The first time I learned what happens when power goes out during a storm, I realized the skilled trades are more than a way to make a living they’re a way to keep a community safe and running when people need help most. My name is Evan, and I’m pursuing the electrical line trade because I want a hands-on career that is challenging, meaningful, and built on responsibility. I have been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) – Blue River, which begins in June 2026. My career objective is to complete the program, earn my lineman certificate, and begin work as an apprentice lineman. From there, I plan to build experience in the field, continue developing my skills through training and certifications, and work toward becoming a journeyman. Long term, I want to grow into leadership roles on a crew, especially in storm restoration and outage response, because that work has a direct impact on families, schools, hospitals, and businesses. I’m choosing trade school because it offers a clear path to a stable career without taking on the cost and time of a four-year program. I’m a hands-on learner, and I like work where effort turns into real skill and where you can see results at the end of the day. I’ve built that mindset through competitive hockey, community volunteering, and part-time work. Those experiences taught me discipline, teamwork, communication, and how to stay calm under pressure—qualities that matter in the trades and especially in linework, where safety and trust are everything. I also have real financial need. Even though trade school is more affordable than many options, the lineman program still requires significant expenses beyond tuition. Costs include program fees, books, daily transportation, and required gear and tools such as boots and PPE. I plan to attend full-time and continue working part-time, but the program is demanding and the expenses add up quickly. Scholarship support would reduce the burden on my family and help me focus on training safely and successfully instead of worrying about whether I can afford every required item. This scholarship would help me stay on track, complete my training, and begin my career prepared and ready to contribute. My goal is to build a future through skilled work I can be proud of and to become someone my community can count on when the lights go out.

I don’t remember the moment clearly, but it’s become one of those family stories that gets repeated because it says everything in a few words. My parents tell me that when I was about three, I was on a video call with my dad while he was away for military service. I stared at the screen for a while, then finally blurted out, “I’m tired. I don’t want to talk to my computer daddy anymore. I want to talk to my real daddy.” It makes people laugh when they hear it, but when I got older, I realized it wasn’t really funny at all—it was honest. That’s what it can feel like to be a military kid. You’re proud of what your parent is doing, but you also want what other kids take for granted: a real hug, a real voice in the same room, a real seat at the dinner table. My dad served in the Air Force. When he deployed to Afghanistan our family lived through the longer version of that “computer daddy” feeling. Life didn’t stop—school still happened, practices still happened, chores still happened—but the house felt different. My mom held everything together, and I watched her do what military families do best: keep moving forward even when they’re worried. There were days when I’d count down to the next call and days when I tried not to think about it too much because it felt heavy. The lesson my dad taught me during that time wasn’t something he said in one perfect sentence. It was something I learned by watching how he handled duty. He didn’t talk about service like it made him special. He treated it like a responsibility—show up, do the work right, look out for your team, and come home with your integrity. Over time, I realized that’s a kind of leadership. It’s steady. It doesn’t need attention. It’s just consistent. That mindset has stuck with me in my own life. It’s pushed me to be dependable—at school, at work, and in the things I commit to. It’s also shaped what I want to do next. I’m pursuing the skilled trades to become a lineman because I want a career built on teamwork, responsibility, and service. When storms hit and the power goes out, linemen are the people who restore safety and normal life for everyone else. That feels familiar to me, because I grew up seeing what it means to be the person who goes when others can’t. Whenever I think about that little kid on the video call, I feel grateful. Not because deployment was easy, but because it helped shape who I’m becoming—someone who understands sacrifice, values family, and wants to build a life of steady service in return.

