I became a fan of Sabrina Carpenter long before she became one of the biggest names in music. I grew up watching her on Disney Channel, and over the years it has been really inspiring to watch someone evolve so naturally while still staying true to herself. I think that is one of the biggest reasons so many people connect with her. She does not come across as someone pretending to be perfect. She feels genuine, confident, funny, and creative all at the same time. As I got older, I connected with her music even more because a lot of it captures emotions and experiences people my age actually go through. Whether the songs are playful, emotional, sarcastic, or vulnerable, they feel real instead of overly polished. I also admire how she has handled criticism and public attention throughout her career. She has continued growing as an artist while staying grounded and continuing to work hard, which is something I really respect. One of my favorite memories connected to Sabrina Carpenter was attending her concert in May of 2023 with my friends. It was one of those experiences that sounds small to other people, but ended up meaning a lot to me. At the time, life felt stressful between school, responsibilities, and trying to figure out my future. Being there surrounded by music, energy, and people who all connected through the same experience reminded me how important those moments of happiness and connection really are. I think music has a unique ability to bring people together in a way that almost nothing else can. Complete strangers can know every lyric to the same song and instantly feel connected for a few hours. That concert reminded me how meaningful it is to share experiences with other people, especially during difficult or uncertain periods of life. Sabrina Carpenter’s career has also inspired me in a more personal way because she represents ambition and growth. She started young, continued improving over time, and never seemed afraid to evolve creatively even while millions of people were watching her. That takes confidence and resilience. As someone pursuing a demanding career in aviation, I understand how important it is to stay committed to your goals even when progress feels slow or pressure feels overwhelming. Although aviation and music are completely different industries, I still relate to the discipline behind what she does. Success usually comes from consistency, hard work, and continuing to believe in yourself even before other people fully see your potential. Overall, being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter has been about more than just enjoying music or entertainment. Her career has shown me the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and embracing who you are while continuing to grow into the person you want to become.

The relationship that has shaped me the most is the one I have with my mom. She has shown me what perseverance, sacrifice, and unconditional support really look like, especially during the hardest seasons of our lives. Growing up, I watched my mom constantly put other people before herself. She spent years raising my brother and me while also trying to build a career and create stability for our family. As I got older, I started realizing how much pressure she carried financially and emotionally while still making sure we had opportunities she never had growing up. Even now, while I attend Embry Riddle and pursue aviation, she continues doing everything she can to help support my education and flight training despite how demanding and expensive aviation can be. Watching that level of sacrifice changed the way I view relationships and human connection. It taught me that love is not always shown through words. A lot of the time it is shown through consistency, reliability, and simply continuing to show up for people when things become difficult. One moment that especially impacted me was during a period when I was struggling mentally and emotionally after a difficult breakup while balancing school and flight training. Aviation can already feel isolating because of the workload and pressure involved, and during that time I found myself shutting down and losing motivation. My mom repeatedly drove long distances just to spend time with me, help me regroup, and remind me not to lose sight of the goals I had worked so hard for. Looking back, I realize those moments were less about solving problems and more about making sure I did not feel alone while going through them. That relationship has heavily influenced the way I build connections with other people now. It has made me more aware of how important it is to genuinely support people instead of only being around when things are easy or convenient. I try to be the kind of person who listens carefully, checks in on others, and creates a sense of trust in my friendships and leadership roles. Before attending Embry Riddle, I served as Student Government Association President and as a Hurst Ambassador at Craven Community College. Those positions helped me understand how important communication and connection are in leadership. People respond better when they feel respected, heard, and understood. I learned that leadership is not really about authority. It is about creating relationships where people feel supported and valued. I also think aviation itself depends heavily on human connection. Flying is highly technical, but it also requires teamwork, communication, and trust between pilots, instructors, crews, and passengers. Especially in my long term goal of becoming a medevac pilot, the ability to stay calm, communicate effectively, and care about people matters just as much as technical skill. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected and distracted, I think meaningful relationships are one of the most important things we can invest in. My relationship with my mom taught me that people are often carrying struggles nobody else can fully see, and sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply continue showing up for them. That lesson has shaped who I am today, and it is something I will continue carrying into both my personal life and future career.

People often describe aviation as exciting, but for me it has always represented purpose, discipline, and service. Becoming a pilot is not just a dream I casually talk about. It is something I have structured my education, training, and future around for years. I am currently pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University while continuing my flight training with the long term goal of becoming a medevac pilot. What draws me most to medevac aviation is the ability to combine technical skill with helping people during some of the most critical moments of their lives. It is a career that requires calm decision making, responsibility, and trust, and those are qualities I continue working to develop every day. One thing that stood out to me about this scholarship was Joe Gilroy’s motto, “Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan.” That mindset closely reflects both aviation and the way I approach my own goals. In aviation, success does not happen randomly. Every certification, rating, and flight hour requires preparation, consistency, and attention to detail. Becoming a professional pilot means following a very specific path and staying committed even when things become financially or mentally difficult. My plan over the next several years is to complete my instrument rating, commercial license, multi engine certification, and continue building flight hours necessary for professional aviation opportunities. Alongside school and flight training, I stay involved in aviation organizations including Women in Aviation International, The Ninety Nines, and AOPA. These organizations have helped me connect with mentors, scholarship opportunities, and other women pursuing careers in aviation. The biggest challenge in reaching these goals is the financial cost of flight training. Aviation is an extremely expensive field. Between tuition, housing, flight hours, simulator costs, testing fees, and certifications, the expenses add up quickly. My family has sacrificed a great deal to help support my education and training, and I understand how much responsibility comes with that support. Because of this, I actively pursue scholarships and sponsorship opportunities to help continue my progress toward becoming a professional pilot. Before attending Embry Riddle, I served as Student Government Association President and as a Hurst Ambassador at Craven Community College. Those experiences helped me grow as a leader and taught me how to communicate professionally, stay organized, and represent others responsibly. Those same skills continue helping me in aviation training today. Although the path to becoming a pilot is demanding, I am fully committed to it. I understand that reaching my goals will require years of discipline, continued education, and persistence. My goal is not simply to earn a degree, but to build a meaningful career where I can use my training and experience to positively impact other people’s lives. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing aviation and allow me to continue moving forward toward a career I care deeply about. More importantly, it would support a student with a clear plan, strong work ethic, and long term commitment to achieving her goals. Thank you for your time, Hannah Benischek

When I was younger, I did not fully understand how much strength it took for my mom to raise my brother and me on her own. I just knew she was always working, always figuring things out, and somehow always there when we needed her. Looking back now, I realize how much of my educational journey was shaped by watching her continue to push forward no matter what life threw at her. Coming from a single parent household taught me independence early. There were times when things felt uncertain financially and emotionally, but instead of letting those challenges define me, I learned how to adapt and keep moving forward. I became more responsible, disciplined, and appreciative of opportunities that I might have otherwise taken for granted. My mom always emphasized the importance of education. She taught me that hard work and persistence mattered more than circumstances. Because of that, I pushed myself academically while also becoming involved in leadership and extracurricular activities that helped me grow as a person. I served as Student Government Association President at Craven Community College and became active in organizations connected to aviation and leadership. Those experiences taught me how to communicate effectively, lead under pressure, and support the people around me. Today, I attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and am pursuing a career in aviation with the goal of becoming a medevac pilot. Aviation is both academically demanding and financially challenging, but it is something I care deeply about. I want a career where I can combine technical skill with service to others. The idea that flying can be used to help save lives during emergencies is what motivates me to continue working toward this goal. Growing up in a single parent household also made me understand the value of community support. Throughout my life, there were teachers, mentors, coaches, and family friends who encouraged me and believed in me during important moments. Their support reminded me how much of a difference encouragement and guidance can make in someone’s life. Because of that, I plan to give back by mentoring young women interested in aviation and helping students who may not believe careers like this are possible for them. Aviation can still feel intimidating and out of reach, especially for young women, and I want to help change that by being someone others can look up to and learn from. I also hope to use my future career to serve communities through emergency medical transport and disaster response. Being able to help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives would be an incredible responsibility and privilege. Coming from a single parent household did not make my journey easy, but it made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined. It taught me work ethic, gratitude, and compassion for others. Those lessons will continue to shape both my education and the person I hope to become in the future.

