My name is Jackson Doele, and I am a first-year student at Southeast Community College in Nebraska, where I am pursuing a degree in Electrical Automation and Robotics. I chose this trade because I have always enjoyed working with my hands, solving complex problems, and figuring out how things work. From a young age, I was the kind of person who would take apart computers and machines just to understand their inner workings. That curiosity grew into a passion for technology and hands-on problem-solving, which led me to electrical automation as the best path for my future. My personal goal in the trades is to become highly skilled in electrical automation and robotics so that I can contribute to developing and maintaining systems that are essential in today’s world. This field is constantly evolving, and it combines technical knowledge with practical application. By learning how to program, repair, and innovate automation systems, I can play a role in improving manufacturing processes, energy efficiency, and everyday systems that people rely on. Long-term, I hope to work for a company that specializes in automation or possibly start my own business in the trade. Either way, my goal is to build a stable, meaningful career that allows me to continue learning while giving back to my community. Reaching this goal has not been easy for me. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age eleven, and it requires ongoing treatments to manage. I also live with ADHD, which has challenged me with focus and organization. These obstacles could have held me back, but instead, they taught me persistence and determination. Crohn’s has forced me to manage my time and energy carefully, while ADHD has required me to develop systems to stay on track. Facing these challenges has made me stronger and has prepared me for the persistence that the trades demand. The values of generosity, respect, innovation, and teamwork are important to me as well. I have learned that respect is the foundation of any professional environment, whether it’s with instructors, classmates, or future coworkers. Innovation is a core part of my field, and I am motivated by the opportunity to solve problems in new ways. Teamwork is equally important, because tradespeople rely on each other to complete projects safely and effectively. I also believe in generosity, not only in terms of giving back financially when I can, but also in being willing to share knowledge and support others who are beginning their journey in the trades. This scholarship would help me achieve my goals by easing the financial burden of my education. Trade school is an investment, and while it is more affordable than a traditional four-year college, the costs of tuition, tools, and supplies still add up. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on mastering my program and taking advantage of opportunities for hands-on learning. It would also give me the confidence that I have support behind me as I work toward my goals. The trades are the backbone of our communities. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, and many others keep our world running in ways that most people take for granted. My goal is to contribute to that tradition by becoming a skilled electrical automation professional. I know that this work will not only provide me with a stable career but also allow me to improve the systems that people depend on every day. With hard work, perseverance, and support from scholarships like this one, I am determined to succeed and to make a lasting impact in my trade.

My name is Jackson Doele, and I am a first-year student at Southeast Community College in Nebraska studying Electrical Automation and Robotics. While my trade path is different from ironwork, I share the same respect for hands-on professions that build and sustain our communities. I have always been drawn to working with my hands and solving complex problems, and pursuing a career in the trades allows me to turn those interests into meaningful work. One of the things that inspires me most about the Ironworkers Union is the idea of building something tangible that lasts for generations. Ironworkers shape the skylines of our cities, strengthen our infrastructure, and create the structures that people depend on every day. That is something I deeply respect, and it is one of the reasons why I value the trades as a whole. Like ironwork, my field in electrical automation involves taking technical knowledge and applying it in practical ways to improve people’s lives. I believe that being part of a union like the Ironworkers not only allows workers to develop their skills but also creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The benefits of joining a union are clear. A union provides training, safety, and mentorship opportunities that are critical to success in any trade. It also ensures fair wages, benefits, and protections that give workers stability as they build their careers. Beyond that, a union creates a community where members support each other, share knowledge, and take pride in their profession. For me, the chance to be part of that kind of community would be invaluable. It would give me the guidance and structure I need to master my trade and the encouragement to keep striving even when challenges arise. I know about challenges firsthand. At age eleven, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a condition I still manage with regular treatments. I also have ADHD, which can make focus and organization more difficult at times. These obstacles could have kept me from pursuing a demanding career in the trades, but instead they have taught me persistence, discipline, and resilience. I have learned to adapt, stay focused, and push forward even when things are tough. These are the same qualities I would bring with me into the Ironworkers Union or any trade. My strengths lie in my problem-solving mindset, my perseverance, and my commitment to doing quality work. Whether it was repairing computers as a kid, learning new technical systems in college, or simply staying consistent in the face of health challenges, I have always approached my work with thoroughness and determination. I believe these traits would allow me to contribute positively to a union environment where skill, teamwork, and dependability are valued. In the end, the trades are about more than just a career. They are about building something meaningful, whether that is a structure, a system, or a legacy. I want to be part of a profession where my work directly impacts my community, just as Ron V. Howell Sr. did with his dedication to ironwork. Being part of the Ironworkers Union would give me the opportunity to grow in my trade, find camaraderie with others, and carry forward the values of hard work and commitment that define this field.

