Throughout my life, I have always been the oddball. If it wasn’t for me being picked on for my height, abused by my teachers, and talked about behind my back by many of my peers then I wouldn’t became the man I am today. Growing up poor I’ve always been blessed with a creative mindset to think outside the box to find my answers in life. If a teacher were to teach me a certain way to solve a problem, I would then solve it and find another strategy to get the solution that might work better or even faster. Countless times I have been made fun of by other students for trying to save up money for college. When I used to sell candy in school, some people would judge me and ask me why I even bother when I know that I won’t make money or have any customers. I proved those people wrong by having customers every single day and not only in my grade but other grades as well. I’ve always looked at myself as a type of go-getter, someone who won’t quit until they have what they’ve accomplished. Most students at my high school tend to socialize and joke around about situations that they find amusing but, I keep my head in the books, and I sharpen my knowledge every day about things I don’t know or wasn’t taught in school. When I’m bored I like to pick up my math books and work on problems that are challenging because I know to be legendary or great you can’t be basic, you have to challenge yourself often and you have to believe in yourself daily. I know that being a black man in America I have to strive and work ten times harder than any other race in my country especially white males. Every day before I go to school I wake up at 5 am, do my hygiene, work out, get dressed and prepare myself for the day. I consistently commit to my routine to provide discipline for myself so that I feel like success in the morning. I am blessed to have two great parents in my life but what strives me to do more, is our story, our history, growing up poor, and remembering that if my ancestors could get through slavery then I can achieve much greater with their blood running through my veins. I’ve experienced tremendous deaths in my life, especially during covid, and I refuse to die letting myself and my ancestors down. If I die not meeting my full potential and capability to do great things in this world, then I have lived for nothing but memories, my vision is to die with my name written in history. In your essay question, you asked me how can this money help my family and I, the answer is every way possible. I will be in serious debt going into college and this money will help me pay for books and tools for my supply list. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity no matter what happens, but these are my reasons for applying. Thank You.

Towards the end of my high school years, I've been given tremendous wisdom from teachers and those before me. One thing I was told that stuck out to me was that I should die proud, “Before you die accomplish feats, fears and goals of yours”, I’ve always had a knack for turning my thoughts into reality. Now my story isn't the worst but it wasn't something most kids had. I was introduced to reality at a very young age. I had to be the man of the house for most nights, while my father worked overnight shifts. I had to take care of my sister at the age of 9 and the house at the age of 11. I always felt I had something to prove to be a young black man in America. In my high school years, I dealt with alot of depression, to the point where I was taking drugs to feel better. I realized that what I was doing was hurting my body and my mind, and I told myself I won't ever go back to that state of laziness and depression ever again. As I turned my life around, I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful that others won't forget. I’ve always been fascinated by the world and have always viewed the Earth as a mystery not yet solved. Throughout my future, I want my ideas and inventions to change and better the world. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. Most of these imaginations, however, consisted of a cardboard box with controls drawn on them with colored markers, but it was the thought that counted. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. My motivation for aviation engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world, literally. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. The loss and heartache I've had from his death continues to motivate me every day to want to do more. A known fact to many of my culture, as a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. Leadership is an important part of character and helps to have when guiding yourself toward success in the future. Not only does leadership provide integrity and communicative skills but it shows you the responsible way of taking charge of an organization or activity. All my life, I’ve had to express my leadership with others. Growing up being the oldest in the house, you have to set a prime example of what is right and wrong for your younger siblings and educate them about the importance of having responsibility and respect amongst others. Leadership hones a very sensible feeling that you can and will accomplish anything that comes your way. It provides a sense of power. Now not power as in tyranny, but power as in liberality. Someone who can give and take criticism well, someone who is always open to new ideas and not solely focused on what’s important to them. I know I have what it takes to achieve great things in this world, it's all about your integrity and willingness to lose in order to succeed.

At first, when I saw this scholarship I didn’t want to even acknowledge my condition or reference it to others at the matter. I came to my senses, however, because unlike a lot of other people I desperately need to pay for college. As of right now, I'm broke, I don't even make enough to even file taxes which is sort of embarrassing. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression but whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. In my 12th grade year, I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems because of past trauma that occurred in my life when I was younger. Most of those problems however are enacted by being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues and always knowing when someone is lying or not. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Frederick Douglass said, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress". I tell myself that quote whenever I feel like all hope is lost, and I remember that if I work hard enough anything can be accomplished.

Leadership is an important part of character and helps to have when guiding yourself toward success in the future. Not only does leadership provide integrity and communicative skills but it shows you the responsible way of taking charge of an organization or activity. In any means of having a job, leadership is a good quality to have. It shows the employer that you are driven, responsible, and able to handle yourself and your team’s goals in a timely fashion. All my life, I’ve had to express my leadership with others. Growing up being the oldest in the house, you have to set a prime example of what is right and wrong for your younger siblings and educate them about the importance of having responsibility and respect amongst others. However, I’ve always had to educate myself in order so that I could become the leader that I am today. No one truly ever follows you blindly unless you have gained their respect first. So in all, education is key to becoming a true leader, knowing your exact objective and having a goal and plan set, creates a more comfortable environment for those around you, in particular, those you lead. The real reason, I see fit that leadership is essential to the everyday life of a human being is because of the confidence that it provides for its carrier. Leadership hones a very sensible feeling that you can and will accomplish anything that comes your way. It provides a sense of power. Now not power as in tyranny, but power as in liberality. Someone who can give and take criticism well, someone who is always open to new ideas and not solely focused on what’s important to them. For example, I was a part of the prom committee for my high school year. I took charge of setting events and meetings online that were available to anyone apart of my high school. One evening particularly, there was a massive amount of students that decided to attend one of our meetings after school. Instead of getting tired of each and every one of their ideas, I noted every single one, wrote them down and incorporated each idea that they had either into the actual prom or the after-prom. With that type of patience, I was able to make everyone happy. Only a leader can have the skill to take the time out of his day for what truly matters to not only him but everyone else.

Throughout generations, gun violence has plagued African American Families and their children. Every day, roughly 316 Americans are killed or injured by gun violence if not due to shootings then suicide attempts, police intervention, and unintentional shootings. Personally, I’ve never been shot at, but my grandfather committed suicide with a gun to his head, which broke my family and our bond tremendously. I plan to continue to support African American communities which plague poverty and crime so that we as black people can see the potential in our abilities and not just the streets. With the number of shootings a day, young children are probably at the highest risk of being affected by gun violence. Every single black teen and child’s leading death is caused by firearms and the death chart rate can be shortened easily if we teach the young black youth what to do if they experience a firearm. As of right now, I am going to school to become an Aviation Engineer but when I am financially stable and have accumulated enough, I want to open classes for young children and teach them the means and importance of having a weapon. My technique is not just for African American citizens, the daily use of firearms affects everyone’s safety, firearms are the second leading cause of death for all American children and teens from 2022 to 2023. If I could teach my younger self anything it would be the responsibility of carrying a firearm. Statistically, most shootings by children and adults occur when the suspect has little to no knowledge of the actual importance and safety of which firearms project. If we could teach the youth the history of the pros and cons of firearms and the right ways to handle certain confrontations and emotions, then I believe we can better our children’s future and limit the amount of chaos caused by gun violence. Currently, I am not in any clubs as I am trying to focus on my last high school year but I have been a part of Youth in Government, an organization in which young individuals have a chance to pass a state bill. My bill was about inner city kids that lacked proper education to be given the ability to enter better schools on the outskirts of the urban area. Along with that, I’ve run multiple times for gun violence in either 1k or 5k runs at the Wilmington Riverfront. I strongly believe to better our nation and protect our children we have to care and realize the necessary things a child must be taught before they reach adulthood.

