My name is Ernesto Solano and I am applying for the Scholarship for Fall 2026. I am currently a senior at Potomac Falls High School in Sterling, Virginia. My educational objective is to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering by 2030 by transferring from a 2 year community college to a 4 year school in Virginia. I am a student who been on an IEP plan since Kindergarten. It has helped me get the support that I need in order to navigate elementary school and make it as enjoyable as possible. However, I also had difficulties with paying attention to hard concepts, retaining information, struggling to do independent projects, and struggling with communication with my peers. When ever I had tests, I would struggle to do long step problems with math and with reading tests, I would struggle to find the meaning of a passage or broader theme that is not stated in the passage. I also would act impulsively sometimes out of anger or impatience for something. What made this harder is that my parents did not speak English fluently and I would struggle with homework and my teachers would be the only ones who would answer the call for me as I had no friends. Starting in Middle school, I started to develop better organizational skills, study habits, and communication skills. I learned by this stage in my education is that no one instantly becomes good at something and that it takes time with practice and dedication to develop skill and knowledge. I started to talk more and eventually make friends. I joined band because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, learn something new and learn about the importance of teamwork. I still did not know what I wanted to be. When I started High School, I figured that I wanted to be a engineer because they build cool things and have a good impact on people lives. I always like building cool things with toys when I was a little kid and do fun science experience. When taking Engineering courses, it was a challenge because I had to learn how to do new style for research engineers do that I have not been though in English class, attention to detail with design projects, and learning how to do things student run and it being less of a teacher run class. But It was worth it because I got to learn many new things that have made me a better thinker. Also, I joined the wrestling team because I wanted to make new friends and know the art of winning and losing and how it relates to life. This sport has taught me that while I might not be able to write every chapter desired, that I can at least get some accomplished and to push myself out of comfort and to never give up. This scholarship would help me a lot and give me financial relief to pay for college expense. Although I have a part time job with my uncle cleaning buildings, I don't believe it will be enough to cover expenses in the long run. In addition, my parents have been low income ever since they came to the United States and raised me and continue to have jobs that provide low pay in low to mid 5 figure salary. This scholarship would allow me to build a future not only for myself, but for others I want to contribute with expertise in engineering. I sincerely hope I am awarded the scholarship to pay for college.Thank You!