What is calculus? Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with change and motion, making it a cornerstone of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Its principles are foundational for understanding and modeling a wide array of phenomena in the natural world, from the orbits of planets to the behavior of subatomic particles. As such, calculus is not merely an academic subject but a critical tool that shapes how scientists and engineers analyze complex systems, optimize performance, and innovate solutions to real-world problems. One of the primary reasons calculus is vital in STEM is its ability to describe and analyze change. In physics, calculus is employed to understand motion and forces. For instance, the laws of motion formulated by Newton rely heavily on differentiation, a fundamental concept in calculus, to determine velocity and acceleration. Similarly, in biology, calculus helps model population growth and the spread of diseases, allowing researchers to predict future trends based on current data. Calculus enables scientists to make informed predictions and decisions based on empirical evidence by providing a mathematical framework to study change. Moreover, calculus is indispensable for optimization problems, which are prevalent in engineering and economics. Engineers frequently face challenges that require maximizing efficiency or minimizing costs, and calculus provides the necessary tools to solve these problems. For instance, in civil engineering, calculus designs structures that can withstand various forces while using materials efficiently. In economics, calculus helps determine the optimal pricing strategy or resource allocation to maximize profits or minimize losses. Finding maximum and minimum values through calculus is crucial for effective decision-making in both fields. Calculus also plays a significant role in the development of advanced technologies. Many modern technological advancements rely on calculus concepts, particularly in computer science and data analysis. For example, machine learning algorithms often use calculus to optimize performance through techniques such as gradient descent. Understanding derivatives allows data scientists and engineers to fine-tune their models and improve accuracy. As technology continues to evolve, the relevance of calculus in creating and refining these innovative solutions becomes increasingly apparent. Furthermore, calculus serves as a foundational tool for higher-level mathematics, which is essential for various STEM disciplines. Concepts such as differential equations, which describe how quantities change about each other, are rooted in calculus. These advanced mathematical techniques are prevalent in physics, engineering, and economics, where they are used to model complex systems. By mastering calculus, students and professionals equip themselves with the skills to tackle more intricate mathematical challenges and contribute to their respective fields. In conclusion, calculus is a fundamental discipline that underpins much of the work conducted in the STEM fields. Its ability to describe change, solve optimization problems, facilitate technological advancements, and provide a foundation for higher mathematics makes it an invaluable tool for scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex world, the role of calculus in helping us understand and solve pressing issues remains as critical as ever. Emphasizing the importance of calculus in education and research will ensure that future generations are well-equipped to innovate and address the challenges of tomorrow.

Hello, I am Connor Price. I am from Moore, South Carolina. I am a senior at James F Byrnes High School. I am ranked 13 in the graduating class of 2024. I enjoy expanding my knowledge in various fields. My favorite subject so far throughout my education is math. I enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving. I also enjoyed volunteering in my community. I play on the Varsity baseball team at Byrnes as well as play baseball on my summer team. I have always wanted to work with planes and rockets. As I have gotten older, I realized that I was intrigued by the engineering field. Both my parents have degrees in engineering so I have been exposed to how an engineer thinks and solves problems. I thoroughly enjoy hands-on activities at school and home such as building and fixing things. I have learned to think outside the box when solving problems. I enjoy learning how to fix or install various home appliances, and other items around the house. Math has been my favorite subject for years now. I enjoy working with numbers and solving problems mathematically instead of just hoping I am right. I have had phenomenal math teachers from the seventh grade until now that has helped me understand and enjoy math. While working towards a degree in aerospace engineering, I plan to have internships that will help me apply the concepts and skills taught in class while learning practical skills in a dynamic work environment. SpaceX, NASA, and Lockheed Martin are companies that interest me as future employers. I want to use my degree to problem solve and to create innovative new technologies that will advance the aerospace field which will allow for humankind to go beyond existing limitations and reach new groundbreaking achievements. I aspire to bring value to the company I work for and will help design vehicles for the future of air and space travel. Serving the community is important to me. I enjoy giving back to the community that I live in. I enjoy volunteering at my church's food pantry, as well as other food pantries in my area. It is rewarding to see those in need get the food and items they need. I also volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. I have volunteered there numerous times and I enjoy it. I also have helped build a house through the Habitat for Humanity organization. I understand how big of a positive impact that building these houses has on the community. Serving the community helps me realize how fortunate I am to have everything that I do and the opportunities that I have to do various things. I am grateful for everything that my parents have done throughout my life to help me, guide me, and provide for me.