The first time I heard my dad talk about restoring power after a storm, I realized skilled trades aren’t just “work.” They’re what keep communities safe, functioning, and able to recover when things go wrong. I’m planning to study the electrical line trade and become a lineman. I’ve been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, which begins in June 2026. I chose this trade because it’s hands-on, high-skill work that combines problem-solving, physical ability, and responsibility. I like learning skills that are practical and measurable, and I want a career where my effort turns into a craft I can be proud of. Linework matters every day, but it matters even more when storms hit and the power is out for families, hospitals, and businesses. I’m pursuing a career in this trade because it offers a clear path built on training and performance. My goal is to complete lineman school, start as an apprentice, and work toward becoming a journeyman. Long term, I want to grow into leadership roles and continue learning—possibly moving into storm response leadership, crew supervision, or specialized work involving substations and modern grid technologies. I want to build a stable future through a trade that has purpose and real impact. I believe I will be successful in this trade because I’ve built the habits that matter most: discipline, coachability, and consistency. Competitive hockey taught me how to work under pressure, communicate, and put the team first. You improve by taking feedback, focusing on details, and doing your job even when you’re tired—exactly the mindset needed for safe linework. I also work part-time at a local golf range, where I’ve learned reliability: showing up on time, handling physical tasks, and taking care of equipment because others depend on it. Volunteering has reinforced the same values—showing up consistently and helping without needing recognition. I also want to be honest about financial need. Trade school is more affordable than many four-year options, but the lineman program still comes with significant costs beyond tuition—program fees, books, transportation, and required safety gear and tools. Because the program is intensive and hands-on, I plan to attend full-time while continuing to work part-time. Even with careful planning, covering every required cost can create real financial pressure. To me, a successful life is not only about income—it’s about stability, pride in honest work, and being someone others can count on. It means building a skill that supports your family, continuing to learn, and contributing to your community. I believe I will be successful because I’m committed to doing things the right way: putting safety first, staying disciplined, and earning trust through consistent effort. This scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of training and allow me to focus on completing the program strong and starting my career on solid ground.

The first time I heard my dad talk about restoring power after a storm, I realized the skilled trades aren’t just jobs—they’re how communities stay safe and recover when things go wrong. That’s the kind of work I want to build my future around. My name is Evan, and I am pursuing the skilled electrical trades to become a lineman. I have been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, which begins in June 2026. My career objective is to complete the program, earn my lineman certificate, and begin working as an apprentice lineman. From there, I plan to continue training, develop my skills in the field, and work toward becoming a journeyman. Long term, I want to grow into leadership roles—such as a crew foreman—and continue learning about substations and modern grid technology so I can help maintain and improve the systems that power homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. This scholarship would make a real difference for me financially. Trade school is more affordable than many four-year options, but it still comes with significant costs beyond tuition—fees, books, required PPE, tools, and transportation to class and training yards. The lineman program is intensive and hands-on, and I plan to attend full-time while continuing to work part-time. Even with careful planning, those combined expenses can create financial pressure on my family and on me as I prepare for this career. Receiving support through the Grover Scholarship Fund would reduce that burden and allow me to focus on training safely and successfully, rather than worrying about how to cover every required cost. It would help me purchase the right safety gear and tools, stay current on fees and course materials, and reduce the number of hours I need to work while in school. Most importantly, it would help me stay fully committed to completing the program and starting my career strong. I’m choosing the trade path because I want to work hard, learn a skill that matters, and build a stable future. This scholarship would help me take the next step toward becoming a dependable lineman my community can count on.

