As a child, I had always dreamed of becoming a roller coaster engineer. After a trip to Carowinds, an amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, I was captivated by the exhilarating thrills of roller coasters and fascinated by the idea of creating them. I spent countless hours designing virtual roller coasters in simulation programs like Planet Coaster and NoLimits2, eagerly requesting roller coaster-related gifts, such as books about how roller coasters operate, or season passes for family trips. By 11th grade, my passion for roller coasters still burned brightly, but something new began to seize my attention: aviation. I had always been drawn to the idea of travel and adventure, and flying seemed like the ultimate way to experience the world. I spent hours immersing myself in the mechanics of flight, and the sense of freedom I felt imagining myself in the cockpit ignited a deep curiosity in aviation that grew stronger over time. Still, my dream of designing roller coasters remained firmly intact, so I decided to pursue that passion and enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering program at Western Carolina University in the fall of 2023, believing it would eventually guide me to the world of roller coaster design. However, as I progressed through my engineering courses, I began to realize that the content did not excite me the way I had imagined it would. I excelled in the material, but something crucial was missing. The project-based courses, designed to simulate real-world engineering challenges, left me feeling disengaged and uninspired. As my studies continued, I found myself constantly daydreaming about the world of flight, imagining what it would be like to live a life on the move, experiencing diverse places and cultures. I began to regret not choosing aviation over engineering, but I felt too deeply invested in the program to make a change. It wasn’t until just before Thanksgiving Break in 2024 that I had a conversation with my best friend, who is also an engineering major, that completely changed my perspective. I had been feeling increasingly anxious about whether I was on the right path, uncertain whether engineering was truly what I yearned to do. During our conversation about various hobbies, she asked me how committed I was to the field, pointing out that I had mentioned I was only doing the work to achieve high grades. That simple question opened my eyes. I admitted that I lacked passion for the discipline, and she told me that I was not truly excited by engineering, I would never find lasting happiness in it. In that moment, I realized that what I truly craved in life was not to design roller coasters, but to be a pilot. That spark of interest I had first felt in 11th grade had quietly grown into an undeniable calling. With that realization came a newfound sense of excitement and clarity about my future. Flying was not just a hobby—it was what I was born to do, and pursuing it felt like the first step toward living the adventurous life I had always dreamed of. So, while my childhood dream of becoming a roller coaster engineer no longer holds the same appeal, my passion for aviation has become the driving force behind my future. I have made the decision to leave my engineering studies behind and pursue a career in piloting—a path I am incredibly excited to follow, even if it is one I never expected to take.

My passion for helping others has shaped my dreams, with my ultimate goal being to become a commercial airline pilot. The versatility of the career, along with its potential to make a noticeable impact, fills me with excitement. I believe flying offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with people, support causes that matter, and make a lasting difference across the globe. My desire to help others didn’t begin with a specific moment, but rather through a growing awareness of the world around me. As I’ve experienced life’s ups and downs, I’ve realized that every small action has the potential to make a meaningful difference. Whether offering a warm smile to someone or dedicating my time to a cause, I’ve learned how simple acts of kindness can ripple outward and inspire others to do the same. This realization drives my passion to pursue a life focused on making a prominent positive impact, thereby making the world a better place. One of the most powerful ways I plan to drive a positive impact is through my career. As a pilot, I’ll not only be responsible for safely transporting hundreds of people but will also have the privilege of guiding them through their journeys with care, precision, and attention to detail. Each time I take flight, I’ll ensure someone reunites with family, attends a life-changing event, or embarks on a thrilling adventure. This responsibility is a profound honor, and I will embrace it wholeheartedly. Beyond that, I look forward to using my financial stability to support organizations and causes that need it most. Even when not flying commercially, I’m eager to participate in humanitarian missions—delivering supplies to disaster-stricken areas and helping communities in need. But my mission to make a difference doesn’t stop at my career. It extends into my hobbies and personal pursuits, each of which fuels my drive to empower others. Right now, I’m learning to play the violin, and I’ve been deeply impacted by music’s ability to speak to the soul. I hope to share that gift, guiding others to discover its wonderful power. Over the past five years, I’ve also dedicated myself to learning multiple languages—German, Dutch, and French—so I can bridge communication gaps and connect people from various backgrounds. This ability to break down barriers will allow me to foster stronger, more united communities. Additionally, as I develop my writing and 3D modeling skills, I look forward to guiding other creators—whether writers, animators, or artists—through their journeys. The final way I plan to make a meaningful difference comes from something simple, yet powerful: the blessings I’ve been granted. I am grateful for my abilities and the opportunity to use them for good. Volunteering has always been core to my life—whether giving blood, helping with local events, or wrapping gifts for children in need. Every small action creates ripples that reach beyond the immediate community. As my career progresses, I’ll continue seeking opportunities to give back, locally and globally. Whether lending a hand or volunteering my time, I will never forget the impact we can have when we care for others. In summary, I am wholeheartedly committed to making a positive impact on the world. Through my future as a pilot, my dedication to my craft, and my commitment to volunteering, I will passionately fight to help others and bring about sweeping change anywhere I can. I truly believe that each act of kindness and compassion helps repel darkness and create a brighter, more unified world.

