Navigating a career in aviation with an ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) diagnosis presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies, it can also become a source of strength and success. Recognizing the ways in which ADD influences your cognitive processes allows you to harness its potential, turning perceived weaknesses into advantages, especially in the demanding environment of flying. Firstly, it’s essential to understand how ADD impacts your attention span, impulsivity, and organizational skills. These traits might seem like obstacles in a field that demands precision, focus, and systematic procedures. However, by acknowledging these tendencies, you can develop customized strategies to counteract potential drawbacks. For example, the hyperfocus that individuals with ADD often experience can be a tremendous asset during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, where intense concentration is required. To succeed, one of the key areas to work on is developing robust organizational habits. This can involve creating detailed checklists, using apps or tools specifically designed for pilots to keep track of tasks, and setting reminders for crucial deadlines. Developing a routine that allows you to manage your time effectively both before and during flights will help mitigate any tendencies toward procrastination or forgetfulness. Establishing these habits ensures that tasks are not only completed but are done so in a timely and efficient manner. Another significant strategy involves leveraging technology to your advantage. The modern cockpit is filled with advanced systems and instruments that can help manage information and tasks. Pilots with ADD can benefit from using these tools to stay on top of flight data, navigation, and communication requirements. Training on these systems until their use becomes second nature can help bridge any gaps in focus or attention, ensuring that nothing is overlooked during flight operations. Furthermore, self-awareness is crucial. Regularly evaluating your performance and reflecting on areas where ADD might have affected your work allows for continuous improvement. Seeking feedback from instructors and colleagues, and being open to constructive criticism, helps in identifying specific areas to target for growth. Understanding when to ask for help and collaborating with co-pilots or ground staff ensures that tasks are shared effectively, reducing the burden on any one individual. Finally, adopting a positive mindset is essential. Viewing your ADD as a unique aspect of your personality that, when managed correctly, can give you an edge in the aviation field, fosters resilience. This mindset not only motivates you to overcome challenges but also encourages you to innovate in your approach to flying. With the right tools and mindset, your ADD can become a powerful asset, driving you toward success in the demanding and rewarding world of aviation.

Pursuing a pilot's license has been a long-held dream of mine, but living with asthma has presented unique challenges in realizing this ambition. The process of becoming a pilot is rigorous, demanding not only technical knowledge and flying skills but also meeting strict medical standards. For someone with asthma, navigating these requirements has been a delicate balance between managing my condition and proving my fitness to fly. When I first decided to pursue a pilot's license, I knew that my asthma would be a significant factor in the process. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has specific guidelines for individuals with respiratory conditions, and I was well aware that my ability to obtain a medical certificate—a prerequisite for flight training—would hinge on demonstrating that my asthma was under control. This meant that before I could even think about stepping into a cockpit, I had to undergo a series of medical evaluations, including pulmonary function tests and a thorough review of my medical history. The anxiety leading up to these tests was intense. I worried that my asthma might disqualify me from pursuing my dream, despite the fact that I had managed it effectively for years. The possibility of being told that I couldn't fly because of a condition I had lived with my entire life was daunting. However, I was determined to prove that asthma didn't define my abilities or my potential as a pilot. Once I cleared the medical evaluations and received my medical certificate, the real challenge began. Flying requires intense concentration, physical stamina, and the ability to remain calm under pressure—all of which can be complicated by asthma. Changes in altitude and cabin pressure, exposure to dry air, and the physical demands of flying could all potentially trigger an asthma flare-up. To manage these risks, I had to be meticulously prepared. I always carried my rescue inhaler, ensured that I was well-hydrated, and closely monitored my breathing during flights. Even with these precautions, there were moments when my asthma felt like a constant shadow, a reminder that I had to be vigilant in ways that my peers did not. Yet, instead of discouraging me, these experiences made me more resilient and resourceful. I learned to anticipate challenges and adapt to them, skills that are invaluable in both flying and life. Asthma has undoubtedly added complexity to my journey toward becoming a pilot, but it has also deepened my commitment to achieving this goal. The challenges have made each milestone more meaningful, and every hour logged in the cockpit feels like a victory not just over the air but over the limitations my condition could impose.