My name is Jackson Doele, and I am a first-year student at Southeast Community College in Nebraska, pursuing a degree in Electrical Automation and Robotics. I chose this path because I have always been drawn to working with my hands and solving complex problems. From a young age, I enjoyed taking apart computers and small machines just to see how they worked. I found satisfaction not only in figuring things out but also in putting them back together and improving them. That curiosity for technology eventually led me to electrical automation, a trade that allows me to combine technical knowledge with hands-on work while creating systems that improve daily life. Choosing a trade career felt natural for me, but the journey has not been without obstacles. At age eleven, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a chronic condition that requires regular treatments to keep it under control. These treatments can be physically and emotionally draining, and living with a condition that has no cure can make even ordinary tasks more difficult. In addition to this, I also have ADHD, which has challenged me with focus and organization. These obstacles could have easily discouraged me, but instead, they have taught me persistence, patience, and the importance of discipline. I have learned to keep pushing forward, even when things are tough, and to find ways to adapt so that I can succeed in both school and life. My goal is to master my trade by completing my degree and gaining experience through internships and on-the-job training. I hope to one day work for a company that specializes in automation systems or even start my own business in the field. Beyond building a career, I want to use my skills to make a meaningful impact on my community. Electrical automation plays a big role in making industries safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. By contributing to this field, I will be helping create systems that benefit people every day. I also hope to encourage younger students in my community to consider the trades as a rewarding path, showing them that hands-on work is just as valuable as any traditional college degree. Skilled work matters because it is the foundation of how our communities function. From electricians to welders, tradespeople keep the world running in ways that many people don’t think about but rely on daily. I am proud to be pursuing a trade that combines technical expertise with hands-on problem-solving, and I know that the work I do will have a real impact. This scholarship would help me continue my education by easing the financial strain that comes with tuition and supplies. It would allow me to stay focused on learning and building my skills without as much worry about the costs. With support like this, I can continue working toward my goals and commit myself fully to becoming a skilled professional who contributes to both my field and my community.

My name is Jackson Doele, and I am a first-year student at Southeast Community College in Nebraska, where I am studying electrical automation. From a young age, I have been fascinated by how things work. I spent countless hours taking apart computers, experimenting with small machines, and teaching myself how to put them back together. I quickly realized that my greatest interest was combining hands-on work with problem-solving, especially when it came to technology. Electrical automation and robotics became the perfect fit for me, because it brings together my curiosity for technology, my love of building, and the satisfaction of seeing real results from hard work. Pursuing this career has not come without challenges. At age eleven, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a chronic condition that requires regular treatments and often leaves me physically and mentally drained. I also live with ADHD, which can make focus and organization more difficult. These obstacles have tested me in ways that many of my peers may not experience, but they have also taught me persistence and resilience. I have learned how to push through when things are tough, adapt to changing circumstances, and stay committed to my goals. These traits will serve me well in the trades, where discipline and determination are as important as technical knowledge. To master my trade, I plan to complete my degree in Electrical Automation and Robotics with a strong emphasis on hands-on training. I know that the best way to build skills in this field is by applying what I learn in real-world settings. I intend to pursue internships and work opportunities during and after school that will give me direct experience in automation systems. My long-term vision is to either join a company focused on automation technology or eventually build a business of my own. By doing so, I will not only advance my own career but also contribute to the growth of the industry in my community. Giving back is an important part of why I am pursuing this path. Electrical automation is about improving systems that people rely on every day, whether that’s in manufacturing, energy, or daily conveniences at home and work. By helping create and maintain these systems, I will be contributing to progress that makes life safer, more efficient, and more reliable for others. Beyond the technical side, I also want to encourage younger students in my community who may be considering the trades but are unsure about their future. I know what it feels like to face challenges that make you question your path, and I want to be an example that persistence pays off. I believe that trades are the backbone of our communities. Like Richard Matthews, whose welding expertise left a mark that still impacts others, I hope to leave a legacy through my own work. My journey in electrical automation and robotics is just beginning, but I am determined to master my trade, stay dedicated through the challenges, and build a career that allows me to give back by improving the lives of others.