Money is only an object at this time of day, yet, that object controls the world. It controls the world’s governments, controls the world’s banks and controls the people who live in this world. Money has such a high value in today’s world that it is the modern-day meaning of value, something of which that has a price tag on it all the time. Growing up poor, however, I learned important lessons that taught me there are more important things than how much currency is in your pocket or having the most money on the block. Family, I was taught as a youth that you can achieve anything with the help and love of family, although materialistic things might be nice they won’t last generations or even a decade without being forgotten. Family will always be in your corner because you will forever have ancestors who communicate with you throughout your life. Generational Wealth to me means that I have the ability to provide a substantial life for my children and my children’s children. Along with that generational wealth means that when I grow old and die, I die knowing that I have taught my children about financial responsibility so they will carry out and continue to teach their own and so on and so on, so that our future generations will never have financial problems ever again. I will be attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics to study and master being an Aviation Electrician and Aviation Maintenance Operator. I plan to spend some time in the Air Force, working on planes and hopefully being assigned new projects. I plan to create and/or find an energy source big enough for planes to make at least an 8-hour to 15-hour trip that is healthier and more efficient than kerosene. I’m very intrigued by the idea of solar planes, a plane strictly used based on the energy of the sun and its heat rays. Another idea for when I'm financially stable would be to find a way where compressed and modified air can become the main source of transportation for aircraft. Since air, is scientifically proven to be a gas compressed of nitrogen and oxygen, there should be a probable chance for it to be used as transportation. If wind turbines are running off of air and electricity, we should be able to implicate that into modern-day transportation theoretically. One day I hope to make a comfortable amount of achievements where I can open the first solar plane company to be placed in an airport. I won’t rest until financially and mentally I have exceeded my goals in life so that my family will prosper forever.

Throughout generations in my family, we’ve always served our country. My great-grandfather served in World War ll, my grandfather served in the Air Force, my cousin served in the Navy, and my uncle served in the Vietnamese War. By genetics, battle blood runs through me and I’ve never been shy to show it. Often I‘ve been told that I wear my heart on my sleeve and that I’m very relentless when it comes to things I care about. My uncle died due to injuries in the Vietnamese War which created an empty hole in the security of my family. To see him almost every day fighting for his life after losing his lower body was very sickening for me. I prayed for him every chance I could and always had him on my mind. I believe since this was the first death that I experienced in my life, it impacted me the most. His death showed me how cruel the world can be and how you’re life is pretty much meaningless if you’re not known or written in history books. His death showed me how we have nothing but memories and pictures to hold on to those that pass. His death showed me how hard I have to fight in life to succeed and accomplish the things I desire to do. In early October, I’m going to school to become an Aviation Electrician and Maintenance Technician. After that, I want to spend some time in the Air Force, working on planes and hopefully being assigned new projects. I plan to create and/or find an energy source big enough for planes to make at least an 8-hour to 15-hour trip that is healthier and more efficient than kerosene. I’m very intrigued by the idea of solar planes, a plane strictly used based on the energy of the sun and its heat rays. Another idea, when I have the money for it, would be finding a way where compressed and modified air can become the main source of transportation for aircraft. Since air, is scientifically proven to be a gas compressed of nitrogen and oxygen, there should be a probable chance for it to be used as transportation. If wind turbines are running off of air and electricity, we should be able to implicate that into modern-day transportation theoretically. I know my theories will be tested and probably try to be covered up but I won’t stop until I figure them out.

I wonder a lot about the possibilities of a "clean" world, a world with no pollution or hazards or chemical spills, but at the same time I wonder how differently people would seem in a world like that, it always intrigues me. I'm a big fan of reducing my carbon footprint. I practice daily by turning off the electricity that I'm not using or by walking to nearby stores. I'd rather use nature's light to guide my day and surroundings than artificial and walk instead of running a car for a short distance and polluting the air in the process. It is our objective as mankind to do something about reducing our carbon footprint because we are the only ones who can truly change the world, for better. Recently, I noticed that my neighbor was dealing with social anxiety and starting to become mute. I took an hour out of my morning to talk with her and try to understand what makes her nervous, and maybe give her some advice. Eventually, she started to open up to me about how she’s from the Midwest and how different it is living in Delaware. She shares with me that she misses her family and easily can be reminded of them when talking to other people. I shared with her a strategy I had, whenever I feel uncomfortable or hopeless. I told her that I used to garden whenever I wanted to be at peace with myself. Later that month, together, we made a small garden in her backyard where she grew all types of peppers. Ever since then, she’s been really interactive with others and I often see her go out with friends to enjoy the day. It brings me joy, that I was able to help someone in a big way. I want to recreate that same joy I had for her, for the world. In early October, I’m going to school to become an Aviation Electrician and Maintenance Technician. After that, I want to spend some time in the Air Force, working on planes and hopefully being assigned new projects. I plan to create and/or find an energy source big enough for planes to make at least an 8-hour to 15-hour trip that is healthier and more efficient than kerosene. I’m very intrigued by the idea of solar planes, a plane strictly used based off the energy of the sun and its heat rays. Another idea, if I had the money for it, would be finding a way where compressed and modified air can become the main source of transportation for aircraft. Since air, is scientifically proven to be a gas compressed of nitrogen and oxygen, there should be a probable chance for it to be used as transportation. If wind turbines are ran off of air and electricity, we should be able to implicate that into modern-day transportation theoretically.

Throughout my life, I have always been the oddball. If it wasn’t for me being picked on for my height, abused by my teachers, and talked about behind my back by many of my peers then I wouldn’t became the man I am today. Growing up poor I’ve always been blessed with a creative mindset to think outside the box to find my answers in life. If a teacher were to teach me a certain way to solve a problem, I would then solve it and find another strategy to get the solution that might work better or even faster. Countless times I have been made fun of by other students for trying to save up money for college. When I used to sell candy in school, some people would judge me and ask me why I even bother when I know that I won’t make money or have any customers. I proved those people wrong by having customers every single day and not only in my grade but other grades as well. I’ve always looked at myself as a type of go-getter, someone who won’t quit until they have what they’ve accomplished. Most students at my high school tend to socialize and joke around about situations that they find amusing but me, I keep my head in the books, and I sharpen my knowledge every day about things I don’t know or wasn’t taught in school. When I’m bored I like to pick up my math books and work on problems that are challenging because I know to be legendary or great you can’t be basic, you have to challenge yourself often and you have to believe in yourself daily. In your essay question, you asked me, “What drives you to do more?”, my answer, is everything. Everything drives me to do more, I know that being a black man in America I have to strive and work ten times harder than any other race in my country especially white males. Every day before I go to school I wake up at 5 am, do my hygiene, work out, get dressed and prepare myself for the day. I am blessed to have two great parents in my life but what strives me to do more, is our story, our history, growing up poor, and remembering that if my ancestors could get through slavery then I can achieve much greater with their blood running through my veins. I’ve experienced tremendous deaths in my life, especially during covid, and I refuse to die letting myself and my ancestors down. If I die not meeting my full potential and capability to do great things in this world, then I have lived for nothing but memories, my vision is to die with my name written in history.