Success is a word with many definitions. According to Collins Dictionary, "success" is defined as “the achievement of something that you have been trying to do.” This definition works for the person that wrote it, but it doesn’t fully capture the essence of success, especially when it comes to personal fulfillment. Success is subjective—it means something different to everyone. To me, success isn’t just about wealth or status. It’s about being content with your life, finding fulfillment, and embracing joy in the everyday moments. Success isn’t determined by external achievements, like managing a large corporation. While these accomplishments may be celebrated by society, they don’t guarantee personal satisfaction. For example, a manager who earns a large salary but feels unsatisfied with his/her life may not be truly successful. In contrast, someone who finds joy in their work, even without a high paycheck, might feel more content and successful in their own way. Success is about internal satisfaction more than external accomplishments. This definition of success—finding fulfillment and pursuing what brings you joy—has always resonated with me. For me, success looks like living an adventurous lifestyle, traveling the world, interacting with diverse people, and having the freedom to pursue my passions. It also means sharing my life with a supportive partner who helps me navigate life’s challenges. This vision of success drives and inspires me every day, fueling my passion to follow a path that is consistent with my values and aspirations. As I look toward my future, I realize that success for me also means doing something that excites me every day: aviation. Since I was young, I’ve had a deep fascination with planes and a desire to explore the world from the sky. I can remember watching planes take off as a child and imagining myself soaring among the clouds. This dream has remained with me throughout my life. In the fall of 2023, began my college journey at Western Carolina University, studying Mechanical Engineering. Although I excelled in my classes and enjoyed meeting all sorts of amazing people along the way, I eventually realized that engineering wasn’t sparking the passion I had hoped for. After much reflection, I decided to pursue aviation. I transferred schools and took a gap semester to better understand how to move forward in this new direction. Through my research, I discovered that flight training requires significant financial investment—up to $175,000 for some programs, like those at Charleston Southern University. While my parents have been incredibly supportive, additional financial help would be crucial to making this dream a reality. The Redefining Victory scholarship would help me cover the costs of flight training and the various licenses needed to fly for commercial airlines, allowing me to focus on my education without the stress of funding it on my own. This scholarship would give me the opportunity to complete the rigorous training required to become a pilot and pursue a career in aviation. In the future, I hope to combine my love for aviation with my passion for travel and meeting new people. Being a pilot would allow me to explore different cultures, experience new places, and build relationships with people from all sorts of backgrounds. This career would offer the freedom to do these things, while also providing the stability that comes from pursuing something I truly love. The Redefining Victory scholarship would play a crucial role in helping me achieve this future, enabling me to focus on my education and career without worrying about financial burdens. Success, to me, isn’t defined by titles or society, but by a sense of fulfillment and joy in what you do. This opportunity would bring me one step closer to living the life I envision and crave—waking up each day excited to pursue my passions and explore the world. I am committed to working hard to achieve my goals, and with this support, I would be able to begin turning my dreams into a reality.

I love math for many reasons. To me, math is like another language—a unique way of expressing ideas that can’t always be captured in plain English. Through math, we uncover deep insights into how the world works, which I find fascinating. One example of a concept I find particularly captivating is fractals. The fact that nature can be described through these intricate, self-replicating patterns is a powerful reminder of the role math plays in all aspects of life. Math also sharpens the mind, which is another reason I’m drawn to it. I’ve studied up to Calculus III at the college level, and each new concept introduces ideas that challenge my thinking and broaden my perspective. Whether it's exploring complex functions or discovering fresh approaches to familiar problems, the intellectual stimulation math provides is unmatched. Another aspect of math that excites me is the variety of methods available to solve problems. For example, when integrating, I appreciate that there are multiple strategies to choose from—whether it's u-substitution, partial fraction decomposition, or trigonometric substitutions. This flexibility allows me to approach problems from different angles and offers a sense of mastery when one method proves too difficult. Each approach deepens my understanding and enhances my problem-solving skills. In the end, math is a field full of endless possibilities. Its ability to reveal the secrets of nature, sharpen critical thinking, and offer various solutions to problems makes it a lifelong pursuit I’m eager to continue exploring.