Service is something I learned long before I fully understood the word itself. Over the last few years, my family went through major changes that reshaped the way I view faith, responsibility, and helping others. Watching my mom rebuild her life during difficult seasons taught me what quiet strength looks like. Even when life felt uncertain, she continued showing up for the people around her with compassion, faith, and perseverance. That example deeply influenced the person I am becoming. My faith has become the foundation for the way I approach leadership, education, and service. It reminds me that success is not only about personal achievement, but about how you use your abilities to encourage and support other people. Throughout college, I tried to live that out through leadership and involvement within my community. I served as Student Government Association President and as a Hurst Ambassador at my community college. Those experiences allowed me to encourage students, represent my school, and help prospective students feel welcomed and supported during important transitions in their lives. What impacted me most during those experiences was realizing how many people silently struggle with self doubt, stress, and uncertainty about their future. Sometimes the smallest encouragement or conversation can completely change someone’s confidence level. I learned that service is not always something large or public. Often, it happens quietly through consistency, kindness, and simply being willing to help others feel seen. Aviation has also shaped the way I think about serving others. I earned my private pilot’s license on January 23, 2024, and flight training challenged me mentally, emotionally, and financially. One experience especially strengthened both my faith and my confidence. Shortly before earning my license, I experienced a stressful situation during a solo flight where I became concerned there could be an issue with my landing gear. I contacted the tower and coordinated with my instructor on the ground while emergency crews were placed on standby. Internally, I was terrified, but I stayed calm long enough to safely work through the situation and land the aircraft without issue. That experience taught me something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Fear does not have to control your decisions. Faith, composure, and trust can steady you even during moments where everything feels uncertain. As I continue my education and career in aviation, I hope to use both leadership and entrepreneurship to positively impact other people, especially young women entering male dominated industries. Women are still underrepresented in aviation, and I want to help create an environment where more women feel encouraged to pursue careers they may once have believed were out of reach. During flight training, I also developed the idea for Aeronautical Designer, a luxury flight bag brand designed specifically for female pilots. The idea came from recognizing that many products in aviation still feel designed primarily with men in mind. I realized entrepreneurship can also become a form of service when it creates confidence, representation, and opportunity for others. My education is important to me because it gives me the ability to continue serving people through leadership, encouragement, faith, and example. No matter where my future career leads, I hope people remember me not only for what I accomplished, but for how I treated and uplifted others along the way.

Growing up in a military family shaped the way I view discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance long before I fully understood those words myself. My father served in the United States Marine Corps for twenty years, including multiple deployments, and watching the level of commitment required in military service had a major impact on the person I became. Military life teaches families how to adapt quickly. It teaches responsibility, resilience, and how to continue moving forward even during uncertain or stressful seasons. Those lessons stayed with me as I entered both higher education and aviation training. At the same time, watching my mother build a business and pursue entrepreneurship showed me another side of perseverance. I saw firsthand how much pressure, risk, and determination it takes to create opportunities instead of waiting for them. Entrepreneurship requires constant problem solving, long hours, adaptability, and the ability to continue pushing forward even when success is not guaranteed. Seeing both military discipline and entrepreneurship within my family strongly influenced my educational and career goals. I am currently pursuing aviation and earned my private pilot’s license on January 23, 2024. Aviation has challenged me mentally, emotionally, and financially in ways I never could have fully understood before entering the field. Flight training requires discipline, composure under pressure, and constant self improvement, many of the same qualities I grew up watching in military life. One experience especially strengthened my confidence. Shortly before earning my private pilot’s license, I experienced a stressful situation during a solo flight where I became concerned there could be an issue with my landing gear. I contacted the tower and coordinated with my instructor on the ground while emergency crews were placed on standby. Internally, I was terrified, but I stayed calm long enough to safely work through the situation and land the aircraft without issue. That experience reminded me how much my upbringing had shaped the way I respond to pressure. Military families learn early that panic rarely solves problems. Staying composed, thinking clearly, and trusting your training matter most when situations become difficult. My family’s entrepreneurial mindset has also influenced the way I think about my future beyond aviation itself. During flight training, I developed the idea for Aeronautical Designer, a luxury flight bag brand designed specifically for female pilots. I noticed that most pilot flight bags felt generic and designed almost entirely with men in mind, despite the growing number of women entering aviation. That experience made me realize how entrepreneurship can be used to create solutions and representation within industries that are still evolving. Both military service and entrepreneurship taught me that success is rarely built overnight. It is built through consistency, discipline, sacrifice, and resilience during difficult moments. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing aviation while allowing me to continue focusing on academics and flight training. More importantly, it would help support someone who intends to combine leadership, aviation, and entrepreneurship to positively impact others in the future. The values I learned from both military service and entrepreneurship continue to shape every goal I pursue today.

Watercolor painting has always been one of the most calming and meaningful creative outlets in my life. I love the softness and unpredictability of watercolor because no two paintings ever turn out exactly the same. Unlike other forms of art that can feel very controlled, watercolor forces you to adapt and work with movement, layering, and emotion. That is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. The two watercolor pieces I selected were inspired by moments and environments that felt peaceful and emotionally meaningful to me. I am most inspired by atmosphere, lighting, emotion, and the way small details can completely change the feeling of a scene. I especially enjoy observing how light interacts with people, objects, and nature because it can create a sense of warmth, calmness, nostalgia, or even loneliness without needing words. When I paint, I am usually less focused on making something look perfectly realistic and more focused on creating a feeling. I wanted both of these paintings to feel personal and reflective rather than overly technical or rigid. Watercolor allows emotions to come through naturally because the paint moves in unpredictable ways, which is one of the things I love most about the medium. My intended career path is aviation, and I earned my private pilot’s license on January 23, 2024. Although aviation and painting may seem very different, both require patience, focus, adaptability, and composure. Painting has helped me stay creative and grounded during stressful periods of school and flight training. Both paintings represent moments where I felt inspired, present, and able to express myself freely without outside expectations.

