Building My Future, One Plan at a Time My goal is to become an architectural engineer and use my education to design and help build safe, beautiful, and affordable spaces that improve communities. I have always been passionate about architecture because I see buildings as more than structures. They are homes where families create memories, schools where students learn, and community spaces where people come together. I want my career to combine creativity, mathematics, engineering, and service to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My plan begins with earning a college degree in architectural engineering or a closely related engineering field. In high school, I have prepared myself for this path by taking Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. These courses have helped me develop problem-solving, critical-thinking, and technical skills, and I have earned high scores on my engineering exams. My goal is to continue building these skills in college through advanced engineering, architecture, mathematics, physics, and computer-aided design courses. While in college, 1 plan to gain hands-on experience through internships, engineering organizations, design projects, and eventually professional opportunities in architecture and engineering. I want to learn how professionals take an idea from a drawing and turn it into a safe, functional building. I also plan to build a strong portfolio of my designs and projects so that I can demonstrate my creativity and technical abilities to future employers. If an internship or co-op opportunity is available, I will pursue it because real-world experience will help me become a Paying for college will be an important part of my plan. My resources will include scholarships, grants, financial aid, savings, and, if necessary, part-time employment. I will carefully budget for tuition, books, supplies, transportation, technology, and other educational expenses. Scholarships such as this one would reduce the financial pressure of college and allow me to focus more of my time and energy on my education. I also plan to tarch additional scholarships and opportunities throughout college rather than depending on one source of financial assistance. My high school experiences have taught me how to follow through on a plan. I am currently in the top 30% of my class and have challenged myself academically while participating in Ebony Club, Girls Who Code, Sending Sunshine, Asian Society Club, Key Club, Car Club, Red Cross Club, Girl Up, Rise Up, and Philosophy Club. I have also competed in varsity athletics. In weightlifting, I became District Runner-Up twice and Regional Runner-Up twice. In track and field, I earned first place twice, second place three times, and third place four times, and I have top-10 records at my high school. I also served as a basketball team manager. These experiences taught me discipline, time management, teamwork, and perseverance. My long-term goal is not simply to have a successful career; it is to use my career to uplift others. I want to help create quality homes and community spaces, especially for people who may not always have access to safe and well-designed environments. I know my journey will require years of education, financial planning, hands-on experience, and determination, but 1 am prepared to put in the work. I believe that with ambition, drive, education, and a detailed plan, I can turn my passion for architecture into a career that creates a lasting impact.

I believe I should be considered for this scholarship because of my dedication to academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, athletics, and perseverance through challenges. Throughout my high school journey, I have consistently pushed myself to succeed both inside and outside the classroom while preparing for my future goals. Every accomplishment I have earned has come through hard work, determination, and faith, and I am committed to continuing that same level of excellence in college. Academics have always been a priority for me. I am proud to be ranked in the top 30% of my graduating class, a reflection of the effort and commitment I have put into my education. Throughout high school, I challenged myself by enrolling in engineering courses that strengthened my problem-solving, critical thinking, and technical skills. These classes were often demanding, but they taught me how to persevere through difficult material and manage my time effectively. Through consistent studying and dedication, I earned high scores on my engineering exams and successfully completed coursework that strengthened my confidence in my abilities. My academic experiences have prepared me for the rigor of higher education and have motivated me to pursue a career where I can apply the skills I have developed. In addition to my academic achievements, I have actively participated in a variety of clubs and organizations that allowed me to grow as a leader and make meaningful contributions to my school community. I was involved in Ebony Club, Girls Who Code, Sending Sunshine, Asian Society Club, Key Club, Car Club, Red Cross Club, Girl Up, Rise Up, and Philosophy Club. Through these organizations, I gained valuable experiences working with diverse groups of people, participating in community service projects, supporting and empowering others, and developing a greater understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and social issues. Each club provided opportunities to strengthen my leadership, communication, critical-thinking, and teamwork skills. My involvement taught me the importance of serving others, advocating for positive change, and being an active member of my school and community. Athletics have played a major role in shaping my character and teaching me valuable life lessons. I participated in weightlifting and track and field throughout high school while balancing my academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments. In weightlifting, I earned District Runner-Up twice and Regional Runner-Up twice. These accomplishments required discipline, consistency, and countless hours of training. Weightlifting taught me that success is not achieved overnight; it comes from showing up every day, putting in the work, and remaining focused