My long-term career goal is to become a commercial airline pilot. Driven by a passion for aviation, I am committed to building a strong foundation in all aspects of flying. To achieve this goal, I plan to accumulate the required 1,500 hours of flying needed for an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP), obtain the necessary certifications, and continually enhance my skills to ensure safe, efficient flight operations. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to the aviation industry by providing reliable service and making a meaningful impact in the field. Due to the ambitious nature of my goal, I have developed a detailed plan to navigate the journey and guarantee success. The most significant challenge I will face is the high cost of flight training. For instance, the Private Pilot’s License (PPL), the first step in becoming a pilot, typically costs around $12,000. After earning the PPL, I will need to pursue additional certifications, including the Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL), Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License. These costs do not include aircraft rental fees or mandatory training kits, all of which contribute to higher expenses. I have considered two main paths for achieving my goal, each with its own strengths and limitations. The first option is to attend a university where I can complete both my flight training and earn a degree at the same time. This typically takes four years, teaching both theoretical and practical aspects of flying. This option costs approximately $175,000, factoring in tuition, flight training, and other associated expenses. While it offers a direct path to major airline employment after graduation, the high cost and time commitment both present significant challenges. The second option is to enroll in a specialized flight school, such as the Academy of Aviation. This route is more affordable, with total costs around $101,000. I would complete my flight training in one year, after which I could work as a flight instructor for a couple of years to accumulate the necessary 1,500 flight hours. However, this option would require that I return to school to finish my Bachelor’s degree, which is necessary for commercial pilots. In addition to flight school, I plan to pursue an online degree, which will take about two years and reduce the costs of traditional schooling. However, balancing work as a flight instructor while finishing my degree presents its own challenges, particularly in time management and maintaining a steady income. Both options come with benefits and drawbacks. The university route is more expensive and requires a longer commitment but offers a more direct path to my goal, providing both education and flight training. The flight school option is more affordable and allows me to start accumulating flight hours sooner, though it requires additional time and financial commitment to complete the degree afterward. In both scenarios, my parents are providing as much financial support as they can to help make my dream a reality. However, additional financial support would be incredibly beneficial in ensuring that I can follow through with my plan. I am actively researching scholarships, loans, and other funding opportunities to help cover the costs of my flight training and education. As I move forward, I will continue evaluating the financial resources available to me and exploring all options for my training. Ultimately, regardless of the path I take, I remain focused on my goal to become a commercial airline pilot. By evaluating both options in detail and carefully considering time and finances, I am determined to overcome these obstacles and achieve my dream.

Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of becoming a commercial airline pilot. This career has always fascinated me, not only because of my love for aviation but also because of the incredible opportunities it provides to explore the world and make a meaningful impact. The idea of flying, traveling to new places, and meeting people from various backgrounds excites me beyond words. I’ve always been passionate about learning from different cultures and experiencing how others live, and becoming a pilot will allow me to do this throughout the world. Beyond the excitement of traveling, I am deeply committed to helping others. For years, I have volunteered with the American Red Cross, regularly donating blood and platelets to support those in need. My time with the Red Cross has shown me the importance of contributing to others, and I believe this experience will transfer well into my career as a pilot. Whether I am simply transporting people to their destinations or flying medical supplies to communities affected by disaster, I will have the unique opportunity to make a difference in many lives. One of the things that excites me most about becoming a pilot is the opportunity for continuous learning. Aviation is constantly evolving, with technology and procedures regularly changing. As a lifelong learner, I welcome challenges that push me to grow and develop my skills. I am excited by the idea that I will never stop learning—whether it’s improving my flying abilities or staying updated on industry standards, I know there will always be something new to explore. This drive to explore, serve, and learn has led me to make some difficult decisions in my life. After carefully reflecting on my goals, I decided to leave my previous program at Western Carolina University. I had been pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering for a year and a half, but I eventually decided to follow the enduring passion I’ve always had for aviation. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew that pursuing my true calling was the right decision. Since then, I have been diligently researching schools and flight training programs, determined to find the one that will provide me with the best education and the skills I need to become an excellent pilot. For me, this career is more than just a goal—it’s a calling. I want to be part of an industry that connects people and makes a difference. I am committed to working hard and using my skills to positively impact the field of aviation.

