Communities are strengthened when people choose to invest in one another. Throughout my life, some of the most meaningful opportunities to serve have come through public service, youth mentorship, aviation, and sharing hope with others. Each experience has reinforced the belief that even small acts of kindness, encouragement, and service can have a lasting impact. Serving as an intern for Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez gave me a firsthand look at the importance of serving a community with compassion and integrity. Every day brought opportunities to assist with constituent needs, support community events, and help connect people with valuable resources. Behind every phone call or request was a person looking for guidance, and it was inspiring to see how thoughtful public service can strengthen neighborhoods and improve the lives of families. The experience taught me that leadership begins with listening and that serving others often happens through everyday acts of care and responsibility. My desire to invest in the next generation has also led me to serve in children's and youth ministry at The Garden Fellowship. Walking alongside young people during an important season of their lives has been a privilege. Whether teaching, encouraging, or simply being present, I have seen how consistent care and positive role models can build confidence, strengthen faith, and remind young people that they are valued. Those relationships have reinforced the importance of creating communities where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Another opportunity that has deeply impacted me is serving as the Young Eagles Coordinator for my local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter. Through the Young Eagles program, children receive their first free flight in a general aviation aircraft. For many, it is their first visit to an airport and their first opportunity to experience aviation. Organizing these events involves coordinating volunteer pilots, scheduling families, managing registrations, and helping ensure each child has a safe and memorable experience. The greatest reward comes from watching young people leave inspired, asking questions about becoming pilots, engineers, or aerospace professionals. A single flight can open a door to possibilities they may never have imagined. My commitment to serving others also grew from surviving a plane crash that changed the course of my life. In the years that followed, I realized that difficult experiences can become opportunities to encourage others. That realization led me to write my memoir, *CRASHED*, with the hope of offering encouragement to people facing adversity and reminding them that setbacks do not have to define their future. Since publishing the book, I have had the privilege of speaking to schools, fire departments, police officers, hospital staff, churches, aviation organizations, and community groups about resilience, hope, and perseverance. Each audience is different, but the purpose remains the same: to encourage others, strengthen communities, and remind people that hope can grow even through life's greatest challenges. As I pursue a master's degree in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems, my goal is to continue serving through engineering, aviation, and public safety. Whether developing technologies that improve emergency response, mentoring future aviators, or continuing to share a message of hope, I want my education and career to create opportunities that benefit others. Service is not simply about volunteering—it is about choosing to invest in people. From serving constituents, mentoring children, introducing young people to aviation, and encouraging audiences through my story, each experience has reinforced that lasting change begins with individuals who are willing to care for their communities. That commitment to serving others will continue to guide every step of my education, career, and life.

The first time I took the controls of an airplane at age fourteen, I was fascinated by more than just the experience of flight. I wanted to understand how it worked. How could a machine weighing thousands of pounds leave the ground? How did engineering, physics, and technology come together to make flight possible? That curiosity sparked a passion for learning that continues to drive me today. Since then, I have pursued every opportunity to expand my knowledge in aviation and STEM. I earned flight scholarships through organizations such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), studied aeronautics through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and completed a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, graduating magna cum laude. Today, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems, focusing on the technologies that are shaping the future of aviation. Throughout my education, I discovered that STEM is about much more than solving equations or designing systems. It is about curiosity, innovation, and the willingness to tackle complex problems. Whether studying calculus, engineering design, or autonomous systems, I have learned that progress begins when someone is willing to ask questions and explore new possibilities. That mindset has influenced not only my academic pursuits but also my professional goals. As an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, I support drone operations in public safety environments, where technology is used to enhance situational awareness and support decision-making. This work has shown me how STEM disciplines can directly improve people's lives and strengthen communities. It has also reinforced my belief that innovation should be guided by responsibility, safety, and service. I am equally passionate about helping others discover opportunities in STEM. As the Young Eagles Coordinator for EAA Chapter 1116, I help organize aviation experiences that introduce youth to flight and aerospace careers. Many of these young people are stepping into an aircraft for the first time. Watching their excitement reminds me of how transformative exposure and encouragement can be. I also volunteer as a speaker at schools, aviation organizations, museums, and community events, where I share my experiences in aviation, engineering, and uncrewed systems to encourage students—especially young women—to pursue STEM fields. As a woman in engineering and aviation, I understand the importance of representation and mentorship. Throughout my journey, I have benefited from educators, mentors, and professionals who believed in my potential and encouraged me to pursue ambitious goals. Their support inspires me to do the same for others. This scholarship seeks women who are empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and prepared to contribute to STEM. Those qualities have guided my educational journey and continue to shape my future. My goal is to combine engineering, aviation, and public service to help advance emerging technologies while creating opportunities for others to explore STEM. By continuing to learn, lead, and serve, I hope to contribute to a future where innovation improves lives and inspires the next generation to pursue their own possibilities.