even when progress feels slow. My experience in track and field further strengthened these lessons. During my athletic career, I earned first-place finishes twice, second-place finishes three times, and third-place finishes four times. I am also proud to hold multiple top-10 records at my high school in track and field. These achievements represent years of dedication, perseverance, and determination. Competing at a high level taught me how to remain focused under pressure, set goals, and continuously strive for improvement. It also taught me how to handle setbacks and use them as motivation to become stronger. Beyond competing, I spent four years involved in varsity athletics and served as the basketball team manager. This experience taught me leadership from a different perspective. As a manager, I learned the importance of organization, responsibility, and supporting a team behind the scenes. I developed strong communication skills and learned how to encourage others while contributing to the team’s success. These experiences helped me understand that leadership is not always about being the person in front; it is often about serving others and helping them perform at their best. While I am proud of my accomplishments, my journey has not been without challenges. There were many moments throughout high school when balancing academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities felt overwhelming. During those difficult times, my faith became one of my greatest sources of strength. As the daughter of a pastor, I was raised with strong values centered on faith, perseverance, service, and compassion. Watching my mother lead and support others taught me the importance of trusting God through difficult situations and remaining committed to my goals even when obstacles arise. My faith has helped me overcome challenges by reminding me that setbacks do not define me. Instead, they provide opportunities for growth and learning. Throughout my life, God has helped me through struggles and difficult moments when I felt discouraged or uncertain about the future. Through prayer and faith, I have learned to keep moving forward even when circumstances seemed challenging. My belief in God has given me confidence, hope, and the strength to continue pursuing my dreams. As I prepare to attend college, I know there will be new challenges and moments when I feel overwhelmed. However, I also know that my faith will continue to guide me, provide strength during difficult times, and help me stay focused on my purpose and goals. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me achieve my educational goals but would also allow me to continue developing into a leader who positively impacts others. I plan to use my education, experiences, and values to make a difference in my community and inspire others to pursue their own goals despite challenges. Through hard work, perseverance, service, leadership, and faith, I have built a strong foundation for success, and I am excited to continue growing as a student, athlete, leader, and future professional. I am grateful for your consideration and hope to be given the opportunity to further my education through this scholarship

My faith in God has been the foundation that has carried me through every challenge I have faced. Growing up, I learned to trust God not only through my own experiences but also through the example set by my family. My mother is a pastor, and from a young age, she taught me the importance of prayer, faith, and trusting God’s plan even when life becomes difficult. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to guide me today. When I was six years old, my family experienced homelessness. There were nights when my parents, my siblings, and I slept in the backseat of a car, moved from hotel to hotel, or relied on the kindness of others for a place to stay. As a child, I did not understand why we were facing those struggles, but I watched my parents continue to trust God through every obstacle. Even when they were worried, they never stopped believing that God would provide a way forward. For years, my family depended on public transportation. I often woke up at 5:00 a.m. and took three or four buses just to get to school. My parents worked tirelessly to support our family, and despite the hardships we faced, they always reminded us to keep faith in God. Looking back, I can see how God was working in our lives through every challenge. My father eventually found better job opportunities, my family gained stability, and we were able to move into a home that better fit our needs. Those experiences strengthened my faith and showed me that God can turn difficult situations into blessings. My faith has also helped me overcome fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty. Whether I was adjusting to a new school, moving to a new community, or facing obstacles that seemed impossible, prayer gave me peace and confidence. Faith reminded me that my circumstances did not define me and that God had a purpose for my life. As I prepare to attend college, I know there will be times when I feel overwhelmed. College will bring academic challenges, financial responsibilities, and moments of stress. However, I believe my faith will help me remain focused and resilient. When I feel discouraged, I will remember how God carried me through homelessness, instability, and uncertainty. Through prayer and trust in Him, I know I can overcome whatever challenges come my way. My faith will also guide me in my future career as an architectural engineer. My experience with homelessness inspired me to pursue a career where I can help create affordable and safe housing for families in need. I believe God has placed this passion in my heart for a reason. I want my work to reflect the values my faith has taught me: compassion, service, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others. God has been present in every chapter of my life. Through my mother’s guidance, my family’s example, and my own experiences, I have learned that faith is not just believing when things are easy but it is trusting God when life is difficult. As I pursue higher education and work toward my career goals, I know my faith will continue to give me strength, direction, and hope.

