teach new workers what I have learned, encourage younger students to consider skilled trades, and give people a chance to prove themselves. Even now, helping with trap shooting and youth sports has shown me how important it is for younger kids to have older students who are patient, fair, and willing to help them grow. My family’s experience, especially my dad’s cancer and the lasting financial strain, has also shaped how I want to live. I know what it feels like to watch bills pile up and wonder how things will work out. I want to build a life where I can support myself, help my parents, and not be stuck in constant worry about money. As I get more established in my career, I would like to give back to others who are going through tough times, whether by helping with local fundraisers, supporting scholarships, or simply being someone who shows up when help is needed. In the end, I do not expect to change the whole world. I want to change my part of it by building good homes, being a dependable worker and leader, supporting young people, and using my own challenges as motivation to make things better for the people around me. If I can look back and see that I made life a little safer, a little easier, and a little more hopeful for others, that will be the kind of impact I am proud of.

Faith plays a steady and personal role in my life. It shapes how I see myself, how I treat others, and how I respond to both good days and hard days. My faith reminds me that my life has a purpose and that I am called to work hard, be honest, and serve others. Because of that, my education is not just about getting a diploma or a better paycheck. It is about preparing myself to be useful and dependable in whatever career I choose. Faith has a direct impact on my attitude toward school and my future goals. There have been times when things at home have been stressful, especially with my dad’s cancer and the medical costs and worry with that. It can be difficult to stay focused on homework or long-term plans when you are not sure what the next week will look like. My faith has helped me keep going, reminding me that I am not alone and that my effort still matters, even when life feels uncertain. Instead of giving up or letting my grades slip, I try to show up, do my work, and trust that these steps will open doors later on. Faith has also taught me to be grateful for opportunities, even when they are small. I know that many people would love the chance to continue their education but cannot. That makes me take my classes more seriously and pushes me to look for ways to keep moving forward, whether that is through scholarships, trade programs, or part time work. My goal is to continue my education in a way that fits my strengths and my family’s situation, and my faith is a big part of why I believe that effort is worthwhile. I have learned important lessons about character from my faith. Values like honesty, kindness, patience, and forgiveness are not just ideas I hear about. These are things I try to practice. In groups, on teams, or work, I try to be someone who can be trusted to do what I say I will do. When I make mistakes, faith reminds me to admit them, learn from them, and do better next time. This gives me a stronger sense of responsibility and has made me more aware that the way I act reflects on the people and beliefs that shaped me. I have not reached my goals on my own. My family has played a huge role in pushing me toward higher education. My parents have always told me that they want me to have more choices than they had. Even while dealing with illness and financial pressure, they have encouraged me to stay in school, apply for programs, and think about my future. Seeing my dad continue to work and fight through treatments has shown me what real strength looks like. It makes it hard to complain about a tough assignment or a long day when I know what he is facing. His example pushes me to keep trying, even when I feel tired or discouraged. Teachers, coaches, and supervisors have also influenced my decision to pursue further education. I have had teachers who stayed after class to help me understand material and who reminded me that I am capable of more than I sometimes believe. Coaches taught me about discipline, teamwork, and giving effort even when I don't feel like it. Supervisors at work have trusted me with responsibilities and given feedback that helped me grow. Their support has helped me see that education is not just about grades. It is about becoming a stronger and more reliable person. All of these influences come together when I think about my future. Faith gives me a reason to aim higher than just getting by. My family’s sacrifices and struggles show me why it is important to build a stable life. The adults who have invested in me have shown me the impact one person can have on another’s path. Because of them, I want to continue my education, find a career where I can support myself and my family, and be someone who lifts others up the way I have been lifted up. To me, faith, family, and education are all connected. Faith gives me direction, my family gives me strength, and education gives me tools. With all three together, I believe I can face the challenges ahead and work toward a future where I can give back to others just as others have given to me.

The first time I watched my own blood drip down my arm, I felt two things at once: panic and relief. Panic, because I knew what I was doing was not normal for someone my age. Relief, because for a few seconds the noise in my head went quiet. I did not have words like anxiety or depression then. I had a dad with stage four esophageal cancer, a world closed by COVID, cyberbullying lighting up my phone, and a brain whispering that everyone might be better off without me. Home, which should have felt safe, became the center of my spiral. School moved online, so there was no break from messages that tore apart my appearance and worth. At the same time, I heard quiet conversations about scans, survival rates, and treatment plans. Every notification and whispered update stacked on top of each other until it felt like I was buried. Cutting turned into my attempt to feel something I could control. It did not solve anything, but it gave me a brief pause from thoughts that scared me. Those thoughts shifted from “I wish this would stop” to “I wish I would stop.” I did not picture some dramatic scene. I pictured small details. Who would find me. How long it would take for life to move on. I hated those thoughts, so I hid them under long sleeves, practiced smiles, and excuses about being tired. On the outside, I tried to be the same kid I had always been. On the inside, I was negotiating with myself about whether staying alive was worth the effort. ​ The moment that started to change everything was small. One night, my younger brother knocked on my door and asked for help with homework. I almost told him to go away. Instead, I opened the door. He sat on my bed and talked like nothing about me was broken. After he left, I looked at the cuts on my arm and realized that if I disappeared, he would carry a weight like mine, only his would come from losing me. That realization did not erase my pain, but it gave me a reason to reach out instead of reaching for a blade. Telling my mom the truth was terrifying. I expected anger or disappointment. She cried, hugged me carefully, and said we would get help. I remember her telling me that they had tried so hard to bring me into this world, and they didn't couldn't image a life without me. For the first time, my mental health was not a shameful secret. It became something real enough to discuss with a doctor and a counselor. Therapy helped me put names to what I felt and gave me tools that did not involve hurting myself. Instead of treating my mind like an enemy, I started to see it as a part of me that needed care. Those experiences reshaped my goals. I used to think success meant staying strong, staying quiet, and never needing help. Now my goal is to build a life where I can show up fully, not just survive. I plan to work in Construction Technology, creating safe spaces for families facing their own storms. Knowing how it feels when your thoughts are not safe makes me care even more about building environments where people can breathe and feel secure. My education is about more than a paycheck. It is my way of turning survival into purpose. ​ My relationships changed too. I became slower to judge and quicker to listen. I know how much courage it takes to say, “I am not okay,” so when my brother or a friend hint at feeling overwhelmed, I lean in instead of looking away. Sometimes I share parts of my story. Not to make it the center, but to show that scary thoughts and self-harm do not make someone weak or unlovable. They make them human and being human means deserving support. ​ My view of the world is different now. I hear how casually people joke about wanting to die when a test goes badly or a day is stressful. I notice how often serious pain gets brushed off as drama. At the same time, I also see a growing openness about therapy, medication, and mental health days. That mix of stigma and honesty pushes me to keep speaking plainly. I do not dress my story up with buzzwords. I say what it felt like to sit in a dark room and decide not to hurt myself again that night. Living through cutting and suicidal thoughts taught me that being alive is not automatic. It is a choice I keep making. My experience with mental health has shaped my goals into something deeper than achievement, turned my relationships into spaces where honesty is welcomed, and opened my eyes to a world where silent suffering is still common. I want to be part of changing that. Every time I speak up, check on a friend, or choose to stay, I am helping to destigmatize mental health in the most personal way I can.

