My passion for construction started early in life. I grew up watching my father work on home renovations, and I was always eager to help whether that meant holding tools, measuring, or simply observing how much care and thought he put into every project. He didn’t just build with his hands. He built with his heart, always focused on helping families feel safe, proud, and comfortable in their homes. That’s what first taught me that construction is about much more than materials and labor. It’s about people, and what it means to create spaces where lives unfold. That lesson stayed with me. As I got older, I realized I didn’t want to just watch from the sidelines. I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to plan, design, lead, and contribute in ways that would leave a lasting impact on the communities around me. That’s what led me to pursue a career in construction management. I’ve worked incredibly hard to get where I am. Graduating in the top ten of my high school class, scoring a 30 on the ACT, and earning admission to the University of Florida’s construction management program, which I’ll begin this fall. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but even more excited about what lies ahead. I’m especially passionate about using construction to address housing insecurity. Too many families live in unsafe or unstable housing, and I want to be part of the solution. My dream is to work on projects that focus on affordable, sustainable housing—homes that are not only built to last, but built to serve those who need them most. I believe construction has the power to change lives, and I want my work to reflect that. Giving back to my community has always been important to me. In high school, I worked closely with fifth-grade students on IEPs and 504 plans, helping them with their schoolwork and offering support where I could. That experience taught me the value of patience, compassion, and meeting people where they are. I plan to carry those same values with me into my career. One day, I hope to create internship and mentorship opportunities for young people who might not otherwise see themselves in the construction field; especially girls and underrepresented students. I also want to find ways to volunteer my time and skills on community building projects, like repairs for low-income families or constructing shelters in areas affected by storms. I know I won’t be able to solve every problem, but if I can make even one family feel safer or more supported through my work, I’ll know I’ve done something meaningful. This scholarship would help ease the financial challenges that come with higher education and allow me to focus more fully on becoming the kind of leader my community needs. I want to build more than homes. I want to build hope, opportunity, and a better future for the people around me.

Higher education has always been my pathway to creating meaningful change not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and the people I hope to serve through my future work. I’ve spent my entire academic journey pushing past obstacles, determined to prove that my dreams are possible, even when the odds are stacked against me. I attended a small charter school where tuition was beyond what my family could afford. My mom—who has always believed in the value of education took a job at the school just so I could attend. Her sacrifice taught me early on that making a difference often begins with small, quiet choices that open big doors for others. Inspired by her example, I began making a difference of my own. I worked with fifth-grade students giving extra help to those on IEPs or 504 plans offering academic support, encouragement, and patience. That experience showed me how much impact one person can have simply by showing up, listening, and believing in someone’s potential. That commitment to helping others and pushing through limitations has carried over into every part of my life. I’ve worked incredibly hard for everything I’ve achieved. I graduated 10th in a class of over 400 students with a 4.34 GPA and studied relentlessly to earn a 30 on the ACT. These accomplishments didn’t come easy, but I refused to give up. That hard work paid off I was accepted into my dream school, the University of Florida. In just a couple of weeks, I’ll move into campus as an incoming freshman in UF’s highly respected Construction Management program. Construction may not be the most traditional career path for a young woman, but I see that as an opportunity not a disadvantage. My passion for building started when I was a child, working beside my father as he led kitchen and home renovations. I loved the feeling of turning blueprints into reality and the pride of completing something that would serve a family for years to come. I want to carry that same pride into a career where I don’t just build structures I build stability, access, and dignity. My dream is to focus on sustainable, affordable housing that strengthens under-resourced communities. I want to create safe, lasting spaces that offer more than shelter homes that support growth, safety, and connection. I also want to show young girls and other underrepresented groups in construction that they, too, belong here. Every time I challenge a stereotype or earn my place in this industry, I’m opening the door wider for someone else. This scholarship would ease my financial burden and help me fully embrace the educational opportunities ahead of me. In return, I’ll dedicate myself to making a positive impact through the work I do, the people I uplift, and the future I build.