When I was six years old, I learned what it meant to live without a home. While other children worried about recess and snacks, I worried about where my family would sleep that night. My parents, five siblings, and I spent nights in the backseat of a car, moving from hotel to hotel, and relying on the kindness of others. For years, we lived with uncertainty, waking up as early as 5:00 a.m. to take three or four buses just to get to school. Despite these challenges, my parents never allowed our circumstances to define us. They taught me to work hard, trust God, and never give up on my dreams. Those lessons shaped the person I am today. Rather than allowing my struggles to become excuses, I used them as motivation. School became my place of stability and hope. No matter what was happening at home, I showed up ready to learn, grow, and build a future for myself and my family. Through hard work, I earned strong grades, participated in clubs, completed community service hours, became a varsity athlete in weightlifting and track and field, and served as the team manager for my basketball team. Higher education is the next step in turning my experiences into meaningful change. I plan to pursue a degree in Architectural Engineering because I understand firsthand how important safe and stable housing can be. My experience with homelessness inspired me to dream of designing affordable, sustainable homes and communities for families facing housing insecurity. I want to create spaces where children can focus on learning, growing, and pursuing their dreams instead of worrying about where they will sleep. Attending a four-year university will provide me with the technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional opportunities necessary to achieve this goal. It will allow me to learn from experienced professors, participate in engineering projects, and develop the skills needed to solve real-world problems. As a first-generation college student, earning a degree will not only change my future but also create a new legacy for my family. It will show my younger siblings that anything is possible through determination, education, and hard work. I also hope to create a positive impact by serving as a role model for other students who face adversity. As a Black woman pursuing a STEM career, I know what it feels like to be underestimated. There were times when people doubted my abilities because of my background, my race, or my circumstances. Instead of letting those doubts discourage me, I used them as fuel to push myself further. I want young girls, especially those from underrepresented communities, to see someone who overcame homelessness and hardship and succeeded in a field where women are often overlooked. Being homeless at six years old did not break me, it gave me purpose. Higher education will provide the tools I need to transform that purpose into action. Through architectural engineering, I hope to build more than homes; I hope to build opportunities, strengthen communities, and inspire others to believe that their circumstances do not determine their future.

As a young woman pursuing a future in STEM, I understand what it feels like to be underestimated. Too often, women are expected to prove themselves before their abilities are recognized, especially in fields like engineering where women remain underrepresented. Throughout my life, I have learned that I cannot allow other people’s expectations to define my potential. Instead, I have used every challenge as motivation to succeed. When I was six years old, my family experienced homelessness. At a young age, I learned the importance of resilience and perseverance. Although that period of my life was difficult, I refused to let it define my future. Instead, it inspired me to dream bigger and work toward creating opportunities not only for myself but also for others. As I grew older, obstacles continued to test me. For a period of time, I had to take three Lynx city buses every day just to get to school. The long commute required commitment and determination, but I understood that education was my pathway to a better future. Later, my family moved to a new area after my father received a better job opportunity. Starting over in a new community meant adapting to new surroundings, making new friends, and finding my place again. These experiences taught me how to embrace change and remain focused on my goals. As a Black woman, I have also faced situations where teachers and counselors underestimated my intelligence and abilities before getting to know me. At times, I felt that assumptions were made about what I could achieve. Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage me, I used them as motivation to work harder and prove that I belonged in every classroom, every team, and every opportunity I earned. My involvement in athletics has strengthened that mindset. As the team manager for my basketball team and a varsity athlete in weightlifting and track and field, I have developed leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills. These experiences taught me how to support others, remain accountable, and continue pushing forward even when faced with challenges. My goal is to become an architectural engineer. My experience with homelessness inspired me to pursue a career where I can help design and build safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for families in need. I believe STEM has the power to solve real-world problems and improve lives. Through engineering, I hope to create communities that provide families with stability, opportunity, and hope. This scholarship’s mission of fostering women who are empowered by knowledge and driven by curiosity strongly resonates with me. I want to be part of a generation of women who break barriers in STEM and inspire others to do the same. My experiences have taught me resilience, but they have also taught me the importance of lifting others as I climb. I am pursuing STEM not only to achieve my own goals but also to make a meaningful impact on my community. By becoming an architectural engineer, I hope to show young women, especially young Black women that their circumstances, stereotypes, or the doubts of others do not determine their future. Their determination, hard work, and belief in themselves do.