I want to make a change in my life because I have already seen how quickly bad coping habits can derail my goals. When my dad was fighting stage four esophageal cancer, school was shut down for COVID, and I was dealing with cyberbullying, my mental health got worse. I felt stressed, stuck at home, and unsure about the future. During that time, I started vaping to try to calm down. It seemed small at first, but it turned into something that controlled me instead of helping me. Vaping affected more than just my health. I could not pass school drug tests, which meant I was not allowed to participate in certain extracurricular activities. I missed chances to be involved, to be part of a team, and to do things that would have been good for me. Each time I had to sit out, I knew it was because of my own choices. That was a wake up call. I realized that if I kept going in that direction, I would keep closing doors that I actually wanted open. To change, I first had to admit that I needed help. I talked with my family and got medical support to quit vaping, instead of trying to stop on my own and falling back into it. It was not easy, but having people who checked in on me and took my health seriously made a big difference. As I stayed away from vaping, I started to feel clearer and more focused. My anxiety did not disappear, but I began to handle it in better ways, like talking things out, working, and spending time on positive activities. Once I quit, I could pass the school drug tests and was allowed to participate in activities again. Being back in good standing showed me how much I had risked for something that was never worth it. Now I try to speak honestly with others about how vaping and other drug use can affect your chances in school and in life. I remind myself that taking care of my body and mind is part of taking care of my future. This scholarship would help me keep moving in the right direction by easing the financial pressure I feel as I pursue my Construction Technology education. My family is still dealing with the financial impact of my dad’s cancer treatments. I am using federal student loans and working, but tuition, housing, and tools are still a heavy load. With help from this scholarship, I can focus more on my classes and training and less on constantly worrying about how to cover every expense. To pay it forward, I plan to use my experiences to support others who are struggling. I already talk with my younger brother and friends about the reality of vaping and how quickly it can interfere with school, sports, and mental health. In the future, I want to be someone younger students can come to when they feel overwhelmed, especially if they are dealing with family illness, bullying, or pressure to use substances. I also hope to give back through my work in the trades by doing honest, careful work for families and, one day, mentoring new workers. My second chance has taught me to value my health, my education, and my opportunities, and I want to help others hold on to theirs too.

Education has given me a clear direction at a time when life felt very uncertain. In elementary and middle school, I did not know exactly what I wanted to do, only that I liked taking things apart and working with my hands. As I got into high school and started taking shop and Construction Technology related classes, I realized that I learn best when I can see, touch, and build what I am studying. That changed how I looked at my future. Instead of feeling pressure to fit into a four-year college path that did not seem right for me, I began to see that a skilled trade could give me both purpose and stability. My Construction Technology classes and a summer job with a local contractor helped shape that direction even more. On the job, I watched an empty lot turn into a framed structure and then a finished building. I learned how to read basic plans, measure and cut materials, and pay attention to details so things stayed square, level, and safe. At the end of each day, I could look back and see real progress. That feeling, combined with what I was learning in school, showed me that this was more than just a job. It was a path where my education and my work could actually support families and communities. At the same time, I was dealing with challenges that made school and life much harder. When I was in sixth grade, I went through a painful period of cyberbullying from people I thought were my friends. They sent group and individual Snapchats where they said, wrote, and even sang mean things about my hair, my skin, and my weight. This happened while school was shut down because of COVID and my dad was fighting stage four esophageal cancer. I was stuck at home, worried about whether my dad would live, and seeing those messages over and over. It took a serious toll on my mental health. I felt alone, embarrassed, and unsure of myself. Around the same time, my family’s life was turned upside down by my dad’s illness. His treatments were long and intense, and there were times when we did not know what the future would look like. The treatments saved his life and he is now cancer free, but they left behind medical bills and lost work time that still affect us. I took on more chores and projects at home and tried to do what I could to help. Having so much happen at once could have made me give up on school or stop caring about my future, but I decided to do the opposite. With my family’s support, I used education as a way to move forward. I focused on my classes, especially the hands-on ones, because they gave me something solid to hold on to. When I understood how to do a task in shop or solved a problem in a construction project, it reminded me that I was capable of learning and improving, even when other parts of life felt out of control. That helped rebuild my confidence little by little. Education has also given me a way to turn my experiences into something that can help others. When my younger brother was recently called out for cyberbullying another student, I did not just tell him to stop. I sat down with him and explained what had happened to me in sixth grade and how it made me feel. I told him how those messages followed me even when I turned off my phone and how they affected my mental health at a time when I was already scared about our dad. That conversation helped him understand that what seems like a joke or a quick comment can stay with someone for a long time. He listened, and I could see that it made a real impact on him. Looking ahead, I hope to use my Construction Technology education to create a better future in a few ways. First, I want to build and maintain safe, solid homes, schools, and clinics so that other families have one less thing to worry about when life gets hard. A well-built space does not fix everything, but it can give people a sense of security. Second, I want to be able to support my own family financially, especially as we continue dealing with the lasting effects of my dad’s illness. Finally, I want to use what I have been through to support others who feel alone, whether they are dealing with bullying, family illness, or financial stress. I plan to be the kind of coworker, neighbor, and future mentor who notices when someone is struggling and takes the time to listen and help. Education has not just taught me skills with tools and measurements. It has helped me understand resilience, empathy, and responsibility. I plan to carry those lessons with me into my career and use them to build not only strong structures, but also stronger lives for myself and the people around me.