Hello, I am Connor Price. I am from Moore, South Carolina. I am a senior at James F Byrnes High School. I am ranked 13 in the graduating class of 2024. I enjoy expanding my knowledge in various fields. My favorite subject so far throughout my education is math. I enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving. I also enjoyed volunteering in my community. I play on the Varsity baseball team at Byrnes as well as play baseball on my summer team. I have always wanted to work with planes and rockets. As I have gotten older, I realized that I was intrigued by the engineering field. Both my parents have degrees in engineering so I have been exposed to how an engineer thinks and solves problems. I thoroughly enjoy hands-on activities at school and home such as building and fixing things. I have learned to think outside the box when solving problems. I enjoy learning how to fix or install various home appliances, and other items around the house. Math has been my favorite subject for years now. I enjoy working with numbers and solving problems mathematically instead of just hoping I am right. I have had phenomenal math teachers from the seventh grade until now that has helped me understand and enjoy math. While working towards a degree in aerospace engineering, I plan to have internships that will help me apply the concepts and skills taught in class while learning practical skills in a dynamic work environment. SpaceX, NASA, and Lockheed Martin are companies that interest me as future employers. I want to use my degree to problem solve and to create innovative new technologies that will advance the aerospace field which will allow for humankind to go beyond existing limitations and reach new groundbreaking achievements. I aspire to bring value to the company I work for and will help design vehicles for the future of air and space travel. Serving the community is important to me. I enjoy giving back to the community that I live in. I enjoy volunteering at my church's food pantry, as well as other food pantries in my area. It is rewarding to see those in need get the food and items they need. I also volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. I have volunteered there numerous times and I enjoy it. I also have helped build a house through the Habitat for Humanity organization. I understand how big of a positive impact that building these houses has on the community. Serving the community helps me realize how fortunate I am to have everything that I do and the opportunities that I have to do various things. I am grateful for everything that my parents have done throughout my life to help me, guide me, and provide for me.

Hello, I am Connor Price. I am from Moore, South Carolina. I am a senior at James F Byrnes High School. I am ranked 13 in the graduating class of 2024. I enjoy expanding my knowledge in various fields. My favorite subject so far throughout my education is math. I enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving. I also enjoyed volunteering in my community. I play on the Varsity baseball team at Byrnes as well as play baseball on my summer team. I have always wanted to work with planes and rockets. As I have gotten older, I realized that I was intrigued by the engineering field. Both my parents have degrees in engineering so I have been exposed to how an engineer thinks and solves problems. I thoroughly enjoy hands-on activities at school and home such as building and fixing things. I have learned to think outside the box when solving problems. I enjoy learning how to fix or install various home appliances, and other items around the house. Math has been my favorite subject for years now. I enjoy working with numbers and solving problems mathematically instead of just hoping I am right. I have had phenomenal math teachers from the seventh grade until now that has helped me understand and enjoy math. While working towards a degree in aerospace engineering, I plan to have internships that will help me apply the concepts and skills taught in class while learning practical skills in a dynamic work environment. SpaceX, NASA, and Lockheed Martin are companies that interest me as future employers. I want to use my degree to problem solve and to create innovative new technologies that will advance the aerospace field which will allow for humankind to go beyond existing limitations and reach new groundbreaking achievements. I aspire to bring value to the company I work for and will help design vehicles for the future of air and space travel. Serving the community is important to me. I enjoy giving back to the community that I live in. I enjoy volunteering at my church's food pantry, as well as other food pantries in my area. It is rewarding to see those in need get the food and items they need. I also volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. I have volunteered there numerous times and I enjoy it. I also have helped build a house through the Habitat for Humanity organization. I understand how big of a positive impact that building these houses has on the community. Serving the community helps me realize how fortunate I am to have everything that I do and the opportunities that I have to do various things. I am grateful for everything that my parents have done throughout my life to help me, guide me, and provide for me.