Growing up, I faced challenges that could have defined my future, but I chose not to let them. Instead, I used them as motivation to work harder, dream bigger, and create a better path for myself and others. When I was six years old, my family experienced homelessness. Not having a stable place to call home taught me how important housing is to a family’s well-being. Later, I had to take three Lynx city buses every day just to get to school. While these experiences were difficult, I refused to let them become excuses or limits on what I could achieve. Instead, they inspired me to pursue my goal of becoming an architectural engineer and finding ways to solve problems that affect families like mine once was. If I had the money and resources, I would create a housing development program focused on helping low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness. My goal would be to provide affordable, high-quality housing while also creating communities that give people the tools they need to succeed. The first step would be purchasing land in areas where housing insecurity is common. Working alongside architects, engineers, and community leaders, I would design energy-efficient and affordable homes using sustainable building materials. These homes would be built to last while keeping living costs low for residents. The second step would be creating community resource centers within each housing development. These centers would offer tutoring, career readiness programs, financial literacy classes, and mentorship opportunities. From my own experiences, I understand that solving homelessness requires more than providing shelter. People also need access to education, guidance, and opportunities that help them build stable futures. Transportation would be another important part of the project. Because I once spent hours commuting on multiple buses to get to school, I know how transportation barriers can prevent people from reaching educational and career opportunities. I would prioritize building these communities near schools, public transportation, and employment centers to make daily life easier for residents. My experiences as the team manager for my basketball team and as a varsity athlete in weightlifting and track and field have taught me leadership, discipline, and teamwork. These skills would help me work with engineers, builders, educators, and community organizations to turn this vision into reality. Most importantly, this project reflects the lesson I have learned throughout my life: your circumstances do not determine your future. I could have allowed homelessness, long commutes, and other challenges to define me, but I chose to let them strengthen me instead. Those experiences gave me a purpose. As an architectural engineer, I want to use STEM to create affordable housing and stronger communities. My goal is not only to build homes but also to build opportunities for families who need them most. By turning the struggles I once faced into solutions for others, I hope to help create a future where more families have the stability, support, and opportunities they deserve.

