When people ask me what movie or show has had the biggest impact on my life, they’re always kind of surprised when I say it's a TV show “Breaking Bad” Yes, it’s not the most typical “inspirational” pick for high school students. It’s about a chemistry teacher, Walter White, who finds out he has cancer and starts cooking meth to make money for his family. It’s intense. But for me, it’s way more than just a crazy Hollywood drama. It’s a story about fighting for the people you love, even when EVERYTHING  feels like it’s falling apart.  And honestly, it hit super close to home for me, and my family. I remember when  “Breaking Bad” 1st came out on Netflix, I decided to watch it a little bit during the school break & I was hooked, and it hit me hard. Around that time, my own family was going through some tough times.  In 2014, my dad was diagnosed with 2  types of cancers - like one was not enough.  On top of that, he lost his business. It was like everything we knew just got flipped upside down.  Watching someone you admire and love fight for their life while trying to keep everything else together is something I’ll never forget. That’s why Walter White’s family story stuck with me. He wasn’t just some random guy making bad choices: he was a dad, a husband, someone who wanted to take care of his family no matter what. My dad wasn’t out there cooking meth (Thanks God!) , but I saw the same desperation in him. He was willing to do whatever it took to make sure we were okay, even when it felt like the world was against him. Watching Breaking Bad” helped me understand what my dad was going through day after day and how much he was sacrificing for us. What really got me about this TV show, though, it was how it made me think about “right” and “wrong”. At first, Walter seems like this great sympathetic guy: he’s just trying to take care of his family, right?  And as the show goes on, he starts making darker and darker choices, and you keep wondering, “Is he still the good guy?” Well, it made me ask myself some tough questions, “How far I’d go to protect the people I love? It’s not a straightforward question to answer, but it’s one that’s stuck with me. Plus, Bryan Cranston’s acting is next-level. No wonder, he won 4 Emmys for a reason. The writing, the tension,  the way every episode feels like a rollercoaster.  It’s just so good. Watching” Breaking Bad” for 2nd time made me appreciate how powerful storytelling can be. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a way to understand people and their struggles, even when those struggles are maybe different from your own. But the biggest thing I took away from ” Breaking Bad” is that life doesn’t always go the way you plan. Walter starts off as this regular guy with a normal life, and then BOOM ,and EVERYTHING changes. My family went through a bit similar when my dad got diagnosed. It was scary and overwhelming, but it also showed me how strong people can be when they have to be. My dad fought through it, and now he’s still alive, yet receiving KEYTRUDA treatment every 2 weeks. Watching him go through that taught me the lesson ” Breaking Bad “did: you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you handle it. Thank you very much for your consideration! Emily Engel

Hello : When I was little, math was not my friend—not at all. Numbers made me freeze, equations felt like a foreign language, and even the idea of solving for x made me want to run in the opposite direction. But here I am now—someone who genuinely loves math. Seriously, I spend my time tackling triple integrals, Fourier transforms, and geeking out over Euler’s equation. I know......who even am I? This transformation didn’t happen overnight. Growing up, I moved around frequently and spent every summer from age 2 to 12 in Ukraine, attending intensive math programs and STEM camps. This meant I had to adapt to entirely new ways of learning. It was as if my brain had no choice but to adjust. Kind of like Elon Musk—he also lived and studied in different places. I’m not saying I’m launching rockets, but hey, we do have that in common. My journey with math began with a realization: if I wanted to stop feeling overwhelmed and actually enjoy it, I had to rewire how I thought about it. So, I threw myself into it—tutoring, studying with my grandma Larisa (a retired math professor at Kharkiv Polytechnic University), and practicing relentlessly. It wasn’t easy. I had to learn to think differently, experiment with new problem-solving techniques, and push through when things got confusing. Little by little, it started to click. Now, instead of dreading math, I see it as a beautiful puzzle that I genuinely want to solve. This same determination has fueled my passion for aeronautics and aerospace innovation. My interest in flight began unexpectedly. I once had no interest in drones, but that changed when family friends introduced me to a