I have always wanted to work with planes. As I have gotten older, I realized that I was intrigued by the engineering field. Both my parents have degrees in engineering so I have been exposed to how an engineer thinks and solves problems. Math has always been my favorite subject. I enjoy working with numbers and solving problems mathematically instead of just hoping I am right. I have had phenomenal math teachers throughout my years in school that have helped me understand and enjoy math. Even from a young age, I have thoroughly enjoyed hands-on activities at school and home such as building and fixing things. As a kid, I would always ask for lego sets for my birthday because I always enjoyed the challenge of building the various different cars and trucks that I would get. As I got older, my focus shifted to erector sets. I spent countless hours building cranes and forklifts and many other vehicles to challenge my creativity and to expand my technical thinking. Throughout my experiences of building things and through the classes I have taken, I have learned to think outside the box when solving problems. During my Junior year and first semester of my senior year at Byrnes High School, I took two classes called PLTW Intro to Engineering Design and PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). I had a phenomenal teacher who helped me understand some of the basic principles of engineering. In the Intro to design class, I learned how to sketch an object using an isometric and multiview drawing and hot to dimension a drawing. I also learned how to model, use tolerances to enhance models, and 3D print items. The focus of the CIM class is to explain the basics of manufacturing and the different machines that are involved in it. There are many manufacturing philosophies and principles that are present that are essential for the manufacturing of materials to function properly. I have researched Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Just In Time manufacturing. My research has helped me learn the basic principles that companies worldwide use to mass-produce items effectively and safely. I have learned how to write and use G-Code. I have learned how to use absolute and incremental to write a program for making a design in material using a CNC machine. The use of this machine helped me learn the basics of it as well as how to prioritize safety while using the machine. I used the machine to make designs in a yo-yo as well as design my own small box. The box starts from a solid block of wood and we had various constraints to follow as we designed and machined the box. I enjoy learning how to fix or install various home appliances, and other items around the house. Through these classes and my experiences in everyday life, I have been challenged as a thinker. These experiences have shaped the way I am today. I am a more analytical and observant person, I strive to solve problems by using various methods and ideas. I am more comfortable with understanding when I need to ask for help because no one can go through life without some sort of help. I have gained a stronger thirst for knowledge. I research many topics that interest me as well as can potentially help me in the future or better me as a student and thinker today. I strive to better myself in areas that I am not as strong in such as English and foreign language.

I aspire to be a God loving family man who puts others first, serves the community, and strives to always do the right thing.