"I think you would make a great engineer." Those words came from one of my college mathematics professors. At the time, I was focused on getting through my coursework and did not fully appreciate the impact her encouragement would have on my future. She saw potential in me that I had not yet recognized in myself, and her belief in my abilities ultimately helped inspire my decision to pursue engineering. My appreciation for math grew as I progressed through my engineering education. While courses such as Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, and Differential Equations were certainly challenging, they also revealed something important: math is much more than numbers and formulas. It is a way of understanding how the world works. Math provides the foundation for solving problems, analyzing systems, and turning ideas into reality. As someone passionate about aviation, I have seen firsthand how math connects directly to the things that inspire me. Aircraft performance, aerodynamics, navigation, engineering design, and uncrewed systems all rely on mathematical principles. Math allows engineers to predict outcomes, improve safety, and develop technologies that make flight possible. What I love most about math, however, is the mindset it develops. Math teaches patience, critical thinking, and perseverance. Rarely is the answer obvious at first glance. Success often comes from working through challenges step by step, learning from mistakes, and trusting the process. Those lessons extend far beyond the classroom. Today, as an engineering graduate and master's student in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems, I continue to benefit from the skills math helped me develop. Math gave me the confidence to tackle difficult problems and pursue ambitious goals. More importantly, it showed me that challenges are not obstacles to avoid—they are opportunities to learn and grow. That lesson has influenced not only my education but also my approach to life.

"Two down, one to go. Love you." Those were the last words I texted my mom before taking off on my third solo landing at Palm Springs International Airport on December 4, 2020. At sixteen years old, I was pursuing my dream of becoming a pilot. I was flight training several times a week, studying aeronautics through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, and had earned flight scholarships through organizations such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Aviation was not simply an interest—it was the future I had worked hard to build. Moments after takeoff, my aircraft lost performance and crashed. What followed was the greatest challenge of my life. I spent eighteen days in the intensive care unit, five weeks in the hospital, and additional time in inpatient rehabilitation. My injuries included multiple facial fractures, broken legs and ankles, a fractured knee, and a severed tendon in my hand. Over the next several years, I underwent more than thirty surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. Tasks that most people take for granted—walking, eating, speaking, and even seeing normally—became obstacles I had to overcome one step at a time. For a period of time, my future felt uncertain. I was a student who suddenly found herself focused not on exams and assignments, but on surgeries, medical appointments, and recovery goals. There were moments when the path ahead seemed overwhelming. However, I was surrounded by people who refused to let me give up. My family, medical team, mentors, friends, and faith became anchors during the most difficult days of recovery. When progress felt slow and the future felt uncertain, my faith reminded me that my life still had purpose and helped me persevere through challenges that often seemed overwhelming. Recovery was slow and uncertain, but something surprising happened along the way: my love for aviation never disappeared. Returning to school was not as simple as picking up where I had left off. While many of my classmates were focused on typical academic challenges, I was balancing coursework with surgeries, medical appointments, and physical therapy. There were times when fatigue, pain, and recovery demands competed with assignments and exams. Progress often felt slower than I wanted, and there were moments when it would have been easy to lower my expectations for what I could accomplish. Instead, I learned to approach my education the same way I approached recovery—one step at a time. I focused on what I could control each day and remained committed to my long-term goals. Engineering coursework required persistence and discipline, particularly in subjects such as calculus, physics, and advanced engineering analysis. Each completed course became a reminder that setbacks did not have to determine my future. Over time, those small victories accumulated into something much larger: earning my Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating magna cum laude. That achievement was especially meaningful because it represented not only academic success, but also the determination to continue moving forward despite significant obstacles. Instead of allowing the crash to define me, I decided it would refine me. I returned to my education with a renewed appreciation for every opportunity. Today, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems while working as an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot supporting drone operations at large-scale public events. These experiences have allowed me to remain actively involved in aviation while contributing to the future of the industry. The challenge also inspired me to find ways to help others. During my recovery, I found hope in reading stories of people who had overcome adversity. Their experiences reminded me that I was not alone. Years later, I wrote my memoir, CRASHED, hoping to provide that same encouragement to others. I worked with a publisher, recorded the audiobook in my own voice, and built a small business around sharing the book through speaking engagements, aviation organizations, schools, hospitals, first responder agencies, and community events. The experience also strengthened my commitment to leadership and service. As the Young Eagles Coordinator for EAA Chapter 1116, I help introduce youth to aviation through their first flight experiences. Through STEM outreach and public speaking, I encourage students to pursue aviation and engineering careers while emphasizing the importance of safety, perseverance, and resilience. Looking back, the greatest lesson I learned was that overcoming challenges is not about avoiding adversity; it is about deciding how to respond to it. My accident changed the course of my life, but it did not end my dreams. Through determination, education, service, and faith, I found a way to move forward. Today, I am proud not only of the academic accomplishments I have achieved, but also of the person I have become through the process. The challenge I faced taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of serving others. Those lessons continue to guide my education, my career goals, and my commitment to making a positive impact in the aviation community and beyond.