When I was little, my parents tell me I once got frustrated during a video call and said, “I’m tired. I don’t want to talk to my computer daddy anymore. I want to talk to my real daddy.” I don’t remember that moment clearly, but I understand it now. I was trying to describe what many military kids feel—the distance, the uncertainty, and the way you learn to adapt before you fully understand why. When he deployed to Afghanistan our family had to find a new rhythm. School, sports, meals, and everyday responsibilities didn’t stop, but there was always a missing seat and a background worry that didn’t go away. My mom carried a lot during that season, and I learned that strength often looks ordinary: keeping routines, doing what needs to be done, and staying steady for the people you love. That time shaped how I view education. Education isn’t only about grades or a diploma—it’s direction. It’s learning how to set goals, follow through, and build a future one decision at a time. When life feels uncertain, education gives structure. It teaches you that progress is usually earned through consistency: show up, ask questions, practice, and improve. Those habits don’t just help you in school—they shape who you become. As I’ve grown, education has helped me understand what kind of learner I am and what kind of work I want to do. I’m a hands-on person. I like solving real problems, using practical skills, and being part of a team where the outcome matters. That’s why I’m pursuing the skilled trades—specifically the electrical line trade. I’ve been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River beginning in June 2026, and I’m committed to learning the craft the right way. My upbringing connects directly to that goal. My dad worked as a lineman in the military and now works in the utility industry. Growing up around that example taught me that the trades are about more than physical ability. They’re about discipline, professionalism, and respect for safety procedures, because one careless decision can put people in danger. I learned early that you don’t cut corners, you don’t rush past the basics, and you don’t let ego override the standard. That lesson shaped my sense of pride: real pride comes from preparation and doing things correctly when it matters. Education has also helped me see why this trade fits my sense of purpose. Electricity touches everything—homes, schools, hospitals, businesses—and when power goes out, it becomes more than an inconvenience. It affects safety and daily life, sometimes immediately. Linemen restore not just electricity, but normal life and stability for a community. The idea that my training can become that kind of impact is what gives my education meaning. One challenge I’ve worked through is learning to stay focused when life is full. I balance school with responsibilities and commitments, and that has forced me to develop discipline. I have a part-time job at a local golf range, where I’ve learned what reliability looks like in real life: showing up on time, handling physical tasks, helping with operations, and taking care of equipment because people are counting on it. Work teaches you quickly that effort matters most when it’s consistent, not occasional. Competitive hockey has been another major part of my life, and it has shaped me as much as any class. Hockey taught me time management, teamwork, and how to stay calm under pressure. It also taught me to accept coaching, communicate clearly, and stay accountable even when it’s uncomfortable. In stressful moments, you learn to focus on what you can control—your effort, your decision-making, and your attitude. Those are the same qualities I will need in trade school and in the field, where conditions aren’t always ideal and safety depends on clear thinking. Volunteering has also shaped the kind of impact I want to have. I’ve served with the You Matter Movement Summer Lunch Program and volunteered with Harvesters Food Bank. I’ve also helped as a Learn-to-Skate instructor and volunteered behind the scenes as ice crew at Cable Dahmer Arena. Through “Many Parts, One Body,” a teacher-run nonprofit at my school, I’ve participated in local service projects and earned one of the highest totals of student volunteer hours. Those experiences taught me that making a difference is often simple: show up, help where you’re needed, and treat people with respect. It doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. All of these experiences—military family life, school, work, sports, and service—have shaped my ambitions. My plan is to complete the lineman program, start as an apprentice, and work toward becoming a journeyman. I also want to pursue the IBEW pathway and continue building my skills through additional training and certifications. Long term, I’m interested in leadership roles—possibly becoming a crew foreman, supporting storm response, or working with substations and modern grid technologies. As the energy industry evolves, I want to keep learning so I can grow with it. When I think about creating a better future, I think about two things: being dependable and setting an example. Being dependable means showing up prepared, communicating clearly, and putting safety first every single time. Setting an example means using what I learn to help the next person—mentoring new apprentices, encouraging students to consider the trades, and proving through my actions that skilled work is worthy of respect. Not everyone needs a four-year degree to build an important life. What matters is choosing a path that fits your strengths and committing fully to it. “Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER” matters to me because dreaming big is only the beginning. Rising higher happens when you keep moving forward through uncertainty and pressure—when you turn challenges into discipline and purpose. My education has given me direction and a clear goal: build a stable future through skilled work that serves others. I’m not just trying to reach the next step. I’m trying to become the kind of person who earns every step along the way.