I plan to pursue Construction Technology after graduation, focusing on residential and light commercial building. I want to be on the crews that turn an empty lot into a home, a classroom, or a small business that people use every day. I am interested in Construction Technology because the first time I watched the complete process of bare ground to someone's custom home, I felt like I had finally found where I fit. I used to think I would go into mechanics, but a summer job with a local contractor changed that. I liked reading the plans, snapping chalk lines, measuring, cutting, and then standing back at the end of the day to see real progress. I also watched my family fight through my dad’s stage four esophageal cancer and the financial stress that followed, and it made me want a career that is steady, hands on, and useful to my community. Construction Technology gives me a way to use my skills and my effort to build safe, solid places for families like mine. During high school, I have had several chances to think outside the box, be creative, and solve problems. In my construction related classes, I have worked on projects where lumber was slightly warped or walls did not line up exactly like the plans, and I had to adjust measurements and layouts to keep everything square, level, and safe. On my summer job with a contractor, we ran into issues like uneven ground when setting walls and changes from the homeowner after framing had started. I learned to help the crew come up with simple fixes, like shimming, adjusting layout, or reworking a section so the final result still met code and looked right. At home, I help with small projects and repairs, such as building basic storage, fixing things that break, and finding ways to reuse materials we already have. None of these jobs come with step-by-step instructions, so I have to look at the problem, think it through, and figure out a solution that will actually hold up. My plan is clear and already in motion. I am planning to attend a four term Construction Technology program after high school. I have researched the program, I know the total cost of tuition and housing and understand how much I can cover with federal student loans. I am applying for scholarships to help close the gap and have started buying items from my required tool list slowly, often finding good used tools so I do not get hit with all the costs at once. I already have experience from a summer job with a local contractor, and I plan to keep working on construction crews during breaks and summers to gain more skills and build relationships with employers. My long-term goal is to start as a crew member, work up to a lead, and eventually move into roles where I can help manage projects and train new workers. If you called an adult in my life who knows me well, I think they would recommend me for this scholarship because they have seen me keep going when it would have been easy to quit. They watched my family go through my dad’s cancer and the months of treatment and recovery that followed, and they know I stepped up at home while still staying focused on school and work. They would tell you that I show up on time, stay until the job is done, and do not avoid the tough or dirty tasks. They would say I am honest, that I take responsibility when I make a mistake, and that I care about doing things the right way, not the easiest way. They have seen me help my younger brother understand the harm of cyberbullying by sharing my own experience, and they know I try to be someone others can count on. I believe they would say I am exactly the kind of person who will use this scholarship to build a real future in the trades and to give back through the quality of my work and the way I treat people.

I am a high school senior who has found a clear path in Construction Technology and the skilled trades. I like working with my hands, solving problems, and seeing real progress at the end of the day. A summer job with a local contractor showed me how much I enjoy watching an empty lot become a building that people will actually use. That experience, along with what my family has been through, convinced me that I want a career where my work makes life steadier and safer for other people. In my future career, I plan to make a positive impact by building and maintaining safe, solid places for families, students, and patients. I want to work on homes, schools, and clinics that will stand up to time and weather and give people a sense of security. I also hope to grow into roles where I can lead crews and mentor younger workers, teaching them to care about quality, safety, and honesty on the job. When a family walks into a home I helped build, or a child sits in a classroom under a roof I helped put on, I want to know that they do not have to worry about the structure around them. That is how I see myself contributing: through careful work that quietly supports other people’s lives. I have faced several kinds of adversity that have shaped who I am. The biggest has been my dad’s fight with stage four esophageal cancer. During that time, our family’s life turned upside down. He spent long periods in treatment, and there were real questions about whether he would survive. The treatments saved his life, and he is now cancer free, but they left behind medical bills and lost work time that still affect us. I took on more chores and projects at home, tried to help where I could, and started thinking more seriously about how I could one day help support our family. That experience made me value stability, hard work, and the importance of having a practical skill. Around the same time, I went through severe cyberbullying in sixth grade. While my dad was very sick and school was shut down for COVID, a group of friends I trusted turned against me online. They sent group and individual Snapchats where they said, wrote, and even sang mean things about my hair, my skin, and my weight. Being stuck at home, worried about my dad, and seeing those messages over and overtook a serious toll on my mental health. I felt alone, embarrassed, and unsure of myself. I overcame this by talking with my family, reaching out for help, and slowly rebuilding my confidence through positive actions. I focused on school, on helping at home, and on small things I could control, like showing up on time, doing my work, and treating other people with respect. Those experiences also changed how I treat others. When my younger brother was recently called out for cyberbullying another student, I sat down with him and shared what I went through. I explained how powerful words can be and how they can hurt someone in ways you cannot see. That conversation helped him understand the impact he was having and encouraged him to do better. These challenges have taught me resilience, empathy, and responsibility. They are the same qualities I will carry into my career in Construction Technology. I know how it feels when life is unstable, and I want my work to give other people the kind of solid foundation that my family fought hard to keep.