My name is Brennan Young. I am a seventeen year old home schooled senior in highschool from Texas. I have tried many team and individual sports in my seventeen years but have always came back to golf. I love this sport and the gentleman aspect of the game. I also love that it is something that I do with my dad. I have been golfing since three years old and started playing tournaments around nine years old. I believe being a competitive junior golfer has taught me great work ethic. Golf is not a team sport, so practice is always up to me. Besides my parents pushing me to always practice and do my best, it is up to me on how well I perform on the course. Not only am I a student athlete, but a private pilot. Balancing school, travel golf, a part time job, a mentoring golf program, and building flight hours has taught me life skills and will help me be successful with my career goals. Hard work always pays off! This past year has been so great and I can attest that hard work does pay off. I am a full time highschool student, work a part time job at our local airport, play highly competitive junior golf, started a mentorship program for young golfers, and got my private pilot’s license! The mentoring program is dear to my hear as well. I help very young golfers with their golf game by spending time with them in the course. I take them out to practice, watch them at their tournaments, and even do some caddying for them while they play. Was it easy? No, but it was rewarding! My short term goal is to play collegiate golf while attending an aviation college. Would love to kill two birds with one stone. My long term goal is to become an airline pilot. Being a pilot has always been my passion. My grandpa was an airline pilot, my dad is an airline pilot, and even my cousins are corporate pilots. I am praying that hard work will help me achieve these goals. This scholarship would tremendously help me reach my goal faster. College is not cheap and neither is aviation. I have achieved my private pilot’s license by paying for it myself. I have so much more to go to reach where I need to be. Thank you for considering me!