"I think you would make a great engineer." At the time, I did not fully believe my college mathematics professor. Like many students, I viewed calculus as a difficult requirement rather than an opportunity. Yet throughout the semester, she consistently encouraged me, challenged me to think differently, and helped me recognize abilities I did not see in myself. Her confidence in me ultimately influenced my decision to pursue engineering, a path that has shaped my education, career goals, and future in aviation. As I progressed through my engineering degree, I completed multiple calculus courses along with differential equations and other advanced mathematics. While these classes were certainly challenging, they also revealed why calculus is so important to STEM fields. Calculus provides the foundation for understanding change, motion, optimization, and complex systems. It allows engineers and scientists to analyze how things behave, predict outcomes, and develop solutions to real-world problems. In engineering, calculus is not simply a classroom subject—it is a practical tool. Whether analyzing forces acting on an aircraft, calculating rates of change within a system, evaluating energy transfer, or understanding aerodynamic performance, calculus helps transform theoretical concepts into real-world applications. Many of the engineering courses I completed built directly upon calculus concepts, demonstrating how mathematics serves as the language of science and engineering. My interest in aviation further reinforced the importance of calculus. Aircraft performance, flight dynamics, propulsion systems, and even emerging uncrewed technologies rely on mathematical principles that stem from calculus. As an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot and graduate student in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems, I continue to see how engineering decisions are driven by data, modeling, and analytical thinking. Calculus provides the framework that makes those decisions possible. Beyond technical applications, calculus develops critical thinking skills that are valuable throughout STEM careers. It teaches persistence, problem-solving, and the ability to break complex challenges into manageable parts. Those skills are often just as important as the mathematical calculations themselves. Learning calculus required patience and discipline, but it also strengthened my confidence in tackling difficult problems. Looking back, I am grateful for the professor who encouraged me to pursue engineering. Her belief in my potential helped set me on a path that led to an engineering degree, graduate studies, and a career focused on aviation and uncrewed systems. Calculus was more than a required course—it became a foundation for understanding how the world works and how STEM professionals can improve it. For that reason, I believe calculus remains one of the most important subjects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The smile on a young person's face after their first flight is something I never get tired of seeing. As the Young Eagles Coordinator for EAA Chapter 1116, I have the privilege of helping introduce youth to aviation, often through their very first experience in an airplane. Watching curiosity turn into excitement reminds me of the opportunities aviation created in my own life and inspires the impact I hope to make in the future. My goal is to use my education and experience to make aviation safer, more accessible, and more beneficial to the communities it serves. As an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot and graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems, I am particularly interested in how emerging aviation technologies can support public safety and national defense. Through my work in drone surveillance at large-scale public events, I have seen how aviation technology can improve situational awareness, support decision-making, and help protect people. I hope to continue advancing the use of uncrewed systems in ways that improve safety while maintaining public trust and accountability. A significant part of my desire to give back comes from my own experience. At sixteen years old, during a solo training flight, my aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. I survived, but the years that followed included numerous surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and a long recovery. During that time, I witnessed the dedication of firefighters, medical professionals, mentors, and members of the aviation community who invested in my recovery and encouraged me to keep moving forward. Their willingness to serve others during difficult circumstances showed me what leadership and selflessness look like in action. Because of them, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of helping others and creating opportunities for future generations. I have also been inspired by my fellow students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As an online student, I have had the opportunity to learn alongside military service members from across the country and around the world. Hearing their experiences, sacrifices, and commitment to protecting our nation has strengthened my desire to use my engineering and uncrewed systems education in support of those who serve. Their example has shown me that technology is most meaningful when it is used to protect and improve lives. Beyond my professional goals, I am committed to investing in the next generation of aviators. Through Young Eagles events, STEM outreach, speaking engagements, and my memoir, CRASHED, I strive to encourage others to pursue aviation while promoting safety, resilience, and responsibility. I believe education has the power to open doors, and I want to help others discover opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves. Looking ahead, I hope to combine engineering, aviation, public safety, and policy to help shape the responsible integration of uncrewed systems into society. Whether through advancing new technologies, supporting defense and public safety missions, mentoring students, or advocating for aviation safety, my goal is simple: to use the opportunities I have been given to create opportunities for others and help build a safer, stronger future.

