Mental health challenges have profoundly altered my perspective on life, reshaping my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. The pivotal moment came when I received the distressing call from my family, informing me that my sister was hospitalized. She had attempted to overdose on common medications found at home, intending to end her life. Due to being miles away, I was unable to rush back to be by her side during this harrowing ordeal. Learning of her struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression was a stark awakening. Witnessing my sister's journey from despair to recovery was transformative. Through counseling and a newfound resilience, she emerged stronger, embracing life with renewed vigor. Her experience served as a catalyst for introspection in my own life. I resolved not to let anxiety dictate my existence, committing to reaching out to loved ones during moments of overwhelming despair. Embracing the beauty of life and cherishing relationships, especially with my sister, became paramount. I discarded judgment in favor of compassion, recognizing that everyone faces battles unseen. My own struggles with anxiety and addiction took on a new light, as I acknowledged that I was not alone in my journey. Knowing that there were people willing to support and uplift me became a source of solace. This shift in perspective transcended personal boundaries, influencing my career aspirations. Rather than solely pursuing professional success, I now aspire to a vocation that allows me to advocate for mental health awareness and support. Empathy and understanding have become guiding principles, shaping my interactions with others and informing my career trajectory. Central to this transformation is the unwavering support of my friends and family. They constitute a steadfast network, offering encouragement and companionship through life's tumultuous journey. Their presence serves as a beacon of hope during dark times, reminding me that I am never alone in my struggles. In essence, my journey through mental health challenges has instilled within me a profound appreciation for life's fragility and resilience. It has redefined my beliefs, strengthened my relationships, and inspired a career path grounded in compassion and advocacy. Through it all, I am reminded of the profound impact that love, understanding, and support can have on one's journey towards healing and wholeness. As I navigate this newfound perspective, I am committed to fostering a culture of empathy and support within my community. Whether through volunteering at mental health organizations or initiating conversations about mental wellness, I strive to be a catalyst for positive change. My experiences have taught me that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, and by sharing our struggles, we can inspire hope and resilience in others. Looking towards the future, I envision a career that allows me to merge my passion for mental health advocacy with my professional pursuits. Whether through counseling, education, or policy advocacy, I am driven to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by mental illness. My journey has taught me that healing is not a linear path but a journey marked by resilience, courage, and compassion. In conclusion, my journey through mental health challenges has fundamentally reshaped my outlook on life and influenced my career aspirations. Through the support of loved ones and a commitment to empathy, I have found strength in vulnerability and purpose in advocacy. As I continue on this journey, I am determined to be a voice for those who may feel unheard and a beacon of hope for those navigating their own paths towards healing.

Passion is the fuel that propels us towards our aspirations, igniting within us a fervent desire to pursue our dreams relentlessly. For me, this passion finds its wings in the vast expanse of the sky, in the intricate dance of metal and wind that defines the realm of aviation. From the earliest moments of my life, the allure of flight has held me captive, weaving itself into the fabric of my being and guiding me towards a career that intertwines my love for aviation with my innate desire to serve and assist others. My journey towards a career in aviation has been one marked by determination, fueled by the conviction that through flight, I can make a tangible difference in the world. The idea of piloting helicopters for the Coast Guard resonates deeply with me, as it represents the convergence of two of my greatest passions: flying and serving others. The Coast Guard embodies the spirit of selflessness and dedication to duty, tirelessly safeguarding our shores and aiding those in need, often in the face of adversity. To be a part of such a noble mission, to contribute my skills and expertise towards saving lives and protecting our nation's coastlines, is a calling that I cannot ignore. The prospect of flying helicopters for the Coast Guard fills me with a sense of purpose unlike any other. It is a career path that demands not only technical proficiency but also unwavering resolve and a commitment to excellence. Whether conducting search and rescue operations in treacherous conditions or providing critical support during humanitarian missions, every flight is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. It is this sense of duty and responsibility, coupled with the sheer exhilaration of flight, that drives me forward in my pursuit of a career in aviation. In preparation for this career, I have dedicated myself to acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of rotorcraft operations. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in aviation sciences with an emphasis in rotor wings has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of flight, as well as hands-on experience in piloting helicopters. From mastering the intricacies of aerodynamics to honing my proficiency in navigation and flight planning, every aspect of my education has been geared towards preparing me for the challenges that lie ahead. But my commitment to excellence doesn't end there. Recognizing the evolving landscape of aviation, I have also chosen to pursue a certificate in unmanned aircraft, eager to explore the emerging opportunities presented by drone technology. In an era defined by innovation and technological advancement, it is essential to adapt and embrace new methodologies and tools. By expanding my skill set to include unmanned aircraft operations, I am positioning myself at the forefront of this burgeoning field, ready to leverage the latest advancements to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Coast Guard missions. In essence, my passion for a career in aviation stems not only from a love of flying but also from a deep-seated desire to serve and help others. Whether piloting helicopters for the Coast Guard or leveraging unmanned aircraft to support critical missions, every flight represents an opportunity to make a difference, to contribute in a meaningful way to the greater good. It is this sense of purpose and fulfillment that drives me forward, propelling me towards my goal of a career in aviation where I can soar not only among the clouds but also in the hearts and minds of those I am privileged to serve.