Our nation is in trouble! It has been declining at a rapid pace and I believe there is only one way to drive positive change to the future generations. I want to see the Bible back into schools. I believe it fosters positive change, centering on its potential moral, cultural, and educational benefits. Firstly, the Bible's teachings encompass a wide range of moral and ethical guidelines that can help shape students' character and behavior. Principles such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and respect for others are universally valued and can contribute to a more respectful and cooperative school environment. The stories and lessons in the Bible can serve as a foundation for discussions on morality and ethics, encouraging students to reflect on their actions and develop a strong moral compass. Culturally, the Bible has had a profound influence on literature, art, music, and history. By incorporating the Bible into the curriculum, students gain insights into historical contexts and literary traditions that have shaped society. This cultural literacy can lead to a richer educational experience and a more informed understanding of the world. Educationally, the Bible offers a vast array of literary forms, including poetry, parables, and historical narratives. Analyzing these texts can improve students' critical thinking and interpretive skills. The Bible's complex language and rich symbolism provide ample material for developing reading comprehension and analytical abilities. Furthermore, studying the Bible in an academic context can foster respectful dialogue and diverse perspectives, promoting critical discussions and encouraging students to engage thoughtfully with differing viewpoints. Moreover, incorporating the Bible in schools can foster a sense of community and shared values especially here in Texas. Many families and communities hold the Bible in high regard, and its inclusion in education can strengthen the connection between home and school, reinforcing shared beliefs and traditions. This can create a more cohesive and supportive school environment, where students feel a sense of belonging and mutual respect. However, it is important to approach this inclusion thoughtfully and inclusively. Schools should ensure that Bible study is part of a broader curriculum that respects and acknowledges diverse religious and philosophical perspectives. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures that all students feel respected and valued, regardless of their individual beliefs. Bringing the Bible back into schools has the potential to produce positive change by promoting moral development, cultural literacy, educational enrichment, and a sense of community. By fostering an environment of respect, inclusivity, and thoughtful engagement, schools can benefit from the rich and multifaceted contributions the Bible offers to students' education and personal growth. Another innovative idea that would definitely have a positive impact on our nation and future is to eliminate social media under the age of 18. It could yield significant positive changes for the future, particularly in terms of mental health, productivity, interpersonal relationships, and societal well-being. One of the most pressing benefits would be the improvement of mental health. Numerous studies have linked excessive social media use to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness especially with the younger generation. Without the constant pressure to compare oneself to others, individuals might experience a greater sense of self-worth and contentment. The absence of social media would reduce exposure to cyberbullying and online harassment, creating a safer and more supportive environment, especially for young people who are most vulnerable to these negative impacts. A Social media exit could cure many young people’s self image problems. Productivity and focus would likely see a substantial boost. Social media platforms are designed to capture and hold users' attention, often leading to significant time wastage. By eliminating these distractions, people could allocate more time to meaningful activities such as studying, working, exercising, and engaging in hobbies. This could enhance overall productivity, leading to better academic and professional outcomes. Furthermore, without the constant interruptions from notifications, individuals would be able to focus more deeply on tasks, improving the quality of their work and fostering a culture of deeper, more sustained attention. I know in my own home that social media is a huge distraction even for my parents as adults. Then you give it to children, they are not mature enough to know how quickly they are overwhelmed with the scrolling. It becomes like a drug. It’s the first thing they look at in the morning and they are falling asleep with it in their hands at night. Interpersonal relationships would also benefit from the removal of social media. While these platforms are intended to connect people, they often lead to superficial interactions that lack the depth and authenticity of face-to-face communication. Without social media, individuals would likely invest more time in building and maintaining real-world relationships. This could lead to stronger, more meaningful connections with family, friends, and colleagues. The quality of social interactions would improve as people become more present and engaged during conversations, enhancing empathy and understanding. On a broader societal level, the elimination of social media could reduce the spread of misinformation and polarization. Social media algorithms often amplify sensationalist and divisive content, contributing to societal fragmentation and the spread of false information. Without these platforms, public discourse might become more grounded in facts and constructive debate. Traditional media outlets, held to higher journalistic standards, could regain prominence, leading to a better-informed public and more nuanced discussions on important issues. In conclusion, the removal of social media could significantly enhance mental health, productivity, interpersonal relationships, and societal well-being. By focusing on genuine human connections, fostering deeper attention and productivity, and promoting more informed public discourse, society could advance towards a healthier, more cohesive, and more productive future. While social media has its benefits, the potential gains from its absence present a compelling case for considering such a transformative shift. Our nation and our future is needing a change, and quickly! I do believe that these two things of bringing the Bible back in school and getting rid of social media under the age of 18 would make a profound difference! The Bible and no social media together would improve the younger generations mental health so we can start seeing an diffence in our nation. As a highschool senior, this little change could even impact my own children and grandchildren some day.

The “Blind Side" movie profoundly impacted my families decision to become a foster family by showcasing the transformative power of love, compassion, and opportunity. The story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager taken in by the Tuohy family, resonated deeply with us, highlighting the immense potential within every child and the significant difference that a supportive environment can make in their lives. Before watching "The Blind Side," we had always been aware of the foster care system because my mom’s best friend growing up was a foster child. Her friend aged out of the system, never being adopted and she had a horrible foster home. This bothered my mom tremendously. However, the movie provided a visceral, emotionally charged narrative that brought the realities of these children’s struggles into sharper focus. Witnessing Michael’s journey from a neglected, insecure teenager to a confident and successful young man under the care of the Tuohys illustrated the profound impact that a caring family can have on a child’s life. The Tuohy family’s willingness to open their hearts and home to Michael was both inspiring and challenging. Their example showed us that fostering is not just about providing shelter; it’s about offering unconditional love, support, and guidance. It requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to seeing the potential in every child, regardless of their background. The movie highlighted that fostering is a journey that can be as rewarding for the foster family as it is for the child. It changed my family’s story forever. We have fostered about 9 children and have adopted two. What a blessing they are in our family. We changed there life but even more so, they changed ours! "The Blind Side" also emphasized the importance of perseverance and belief in the face of adversity. Michael’s story demonstrated that, with the right support, children in the foster care system could overcome significant obstacles and achieve greatness. This message resonated with us deeply, reinforcing our belief in the potential of every child and our desire to be a part of their journey towards a better future. Moreover, the movie underscored the idea that fostering is a community effort. The Tuohy family, their friends, and their broader community played essential roles in Michael’s success. This realization helped us understand that while fostering can be challenging, it is also a shared responsibility, and there are many resources and support networks available to help foster families succeed. Ultimately, "The Blind Side" moved us to take action. It inspired us to become a foster family and commit to making a positive difference in the lives of children in need. The movie’s portrayal of love, resilience, and the transformative power of opportunity reinforced our belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed, and we wanted to be a part of that journey. Our decision to become a foster family was profoundly influenced by the powerful message of hope and compassion conveyed in "The Blind Side."