Persistence I believe that persistence is my most admirable and beneficial quality. I am naturally a motivated person with many goals and dreams, which is why I regard this as my most important quality. This motivated persona that fuels my persistent nature has aided me greatly throughout my life and is a noteworthy asset. It has allowed me to power through complicated and difficult tasks and always succeed in the end, no matter what failures I encountered along the way. I believe my persistence will continue to benefit me as I face many different hurdles throughout my life. There are many ways during my eighteen years of life that persistence has enabled me to achieve so much and realize dreams. An example of this is getting into my dream school, Western Carolina University. After so many years of putting in hard work at school, I finally attained the rewards when I received a letter of acceptance from Western Carolina University. However, not only did they want me to join their school, but due to my academic and extracurricular achievements, they wanted me to be a part of the Honors College at their school. Contained in the same envelope was an invitation to their Honors Day Event in November, which I proudly accepted. I could not believe everything that was coming to fruition and knowing that I am the one who brought it to reality is all the more rewarding. Even though my persistent nature has already aided me more times than I can count, I believe without a doubt that this quality will continue to help me throughout my life. One way in which I believe my persistence will assist me is with my future career. I am currently a senior in high school and can speak four languages besides English to varying degrees: German, Dutch, French, and Esperanto. This ability, combined with the fact that I was raised in a completely English-speaking household at an English-speaking school, demonstrates incredible persistence, as I have been learning all four languages for many years. The ability to communicate in multiple languages will aid me in seeking a career as an engineer. Due to my aspirations to become a roller coaster engineer, German will be an especially useful language due to most roller coaster manufacturing firms being based in Germany and operating completely in German. In fact, the firm for whom I strive to work, Mack Rides, is based in Waldkirch in western Germany. As can be seen, my persistence has aided me throughout my life, much more than any other of my qualities, which is the reason for which I consider it my most valued quality. It has helped me in the past by enabling me to gain admission into my dream school, as well as its honors program. It will help me in the future in acquiring a career as I continue to chase after my dream of roller coaster engineering. Most importantly, it will continue to push me towards the realization of my greatest potential as I step into the next chapter of life, while at the same time, working extremely hard and never giving up.

I have been interested in STEM since a very young age. I have always enjoyed tinkering with things like electronic circuits, different programs, and simulations. When I was three years old, I was fascinated watching the garage door open and close just by pressing a button on the remote. My parents told me that I would open and close the door for hours if they let me. This began my interest in STEM. As I grew older, I quickly realized that my career was going to be related to STEM after a trip to Carowinds amusement park in 2017. I enjoyed my time there so much and was so upset to leave that I decided to do more research on roller coaster related topics, which inevitably, ended up tying to STEM. The information I learned was so fascinating that over the next few years I ended up doing incredible amounts of research on roller coaster related topics. I purchased the computer game Planet Coaster, which allowed me to create and manage amusement parks. This gave me a better understanding of the amount of logistics and time it takes to design an effective amusement park. Not only did I purchase Planet Coaster to give an understanding of amusement park design, but I also purchased the simulator NoLimits2, which gives an in-depth and realistic experience in the roller coaster design process. This program is utilized by actual engineers so it taught me various design components such as managing g-forces, statics, and the different types of coasters engineers have created. NoLimits2 gives me insights into the real world of roller coaster design. I have been taking Honors and AP courses through my high school and working very hard to ensure I maintain a high GPA in these difficult classes. Not only will the Honors and AP classes help aid my future endeavors in college, but the engineering and science high school classes will better my understanding of mechanical engineering. While my schooling will be extremely beneficial to my future career goals, I am also working in my free time to learn several different languages including German, Dutch, French, and Esperanto. My reasoning for having taught myself, and becoming fluent in, German and Dutch is because I feel like knowing these two languages will benefit me greatly due to the fact that many roller coaster design companies are based outside of the United States and countries where these are the official languages. As I enter my senior year in high school, I will continue working hard towards my personal and career goals. I cannot wait to pursue my future in roller coaster design!