drone maneuvering an obstacle course. It was like watching a flawlessly choreographed performance—a blend of art and science. Once I got my hands on the controller, I was hooked. Through my experience volunteering with Drones4Kids, I’ve developed a profound connection with flight. Whether it was witnessing the joy of young, curious kids exploring drones at the LA Maker Faire or observing their passion as they competed for championship titles, I realized the transformative power of hands-on learning. Drones4Kids and the RECF (Robotics Education & Competition Foundation) gave me hands-on experience with scientific experimentation and data analysis, which are critical skills for understanding aerial systems and propulsion technologies. What excites me most about drones is their potential to revolutionize sustainable aviation. As fully electric machines, drones exemplify the future of eco-friendly flight—an innovation I am eager to explore further. My hands-on experience, from volunteering with Drones4Kids to personally piloting and analyzing drone technology, has provided me with a strong foundation in aviation systems. I aspire to apply this knowledge toward advancing sustainable solutions in aerospace and, ultimately, contributing to the effort to slow our descent into the sixth mass extinction. Living in California, I’ve been inspired by the state’s thriving aerospace industry, from SpaceX launches to JPL’s Mars missions. These innovations have shown me the limitless possibilities of aerospace engineering and the importance of pushing boundaries to solve global challenges. I want to be at the forefront of this field, developing technologies that make air travel more sustainable, efficient, and accessible. Aerospace engineering feels like the perfect next step for me to dive deeper into STEM, work with other students who are just as passionate, and gain hands-on experience. Pursuing a career in aerospace engineering comes with significant financial challenges. The cost of college education, training, and access to cutting-edge technology can be daunting. Thank you for considering my application! Sincerely, Emily M. Engel Drones4Kids www.drones4kids.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-engel-ocsa/.

Through my experience volunteering with Drones4Kids.org a local student-centered organization —whether at the LA Maker Faire, witnessing the joy of young, curious kids exploring something new, or observing their passion as they compete for a championship title—I have developed a profound connection with flight. Looking back, it is wild to remember that I once had no interest in drones. It was my family friends who tweaked my perspective by introducing me to a drone maneuvering an obstacle course—a performance I perceived as theater, reminiscent of a flawlessly choreographed rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Once I was allowed to fiddle with the controller, I was hooked. DRONES4Kids non-profit and RECF gave me hands-on experience with scientific experimentation and data analysis, which are critical skills for understanding aerial drones/aerospace systems and propulsion technologies. The Aerial Drone Piloting and Aerial Drone Competitions exciting educational drone sporting event that focuses on hands-on, student-centered learning. Teams learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills while expanding their understanding and also building interest for Drone-related workforce and career opportunities This shift not only awakened my passion for drones but also steered me into my interest in sustainable aviation. As fully electric machines, drones exemplify the future of eco-friendly flight—an innovation I am eager to explore further. My hands-on experience, from volunteering with Drones4Kids to personally piloting and analyzing drone technology in real time, has provided me with a strong foundation in aviation systems. I aspire to apply this knowledge toward advancing sustainable solutions in aerospace and, ultimately, contributing to the effort to slow our descent into the sixth mass extinction. Living in California, I’ve been inspired by the state’s thriving aerospace industry, from SpaceX launches to JPL’s Mars missions. STEM would allow me to explore these cutting-edge fields and understand the engineering behind them. Having completed AP Physics I, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC, I’ve developed a solid understanding of the mathematical and physical concepts /principles that are essential for aerospace engineering, such as kinematics, dynamics, and advanced calculus applications. My experience in AP Calculus BC and AP Physics has taught me how to approach complex problems methodically—a skill that’s crucial for tackling challenges in aerospace engineering, such as optimizing flight paths or designing efficient propulsion systems. I plan to pursue a career in engineering, and Aerospace aligns perfectly with my interests in aerodynamics, space exploration, and mechanical systems. This program would give me a head start in understanding the complexities of aerospace design. Thank you very much for your consideration! Sincerely, Emily M. Engel Tournament Manager @Robotics Education & Competition REC Foundation https://recf.org/ Drones4Kids www.drones4kids.org - Director of Web Design https://www.instagram.com/drones_4_kids/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-engel-ocsa/

