A little about me: I'm a 17-year-old African American male from way up north in a quaint town in South Dakota called Britton. I got two great sisters, two loving parents, and a rowdy dog. I come from a place where it's an hour from anywhere and there's more cows than there are people. I am currently attending Britton-Hecla High School, where I am a senior, and I plan to attend North Dakota State College of Science, where I will earn a dual degree in building trades technology and construction management. During my Junior year of high school, I took the lead of a group project for my history class. We were told to create a presentation on the impact of the Industrial Revolution. I was confident that i could take charge believing that I could help organize our ideas and guide each other to make a great presentation. I started by giving each person a job to do for the project and to start brainstorming for their part of the project, at first things were going great until we had our deadline coming up some of our group members were not able to keep up with their work. I helped them with the work they were backed up on and then i thought about how i never made clear expectations or check ins, which led to confusion. As we were getting close it started to show that we were not ready, some of our slides were incomplete, and the whole flow of our presentation was not there. On the day of the presentation, we struggled badly to get our information out effectively, which resulted in us getting a lower grade then we wanted. Looking back on it, I learned that its important to delegate tasks while also always having constant communication throughout the project. If i were able to do it again, I would add in a shared platform or website where we can track progress and group contributions.

A little about me: I'm a 17-year-old African American male from way up north in a quaint town in South Dakota called Britton. I got two great sisters, two loving parents, and a rowdy dog. I come from a place where it's an hour from anywhere and there's more cows than there are people. My primary goal is to become a certified project manager. Construction management fascinates me, not only because of the steps involved but also the critical role construction managers play in society. From building a house up starting from just a blueprint to erecting skyscrapers that touch the clouds, Construction managers are essential to our modern way of life. I aspire to master the skills necessary to excel in this field mixing technical knowledge with problem-solving skill. By doing so i hope to contribute significantly to my community. In addition to technical skills, I aspire to develop strong leadership qualities. My vision reaches beyond being just laborer on the job, I want to lead teams, mentor apprentices, and eventually start my own construction company. I believe that the trades are an excellent place for entrepreneurship, and i see myself creating a company that not only provides high quality service but also prioritizes environmental responsibility and community engagement. I want to empower others underrepresented in the field by offering apprenticeships and training programs, ensuring that the next generation of tradesman is well equipped to carry on. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with my education and training. It would provide me with the opportunity to gather the tools, certifications, and resources I need without the looming anxiety of financial strain. With this support, I can fully immerse myself in my studies and practical training, focusing on my skills and knowledge to become an exceptional manager. Furthermore, this scholarship would enable me to participate in additional seminars and industry conferences. Staying updated on the latest advancements in construction management is crucial for me as i am eager to expand knowledge beyond the classroom. BY attending these events i can network with professionals in the field, learn from their experiences and stay at the front of industry trends. But beyond my personal growth, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. If granted this scholarship. In conclusion, my goals and aspirations in the trades revolve around becoming a certified construction manager, developing strong leadership qualities, and giving back to my community, This scholarship would not only alleviate student debt but also give the me to pursue my dreams with focus and dedication, i am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. With your support, I am confident that i can achieve great things in the trades and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.