I am always working to better myself for the future. Many kids my age are not future minded yet. I’m blessed to have parents that push me to be the best version of myself. I am seventeen years old and I got a job at my local airport to be around aviation when I was 16 and started saving money. My dad has always said “It’s not work if you love what you’re doing”! I love being around aviation. Right now, I am cleaning aircraft and managing their maintenance but making some great relationships at the same time. I have wanted my pilot’s license forever and I did it! I saved enough and worked hard and got my license when I turned 17! A day I will never forget. I love the family legacy of flying in my family! My dad, grandfather and all my male cousins are pilots. I want it more than anything. My dream is to attend an aviation college while playing collegiate golf. Yes, I am a private pilot but I am also a very competitive junior golfer. I have been pursed by a few colleges for golf but I know flying at the airlines is my long term goal and I don’t want anything to get in the way. I am being patient and looking for a college where I can pursue both my passions of flying and golf at the same time. I am involved in my community as well. We attend a local church weekly and I am involved in their youth program. I also have a golf mentoring program in my neighborhood with young boys. I help them with their golf game and even caddy tournaments for them. This scholarship will benefit me tremendously. I do work because I pay for all my flight time with no help from my parents. This money would get me stay in the air longer….flying is expensive! My immediate goals in aviation is to get my tail wheel endorsement and then start working on my instrument rating. I would really like the try and get both of these two things knocked out before I attend college in one year. As you can see, I am very focused with a lot on my plate for a seventeen year old: school, job, lots of golf tournaments, and working towards my goal in flying. I am beyond blessed that I am able to do all of it. Thank you for this opportunity!

Flying has always been my passion. My grandpa was an airline pilot, my dad is an airline pilot, and even my cousins are corporate pilots. My goal is to be an airline pilot and fly with my dad before he retires. I am seventeen years old and I got a job at my local airport to be around aviation when I was 16 and started saving money. My dad has always said “It’s not work if you love what you’re doing”! I love being around aviation. Right now, I am cleaning aircraft and managing their maintenance but making some great relationships at the same time. I have wanted my pilot’s license forever and I did it! I saved enough and worked hard and got my license when I turned 17! A day I will never forget. I love the family legacy of flying in my family! I want it more than anything. My dream is to attend an aviation college while playing collegiate golf. Golf has been a part of my life since I was 3. I have been playing competitive tournaments since I was 8 years old. I know flying at the airlines is my long term goal and I don’t want anything to get in the way. I will remain patient because I know that being around aviation will be worth the wait. I am involved in my community. We attend a local church weekly and I am involved in their youth program. I also have a golf mentoring program in my neighborhood with young boys. I help them with their golf game and even caddy tournaments for them. This scholarship will benefit me tremendously. I do work because I pay for all my flight time with no help from my parents. This money would get me stay in the air longer….flying is expensive! My immediate goals in aviation is to get my tail wheel endorsement and then start working on my instrument rating. I would really like the try and get both of these two things knocked out before I attend college in one year. As you can see, I am very focused with a lot on my plate for a seventeen year old: school, job, lots of traveling golf tournaments, and working towards my goal in flying. I am beyond blessed that I am able to do all of it. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