People used alcohol as their main method for stress relief during my entire childhood. I considered it standard behavior because I saw it everywhere in my community and across different families. College life introduced me to the widespread drinking habits that my peers practiced during their most demanding times. At specific moments, I acquired understanding about why individuals chose to use it. The combination of my academic work and aviation training and leadership duties and financial obligations and personal life changes which occurred during the past three years generated excessive stress which I could hardly manage. The field of aviation demands both your mental capacity and your emotional stability throughout its entire duration. People must meet ongoing demands while maintaining excellent performance standards because they have only limited chances to succeed. My experience during difficult times showed me how easily I could develop destructive coping patterns which would help me temporarily escape my stress. Indeed, the biggest shift within me was watching my mom become sober some years ago after having employed alcohol to get along with hard emotions and stress for longer stretches. That transformation made me reconsider the concepts of addiction and strength. Watching her, I was confirmed of the fact that, in sobriety, one doesn't simply quit drinking. It's a consciously guided path of learning to face life head-on, rather than trying to block refreshingly tough emotions forever and a day. I had seen her improve and heal emotionally, mentally, and physically, and I knew how much courage it takes to change completely; especially habits that have been winding down the roads for a lifetime. This experience forever had a profound effect on me. The decision is difficult to maintain because college students believe that drinking alcohol provides them social acceptance and stress relief. My mother used sobriety to rebuild her life which showed me that self-control and awareness together with healthy coping methods maintain their fundamental value. My stress periods became dedicated to aviation studies and academic work and leadership activities and personal development instead of turning to unhealthy behaviors. The achievement of my private pilot license on January 23 2024 stands as my most significant accomplishment because it demonstrated my ability to maintain discipline and dedication during a time when staying focused would have been easier. The experience developed my self-confidence through its intense training effect. I faced a stressful situation during my solo flight when I became aware that my landing gear might malfunction shortly before I obtained my flying license. I established contact with the tower while I worked with my instructor on the ground to prepare for an emergency situation which required us to keep emergency crews on standby. I experienced internal terror but I maintained my composure long enough to handle the emergency situation and successfully land the aircraft. The experience revealed to me a vital lesson. People should make their choices based on their emotions instead of allowing their emotions to dictate their actions. The three temporary feelings of panic, fear, and stress together with uncertainty represent the most critical experience I learned to control using healthy methods. My future plans to assist others in my work will stem from the experiences I had in my life. My education and leadership experience together with my aviation career will serve as my basis to motivate others toward healthier methods of stress and adversity management. I want to teach young women that they can handle difficult situations without needing to depend on dangerous habits or self destructive coping methods.

The experience of entering aviation as a woman has created moments where I felt like an outsider, even though I am not a first or second generation immigrant. Aviation and many STEAM fields are still heavily male dominated, and there are times when you become very aware of how few women are around you. When I first started flight training, I quickly realized there were not many female pilots in my environment. Many of the conversations, assumptions, and even products within aviation still feel designed mainly with men in mind. At first, that was intimidating. There were moments where I questioned whether I truly belonged in the field or whether I would constantly have to prove myself. Over time, though, those experiences changed me in a positive way. Instead of discouraging me, they pushed me to become more confident, disciplined, and determined. I realized that feeling different or out of place can actually become a strength. It forces you to grow quickly and develop resilience. The last few years of my life also forced me to grow up faster than I expected. My family went through major changes, and watching my mom suddenly become a single parent changed the way I viewed education, financial stability, and opportunity. I became much more aware of how difficult it can be to pursue ambitious goals while life feels uncertain around you. At the same time, I was balancing academics, leadership positions, and aviation training. Aviation is not only academically difficult, but financially demanding as well. There were moments where everything felt overwhelming, especially while pursuing a career field where women are still underrepresented. One experience especially shaped my confidence. Shortly before earning my private pilot’s license, I was flying solo when I became concerned there could be an issue with my landing gear. I contacted the tower and coordinated with my instructor on the ground while emergency crews were placed on standby. Internally, I was terrified, but I stayed calm long enough to safely work through the situation and land the aircraft without issue. Thankfully, everything turned out completely fine, but the experience taught me something important about myself. Fear does not automatically mean failure. Sometimes growth happens during the moments where you are forced to trust yourself under pressure. Earning my private pilot’s license on January 23, 2024 became one of the proudest moments of my life because it represented much more than learning how to fly an airplane. It represented perseverance, discipline, and learning how to believe in myself even in environments where I initially felt out of place. Outside of aviation, I also served as Student Government Association President and as a Hurst Ambassador at my community college. Those experiences taught me how important encouragement and representation can be for students who may feel uncertain about whether they belong in higher education or competitive career fields. My future goals extend beyond simply becoming a pilot. I hope to encourage more women to pursue aviation and STEAM careers without feeling intimidated by environments where they may initially feel like outsiders. I also hope to continue combining aviation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in ways that create more opportunity and representation for women entering the field. Feeling like an outsider at times has not weakened my ambitions. It strengthened them! :)

The entire process of pursuing higher education always felt like an uncertain dream for me because I never received any guarantees of success. My family underwent significant transformations during the past three years which resulted in my complete transformation of both my understanding of responsibility and my perception of financial security and future planning. The experience of watching my mother become a single mother, while I studied at college and trained for aviation, brought unexpected changes to my life. The situation made me learn to expedite my development into adulthood because I needed to realize that pursuing tough objectives becomes challenging when unpredictable life events occur. I maintained my academic and personal development during those challenging times because I understood that education would lead to opportunities which would transform both my personal life and my ability to help others. I am currently studying aviation while my private pilot license was awarded to me on January 23, 2024. Aviation has brought me mental and emotional and financial challenges which I could not fully comprehend until I started working in this industry. Flight training requires students to develop discipline and focus and maintain their composure during high-pressure situations while they pursue ongoing personal development. The financial requirements to obtain this certification create a major challenge which students must overcome when they pursue this professional path. My higher education studies enable me to develop beyond basic technical skills. The program teaches me how to become a leader who can demonstrate resilience while effectively communicating with others and taking ownership of their work. Through my school education and aviation training I have developed skills to maintain my calm during stressful situations and to find solutions to problems while keeping my progress toward goals in challenging times. My pilot training process reached its critical moment through one particular experience which occurred right before my pilot testing. My solo flight was interrupted by my discovery of a potential problem with my landing gear system. I established contact with the control tower to manage my current situation while my flight instructor on the ground and emergency crews stood by. My internal state showed complete terror while I maintained my composure to manage the emergency situation until I achieved a successful aircraft landing. The experience revealed to me a vital truth about my personality. Fear does not automatically mean failure. People demonstrate courage when they maintain their calm nature while their body tells them to panic. My academic work has not stopped me from participating in leadership positions and volunteer activities which create positive benefits for people. I held the position of Student Government Association President at my community college while I worked as a Hurst Ambassador to represent the college during student recruiting activities. I learned through these experiences that both encouragement and mentorship hold critical value for students who experience doubts about their academic future and their suitability for college studies. The collection of my life experiences has become my primary tool for helping others instead of competing against them. I help my fellow students through various activities which include tutoring younger students and serving as a college representative and guiding first-time aviation students to achieve their objectives which they initially think are impossible to reach. Through my education I want to inspire more women to enter the aviation industry because that will create a better world. Women remain underrepresented in the industry so I want to establish a workspace that helps young women achieve their professional dreams which they currently view as impossible to attain. The scholarship will provide me financial relief which enables me to manage my aviation expenses while I concentrate on my academic work and flight training. The main benefit of this solution enables me to establish a career path which combines my leadership abilities and my service work with my aviation background to create positive results for people in my community. My dedication to my objectives has not diminished because I experienced various challenges during the last three years. The experiences strengthened my determination to achieve my goals.