I am a student who found my direction in Construction Technology while my family was going through one of the hardest times of our lives. I enjoy working with my hands, solving problems, and seeing steady progress in class, on a job site, and at home. When I am not in school, I help neighbors and relatives with yard work, snow shoveling, moving, and small repair projects. At school, I put extra effort into my construction related classes and labs and try to help classmates who are struggling with a task or a tool. At home, I take on more chores and projects to support my family, especially after my dad’s battle with stage four esophageal cancer and the strain that followed. In sixth grade, I went through a painful period of cyberbullying from people I thought were my friends, at the same time my dad was very sick and school was shut down because of COVID. They sent group and individual Snapchats where they said, wrote, and even sang mean things about my hair, my skin, and my weight. Being isolated and seeing those messages took a serious toll on my mental health. That experience taught me how important it is to be kind, to speak up, and to notice when someone is hurting. It also made me more aware of how words and actions, especially online, can affect someone in ways that are not always visible. After high school, I plan to attend a Construction Technology program and work toward a career in the construction trades. I want to start on a crew, learn from experienced workers, and work my way into roles with more responsibility. My goal is to support myself and my family, help with the lasting financial impact of my dad’s treatments, and use my skills to build safe, solid places for other families. If I could start my own charity, my mission would be to support students who are dealing with both financial pressure and emotional struggles, especially those connected to illness in the family and bullying or cyberbullying. I would focus on teens who feel caught in the middle, trying to help at home while also trying to keep up with school. Many of them may not qualify for certain forms of aid, but still feel the weight of medical bills, lost income, and stress. My charity would serve middle and high school students and their families. Volunteers would offer practical support, like school supplies, simple care packages, and help finding used tools or equipment for trade programs. They would also provide mentoring and help lead small group talks at schools and community centers about kindness, online behavior, and mental health. The goal would be to make sure students who are carrying heavy burdens do not feel alone and have both emotional support and practical help to stay in school and keep moving toward their goals.

I used to think my future was under the hood of a truck, until one summer in construction showed me a different path. I am planning to study Construction Technology and build a career in the construction trades. I chose this field after working a summer job with a local contractor, where I watched a bare job site slowly turn into a someone's custom home. I liked being part of each step, from measuring and cutting to seeing walls and roofs come together into something real that people would actually use. That experience showed me that I want a hands-on career where I can see the results of my work at the end of the day and know I helped create something solid and useful. I plan to make a career in Construction Technology because it fits both who I am and what my family has been through. I like problem solving, working with tools, and paying attention to details, and this trade lets me do all of that. At the same time, my dad’s fight with stage four esophageal cancer and the financial strain that followed made me think hard about choosing a path that is stable and needed. People will always need safe homes, schools, and other buildings, and I want to help provide that for my community while building a steady future for myself and my family. I believe I will be successful in this trade because I am willing to work, learn, and take responsibility. On the job site, I have already learned the value of being the person who shows up on time, listens, and does not walk away from hard or dirty tasks. I pay attention to how more experienced workers do things and ask questions when I do not understand instead of guessing. In school, I put in extra effort in my construction classes and labs and try to really understand why each step is done a certain way. I am not afraid to start at the bottom, as long as I can keep moving forward and improving. To me, a successful life is not about being famous or having the biggest house. It looks like being able to support myself and my family, doing work I can be proud of, and being the kind of person others know they can count on. It means having enough stability that when something hard happens, like illness or job loss, my skills and work ethic help carry us through. I believe I will be successful because I have already seen hard times and kept going. I have learned how to handle setbacks, whether it was family health problems, money worries, or dealing with bullying and stress in middle school. A successful life also means giving back. I want to use my trade skills to help my community through good work on homes and important local buildings and by being there for people who need help. I already try to do that in small ways by helping neighbors with yard work or repairs and by supporting my younger brother and classmates when I can. As I grow in my trade, I hope to mentor others who are just starting out and show them that a skilled trade can lead to a strong, honest, and satisfying life.

The biggest lesson I have learned through golf is how to stay steady when things are not going my way. Golf has shown me that one bad shot does not have to ruin the whole round, but only if I learn to calm down, think clearly, and focus on the next swing instead of the last mistake. I have had rounds where I started with a triple bogey or hit a ball out of bounds and felt embarrassed and frustrated. On those days, I had to decide if I was going to give up on myself or keep my head in the game. Learning to take a breath, accept what happened, and then step up to the next shot with a clear mind has helped me grow a lot, not just as a golfer but as a person. Golf has also taught me patience and honesty. Waiting for my turn, respecting other players’ space, and calling a penalty on myself even when no one else would notice are all part of the game. Those moments matter because they shape who I am when people are not watching. I have learned that character is built in small choices, like fixing a ball mark that is not mine or staying respectful even when I am frustrated with my score. These habits have carried over into school, work, and how I treat the people around me. In my future, I plan to carry these lessons with me into my education, my skilled trades career, and my personal life. When classes or money feel overwhelming, I will remind myself to approach those challenges like a tough hole. I cannot change past mistakes or unexpected setbacks, but I can control my attitude and my effort on the next “shot,” whether that is a test, a job interview, or a problem on a jobsite. The patience I learned on the course will help me stay calm and focused when things do not go according to plan. As I move into Construction Technology, golf’s lessons about honesty and responsibility will also guide how I work. Just like in golf, cutting corners may seem easier in the moment, but it always catches up eventually. I want to be known as someone who does the right thing, even when it is harder, whether that means redoing my work to make it correct or speaking up when something is not safe. Golf has helped me understand that real success comes from consistency, effort, and a steady attitude over time. I plan to use those lessons to build a career and a life I can be proud of, where I show up, keep improving, and handle both good days and bad ones with the same steady approach.

I am someone who has had to grow up a little faster than I expected. When I was in sixth grade, I went through a very hard time with cyberbullying. The group of friends I thought I could trust started saying and posting negative, hurtful things about me online. They sent group and individual Snapchats where they said, wrote, and even sang mean things about my hair, my skin, and my weight. At the same time, our school was in lockdown because of COVID, and my dad was going through treatment for stage four esophageal cancer. Being isolated, worrying about my dad, and seeing those messages took a serious toll on my mental health, and it is something I will never forget. Those experiences are part of why I try to stay involved and helpful in my community and at home. I help neighbors and relatives with yard work, snow shoveling, moving, and small repair projects when they need it. At school, I put extra time into my construction related classes and labs and try to help classmates who are having trouble with a task or tool. At home, I take on more chores and projects, so my parents have a little less to worry about, especially as we continue to deal with the long-term effects of my dad’s illness. I want to be someone people can rely on, because I know how much that matters when times are hard. My financial need as I enter higher education is real. My Construction Technology program costs about 12,916 in tuition and fees, and housing adds a large additional cost over four terms. I do not qualify for Pell Grants because of my family’s income, so my main options are federal loans, work, and scholarships. My dad is not currently in treatment, but we still deal with the financial impact of the treatments that saved his life and took him from stage four esophageal cancer to cancer free. Medical bills and the time he could not work continue to affect our budget and how much we can set aside for my education. I am trying to ease the burden by working when I can and buying the tools on my required list slowly, often used through places like Facebook Marketplace, so the costs do not hit all at once. Because of what I went through with cyberbullying, I care a lot about keeping kids and teens safe, both in person and online. Recently, my younger brother was called out for cyberbullying another student. Instead of ignoring it, I sat down with him and talked about what I went through in sixth grade and how words and posts online can damage someone’s mental health just as much as things said to their face. I told him how alone and trapped I felt when it happened to me and helped him see that he might be making someone else feel that same way. I also encouraged him to think about how he can stand up for others instead of joining in when people are being targeted. That conversation made a real impact on him, and it is one of the things I am most proud of. It showed me that I can use my own hard experiences to protect others and help them understand the harm that bullying and cyberbullying can cause. Whether it is by talking honestly with my brother, supporting classmates, being someone younger kids can look up to, I want to be part of making my community safer and kinder while I work toward my goals in the skilled trades.

