I remember standing at my first airshow as fighter jets thundered overhead. I watched aircraft carve through the sky with incredible speed and precision, wondering how something so massive could move so effortlessly. In that moment, I did not yet understand the engineering behind what I was seeing, but I knew I wanted to be part of the world that made flight possible. I grew up in California’s Salinas Valley in a hardworking family where opportunities had to be earned. No one in my family had pursued engineering before, so the path into aerospace was something I had to figure out on my own. As a first generation college student, navigating college applications and financial aid became part of the challenge. My mother works long hours to support our family, and although she has always encouraged my education, the responsibility of paying for college has largely fallen on me. Instead of letting those challenges discourage me, they pushed me to seek hands on engineering experience wherever possible. One of my earliest projects was designing and building a drone equipped with Arduino sensors and a modular tank system capable of spraying water wirelessly. I spent evenings soldering electronics, repairing components after crashes, and testing the system. Those experiences taught me that engineering progress rarely happens perfectly. It happens through persistence, iteration, and learning from failure. Last year, I was honored to be selected as a finalist for the Stitt Family Aeronautics and Aerospace Scholarship. Although I was not selected as a recipient, that recognition encouraged me to keep pushing forward and building experience in aerospace engineering. Since then, my journey has continued to grow. I transferred to California Polytechnic State University to pursue my bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. At Cal Poly, I work as a systems engineer in the CubeSat Laboratory, where students design and build satellites launched into space. Working on spacecraft in orbit has shown me how complex aerospace systems are built and how important collaboration is in making space missions possible. Last summer I conducted research at the Naval Postgraduate School supporting work for the United States Navy, helping evaluate communication between drones and ground stations. This experience exposed me to the evolving role of unmanned aircraft systems in aerospace technology. Outside the classroom, I am involved in the Mustang Aviation Club, which introduces students to aviation and hosts airport days. I also earned my FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate after realizing private pilot training was too expensive. Instead of stepping away from aviation, I chose to continue flying through unmanned aircraft systems while expanding my knowledge of drone technology. What excites me most about aerospace is how rapidly the field is evolving. Electric air taxis promise to transform urban transportation, unmanned aircraft systems are reshaping disaster response and environmental monitoring, and small satellites are making space more accessible than ever before. I want to help design these next generation systems and contribute to engineers pushing aerospace technology forward. Despite these opportunities, the financial challenge of completing my aerospace engineering degree remains significant. Transferring to Cal Poly brought new tuition and living expenses, and I rely heavily on scholarships and financial aid to continue my education. Support from this scholarship would allow me to dedicate more time to aerospace research and engineering projects, preparing me to contribute to the industry. When I think back to that first airshow, I see how far the journey has taken me. From building my first drone to working on spacecraft systems and conducting research for the Navy, every step has strengthened my determination to help build the future of flight.

I still remember standing wide eyed at my first airshow, completely mesmerized. That day sparked something deep in me, a fascination with aviation that’s shaped every step of my life since. My name is Juan Madrigal, and I’m a second year aerospace engineering major and a student pilot working toward my private pilot certification. What excites me the most about aerospace is how quickly the field evolves. From the SR-71 Blackbird, an icon of Cold War innovation, to NASA’s X-59, designed to travel faster than sound without creating a sonic boom, aerospace is the perfect fusion of imagination and engineering. I want to be part of that innovation, helping design unmanned aerial systems, aircraft, or defense technologies that push the limits of what’s possible. Becoming an aerospace engineering major and a student pilot hasn’t been easy. As a first generation college student, my parents don’t have the means to support my education. My mom works long hours, and every dollar goes toward the basics, so it’s up to me to make this dream real. I was lucky to earn scholarships in high school, but those are running out. I now face the choice between taking on student loans or giving up opportunities that could define my future. Even with the financial strain, I’ve made it a priority to build real world experience. I’ve designed and flown a drone equipped with a modular tank and Arduino sensors, capable of spraying water or pesticide wirelessly at the push of a button. I spent weeks soldering the electronics, troubleshooting crashes, and rebuilding parts after every flight. Every mistake was a lesson. Every successful test was a glimpse of the future I’m working toward. Outside the lab, I founded and now lead my college’s Engineering Club as the President. I organize aerospace themed competitions like paper airplane contests and balsa wood glider challenges, not just for fun, but to spark curiosity in other students the same way that the airshow sparked mine. I’ve even inspired my younger sister and a few friends to start their own aviation journey. This summer, they’ll be attending ground school, just like I once did. But none of this comes without sacrifice. Balancing school, leadership, work, and pilot training is a constant juggling act. I’ve considered pausing flight training more than once because of costs. What keeps me going is the thought that someday, I’ll be part of a team designing aircraft that protect lives, explore new skies, or respond to emergencies around the globe. This scholarship would not just ease the financial burden, it would give me more time to build, fly, and grow. It would allow me to keep saying "yes" to opportunities instead of turning them down because of cost. And most importantly, it would help me continue gaining the experience I need to contribute meaningfully to the aerospace industry. I don’t just want a career. I want to leave a mark. I want to be at the forefront of aerospace innovation, working on unmanned systems, sustainable aviation, or the next generation of high speed aircraft. With support from this scholarship, I know I can get there.