Flying has always been my passion. My grandpa was an airline pilot, my dad is an airline pilot, and even my cousins are corporate pilots. My goal is to be an airline pilot and fly with my dad before he retires. I am seventeen years old and I got a job at my local airport to be around aviation when I was 16 and started saving money. My dad has always said “It’s not work if you love what you’re doing”! I love being around aviation. Right now, I am cleaning aircraft and managing their maintenance but making some great relationships at the same time. I have wanted my pilot’s license forever and I did it! I saved enough and worked hard and got my license when I turned 17! A day I will never forget. I love the family legacy of flying in my family! I want it more than anything. My dream is to attend an aviation college while playing collegiate golf. I have been pursed by a few colleges for golf scholarships but have turned them down because they don’t have an aviation program. I know flying at the airlines is my long term goal and I don’t want anything to get in the way. I will remain patient because I know that being around aviation will be worth the wait. I am involved in my community. We attend a local church weekly and I am involved in their youth program. I also have a golf mentoring program in my neighborhood with young boys. I help them with their golf game and even caddy tournaments for them. This scholarship will benefit me tremendously. I do work because I pay for all my flight time with no help from my parents. This money would get me stay in the air longer….flying is expensive! My immediate goals in aviation is to get my tail wheel endorsement and then start working on my instrument rating. I would really like the try and get both of these two things knocked out before I attend college in one year. As you can see, I am very focused with a lot on my plate for a seventeen year old: school, job, lots of golf tournaments, and working towards my goal in flying. I am beyond blessed that I am able to do all of it. Thank you for this opportunity!

As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an airline pilot. This want grew to be a passion! Pilots are found everywhere in my family. My grandpa was an airline pilot, my dad is an airline pilot, and even my cousins are corporate pilots. I have seen the hard work and determination that it took to get there and I know the reward is worth it! I am seventeen years old and I got a job at my local airport to be around aviation when I was 16 and started saving money. My dad has always said “It’s not work if you love what you’re doing”! I love being around aviation. Right now, I am cleaning aircraft and managing their maintenance but making some great relationships at the same time that will hopefully lead to great flying opportunities later on down the road. I have wanted my pilot’s license forever and I did it! I saved enough and worked hard and got my license when I turned 17! A day I will never forget. I love the family legacy of flying in my family! I want it more than anything. My dream is to attend an aviation college while playing collegiate golf. I have been pursed by a few colleges for golf scholarships but have turned them down because they don’t have an aviation program. I know flying at the airlines is my long term goal and I would love to be able to fly with my dad at the airlines before he retires. I don’t want anything to get in the way. I will remain patient because I know that being around aviation will be worth the wait. This scholarship will benefit me tremendously. I do work because I pay for all my flight time with no help from my parents. This money would get me stay in the air longer….flying is expensive! My immediate goals in aviation is to get my tail wheel endorsement and then start working on my instrument rating. I would really like to try and get both of these two things knocked out before I attend college in one year. As you can see, I am very focused with a lot on my plate for a seventeen year old: school, job, lots of golf tournaments, and working towards my goal in flying. I am beyond blessed that I am able to do all of it. Thank you for this opportunity!

This is an easy one! Flying has always been my passion. My grandpa was an airline pilot, my dad is an airline pilot, and even my cousins are corporate pilots. My goal is to be an airline pilot and fly with my dad before he retires. I am seventeen years old and I got a job at my local airport to be around aviation when I was 16 and started saving money. My dad has always said “It’s not work if you love what you’re doing”! I love being around aviation. Right now, I am cleaning aircraft and managing their maintenance but making some great relationships at the same time. I have wanted my pilot’s license forever and I did it! I saved enough and worked hard and got my license when I turned 17! A day I will never forget. I love the family legacy of flying in my family! I want it more than anything. My dream is to attend an aviation college while playing collegiate golf. I have been pursed by a few colleges for golf scholarships but have turned them down because they don’t have an aviation program. I know flying at the airlines is my long term goal and I don’t want anything to get in the way. I will remain patient because I know that being around aviation will be worth the wait. I am involved in my community. We attend a local church weekly and I am involved in their youth program. I also have a golf mentoring program in my neighborhood with young boys. I help them with their golf game and even caddy tournaments for them. This scholarship will benefit me tremendously. I do work because I pay for all my flight time with no help from my parents. This money would get me stay in the air longer….flying is expensive! My immediate goals in aviation is to get my tail wheel endorsement and then start working on my instrument rating. I would really like the try and get both of these two things knocked out before I attend college in one year. As you can see, I am very focused with a lot on my plate for a seventeen year old: school, job, lots of golf tournaments, and working towards my goal in flying. I am beyond blessed that I am able to do all of it. Thank you for this opportunity!