Three years ago, my life changed in a way I never expected. Before that, I honestly thought I had a pretty clear picture of how life was supposed to go. Then my family went through a major transition, and almost overnight everything felt uncertain. Watching my mom suddenly carry the weight of becoming a single parent changed the way I viewed responsibility, pressure, and resilience. It also changed me. What impacted me most was not one dramatic moment. It was watching someone continue showing up every single day even when life became overwhelming. I started noticing things I probably would not have understood when I was younger. I noticed the exhaustion she tried to hide. I noticed the pressure of trying to keep everything together while still encouraging me to pursue my goals and continue building my future. At the same time, I was balancing college, leadership responsibilities, and aviation training. Aviation is one of those fields people romanticize from the outside. What most people do not see are the long hours, the mental exhaustion, the pressure, the self doubt, and the financial stress that come with it. There were days where I questioned whether I was capable of continuing. Not because I did not love flying, but because everything at once felt heavy. Still, quitting never really felt like an option to me. One of the proudest moments of my life was earning my private pilot’s license on January 23, 2024. To most people, that may just sound like a certification. To me, it represented discipline, sacrifice, perseverance, and learning how to trust myself under pressure. Shortly before earning my license, I experienced a moment during a solo flight that I will probably never forget. I became convinced there might be an issue with my landing gear. The second that thought entered my mind, every sound in the airplane suddenly seemed louder. My heart was racing, but I knew panic would only make the situation worse. I contacted the tower and requested to speak with my instructor, who was on the ground at the airport. Emergency crews were offered and placed on standby while my instructor and I coordinated a low pass over the runway so he could visually inspect the aircraft from below. I remember trying to sound calm over the radio while internally feeling terrified. Thankfully, everything turned out completely fine, and the aircraft landed safely without issue. But after the adrenaline wore off, I realized something important about myself. Courage is not feeling fearless. Most of the time, courage is simply staying composed long enough to work through the situation in front of you. That experience changed my confidence level not only as a pilot, but as a person. Outside of aviation, I have worked hard to stay involved in leadership and service opportunities. I served as Student Government Association President at my community college, where I learned how to communicate effectively, represent others, and lead responsibly. I was also selected as a Hurst Ambassador, which gave me the opportunity to represent the college and connect with prospective students. Those experiences taught me that leadership is not about attention or titles. It is about making people feel supported, heard, and encouraged. As I spent more time in aviation, I also became interested in entrepreneurship within the industry itself. During flight training, I came up with the idea for Aeronautical Designer, a luxury flight bag brand designed specifically for female pilots. Pilot flight bags carry essential cockpit equipment including headsets, iPads, logbooks, chargers, batteries, and flight materials, yet most bags on the market felt generic and designed almost entirely with men in mind. I wanted to create something professional and functional that also reflected the growing presence of women in aviation. What I believe makes me a strong candidate for this scholarship is not just one accomplishment, but the mindset I developed through difficult experiences. The past few years taught me resilience, adaptability, discipline, and the importance of continuing forward even when circumstances become uncertain. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing aviation while allowing me to continue focusing on academics and flight training. More importantly, it would represent an investment in someone who genuinely intends to use her education to positively impact others. The last few years forced me to grow up quickly, but they also taught me something I will carry for the rest of my life. Difficult seasons can either make you smaller or make you stronger. I chose stronger! :)

I discovered TXT during a time when I needed to manage my obligations to school and aviation training and leadership duties while searching for my career path. I discovered their music through online platforms but I continued listening to their music because everything about it felt familiar to me. Their songs explore themes of pressure and uncertainty and coming of age and self-discovery which I found easy to relate to. I used their music to help me relax after work when my mind needed a break from work and my body needed rest. I value TXT fans because they show fans an exceptional level of support. The essential quality that defines a fan community emerges through acts of kindness that its members show to others. Music connects people for personal reasons, and I think people should feel welcomed instead of judged for the things that bring them comfort or motivation. My TXT bias exists because Taehyun's mindset and work ethic make me admire him. He demonstrates three qualities which I find impressive: he thinks deeply about things, he follows strict rules, and he shows sincere dedication to his personal development. I feel a connection with people who work hard without needing others to notice their efforts because I am pursuing a career in aviation. The TXT song "Run Away" is my favorite track because I find myself connecting with both its lyrics and its emotional content. The song shows how growing up creates both pressure and uncertainty while keeping a sense of hope that better things will come in the future. During flight training I experienced multiple times when my mind became too stressed, but I used music to help me recover and keep moving forward. The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE album concept became my favorite because I enjoyed the emotional storytelling which it presented. The way TXT expresses emotions to their audience creates authentic connections, which I believe explains their widespread appeal. I have yet to experience a live performance by TXT, but I hope to attend one in the future. Performance videos demonstrate to me the dedication and labor that artists invest in their work. I currently finance my education with financial aid and scholarships and family assistance and strategic spending. I am studying aviation which involves high expenses because flight training costs combine with tuition and examination fees and equipment expenses and all aviation-related costs. The day I received my private pilot's license on January 23 2024 stands as my most significant achievement yet I must invest substantial funds to continue my training. The scholarship would effectively decrease my financial burdens. Flight training opportunities often come down to finances, and scholarships help make goals feel possible instead of out of reach. Receiving support like this would allow me to focus more on training and academics instead of constantly worrying about costs. The music from TXT has brought me positive effects because it provides me with genuine songs that support me during my toughest life challenges. The music of the band supported me when I experienced mental exhaustion and stress and self-doubt. Their commitment to work inspires me to reach my personal objectives because I see them as role models who dedicate themselves to their goals. I plan to use my education to become a pilot and encourage more women to pursue aviation. Women remain underrepresented in this field because I want to create an environment which helps more women to pursue their goals and succeed in their work. I gained many valuable life lessons through my experiences in aviation which developed my discipline and confidence and resilience. I want to use my life experiences to show young women that they should believe in their ability to achieve difficult goals.

The Aviation field has taught me that educational processes continue beyond classroom time. The most crucial knowledge I acquired as a pilot did not come exclusively from my educational books and my classroom studies. The knowledge I gained from nonacademic sources became useful when I needed to solve real-world issues. YouTube serves as my primary resource because it provides essential content. The technical aspects of aviation require multiple teaching methods because one instructor explanation does not provide complete understanding. The combination of real pilots demonstrating their flight techniques and their radio communication skills and weather analysis and emergency procedures and cockpit decision-making processes created a practical learning experience. The real-world demonstrations helped me learn better because I could connect them to my flight training practice. I use Quizlet as my primary study tool because it helps me learn aviation terms and regulations and weather and aircraft systems and check ride preparation materials. The huge amount of information in aviation studies became easier for me to learn because I used Quizlet to create interactive learning tools that helped with my repetitive memorization. The system became the most efficient way for me to study material between my flight times and my class schedule. Another resource that surprisingly helped me learn was social media. I follow flight schools and airline pilots and aviation educators and aviation content creators across multiple platforms. Watching cockpit videos and training clips and pilot debriefs and day in the life content showed me various experiences which I had never encountered before. The program enabled me to study aviation cultural elements while it supported me through challenging training periods. Online learning provides me with great value because it allows people to access educational materials from anywhere. Aviation is a field where there is always something new to learn and online resources allowed me to hear perspectives from pilots all over the world instead of relying only on one classroom environment. Sometimes a thirty second explanation from another pilot online helped something make sense faster than hours of studying. The tools became essential during the high-stress periods which occurred throughout the training process. The situation developed during my solo flight operation which occurred before my private pilot license test when I became worried about a potential malfunction of my landing gear. The online learning system together with my repeated exposure to aviation scenarios helped me achieve my goal of maintaining composure during the situation. I contacted the tower, I worked with my ground instructor, and I managed the entire incident handling process while remaining in control of my emotions. The experience ended well, but the situation demonstrated to me that effective decision making during high-pressure events depends on both preparation work and ongoing educational activities. The date of my private pilot license acquisition on January 23, 2024 proved to me that self-directed educational activities hold great value for aviation professionals. Great pilots dedicate themselves to continuous education while they assess their skills and develop new methods for their professional development. I used online platforms to extend my learning outside the classroom and maintain my daily connection with aviation while developing my academic and cockpit skills. The most important lesson from my experience taught me how to develop my learning independence which I expect will benefit me during my entire aviation career and after that period ends.

