I grew up on a country farm and a baseball player. I’ve lived and breathed the sport since I was six. All my favorite childhood memories took place between the white chalk lines of a baseball field. Sitting here, it’s hard to recall a single friend I didn’t first meet in a dugout. I was fortunate to have attended Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy since kindergarten, blessed with an amazing education that I took advantage of. I was also comfortable—a familiar school with familiar friends. But CHCA wasn't known for sports. Just 10 minutes down the road, Archbishop Moeller—a Division One high school—certainly was. Baseball was everything...my whole life. So, after middle school, I left behind all my friends, my brother, a great merit scholarship, and a guaranteed spot on CHCA's baseball team. I started over at Moeller with one goal. I worked hard. I practiced every day. I was really good. Then it was over. The words hadn’t left Coach Schmitt’s mouth before tears welled up in my eyes. I tried to keep my voice steady as I thanked him for his time and effort, but all I could focus on were those two-words: “You’re cut.” As Coach walked away, I was left standing alone…defeated…in the second-floor hallway. It’s been three years, but the memory remains fresh, as does that all-consuming feeling of emptiness. My days on the diamond were over and I didn't handle it well at all. I tried to transfer again, this time to a school with a less competitive program. I attempted re-enrollment into Moeller’s 2026 class just for a second chance. I panicked. I couldn’t envision a future where baseball wasn’t at its center, and I was ready to sacrifice everything...again. And for what? A game? After weeks of being stuck in a downward spiral of uncertainty and despair, I realized that my entire future's happiness and success did not hinge upon a game. With God's help, I let go of baseball and put my faith in Him to guide me through whatever would come next. And He did. Since moving on from baseball, I've been happier than ever before. My social life has flourished, and I’ve connected with my family and community on a deeper level. They ground me daily, challenging me to be the best person possible. I've also excelled academically. With a GPA of 4.74, I’ve earned my place among the top minds at Moeller and beyond. My strongest attributes center around mathematics and science and strongly suggest engineering as a natural career path for me. STEM graduates drive U.S. innovation and competitiveness, playing key roles in the growth and stability of our economy. They’re also likely to find high-paying, long-term, rewarding careers. By working hard, I’ve given myself the opportunity to enroll in a prestigious 4-year university in hopes of attaining a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s and Ph.D., likely in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering. This past summer’s internship at U.C.'s Department of AsE has only reaffirmed my goals and path forward. Not-to-mention my father’s influence. Retired now, he had a long, successful career rooted in Aerospace engineering. I find myself following in his footsteps, not just because I share his passion for the field, but because part of me would take pride honoring the man who’s always been my foundation. Once, my sole passion in life was baseball. Since that dream ended, I've found the courage to reimagine myself and my life's purpose. Throughout my engineering career, I hope to help solve many complex, consequential global issues. With your help, that goal is even more within my reach. Thank you.

With a 4.74 G.P.A., I’m ranked in the top 3% of my Archbishop Moeller High School class. I’ve received many merit-based awards & been inducted into several honor societies. My strongest skills include critical/analytical thinking, logic, curiosity, problem-solving, creativity and persuasion. My educational interests have always been rooted in Mathematics and Science. These attributes suggest engineering as a natural path for me. I’ve applied to prestigious universities (Purdue, Georgia-Tech, Michigan) to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D., likely in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering. Because financial aid’s a consideration, I’m also applying to in-state schools strong in engineering. My U.C. Aerospace Engineering internship gave me firsthand glimpses of real-world engineering applications, reaffirming my path forward. Not-to-mention my father’s influence. Retired now, he had a successful career in Aerospace. I’m following in his footsteps, not just because I share his passion for the field, but because I’d take pride honoring the man who’s always been my foundation. Beyond technical skills, I’ve grown as a leader and friend, fostering strong peer-relationships through academics, sports and service. Moeller’s opened so many opportunities. Personally, I’ve never wanted for much, so helping others has become important to me. Whether volunteering in local programs (Clutter2Care/VineyardChurchHealingCenter/RonaldMcDonaldHouseCharities/ MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/CanineCompanionsforIndependence), engaging in leadership roles at Moeller (AcademicTutor/FreshmanRetreatLeader/ShadowHost/ AthleticCampCounselor), advocating for underprivileged, inner-city youth (CorryvilleCatholicLittleBuddiesProgram) or against homelessness (Shantytown) and deadly fentanyl poisonings (JackQuehlFoundation), I’ve been trying my best to give more than I take. Through these acts of kindness/service, I’ve found purpose in the world beyond my own ambitions. My dad’s undoubtedly my guiding star. He’s always there, showing me the importance of hard work, curiosity, never giving up. But mom guides my heart. She’s always talked openly about her struggles with alcoholism and her incredible journey to sobriety. The disease filled her life with heartache, robbing years of her happiness and eventually stealing her ability to practice medicine. Mom’s honesty/vulnerability shaped me in ways hard to express. She’s taught me strength isn’t about being perfect; it’s about owning your imperfections, turning them into something that can lift you, and others, up. Without her strength, I literally wouldn’t exist. Her 19-years-of-sobriety before I even graduate, aren’t just her victories, they’re gifts to our entire family. Our relationship remains the most precious and transformative aspect of who I am. If I’m destined to do anything meaningful in life, it’s because of her. Until a few years ago, I had grandiose dreams of becoming a baseball star. The sting/utter despair of being cut from Moeller’s team freshman year is still raw—something that felt like the end of the world. But life has a funny way of redirecting you. That moment was indeed a turning point. It pushed me to explore other passions, finding new strengths within myself. Among other things, that’s when weightlifting became a significant part of my life. Lifting teaches incredible discipline & resolve. For me, it’s more than building muscle—it’s a metaphor for life’s challenges and an avenue for self-discovery & growth, providing insights that’ve shaped my body, mind, character and soul. As I see it, success in life comes down to a few basic things: the love you give and receive, the legacy you build through your actions and choices, and the resilience to rise above adversity. My mother’s sobriety…my father’s quiet strength…my own journey from baseball to Aerospace…So far, I’ve had an educational career I’m truly proud of and a life filled with love, meaning, and constant growth. In the end, if I can stay true to my values, nurture relationships that matter most, and leave the world better than I found it, that’s the best I can hope for.