Martial Arts is a very key role in keeping peace with the world. The art of the sport helps the mind be calm and focused, on whatever you’re objective is. Most might say that the sport is nothing but violence and pain, physically yes but mentally quite the opposite. Your body is an important factor in winning matches but if you are not mentally ready then you’ve defeated yourself before if even stepping inside of the cage. To win, you have to know you are a winner, believe in your capability, and be aware of the opponent's strengths more than weaknesses because nine times out of ten you’re only ever knocked down or stunned by shots that were unexpected. The basic strategy of a Martial Arts fighter is to protect and defend yourself at all times. As well as violence the sport teaches its’ fighters core values such as what’s worth it and what’s not, and what matters in the world and what doesn’t. Especially when training for fights, trying to make weight teaches you how to eat right and what foods you’re body can accept and those that hurt your physique. I’ve found out that the more junk and salty the food the less energy I have to perform well in the cage or even on a regular day such as going to work or school. Ever since I’ve started training consistently my health has been my main priority going in and out of fights so I can live a life for as long and comfortably as I’m destined to. Another way Martial arts has helped me was with my depression. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. My 12th grade year I’ve made a U-turn in my life, with the help of martial arts and other curricular activities I’ve learned to cope with my pain. I meditate every day and before training to help me with my anxiety and my fear of dying without accomplishing something productive. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my grandfather committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old and my other one refuses to acknowledge that I’m his grandchild. All the pain I used to feel, I put all into my training and fights. I know I will prosper in this world, it’s my destiny.

My mental health was a big issue throughout my younger years of middle and high school, I was often bullied for my height and the color of my skin. The amount of abuse I took each and every day was terrible and very unhealthy for a young child like mines, mindset. At first, when I saw this scholarship I didn’t want to even acknowledge it or look at it. Slowly however and with time I came to my senses because, unlike a lot of other people, I desperately need to pay for college. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. In my 12th grade year, I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending on if I stay in the Air Force or not, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

Growing up, hard times were just my way of life. I’ve always been hard-headed and my Mimi has always been there to support me through thick and thin. Even when I would constantly make stupid mistakes, she would love me unconditionally and no matter the situation she had my back. She’s the meaning of my life, honestly. Without my Mimi, I’d probably be on the streets doing the wrong thing, selling drugs, and clothes or possibly being homeless. Her constant motivation for me has kept me pushing forward in life, showing me there’s more to life than the city I was born in. My Mimi has always been fascinated with traveling and this is part of the reason why I’m going to the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, it’s to study Aviation Engineering so I can one day take my Mimi to all the places she wants to go to. After I finish my term at that college I plan to go to the Air Force and serve my country, which is my duty as a United States Citizen of America. After that, I have plans on creating big engineering inventions that involve a more functional and cleaner way of air control and travel, something that won’t have the air as polluted as it is today. As well as that, I want to invest my thoughts into solar planes which I think will tremendously better the world’s air travel of all aircraft and cargo. I plan to earn my respect in this world through success with the belief that anything is possible. When I told my Mimi the news that I got into the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics she was so happy, and I could see why. All the pain we endured over the years led up to that moment right there, me showing her my very first acceptance letter. She told me God had plans for us, and all she did every single night was pray for me and my abundance in health and education. She was so emotional, she decided that when I graduated she would give me her car, which I was very excited about. Her loving me no matter what, is the only love I’ve truly had in my life that was real. At the end of the day having a relationship with someone doesn’t mean anything if that person isn’t willing to be honest with you and loyal to the end. Through thick and thin, love you Mimi.

I've been listening to Taylor Swift ever since the age of 7, and I can admit she has some very valuable and motivational talent. I've loved most of the songs she has put out, she never fails to bring new and creative talent to the music industry. Some of my all-time favorites from her are songs like, "Look what you made me do", "Anti-Hero", "I Knew You Were Trouble", and "Karma". By far most of my favorites fall in line with her "Reputation" and "1989" albums. 1989 was such an influential movement for young teens to truly cope with their feelings through music. The diversity of her vocals throughout each song on that album was truly tremendous. Taylor's ability to give different attitudes in such a quick array is quite remarkable, not many singers are that skilled consistently. Along with Taylor's profession, 1989 reached the HOT 100 Billboard multiple times. With the world's highest-grossing tour of 2015, the 1989 World Tour sold over 2 million tickets and grossed over 250 million dollars. No question at all, my favorite song on that Album has to be "Bad Blood", just because of how raw and real that song felt. To this day I still play that song everywhere I go just to remind myself of how cruel and real the world can be at times. I even play "Bad Blood" while I work out, that anthem falls right in sync with my emotions and always brings the best out of me. Especially when Taylor said, "Did you think we'd be fine? Still got scars on my back from your knife, so don't think it's in the past. These kind of wounds they last and they last. Now did you think it all through? All these things will catch up to you, and time can heal, but this won't.", those lyrics made me realize how even the ones that say they love you, can really betray you in the end. At the end of the day "Bad Blood" was the one song I would think about playing on my way to school, from school, to work, from work, wherever I went that was my go-to song. Taylor Swift's perception of life and love speaks to me so personally that I've started to create music myself relating to my own perception of life and love. "Bad Blood" will always be the best song on that album, no arguments needed.

I will be attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics to study and master being an Aviation Electrician and Aviation Maintenance Operator. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. I plan to spend some time in the Air Force, working on planes and hopefully being assigned new projects. I plan to create and/or find an energy source big enough for planes to make at least an 8-hour to 15-hour trip that is healthier and more efficient than kerosene. I’m very intrigued by the idea of solar planes, a plane strictly used based on the energy of the sun and its heat rays. Another idea for when I'm financially stable would be to find a way where compressed and modified air can become the main source of transportation for aircraft. Since air, is scientifically proven to be a gas compressed of nitrogen and oxygen, there should be a probable chance for it to be used as transportation. If wind turbines are running off of air and electricity, we should be able to implicate that into modern-day transportation theoretically. As well as creating worldwide impacts, I want to pave the way for inner city kids to be able to want to make an impact in the jobs that lack the black population. The black community apart of S.T.E.M. is only 9%, this needs to change. Why, because Black people have the power to change anything. If we can overcome racism, slavery, and poverty, we can overcome anything. We can be the future, we can change the future, and we can better the future, it all starts with one degree at a time.