The first time I helped a younger kid stand up on skates without falling, I saw how a small act of encouragement can change someone’s confidence in a matter of minutes. That moment stuck with me because it showed me the kind of impact I want to have—steady, positive, and rooted in service. My name is Evan, and I’m a high school senior pursuing a career in the skilled trades. I’ve been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, which begins in June 2026. I’m drawn to the electrical line trade because it’s hands-on work with real purpose. Linemen keep communities powered, safe, and connected, and when storms or emergencies happen, the work becomes even more important. I want a career where I can take pride in helping people—restoring power, supporting public safety, and being part of the teams that help communities recover. Outside the classroom, I’ve stayed busy in extracurriculars that have shaped my character. Competitive hockey has been a major part of my life, and it has taught me discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Sports showed me that results come from consistent habits: listening to coaching, communicating under pressure, and doing the small things right even when no one is watching. I’ve also worked as ice crew volunteer at Cable Dahmer Arena, which taught me responsibility in a fast-paced environment—doing the job correctly, following directions, and helping the team succeed behind the scenes. Volunteering has also been important to me because it keeps me connected to my community. I volunteer with the You Matter Movement Summer Lunch Program in Blue Springs, helping provide free meals to youth, and I’ve volunteered with Harvesters Food Bank sorting and packing food for families. I’m also a volunteer instructor for a Learn-to-Skate program, where I help younger kids learn basic skills and feel supported. Through “Many Parts, One Body,” a teacher-run nonprofit at my school, I’ve participated in local service projects and earned one of the highest student volunteer-hour totals. These experiences taught me that making a difference isn’t about one big moment—it’s about showing up consistently and treating people with respect. One adversity I’ve had to overcome is learning how to stay steady during uncertainty. My dad served in the Air Force and deployed to Afghanistan from July 2011 to March 2012. I was younger, but I felt the stress and worry that came with having a parent deployed. During that time, I learned to focus on what I could control: my effort in school, my attitude at home, and being dependable rather than adding stress to my family. That experience built resilience and taught me to keep going even when things are difficult—skills that continue to help me balance school, work, sports, and service. In my career, I plan to make a positive impact by becoming a lineman who is known for safety, reliability, and teamwork. I want to do work that protects my community and keeps people connected to the things they need every day. Long term, I hope to grow into leadership roles and eventually help mentor the next generation entering the trades—because the best way to honor people who uplift others is to do the same.

The first time I watched a storm roll through and knock out power, I remember thinking about the crews who would be out there in the dark—working in tough conditions so everyone else could get back to normal. 1) What trade are you pursuing and why are you passionate about it? I’m pursuing the electrical line trade and training to become a lineman. I’ve been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River starting in June 2026. I’m passionate about this trade because it’s hands-on, high-skill work with a clear purpose. Linework combines problem-solving, physical ability, and teamwork, and it directly impacts people’s daily lives. When power is out, it affects safety, health, and basic comfort. I want a career where I can take pride in doing work that truly matters—work that keeps communities connected and helps them recover after storms. 2) What are your future plans after your trade education? After completing the lineman program, my goal is to start as an apprentice lineman, continue learning in the field, and work toward becoming a journeyman. I also plan to pursue opportunities with the IBEW, following the example of my dad, who has been an IBEW member for over 20 years. Long term, I want to grow into leadership roles—possibly a crew foreman—and continue building my skills in areas like substations or modern grid technology. I want to be known as someone who shows up prepared, communicates clearly, and puts safety first every day. 3) Describe a time in your life when you overcame adversity. How did you work through it? One of the hardest challenges I’ve faced was learning to handle uncertainty and responsibility when my dad deployed to Afghanistan. I was younger, and I didn’t fully understand everything, but I felt the stress in our home. My mom carried a lot during that time, and I learned quickly that the best way I could help was by being dependable—keeping up with school, listening, doing what I was asked, and not adding extra pressure. I remember my parents telling me that when I was very little, I got frustrated during a video call and said I didn’t want to talk to “computer daddy,” I wanted my real dad. Looking back, that moment captures what military families live with: loving someone who isn’t always physically there and pushing through the distance. That experience taught me resilience and focus. I learned to control what I could—my effort, my attitude, and how I showed up each day. Those lessons are still with me now as I balance school, a part-time job, and competitive hockey. When things get stressful, I fall back on the same approach: stay disciplined, keep moving forward, and lean on teamwork. That’s the same mindset I will bring to the trades, where safety, consistency, and trust are everything.

