My name is Daisy Leung and I am a senior attending Jensen Beach High School. I have attending the US Space and Aviation Camp in Huntsville, Alabama for several years including having been invited to the Elite Space Camp program last May. I have attended their Aviation program as well and have been awarded scholarship funds if I attend University of Alabama Huntsville. I was accepted into University of Alabama Huntsville but I have decided to attend University of Central Florida as they have a top tier space/aeronautical engineering program and I have been accepted into their program with my dream being to work for NASA or SpaceX in the industry's push to explore Mars. Because my family and I live in Florida, we have frequented Kennedy Space Center. I hope to eventually be accepted into their summer internship program to educate more people about Space and the United States Space program. This scholarship would help afford my continued education and travel to the US Space & Aviation program to attend lectures and participate in controlled simulations. It would also bridge the financial gap that hinders students from achieving their (sometimes complex) career goals. Not many women pursue this type of major and career choice. As of 2024, approximately 13% of aerospace engineers are women. I fully understand the impact of this and I think it separates me and makes me a unique applicant. I also have an unwavering dedication to space exploration and aeronautics. I have been pursuing this career choice for several years and have not been intimidated by the lack of females choosing this path. This allows me to continue to speak to other women and girls about pursuing their love of space and aeronautics and become an advocate for females who feel apprehensive about going into a male dominated field. This isn't about achieving gender equality but more of maximizing innovation and ensuring space exploration safety by bringing fresh perspectives and approaches that are essential in solving complex engineering challenges. Because of the rise in STEM subjects in which many girls are encouraged to participate in, I can be a visible role model to the upcoming generation as other female aerospace engineers and astronauts were to me. Facilitating mentorship programs and networking programs are critical for more female involvement and crucial for transforming the existing culture. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to pursue my career dreams and goals with the support of my family and fantastic advisors and mentors. I hope to one day be that mentor to young women in future generations.