Three years ago, my life looked very different than it does now. When my family changed and my mom suddenly became a single mother, I do not think either of us fully understood how much life was about to shift. What I remember most from that time was not one dramatic moment, but the quiet pressure that settled over everything afterward. There was uncertainty about finances, the future, and how we were going to adjust to an entirely different version of life. What impacted me most was watching my mom carry all of it while still trying to hold everyone else together. As I got older, I started noticing things I probably would have missed as a child. I noticed the stress she tried not to show. I noticed how hard she worked to continue supporting my goals even while rebuilding her own life at the same time. I noticed the sacrifices, the exhaustion, and the way she kept moving forward anyway. Those years changed me. They forced me to grow up faster in some ways and become more aware of how quickly life can change. I learned that resilience is usually not loud or dramatic. Most of the time, it looks like waking up every day and continuing to handle responsibilities even when you feel overwhelmed. During the same period, I was pursuing aviation and working toward my private pilot’s license. Flight training is already mentally, emotionally, and financially demanding, and there were moments where the pressure of everything happening at once felt heavy. But watching my mom continue pushing forward during difficult circumstances gave me a different perspective on challenges. It made me realize that strength is often built during the seasons you never would have chosen for yourself. One moment that especially stayed with me happened shortly before I earned my private pilot’s license. While flying solo, I became concerned there could be an issue with my landing gear. I contacted the tower, coordinated with my flight instructor on the ground, and performed a low pass over the runway so he could visually inspect the aircraft. Internally, I was terrified, but I stayed calm and focused long enough to work through the situation safely. Afterward, I realized how much those past few years had shaped me. Staying composed under pressure was not something I had learned only in aviation. It was something life had already been teaching me. My mom also taught me the importance of continuing to believe in yourself even when circumstances are uncertain. Despite everything changing, she never encouraged me to shrink my goals or take an easier path. She continued supporting my aviation dreams, my education, and my leadership opportunities even during difficult seasons. Because of that, I now approach life differently. I value resilience more than perfection. I understand the importance of adaptability, hard work, and faith during uncertain moments. I also carry a deeper appreciation for sacrifice and for the people who quietly keep showing up even when life becomes difficult. The past three years were not easy, but they shaped me into someone stronger, more grounded, and more determined than I was before. Watching my mom rebuild life while still encouraging me to pursue mine taught me more about courage than any textbook or classroom ever could.

Right before I earned my private pilot’s license, I had one of the scariest moments of my flight training. I was flying solo when I became convinced something was wrong with my landing gear. The airplane suddenly felt different to me, and once the thought entered my head, every sound seemed louder than normal. My heart was pounding, but I knew I could not let panic take over. In aviation, you have to stay calm enough to think clearly, even when you are scared. I contacted the tower and asked to speak with my flight instructor, who was on the ground at the airport. Emergency crews were offered and placed on standby while my instructor and I came up with a plan for me to fly low over the runway so he could visually check the landing gear from below. I still remember trying to keep my voice steady over the radio while internally I was terrified. Somehow, training kicked in. I focused on communicating clearly, flying the airplane, and listening carefully to instructions instead of letting fear spiral out of control. After the low pass, my instructor confirmed everything appeared normal, and thankfully the landing ended up being completely fine. The experience lasted a short amount of time, but it changed me. What stayed with me afterward was not embarrassment or fear. It was the realization that faith and preparation had steadied me in a moment where I easily could have fallen apart. That flight taught me that courage is not the absence of fear. Sometimes it simply means staying calm long enough to work through the situation in front of you. Aviation has strengthened my faith in ways I never expected. Flying requires confidence, discipline, responsibility, and trust in your decisions, but it also reminds you how quickly situations can change. During difficult moments, my relationship with God has helped me stay grounded instead of becoming overwhelmed by anxiety or self doubt. Earning my private pilot’s license on January 23, 2024 became one of the proudest moments of my life, not just because I learned how to fly, but because of everything the process taught me about myself. My faith also influences the way I think about my future. I do not want to pursue aviation only for personal success. I want to create things that encourage and support other women entering the industry. One example of that is a business concept I developed during flight training called Aeronautical Designer, a luxury flight bag brand designed specifically for female pilots. As I spent more time flying, I realized how important pilot flight bags are. Pilots carry them everywhere, and they hold essential cockpit items including headsets, logbooks, iPads, chargers, batteries, and flight materials. During training, I noticed that most flight bags looked nearly identical. Many felt bulky, generic, or designed almost entirely with men in mind. That stuck with me because it reflected something larger about aviation. More women are entering the field than ever before, yet many still feel like they are adapting to spaces that were never really designed for them. I wanted to create something professional and functional while also reflecting the confidence and individuality of female pilots. Faith continues to shape the person I am becoming. It reminds me to stay humble, steady under pressure, and willing to pursue goals that once felt intimidating. No matter where aviation takes me, I know my faith will always be what keeps me grounded! :)

Until a few years ago, most of my life looked pretty predictable. School, work, responsibilities, planning for the future, repeating the same routines over and over. I became very good at staying busy and checking boxes, but somewhere along the way I realized there is a difference between building a life and actually experiencing one. Then I started flying. The first time I soloed an airplane, something shifted in me completely. Sitting alone in the cockpit with nothing but the sound of the engine and open sky around me was both terrifying and addicting. I remember looking down at everything below me and thinking about how huge the world suddenly felt. Problems that once seemed overwhelming looked tiny from a few thousand feet in the air. Aviation gave me confidence, freedom, and perspective in a way nothing else ever had. That does not mean the journey has been easy. Aviation has challenged me mentally, emotionally, and financially. There were days I left the airport frustrated after struggling through landings or questioning whether I was really capable of succeeding in such a demanding field. Flight training forces you to face mistakes head on because there is no room for pretending in aviation. You either learn, adapt, and improve or you stay stuck. Earning my private pilot’s license on January 23, 2024 was one of the proudest moments of my life because it represented far more than passing a check ride. It represented persistence. Every stressful flight lesson, every self doubt spiral, every early morning, and every moment I wanted to quit led to that one moment where I finally realized, “I actually did this.” Now, I am preparing for something else that feels both exciting and slightly terrifying in the best possible way. On July 8, I leave to study abroad in Italy. For me, studying abroad is not just about travel. It feels like stepping into a bigger version of life. I want to experience a completely different culture, hear different languages around me every day, get lost in cities older than my entire country, and learn how to navigate unfamiliar places independently. I want to sit in tiny cafés, explore historic streets, meet people with completely different perspectives, and prove to myself that I can thrive far outside my comfort zone. I think many people spend years stuck in survival mode without realizing it. You become so focused on deadlines, responsibilities, and doing what feels safe that you stop allowing yourself to dream bigger. Studying abroad feels like the opposite of that. It feels like choosing growth, curiosity, and adventure. Outside of aviation, I have tried to stay involved in my community through leadership and service. Serving as Student Government Association President and as a Hurst Ambassador at Craven Community College taught me how important it is to make people feel included, supported, and heard. Those experiences helped me grow more confident as both a leader and a person. At this point in my life, I do not just want to survive my way through opportunities. I want to fully experience them. Aviation taught me how to leave the ground physically. Studying abroad feels like the next step in learning how to expand my life beyond what once felt possible!