At first, when I saw this scholarship I didn’t want to even acknowledge it or look at it. But I came to my senses because, unlike a lot of other people, I desperately need to pay for college. Dealing with my diagnosis has caused deep depression for the past couple of years. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavier amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize or tell me about my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year seeing if it would take the pain away, but it didn't. Although I have to give props to how controlling the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. In my 12th grade year, I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

All my life, I’ve been told that I care too much about the world around me. With that said, I don’t mean judgment or fear of what others think. I’ve always been the type of individual to go out of my way to make someone else feel better about themselves. Ever since I was young I’ve participated in my community and I continue to do so. Volunteering and helping people around me is something I love to do. I grew up in a rough neighborhood, but the people on my block always made sure that each and every one of us had a roof to sleep under, food to eat and toys to play with. It might sound fun, the thrill of living on your own and taking care of yourself, but it isn’t. Growing up poor, I had to take on responsibilities at an early age as a youth. From taking care of my baby sister to making sure she has something to eat before bed, even if it means sacrificing my hunger. I’ve always had to make sure dishes were washed, trash was emptied, and the floor was clean before I went to bed. I never lived in the most comfortable of homes, every family has its flaws but I tried my best to make the most of what we had. Collecting this scholarship would mean the world to me, and benefit me tremendously going further in my education. I plan to find constructive ways for a cleaner energy source to eliminate the frequent weather disasters caused by climate change and pollution. As well as that, I’ve never won a scholarship before a day in my life, or even a valued award for that matter. I’ve participated in Youth in Government, twice actually, trying to pass a law for low-income neighborhoods to be given a higher chance to get into high educational institutions. Twice, I was rejected but I will continue to fight for what I believe in because every rejection creates room for improvement. I refuse to die, before finding my true worth in this world and how I can better this world for the greater good of our everyday lives. Volunteering throughout the years has allowed my mind to grow and become more open to different outcomes and possibilities. Any moment my family and I can get to give back to my community we use it, even if we are hurting financially. My definition of the word, community, is the backbone of the neighborhood you belong to. Every last person on my block makes sure that every one of us has food on our plate or simple things, like enough money to go get detergent from the corner store. There have been plenty of times I participated in public events in my community. I have helped give food out to the community at my church and other inner city church events. Along with this, I have also run many times for Breast Cancer Marathons in honor of a few of my relatives passing from Breast Cancer. The continuity of giving back to my community will not stop as I leave for college, I will always come back to the city that raised me and give back to the youth.

DeMarques Alexander Dixon will be the master of aircraft, a successful businessman, and a game changer for the world.

Mental health conditions in the African American Community have been underlooked for some time now. This is due to Black Americans having the equivalent amount of treatment as White Americans. Of the United States population, 13.5 percent identify as African American, and of the 13 percent, 16 percent of Black Americans have been reported for having a mental illness in the past 2 years. Now this number may not seem big, but altogether that rounds to about 7.8 million Black Americans with this condition. There are many reasons that African Americans suffer or have mental illnesses. After all, we black people have been through countless trauma, prejudice and dehumanizing events that have caused our predecessors to be inflicted with tremendous pain and stress. Not only do I believe that my mental health as a black man is important, but I believe caring for it and treating your mind right, can benefit your life exponentially. I used to struggle with constantly stressing myself out over every little thing. If it wasn't the poverty that surrounded me or the weight I had to carry of being a fat kid or the name calling of how stupidly I would pronounce words, then it would always be something else. I used to use pain as my compass, driving myself to a dead end or an extremely low point where I had little to no self-esteem. I consider mental health now to be extremely beneficial to my daily day. I plan ahead of my day what I might eat, where I might go, and what I might do, so I won't stress the little things. Along with that, I treat my body right by working out every morning and sometimes at night to feel comfortable with myself and my appearance. Eating right is a big factor, that I think I have to work on, I believe once I set out for college and live on my own, I will have more freedom to wisely select what I should and should not eat. What a lot of people underlook as well, is meditation. Meditation holds a big factor in having peace with others. Whether you are just communicating or competing competitively, it is always good to have a positive look on life because in the end, nine times out of ten, you're not alone and someone else has been in your position or maybe even worst. We have to cherish the little things in life such as our health so we can truly become to our full potential and be grateful for what life truly is.

1. I will be attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics to study and master being an Aviation Electrician and Aviation Maintenance Operator. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. 2. I plan to spend some time in the Air Force, working on planes and hopefully being assigned new projects. I plan to create and/or find an energy source big enough for planes to make at least an 8-hour to 15-hour trip, that is healthier and more efficient than kerosene. I’m very intrigued by the idea of solar planes, a plane strictly used based on the energy of the sun and its heat rays. Another idea, if I had the money for it, would be finding a way where compressed and modified air can become the main source of transportation for aircraft. Since air, is scientifically proven to be a gas compressed of nitrogen and oxygen, there should be a probable chance for it to be used as transportation. If wind turbines are running off of air and electricity, we should be able to implicate that into modern-day transportation theoretically. As well as creating worldwide impacts, I want to pave the way for inner city kids to be able to want to make an impact in the jobs that lack the black population. The black community apart of S.T.E.M. is only 9%, this needs to change. If we can overcome racism, slavery, and poverty, we can overcome anything. We can be the future, we can change the future, and we can better the future, with just one degree at a time. 3. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. In my 12th-grade year, I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it seemed intriguing to bettering the world. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

There are many things in the world that require improvement, such as pollution, laws and economic values. It is our objective as mankind to do something about it because we are the only ones who can truly change the world, for better or worse. Recently, I noticed that my neighbor was dealing with social anxiety and starting to become mute. I took an hour out of my morning to talk with her and try to understand what makes her nervous, and maybe give her some advice. Eventually, she started to open up to me about how she’s from the Midwest and how different it is living in Delaware. She shares to me that she misses her family and easily can be reminded of them when talking to other people. I shared with her a strategy I had, whenever I feel uncomfortable or hopeless. I told her that I used to garden whenever I wanted to be at peace with myself. Later that month, together, we made a small garden in her backyard where she grew all types of peppers. Ever since then, she’s been really interactive with others and I often see her go out with friends to enjoy the day. It brings me joy, that I was able to help someone in a big way. I want to recreate that same joy I had for her, for the world. In early October, I’m going to school to become an Aviation Electrician and Maintenance Technician. After that, I want to spend some time in the Air Force, working on planes and hopefully being assigned new projects. I plan to create and/or find an energy source big enough for planes to make at least an 8-hour to 15-hour trip that is healthier and more efficient than kerosene. I’m very intrigued by the idea of solar planes, a plane strictly used based on the energy of the sun and its heat rays. Another idea, if I had the money for it, would be finding a way where compressed and modified air can become the main source of transportation for aircraft. Since air, is scientifically proven to be a gas compressed of nitrogen and oxygen, there should be a probable chance for it to be used as transportation. If wind turbines are running off of air and electricity, we should be able to implicate that into modern-day transportation theoretically. So to answer your question, I'm a man that likes to see other people comfortable and happy. I'm a man that strives for success and the best possible outcomes. I'm a man that just won't quit, no matter the circumstance, I will always overcome. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”(MLK).

