I was only five years old when, one morning on my way to school, I saw Air Force One land almost right next to me in my hometown of Pretoria, South Africa. Seeing the spectacular airplane touch down was awe-inspiring and unforgettable. From that day on, I was obsessed with airplanes. While the other children were playing outside, I was studying flight, building model aircraft, and watching YouTube videos about aviation. That moment marked the beginning of a passion that would shape my future academic and career goals. In high school, I was fortunate enough to attend one of the few schools in South Africa that offered aeronautics as a subject, where I became the top achiever in my class. In Grade 10, I took the next step towards my dream and enrolled in a local flight school. I completed ground school and logged over 40 hours of flight time before moving to the United States in Grade 11. I am currently only a few hours and one exam away from completing the requirements to receive an FAA private pilot certificate. Relocating to the United States opened doors that I previously did not even know existed. I discovered that there were many more opportunities here for somebody interested in aviation than in South Africa. I still plan to become a commercial pilot, but I realized that I could expand my knowledge and understanding by studying aerospace engineering. The technical side of aviation, such as design and the mechanics behind flight, has always fascinated me. By combining flight training with engineering, I can pursue both passions. I believe that the combination of aerospace engineering and a commercial pilot license, will allow me to contribute to advancements in the field of aviation. Beyond my personal goals, I also want to use my skills to help people in need. Community service has always been important to me. Back in South Africa, I started a shoe collection drive after seeing children without proper shoes at a local soup kitchen. I ran the collection drive for nine years until we moved to the United States. The experience showed me how small actions can bring dignity and hope to others. At first, I did not know I was going to help others after moving to the United States. But then, living in South Carolina during Hurricane Helene opened my eyes to how vital aviation can be in emergency situations. Many affected areas could only be reached by air, and I realized how important the role is that pilots can play in delivering supplies such as food, water, as well as medical aid. Once I have the required certifications, I plan to volunteer as a pilot for organizations that provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid. I am excited for what lies ahead. Despite the financial challenges of starting from scratch in a new country, not being able to work on my current visa, and not qualifying for any federal financial aid, I remain committed to my goals. For me, STEM is much more than just a field of study or a career path. It is the gateway to innovation. Over the years my passion for aviation has grown into a dream to help shape the future of flight. Whether I will be designing aircraft to be safer and more efficient, of flying missions to deliver aid, my goal is to build a career that combines technical excellence with service to others.

Before moving to the United States just over a year ago, I lived in South Africa. South Africa is a beautiful country with a rich cultural diversity which unfortunately has a lot of challenges. One of the most pressing issues is extreme poverty, worsened by one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. I grew up in the city, but my grandmother lived in a small rural town where we visited her every year during winter break. When I was seven years old, she took me with her to the soup kitchen where she volunteered. It was the first time that I saw the devastating impact of poverty. I was particularly upset by the number of small children walking barefoot or in broken shoes. Especially during the cold winter months. The experience had a profound impact on me. Back home, I started to collect all the shoes I had outgrown. The following winter, I returned to the soup kitchen and handed them out to the children. The happiness and excitement on their faces were truly humbling. The sense of purpose I felt from helping them motivated me to do even more. I continued to collect shoes to hand out each winter and, through the years, the initiative grew. I encouraged friends, classmates, and neighbors, to donate shoes for my cause. Eventually, I collected so many shoes that the soup kitchen could create a small “shoe closet” to provide shoes year-round, even when I was back home. I continued with this shoe drive until we moved to the United States last year. Unfortunately, I had to pause physical collection of shoes. Shipping cost and unreliable mail services in South Africa poses a challenge. I did however save part of my allowance to donate directly to the soup kitchen so that they could buy shoes locally for this coming winter. Even though I am not allowed to work on my current visa, I am still committed to help them. Looking ahead, I am in the process of developing a website where people can learn about the impact of poverty on South African children and contribute by donating funds or gently used shoes. I hope to have it up and running in time for next year’s winter. This cause remains close to my heart and I am committed to keep on helping them and hopefully make a lasting difference.

Growing up in South Africa, I was raised with a strong sense of responsibility toward others. Our country, although rich in culture and natural beauty, struggles with inequality, crime, and economic hardship. I saw firsthand how a single act of kindness could make a lasting impact, and it instilled in me a deep desire to serve others - something that has remained a constant, even after moving to the United States. When I was seven years old, I joined my grandmother while she was volunteering at a local soup kitchen. I was shocked to see how many small children did not have proper footwear, especially with it being winter. I began collecting old sneakers and running shoes from family and friends, cleaning them, and handing them out at the soup kitchen every winter until we moved to the U.S. Seeing children light up from something as simple as a pair of shoes reminded me that small acts can bring huge relief. I did not need to have a lot - I just had to care enough to do something. Since moving to the U.S, I have had to adjust to many new challenges, but my heart for community remains the same. After obtaining a very good math score in the SAT, I started to volunteer as a SAT preparation tutor. Though visa restrictions prevent me from working or participating in some programs, I hope to even further contribute to my community. My dream is to begin a community STEM outreach initiative that would introduce young students to aviation, engineering, and coding - subjects I am deeply passionate about. The perfect time to do this would be when I am moving to Columbia for my studies. There I would meet friends with similar interests that can help me to make this dream a reality. I believe the earlier students are exposed to STEM, especially those in underserved communities, the more likely they are to pursue those fields. As someone who plans to become a commercial pilot and aerospace engineer, I know the road ahead will not be easy. But I also know that once I have achieved these goals, I will have even more opportunities to give back. I want to become a volunteer pilot, using my skills and aircraft access to support disaster relief and medical missions - especially in hard-to-reach communities. I was inspired to do this after seeing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and learning how volunteer pilots flew supplies to areas cut off from help. I want to mentor young students who might not otherwise believe a career in aviation is possible. I want to be the kind of example that says, “If I could do it, so can you.” I want to go back to communities like Allendale and other rural towns, offering hands-on workshops and speaking at schools to spark dreams just like mine was sparked when I saw Air Force One land in Pretoria as a child. Mrs Sophie’s story resonates with me because she understood the power of showing up for others. She believed in her community and gave her time to lift others up. I would also like to build that kind of legacy – one not just based on titles or success, but on service. I believe that the greatest measure of a life is the impact it has on others. I am ready to carry Mrs Sophie’s legacy forward by making my community a better place, one day at a time.

