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.