I’ve been surrounded by construction since I was a kid, proudly watching my father lead kitchen renovations and holding tools that seemed twice my size. Those early experiences didn’t just teach me how to measure or hammer. They taught me the value of working with purpose. I discovered that I love turning ideas into something real and lasting. Construction became the space where my mind for planning and my heart for helping others came together. My father is the person who’s influenced me most on this path. Watching him work showed me that construction is more than materials and measurements. It’s about listening to people, solving problems, and creating something that truly matters. He included me in every step, not just the physical labor but the planning and the conversations that came before it. That shaped how I see this field, not just as a job, but as a way to build something meaningful for others. That’s why I chose to attend the University of Florida. I was drawn to its top-ranked School of Construction Management, but also to the kind of community it fosters, one of thinkers, doers, and builders who care about the world they’re shaping. I want to become a construction project manager who leads with purpose. My dream is to work on affordable, sustainable housing projects that support underserved communities. I’m not just pursuing a degree. I’m building a future where I can lead with integrity, collaboration, and care. The legacy of Dustan Biegler resonates deeply with me. Like him, I started learning the trades early. And like him, I believe that leadership is about humility, service, and lifting others up. I’ve seen how powerful it is when leaders care not only about the work, but about the people behind it. That’s the kind of leader I strive to become. One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned came outside of the construction site, while tutoring students on 504 plans. Many of them were autistic and needed learning approaches tailored to their unique strengths. That experience taught me patience, empathy, and the value of flexibility. I carry those lessons with me into everything I do, especially in construction. Every project involves people with different needs, perspectives, and goals. I want to lead projects where everyone feels heard and where the finished product reflects that care. Giving back is not just something I plan to do someday. It’s something I’m doing now. Through my involvement with the National Association of Women in Construction, I’ve found mentors and inspiration. I’ve also started mentoring others and advocating for more inclusion in the field. I want to be part of a new generation of construction professionals who build with impact, empathy, and a long-term vision for change. This scholarship would help me continue that journey. It would ease the financial stress of college and allow me to focus more fully on leadership opportunities, internships, and community engagement. But more than that, it would be a reminder that people believe in the kind of future I want to build, one where construction serves people, honors their stories, and gives them the space to thrive. What I build won’t just be structures. It will be trust, opportunity, and hope. That’s what I’m passionate about. And that’s the legacy I want to leave behind.

I chose to pursue a career in construction because it has been a part of my life since I was a child. Growing up, I spent a lot of time watching my father lead kitchen renovations and other home projects. I still remember holding tools that seemed too big for me and feeling proud to help. Those early experiences weren’t just about learning how to use a hammer or measure a wall—they showed me the power of turning ideas into something real and lasting. Construction became the place where my love for planning and my desire to help others came together. What draws me most to construction is the chance to create spaces that truly matter—homes and buildings where people feel safe, valued, and supported. I’ve seen firsthand how a simple kitchen renovation or a new roof can transform a family’s life. It’s personal for me. Behind every project is a story and a need, and I want to be part of building solutions that improve people’s lives. When I decided to pursue this path seriously, I chose the University of Florida because of its top-ranked School of Construction Management. I wanted more than just a degree—I wanted a community of learners and builders who care about making a difference in the world. UF offers the hands-on experience, internships, and mentorships I need to grow not only my technical skills but also my leadership and teamwork abilities. My goal is to become a construction project manager who leads with purpose. I want to work on sustainable and affordable housing projects that support communities that often get overlooked. This means building more than just structures—I want to build trust, opportunity, and dignity. Construction lets me combine my strengths in problem-solving, communication, and planning with my passion for serving others. Ultimately, construction is a career where I can make a tangible impact. It’s challenging and rewarding, and it keeps me learning and growing. It’s a field where women like me can step up and lead, even in a traditionally male-dominated industry. I’m ready to build not only buildings but a better future.

One of the personal achievements I’m most proud of is being there for a close friend after his father died in a drunk driving accident. You hear about these tragedies all the time, but when it happens to someone close to you, the grief becomes real in a completely different way. His dad was a huge part of his life, and losing him so suddenly left my friend feeling completely lost. What made it harder was that a lot of people didn’t know how to handle his grief. Some people backed off or avoided him altogether. I could tell he felt isolated, and I wanted to make sure he knew he wasn’t alone. Our families had always been close, so when we found out that a property his dad had left him had been damaged by flooding, we offered to help him check it out. The flooring was completely ruined, and the place had been neglected for a while. That’s when I realized I could do more than just be there emotionally—I could actually help in a hands-on way. My dad has always been into renovation projects, and I’ve learned a lot over the years by helping him. I knew this was a chance to put that knowledge to use for someone who needed it. We started by tearing out the damaged floors. It was hard work, but it gave us something to focus on. I taught my friend how to lay tile, how to prep the subfloor, and how to use some of the tools we brought. I passed on as many tips and tricks as I could, and I watched him slowly start to feel more confident. While we worked, we talked—about his dad, about how things had changed, and about how people were treating him differently. It wasn’t always easy to know what to say, but I just kept listening and doing what I could to support him. Helping him rebuild that apartment became more than just a home project. It was a way for him to reconnect with the memory of his dad and take back some control during a really difficult time. For me, it was a moment where I truly understood the value of the skills I’d picked up from my own dad. They weren’t just practical—they allowed me to make a difference for someone I cared about. I’m proud that I could be that steady presence when it felt like the rest of the world didn’t know how to respond to his pain. That experience taught me that showing up and putting in real effort is what matters most. It reminded me that being useful isn’t only about fixing things—it’s about helping people feel secure, capable, and not alone when they need it most.