My desire to pursue a career in STEM comes from my experiences overcoming adversity and my determination to create opportunities for others. When I was six years old, my family experienced homelessness. Although I was young, I still remember the uncertainty of not having a stable place to call home. That experience inspired my dream of becoming an architectural engineer. I want to help families by designing and building safe, affordable, and high-quality homes because I understand how life-changing stable housing can be. Growing up, I faced challenges that strengthened my resilience and work ethic. For a period of time, I had to catch three Lynx city buses just to get to school. The long commute required discipline and commitment, but I never let it stop me from pursuing my education. Later, my family moved to a different area after my father received a better job opportunity. Starting over in a new community meant building new friendships and adapting to a new environment, which taught me how to embrace change and persevere through difficult situations. As a Black student, I also encountered low expectations from some teachers and counselors who underestimated my intelligence before getting to know me. Instead of allowing those assumptions to define me, I used them as motivation to prove my abilities. Their doubts pushed me to work harder, believe in myself, and demonstrate that my potential is not determined by stereotypes. These experiences taught me confidence, perseverance, and the importance of creating opportunities for others who may face similar barriers. Outside the classroom, I have developed leadership skills through athletics. As the team manager for my basketball team and a varsity athlete in weightlifting and track and field, I have learned teamwork, responsibility, and discipline. These experiences have shown me the value of supporting others and working together to achieve a common goal and skills that will be essential in my future career as an engineer. I believe STEM has the power to improve lives and strengthen communities. As an architectural engineer, I plan to use my degree to design affordable housing and community-focused developments that provide families with safe places to live and grow. Having experienced housing insecurity myself, I am passionate about helping others avoid those same hardships. My goal is not only to build structures but also to create opportunities. I want to show young people from backgrounds like mine that obstacles do not determine their future. Through my education and career, I hope to uplift underserved communities, provide stable housing for families, and inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they face.

Every story has a turning point. For me, it was not a single moment, but a series of challenges that taught me resilience, adaptability, and leadership. When I was six years old, my family experienced homelessness. At an age when most children were focused on toys and games, I was learning what it meant to live with uncertainty. Although I was young, that experience left a lasting impact on me. It taught me to appreciate every opportunity and never take stability for granted. As I got older, obstacles continued to shape my journey. There was a period when getting an education required determination before the school day even began. I had to catch three Lynx city buses just to get to school. The long commute meant waking up earlier than many of my classmates and spending hours in transit each week. While it was exhausting, it strengthened my work ethic and taught me the importance of commitment. No matter how difficult the journey was, I showed up because I understood that education was my pathway to a better future. Another major turning point came when my family moved to a different area after my father received a better job opportunity. While the move created new possibilities for our family, it also meant leaving behind familiar faces, routines, and connections. I had to start over in a new environment, build new friendships, and find my place in a different community. That experience taught me how to adapt to change and connect with people from different backgrounds. The lessons I learned from these challenges have influenced the way I lead today. As the team manager for my basketball team, I understand the importance of supporting others and helping a group work toward a common goal. Leadership is not just about being in charge—it is about being dependable, encouraging teammates, and stepping up when help is needed. My experiences have given me the empathy and responsibility needed to be an effective leader. Athletics have also played a major role in shaping who I am. Earning a place on the varsity weightlifting and track and field teams required discipline, consistency, and perseverance. These sports have taught me that success is built through hard work and dedication, even when progress feels slow. The same mindset that helped me overcome personal challenges drives me to push myself in competition, in the classroom, and in life. My experiences have strengthened my commitment to education, my community, and my future. They have taught me that obstacles do not define a person; how they respond to them does. Looking ahead, I want to continue building on the values of resilience, leadership, and service that have guided me so far. The challenges I have faced have made me stronger, but they have also inspired me to create opportunities for others and contribute positively to every community I am a part of. My story is still being written, but every challenge I have overcome has helped shape the person I am becoming, and the future I am determined to build.