Football has played a major role in shaping who I am today. It has taught me discipline, accountability, and how to work toward something bigger than myself. For me, football did not start in high school. It started as far back as I can remember. When I was little, I would dress head to toe in football gear, wearing jerseys from different NFL teams and pretending I was playing on TV. It did not matter if it was cold, raining, or snowing outside. If there was a ball, I was playing. I started throwing a football as soon as I could grip one and spent years getting yelled at for throwing footballs in the house when I should have been doing anything else. Football was never just a hobby. It was who I was. By fourth grade, I was playing in a league, and the game quickly became a constant part of my life. As I got older, football taught me that talent alone is not enough. Effort matters more. There were days I did not want to train, lift, or study plays, but I did it anyway because my team was relying on me. Knowing other people depended on me forced me to grow up quickly. It taught me that being responsible is not about talking, it is about showing up when it would be easier not to. Football also taught me how to handle pressure. Standing under stadium lights with expectations on your shoulders is not easy. Those moments taught me how to stay focused, shut out distractions, and concentrate on my role. When things get difficult or stressful now, I do not panic. I go to work. Another lesson football gave me is teamwork. No one wins alone. Every player matters. Over time, I learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice but about setting the standard. I try to lead through effort, respect, and consistency. Football taught me resilience. There were tough losses, injuries, and moments I questioned myself. But every setback pushed me to come back stronger. I learned to adjust, improve, and try again. That mindset carries into school, work, and life. Football did more than build my body. It built my character. It shaped my work ethic, my confidence, and my drive to succeed. The discipline I learned on the field now pushes me forward in everything I do. Football showed me that ambition requires work, and work requires commitment. Because of football, I do not fear hard work. I welcome it.

Learning to be a degree holder in construction is the first profession that I have loved to pursue as I believe it would be the profession that I love. I had for many years thought I would be automotive workers. I liked being in the presence of cars and handling my hands and it appeared to be the obvious decision. This all changed when I received my first actual employment in building and construction. It was not easy to step on a job site initially. I was not experienced, and I was afraid to ask too many questions or commit some mistakes. I immediately got excited instead of being disappointed. I also realized that construction is not all about physical labor and work, but some work that involves thinking, problem solving, and responsibility. Every single day there was something new to study, whether it was about how to use certain tools safely or how to measure something or why some aspects of it are so important in the final product. The more I got to know the more confident I got. It is principles of not giving up that my upbringing instilled in me the importance of attending and working hard even during difficult times. I was brought up knowing that you work what you deserve. Nobody within my family ever informed me that success was a simple or certainty. I was made to understand that the way you work is equally important as what you do. That mindset shaped who I am. Once I begin doing something, I complete it. In case I am not aware of how to do something, I learn. My change of perception of myself came as a result of working in construction. I entered with nothing to learn and I found that I could do much more than I thought possible. I have been taught to receive teaching, welcome criticism and to learn through errors rather than walking away on the job. I got to know that respect is achieved through being reliable rather than making an attempt to be different. I started to like to feel exhausted at the end of the day as I knew that I did something real. I intend to keep advancing in this area and attain as much knowledge as possible. I would like to become proficient, competent, and end up becoming a leader. I am hoping that one day, I will have my own construction company and offer another person an opportunity that I had. I also desire to be the one to teach, motivate, and provide a person with the first actual opportunity. Trade college is not my backup. It is my first choice. It is the symbol of independence, purpose, and a future I will be able to create by myself. The building provided me with a sense of direction at the point when I needed it the most, and I am currently prepared to pursue something greater. This level is not merely a career-related level. It is creating my life that I am proud of.

My name is Cole Jackson, and I grew up in the small town of Franklin, Nebraska. I was recently accepted to Wayne State University, where I plan to study Construction Management. I have always been the kind of person who learns by doing, and the trades feel like the right place for me. I want a career where I can work with my hands, learn from people who know the field, and eventually take on leadership roles. One moment that taught me a lot about leadership happened during my junior year of high school football. We were getting ready for a rivalry game and were still frustrated from losing the week before. During one practice, the coaches told the older players to handle a set of drills while they worked with a few teammates on the side. I was not a captain, so at first I stayed quiet and stood back. I figured it was not my job to take charge. But the group I ended up in was all over the place. Some players were messing around, others were arguing, and nobody seemed to care about what we were supposed to be doing. After watching it fall apart for a minute, I finally stepped in. I pulled the group together and explained what drill we were supposed to run. The start was rough. A couple players ignored me, and the drill looked sloppy. I could feel the whole thing slipping again, so I changed how I approached it. I raised my voice a little, encouraged the younger guys, and kept everyone moving even when they messed up. It took a bit, but eventually things started to click. Players began trying harder, talking to each other, and doing the drill the right way. When practice wrapped up, it felt like we had turned things around. Even though it worked out, I learned something important. I waited too long to step up because I thought only captains should lead. That hesitation made everything worse at first. If I faced the same situation again, I would not wait. I would trust my instinct and act sooner. Leadership is not just for people with titles. Sometimes it is simply noticing when something needs to change and being willing to step in. That matters in the trades too. Crews depend on each other for safety, and good decisions can make the whole team better.