I have been fascinated by aviation since I have been five years old after watching Air Force One land in my hometown in South Africa. But it was not until I watched the movie Sully, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, that I truly began to understand what it meant to be responsible for lives at 35,000 feet - and how education and continuous training can shape that responsibility. Sully tells the real-life story of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines. All 155 passengers and crew survived. But it was not just the miraculous landing that made an impact on me, it was the way Sully’s decades of experience, his calmness under pressure, and the endless hours of training came together in that one critical moment. The movie Sully gave me a glimpse into the stakes of aviation and what it means to be a leader in the sky – to be decisive, calm, and guided by knowledge. It showed me that technical skill is just one part of flying; character, discipline, and lifelong learning are just as important. Since moving to the United States, I am faced with new challenges. Due to visa restrictions, I cannot work, and many scholarships are out of reach because of me not being a citizen or permanent resident. Yet, I am staying committed. I am on my way to study aerospace engineering and hoping to continue with my flight training. Every setback has become an opportunity to adapt, grow, and dig deeper into my passion. Sully’s story is a reminder that true leadership often begins when things do not go according to plan. The film also made me think about how education equips us not just for careers but for service. Captain Sullenberger did not just save lives - he became a symbol of integrity, using his voice to advocate for flight safety and pilot training reform. That inspires me to someday serve others with my training, perhaps as a volunteer pilot delivering aid in disaster areas. For me, education is a lifeline. It is how I will go from a young dreamer watching planes flying overhead in South Africa to a licensed pilot and engineer in the United States. The Big Picture Scholarship recognizes the importance of that journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share how a single movie helped shape mine.

If my life were a movie, the title would be “Cleared for Takeoff”. It will open with the dark sky, and the runway lights stretching out before me. I sit in the cockpit of a Cessna 172, my heart pounding, and my hands steady on the yoke. The voice from the control tower crackles through my headset: “Sierra Bravo Uniform, you are cleared for takeoff. Winds are calm. Good luck out there.” The engine hums beneath me, full of promise. But just before I push the throttle forward, the screen fades into my past, rewinding to where it all began. I was five years old, sitting on my dad’s shoulders on a dusty street in Pretoria, South Africa. A few days earlier, on my way to school, I saw Air Force One land. Now, we were waiting for it to take off. The ground started to tremble beneath us and the next moment Air Force One was flying over our heads, its sleek blue and white body cutting through the sky like something out of a dream. I was hooked. I drew airplanes, memorized flight paths, and studied airport codes. While other kids kicked rugby balls, I imagined flight plans. In high school, I was lucky enough to study aeronautics as a subject and became the top achiever in the class. I joined a local flight school at age 15 and completed ground school. I completed my first solo flight before I was old enough to drive. Every hour in the air confirmed it: I was born to fly. But just as I was gaining altitude, life hit turbulence. My family made the difficult decision to move to the United States in search of a better future. I had completed the requirements for my South African pilot license and was just waiting for it to be issued. But immigration delays and visa restrictions meant I could not continue flying once I arrived in America. My license was not valid here, and I was not allowed to work or train. Suddenly, the dream I had spent years building was out of reach. While my dream was temporarily grounded, I did not stop reaching for the skies. I focused on my academics, joined the quiz team at school, and kept learning everything I could about aviation and engineering. I stayed motivated by reminding myself why I started: not just to fly, but to make a difference. One day, I hope to become a commercial pilot, flying large aircraft like the Airbus A380. But even more than that, I want to use my skills for good - to join a volunteer as a pilot for an organization that helps deliver aid during disasters or transports patients in need. I want to be the person who shows up when others need hope. My life has not been easy. I have faced difficult living conditions in South Africa, delays in paperwork, financial struggles, and the isolation that comes with being the “new kid” in a foreign land. But I have also been shaped by those challenges. They have made me resourceful, determined, and grounded - qualities every great pilot needs. If you watched the movie of my life, you would see moments of doubt, disappointment, and delay. But you would also see resilience, grit, and a clear vision for the future. You would see a kid who stared up at the sky and decided he did not just want to admire planes - he wanted to fly them. And then, as the film returns to the present moment, back to that small plane on the runway, you would see me push the throttle forward. The engine roars, the wheels leave the ground, and the horizon opens up ahead. I am not just cleared for takeoff – I am soaring.

The Giles family motto, “the two most important things are to be nice and hard working,” is something I have come to live by - especially after facing the challenges of moving to a new country. I moved from South Africa to the United States during my junior year of high school. Back home, we did not have AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or even honors classes, so I did not have the opportunity to take advanced coursework until my senior year in the U.S. Furthermore, because of the way my credits transferred, I was only able to take one AP class, but I enrolled in as many honors classes possible during my senior year. I wanted to make the most of the limited time I had and prove that not only could I adjust, but I could excel. The transition was not easy. I had to get used to a new academic structure, faster pacing, and different expectations. Furthermore, I was now learning in my second language. While I am fluent in English, it is not the language I grew up speaking at home, and the academic vocabulary - especially in subjects like science and math - took time getting used to. There were other adjustments too, like the switch from British English to American English. Suddenly, I had to remember different spellings - like “color” instead of “colour” - and get used to using different words entirely, like “traffic light” instead of “robot.” I also had to convert between the metric system I had always known and the U.S. customary system. Although these may seem like small details, they add up quickly when you are trying to keep up in an honors class in a new country. During this time hard work became my lifeline. I stayed up late studying, re-learning concepts, and adapting my learning strategies. But most importantly, I remembered to be kind - to others, and to myself. Being nice meant being patient with classmates who were struggling, encouraging new students who felt out of place, and asking for help when I needed it. Late last year, a new girl started at our school - also from South Africa, also in her junior year. I understood the mix of confusion and culture shock she must have been feeling, because I had lived it too. I made a point to guide her, answer her questions, and offer advice to make her transition easier. Something as simple as explaining what “honors” classes meant or how to navigate lunch period made a difference. It felt good to be that person for someone else - because I knew how much I had needed that when I first. Financing my dreams is a challenge. Being on a nonimmigrant visa, I am not eligible for federal financial aid or allowed to work. Starting over in a new country has brought financial strain, and my mother has been unable to find a job so far. Before we moved, I worked hard to earn my Private Pilot License in South Africa, hoping to continue flight training in the U.S. However, delays in converting my license and the high cost of training here have put those plans on hold. Still, I have not lost sight of my dream of becoming a pilot and aerospace engineer. Every advanced class I have taken - no matter how few - has helped shape me into someone who is resilient, determined, and capable of growth. These experiences have shown me that being nice and working hard is not just a motto – it is a guide for life.