Dear Cochener family: Through my experience volunteering with Drones4Kids—whether at the LA Maker Faire, witnessing the joy of young, curious kids exploring something new, or observing their passion as they compete for a championship title—I have developed a profound connection with flight. Looking back, it is wild to remember that I once had no interest in drones. It was my family friends who tweaked my perspective by introducing me to a drone maneuvering an obstacle course—a performance I perceived as theater, reminiscent of a flawlessly choreographed rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Once I was allowed to fiddle with the controller, I was hooked. DRONES4Kids non-profit and RECF gave me hands-on experience with scientific experimentation and data analysis, which are critical skills for understanding aerial drones/aerospace systems and propulsion technologies. The Aerial Drone Piloting and Aerial Drone Competitions exciting educational drone sporting event that focuses on hands-on, student-centered learning. Teams learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills while expanding their understanding and also building interest for Drone-related workforce and career opportunities This shift not only awakened my passion for drones but also steered me into my interest in sustainable aviation. As fully electric machines, drones exemplify the future of eco-friendly flight—an innovation I am eager to explore further. My hands-on experience, from volunteering with Drones4Kids to personally piloting and analyzing drone technology in real time, has provided me with a strong foundation in aviation systems. I aspire to apply this knowledge toward advancing sustainable solutions in aerospace and, ultimately, contributing to the effort to slow our descent into the sixth mass extinction. Living in California, I’ve been inspired by the state’s thriving aerospace industry, from SpaceX launches to JPL’s Mars missions. STEM would allow me to explore these cutting-edge fields and understand the engineering behind them. Having completed AP Physics I, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC, I’ve developed a solid understanding of the mathematical and physical concepts /principles that are essential for aerospace engineering, such as kinematics, dynamics, and advanced calculus applications. AP Courses Completed: 11th Grade AP US History AP Calculus BC AP Lang & Comp AP Biology 10th Grade AP Physics I AP Calculus AB AP World History 9th Grade MATH Integrated III 8th Grade MATH Integrated II COASTLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CHEM C130 Prep for General Chemistry CHEM C180L Gen Chemistry Lab My experience in AP Calculus BC and AP Physics has taught me how to approach complex problems methodically—a skill that’s crucial for tackling challenges in aerospace engineering, such as optimizing flight paths or designing efficient propulsion systems. I plan to pursue a career in engineering, and the Aerospace aligns perfectly with my interests in aerodynamics, space exploration, and mechanical systems. Thank you very much for your consideration! Sincerely, Emily M. Engel Tournament Manager @Robotics Education & Competition REC Foundation https://recf.org/ Drones4Kids www.drones4kids.org - Director of Web Design https://www.instagram.com/drones_4_kids/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-engel-ocsa/ In memory of my late grandfather Gardner W. ENGEL Colonel , USAF United States Air Force Military Airlift Command Historical Handbook 1941-1946

Dear KG Aviation team: Through my experience volunteering with Drones4Kids ----whether at the OC STEM Fair or LA Maker Faire, witnessing the joy of young, curious kids exploring something new, or observing their passion as they compete for a championship title --- I have developed a profound connection with flight. Looking back, it is wild to remember that I once had no interest in drones. It was my family friends who tweaked my perspective by introducing me to a drone maneuvering an obstacle course—a performance I perceived as theater, reminiscent of a flawlessly choreographed rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Once I was allowed to fiddle with the controller, I was hooked. DRONES4Kids non-profit and RECF gave me hands-on experience with scientific experimentation and data analysis, which are critical skills