There are many things in the world that require improvement, such as pollution, laws and economic values. It is our objective as mankind to do something about it because we are the only ones who can truly change the world, for better or worse. Recently, I noticed that my neighbor was dealing with social anxiety and starting to become mute. I took an hour out of my morning to talk with her and try to understand what makes her nervous, and maybe give her some advice. Eventually, she started to open up to me about how she’s from the Midwest and how different it is living in Delaware. She shared with me that she misses her family and easily can be reminded of them when talking to other people. I shared with her a strategy I had, whenever I feel uncomfortable or hopeless. I told her that I used to garden whenever I wanted to be at peace with myself. Later that month, together, we made a small garden in her backyard where she grew all types of peppers. Ever since then, she’s been really interactive with others and I often see her go out with friends to enjoy the day. It brings me joy, that I was able to help someone in a big way. I want to recreate that same joy I had for her, for the world. In early October, I’m going to school to become an Aviation Electrician and Maintenance Technician. After that, I want to spend some time in the Air Force, working on planes and hopefully being assigned new projects. I plan to create and/or find an energy source big enough for planes to make at least an 8-hour to 15-hour trip that is healthier and more efficient than kerosene. I’m very intrigued by the idea of solar planes, a plane strictly used based on the energy of the sun and its heat rays. Another idea, if I had the money for it, would be finding a way where compressed and modified air can become the main source of transportation for aircraft. Since air, is scientifically proven to be a gas compressed of nitrogen and oxygen, there should be a probable chance for it to be used as transportation. If wind turbines are running off of air and electricity, we should be able to implicate that into modern-day transportation theoretically. One day the world will have changed, and one day I will have changed the world.

All my life, I’ve been told that I care too much about the world around me. When said, I don’t mean judgment or fear of what others think. I’ve always been the type of individual to go out my way to make someone else feel better about themselves. Ever since I was young I’ve participated in my community and I continue to do so. Volunteering and helping people around me is something I love to do. I grew up in a rough neighborhood, but the people on my block always made sure that each and every one of us had a roof to sleep under, food to eat and toys to play with. It might sound fun, the thrill of living on your own and taking care of yourself, but it isn’t. Growing up poor, I had to take on responsibilities at an early age as a youth. From taking care of my baby sister to making sure she has something to eat before bed, even if it means sacrificing my hunger. I’ve always had to make sure dishes were washed, trash was emptied, and the floor was clean before I went to bed. I never lived in the most comfortable of homes, every family has its flaws but I tried my best to make the most of what we had. Collecting this scholarship would mean the world to me, I’ve never won a scholarship before a day in my life, or even a valued award for that matter. I’ve participated in Youth in Government, twice actually, trying to pass a law for low-income neighborhoods to be given a higher chance to get into high educational institutions. Twice, I was rejected but I will continue to fight for what I believe in because every rejection creates room for improvement. I refuse to die, before finding my true worth in this world, my meaning, or why I am here. Volunteering throughout the years has allowed my mind to grow and become more open to different outcomes and possibilities. You never know who a person truly is until you see how they react when they have nothing. I’ve come to realize that true colors never show, and when they do, they always cease to amaze. Community service has given me a greater understanding of the human mind, it’s like a small psychology class. You can understand a person's emotions, behaviors and opinions all by serving them soup at an Inner-City Church.

As a black man in America, I can vouch for others when I say, we need more. We need more idols, we need more activists, we need more diversity, we need to take charge and not let the system that was designed for us to fail to succeed. Change needs to happen and it can’t happen quietly. The percentage of S.T.E.M. diversity apart of the United States is very few. Collectively, all minorities make up only 24% of the entire S.T.E.M. field. It is important to branch out to different cultures not only to receive different views and study tactics but to inspire their community. I want to pave the way for inner city kids to be able to want to make an impact in the jobs that lack the black population. The black community apart of S.T.E.M. is only 9%, this needs to change. Why, because Black people have the power to change anything. If we can overcome racism, slavery, and poverty, we can overcome anything. We can be the future, we can change the future, we can better the future, it all starts with one degree at a time. The more diverse the S.T.E.M. community gets, the easier it will be to stay diverse. Aviation Engineering is something that I truly want to do and master, I won’t accept defeat. I know the obstacles are forthcoming and that doesn’t matter to me. Why, because I have something to prove. My older cousin was accepted to a trade school in Ohio, to study and master Mechanical tool trades. He was there for a year and a half and later quit due to the immense racism and lack of black people at the school. That example right there should motivate the youth to want to make a change, as it did for me. To have my cousin quit his dream and come back home as a failure broke his heart and I could see the pain he was in. I knew from then on, as the next generation graduate, that I had to make a change no matter the circumstances. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school in Pittsburgh, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and offer more low income families the ability to afford better education for their children. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

My name, DeMarques Alexander Dixon and I’m nobody. Some might say I’m funny, some might say I’m smart, some might say I’m quiet, but I know for a fact I am nobody. However, don’t mistake a nobody for nothing. It’s true I grew up poor, it’s true I’ve been discriminated against, it’s true I am a target in this country, but don’t expect a nobody to not know anything. My name is DeMarques, which stands for “A man of family”. I’d do anything for my family, right or wrong, because one thing that has never failed me was my family. My name is Alexander, which stands for “Warrior”. I’ve been told I have the heart of a lion, and that I refuse to show weakness. Throughout my life, I have noticed that people will take advantage of your kindness and if you praise someone too much, they’ll stab you in the back. I tend not to show too much emotion, mostly because I’m scared. Scared of becoming close and left to rust, scared of showing my true colors to ending up as the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, a man scared of trust. My name is Dixon, which means “Son of Richard”, a name given to my ancestors through times of slavery to label which property they belonged to. A name I carry proud, despite being made for my embarrassment. Growing older I realize that this country was designed for the black man to fail. From the killing of Trayvon Martin to the state of Mississippi bringing back the Jim Crow law, by passing House Bill 1020. A bill that takes away people’s right to vote who are residents in majority black neighborhoods. My name is DeMarques Alexander Dixon and I want to pave a way for the youth and show them that black people can achieve anything. We need more idols, we need more activists, we need more diversity, we need to take charge and not let the system that was designed for us to fail to succeed. Aviation Engineering is something that I truly want to do and master, I won’t accept defeat. I know the obstacles are forthcoming and that doesn’t matter to me. Why, because I have something to prove. My older cousin was accepted to a trade school in Ohio, to study and master Mechanical tool trades. He was there for a year and a half and later quit due to the immense racism and lack of black people at the school. That example right there should motivate the youth to want to make a change, as it did for me. To have my cousin quit his dream and come back home as a failure broke his heart and I could see the pain he was in. I knew from then on, as the next generation graduate, that I had to make a change no matter the circumstances. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school in Pittsburgh, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. When graduated, I plan to enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and offer more low income families the ability to afford better education for their children. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

Community service and giving back to those, has always been dear to my heart, especially in my community. Any moment my family and I can get to give back to my community we use it. Even if we are hurting financially, every last person on my block makes sure that each of us can eat at night. Countless times, I've participated in the community. For two years, I was a part of Youth in Government, a program designed for teenagers to experience how the court system works. Along with that, I have helped give food out to the community at my church and other inner-city church events. Giving back to my community won't stop as I leave for college, I will always come back to the city that raised me. Towards the end of my high school years, I've been given tremendous wisdom from my elders and those before me. One thing I was told that stuck out to me was that I should die happy, “Before you die accomplish feats, fears and goals of yours”, I’ve always had a knack for turning my thoughts to reality. As quick it was, I was introduced to reality at a very young age. I had to be the man of the house for most nights, while my father worked overnight shifts. I had to take care of my sister at the age of 9 and the house at the age of 11. I always felt I had something to prove being a young black man in America. I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful in my life. I’ve always been fascinated about the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a mystery not yet solved. Throughout my future, I want my ideas and inventions to change and better the world. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky, and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. Racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school. I’ve never let its hatred deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for itself. Along with having two honor rolls this year my GPA this year is 3.75, my all-time high. My love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft. As Frederick Douglass once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”.