On January 23, 2024, I climbed out of the airplane after my private pilot check ride knowing my life had changed forever. I had spent months studying, flying, making mistakes, correcting them, and learning how to trust myself in the cockpit. When I officially earned my private pilot’s license that day, it was more than just an accomplishment. It was proof that I was capable of doing something that once felt completely out of reach. What first drew me to aviation was the feeling of freedom that comes with flying. The first time I looked down at the world from above, everything felt different. Roads that seemed endless suddenly looked small. Problems felt quieter. Flying gave me a perspective I had never experienced before, and I became fascinated by the skill, precision, and responsibility required to safely operate an aircraft. The more time I spent around aviation, the more I knew this was not just an interest. It was the career I wanted to dedicate myself to. Pursuing an aviation degree is important to me because I want to continue challenging myself at the highest level while preparing for a long term career as a professional pilot. Aviation demands constant growth. Every flight teaches you something new about decision making, discipline, and confidence under pressure. I want to continue building those skills while eventually working toward becoming an airline pilot. One of the things that motivates me most is knowing that women are still underrepresented in aviation. Throughout my training, I have often been one of the few women in the room or at the airport. Instead of discouraging me, that reality pushed me harder. I want younger girls to see women in aviation and realize they belong there too. Sometimes simply seeing someone who looks like you in a role you dream about can completely change what feels possible. Flight training has challenged me mentally more than anything else I have ever done. There were flights where I left feeling frustrated, discouraged, or mentally exhausted after making mistakes. Aviation does not allow you to hide from weaknesses. You have to face them directly and improve. Over time, I learned how to stay calm under pressure, accept criticism without taking it personally, and keep moving forward even when progress felt slow. Those lessons changed me far beyond aviation. Outside of flying, I stayed involved in my community through leadership and student involvement at Craven Community College. Serving as Student Government Association President gave me the opportunity to represent and support students from many different backgrounds. I also served as a Hurst Ambassador, helping new students feel welcomed and connected on campus. Those experiences taught me how important it is to lead with patience, reliability, and empathy. I have also been involved in organizations including Women in Aviation International, APOA, and the Ninety Nines. Through those groups, I found mentorship, encouragement, and a community of people who share the same passion for aviation. They reminded me that aviation is not only about flying aircraft. It is also about supporting the next generation of pilots. Every time I step onto an airport ramp, I am reminded why I chose this path. Aviation pushes me beyond my comfort zone, challenges me to improve constantly, and gives me a sense of purpose unlike anything else. I know the road ahead will not always be easy, but I also know I cannot imagine myself doing anything else!

My life so far has been shaped by learning how to step into new environments even when I feel unsure. When I first started college, I did not fully know what kind of person I would become. Through community college, aviation, leadership, and service, I found out that I am someone who does not want to simply participate. I want to contribute. One of the most meaningful experiences I had was serving as Student Government Association President at Craven Community College. That role taught me how to listen to people, solve problems, and represent students who did not always feel comfortable speaking up for themselves. I also served as a Hurst Ambassador, which allowed me to welcome new students and help them feel more comfortable on campus. Those roles mattered to me because I remember what it feels like to be new, overwhelmed, or uncertain about where you belong. My work and school experiences have also taught me responsibility. Balancing academics, leadership, aviation goals, and personal responsibilities has not always been easy, but it has made me more disciplined and independent. I have learned that growth usually comes from doing things before you feel completely ready. Outside of school, aviation is one of my greatest passions. I am pursuing a future as a pilot, and I am involved in organizations like Women in Aviation International, APOA, and the Ninety Nines. I care deeply about seeing more women represented in aviation because I know how intimidating it can feel to enter a field where you do not always see many people like yourself. I hope to use my education and experience to encourage other young women to believe they belong in those spaces too. I also care about service in practical, everyday ways. I want to make a positive impact by being the kind of person who notices when someone needs help and actually does something about it. Whether that means helping a student find resources, encouraging another woman in aviation, volunteering my time, or simply showing up for someone who feels alone, I believe small acts of service can change the way people see themselves and their future. My best motivator in life has been my mom. She has shown me what resilience looks like in real life, not just when things are easy, but when life becomes difficult and you still keep going. Watching her work hard, rebuild, and continue believing in me has pushed me to take my own goals seriously. She reminds me that I am capable of more than I think, and her support has helped me stay focused when the path felt overwhelming. I do not know exactly where every part of my future will lead, but I know the kind of impact I want to make. I want to become a pilot, serve my community, support other women entering aviation, and use every opportunity I am given to help someone else move forward. My experiences have taught me that success means more when it is used to lift others along the way.

Serving as Student Government Association President at Craven Community College taught me that selflessness is often about responsibility. Most people only saw the title, but what they did not always see were the long days, difficult conversations, and constant effort required to represent and support other students well. That experience showed me how important it is to listen to people, advocate for them, and put the needs of others ahead of your own comfort. As SGA President, I worked with students from many different backgrounds, all with different challenges and goals. Some students were balancing school with jobs, family responsibilities, financial stress, or uncertainty about their future. I learned quickly that leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about being dependable and making sure people feel heard and supported. Whether students came to me with concerns, ideas, or frustrations, I tried to approach every situation with patience and respect. I also served as a Hurst Ambassador, which gave me another opportunity to help students feel welcomed and encouraged. Starting college can feel overwhelming, especially for students who are unsure of themselves or nervous about fitting in. I remember meeting students during campus events and orientations who seemed intimidated or uncomfortable, and I made it a priority to include them in conversations and help them feel more confident. Sometimes a simple conversation or small act of kindness can completely change someone’s experience. One experience that stands out to me involved helping another student who was struggling academically and emotionally during a stressful semester. Instead of focusing only on my own responsibilities, I spent time helping her organize assignments, study, and connect with resources on campus. More importantly, I listened without judgment and reminded her that struggling did not mean she was failing as a person. Watching her regain confidence and finish the semester successfully reminded me how powerful encouragement can be. My involvement in aviation organizations like Women in Aviation International, APOA, and the Ninety Nines also reinforced the importance of supporting others. Aviation is still a male dominated field, and many young women entering it deal with self doubt or pressure to constantly prove themselves. I tried to encourage other women pursuing aviation by being supportive, approachable, and willing to share advice or encouragement whenever I could. Selflessness, to me, is not about recognition or attention. It is about showing up for people consistently, even in small ways. It means listening when someone needs support, helping when you are able to, and using leadership as a way to serve others rather than yourself. Through leadership roles, academics, aviation, and everyday life, I learned that helping others does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from simply being dependable, compassionate, and willing to give your time to someone who needs it. Those experiences shaped the person I became and the kind of leader I hope to continue being in college and throughout my future career.