I grew up in South Africa and I was taught that hard work, faith, and moral integrity were more than just values - they were survival tools. When I was five years old, I saw Air Force One land in Pretoria during President Obama’s visit to the ailing former President Nelson Mandela. From that moment, I dreamed of becoming a pilot. Mrs Dorothy’s belief in faith, grit, and moral judgment reminds me of my own grandmother. She is a strong, quiet woman that raised a family during a time of social and economic instability and still she always made time to give back to the community. She lived in a small rural town, and we visited her every year during the winter break. When I was seven years old, she took me with her to the church’s soup kitchen where she worked as a volunteer. I was shocked to see all the children at the soup kitchen, many of them having proper footwear in the harsh winter weather. During the next year, I started to collect old shoes from my friends, classmates, and neighbors. The next winter, while visiting my grandmother, I handed them out to children at the soup kitchen. Seeing how happy the old shoes made the children motivated me to do this every year and over the years I provided many children with shoes to wear. My grandmother’s values were passed down to me, similar to the values I see in Mrs Dorothy’s legacy. When my family moved to the United States in search of better opportunities, we arrived with only hope, faith, and two suitcases each. Starting over in a new country came with new challenges. As a minor on a nonimmigrant visa, I am not allowed to work, and I am not eligible for any federal financial aid. We also must still build a credit history, therefore getting loans are not an option at the moment. But, just like Mrs Dorothy, I believe that faith and grit can overcome even the toughest odds, therefore I am working hard and applying to every scholarship I am eligible for. Before relocating, I worked hard to complete my Private Pilot License (PPL) in South Africa. I studied by flashlight during rolling blackouts, and completed the requirements under tight deadlines. Now, in the U.S., I am planning to continue with flight training and study towards a degree in aerospace engineering. My dream is to become a commercial pilot, flying the Airbus A380 - one of the largest and most advanced passenger planes in the world. Mrs Dorothy’s life reminds me that success is not just about titles or careers – it is about impact. Like her grandsons, I want to lead with integrity and serve with purpose. One day, I hope to volunteer as a pilot, helping in disaster relief missions. I want to be the kind of leader who shows up when others are in need, just as Mrs Dorothy likely did for her family and community. I am proud to attend a school in South Carolina, the same state where Mrs Dorothy’s grandsons were shaped, and I will continue my studies at the University of South Carolina. This scholarship will not only be financial assistance, but an opportunity to uphold Mrs Dorothy’s values in everything I do. In aviation, there is a saying: “A mile of runway can take you anywhere.” I believe that with Mrs Dorothy’s spirit guiding me, and my grandmother’s lessons in my heart, I am ready to take off.

Leadership is not about holding a title or commanding authority - it is about recognizing a need, taking initiative, and inspiring change. I have always believed that leadership is demonstrated through action, and one of my most impactful experiences as a leader came when I started a shoe collection drive for children in need at a local soup kitchen in South Africa. Growing up, we always used to visit my grandmother over the winter holidays. She lived in a small rural town, where most of the people live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate is approximately 60% and it has one of the highest Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) numbers in the world, with one out of ten Grade 1 learners having FAS or partial FAS. When I was seven, I joined my grandmother at the soup kitchen where she was volunteering. That was when I saw all the children walking around without shoes in the harsh winter. I was very troubled by this. During the next year, I collected all my shoes that were too small. The next winter, I took them with when visiting my grandmother, and I gave them to children at the soup kitchen. Seeing how happy my old shoes made the children motivated me to do this every year. I started to collect old shoes from my friends, classmates, and neighbors. As the number of donated shoes grew, so did the momentum. Each year, I could provide more children with shoes than the year before. This experience shaped my perspective on leadership. It taught me that being a leader is about stepping up when no one else does, inspiring others through action, and making a lasting impact. As I pursue my dream of becoming a commercial pilot and aerospace engineer, I plan to continue leading in meaningful ways. I hope to promote STEM and aviation among young students, just as I was encouraged to follow my dreams. Once I have the required certification, I also hope to volunteer as a pilot for disaster relief missions, helping transport aid and medical supplies to areas that need it. My experience from collecting shoes taught me that small actions can lead to big changes, and I want to carry this lesson forward in everything I do. Leadership is about recognizing where you can make a difference and having the courage to act. Whether through community service, mentorship, or my future role in aviation, I will always lead by example.