What excites me about trade school is that it leads directly to something real; skills I can use, work I can see, and results I can be proud of at the end of every day. I am pursuing a career in construction because I like working with my hands and seeing progress take shape from the ground up. When I first started working in construction, I didn’t know much about the trade. I thought it was just physical labor. I quickly learned that it takes planning, precision, and problem solving. Every job site teaches something new, whether it is reading measurements, using tools correctly, or figuring out how to fix a mistake before it becomes a bigger one. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. I am pursuing construction because it challenges me, pushes me to think, and gives me a sense of accomplishment that I have not found anywhere else. There is something rewarding about creating something that lasts long after the day is over. After completing trade school, my goal is to work full time in construction and continue building my skills in the field. I want to become dependable, skilled, and knowledgeable enough to move into leadership positions over time. Eventually, I hope to start my own construction business and create opportunities for others the same way someone once took a chance on me. Trade school is not a backup plan for me. It is my future, and I am ready to put in the work to make it successful.

I was raised in a small town Franklin, Nebraska which is right along the Kansas border. It is the sort of a place where all people give each other a wave on the drive, all the neighbors are ready to help without even thinking, and working hard is a norm. That environment shaped me. I was taught to be dependable, to rely on other people, and get in when something requires mending. It also pushed me towards the trades, in particular Construction Management. I always liked disassembling and assembling when I was young to know how it worked. I would assist in jobs around the house and repair broken things. I became more interested as I grew up. I was aware that I wanted a job where I could put my hands into it and get to see the outcome. I had a desire to have something genuine that was important to people. It worked even better when I was assigned to work with a local contractor. I loved to feel a part of a crew, and how one step would get us to another. I prefer construction as it combines both physical work and planning and leading. It is difficult to get something right and patience and teamwork before finishing a project to the end. Construction requires specificity, collaboration and problem solving. It is appropriate to my learning style and my approach to challenges. I would like to have a job that I can apply my hands and my brain on a daily basis. I will be studying Construction Management in Wayne State University. That program will provide me with the technical skills, management experience and business expertise that I will require to shatter it. I would like to know how to read blueprints, plan, learn about safety measures, run crews, and business. I am aiming at leaving the site worker position to be able to manage and coordinate entire projects. My long-term objective is to enter my own construction company. I would like a business, which is founded on integrity, good work and respect of the people who serve me. I would like to become a contractor who all people would refer to when doing things correctly and would treat customers fairly. I would like to recruit and train the youth wishing to master a trade and make them realize that the trades are worthwhile and worthy careers. It is something to be proud of to build something with your hand on, and I would like to transfer that mentality to others. I believe that I possess the character traits to make it happen. I am a hardworking person, loyal, and I see through what I begin. I am polite and cooperate with people. I am also patient, as I also learned it in golf. Since I was three years old, I have been playing golf and this is where I learned that I have to be calm and focused even when things do not go my way because I have to be steady. Golf requires time and accuracy, as does construction. Rush and you go wrong; mind and you go through. I would like to follow the trades as it is necessary. All the homes, schools, businesses, and streets are there because somebody constructed them. The construction is a stable, serious work that fortifies communities. I want to be part of that. I would like a career I can be proud of and one that would help me support my future family and pay back to the town that brought me up.

I was brought up in a small rural town in Nebraska, about seven miles north of the Kansas border. In a place like Franklin, you learn early to work hard, stay humble, and look after the people around you. I grew up loving anything that involved a ball. Baseball, football, basketball, and golf made up a large part of my childhood. Sports taught me how to work as part of a team and how to stay disciplined, but they also taught me something important about myself. I learn best by doing. My strength is being hands on, creating something real, and working toward a clear purpose. This is why I decided to pursue Construction Management. Even when I was young, I liked helping with jobs around the house or trying to fix whatever was broken. I enjoyed the challenge and the satisfaction of taking something that failed and making it work again. As I grew older, this interest turned into a clear direction. I want a career where I can use my hands, solve problems, and take pride in what I build. That is what led me to Wayne State University, where I plan to earn my degree in Construction Management. Construction appeals to me because it combines physical work with planning and leadership. It is not only building something. It is understanding the full process. I want to learn how to plan projects, read blueprints, manage crews, and communicate well. I want to be the kind of leader who respects everyone on the job site and understands what it takes to complete a project the right way. To excel in this field, I know I need both education and practical experience. My degree will give me the technical and leadership training I need, but I also plan to work during breaks and summers to gain real site experience. I want to learn from skilled tradesmen and understand framing, concrete, electrical work, plumbing, and finishing. The more experience I gain, the more prepared I will be to take on responsibility and lead with confidence. I believe my personal qualities will help me succeed. I am loyal, responsible, and dedicated. People can trust that I will show up and work hard. I am respectful and understanding, which is important when working closely with others. I am personable, likeable, and able to communicate well. Patience is another quality I bring. I learned patience from golf, a sport I have loved since I was three years old. Golf requires concentration, consistency, and the ability to stay steady even when things go wrong. Construction requires that same mindset. Every detail matters, and rushing always leads to mistakes. My long term goal is to use my Construction Management degree to work in the industry, gain experience, and eventually start my own construction company. I want to build a business known for integrity and quality. I want to take care of my future family and also give back to the community that raised me. Construction is a steady and meaningful profession. People will always need homes, schools, and buildings. Being part of that work gives me a strong sense of purpose. Financial aid will help me stay focused on my education and move forward in my career. I believe in the path I have chosen, and I am willing to work for the future I want.