Reality hit hard for me, early this year. I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful in my life. I’ve always been fascinated by the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a three-layer planet consisting of the underground, land and sky. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. Most of these imaginations, however, consisted of a cardboard box with controls drawn on them with colored markers, but it was the thought that counted. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky, and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. Although racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school, I’ve never let racism deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for itself. I've received honor roll twice this year, and I've earned a 3.75 grade point average for my final high school year. Along with that, I know my love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.". Thank you.

My name is DeMarques Alexander Dixon, I’m graduating from a blue-ribbon high school and I’ve been accepted to Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics where I will study aviation. I wrote this essay to cover why the field of S.T.E.M. needs to grow its diversification. Change needs to happen and it can’t happen quietly. The percentage of S.T.E.M. diversity apart of the United States is a whomping few. Collectively, all minorities make up only 24% of the entire S.T.E.M. field. It is important to branch out to different cultures not only to receive different views and study tactics but to inspire their community. As a black man in America, I can vouch for others when I say, we need more. We need more idols, we need more activists, we need more diversity, we need to take charge and not let the system that was designed for us to fail to succeed. Personally, in my family, I can’t relate to anyone in the field I’m about to partake in. Aviation Engineering is something that I truly want to do and master, I won’t accept defeat. I know the obstacles are forthcoming and that doesn’t matter to me. Why, because I have something to prove. My older cousin was accepted to a trade school in Ohio, to study and master Mechanical tool trades. He was there for a year and a half and later quit due to the immense racism and lack of black people at the school. That example right there should motivate the youth to want to make a change, as it did for me. To have my cousin quit his dream and come back home as a failure broke his heart and I could see the pain he was in. I knew from then on, as the next generation graduate, that I had to make a change no matter the circumstances. I want to pave the way for inner city kids to be able to want to make an impact in the jobs that lack the black population. The black community apart of S.T.E.M. is only 9%, this needs to change. Why, because Black people have the power to change anything. If we can overcome racism, slavery, and poverty, we can overcome anything. We can be the future, we can change the future, we can better the future, it all starts with one degree at a time. The more diverse the S.T.E.M. community gets, the easier it will be to stay diverse.

My name's DeMarques Alexander Dixon and I've struggled with self-love. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. In my 12th-grade year, I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. Along with quitting substances I've made a tremendous turnaround in my grades in a year. Last year my cumulative GPA was 2.6, horrible. But, with hard work and dedication, plus the honor rolls I've received this year my unweighted is a 3.75 and my weighted is a 3.1. If I finish the school year off right, I should have a final 3.3/3.4 as my final grade point average. As well as that, I’ve already been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

My name's DeMarques Alexander Dixon and I've struggled with self-love. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. In my 12th-grade year, I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

Some people in this world believe success is given along with respect. Thought of as a precious artifact, something with natural value and purpose. What some people tend not to think of, is how the artifact became valuable. Such as Vincent Van Gogh's paintings; which nearly tripled their worth as decades passed and so on. What people forget is the hard work that made the masterpiece a masterpiece, and the drive to fulfill to perfection. My grit and grind to want to be successful in life by any means show how I am different from the rest of society. My family never was wealthy, rich, or famous. My father came from the Eastside of Wilmington, Delaware where not a lot of people make it out due to violent crimes and gang activity. He stayed focused and maintained to make a way for himself and his family. My mother came from the dirt roads of a small living section in Claymont, Delaware. She was an honor roll student who didn’t let her background shape the way she studied or worked. I continue to carry on that hustle and drive my parents passed on I, as well, don’t want my background to shape the person I will become. I want to prove to myself that I could make it out of my neighborhood despite all the obstacles trying to have me stay. I want colleges to know that I will not depend on others to provide for me, I never have and I never will. If there’s a word I don’t know, then I will research it before asking key questions about it. There have been many times when I’ve been bullied for not knowing the meaning of a word or asking what said word means but I don’t let what other people think break down my character. If there’s a task I don’t know how to perform, then I will study it before I move on. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society has always tried to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky, and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. Although racism is very blatant at my school, I’ve never let it deter my path to greatness and never will. My love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft. The goal of success will be nothing without the consequences of trials and tribulations intervening. At the end of the day, no one knows how their future will play out, but I know that I won’t let anything stop me from being a success.

To be honest, when I initially saw this scholarship it hit a special nerve and I wanted to ignore it all together. After talking with elders, I realized that the biggest way to cope with something is to express it, so here it goes. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. My 12th-grade year I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

My name is DeMarques Alexander Dixon, and I first want to say condolences to DeAmontay Buckley's family. When I first saw this scholarship I didn’t want to even look at it because It reminded me of myself and what I've been through. I've had a dark road leading up to my final high school year, I've been rejected by family members, made fun of for being short, and hated because of the color of my skin. But I came to my senses because, unlike a lot of other people, I desperately need to pay for college. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. My 12th-grade year I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

My name is DeMarques Alexander Dixon, and I’ve got problems. At first, when I saw this scholarship I didn’t want to even acknowledge it or look at it. But I came to my senses because, unlike a lot of other people, I desperately need to pay for college. Statistically, I was never diagnosed with depression. Whenever I would go to the doctor's office, they would give me a pamphlet to fill out based on my mental health, I always feared if I answered truly they would prescribe me with a heavy amount of medicine or send me to a mental center. I’ve always been quiet about my depression, the only person to ever realize my condition was my father. We never spoke about it, I would just know that whenever he hugged me, it was a sign of “I’ve been there kid, you’ll get through it, I’m there for you.”. I’ve dealt with drugs in the past during my 11th-grade year, the media made it seem like it could cure my sadness but it didn’t. It either extended it or made it go away temporarily. In my 12th-grade year, I made a u-turn with my life, I still have anxiety and social problems but that’s due to being uncomfortable around a big population and having trust issues. I always tell myself you’re going to do big things in this world and that quitting is never an option. “No matter what, be better than those before, be better than grandad.”, my dad’s dad committed suicide when my father was just 6 years old. I can’t imagine the pain my dad felt, but for him to prosper and not give up on his life, unlike his dad, gives me immense motivation to go forward in life and do great things. I cope with my depression by listening to jazz, playing sports, working out and learning new things. Recently I started reading a book about botany because I thought it was intriguing and important in bettering the world. I’ve been accepted to an aviation trade school, where I will learn how to assemble turbines and manage planes. After I graduate from there, I want to continue my grandfather’s legacy and enlist in the Air Force where I can put my skills to use. Depending or not if I stay in the Air Force, I want to build a company that fixes on planes for a living and maybe eventually I can own my own airport. I have big things for this world and I refuse to die before I achieve them. As Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut said, "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations.".