For me, success would be to make my lifelong dream come true – a dream that began when I was just five years old, watching Air Force One land in my hometown of Pretoria in South Africa. That moment, a passion for aviation was born that has only grown stronger over time. Success means becoming a commercial airline pilot and piloting an Airbus A380. It also means achieving a balance between my professional life and making a meaningful contribution to my community, both as a pilot and as an engineer. My path to success is not a conventional one. I grew up in South Africa, a country struggling with many problems, such as an extremely high crime rate, a high unemployment rate, and an energy and water crisis. Despite these challenges, I was fortunate to study aeronautics in high school and work towards earning my Private Pilot License (PPL) before moving to the United States. However, the transition to a new country came with unexpected challenges. Due to visa restrictions, I am unable to work, making it difficult to fund the flight hours and certifications required to progress with my pilot training. Despite these obstacles, I remain determined to succeed. I have sought every opportunity to continue my education and training, knowing that each step brings me closer to my ultimate goal. In 30 years, I see myself as a captain of a commercial airline, flying on a long-haul route, responsible for hundreds of passengers. The thought of such a responsibility is both thrilling and humbling. My passion for aviation extends beyond flying - I am also interested in aerospace engineering. I want to contribute to advancements in aircraft technology, making aviation safer and more efficient. Success, to me, is not just about reaching my personal goals but also about pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field I love. But success is not only about reaching personal goals – success is also about giving back. Growing up, my parents nurtured my interest in aviation by exposing me to every opportunity available, and I want to do the same for others. Leading by example, I hope to inspire the next generation of pilots and engineers through mentoring, proving that no dream is too big if you are willing to work hard. This scholarship is not just financial assistance; it is a crucial step toward making my dream a reality. It will allow me to continue my flight training, obtain additional ratings, and ultimately progress toward my Commercial Pilot License. Without being able to work, every scholarship is a lifeline that keeps my dream alive. Success is not a destination; it is a journey - one filled with challenges, growth, and continuous learning. I am committed to this journey, and I know that with the right support, I can achieve my dreams while inspiring others to chase theirs at the same time. With determination, resilience, and support, I know that I will one day soar to new heights - literally as well as figuratively.

I have had allergies and severe eczema for my whole life. Living with these conditions has been challenging, but they have also taught me discipline and resilience. My allergies include both food allergies and environmental allergies. My food allergies have made social situations and routine activities like eating out or attending school events more complicated. I was only five years old when my mother taught me to read labels and even younger when I was taught to always ask about ingredients. I also must carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times. Coping and managing my allergies was the easy one. My eczema is a whole different story. Eczema is not just a cosmetic issue; it is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects every aspect of my life. As a teenager, the transition from primary school to high school was especially difficult. New classmates would constantly ask me what was wrong with my skin. To make matters worse, our two-day orientation for high school was spent mainly on the sports field, where the grass triggered a severe flare-up - the worst I have experienced in my entire life. This made the transition even more challenging, leaving me physically uncomfortable and emotionally drained. Some nights I would be unable to sleep due to the intense itching, leading to fatigue. The constant itching often leads me to scratch my skin until it breaks, resulting in painful wounds and regular infections. Flare-ups can be triggered by stress, weather changes, or environmental allergens, making it difficult to predict when my skin will cooperate. I have been treated by more than one pediatrician, an allergist and numerous dermatologists. But despite many different treatments, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, eczema remains a persistent challenge. The visible nature of the condition has, at times, made me self-conscious, but over the years, I have learned to embrace my differences and focus on what I can control – although it is still not always easy. My dream is to become a commercial pilot. Managing my health while pursuing this goal requires determination, but I am committed to proving that medical conditions do not define a person’s capabilities. I have already completed all the flight hours required for my Private Pilot License and I plan to continue my flight training while studying aerospace engineering. However, as a pilot, my options for medication are limited, which presents an additional challenge. Even my aviation medical practitioner does not fully understand that my eczema is not about vanity but that it has a significant impact on my quality of life. Since moving to the U.S. about a year ago, I am hopeful that I will have access to different treatments and medical advancements that were not available to me while living in South Africa. The prospect of improved healthcare options makes me optimistic that I might be able to better manage my allergies and eczema, allowing me to focus more on my dreams without being hindered by my medical conditions. In the end, my medical conditions have shaped who I am, but they do not define me. They have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-care. As I pursue my dreams in aviation and engineering, I hope to advocate for awareness and inclusion, proving that health challenges are not barriers but rather stepping stones to greater achievements.

When I was just five years old, I witnessed Air Force One landing in my hometown in South Africa while on my way to school one morning. As I watched the enormous plane touched down, I was in complete awe. I can still remember the rumbling sound of its engines, watching eagerly as the landing gear unfolded. That morning, the seed was sown that grown into my passion for aviation. Later that afternoon, I gave my mom the picture I drew of Air Force One at school. I told her that I was going to be a pilot when I grew up. My mother indulged my new-found passion by providing me with books about aviation, flight mechanics, and the science of aerodynamics. Bedtime stories soon shifted from “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” to tales of the Wright brothers, Charles Lindbergh, and the evolution of modern aircraft. As I grew older, my fascination evolved into action. I took aeronautics as a subject in high school and enrolled at a local flight school. After my first flight, I was hooked. We have since moved to the United States, but my passion is still going strong. I am on my way to study aerospace engineering, and I hope to be able to continue with flight training soon, pending my security clearance to train as a non-US citizen. The landing of Air Force One was more than just a childhood memory – it was the beginning of my story. As I continue to follow my dreams, I hope to inspire others with my journey, just as the pages of those early books on aviation have inspired me.