The first thing golf taught me was humility. No matter how much you practice or how confident you feel, the game has a way of reminding you to stay patient and focused. That is one of the main reasons I enjoy it so much. Golf challenges you mentally just as much as physically, and every round teaches you something new about yourself. I love that golf is a sport built on discipline and consistency. Improvement does not happen overnight. It takes practice, patience, and the ability to move on from mistakes quickly. I have learned how important mindset is during difficult rounds. One bad hole can ruin your day if you let it, but golf teaches you to reset and focus on the next shot instead of dwelling on failure. As a female golfer, one of the biggest challenges I have faced is being underestimated before I even begin playing. There have been moments where people assumed I was inexperienced simply because I was a young woman on the course. Early on, that made me feel uncomfortable and pressured to prove myself. Over time, though, I learned to stop worrying about what other people expected and focus on improving my own game. Another challenge has been balancing golf with school, work, and other responsibilities. Golf requires time, dedication, and mental energy. There were times when progress felt slow and frustrating, especially after difficult rounds or stretches where I felt stuck. I had to learn that improvement is not always obvious right away. Sometimes growth happens gradually through consistency and perseverance. One experience that stands out to me happened during a round where I started off playing terribly. I became frustrated and embarrassed, and I wanted to mentally give up. Instead, I forced myself to slow down and focus on one shot at a time. By the end of the round, I had recovered far better than I expected. That experience taught me an important lesson that applies far beyond golf. You do not have to be perfect to recover from a setback. You just have to keep moving forward. Golf has also helped me become more confident in male dominated environments. I am involved in organizations like Women in Aviation International, the Ninety Nines, and APOA, where I have seen firsthand how important representation and encouragement can be for women pursuing careers in aviation and other traditionally male fields. Golf has strengthened my confidence in those environments because it taught me how to trust myself, stay composed under pressure, and not let outside opinions determine my worth. The lessons I have learned through golf reach far beyond the course. It has taught me patience, resilience, and self discipline. It has shown me how to handle frustration without quitting and how to stay calm under pressure. Most importantly, it has taught me that confidence is built through persistence, not perfection. That is why I continue to enjoy golf. Every round is an opportunity to improve, challenge myself, and grow both mentally and personally. The sport has shaped me into a stronger and more confident person, and those lessons will continue to help me throughout college and beyond.

"Transformation takes pressure. And pressure is often painful, but it also reveals who really wants it." - My daddy Growing up as a military brat was hard, but it also came with so much insight and perspective. My father, Nathan Benischek, served for over 20 years in the US Marine Corps. And was on active duty for 15 years of my life. When I reflect on my childhood, the thing that fills my heart the most is thinking about my dad coming home each day in that uniform. My little brother and I would run out the front door each time he came home with an elated "DADDYYYYYYYYYYY!" To this day, I use his example of steadfastness, dedication, and discipline to help guide me in my life. Not many people can say, "My dad was a drill instructor", but I can. I witnessed my father serve three years on Parris Island at 3rd Battalion, India Company. He was gone before the sun came up and didn't come home till past my bedtime. My mother would always let me stay up so I could see my dad for just a couple of minutes and get my goodnight hug. Those hugs were the most exciting part of my entire day and meant the world to me. It was hard to watch my father work so tirelessly and with no days off. My mother knew his training schedule by heart and would occasionally pack us kids in the car and do secret drive-bys so we could at least see him from afar. We weren't allowed to draw attention to ourselves as the recruits were not supposed to know the drill instructors even had a family, not until graduation day anyway. I will never forget when I was 4 years old, and I just couldn't understand why I wasn't allowed to say 'hi'. So unbeknownst to my mother, I rolled my back window down, took a deep breath, and hollered as loud as I could, "Hiiiiii DADDYYYYYYYYYYY!" as I waved generously from the road. Eighty-six recruits and my father all turned their attention towards our car as I stood in my seat and waved. I still smile to this day as I recall the look of surprise on my father's face as he sheepishly waved back and chuckled, "Hey, baby" with the warmest smile. My father was tough, proud, and as smart as they come. He served with honor and was distinguished amongst his peers. But one thing was certain: he loved his family with his whole heart, and I believe that was what helped push him forward on the hardest of days. Aviation has been part of my life since childhood. Growing up near MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. I think I grew up longing to be a part of my father's world, and the sights and sounds overhead certainly planted that seed. This foundation has instilled in me the drive to become one of the 6% of women in air transportation worldwide. Today, I am enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where I have obtained my pilot's license and am working toward my instrument ratings. I aspire to be a Medical Evacuation Aviator because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat.  I’m on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, I hope to make my daddy proud.

When most people think of calculus, they think “Hard math I’ll never use” or “Scary equations and symbols”. However, in aviation, calculus is at the foundation of it all. I am currently studying Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Taking STEM classes at ERAU isn’t just a box to check. The university takes pride in its academic challenge and expects its students to understand the real science behind flight. Calculus is critically important because aviation involves many variables that change. Things like how lift changes with speed, why climb performance shifts with altitude, and how fuel burn slows as the plane gets lighter. Calculus proved to be a challenging course, but I grew to love it as I began to grasp how it related to the physics and performance of flying. And this is why I have come to appreciate the path that Embry-Riddle follows under the FAA's requirements for its pilots. They want us to understand the science behind the airplane, not just how to operate it. This, in turn, creates more competent, more airworthy, and safer pilots out there in the fleet. Once I started flying more regularly, I noticed how often calculus concepts quietly show up. They’re behind performance charts, descent planning, fuel management, and even simple decisions like choosing the safest climb angle on a hot day. Pilots may not solve equations mid-flight, but every decision we make is based on numbers and curves created by people who did. Understanding that math gives me a deeper respect for both the aircraft and the responsibility that comes with flying one. Another critical component that calculus specifically has taught me is problem-solving. Aviation is comprised of everyday moments full of change. From weather, weight, air density, and wind, we pilots must be able to quickly adjust and think clearly. Calculus strengthens and trains that part of the brain that looks at a challenging situation and understands what it means before reacting. Women account for less than 27% of the STEM workforce. In the world of aviation, women account for less than 6.3% of the FAA-fully certified transport pilots. Like the brave, ambitious, and intelligent women before me, I aspire to break more glass ceilings as I achieve my goals. With my ultimate goal of becoming a Medical Evacuation Aviator. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every module, and take each step forward thereafter. I yearn to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. So it could even be said in earnest that calculus SAVES lives, because it all started here. Calculus.

“In flying, you hold a privilege no one can give you—you earn it inch by inch, hour by hour, sky by sky.” — Capt. Clyde “Chuck” Downey That quote has easily become my favorite aviation quote that I have read so far. Every time I read it, I feel it. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every module, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Aviation has been part of my world since childhood. Growing up on MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. I was immersed in aviation everyday. It became my calling when I was eighteen. My mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I stepped off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The reality that I get to attend this prestigious school is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and The Ninety-Nines. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead of me shape the kind of pilot I aspire to become: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my sole support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she always finds a way to help, even when it means sacrificing her own comfort. I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone, and that knowledge fuels me to press on. Making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. At Craven Community College, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. Here in Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat.  The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. Best Greens Powder Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot.  I’m ambitious. I’m driven. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.