I am Jackson Doele, a senior at Lincoln's Waverly High School, and I plan to attend Southeast Community College this fall to pursue Electrical Automation and Robotics. I like technology and getting my hands dirty, so I chose to be an electrical professional, maybe a lineman. This scholarship would help me achieve my goals by providing financial support as I become a skilled professional in the trade industry. The work of a lineman requires working collaboratively as a team, and I have leadership experience in completing group projects that involve teamwork and sound decision-making skills. One of them was at school when the group was asked to build an electrical circuit that would energize a small device. Initially, we experienced coordination and delegation issues, which caused delays and frustration. Upon seeing that we needed to do better in terms of teamwork, I took the initiative to organize our group, assigning specific tasks to each member and setting clear goals. I ensured that everyone had a role and took charge of the more technical aspects of the project, like the wiring and circuits. Despite being able to complete the project, the final product had wiring issues due to rushed testing and last-minute repairs. In hindsight, I realize that I should have prepared and instructed the team members on the technical aspects before we started. More preparation and prompt coordination would have kept the errors at bay and improved our project outcome. Through these challenges, the experience was a worthwhile learning experience in leadership, responsibility, and teamwork, qualities that are essential for success in the trades. In a career like electrical or linemen work, communication and cooperation among people are essential to ensure safety and efficiency. This experience has shaped my problem-solving and leadership style, qualities that I will continue to hone as I start my career. This scholarship would bring me very close to achieving my goal of becoming an electrical worker, where I aim to make my mark. I am committed to learning, growing, and eventually contributing back to the trades, just like John Geremia did throughout his career.

My name is Jackson Doele, and I am a senior at Waverly High School in Nebraska. I have always been interested in working with my hands and solving complex problems, especially if they are about technology. These are the reasons why I desired to pursue a career in electrical automation and robotics. This profession combines my passion for work with my love of technology, and I look forward to continuing my studies at Southeast Community College this fall in electrical automation. I hope to build a career in this growing field, where I can be involved in developing systems that improve our lives every day and leave a lasting legacy. From an early age, I enjoyed taking apart computers, messing around with tiny machines, and knowing how they work. It is from such experience that I became aware of my technology and problem-solving interest. Later on, I discovered electrical automation and robotics as the perfect career for me because it incorporates my love for technology, design, and hands-on problem-solving. I am motivated to pursue this career because I know it provides endless opportunities for learning, innovation, and growth. My path to this point has not been easy, however. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at age 11, a chronic condition that has me receiving infusions every eight weeks to keep the symptoms under control. While the treatments allow me to live a more manageable lifestyle, the disease continues to have a physically and emotionally draining effect. In addition to this, I also suffer from ADHD, which at times has proved to be a stumbling block to concentration and organization. These challenges have required me to develop persistence and adaptability. Short of relapse, I am dedicated to sticking it out and succeeding within the trades. Learning to cope with my ADHD and health has taught me the importance of diligence, discipline, and perseverance. In order to succeed at the career that I want to pursue, I am committed to completing the Electrical Automation and Robotics program at Southeast Community College. The hands-on training is important in learning the technical skills necessary for me to succeed. When I complete my degree, I plan on gaining hands-on experience through the form of internships and work experience that will allow me to continue learning and growing in the field. Ideally, I would hope to work for a company that deals specifically with automation or maybe even start my own business, following in the footsteps of Colton Frahm, whose endless hard work and dedication to the trades left an indelible mark. The traits I possess that will make me better in the electrical automation and robotics field are work ethic, perseverance, and being thorough. I have overcome the challenges and have learned to approach every obstacle with a problem-solving mindset. My thoroughness has been honed with years of repairing and constructing computers and on hands-on experiences. These qualities, along with my passion for technology, will allow me to be a success in my trade and allow me to make a positive impact on the industry. In honor of Colton Frahm's legacy, I am committed to a career in the trades, where I can truly make a difference. The electrical robotics and automation work not only interest me but also offer me the opportunity to repay my community by developing new systems that enhance people's lives. I hope to learn more, conquer the challenges that are ahead, and build a successful career that will allow me to leave my footprint in the world of technology and trades.