Moving to a new place during high school is never easy, but for me, it was one of the most challenging experiences I have ever faced. During my tenth grade year, I was forced to move to Jackson, Wyoming. This meant leaving behind all of my friends, the community I had grown up in, and the life I was comfortable with. At the time, it felt like everything familiar had been taken away from me. I had to start over at a new school where I didn’t know anyone, while also trying to keep up with a demanding schedule of classes and cross country. Even though it was a difficult season in my life, it ended up shaping me in ways I never expected and led me to make the greatest decision of my life. When I first moved, I struggled with feeling lonely and out of place. Being away from my friends made everyday things like going to school feel much harder. On top of that, my schedule quickly became very busy. Balancing schoolwork while also committing to cross country required a lot of discipline and time management. Cross country practices were long and physically demanding, and after practice, I still had homework and responsibilities to take care of. At times, it felt overwhelming, and I had to learn how to stay focused even when I felt discouraged. One of the strategies that helped me get through this time was staying committed to my responsibilities. Even though I felt out of place at first, I continued showing up every day and giving my best effort in school and in cross country. Running became a way for me to clear my mind and push through challenges. Cross country taught me perseverance, because even when a race feels difficult, you have to keep moving forward and not give up. That same mindset helped me in other areas of my life as well. However, the most important change during this time was spiritual. During this difficult season, I began searching for something deeper to help me make sense of everything I was going through. Through conversations, personal reflection, and learning more about my faith, I came to truly know Jesus Christ. In the middle of a time when I felt lost and uncertain, I realized that I needed something greater than myself to rely on. That is when I made the decision to accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. That decision completely changed my life. Instead of feeling alone, I began to understand that God had a purpose for the challenges I was facing. My faith gave me strength, hope, and a new perspective on my situation. What once felt like a painful move became something that helped shape my character and strengthen my beliefs. Looking back, moving to Jackson was one of the hardest things I have gone through, but it also led to something incredibly meaningful. By staying disciplined with my responsibilities, pushing through challenges in cross country, and growing in my faith, I was able to overcome the obstacles I faced. Most importantly, that season led me to make the greatest decision of my life: accepting Jesus Christ and beginning a personal relationship with Him. Even though the move was difficult, it ultimately helped me grow stronger and shaped who I am today.

Ever since I was young, aviation has interested me and slowly became something I want to pursue as a career. I want to earn an aviation degree because my dream is to one day own and fly my own airplane and become a pilot for Delta Air Lines. Flying has always seemed exciting to me, and the idea of being the person responsible for flying an aircraft and safely getting people to their destinations is something that motivates me. An aviation degree will help give me the knowledge, training, and experience I need to turn that dream into a reality. My interest in aviation started when I was younger while traveling to visit my grandparents. Going to the airport was always one of the most exciting parts of the trip for me. I loved watching the planes take off and land and seeing how busy everything was. Being inside the airport and eventually boarding the plane made me curious about how everything worked. When the plane would take off, it always amazed me how something so big could lift into the sky and travel such long distances. Those trips made a big impression on me and made me start thinking about what it would be like to be the one flying the plane. As I got older, that curiosity grew into a goal. I started realizing that becoming a pilot is something you have to work hard for, and that it takes a lot of training and dedication. That is why I want to pursue an aviation degree. Through college, I hope to learn more about aircraft, flight systems, safety, and everything that goes into being a professional pilot. My long-term goal is to become a pilot for Delta Air Lines. Being able to fly people across the country and around the world would be an incredible opportunity, and it would allow me to do something I truly enjoy every day. Outside of my interest in aviation, I have also been involved in my community. One way I have been involved is by leading a Bible study. Leading a Bible study has helped me develop leadership skills and confidence when speaking in front of others. It has also helped me learn how to listen to people and support them. Being in that role has taught me responsibility and the importance of encouraging others. I believe these experiences have helped shape who I am and will also help me in my future career. Being a pilot requires responsibility, good communication, and the ability to stay calm and focused. The leadership skills I have learned through leading a Bible study and being involved in my community will help me as I continue working toward my goals. Overall, aviation is something I am truly passionate about. What started as curiosity while traveling to see my grandparents has grown into a dream for my future. I am excited to continue learning and working toward becoming a pilot. By earning an aviation degree and gaining the proper training, I hope to one day achieve my goal of flying for Delta Air Lines and even owning my own airplane. I am currently working on achieving my private pilot's license. I am doing an online ground school program while flying with Star Flight out of Roanoke, VA. I am on track to have it within the next few months.