My name is Connor Price and I was born and raised in the Upstate of South Carolina. I am a senior at James F. Byrnes High School and have always prioritized academics, athletics, and giving back to my community. I take pride in the fact that I am currently 15th out of 633 students in the graduating class of 2024. I enjoy expanding my knowledge in various fields, including math, science, engineering, and foreign language. My strengths include working with numbers and problem-solving. I am on the high school Varsity baseball team and play the mellophone in the competition marching band. Another passion of mine is spending time volunteering in my community. I have always been intrigued by the engineering field. I enjoy hands-on activities at school and home, such as building and fixing things, and have learned to think outside the box when solving problems. I have an aptitude for working with numbers and solving problems mathematically. Baseball has been a significant part of my life since I started playing at just five years old. Throughout the years, my coaches have helped me learn so many essential life lessons. Baseball has taught me how to be a good teammate, have a strong, dedicated work ethic, and has taught me to work hard to achieve goals. Through baseball, I have also learned how to persevere and face challenges and the importance of respecting others and treating people well. Since ninth grade, I have been a member of the James F. Byrnes Rebel Regiment Competition Marching Band. I learned to play the trumpet in fifth grade and started playing the mellophone in ninth grade. Being a musician has had a profound impact on my life and has afforded me opportunities to be a part of an exceptional band that has traveled to many competitions in the southeast, as well as to Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana. Giving back and serving the community where I live is very important to me. I volunteer at my church's food pantry, as well as other food pantries in my area. It is rewarding, and also humbling, to see those in need get the food and items they need. I also volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, where I help organize donated items in the store and help load customers’ cars with items they purchase. Through the Habitat for Humanity organization, I have helped build a house for a single mother and her daughter. Serving the community helps me realize how fortunate I am to have the things and opportunities that I do. My long-term goals have been a driving force in many of my extracurricular and academic decisions. I want to obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Along the way, I would like to be a part of various clubs and organizations to develop friendships and further enhance my collegiate experience and learning. I strive to gain real-world experience through internships. I plan to continue to work hard in school to obtain a master's degree in the engineering discipline. With this degree, I aspire to work at a company like SpaceX, NASA, or Lockheed Martin. This scholarship opens many opportunities that I may not otherwise have access to. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burden on my parents because they are paying for college for me and my two siblings. This would allow me to attend a university with a better-accredited engineering program. This would help set me up to get a well-paying job. This will allow me to further give back to my community and those in need.

My name is Connor Price and I was born and raised in the Upstate of South Carolina. I am a rising senior at James F. Byrnes High School and have always prioritized academics, athletics, and giving back to my community. I take pride in the fact that I am currently 15th out of 633 students in the graduating class of 2024. I enjoy expanding my knowledge in various fields, including math, science, engineering, and foreign language. My favorite subject so far throughout my education is math. My strengths include working with numbers and problem-solving. I am on the high school Varsity baseball team and play the mellophone in the competition marching band. I also play baseball on my summer travel team. Another passion of mine is spending time volunteering in my community. My favorite book as a child was Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things that Go. I have always loved cars, trains, and planes and decided in middle school that I wanted a career in engineering and working with planes and spacecraft. As I have gotten older, I have been intrigued by the engineering field. My dad is a chemical engineer and my mom has a Master’s degree in Environmental Resources Management, so I have been exposed to how engineers and scientists think and solve problems. I thoroughly enjoy hands-on activities at school and home, such as building and fixing things, and have learned to think outside the box when solving problems. I enjoy learning how to fix and install various home appliances and other items around the house. Math has been my favorite subject for years now. I have an aptitude for working with numbers and solving problems mathematically. Many phenomenal math teachers have helped me understand and enjoy math. I have taken an interest in understanding how planes and other flying vehicles work and the science behind them. Giving back and serving the community where I live is very important to me. I volunteer at my church's food pantry, as well as other food pantries in my area. It is rewarding, and also humbling, to see those in need get the food and items they need. I also volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, where I help organize donated items in the store and help load customers’ cars with items they purchase. Through the Habitat for Humanity organization, I have helped build a house for a single mother and her daughter. My plans and career goals have been a driving force in many of my extracurricular and academic decisions. I want to obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Along the way, I would like to be a part of various clubs and organizations to develop friendships and further enhance my collegiate experience and learning. I strive to gain real-world experience through internships. After earning my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue to work hard in school to obtain a master's degree in the engineering discipline. With my aerospace engineering degree, I aspire to work at a company like SpaceX, NASA, or Lockheed Martin. Baseball and marching band have given me the skills to be a good leader. As a leader, I am expected to motivate my teammates to be the best they can be. As a senior, I am expected to be an example and know what to do. This comes with a lot of responsibility so therefore I have to be the best I can be. The leadership qualities I have learned have helped me be a stronger contributor to my community and my work.