I’m someone who learns by doing. Growing up, I spent a lot of time helping my dad with renovation projects. At first, I was just handing him tools or holding the flashlight, but eventually I learned how to lay tile, install flooring, and fix things around the house. These projects gave me a sense of purpose and showed me that I enjoy solving problems and seeing physical results from hard work. More than anything, I loved that the work had meaning—someone’s home was better because we had put in the time and effort. What motivates me most is the chance to make life better for someone else. Whether it’s improving a space or being there for a friend, I feel most fulfilled when I’m useful. That’s part of what draws me to construction. It’s not just about buildings—it’s about creating homes, schools, and workplaces that people can rely on. When I think about the future, I don’t picture just working on job sites or overseeing plans; I picture leading projects that bring better housing and infrastructure to areas that have been neglected or overlooked. I want to focus on building safe, affordable, and accessible spaces, especially for people with disabilities. I’ve worked closely with children who have learning differences, and I’ve seen how physical environments can affect their ability to function and feel safe. Simple design choices—like clear signage, smooth pathways, or calming colors—can make a big difference in how someone experiences a space. I want to be someone who pays attention to those details. My long-term goal is to manage large-scale construction projects that take accessibility seriously and use innovation to meet people’s real needs. I don’t want to build for show. I want to build for impact. This is one of the reasons I’m also excited about STEM. STEM fields give us the tools to solve problems creatively and practically. Whether it’s using math to design a safer building or using software to streamline a system, STEM is where new ideas become real solutions. There’s always something new to learn, and the challenges push you to think differently. In construction, things are always evolving—and technology is a big part of that. I’m especially interested in how IT can improve the construction industry. From digital blueprints to project management software, technology helps teams communicate better, work more efficiently, and avoid costly mistakes. I believe that knowing both the hands-on side of construction and the technical side of IT can make me a more effective leader and problem solver. For example, learning how to use software to track energy use during a build can help reduce environmental impact. Using digital modeling can help ensure accessibility features are part of the plan from the beginning, not added on later. I want to help make construction more sustainable and inclusive. I see IT as a bridge between good ideas and real-world impact—between the people who dream and the people who build. By combining what I know about physical labor with what I continue to learn about technology, I believe I can help create better, smarter, and more thoughtful spaces for everyone. Still, the path to where I am now hasn’t been smooth. One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced has been moving over and over again for my family’s financial stability. We’ve lived in several different states, and each time, I had to start over—new schools, new friends, new routines. Just when I’d start to feel settled, we’d have to pack up and leave again. I remember one move in particular that hit me hard. I had finally found a group of friends I really connected with in middle school. We had inside jokes, sat together at lunch, and helped each other through everything. Then one day, my parents told me we were moving again. I didn’t even get to say a proper goodbye. I cried in the car as we pulled away, watching everything I knew disappear behind me. Starting over so many times made me more independent and adaptable, but it also made me feel like I was always playing catch-up. I learned how to read a room quickly, how to make friends without losing my sense of self, and how to stay focused on school even when everything else felt uncertain. I leaned a lot on my siblings during those times. We became each other’s constants. Eventually, I stopped seeing moving as something that was ruining my life and started seeing it as something that was shaping me. It taught me resilience, empathy, and how to find strength in the unknown. It taught me that sometimes stability isn’t something you find—it’s something you build, day by day, decision by decision. That mindset is a big part of why I want to pursue construction: I want to create that sense of stability for others, the kind that doesn’t get taken away so easily. I’ve learned that life is full of change, but also full of opportunity. And I’m ready to take the skills I’ve built—both in life and through experience—and use them to make something real, something lasting, something that helps people live better.

My name is Daea Whitehorn, and I’ve been interested in construction for as long as I can remember. My dad works in the field, and I grew up watching him fix and build all kinds of things. Over time, I started helping out on small projects and learning the skills hands-on. What began as helping him with weekend tasks turned into a real passion. I found that I love taking something broken or unfinished and turning it into something strong and useful. That experience is what pushed me to pursue a career in construction. I want to become a construction manager because I enjoy planning, problem-solving, and creating things that last. I’ve seen the way buildings can improve people’s lives. Whether it’s housing, schools, or businesses, the way a space is built affects how people live and work inside it. I want to be part of that process. I plan to focus on community-centered projects like affordable housing and renovation efforts in underserved areas. Everyone deserves a place that is safe and built with care. I want to be someone who brings that kind of care into the job every day. Being in this industry as a young woman is not always easy. There are people who question whether I’m strong enough, smart enough, or experienced enough to lead on a job site. But I’ve learned that showing up, doing the work well, and staying consistent speaks louder than anything else. I want to help break those old expectations. Part of my long-term goal is to one day run my own construction firm and hire others who are often overlooked in this field. I want to offer training and real chances to grow for people who may not have had that support before. If I can help others find their place in construction the way my dad helped me, I’ll feel like I’ve done something worthwhile. I also believe that being a good leader means looking beyond just the job. It means understanding what a project means to the people it’s for. It means listening, communicating clearly, and being someone your team and your community can count on. I want to lead projects that reflect those values, and I want the work I do to have a lasting, positive effect. I want to be known not just for the buildings I helped create, but for the way I worked with others and the effort I put into making sure each job mattered. In the end, my goal is to make the construction industry a better, more inclusive space while building structures that serve real needs. I want to take the skills I’ve learned, the ones I’ll develop in college, and turn them into something that helps people. That’s the kind of future I’m working toward, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing every step of the way.