This is an easy one! Flying has always been my passion. My grandpa was an airline pilot, my dad is an airline pilot, and even my cousins are corporate pilots. My goal is to be an airline pilot and fly with my dad before he retires. I am seventeen years old and I got a job at my local airport to be around aviation when I was 16 and started saving money. My dad has always said “It’s not work if you love what you’re doing”! I love being around aviation. Right now, I am cleaning aircraft and managing their maintenance but making some great relationships at the same time. I have wanted my pilot’s license forever and I did it! I saved enough and worked hard and got my license when I turned 17! A day I will never forget. I love the family legacy of flying in my family! I want it more than anything. My dream is to attend an aviation college while playing collegiate golf. I have been pursed by a few colleges for golf scholarships but have turned them down because they don’t have an aviation program. I know flying at the airlines is my long term goal and I don’t want anything to get in the way. I will remain patient because I know that being around aviation will be worth the wait. I am involved in my community that shows leadership qualities. We attend a local church weekly and I am involved in their youth program. I also have a golf mentoring program in my neighborhood with young boys. I help them with their golf game and even caddy tournaments for them. I love being able to give back and help lead these young boys. This scholarship will benefit me tremendously. I do work because I pay for all my flight time with no help from my parents. This money would get me stay in the air longer….flying is expensive! My immediate goals in aviation is to get my tail wheel endorsement and then start working on my instrument rating. I would really like the try and get both of these two things knocked out before I attend college in one year. As you can see, I am very focused with a lot on my plate for a seventeen year old: school, job, lots of golf tournaments, and working towards my goal in flying. I am beyond blessed that I am able to do all of it. Thank you for this opportunity!

This is an easy one! Flying has always been my passion. My grandpa was an airline pilot, my dad is an airline pilot, and even my cousins are corporate pilots. My goal is to be an airline pilot and fly with my dad before he retires. I am seventeen years old and I got a job at my local airport to be around aviation when I was 16 and started saving money. My dad has always said “It’s not work if you love what you’re doing”! I love being around aviation. Right now, I am cleaning aircraft and managing their maintenance but making some great relationships at the same time. I have wanted my pilot’s license forever and I did it! I saved enough and worked hard and got my license when I turned 17! A day I will never forget. I love the family legacy of flying in my family! I want it more than anything. My dream is to attend an aviation college while playing collegiate golf. I have been pursed by a few colleges for golf scholarships but have turned them down because they don’t have an aviation program. I know flying at the airlines is my long term goal and I don’t want anything to get in the way. I will remain patient because I know that being around aviation will be worth the wait. I am involved in my community. We attend a local church weekly and I am involved in their youth program. I also have a golf mentoring program in my neighborhood with young boys. I help them with their golf game and even caddy tournaments for them. This scholarship will benefit me tremendously. I do work because I pay for all my flight time with no help from my parents. This money would get me stay in the air longer….flying is expensive! My immediate goals in aviation is to get my tail wheel endorsement and then start working on my instrument rating. I would really like the try and get both of these two things knocked out before I attend college in one year. As you can see, I am very focused with a lot on my plate for a seventeen year old: school, job, lots of golf tournaments, and working towards my goal in flying. I am beyond blessed that I am able to do all of it. Thank you for this opportunity!