I have been captivated by aviation from a very young age. My passion began in 2013 when I saw Air Force One land in Pretoria during President Obama's visit to South Africa. The sight of the enormous plane touching down ignited a dream within me to one day become a commercial pilot. Over the years, my childhood fascination with aviation evolved into an ambition to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering while working toward my Commercial Pilot License. Growing up in South Africa, I experienced the challenges of living in a country with many problems. From frequent power outages and water supply issues to high unemployment, exceptionally high crime rates, and a complex history of human rights struggles, these challenges taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating positive change. My parents, who was only a couple of years older than me at the time, voted in South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994. Growing up, they always emphasized the importance of education and exposure to new experiences. Recognizing my passion for aviation, they made a concerted effort to encourage it by taking me to air shows and supporting my dream of becoming a pilot. With a Portuguese dad and an Afrikaans mom, I was raised bilingual, speaking both English and Afrikaans at home. With grandparents who didn’t speak Afrikaans and a mother who didn’t speak Portuguese, I was regularly shifting between languages. I was exposed to different cultures from an early age, and our family vacations to different countries further broadened my horizons and introduced me to multiple cultures. My experiences while traveling as well as my involvement with the community soup kitchen, exposed me to people from different walks of life, and it has taught me to be more accepting of others. In high school, I had the opportunity to study aeronautics as a subject, where I became the top achiever in my class. While in high school, I also enrolled in a local flight school, completed ground school, logged more than 40 flight hours, and passed a check ride to obtain my Private Pilot License (PPL). This achievement required discipline and determination, especially since my flight training was interrupted when we moved to the United States in 2024 in search of a better life. Determined to obtain my PPL, I traveled back to South Africa during the summer break to complete my training. The dedication it took to complete the requirements for my PPL taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and adaptability. I now know that with hard work, any goal is within reach. Moving to a different country in my junior year of high school was both exciting and challenging. I had to adapt to a new culture, education system, and lifestyle. I had to step out of my comfort zone and embrace change. I taught me to be open-minded and more resilient than ever before. Ultimately, my upbringing and life experiences made me strong, focused, and able to handle anything. By studying aerospace, I will combine my love for flying with my hope to make a positive change. I am excited for the future and will embrace every challenge as a chance to learn.

My name is Dylan Correia, and I was born and raised in South Africa. I have a passion for aviation that began at the age of five when I saw Air Force One land in Pretoria during President Obama's visit. Since then, I have pursued every opportunity to learn more about flight, earning my Private Pilot License (PPL) before moving to the United States with my family in search of a better future. Now, I am on my way to study aerospace engineering while working toward additional flight ratings. I have always enjoyed being involved in my community. When I was seven, I realized that most of the children visiting our church’s soup kitchen did not have proper footwear. I started to collect old sneakers and running shoes to donate to the children every year during the winter break. After moving to the United States almost a year ago, I joined my school’s academic challenge team and have been looking for ways to contribute to my community despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country. I am passionate about promoting STEM and aviation among children, as I believe that introducing children to these fields early, is crucial in inspiring them to pursue the STEM and aviation. Financially, we face significant challenges. We arrived in the U.S. with only two suitcases each and had to rebuild our lives from scratch. While my dad has a decent income, my mom is still looking for work, and the cost of college and flight training, following all the expenses of starting fresh in a new country, is overwhelming. Due to my non-immigrant visa status, I am currently unable to work, and I do not qualify for federal financial aid, therefore I must rely on scholarships to ease the financial burden. As a pilot, I am passionate about mental health. I recently realized the impact bullying has on mental health. Last year, in my cousins' school, a grade 7 girl jumped to her death from one of the balconies at her school. It was the result of her suffering from relentless bullying. I saw firsthand the emotional toll on her classmates and family, and it made me realize how devastating unchecked bullying can be. This tragedy has motivated me to be more vocal about the importance of anti-bullying efforts, both in person and online. I believe in leading by example, and to always be kind to others. Whenever I saw peers being bullied in school, I would stand up for them and make sure that they knew they were supported. We had a “Bully Bin” where students could anonymously report incidences of bullying at school, and I made sure to always report bullying, even if they did not involve close friends. Many young people do not realize the lasting effects of their digital footprint. I would never share or promote cyber bullying content, and I hold my friend accountable if they do. By sharing resources and encouraging responsible online behavior, I hope to help create a safer environment for young people. This scholarship can provide me with critical financial support, allowing me to continue my education and flight training and reducing the additional strain on my family. By continuing my commitment to education, mentorship, and advocacy against bullying when I go to college in the fall, I hope to make a lasting positive impact in my community and beyond. Thank you for your consideration.

I wanted to be a pilot since I was 5 years old. One morning, as I was heading to school, I saw Air Force Once land at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, where I grew up. I was in awe. That day I drew a picture of Air Force One at school, and when I saw my mom that afternoon, I told my mom that I was going to be a pilot when I grew up. Over time, my passion grew and became the main focus in my life. I was fortunate that my high school had aeronautics as a subject. I excelled in this class and was named the top achiever. In my Grade 10 year, I enrolled in a local flight school to obtain my private pilot license (PPL). After my first flight, I knew that becoming a pilot was my calling. During my Grade 11 year, we have moved from South Africa to the United States. Unfortunately, due to several bouts of bad weather, I was short on hours before moving to the US. Determined to obtain my PPL, I flew to back to South Africa during summer break to finish my training. It took hard work, and many flight hours, but I succeeded. I am planning to study aerospace engineering at the University of South Carolina. At the same time, I want to continue with my flight training, with the goal to eventually obtain my commercial license. Another event that shaped my dreams for the future, happened in March 2015, while my family and I were on holiday in Europe, visiting Disneyland Paris. A Germanwings flight carrying 144 passengers crashed into the French Alps, killing everyone on board. We learned that the co-pilot had intentionally flown the plane into the mountain. The cause of the disaster was not mechanical failure or a terrorist attack but a mental health crisis. The crash opened my eyes to the fact that mental health challenges can have serious, even fatal, consequences in aviation. My perspective on what it takes to be a pilot has broadened. I now understand that beyond technical skill and knowledge, maintaining mental health is essential. If I am successful in pursuing my dreams, I will always be an advocate for mental health awareness, knowing that a healthy mind is just as important as a well-functioning aircraft.

