My name is Delaney Montoya, and I grew up in New Mexico, where I was raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for me and my sisters. Despite her long days at work, she was determined to pursue her master’s degree in engineering, which showed me firsthand the importance of hard work and dedication in the face of challenges. Her example taught me that no matter the obstacles, with perseverance, it is possible to achieve your goals. Inspired by her, I’ve worked diligently in school with the ambition of studying Aerospace Engineering. Currently, I am a second-year student at San Jose State University, pursuing a degree in this field. My passion for space exploration has always driven me to want to contribute to expanding humanity’s understanding of the universe. Using engineering to create technology that can expand our knowledge. Ultimately, I aim to become an astronaut—helping push the boundaries of space exploration and contributing to the groundbreaking discoveries. However, my journey has not been without its financial challenges. Growing up, my family faced many economic struggles, and as a student now, I continue to encounter financial barriers that make it difficult to fully pursue my goals. While I am currently working as a nanny to help cover my housing and living expenses, I find it difficult to balance a part-time job with my rigorous academic schedule. Other part-time jobs can not be as flexible to a college schedule. As a result, much of my earnings go toward basic needs, leaving little room to invest in the next steps I need to take to reach my dream, such as funding flight school and continuing my education. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my goals and determined to overcome the financial hurdles in my path. I believe that the hard work and resilience I’ve learned from my mother and from my own experiences will guide me through these obstacles. I am passionate about being part of the aerospace industry—developing the tools for space exploration and ultimately becoming a pilot of spacecraft. I am highly motivated and eager to reach my goals. These financial struggles are just temporary roadblocks, and I am determined not to let them stand in the way of my dreams. My ultimate goal is to not only be part of the aerospace community but to lead the way in space exploration and technology. While the financial challenges are significant, I view them as temporary setbacks on the path to something greater. With additional financial support, I would be able to invest in critical experiences, such as flight school, that will help me build the necessary skills to become an astronaut. I also hope to continue my education without the constant pressure of financial strain, allowing me to focus more on my studies and research projects. With the right support, I know I can overcome these obstacles and take the necessary steps to make my dream a reality. Thank you for your consideration!