Throughout my time in school, learning has not always been easy for me. Like many students with learning differences, I have had to rely on support systems such as learning plans and extra help from teachers. At first, I did not fully understand what these supports were or how to use them to help myself succeed. Over time, though, I started to realize that these plans were there to help me learn in the way that works best for me, not to make me feel different or less capable. One of the biggest challenges for me was learning how to speak up for myself. When I was younger, I often felt nervous asking for help or reminding teachers about my accommodations. I sometimes worried that people would think I was making excuses or that I wasn’t trying hard enough. Because of that, there were times when I stayed quiet even though I was struggling. Looking back, I wish I had understood sooner that advocating for myself is not something to be embarrassed about. It is simply a way of making sure I have the tools I need to learn and do my best. A moment that really helped me realize the importance of self-advocacy was when I finally spoke up about something I was having difficulty with in class. Instead of staying quiet, I talked to my teacher and explained what I needed in order to better understand the material. My teacher was supportive and willing to help, and it showed me that asking for help can actually make a big difference. That experience gave me more confidence and helped me understand that my voice matters when it comes to my education. Having learning supports has also helped me learn more about my strengths and learning style. I have realized that I learn best when things are explained clearly and when I have time to fully process information. I am also someone who works hard and stays determined even when things feel challenging. These experiences have taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of not giving up when something feels difficult. Moving forward, I want to continue honoring my strengths and advocating for myself as I pursue my educational and career goals. I know that there will still be challenges, but I also know that asking questions, communicating my needs, and staying confident in my abilities will help me succeed. I also hope that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage other students with learning differences to speak up for themselves and believe in their potential. Overall, navigating learning supports has helped me grow not only as a student but also as a person. It has taught me that everyone learns differently, and that is okay. What matters most is understanding yourself, using the support available to you, and having the courage to ask for what you need in order to succeed.

Education is not only important for my own future, but it is also a way for me to help other people succeed in their lives. As I continue my education, I want to use what I learn to positively impact the people around me. I believe that knowledge should not only help one person, but it should also be shared so that others can grow, learn, and achieve their goals too. My future education will give me the tools to support others, encourage them, and help them see their potential. One way I want to make a positive impact is by mentoring and helping younger students. Many students struggle in school because they feel like no one understands them or believes in them. I want to be someone who encourages them and shows them that they are capable of doing great things. If I have the chance, I would love to tutor students or volunteer with programs that help kids with schoolwork. Even something simple like helping someone understand a difficult assignment or study for a test can make a big difference in their confidence. When students start believing in themselves, they are more motivated to keep trying and improving. Another way I want to pour into the lives of others is by sharing opportunities and resources. Not everyone has the same access to education, support, or guidance about their future. Through my education, I hope to learn skills and knowledge that I can pass on to others who may not have the same advantages. For example, I could help someone prepare for college, teach them study strategies, or help them explore career options. Sometimes people just need someone to guide them in the right direction and show them what is possible. I also believe that being supportive and encouraging can have a huge impact on people’s lives. School and life can both be stressful, and many people feel discouraged when they face challenges. I want to be someone who listens to others, supports them, and reminds them that mistakes are part of learning. When people feel supported, they are more likely to keep working toward their goals instead of giving up. In addition, I want to lead by example. If I work hard in my education and stay committed to my goals, I hope it will inspire others to do the same. Actions can influence people just as much as words. By showing dedication, kindness, and a willingness to help others, I hope to motivate people around me to believe in themselves and work toward their dreams. Overall, my future education is not just about building a successful career for myself. It is also about using what I learn to help other people grow and succeed. By mentoring students, sharing knowledge, offering support, and setting a positive example, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and help create a stronger community.