When I was three, my parents tell me I got frustrated during a video call and said, “I’m tired. I don’t want to talk to my computer daddy anymore. I want to talk to my real daddy.” I don’t remember every detail of that moment, but I understand it now. It captures what life can feel like for a military kid: loving someone who isn’t always physically there, and learning early that service comes with distance, uncertainty, and sacrifice. My dad served in the Air Force from 1993 to 1997 on active duty and then from 1998 to 2017 in the Air Force Reserves. When he deployed to Afghanistan from July 2011 to March 2012, our family entered a different rhythm. Everyday life still happened—school, meals, practices, chores—but there was always a missing seat. My mom carried a lot during that time. She kept our home steady and helped me understand what it meant that my dad was serving somewhere dangerous. As a kid, you feel the weight even if you don’t have the words for it: the quiet worry in the house, the countdown to the next call, and the way you try to be “good” because you don’t want to add stress. Being the child of a military parent taught me adaptability. You learn to adjust quickly, to handle changes without complaining, and to appreciate routines that other families might take for granted. It also taught me perspective. When my dad came home, I understood a little more about why he left in the first place—because he believed in serving something bigger than himself. That example shaped how I view work, responsibility, and commitment. My dad didn’t talk about service like it was heroic; he treated it like a duty. Watching that approach taught me that character shows up in consistency: showing up when it’s hard, doing what you said you would do, and taking care of your team. That mindset has carried into my own life. I’ve learned to manage my time, follow through, and stay disciplined—skills that matter in school, sports, and work. I’ve also learned not to measure sacrifices only in dramatic moments. Sometimes sacrifice looks like missing birthdays, holidays, and ordinary days that you can’t get back. Military families live with that reality, and it teaches you to value people and time in a deeper way. As I plan my future, I carry those lessons with me. I’m pursuing the skilled trades to become a lineman because I want a career built on service, teamwork, and responsibility. Linemen restore power after storms, keep communities running, and rely on discipline and safety—values that feel familiar to me because of how I was raised. My goal is to build a stable future and to be the kind of person others can depend on when things go wrong. I’m proud of my dad’s service, but I’m also proud of what our family learned through it: resilience, gratitude, and commitment. Those values have shaped who I am, and they will guide the way I work, lead, and serve my community in the years ahead.

The first time I helped a nervous beginner stand up on skates without falling, I saw how much youth sports can change a kid’s confidence in about thirty seconds. My name is Evan, and I’m a high school senior who has grown up in hockey. Competitive hockey has shaped who I am—not just as an athlete, but as a teammate, a leader, and a person who understands that sports can build character. Over the years, the rink has taught me discipline, time management, and how to keep working when things get hard. It has also shown me how important it is for young athletes to have adults and older players who make the game feel safe, positive, and welcoming. That’s why I’ve chosen to stay involved beyond just playing. I volunteer as a Learn-to-Skate instructor, helping younger kids learn basic skating skills and feel comfortable on the ice. Many of them show up unsure of themselves or worried they’ll be embarrassed. I try to be the person who encourages them, breaks skills into small steps, and celebrates progress instead of perfection. I’ve learned that coaching isn’t about being loud—it’s about being consistent, patient, and supportive, especially for the kids who struggle at first. I’m also an ice crew volunteer at Cable Dahmer Arena, where I help with behind-the-scenes work that keeps events running smoothly. That experience has taught me responsibility and teamwork in a different way—doing the job right, staying calm when schedules get tight, and helping the group succeed without needing recognition. Those lessons carry over directly to how I show up as a teammate and mentor. Outside the rink, I’ve stayed committed to service. I volunteer with the You Matter Movement Summer Lunch Program in Blue Springs and at Harvesters Food Bank. Through “Many Parts, One Body,” a teacher-run nonprofit at my school, I’ve participated in local service projects and earned one of the highest student volunteer hour totals. Volunteering has reinforced something I believe strongly: communities get better when people show up consistently and do what’s needed. Looking forward, I plan to keep making a positive impact through youth sports by continuing to coach and mentor younger players. Whether it’s helping with Learn-to-Skate sessions, assisting with youth practices, or simply being the older player who stays after to help a kid work on a skill, I want to help create the kind of sports environment where kids grow—not just as athletes, but as people. I want them to learn teamwork, respect, resilience, and confidence, because those lessons last longer than any scoreboard. Jimmie “DC” Sullivan’s legacy of commitment to youth sports and community involvement matters because it reminds us that the biggest impact often comes from investing in the next generation. Through hockey and service, I want to be the kind of person who does that—one practice, one kid, and one encouraging moment at a time.