I would major in Construction Technology because I believe that it is fantastic to be able to make something that endures. I am always the practical type of individual and building allows me to transform designs into actual structures in which human beings live. I am excited about this trade due to the fact that it involves creativity, patience, problem-solving, and attention to every detail. Each job is unique and the sensation of framing a house, nailing a roof or last finish work is different. I intend to have my own construction company as a licensed contractor after school of trade. It is not only to create houses, but I desire to contribute to the empowerment of my hometown. My company would be everything of good, hard work and a place where youth can be taught a trade. I visualize myself to be employing apprentices, training them and renovating local buildings that require it. I would like to address the issues that would benefit society, such as resuscitation of the city spaces or restoration of old structures. Professional labor may unite people and make a neighborhood stronger. That is the type of impression that I hope to make. An actual challenging experience in my life was when my father developed stage four stage esophageal cancer in 2020. It turned everything around on our family. Life was extremely difficult with all the treatments, visits to the hospital, and constant anxiety. There were days when I felt that the world was crumbling but I persevered. I gave attention to school, helped about the house, and was at home with the physical labor pleasant. My dad was not able to fix things any longer, so I had to intervene. This is when I understood that I do really like working with hands. He illustrated to me what strength and resilience could look like by watching him go through his most difficult days. He showed me that I should never give up once life becomes difficult you should just keep on moving. I have kept that lesson in mind. I was of that same mentality when I joined a local contractor last summer. It is not always a walk in the park in construction. Materials may be held back, plans may alter and errors may occur. But I remained cool, made inquiries and solved problems. In every problem, there is an opportunity to improve. It has this pride that comes with completing a project which initially appeared impossible. It is the same pride that I have witnessed in my father when he dealt with his battles. In case I receive the Uniball Skilled Trades Scholarship, it would help the family and I greatly, as I can now concentrate on my training without worrying much about money. I would be able to invest in the means and resources I require to upgrade my abilities and complete my studies. Other than money, this scholarship would demonstrate to me that I am doing the right thing. I have a very simple objective, which is to learn my profession, master it, and apply it to pay back. I desire to create permanent buildings, educate those who are eager to know and be proud that my work really changes something. Proficient trades are also necessary since they maintain societies in operation. People know how to build or maintain every home, school or road. I am extremely enthusiastic about becoming part of that group that makes things that are here to stay. I would like to apply what I will learn to help my community, one project at the time.

I’ve been swinging a club almost as long as I can remember. I first stepped onto a golf course when I was three, and ever since then, golf has been my passion. In my spare time, you’ll almost always find me at the course—practicing my drive, working on my short game, or walking eighteen holes thinking things through. Over the years, golf has shaped the way I see challenges, setbacks, and progress. It’s taught me patience, perseverance, and discipline—lessons I carry into every part of my life, especially my path in construction. One of the biggest reasons I believe I should be considered for the Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship is that I don’t just enjoy golf—I live it. When I miss a putt, I don’t lash out or give up. I step back, analyze what went wrong, adjust, and try again. That mindset translates directly into construction trades. Whether I’m learning framing, plumbing, or electrical systems, there will be mistakes and setbacks. But just like on the golf course, I plan to stay calm, evaluate, and improve. Construction requires patience. You can’t rush a foundation, wiring, or finish work. You have to pay attention to detail. Golf has trained me to stay steady and focused when the pressure’s on. I also believe that a love of golf shows something deeper about who I am. Golf is not a solo sport, even though much of it feels solitary. You compete against yourself more than anyone else. You respect the course, the rules, the pace, and even the fellow players. In the same way, a good tradesperson respects the job site, permits, codes, safety, and coworkers. Golf reminds me every time I tee off that success comes from respect, consistency, and caring for what’s around you. In construction, I plan to pursue a degree in Construction Technology, then become a licensed contractor and eventually start my own business. My goal is to take on projects in my hometown by building homes, public spaces, and community buildings. I want people to trust me to do the work right. And when I’m established, I hope to offer apprenticeships and training to young people who want to learn a trade just like I did. I want the same steady mindset I developed on the golf course, having patience through the rough, focusing on each stroke - to carry through to building something solid and lasting. Receiving this scholarship would help lessen the burden on my family and give me resources to invest in my education, tools, and training in construction. More than money, it would mean someone believes in me. Someone believes in the patience, discipline, and persistence I bring. Golf taught me that every stroke matters. In construction, every decision matters. I want to build with integrity, care, and pride. Thank you for considering me for the Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned on the golf course into the field, and I will work every day to build something meaningful for my community.

I have always liked working with my hands and seeing real results from what I do. That is what first drew me to the trades. There is something satisfying about building, fixing, or improving something and knowing that your effort made a difference. I grew up in Franklin, Nebraska, where hard work and problem solving are just part of life. When something breaks, people do not wait for help. They figure it out. That kind of community taught me the value of skilled work early on and shaped who I want to become. For a long time, I was not sure which direction I wanted to go. I liked engines and machines and thought I might go into diesel technology. I have always enjoyed learning how things fit and function. But after spending a summer working for a local construction contractor, I knew I had found the right path. Every day on the job site felt different and rewarding. I liked seeing a project come together from start to finish. I enjoyed the teamwork and problem solving that come with every job. I liked being able to see progress at the end of each day, something real and lasting. That experience showed me that construction is not just about physical labor. It is about creativity, planning, and collaboration. Each project is like solving a puzzle that requires both skill and patience. It also made me realize that the trades are essential. Without skilled workers, communities would not function. The homes we live in, the schools we attend, and the roads we drive on all start with people who know how to build. I want to be one of those people who make that possible. The person who has influenced me most to pursue this path is my dad. In 2020, he was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer. Even through treatments and tough days, he worked when he could and stayed strong for our family. Watching that taught me what real determination looks like. He showed me that strength is not about avoiding hard things. It is about facing them head on and not giving up. That mindset drives me every day. My goal is to study Construction Technology and become a licensed contractor. I want to learn every part of the process, from design and framing to management, so I can one day start my own business. My dream is to create something lasting, a company known for quality work and honesty. I want to hire local workers, especially young people who want to learn a trade. Skilled work has given me direction and purpose, and I want to pass that on. Franklin is a small town, but people look out for each other. Once I build my skills, I want to use them to give back. I plan to volunteer for local projects, help repair public buildings, and support spaces like our community theater. Skilled work is more than tools and blueprints. It is about creating something real that improves people’s lives. This scholarship would help me continue my education without adding more stress to my family. It would cover tuition and tools I need to get started. More importantly, it would show that people believe in what I am working toward. My goal is simple: to learn, to build, and to give back. I want to take pride in my trade and use it to make a lasting difference.