My name is Connor Price and I was born and raised in the Upstate of South Carolina. I am a rising senior at James F. Byrnes High School and have always prioritized academics, athletics, and giving back to my community. I take pride in the fact that I am currently 15th out of 633 students in the graduating class of 2024. I enjoy expanding my knowledge in various fields, including math, science, engineering, and foreign language. My strengths include working with numbers and problem-solving. I am on the high school Varsity baseball team and play the mellophone in the competition marching band. A passion of mine is spending time volunteering in my community. My favorite book as a child was Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things that Go. I have always loved cars, trains, and planes and decided in middle school that I wanted a career in engineering and working with planes and spacecraft. As I have gotten older, I have been intrigued by the engineering field. My dad is a chemical engineer and my mom has a Master’s degree in Environmental Resources Management, so I have been exposed to how engineers and scientists think and solve problems. I thoroughly enjoy hands-on activities at school and home, such as building and fixing things, and have learned to think outside the box when solving problems. I enjoy learning how to fix and install various home appliances and other items around the house. Math has been my favorite subject for years now. I have an aptitude for working with numbers and solving problems mathematically. Giving back and serving the community where I live is very important to me. I volunteer at my church's food pantry, as well as other food pantries in my area. It is rewarding, and also humbling, to see those in need get the food and items they need. I also volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, where I help organize donated items in the store and help load customers’ cars with items they purchase. Through the Habitat for Humanity organization, I have helped build a house for a single mother and her daughter. I understand the positive impact building these houses has on the community by providing affordable housing. Serving the community helps me realize how fortunate I am to have the things and opportunities that I do. I am grateful for everything that my parents have done throughout my life to help me, guide me, and provide for me. My future plans and career goals have been a driving force in many of my extracurricular and academic decisions. I want to obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Along the way, I would like to be a part of various clubs and organizations to develop friendships and further enhance my collegiate experience and learning. I strive to gain real-world experience through internships. After earning my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue to work hard in school to obtain a master's degree in the engineering discipline. With my aerospace engineering degree, I aspire to work at a company like SpaceX, NASA, or Lockheed Martin. I want to bring value to the company I work for and help design vehicles for the future of air and space travel. Upward mobility is also something that I strive to achieve to reach my personal and professional goals, including professional certifications. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have had throughout my life including community service. I am ready for the next chapter in my life and I am excited to start my collegiate experience!

I have played baseball since I was four years old and my dad was my head coach. Participating in sports helps me learn how to work in a team. Baseball has been a huge part of my life and it has shaped me into the person I am today. Baseball is all about the team, what you can do for the team to be successful. Each individual has a role to play on a team, whether it is to be the star pitcher or the encouraging bench player. I always give 100 percent every time I step on the field because there are eight other guys counting on me to do my job. Baseball is a hard game to play at a high level. It requires a lot of hard work and perseverance. I sometimes have a bad string of games and I am in a slump, so I have to persevere and work hard to get a better result the next time. When you are a part of a sports team, that team becomes like your second family. I have made many friends over the years while playing baseball. I still play with many of my past teammates. I have had some coaches that have had a real impact on my life, not only in that sport but also in life itself. Playing sports has helped me work harder in school, and helps me achieve the academic goals that I have set for myself. I have learned many important life skills playing baseball. Baseball has taught me how to persevere, how to respect all people, and how to help others. I have learned how to correctly manage my time and make sure that all schoolwork and studying are done. I make sure to get all of my work done while giving 100% while I practice or play. I make a plan on how I am going to study for a test or get a project done. On days that I have games and I have a test or project that is coming up, I spend some of the bus ride studying my notes or doing problems to make sure that I am properly getting ready for the test. It sometimes is hard to stay motivated to do my homework or study after a long day of school and practice. I have learned how to push through when things get hard. I have had many struggles along the way in baseball and in life. This past summer I dislocated my kneecap cap and I was out for 6 weeks. It was hard recovery but the work ethic I have gained through playing baseball helped me work hard in physical therapy to get back to playing baseball. I have also learned good life lessons including working on being a well rounded person outside of baseball. I have learned how to take responsibility for my actions and also hold the people around me accountable for their actions. Baseball has been an essential part of my life and molding me into the person and baseball player that I am today. The experiences and life lessons I have learned will help me even when I am done playing baseball.