"Two down, one to go. Love you." Those were the last words I texted my mom before taking off on my third solo landing at Palm Springs International Airport on December 4, 2020. Moments later, my aircraft lost performance shortly after takeoff and crashed. While that day changed my life forever, it did not change my passion for aviation. My love for aviation began years earlier when I took the controls of an airplane for the first time at age fourteen. I was immediately captivated by the combination of engineering, technology, and human decision-making that made flight possible. As my interest grew, I immersed myself in aviation. I began flight training, studied aeronautics through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, and earned flight scholarships through organizations such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). By sixteen, aviation had become more than a hobby—it was my future. The crash interrupted that future, but it did not end it. Recovery required years of surgeries, rehabilitation, and perseverance. Recovery was slow and uncertain, but something surprising happened along the way: my love for aviation never disappeared. Instead, the experience strengthened my commitment to the industry and gave me a deeper appreciation for safety, responsibility, and service. Today, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where I graduated magna cum laude, and I am pursuing a Master of Science in Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems. I am also an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot and support drone surveillance operations at large-scale public events. These experiences have allowed me to combine my passion for aviation with emerging technologies that are helping shape the future of flight. I believe leadership is demonstrated through service to others. As the Young Eagles Coordinator for EAA Chapter 1116, I organize aviation outreach events that provide youth ages 8–17 with their first flight experience. I coordinate pilots, volunteers, aircraft, and safety planning to ensure each event is successful. Watching a young person discover aviation for the first time is one of the most rewarding parts of my involvement in the aviation community. I also strive to lead by sharing my experiences with others. Through speaking engagements at schools, aviation organizations, museums, churches, and community events, I encourage students to explore STEM and aviation careers while emphasizing the importance of safety. I further expanded that outreach by writing my memoir, *CRASHED*, which shares lessons from my accident, recovery, and continued journey in aviation. Aviation has taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of serving others. Whether mentoring future aviators, supporting public safety operations, or advancing my education, I seek to lead through action. My goal is not only to contribute to the future of aviation but also to help inspire and support those who will follow after me.

On December 4, 2020, at age 16, after graduating high school early to pursue a career in aviation, I survived a serious plane crash during a training flight.  Critical injuries included two broken legs, fractured patella, and extensive facial fractures requiring an 11-hour reconstructive surgery.  Sustaining no life-threatening injuries to the brain, neck, spine, or internal organs, doctors declared my life a miracle and forecasted a full recovery. After 2 weeks in ICU, 3 more weeks in the hospital, and 2 weeks at an in-patient rehab —  7 weeks total away from home during Christmas, New Year, and COVID, isolated from family and friends — I finally returned home. Our family dog, Bear, offered tremendous comfort during those difficult first days at home. Bear would follow me around in my wheelchair, his happy tail wagging, expressing his exuberant joy to see me home again. His affectionate snuggles encouraged me through the long journey to walk again. His playful personality uplifted my spirit after long physical therapy sessions to rehabilitate my legs. People treated me differently after the crash because I looked different and lived with new disabilities, but Bear always treated me the same. Bear never changed.  He behaved the same around me every day no matter how I looked or felt. Today, when I meet friends, I know they see me differently, and that’s ok; but with Bear, I know our friendship remains the same, and he brings great comfort.  Bear’s unconditional affection means the world to me.  During my early recovery, he supported a healthy emotional recovery.  Today, Bear continues to support my healthy mental recovery, especially as I continue full-time studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. Mental health is important.  Since the plane crash, I live with new metal health issues including PTSD and anxiety when alone in high-pressure situations. According to pettable.com, “74% of pet owners report mental health improvements due to interactions with their animals, and studies have shown that service animal companionship can effectively treat mental disorders like PTSD.” These statistics support a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) helping alleviate mental stress.  In addition to new mental health issues, I continue in ongoing recovery for double vision, partial hyposmia (loss of smell), left ankle rehabilitation, and dental restoration.  With 17 surgeries completed and more ahead, this journey still will take several years, and a PSD would boost morale and increase my recovery success. Since I cannot smell, a PSD could alert me to dangerous situations like a gas leak or fire at home. Because my leg injuries restrict the ability to walk long distances or run from danger, a PSD could protect or avert any emergency situation.  Today, compromised eyesight and limited mobility present safety concerns. A PSD would contribute to greater emotional stability, physical protection, living the most active life possible, and achieving higher recovery success rate.  A PSD would strengthen my mental health through a long-term recovery. In closing, mental health is important, and a PSD would make a significant difference in my life. A PSD would support long-term recovery by helping alleviate PTSD and mitigating mental challenges associated with new physical limitations. Most of all, a PSD would serve as an agent of hope. “You can always find hope in a dog’s eyes”, author unknown. From the moment I arrived home in my wheelchair to learning to walk again, our family dog, Bear, provided immediate comfort, encouragement, and hope.  Now, and in the future, a PSD would provide support for ongoing mental and physical healing.  A PSD would offer hope that a full recovery is possible — and that hope is life-changing.