The trade I’m currently pursuing is HVAC/R. I was inspired to go into the trade when it was offered through a program called Live Better U at my current job. In year 2021-2022, I completed an online HVAC/R course through Penn Foster. I’m currently going to school in Virginia for hands on learning as I am striving to learn the visual aspects of the HVAC/R. First impression leaves a remarkable lifetime impression. So far, I am passing all of my tests and currently studying to become a universal EPA certified technician. The reason I’m applying for this scholarship is to maintain going to school and learn as much as I can to get into the field fully prepared making no mistakes. As the president of the school stated, you either can perform the job at 100% knowing what you are doing and anything less than that is not acceptable when doing the tasks for whatever company I decide to work for. Currently, I am a homeowner who is hands-on with things that I can attempt to fix on my own without calling someone to come an check something out which can be very expensive. I would love to fix my own HVAC system and know the components to keeping it up and running as long as possible to provide a safe and clean air and environment for my children and I. HVAC/R is a continuously growing business and always will be in need of people to work in which I would like to be apart of. Needless to say is that I gain an inspiration through myself because I wanted it for me. When I truly want something I pursue after it. I have always wanted to go through a trade school. I was finding a purpose in a trade school that was perfect for me and I found just that. I’m the only woman in my class and the men who surrounds me do notice me there and are very supportive of me wanting to pursue this trade. Being around support like that also inspires me to come to class. They help me when I have questions and also the instructor has been very welcoming by motivating me through the class. Because of that, I am more comfortable with showing up to class and not being treated as an outsider just because of my gender. It really feels good to know that diversity does exist and that alone motivates me to become a better version of myself.