The last thing I want in this world, is for people to continue to turn on each other instead of unite. No matter if we are black, white, American, Persian or African, we are all people. People that have lives, people that have families, people that have children. We all deserve peace, we all deserve equality and we all deserve protection. Domestic violence is a major issue in America let alone the world. What we cannot control in other countries we can control in our own. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this adds up to more than 10 million women and men. The dramatic increase in domestic violence across the United States relating to women is a major problem. One per four women and one per nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, ptsd, and contraction of sexually transmitted diseases. The amount of likeliness a woman is to be raped more than a man is horrendous. One per five women in the United States have been raped in their lifetime compared to the staggering one per 71 men to have been raped across America. At the end of the day something needs to change. These numbers have to decrease, these are partial reasons why the count of lgbqt numbers have gone up due to women not trusting men intimately and vice versa. When I get older I plan to grow a community as big as the one for breast cancer and form it into a educational and fund-accepting program to help guide men and woman into the right direction. Many cases of domestic abuse happen when a disagreement occurs or the suspect has mental health problems. I feel as though mental health is a big part of relationships and some tend to hide their conditions. I feel as though if you are ever diagnosed with a severe mental health condition there should be a law where you are required to notify you’re partner, thus, prepping them and allowing choices of intimacy or a relationship to be discussed before hand. You can never be too safe falling into a brand new relationship. I’d give anything for someone to teach me how to handle relationships, first breakups and when to say no. I want to offer the youth the ability to join a community where they can be taught and connect with people in similar situations they’re in. Divided we fall, but together we’re unstoppable. Let’s make a difference and make the world a safer place one stat at a time.

Towards the end of my high school years, I've been given tremendous wisdom from elders and those before me. One thing I was told that stuck out to me was that I should die happy, “Before you die accomplish feats, fears and goals of yours”, I’ve always had a knack for turning my thoughts to reality. As quick it was, I was introduced to reality at a very young age. I had to be the man of the house for most nights, while my father worked overnight shifts. I had to take care of my sister at the age of 9 and the house at the age of 11. I always felt I had something to prove being a young black man in America. I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful in my life. I’ve always been fascinated about the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a mystery not yet solved. Throughout my future, I want my ideas and inventions to change and better the world. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. Most of these imaginations however, consisted of a cardboard box with controls drawn on them with colored markers, but it was the thought that counted. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. As growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day to day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friends’ dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky, and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. In fact racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school. I’ve never let racism deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for myself such as my first two trimesters where I received honor roll. Along with that my gpa this year is a 3.75, my all time high. My love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft. As Frederick Douglass once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”.

Some people in this world believe success is given along with respect. They think of it as a precious artifact, something with natural value and purpose. What some people tend not to think of, is how the artifact became valuable. Such as Vincent Van Gogh's paintings; which nearly tripled their worth as decades passed and so on. What people will forget is the hard work that made the masterpiece in itself, and the drive to fulfill each and every task to one's maximum potential. This is something I have, that will not be unnoticed. My grit and grind to want to be successful in life by any means makes me a different breed from the rest of society. My mindset is completely different from everyone else's when it’s focused because it is focused. My family never started out wealthy, rich, or famous. My father came from the Eastside of Wilmington, Delaware where not a lot of people make it out due to violent crimes and gang activity. He stayed focused and maintained to make a way for himself and his family. My mother came from the dirt roads of a small living section in Claymont, Delaware. She was an honor roll student who didn’t let her background shape the way she studied or worked. Towards the end of my high school years, I've been given tremendous wisdom from elders and those before me. One thing I was told that stuck out to me was that I should die happy, “Before you die accomplish feats, fears and goals of yours”, I’ve always had a knack for turning my thoughts to reality. As quick it was, I was introduced to reality at a very young age. I had to be the man of the house for most nights, while my father worked overnight shifts. I had to take care of my sister at the age of 9 and the house at the age of 11. I always felt I had something to prove being a young black man in America. I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful in my life. I’ve always been fascinated about the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a mystery not yet solved. Throughout my future, I want my ideas and inventions to change and better the world. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. Most of these imaginations however, consisted of a cardboard box with controls drawn on them with colored markers, but it was the thought that counted. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friends’ dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky, and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. In fact racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school. I’ve never let racism deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for myself. Engineering will challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft.

Towards the end of my high school years, I've been given tremendous wisdom from elders and those before me. One thing I was told that stuck out to me was that I should die happy, “Before you die accomplish feats, fears and goals of yours”, I’ve always had a knack for turning my thoughts to reality. As quick it was, I was introduced to reality at a very young age. I had to be the man of the house for most nights, while my father worked overnight shifts. I had to take care of my sister at the age of 9 and the house at the age of 11. I always felt I had something to prove being a young black man in America. I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful in my life. I’ve always been fascinated about the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a mystery not yet solved. Throughout my future, I want my ideas and inventions to change and better the world. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. Most of these imaginations however, consisted of a cardboard box with controls drawn on them with colored markers, but it was the thought that counted. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. As growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day to day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friends’ dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivates me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky, and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. In fact racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school. I’ve never let racism deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for myself such as my first two trimesters where I received honor roll. Along with that my gpa this year is a 3.75, my all time high. My love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft. As Frederick Douglass once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”.

All my life, I’ve been told that I care too much about the world around me. With that said, I don’t mean judgment or fear of what others think. I’ve always been the type of individual to go out of my way to make someone else feel better about themselves. Ever since I was young I’ve participated in my community and I continue to do so. Volunteering and helping people around me is something I love to do. I grew up in a rough neighborhood, but the people on my block always made sure that each and every one of us had a roof to sleep under, food to eat and toys to play with. It might sound fun, the thrill of living on your own and taking care of yourself, but it isn’t. Growing up poor, I had to take on responsibilities at an early age as a youth. From taking care of my baby sister to making sure she has something to eat before bed, even if it means sacrificing my hunger. I’ve always had to make sure dishes were washed, trash was emptied, and the floor was clean before I went to bed. I never lived in the most comfortable of homes, every family has its flaws but I tried my best to make the most of what I had. Collecting this scholarship would mean the world to me, I’ve never won a scholarship before a day in my life, or even a valued award for that matter. I’ve participated in Youth in Government, twice actually, trying to pass a law for low-income neighborhoods to be given a higher chance to get into high educational institutions. Twice, I was rejected but I will continue to fight for what I believe in because every rejection creates room for improvement. I refuse to die, before finding my true worth in this world, my meaning, or why I am here. Volunteering throughout the years has allowed my mind to grow and become more open to different outcomes and possibilities. You never know who a person truly is until you see how they react when they have nothing. I’ve come to realize that true colors never show, and when they do, they always cease to amaze. Community service has given me a greater understanding of the human mind, it’s like a small psychology class. You can understand a person's emotions, behaviors and opinions all by serving them soup at an Inner-City Church.