Joe Gilroy’s story brought a smile to my face as it reminds me of my late grandfather. Like Joe, my grandfather was an entrepreneur. He immigrated from Madeira to South Africa and owned a small grocery store. He kept his to-do list written on the back of a cigarette carton tucked in his pocket. Values my grandfather lived by were dedication, planning, and hard work. I hope to pursue my dreams by following the same principles. My goals are to become an aerospace engineer and to obtain a commercial pilot’s license. To obtain this goal, I have enrolled and have been accepted into the aerospace engineering program at the University of South Carolina. At the same time, I plan to continue my flight training towards a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). I have already completed my Private Pilot License (PPL) in South Africa. I have since moved to the USA, and, unfortunately, there have been logistical delays in the issuance of my certificate. This will delay my flight training for an unknown period. This also taught me the importance of contingency planning. To stay actively engaged in aviation while waiting to continue with my flight training, I plan to obtain a Remote Pilot License through the Unmanned Safety Institute's online program. This certification will allow me to operate drones and increase my understanding of unmanned systems, an important part of the aviation industry. Once my PPL is issued, I will convert it to an FAA certificate, which requires additional exams and training. Following this, I will work toward obtaining my Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor Rating, and accumulating the 250 flight hours needed to qualify for a CPL. Given my current visa restrictions, funding for my education and flight training will rely heavily on scholarships, grants, and sponsorships. I estimate my college expenses, including tuition, housing, and books, will be approximately $30,000 per year. Flight training will cost an additional $15,000 - $20,000 per year, depending on the ratings and hours needed. I have already sourced the funds for the Remote Pilot License. To lessen the financial burden on my family, I am actively applying for scholarships, such as this one. Once eligible to work, I also plan to apply for internships in the aviation field to gain practical experience while funding my goals. In terms of timeline, I will complete the Remote Pilot License while finishing high school. I will start college in the fall of 2025, where it will take four years to earn my aerospace engineering degree. I hope to achieve at least my Instrument Rating and Flight Instructor Rating during these four years and accumulate a significant portion, if not all of the 250 flight hours required for my CPL. As I have already experienced, things do not always go according to plan, and therefore I need to have alternative plans. If financial constraints slow my flight training, I will prioritize internships and part-time work to fund my studies. Once I have obtained my Flight Instructor Rating, I can also apply to become an instructor at a flight school. This will not only provide me with an income, but it will also help me to accumulate flight hours towards my CPL at no cost to myself. I believe that my plan leaves me with a lot of options in terms of career opportunities, such as airline pilot, aircraft design engineer, test pilot, unmanned aerial vehicle pilot, or researcher. I have the passion, the plan, and the willingness to do the hard work. Receiving this scholarship will contribute to the financial resources needed to reach my goals.

My grandfather was only 46 years old when he had his first stroke. Over the years, he had many more small strokes, each one worsening his mobility and speech. Today, at 71, he is confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak. I never knew what his voice sounded like. Recently, my family watched some home videos from when my sister and I were small. For the first time, I heard him speaking and laughing in the background. When my mom said, “That’s Grandpa,” my sister broke down in tears. It was the moment that I first realized how much we have lost. We have a grandfather, but we have no words, no stories, and no laughter. About ten years ago, my mother was diagnosed as a carrier of hemochromatosis. This led to my grandparents being tested, and they found out that my grandfather has the condition. Hemochromatosis is a blood disorder that causes iron to accumulate in the body, leading to a lot of health complications, including an increased risk of strokes and blood clots. My grandfather’s strokes and the severe impact on his quality of life could have been prevented, or at least reduced, if he had been diagnosed earlier. The treatment is simple - regular blood removal to manage iron level, called phlebotomy. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done before he was diagnosed. Now that I realize how different life could have been for him, I want to advocate for awareness and early detection of blood disorders like hemochromatosis. My aunt is a medical doctor and professor in South Africa, the country where I grew up. I plan to work with her and my sister, who plans to go to medical school, to develop a social media campaign aimed at creating awareness about hemochromatosis. My aunt has a parenting Facebook page and blog with over 24,000 followers, which already provides a platform we can use. We will share education content and personal stories, including my grandfather’s, to make the message more relatable. My grandfather’s story is a powerful example of how devasting a delayed diagnosis can be. My hope is that through early detection, other families can avoid experiencing the challenges and heartache my family had to. My grandfather’s condition did not only have an emotional impact, it also has placed a financial strain on the family. He used to run his own small construction business, but due to his worsening mobility and speech, he had to stop working. My parents assist my grandparents financially when they can, despite the challenges of our move from South Africa to the USA. Because of my visa status, I do not qualify for federal aid, and I am not allowed to work, so I am also relying on my parents for financial assistance to pay for college. Receiving this scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden on my parents, and help me to concentrate on my studies and honoring my grandfather’s life by making a difference for other families.

I wanted to be a pilot since I was 5 years old. In June of 2013, President Obama visited South Africa, the country I lived in until March 2024. One morning, as I was heading to school, I saw Air Force Once land at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. I was in awe. That day I drew a picture of Air Force One at school, and when I saw my mom that afternoon, I told my mom I was going to be a pilot when I grew up. Over time, my passion grew and became the main focus in my life. I was fortunate that my high school had aeronautics as a subject. I excelled in this class and was named the top achiever. In my Grade 10 year, I enrolled in a local flight school to obtain my private pilot license (PPL). After my first flight, I knew that becoming a pilot was my calling. However, I was facing a significant challenge when my parents told me that we would be relocating from South Africa to the United States. I had two choices – start my flight training from scratch in the U.S. or complete my PPL in South Africa before moving. Having invested so much time, money and effort into my training, I decided to pull out all the stops and finish my PPL before we relocated. I have worked very hard, and when I was not at school, I was at the flight school. Unfortunately, several bouts of bad weather limited my ability to complete the required flight hours in time. In March, we moved to the U.S., but I was determined not to give up. Using all of my savings, I flew back to South Africa during my summer break to complete my PPL. It took hard work, and many flight hours, but I succeeded. My initial plan was to enroll at a university for a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (Professional Pilot). Since I do not know how long it would take for my license to arrive from South Africa, convert it to an FAA certification, and to get the required security clearance, I decided to rather enroll at a university for an aerospace engineering degree, and I have recently been accepted to aerospace engineering program at the University of South Carolina. I still aim to obtain my Commercial Pilot License, but unfortunately many logistical hurdles are preventing my PPL certificate from being issued in South Africa. Even once I do obtain my certificate, I must first convert my PPL to an FAA certification and obtain clearance for flight training from Homeland Security before I can enroll at a local flight school. Rather than allowing these delays to deter me from my dream, I recently decided to enroll in a program at the Unmanned Safety Institute that will allow me to earn a Remote Pilot License. This decision will not only allow me to stay engaged with aviation while waiting to continue my flight training but will also provide me with the opportunity to explore the field of unmanned aerial systems. I believe that as an aerospace engineer with a commercial pilot's license and a remote pilot's license, I will possess a unique skillset that will be highly beneficial to the aviation industry. I have depleted my savings in order to obtain my PPL, and my current visa prevents me from working. Receiving this scholarship will help me to achieve my dream.