“In flying, you hold a privilege no one can give you—you earn it inch by inch, hour by hour, sky by sky.” — Capt. Clyde “Chuck” Downey That quote has easily become my favorite aviation quote that I have read so far. Every time I read it, I feel it. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every lesson, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Aviation has been part of my world since childhood. Growing up near MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. But aviation didn’t become my calling until I was eighteen, when my mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I walked off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The reality that I get to attend this prestigious school is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and The Ninety-Nines. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead of me shape the kind of pilot I aspire to become: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my only support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she always finds a way to help, even when it means sacrificing her own comfort. I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone, and that knowledge fuels me to press on. Making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. At Craven Community College in North Carolina, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. Here in Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat.  The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. The Veterans Next Generation Scholarship would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot.  I’m ambitious. I’m driven. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.

"Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible." - Eddie Rickenbacker Aeronautical Science is built on STEM principles. From aerodynamics and meteorology, to aircraft systems, physics, and human factors. Pursuing this degree allows me to live at the epicenter of science and flight. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every lesson, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Aviation has been part of my world since childhood. Growing up near MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. But aviation didn’t become my calling until I was eighteen, when my mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I walked off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The reality that I get to attend this prestigious school is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and The Ninety-Nines. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead of me shape the kind of pilot I aspire to become: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my only support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she always finds a way to help, even when it means sacrificing her own comfort. I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone, and that knowledge fuels me to press on. Making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. At Craven Community College in North Carolina, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. Here in Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat.  The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. The Women in STEM Scholarship would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot.  I’m ambitious. I’m driven. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.

They say a dream is just 'pie in the sky', but for pilots, everything worth becoming is up there. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every lesson, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Aviation has been part of my world since childhood. Growing up near MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. But aviation didn’t become my calling until I was eighteen, when my mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I walked off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The reality that I get to attend this prestigious school is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and soon I'll be the newest member of The Ninety-Nines. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead of me shape the kind of pilot I aspire to become: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my only support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she always finds a way to help, even when it means sacrificing her own comfort. I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone, and that knowledge fuels me to press on. Making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. At Craven Community College in North Carolina, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. Here in Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat.  The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. The Harvest Scholarship for Women Dreamers would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot.  I’m ambitious. I’m driven. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.

If my dream is 'pie in the sky', then teach me to fly, because that's where I am headed. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every lesson, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Aviation has been part of my world since childhood. Growing up near MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. But aviation didn’t become my calling until I was eighteen, when my mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I walked off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The reality that I get to attend this prestigious school is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and The Ninety-Nines. Women make up only about 10.8% of pilots certified by the FAA (including students), and fully certified female pilots only account for 6.3% of pilots. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by these amazingly driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead inspire me to become the kind of pilot I want to be: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my only support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she always finds a way to help, even when it means sacrificing her own comfort. I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone, and that knowledge fuels me to press on. Making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. At Craven Community College in North Carolina, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. Here in Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat.  The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. The Audra Dominguez "Be Brave" Scholarship would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot.  I am ambitious. I am driven. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.

“In flying, you hold a privilege no one can give you—you earn it inch by inch, hour by hour, sky by sky.” — Capt. Clyde “Chuck” Downey That quote has easily become my favorite aviation quote that I have read so far. Every time I read it, I feel it. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every lesson, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Faith and aviation have been part of my world since childhood. I was homeschooled and grew up near MCAS Cherry Point. However, aviation didn’t become my calling until I was eighteen, when my mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I walked off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The reality that I get to attend this prestigious school is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and soon I'll be the newest member of The Ninety-Nines. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead of me shape the kind of pilot I aspire to become: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my only support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she will often pray with me, and reminds me that through Christ I can do anything! I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone, and that knowledge fuels me to press on. Honoring God, and making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. At Craven Community College, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. In Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat.  The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. The Hector L. Villarreal Memorial Scholarship would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot.  I’m ambitious. I’m driven. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.

“In flying, you hold a privilege no one can give you—you earn it inch by inch, hour by hour, sky by sky.” — Capt. Clyde “Chuck” Downey That quote has easily become my favorite aviation quote that I have read so far. Every time I read it, I feel it. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every lesson, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Aviation has been part of my world since childhood. Growing up near MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. But aviation didn’t become my calling until I was eighteen, when my mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I walked off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The reality that I get to attend this prestigious school is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and soon I'll be the newest member of The Ninety-Nines. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead of me shape the kind of pilot I aspire to become: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my only support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she always finds a way to help, even when it means sacrificing her own comfort. I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone. Making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. At Craven Community College, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. Here in Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac is calling me it’s aviation with a heartbeat.  The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. The Ali Safai Memorial Scholarship would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot.  Aviation has captured my heart, and changed my life and everything I aim towards, forever. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.

“In flying, you hold a privilege no one can give you—you earn it inch by inch, hour by hour, sky by sky.” - Capt. Clyde Downey That quote has become my favorite aviation quote that I have read so far. Every time I read it, I feel it. Nothing in this field is given. I have had to earn every hour, pass every lesson, and take each step forward thereafter. This understanding has also fueled my drive to become a medical evacuation pilot. I want to fly medevac because I want my work to make a difference on the days that matter the most to someone else. Aviation has been part of my world since childhood. Growing up near MCAS Cherry Point, the sound of helicopters and jets overhead was as normal as hearing birds. But aviation didn’t become my calling until I was eighteen, when my mom and I took a helicopter ride at our county fair. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but the feeling was immediate. Seeing the world from that height opened something in me. I walked off the aircraft knowing I wanted to live my life in the sky. From that day forward, I was on fire to learn more about how to get started with my newly discovered dream. Currently, I am majoring in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. A reality that is still hard to believe sometimes. I take that responsibility seriously and carry it with me every day. Since enrolling at ERAU, I've discovered and joined the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Women in Aviation International, and soon I'll be the newest member of The Ninety-Nines. My intention behind joining these amazing organizations is to increase my opportunity to be surrounded by driven women in aviation. Those who paved the road ahead of me shape the kind of pilot I aspire to become: steady, capable, and purposeful. My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. During my sophomore year of high school, my family went through a pretty painful divorce. Afterwards, my mom became my only support system. I’ve watched her take on more than she should have to. Stretching her budget in ways I see even when she thinks I don’t. She’s been my rock and the person who encourages me when doubt creeps in. When training gets tough, she always finds a way to help, even when it means sacrificing her own comfort. I understand the weight of this dream doesn’t fall on me alone, and that knowledge fuels me to press on. Making her proud isn’t pressure, it’s my motivation. While attending Craven Community College, I was honored to serve as the SGA President and a Hurst Ambassador. These two roles taught me a lot about leadership and service. Here in Daytona, I volunteer at my local animal shelter. I enjoy this because helping others, animals, or people has always mattered to me. That same sense of purpose is why medevac flying feels like the place I’m meant to be. It’s aviation with a heartbeat. The main challenge I face now is financial. My GI Bill benefits end this semester, and the cost of flight training is something you can’t pause without losing momentum. The Hector L. Villarreal Memorial Scholarship would help me continue progressing toward the ratings and hours I need. It would directly support my path toward becoming a medevac pilot. I’m ambitious. I’m driven. And I’m ready to earn every inch, every hour, and every sky on my way to making a meaningful difference. And most of all, making my mom proud.