As a woman of color pursuing an associate's degree in engineering, I am honored to apply for a scholarship that reflects the values Eric W. Larson stood for: equality, education, and opportunity for women in the sciences. His belief in the importance of gender and racial equality in STEM deeply resonates with me, not only because of who I am, but because of where I come from and what I’m working toward. I was born and raised in East Africa, in a community where few women pursue STEM fields, especially in higher education. In 2022, I made the life-changing decision to move to the United States to study engineering. I arrived with no family here, no financial safety net, and no support system. It was an overwhelming transition, and there were moments where the loneliness and uncertainty felt unbearable. But what has kept me going is the same drive that brought me here: the belief that I can change my future through education. Financial hardship has been a major part of my journey. My family and I have made many sacrifices so I could be here today. Balancing academics with work study, budgeting every dollar, and often going without has been difficult but not impossible. These challenges have taught me how to be resourceful, resilient, and focused. They’ve also made me more determined to succeed, not just for myself, but for the next generation of girls who will look to women like me for proof that their dreams are possible. I chose engineering because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work and how they can be improved. I love the process of solving complex problems and designing systems that make people’s lives better. But more than that, I see engineering as a way to create lasting change in underserved communities, especially in developing regions like where I come from. I want to use my skills to improve infrastructure, expand access to clean water and energy, and create technologies that are accessible and sustainable. My future career isn’t just about building systems; it’s about breaking barriers. I hope to become a leader in the field, not only contributing through innovation, but also mentoring other young women of color in STEM. I want to be the kind of role model I wish I had growing up, someone who proves that your gender, your race, or your economic background doesn’t define your limits. Eric actively advocated for increased representation of women and people of color in science and engineering. By supporting initiatives, mentorship programs, and educational opportunities, he helped open doors for BIPOC youth who might not have otherwise envisioned a future in STEM. 2. Mentorship and Allyship: As an aerospace engineer and father to daughters, Eric used his position to mentor and uplift young people of color, offering guidance, encouragement, and support. His allyship gave aspiring female scientists and engineers the confidence to pursue dreams that were often underrepresented in their communities. 3. Challenging Systemic Barriers: Eric didn’t just believe in equality in theory; he actively challenged the systems that limited access for BIPOC students. Whether through volunteering, speaking out on equity issues, or promoting inclusive hiring and scholarship practices, he worked to dismantle barriers within academia and industry. 4. Creating Inclusive Spaces: Eric was known for fostering environments at work, in his community, and at home where women of color felt seen, respected, and encouraged. He supported girls’ STEM programs, inclusive classrooms, and diverse workplace policies, making sure that opportunities were truly accessible. 5. Inspiring Cultural Shift: Through both personal example and professional influence, Eric helped normalize the presence of women of color in fields like aerospace engineering. He contributed to a cultural shift where diversity in STEM isn’t just tolerated, it’s celebrated and recognized as essential to innovation. Eric W. Larson’s work didn’t just advocate for equality; it actively helped build a more inclusive future in STEM. His efforts to support women of color and challenge the systems that held us back have created real, lasting change. As someone directly benefiting from that legacy, I see it as my responsibility to continue his mission. I want to not only succeed in engineering but also create pathways for others like me, BIPOC girls with dreams bigger than their circumstances. His legacy reminds me that true progress is not just personal, it’s collective. Eric W. Larson’s commitment to uplifting women of color in STEM is not just admirable, it’s transformative. This scholarship would relieve some of my financial burden and allow me to continue pursuing my degree with focus and determination. More importantly, it would connect me to a legacy of advocacy, equality, and belief in the power of education. I want to leave a legacy behind. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring the life of someone who so strongly believed in the potential of students like me. c

When I first read about Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s life, I felt a deep and personal connection. Like Maggie, I am a woman who left everything familiar behind to pursue education in the United States. I arrived in the United States from East Africa in 2022, alone and without any support system. I was driven by determination, curiosity, and the conviction that I could build something meaningful through engineering. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and education system has not been easy. I’ve had to navigate everything from paperwork and housing to feelings of isolation, Cultural shock, and homesickness. But Maggie’s story reminds me that strength is not just about enduring challenges—it’s about embracing them with courage and purpose. That’s what I strive to do every day. Maggie’s physical and intellectual bravery inspires me deeply. Like her, I enjoy pushing my limits. While I may not be a ski instructor or mountain climber, I understand the same spirit of resilience and daring. I’ve taken on the rigorous path of studying engineering—not just because I want to build a better future for myself, but because I want to contribute to solving real-world problems. I am currently pursuing an associate's degree in Mechatronics Technology at Southwest Tennessee Community College, and I’m committed to becoming an expert in my field, just as Maggie was in hers. Beyond the shared experience of moving to the United States alone, what I most deeply resonate with in Maggie’s story is her fearlessness, both physical and intellectual. She was not only brave in the face of challenges, but she also chose to put herself in situations that required courage. That mindset of running toward the hard things rather than away from them is something I try to live by. Maggie was a woman who did not let fear stop her from skiing down mountains, climbing peaks, or challenging ideas in debate. I feel a strong connection to that kind of mindset because engineering, for me, is that mountain. I chose this field knowing it was hard, knowing it was male-dominated, and knowing I’d be figuring it all out in a new country. And still, like Maggie, I said yes. I also resonate with Maggie’s intellectual independence. She didn’t wait for someone to teach her or invite her in; she actively pursued knowledge until she mastered it. That is how I’ve approached my education, especially coming from a background where access to STEM resources was often limited. I had to seek out opportunities, teach myself concepts, and advocate for my own future. That same determination Maggie had to become an expert, to not settle for surface-level understanding, is something I feel every day. Finally, I connect with Maggie’s legacy of strength through vulnerability. She battled cancer for three years with resilience. While I haven’t faced a health crisis like she did, I’ve faced emotional and mental challenges that come with leaving your entire world behind and starting over in a foreign place. Her perseverance reminds me that quiet, steady strength is sometimes the most powerful kind. This scholarship would not only support me financially, but it would also affirm the journey of women like Maggie and like me who dare to cross borders, break norms, and face adversity in the pursuit of education and impact. I hope to honor her legacy by continuing to be strong and push forward. My wish is that in the future, I will be in a position to support other young women just as this scholarship seeks to support me. Thank you for considering my application.

I have always been curious about how things worked from a young age. I used to disassemble my toys very curious and eager to understand what was inside the toys. My aunt used to punish me for that but I never stopped. I believe the curiosity that I had created a great passion for engineering, pushing me to explore the engineering world. I am very committed to pursuing engineering not just as a profession but as a way to impact the world we live in. My journey into engineering began when I enrolled in a co-op program during high school. This opportunity allowed me to gain hands-on experience at a local engineering firm, where I was involved in projects ranging from designing sustainable energy solutions to developing software for automated systems and automated irrigation systems. One outstanding project involved collaborating with a team to create a solar-powered water purification system prototype. This was not only an academic exercise but also a real-world application that made an impact on the community. Working alongside experienced engineers helped me gain technical skills and made me realize how teamwork can be very effective. My role involved conducting research, brainstorming design ideas, and presenting our findings to stakeholders. This experience made it clear that engineering is more about making a difference in society. I also sought other hands-on experiences that fueled my passion for engineering. I participated in a summer robotics camp, where I had the chance to build and program a robot to complete specific tasks. This particular experience made me understand the importance of perseverance, critical thinking, patience, and adaptability as I faced numerous challenges that required creative solutions. Seeing our robot successfully navigate obstacles was truly rewarding towards the hard work and dedication that we put in towards our project. This made me eager to come up with more projects. Furthermore, I participated in a community service project where we came up with ways to curb global warming. A Project that made me realize how engineering has a great impact on society. This project allowed me to apply my skills in engineering to community development. There was a time during my teenage years when I worked on a project with my friends. During this project, we designed and set up playground equipment for a local park and the kids loved it! Seeing children play on the equipment we created was incredibly fulfilling, raising my desire to pursue a career in the engineering field where I could blend technical skills with social responsibility. I am currently working on designing an efficient traditional refrigeration system that will be cost-effective, hence providing Natural Refrigerant, and cutting costs on utility. As I look forward to my future in engineering, I am excited about the field's endless possibilities. I am particularly interested in sustainable engineering practices that can help mitigate environmental issues. With the knowledge and skills I've gained through my hands-on experiences, I am prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Ultimately, my decision to pursue a career in engineering comes from the experiences that have helped me shape and understand the field of engineering. The curiosity that I have had since childhood, together with the practical skills that I have gained through the current program that I am taking at Southwest Tennessee Community College (Mechatronics) and various hands-on projects that I have taken have deepened my commitment to making a positive impact in society. I look forward to continuing on this journey because each project I take on, I'm one step closer to achieving my dreams.