When people hear that I want to be a helicopter pilot, they usually picture me flying over the Grand Canyon showing people the sights. That is not what I want to do. I have always had the desire to help people and make a positive impact on the world. I am studying Aviation Sciences with an emphasis in Rotor Wing because I want to fly for the Coast Guard. To qualify I need a bachelor's degree and be accepted into an officer candidate school. There are other paths I could take to reach this goal, but I value education and feel that I need a 4-year degree. Now, why am I choosing to be a Coastie? First, I want to have a positive impact on the world. As a Coast Guard pilot, I will fly in challenging, high-risk environments. I will be responsible for rescuing people in distress, stopping smugglers, and monitoring illegal activities. If this isn't making a positive impact on the world, I don't know what is. You may be thinking, don't other military branches do the same thing? They may do similar things to what the Coast Guard does, however, there is a second key reason why I chose this career after I graduate. The most impact a person will have on the world will start in the home. I recently got married to the love of my life. She is a special education teacher who works on making a positive impact on the lives of children with disabilities daily. She is my inspiration for many things and picking the Coast Guard was one of them. Military life can be hard on a family. As I have done my research, I have determined that the Coast Guard is the most family. I will not be deployed for more than 6 months at a time. The chances of me going into an active war zone are minimal. I will be able to spend time with my growing family often because of those things. I know the role of a father figure has a huge impact on the development and success of a child. I want to be able to be there for my wife and eventually my children. Most people want to make a positive impact on the world but don't know how. I know that to impact the world you need a plan. I plan on finishing my bachelor's degree in aviation science and applying to the Coast Guard Officer Candidate School. After which I will spend up to 20 years as a pilot, flying to protect the freedom of this country and the people who live in it. I will also be making an impact on my home as I strive to be the best husband and father I can be. This is my plan and even if it changes slightly I know I will do my best to help the world be a better place.

I was miles away from home when I got the call from my family that my sister was in the hosptial. I couldn't get home to be with them, specfically to be with her during this time. I learned that she had overdosed on ibprofren and other common medications found in the home. She was planning on taking ehr life but instead ended up in the hosptital. She made a full recovery, gone to counseling and has made better life choices. She was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety and depression. Those things don't stop her though, like I said she has made a full recovery and is living life to the fullest. From that expereince of seeing hurt turn into healing had made me reflect on my life. I decided that I wouldn't let my anxieties overcome my life and that in moments where I feel like I'm drowning I would reach out to family and friends. I decided that I would focus on the goodness of life and tresure the relationship that I have with my famliy, specifically that sister. I decided to look at the world and people differently. I wouldn't judge but show compassion instead because we all just need a little help. I have delt with my own issues of anxiety and addiction. I look at my issues with a whole new understanding, knowing that I am not alone in my struggles. I know that there are people around me willing to help and encourage me thorugh life. I have a support system of friends and family that I can turn who when life seems to be too much and for that, I am thankful.

While in high school I took an unmanned aerial vehicle class and became obsessed with the idea of flight. Since then I have bought, restored, and built many drones because that was the closest I could get to flying. That is what sparked my interest in flight. There are a lot of ways to get into aviation but I had my eyes set on Southern Utah University's Rotor Wing Bachelor's degree program because of the experience I would gain flying in high elevation. Now that I have the opportunity to have a flight spot in one of the most competitive rotor-wing programs in the States, I am living my dream of touching the sky daily. Besides knowing that I wanted to fly, I have also always known that my calling in life is to help and serve those who cannot do it for themselves. The question always was, what would I do with my flight degree? I determined that the military would be the best path because it included both my desire to serve and to fly. However, I am married and planning on having a family one day. I did my research (or should I say my wife did) and found that the Coast Guard is the most family-friendly military field. So, after I graduate with my Bachelor's degree, I will apply for Officer Candidate School and then go through their flight program. There I will gain knowledge, skills, and receive training concerning emergency scenarios such as search and rescue. As I combine knowledge from both flight training, I will be able to help and serve the people of the United States of America by reducing people in distress, stopping smugglers, and monitoring illegal activities. I don't know how long I will stay with the Coast Guard or if I will even be accepted, life is filled with unknowns. After I retire (or if I do not get accepted), I plan on doing life flights for hospitals or working for the U.S. Forest Service doing search and rescue or wildland firefighting. Both of these secondary career paths combine my love for flight and my desire to serve people. No matter what happens in my life I know that I will serve those around me using my love for flying rotor wing crafts. I am not there yet. I am still learning the proper techniques and skills needed to get to that level of flight. For now, I serve and help my community by being involved in my church's youth program. Every Sunday and Wednesday I sit down with the young men in the youth group and talk with them, mentor them, and be a friend to them. In addition to that, I am working on becoming certified to train service dogs for people with disabilities. I am not yet able to do it, but once I am able I plan on training dogs specifically for children with autism. I love to serve and help those around me and I plan on being able to do that for the rest of my life whether in an aircraft or on the ground. Thank you for taking the time to read through why I am interested in aviation and how I plan to serve and help people.