DeMarques Dixon - March 22nd, 2023 Question: Tell us about yourself and how this scholarship will make a difference for you, what are your long term goals and career aspirations? Also, please describe a time where you have experienced physical or emotional weakness, how did you overcome that situation? Some people in this world believe success is given along with respect. They think of it as a precious artifact, something with natural value and purpose. What some people tend not to think of, is how the artifact became valuable. Such as Vincent Van Gogh's paintings; which nearly tripled their worth as decades passed and so on. What people will forget is the hard work that made the masterpiece in itself, and the drive to fulfill each and every task to one's maximum potential. This is something I have, that will not be unnoticed. My family never started out wealthy. I’ve had a rocky life, mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically. I grew up in a townhouse in a mid-crime neighborhood. My cable was shot at, my neighbors were robbed, and there have been more carjackings than cereal on the table for breakfast. But still, I strive to block the noise and find my own sound. Before I leave this world, I plan to overcome all my fears and goals. As a youth, I was always picked on for being the little kid in the group. No matter where I was, I was always made fun of, in school white classmates would make fun of me and teachers wouldn’t bother stopping them. Growing up, my father told me, “you’re gonna have to fight for what you want, it’s not easy for a young black man in America”. As I got older I realized what it takes to survive in this world, I have to adapt. Personally, this was a struggle for me because I always wore my heart on my sleeve but, slowly I’m learning how to become the best version of myself in the modern world I live in. I’ve always been inspired by the world. I plan to get degrees in aviation engineering and further my career in the United States Air Force, where I can make a difference. After that, the sky’s the limit for me, and the possibilities are endless. I know whatever I do and however I do it, trials and tribulations will come across my path. But as the great Muhammed Ali said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

Leadership: In life, it is always good to help others. To truly care for one another is what makes us human let alone natural. As humans, our instincts are automatically to nurture, provide and protect. I’ve always loved providing, in fact, if you’re able to provide, and not necessarily financially, mentally you are doing well. Providing is like a healing process to the soul, and when your goal is complete you’re joyous. Participating in community service is a big deal, especially in my community. Any moment my family and I can get to give back to my community we use it, even if we are hurting financially. My definition of the word, community, is the backbone of the neighborhood you belong to. Every last person on my block makes sure that every one of us has food on our plate or simple things, like enough money to go get detergent from the corner store. There have been plenty of times I participated in public events in my community. I have had my share of trying to pass a bill. For two years, I was a part of Youth in Government, a program designed for teenagers to experience how the court system works. As well as that, I have helped give food out to the community at my church and other inner-city church events. Along with this, I have also run many times for Breast Cancer Marathons in honor of a few of my relatives passing from Breast Cancer. And, giving back to my community will not stop as I leave for college, I will always come back to the city that raised me and participates in its public events. Changes/Future: I’ve always been fascinated by the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a three-layer planet consisting of the underground, land and sky. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivate me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. Although racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school, I’ve never let racism deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for myself such as in my first two trimesters where I received honor roll. Along with that, my GPA this year is 3.75, my all-time high. My love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft.

My grit and grind to want to be successful in life by any means makes me a different breed from the rest of society. My mindset is completely different from everyone else's when it’s focused because it is focused. My family never started out wealthy, rich, or famous. My father came from the Eastside of Wilmington, Delaware where not a lot of people make it out due to violent crimes and gang activity. He stayed focused and maintained to make a way for himself and his family. My mother came from the dirt roads of a small living section in Claymont, Delaware. She was an honor roll student who didn’t let her background shape the way she studied or worked. Having me at a young age was already a struggle, but being in and out of jobs and having college debt was the worst to top it all off. They quickly found a way on their feet with good-paying jobs to support having a child. As the years went by and the hard work, overtime, and sleepless nights continued, we finally had our own place to stay, a huge relief to us all. Along with the hustle and drive my parents passed on to me. I, as well, don’t want my background to shape the person I will become. Participating in community service is a big deal, especially in my community. Any moment my family and I can get to give back to my community we use it, even if we are hurting financially. My definition of the word, community, is the backbone of the neighborhood you belong to. Every last person on my block makes sure that every one of us has food on our plate or simple things, like enough money to go get detergent from the corner store. There have been plenty of times I participated in public events in my community. I have had my share of trying to pass a bill. For two years, I was a part of Youth in Government, a program designed for teenagers to experience how the court system works. As well as that, I have helped give food out to the community at my church and other inner-city church events. Along with this, I have also run many times for Breast Cancer Marathons in honor of a few of my relatives passing from Breast Cancer. And, giving back to my community will not stop as I leave for college, I will always come back to the city that raised me and participate in its public events.

As simple as it is, reality checked in for me. I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful in my life. I’ve always been fascinated by the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a three-layer planet consisting of the underground, land and sky. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. Most of these imaginations, however, consisted of a cardboard box with controls drawn on them with colored markers, but it was the thought that counted. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivate me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. Racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school. I’ve never let racism deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for myself such as in my first two trimesters where I received honor roll. Along with that, my GPA this year is 3.75, my all-time high. My love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft. To be in aviation maintenance you have to be able to work under pressure, figuratively and literally. If there are things you notice that stub you, you can rely on someone else to save you. Problem-solving is a big key to this situation. There have been countless times that I have been perplexed by numerous situations, but I have always found my answers by research. For example, earlier this year in math class we were reviewing variations and I came upon a question I forgot how to solve. Unfortunately, my teacher was not available so I used common sense, and researched the equation that troubled me. As I was looking at step-by-step ways to complete the equation, I found my answer. Later on, when I showed my teacher the equation that troubled me, she said everything was done properly and that I had the right answer. This problem-solving technique saved me a lecture and taught me that I have the ability and that I do not need to rely on people to give me the answers to my questions.

As simple as it is, reality checked in for me. I felt a certain urge to do something important and impactful in my life. I’ve always been fascinated by the world above and beyond. I have always viewed the Earth as a three-layer planet consisting of the underground, land and sky. Ever since I was young I’ve dreamt of going to space. Most of these imaginations, however, consisted of a cardboard box with controls drawn on them with colored markers, but it was the thought that counted. My interest in Aviation Engineering started early this year, a little late to the game, but highly motivated and dedicated to succeeding. Growing up as an African American in a rough neighborhood, society would always try to bring me down. From schools trying to discreetly shame me as a black man to white people giving me odd glances as I complete my day-to-day. My motivation for engineering comes from the fact that before I die, I want to leave my mark on the world. My biggest fear is not knowing what I can truly become, and I plan to overcome that fear before I die. I know engineering is dangerous and can cause plenty of harm, my best friend’s dad died from his love of engineering. That loss and heartache motivate me to want to do more. I’ve always loved the sky and making planes just so happens to fall in line with my dreams, which I love. As a black man in America, I have to work ten times harder than the white man if I want to succeed in life, and I’ll do so. Racism is very blatant and underlooked at my school. I’ve never let racism deter my path to greatness and never will. I push on and let my work speak for myself such as in my first two trimesters where I received honor roll. Along with that, my GPA this year is 3.75, my all-time high. My love for engineering will progress and challenge me at times, but anything is possible as long as you stay dedicated to your craft. Participating in community service is a big deal, especially in my community. Any moment my family and I can get to give back to my community we use it, even if we are hurting financially. My definition of the word, community, is the backbone of the neighborhood you belong to. Every last person on my block makes sure that each and every one of us have food on our plate or simple things, like enough money to go get detergent from the corner store. There have been plenty of times I participated in public events in my community. I have had my share of trying to pass a bill. For two years, I was a part of Youth in Government, a program designed for teenagers to experience how the court system works. As well as that, I have helped give food out to the community at my church and other inner-city church events. Along with this, I have also run many times for Breast Cancer Marathons in honor of a few of my relatives passing from Breast Cancer. And, giving back to my community will not stop as I leave for college, I will always come back to the city that raised me and participates in its public events.