Being a first-generation college student graduate is a great accomplishment that one has to be proud of! According to me, it does not only show the effort put in but also going milestone to break the barriers that could not be broken before and paving way for other members of the family. I am the first one in my family to attain a college degree, I have had so many barriers and challenges that not many people have faced. Despite the challenges, I chose to sore higher and stir up. Being on this journey has not only made me my aspirations be on another level but also helped in my growth. As a girl raised by my mom and my grandmother from a low-income family who did not go beyond middle school, they did not have any experience to guide me through school life. However, they believed in me and dedicated themselves to help me pursue my studies. It was not easy for them, but they tried. Seeing them struggle every day to keep me in school really motivated me. I involved myself in organizations in school for students which gave me the opportunity to meet with other ambitious students who motivated me too. We shared our struggles and encouraged each other to break the barriers in our families. I connected with mentors from a mentorship that I joined, which not only contributed positively to my academic journey through academic support but also served as a platform to share my challenges and got comfort from the mentors which helped me realize the importance of seeking help when we need it. The mentorship program was so empowering. I am currently at Southwest to continue my education, and I am a peer mentor. I mentor my fellow students an experience which has made me realize that education is not just an achievement but a responsibility in a community. Helping my fellow students navigate through their academic journey has made me realize the importance of advocating and providing guidance to students. Providing guidance to my fellow students fills my heart. I am actually considering taking education somewhere along the line in future so I can give students the guidance needed. Being where I am, I sit down and reflect where I have come from, I must say it has been quite a journey, which is quite a testimony. The effort, the dedication and the sacrifices I have made to get here says it all. Both my personal and academic life have shaped and molded me greatly laying a big foundation for my future. In conclusion, being a first-generation college graduate comes with a lot of sacrifices and dedication including overcoming challenges and one can emerge from the challenges by engaging in activities which contributes a lot to one's success. Because the contributed a lot towards several skills like communication which helped me network with various people. As I look forward to graduate from y current college, I hold dear the lessons and the networks I have established. Helping others as a peer mentor has established a strong desire to help more people now and in future. It is just a start for me as at now and I look forward to making a positive change not just regionally me but worldwide.

One Black woman who has deeply inspired me is Maya Angelou. Her resilience, wisdom, and unwavering spirit have left a lasting impact on me. Maya Angelou's ability to overcome adversity, find her voice, and use her words to inspire and empower others is truly remarkable. She taught me the power of storytelling, the importance of resilience, and the value of using my voice to advocate for change. In order for me to channel Maya Angelou's inspiration into my own journey towards achieving my goals, I have embraced the idea of fearlessly pursuing my passions and dreams. Just like Maya Angelou faced challenges head-on and emerged stronger, I strive to approach obstacles with courage and determination. I draw strength from her words and experiences, using them as a guiding light to navigate through challenges and setbacks. Furthermore, I aim to embody Maya Angelou's spirit of compassion and empathy in all my endeavors. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for social justice, I hope to honor her legacy and contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate world. In essence, Maya Angelou's life and work serve as a constant reminder to me that resilience, empathy, and the power of words can drive positive change. I carry her inspiration with me as I pursue my goals, knowing that her legacy continues to guide and empower me on my journey. I strive to embody Maya Angelou's spirit in several ways: Maya Angelou, was resilient. With this type of character from Maya, I aim to face challenges with resilience and grace. I understand that setbacks are a natural part of life, and I strive to overcome them with determination and perseverance. Maya Angelou was also known for her empathy and compassion towards others. With this trait I will emulate her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, to listen with an open heart, and to offer support and understanding whenever needed. She was an advocate. She used her voice to advocate for social justice and equality. I am committed to speaking up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, and to actively working towards creating a more just and inclusive society. Building a better future: Advocacy for social justice and equality is about creating a better future for current and future generations. By advocating for positive social change, we can contribute to building a more sustainable, peaceful, and compassionate world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Because advocacy for social justice and equality is a moral imperative that calls upon individuals and communities to stand up against injustice, promote equality, and work towards a more just and inclusive society for all. Overall, advocacy for social justice plays a vital role in challenging discrimination by raising awareness, advocating for policy change, empowering marginalized communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and holding institutions accountable for discriminatory practices. By addressing discrimination at its root causes and working towards systemic change, advocates strive to create a more just and equitable society for all. Maya Angelou was a prolific writer and artist who used her creativity to inspire and uplift others. I strive to tap into my own creativity to express myself, share my ideas, and connect with people in meaningful ways. Maya Angelou's journey of self-discovery and personal growth serves as a reminder to me to constantly strive for self-improvement and to embrace new opportunities for learning and development. By embodying these qualities inspired by Maya Angelou, I aim to make a positive impact on the world around me and to honor her legacy through my actions and words. I want to leave a legacy.