I have always loved puzzles that challenge my mind. I particularly enjoy Connection puzzles, because it is not only about finding the answer. It is about uncovering patterns and relationships that are not always immediately obvious. I have made my own attempt at a Connections puzzle. Glance Aurora Stare Ceres Flora Comet Planet Gaze Prime Peep Rockstar Celsius Venus Star Monster Meteor I tried to make it not too obvious with some words that could possibly be part of another category. Category - looks Stare, gaze, peep, glance These words all describe ways of looking at something. Category - objects in space Star, planet, comet, meteor These words are all celestial objects that can be found in outer space. Category - energy drinks Prime, Monster, Rockstar, Celsius These are all popular energy drink brands known for boosting energy. Category - Roman goddesses Venus, Ceres, Flora, Aurora These are the names of goddesses from Roman mythology, each representing a different aspect of life and nature. Words that I think will increase difficulty are described below: I think that people would try to connect star and gaze, and even possibly rockstar. I think people's first attempt would be to group Venus with stars and planets. Celsius might be linked to stars due to temperature. I hope that my Connections puzzle will give people enjoyment!

In March 2015, my family and I were on holiday in Europe, visiting Disneyland Paris. During our trip, a tragedy unfolded that would have a profound impact on me, both as a person and as an aspiring pilot. A Germanwings flight carrying 144 passengers crashed into the French Alps, killing everyone on board. The news was filled with speculation - was it terrorism or something else? Soon we heard that the co-pilot had intentionally flown the plane into the mountain. The cause of the disaster was not mechanical failure or a terrorist attack but a mental health crisis. As someone who has dreamed of becoming a pilot from a young age, this incident shook me. I could not understand how something like that could happen, and why someone would do something like that. It was not until I was older, when I started to understand the concept of mental health, that I truly understood the magnitude of what happened. Years later, following the COVID lockdowns, the impact of mental health became personal for my family. My sister’s best friend lost her father to suicide during this time, and the grief that followed had a huge impact on all of us. The lockdowns intensified feelings of isolation and despair for many, and this tragic loss made me realize that many people, who are seemingly doing well, may be struggling with mental health. As we started to discuss mental health as a family, I was shocked to learn that my mother has lost her grandfather, a friend, and a colleague to suicide. I realized that mental health struggles are often a taboo subject, because of the stigma associated with it. I believe that everyone should be able prioritize mental wellness without the fear of being judged or discriminated against. Seeking help should be seen as a strength, not a weakness, especially in a field like aviation where hundreds of lives are at stake. My perspective on what it takes to be a pilot has widened. Beyond technical skill and knowledge, maintaining mental health is essential. I am hopeful that once I have a career in the aviation industry, I will have the opportunity be an advocate for mental health awareness, knowing that a healthy mind is just as important as a well-functioning aircraft. This scholarship would not only help me achieve my dream of flying but also empower me to continue raising awareness about mental wellness in a field where the stakes are incredibly high.

I wanted to be a pilot since I was 5 years old. In June of 2013, President Obama visited South Africa, the country I lived in until March 2024. One morning, as I was heading to school, I saw Air Force Once land at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. I was in awe. That day I drew a picture of Air Force One at school, and when I saw my mom that afternoon, I told my mom I was going to be a pilot when I grew up. Over time, my passion grew and became the main focus in my life. I was fortunate that my high school had aeronautics as a subject. I excelled in this class and was named the top achiever. In my Grade 10 year, I enrolled in a local flight school to obtain my private pilot license (PPL). After my first flight, I knew that becoming a pilot was my calling. During the past few months, we have moved from South Africa to the United States. I flew to back to South Africa during summer break to complete my PPL. It took hard work, and many flight hours, but I succeeded. I am planning to study aerospace engineering next year, but at the same time I want to continue with my flight training, with the goal to obtain my commercial license. Another event that shaped my dreams for the future, was in March 2015, while my family and I were on holiday in Europe, visiting Disneyland Paris. A Germanwings flight carrying 144 passengers crashed into the French Alps, killing everyone on board. The news was filled with speculation - was it terrorism or something else? It was soon revealed that the co-pilot had intentionally flown the plane into the mountain. The cause of the disaster was not mechanical failure or a terrorist attack but a mental health crisis. The crash opened my eyes to the fact that mental health challenges can have serious, even fatal, consequences in aviation. My perspective on what it takes to be a pilot has broadened. I now understand that beyond technical skill and knowledge, maintaining mental health is essential. If I am granted the opportunity to pursue my dreams, I will always be an advocate for mental health awareness, knowing that a healthy mind is just as important as a well-functioning aircraft.

For me, Minecraft is much more than just a computer game. It is a world full of endless possibilities. It is a platform where you can combine creativity and strategy. What I enjoy the most about Minecraft, is that you can build anything you can imagine. One block at a time, you come closer to whatever goal you have set for yourself. I have been playing Minecraft for as long as I can remember. I was always spending hours building designing cities and connecting them with elaborate rail system. I never realized all the important life skill the game taught me. Playing Minecraft, just like projects in the real world, takes planning, patience, and determination. These important skills were invaluable in reaching one of the biggest goals in my life – obtaining my private pilot license. Some of my best memories of playing Minecraft, are spending time with my friends, working together to build, and sometimes destroy, entire worlds. It taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. I think what makes building in Minecraft resonate with me so deeply, is that it reflects my approach to life. Whether I am designing a structure in Minecraft or planning my future as a pilot, I’m always striving to create something lasting and meaningful. From playing Minecraft, I have learned that with the right mindset and a little creativity, the sky is truly the limit.