Grace Through the Storm By Grace Caneus When I was six years old, I first understood what it meant to be homeless. While most kids wondered about snack time or recess, I wondered where I would sleep that night. Sometimes it was the backseat of a car. Other times it was a hotel room we could barely afford. Some nights there wasn’t even a bed. “Home” was something we carried with us, not something we lived in. Even through we struggled, my parents did their best. They had every reason to give up, but they didn’t. They refused to become the results of their environment and taught us to fight for what we believe in and to strive for excellence in everything we do. My siblings and I were young my little brother was a newborn yet we were living out of a small car or relying on the kindness of others who opened their homes to us. Up until fourth grade, we moved constantly. My parents didn’t have a car, so every morning we woke up at 5:00 AM and took three to four buses just to get to school. Both my parents worked, so my oldest sister, only a ninth grader, picked us up every afternoon After COVID-19, my dad found a better job, and my parents purchased our first car. We eventually moved into a three-bedroom home which was a huge blessing for our family of seven. But as we grew older, we outgrew the space. My dad received another job opportunity in a different state, meaning we needed to move again. I was supposed to attend Boone High School, but instead enrolled at Timber Creek. At first, I was sad and frustrated. I had to start over again. But life taught me you have to push forward and trust that God can make the impossible possible. So I kept pushing. I stopped being the shy girl who worried about people’s opinions. I joined sports, got involved in clubs, and built friendships with people who motivate each other toward greatness. I didn’t share my struggles with classmates or teachers, not out of shame, but because I didn’t want sympathy. Instead, my challenges fueled me. School became my place of consistency, discipline, and dreaming where I could imagine a life beyond what I saw every day. From elementary school to my senior year, I worked hard. I made honor roll, joined clubs, did community service, and focused on building a future that would make my parents proud. In my family, no one had ever attended a four-year college. The expectation was community college because it was affordable. But I wanted more not just for myself, but for the little girl who dreamed big even when life was small. I studied for hours, chose classes that aligned with my goals, and created an environment centered on hard work. The process was overwhelming, but I reminded myself: I had already overcome more than most people realized. Getting accepted to a four-year university wasn’t just an accomplishment it changed my family’s story. I became the first. And I know I will not be the last. My goal is to inspire my siblings to believe that with hard work anything is possible. Being homeless at six years old didn’t break me. It ignited something powerful inside me. It taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of standing out in a world that wants everyone to blend in. I know where I come from, but more importantly, I know where I’m going. And I know my future is bright.

Grace Through the Storm By Grace Caneus When I was six years old, I first understood what it meant to be homeless. While most kids wondered about snack time or recess, I wondered where I would sleep that night. Sometimes it was the backseat of a car. Other times it was a hotel room we could barely afford. Some nights there wasn’t even a bed. “Home” was something we carried with us, not something we lived in. Even through we struggled, my parents did their best. They had every reason to give up, but they didn’t. They refused to become the results of their environment and taught us to fight for what we believe in and to strive for excellence in everything we do. My siblings and I were young my little brother was a newborn yet we were living out of a small car or relying on the kindness of others who opened their homes to us. Up until fourth grade, we moved constantly. My parents didn’t have a car, so every morning we woke up at 5:00 AM and took three to four buses just to get to school. Both my parents worked, so my oldest sister, only a ninth grader, picked us up every afternoon. My family bent over backwards so we could have a better life I was supposed to attend Boone High School, but instead enrolled at Timber Creek. At first, I was sad and frustrated. I had to start over again. But life taught me that things won’t always go your way; you have to push forward and trust that God can make the impossible possible. So I kept pushing. I stopped being the shy girl who worried about people’s opinions. I joined sports, got involved in clubs, and built friendships with people who motivate each other toward greatness. I didn’t share my struggles with classmates or teachers, not out of shame, but because I didn’t want sympathy. Instead, my challenges fueled me. School became my place of consistency, discipline, and dreaming where I could imagine a life beyond what I saw every day. From elementary school to my senior year, I worked hard. I made honor roll, joined clubs, did community service, and focused on building a future that would make my parents proud. Each school taught me something meaningful: Hillcrest showed me how to focus, Howard taught me to adapt and confront my fears, and Timber Creek helped me grow socially and face difficult tasks. In my family, no one had ever attended a four-year college. The expectation was community college because it was affordable. But I wanted more not just for myself, but for the little girl who dreamed big even when life was small. I studied for hours, chose classes that aligned with my goals, and created an environment centered on hard work. The process was overwhelming, but I reminded myself: I had already overcome more than most people realized. Getting accepted to a four-year university wasn’t just an accomplishment it changed my family’s story. I became the first. And I know I will not be the last. My goal is to inspire my siblings to believe that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Being homeless at six years old didn’t break me. It ignited something powerful inside me. It taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of standing out in a world that wants everyone to blend in. I know where I come from, but more importantly, I know where I’m going. And I know my future is bright.