The first time I watched my dad come home from a storm callout—tired, dirty, and proud—I understood that the trades aren’t “just jobs.” They’re how a community gets built, repaired, and kept safe when people need it most. I’m passionate about pursuing the electrical line trade because it combines problem-solving, physical skill, and real responsibility. I’ve been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, starting in June 2026, and my goal is to become a lineman who is known for doing things the right way: safely, consistently, and with pride in the work. Electricity touches everything—homes, schools, hospitals, businesses—and linework is one of the clearest examples of how skilled trades protect the daily life people depend on. My upbringing shaped that mindset. I grew up around the utility world through my father’s work as a lineman in the military and later in the utility industry. He has also been an IBEW member for over 25 years, and the values that come with that—craftsmanship, training, safety, and looking out for your crew—were part of my normal life. I didn’t learn respect from speeches; I learned it from seeing procedures followed, PPE taken seriously, and teamwork treated as non-negotiable. Hearing stories about storm restoration and long nights taught me that service sometimes looks like sacrifice: missing comfort, free time, and even holidays so other families can have light and heat. That example is a big reason I’m choosing this field. Life events outside of work also shaped who I am. Competitive hockey taught me that talent doesn’t matter if you aren’t disciplined. Showing up early, taking coaching, and staying composed when things get intense are what separate people who “want it” from people who earn it. Hockey built my strength and endurance, but it also built habits that transfer directly to the trades: communication, attention to detail, and accountability to the team. I’ve also worked part-time at a local golf range, where I’ve learned that reliability is a skill. You don’t get to be “off” when customers are waiting or equipment needs to be cared for—you do the work correctly, even when it’s repetitive or physically demanding. Volunteering has taught me something just as important: impact. I’ve served with the You Matter Movement Summer Lunch Program, volunteered at Harvesters Food Bank, and helped teach younger kids as a Learn-to-Skate instructor. Those experiences reminded me that being dependable is a form of leadership. People remember who shows up, who treats others with respect, and who does what needs to be done without needing credit. Throughout these experiences, I’ve learned that pride comes from preparation. I’m passionate about the trades because they reward discipline, skill, and character. After I complete lineman school, I plan to pursue an IBEW pathway, start as an apprentice, and work toward journeyman status. Long term, I want to continue learning and possibly specialize in substations or modern grid technologies. I want to build a stable future for myself—and I want to be part of the workforce that keeps my community safe, resilient, and moving forward.

The first time I heard my dad talk about storm restoration work, I understood that linemen don’t just repair lines—they help bring communities back to normal. I’m Evan, a high school senior pursuing the skilled industrial trades, and I’ve been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, which begins in June 2026. My dad has been an IBEW member for over 25 years, and that example has shaped my goals: after I complete lineman school, I plan to pursue entry into the IBEW apprenticeship pathway and work toward becoming a journeyman lineman. I know linework is not a solitary job. The best crews operate with trust, clear communication, and the courage to speak up when safety or quality is at stake. I learned a real lesson about initiative and leadership through competitive hockey. During one stretch of our season, our team was losing games because of preventable mistakes—missed assignments, rushed decisions, and frustration on the bench. I wasn’t a captain, but I could see we needed a reset, so I asked our coach if I could organize a short, optional extra session before the next practice. I kept the plan simple and focused: positioning basics, communication calls, and short, high-effort drills that forced us to talk and stay disciplined. The outcome was mostly positive. The players who attended started communicating more on the ice, and our next games were more controlled—fewer breakdowns, better effort, and a stronger team mindset. But I also learned what I would do differently. Not everyone came, and a few teammates took it the wrong way, like it was meant to call people out. Looking back, I should have communicated the purpose better and involved others in leading it. If I could redo it, I’d ask a couple teammates to help run stations and make the goal crystal clear: it’s not about blame—it’s about building trust and doing the small things right, together. That lesson is exactly why I’m drawn to linework and the IBEW culture—leadership means preparation, communication, and earning respect by putting the team and safety first.