In late February 2020, my family and I were celebrating my cousin’s first birthday out of town when my grandfather fell seriously ill. We were living in Pretoria, South Africa, at the time. Early the next morning, he was rushed to the hospital with breathing difficulties and admitted to the ICU. As the days passed, his condition remained critical, and we returned home. When the government announced that the school term would end early due to the spread of Covid-19, we decided to return to Bloemfontein, where he was still hospitalized. The Covid restrictions and uncertainty that soon took hold created a whirlwind of change around us. Within a week, strict hospital visitation limits were in place, and we were not allowed to visit him. Not long after that, the government announced an impending lockdown with interprovincial borders closing. The final days of March felt surreal as family members from Europe, where Covid was already widespread and the consequences of the disease were catastrophic, warned us that these lockdowns might last longer than we anticipated. We had to return back home before the borders closed. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away two days later. My family and I were devastated, knowing we had missed the chance to be with him in those last moments. Due to the travel restrictions, we could not even attend his funeral and instead had to say our goodbyes over a live stream, watching the ceremony on YouTube. Later that day, the government announced that immediate family members could from that moment on get an exemption to travel for funerals – but for us it was too late. Losing my grandfather in this way was deeply painful, but the experience also reshaped my perspective on life. The harsh reality of not being able to say goodbye taught me that time is not promised, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. I have learned that we should never take time with loved ones for granted, and that living in the present is just as important as planning for the future. I now strive to make time for those I care about, cherishing every moment, no matter how small. When I am with family or friends, I focus on being fully present, recognizing that each day is an opportunity to build memories. The loss of my grandfather, though a difficult lesson, reminds me to live wholeheartedly, and to embrace each day as a gift.

I am an aspiring pilot who have completed all the requirement for my Private Pilot License in South Africa. I am currently waiting for the South African Civil Aviation authority to issue my license, which I will then convert to an FAA certification. I have 67.6 flight hours, and 5 simulator hours. I wanted to be a pilot since I was 5 years old. In June of 2013, President Obama visited South Africa, the country I lived in until March 2024. One morning, as I was heading to school, I saw Air Force Once land at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. I was in awe. That day I drew a picture of Air Force One at school, and when I saw my mom that afternoon, I told my mom I was going to be a pilot when I grew up. Over time, my passion grew and became the main focus in my life. I was fortunate that my high school had aeronautics as a subject. I excelled in this class and was named the top achiever. In my Grade 10 year, I enrolled in a local flight school to obtain my private pilot license (PPL). After my first flight, I knew that becoming a pilot was my calling. However, I was facing a significant challenge when my parents told me that we would be relocating from South Africa to the United States. I had two choices – start my flight training from scratch in the U.S. or complete my PPL in South Africa before moving. Having invested so much time, money and effort into my training, I decided to pull out all the stops and finish my PPL before we relocated. I have worked very hard, and when I was not at school, I was at the flight school. Unfortunately, several bouts of bad weather limited my ability to complete the required flight hours in time. In March, we moved to the U.S., but I was determined to not give up. Using all of my savings, I flew to back to South Africa during summer break to complete my PPL. It took hard work, and many flight hours, but I succeeded. My initial plan was to enroll at a university for a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (Professional Pilot). Since I do not know how long it would take for my license to arrive from South Africa, convert it to an FAA certification, and to get the required security clearance, I decided to rather enroll at a university for an aerospace engineering degree. Once all my paperwork is in place, I will continue with my flight training at a local flight school, while completing my degree at the same time. My ultimate goal is to obtain my commercial pilot license. I am eager to continue my training once my PPL has been converted to an FAA certification. Financing my dream is currently a huge roadblock. I have depleted my savings in order to obtain my PPL, and my current visa prevents me from working. This is why I am applying for the KG Aviation Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship will help me to achieve my dream of becoming a commercial pilot.

In June of 2013, something unforgettable happened that changed my life forever. President Obama visited South Africa, and while the whole country’s attention was on the hospitalization of President Nelson Mandela, I was mesmerized by something else: Air Force One. I was five years old, and as I was heading to school when I saw the enormous plane land at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. I was in awe. My love for aviation only grew stronger. As I grew older, what started as simple amazement gradually became a goal: I wanted to become a pilot. I learned everything I could about airplanes, flight, and the aviation industry. I knew I had to get my private pilot license as soon as I was eligible. Over time, my passion grew and became the main focus in my life, no matter what life threw my way. Even as I prepared to move from South Africa to the United States, my commitment to becoming a pilot never wavered. Before the move, I focused on obtaining my private pilot license. During the summer, 3 months after arriving in the US, I returned to South Africa to finish all the requirements, and ten days after turning 17, I successfully completed my final check ride. Now, as I start a new chapter in the US, I am eagerly waiting for the official paperwork so that I can start the process of converting my South African license to an FAA certification and begin with the next step, obtaining an instrument rating. I want to turn my love of flying into a career, either as an aerospace engineer or a commercial pilot. I am excited to push my boundaries and contribute to the field of aviation. Unfortunately, I have not had the time to do much community work over the past few years – but this was mainly because I spent most of my time trying to finish off my PPL, preparing to move across the Atlantic, and getting used to life in my new country. Now, however, I have finally settled in, and I am looking forward to giving back to the community. I have signed up to become a volunteer maths tutor, where I hope I will be able to help people in a subject I am passionate about. I also feel that the communication and problem-solving skills I will gain from tutoring will help me in my future career in aviation. Another South African, Elon Musk, said, “The wonder of flight never ceases to amaze me. The reality of soaring above the clouds is a constant reminder of human ingenuity.” I have to agree with him. Every time I am in the air, I feel like a child again, excitedly watching Air Force One land.