I grew up in Franklin, Nebraska, where hard work is a way of life. In a small town, people don’t wait for someone else to fix things. When something breaks, you figure it out. That mindset shaped how I see the world and why I was drawn to the trades. I plan to study Construction Technology so I can learn to build and repair things that matter. I want to take what I learn and use it to make a difference in my community. I’ve always liked working with my hands. Even as a kid, I was more interested in taking things apart and putting them back together than sitting still and reading about them. For a while, I thought I wanted to go into diesel technology. I liked engines and machines, and the satisfaction of fixing something that doesn’t work. But after spending this past summer working for a local contractor, my path became clear. That job showed me what I really love. Every day on the site was different, and I got to see how the pieces of a project come together. I liked the teamwork, the problem-solving, and the effort that goes into turning an empty space into something solid and lasting. Whether we were framing, pouring concrete, or cleaning up after a long day, I enjoyed every part of it. There’s something rewarding about standing back and seeing what you’ve built with your own hands. That’s when I knew I wanted to make a career in construction. I plan to learn every part of the process—from design to framing to finishing work. My goal is to become a licensed contractor and eventually start my own business. I want to build a reputation for honest, dependable work that people can trust. I also want to create jobs and train younger workers who want to learn a trade. Owning my own business would allow me to make a living doing what I love while giving back to the community that raised me. My dad’s influence has been a big part of my story. In 2020, he was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer and watching him go through that changed how I think about life. Even when he was sick, he worked when he could and stayed strong for our family. His determination taught me to never give up, no matter how hard things get. That lesson carries over into everything I do. I know learning a trade won’t be easy, but I’m ready to put in the time and effort to master it. When I think about giving back, I think about Franklin and the people who make it what it is. I want to use my skills to keep that spirit alive by helping with local projects, repairing community buildings, and volunteering my time. Skilled work is about more than tools and blueprints; it’s about creating something real that improves people’s lives. This scholarship would help me continue my education without adding more stress to my family. It would help cover tuition and the tools I need to get started. More importantly, it would show that people believe in what I’m working toward. My goal is simple: to learn, to build, and to give back. I want to take pride in my trade and use it to make a lasting difference.

In 2020, my life changed when my dad was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer. Watching him go through treatments while still trying to keep things at home running showed me what real strength looks like. He has always been someone who could fix anything, and even while fighting cancer, he never lost that drive to get up and do what needed to be done. Seeing that taught me that hard work and resilience matter more than anything. It also made me realize that I wanted to build a life where I could do work that makes a visible difference every day. For a while, I thought that path might be diesel technology. I have always liked figuring out how things work and using my hands to solve problems. I wanted to learn a skill that would make me independent and useful. But this past summer, I had the chance to work for a local contractor, and that experience completely changed my direction. Every day on the job site was different. I got to see something being created from the ground up, and I liked knowing that what I helped build would last. Whether it was framing, pouring concrete, or hauling materials, I realized that construction was where I belonged. I’m planning to study Construction Technology because I want to understand every part of the process. I like how it combines problem-solving, planning, and physical work. My goal is to learn all I can about construction management and one day start my own business. I want to be the kind of builder people in my community can depend on for quality work and honesty. I also want to offer jobs and training to younger workers who want to learn a trade. Owning my own business would give me the chance to make a difference in my community while doing something I truly enjoy. There have been challenges along the way. My family’s focus on my dad’s health and the financial strain that came with it made it hard to plan for college or training. Still, I kept working toward my goals. I’ve learned to manage my time, work part-time, and stay motivated even when things get tough. My dad’s fight taught me that giving up isn’t an option, no matter how difficult life gets. This scholarship would help me continue working toward my dream without putting more pressure on my family. It would help me pay for tuition, tools, and materials I need to learn my trade. More than that, it would be a reminder that the effort I’ve put in matters. Skilled work is important because it keeps our world running. Every road, house, and school starts with people who know how to build. I want to be one of those people.

I grew up in Franklin, Nebraska, where you learn early that when something goes wrong, you fix it yourself. My dad has worked hard his whole life, and even when things got tough, he showed me what it means to keep moving forward. He didn’t just teach me how to work; he showed me the attitude and mantra or stay steady, do your best, and never quit. Trades were always part of our life, whether it was helping a neighbor with a leaky pipe or remodeling a relative’s house. Construction technology caught my attention because everywhere I looked, people were building or repairing something. I want to be one of those people who knows how to make things work. I’ve always liked working with my hands. Sitting still and reading about how something works isn’t the same as seeing it, touching it, and figuring it out yourself. The more time I spend around construction, the more I see how skilled trades shape everything we rely on. Homes, schools, and businesses don’t happen without people who know how to wire, weld, and build. The trades keep communities running. In small towns like mine, they also keep people connected. When someone needs a repair, they call someone they know. When a big project comes up, everyone helps. That sense of teamwork and purpose is something I want to be part of. My goal is to earn a degree in construction technology and eventually start my own business. I want to learn every part of the process ranging from design and framing to plumbing and electrical, so I can handle projects from start to finish. I like the idea of being someone people can count on for quality work. Long term, I want to hire others from my community and give younger workers the same kind of opportunities I’m hoping to get now. There’s real pride in creating something you can look at at the end of the day and say, “I built that.” This scholarship would take pressure off my family and help me focus on training. My parents have always supported me, especially during the last few years, but money has been tight. I plan to work weekends and summers but having help with tuition and tools would make a huge difference. It’s not just about covering costs; it’s about being able to stay focused on learning and doing things the right way. I don’t want to just get through school; I want to come out ready to be one of the best in my field. The trades have already made a big impact on my life. They’ve given me direction and motivation. I’ve had times where it was hard to stay focused, especially when my family was going through difficult situations. Learning to work with my hands gave me something to look forward to. It taught me discipline, problem-solving, and patience. These are skills that matter everywhere, not just in construction. When you’re trying to make two boards fit together, you learn fast that rushing doesn’t help. You slow down, take your time, and do it right. That lesson applies to life just as much as carpentry. I try to live by the same values that make a good crew work well together: generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork. I’ve learned generosity by helping younger football players and volunteering in the community. Respect means treating people the way I’d want to be treated, whether I’m on a job site or anywhere else. Innovation shows up when I find a better way to get something done. As for teamwork, I’ve learned that through football and through life actually, nothing good gets done alone. Winning this scholarship would mean more than money. It would be a reminder that hard work pays off and that people believe in what I’m trying to do. I’m not looking for shortcuts. I just want the chance to learn, work hard, and build a career I can be proud of.