for understanding aerial drones/aerospace systems and propulsion technologies. The Aerial Drone Piloting and Aerial Drone Competitions exciting educational drone sporting event that focuses on hands-on, student-centered learning. Teams learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation and communication skills while expanding their understanding and also building interest for Drone-related workforce and career opportunities This shift not only awakened my passion for drones but also steered me into my interest in sustainable aviation. As fully electric machines, drones exemplify the future of eco-friendly flight—an innovation I am eager to explore further. My hands-on experience, from volunteering with Drones4Kids to personally piloting and analyzing drone technology in real time, has provided me with a strong foundation in aviation systems. I aspire to apply this knowledge toward advancing sustainable solutions in aerospace and, ultimately, contributing to the effort to slow our descent into the sixth mass extinction. Living in California, I’ve been inspired by the state’s thriving aerospace industry, from SpaceX launches to JPL’s Mars missions. STEM would allow me to explore these cutting-edge fields and understand the engineering behind them. Having completed AP Physics I, AP Calculus AB, and AP Calculus BC, I’ve developed a solid understanding of the mathematical and physical concepts /principles that are essential for aerospace engineering - kinematics, dynamics, and advanced calculus applications. My experience in AP Calculus BC and AP Physics has taught me how to approach all the complex problems methodically — and I believe it's a skill that’s crucial for tackling challenges in aerospace engineering, such as optimizing flight paths and/or designing efficient propulsion systems. I plan to pursue a career in engineering, and the Aerospace aligns perfectly with my interests in aerodynamics, space exploration, and mechanical systems. This program would give me a head start in understanding the complexities of aerospace design. Thank you very much for your consideration! Sincerely, Emily M. Engel Tournament Manager @Robotics Education & Competition REC Foundation https://recf.org/ Drones4Kids www.drones4kids.org - Director of Web Design https://www.instagram.com/drones_4_kids/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-engel-ocsa/

While most kids spent their summers unwinding, I spent mine in Ukraine, training. The national training meets, funded by the Ministry of UA Sport, every summer took place on an Olympic base in Koncha-Zaspe near Kyiv. Rhythmic gymnastics wasn’t just a sport; it was an art of making something impossible look effortless. At just ten years old, I was placed in an environment where I was constantly in fight or flight. Four-hour practices, twice a day, five days a week. My most vivid training memories are filled with the echoes of exhausted girls crying. There was no room for weakness, or hesitation. Pain wasn’t an obstacle—it was a requirement. When I wasn’t at the gym, I was learning math with my grandmother - who was a former mathematics professor. She expected nothing less than precision and accuracy. There were no shortcuts, no excuses—just two and a half hours of intense concentration. Just like in gymnastics, frustration was irrelevant; only persistence mattered. I learned that growth wasn’t given—it was earned. Something that most kids don’t learn until high school. I'm ready to take the next step. The discipline and perseverance I developed through years of rigorous training—both in the gym and at my grandmother’s study area —have prepared me for the challenges ahead. I don’t shy away from difficult work; I seek it. At first, the contrast was overwhelming. In Ukraine, I felt like I was constantly playing catch-up, struggling to adapt to the high expectations and the fast-paced, no-nonsense teaching style. Meanwhile, back in the U.S., I found myself frustrated by what I perceived as a lack of depth in the training. It was as if my brain was being pulled in two different directions, and I didn’t know how to reconcile the two approaches. But over time, I began to see the value in both systems. The Russian all of nothing training methodology / approach taught me discipline, logical reasoning, and the importance of understanding the “why” the long hours at the gym are important part of the development. The United States approach, on the other hand, showed me how to apply tricks and concepts creatively and see training as a tool for getting ready for the regional and state competitions and new challenges . It started liking learning two approaches at the same time Ukraine — each with its own strengths and beauty. Sincerely, EMILY M. ENGEL - Level 7 USA Rhythmic Gymnastics Member ID 963852 Krystal Gymnastics Grade 1-5 and EuroGymnastics - Rhythmic Gymnastics in Orange County Grade 5-8