The first time I heard my dad describe restoring power after a storm, I realized the skilled trades aren’t just about building things—they’re about keeping people safe and helping communities recover when life gets hard. My name is Evan, and I’m a high school senior preparing for a career in the electrical skilled trades. I’ve been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, which begins in June 2026. I’m choosing the trades because I want a future where my effort directly turns into skill, where doing the job right matters, and where the work I do has a clear impact on other people’s lives. My interest in this path started at home. My dad worked as a lineman in the military and now works in the electric utility industry. Growing up around that example showed me what pride in work really looks like: training seriously, respecting safety rules, communicating clearly, and taking responsibility for your crew. It also taught me that reliability is a form of service. People depend on electricity every day—homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses—and when the grid is damaged, it takes trained professionals to restore normal life safely. That’s the kind of purpose I want in my career. I’ve also worked to build the habits that matter in the trades. I hold a part-time job at a local golf range where I show up on time, handle physical tasks, help with small repairs, and take care of equipment. Competitive hockey has been another major part of my life, and it has shaped my mindset more than anything. Hockey taught me discipline, communication, and how to stay calm under pressure. It also taught me to be coachable—because you don’t improve unless you listen, learn, and put the team first. Those are the same qualities I want to bring to climbing, rigging, and working aloft in all kinds of conditions. Volunteering has helped me understand impact in a different way: showing up consistently for people who need help. I volunteer with the You Matter Movement Summer Lunch Program in Blue Springs, and I’ve also volunteered with Harvesters Food Bank sorting and packing food for families. I’m a volunteer instructor for a Learn-to-Skate program where I teach younger kids basic skills and help them feel confident. I’ve also served as an ice crew volunteer at Cable Dahmer Arena, supporting hockey events and helping with behind-the-scenes work that keeps things running smoothly. Through “Many Parts, One Body,” a teacher-run nonprofit at my school, I’ve participated in local service projects and earned one of the highest totals of student volunteer hours. Those experiences taught me to be dependable, respectful, and mission-focused—exactly the attitude a crew expects on the job site. My goals are clear. After completing the lineman program, I plan to start as an apprentice lineman and work toward becoming a journeyman. Long term, I want to grow into leadership roles—possibly as a crew foreman or in specialized work involving substations and modern grid technologies. I want to build a stable future for myself while doing work that strengthens my community. I’m proud to pursue a trade where craftsmanship, safety, and service are the standard, and I’m ready to earn my place in it.

The first time I heard my dad describe restoring power after a storm, I realized some jobs don’t just earn a paycheck—they bring a community back to normal. That’s why I’m excited to pursue trade school and train to become a lineman. I have been accepted to the Lineman Training Program at Metropolitan Community College–Blue River, which begins in June 2026. Trade school motivates me because it’s hands-on, practical, and focused on mastering skills that employers need right away. I want training that prepares me to step onto a job site ready to contribute and ready to learn safely. I’m drawn to linework because it combines teamwork, problem-solving, and service. My dad worked as a lineman in the military and now works in the utility industry, and he taught me that the job is built on safety, procedures, and trust. That mindset matches how I work. I hold a part-time job at a local golf range where I show up early and handle physical tasks, and competitive hockey has taught me discipline, communication, and how to stay calm under pressure. After I graduate, my goal is to start as an apprentice lineman, earn journeyman status, and grow into leadership roles—possibly in storm response, crew supervision, or substation and grid-technology work. I want a stable, well-paying career I can be proud of, and I want to be the person my community can count on when the lights go out.