STEM jobs are the backbone of our modern world. The invention and implementation of new technologies drive humanity forward, advancing our evolution, and improving our daily lives. Contributing to this continuous effort alongside talented scientists and engineers would be an honor and a privilege for me. In the case of Dr. Jeremey Michael Higgins, he’s made significant strides in the STEM field that are nothing short of inspiring. His impressive accomplishment of 20 patents for thermally conductive materials is no small feat. Additionally, after chasing his dream of creating a 3D printing company, URSA Labs, he continues, in his own words, doing what he loves, to “help science past the lab and into the hands of the people.” Dr. Higgins’ career is a testament to the power of innovation, and I aspire to follow in his footsteps, contributing to technological advancements that can transform our world. Imagine a future where you can travel anywhere in the world in less than an hour. As someone who has family across the globe, this is a personal dream of mine. Well, we might not have to imagine for much longer, as this is likely something that will be available to everyone in about thirty years or so. SpaceX and other companies have already put in massive funding into looking at a new method of transportation: space shuttles. And no, I don’t mean a leisurely vacation to the Moon, I mean being able to go from one point on our Earth to the other by exiting the atmosphere and reentering. It takes a polar satellite forty-five minutes to go from the North to the South Pole. Meaning, you could get to anywhere on the Earth in forty-five minutes or less, if you were a polar satellite. This rapid transit potential is why SpaceX and other companies are exploring the feasibility of commercial long-distance travel using similar principles. Initially, this technology might only serve major cities, like going from New York to Tokyo for example, but its implications are significant. I wish to be a part of this revolutionary step in human travel. My passion for math and sciences is only matched by my fascination with space. While this step in humanity’s evolution is not venturing outward, it is a crucial step in getting more comfortable with making humanity more comfortable with the idea of space travel. The prospect of being a part of such a groundbreaking project makes me ecstatic, my inner space-loving four-year-old giggles with delight. I am confident I can play a vital role in helping with this effort. The path toward reaching my goal to become an aerospace engineer is extensive. I’d need a master’s degree in aerospace and possibly a doctorate. This will be expensive and a lot of hard work. I am more than prepared and determined to put in the work but require assistance with the financial burden. This is where this scholarship can make a significant difference. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the financial support needed to pursue my studies without the consistent stress caused by financial strain. Being able to focus solely on my education would be a crucial enabler on my journey to becoming a key player in the next generation of aerospace engineers. I humbly ask that you consider me for this scholarship and sincerely thank you for your consideration.

Can you imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world in 45 minutes or less? This once fictitious world is becoming a reality. As a polar satellite traverses from the North to the South Pole in 45 minutes, future space flights can also connect distant points on Earth with unprecedented speed. By pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer, my goal is to be a part of this transformative era in aerospace engineering and contribute to the design, launch, and overall genesis of this new age of commercial space flight. This goal is not only a career aspiration but also a way to contribute to humanity’s evolution. My journey towards this goal did not get off to a great start. COVID disrupted a year and a half of my high school experience. The isolation caused a severe lack of motivation which caused my grades to slip. However, I was fortunate to have a strong support system from my parents, my extended family and the influence of an incredible Calculus teacher that ignited my passion for Math. I also started playing tennis at a very young age and made the varsity team as a freshman. Since tennis is played outdoors it was not canceled. And so, tennis and math became the center of my high school life that helped me climb out of the hole I had found myself in. With renewed determination I worked hard to get back on track academically. I took the most challenging math courses available, including a college-level precalculus course called “Discovery Pre-Calculus” from the University of Texas at Austin where I achieved the highest grade in the class. I also completed Calculus AB and Calculus BC. I even rallied a group of like-minded students to convince the faculty to reintroduce Physics C: Mechanics which had been discontinued due to its difficulty. Successfully completing these courses has strengthened my foundation in the principles critical for success in aerospace engineering. These experiences give me confidence in my abilities to overcome adversity. My high school journey has been a testament to my enthusiasm, tenacity, and deep-seated desire for growth. While my class rank may not reflect my potential due to the early setbacks, I am proud of my recovery and finishing high school on a high note. My next steps involve pursuing a bachelor’s degree and eventually a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station. However, achieving this goal comes with significant financial challenges. My parents are hardworking and committed to their children but cannot fully cover my college expenses and soon it will be even more strenuous as my sister will be following me into college. We fall under the not so enviable situation where my parents earn too much to qualify for financial aid, but not enough to afford all the costs of college. Currently, I am full of hope about what college could mean for my future, but I am also plagued by uncertainty about being able to complete my degree due to financial constraints. This Whiddon Memorial Scholarship represents not only a personal lifeline but also an investment in the future I plan on contributing to creating. Thank you for your consideration and for supporting the visionaries of tomorrow.

Can you imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world in 45 minutes or less? Unbelievably, this fictitious world is not so far away. As a polar satellite traverses from the North to the South Pole in 45 minutes, future space flights can also connect distant points on Earth with unprecedented speed. This is one of the many reasons that companies like SpaceX are investing significant resources into the future of commercial space flight. By pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer, my goal is to be a part of this transformative era in aerospace engineering and contribute to the design, launch, and overall genesis of this new age of commercial space flight. This goal is not only a career aspiration but also a way to contribute to humanity’s evolution. Achieving this lofty goal requires a strong foundation in advanced mathematics and science. Fortunately, for as long as I can remember, math has always been my preferred subject. Throughout high school, I’ve pursued the most challenging math courses offered. I took a college-level precalculus course called “Discovery Pre-Calculus” given by the University of Texas at Austin. This course was famously difficult. Only six students had signed up for the course. Nevertheless, I was able to achieve the highest grade in the class. I continued to absorb all the math courses I could since then. I took Calculus AB and am currently tackling Calculus BC. However, recognizing that my high school didn’t offer any further advanced math courses, I took on the challenge of rallying students together to reintroduce Physics C: Mechanics. This class had been discontinued due to lack of enrollment because of its difficulty. Through our collective efforts, my classmates and I succeeded in convincing school leadership to bring back the course. The semester-long course ended my senior year, and I am confident that it has strengthened my foundation in the principles that are critical for success in aerospace engineering. My high school journey has been spent preparing myself to play a role in humanity’s next leap in travel. The next steps involve pursuing a bachelor’s degree and eventually a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station. I plan to continue to challenge myself with demanding math and science courses. Upon graduation, I will focus on the branch of aerospace engineering aligning with my goal of contributing to commercial space travel. My roadmap includes obtaining practical experiences through internships that can complement my academic skills with practical experience. I am ambitiously setting my sights on internships with NASA or SpaceX. While this vision is ambitious, I believe it will be a great blueprint for ultimately making my mark in launching humanity into a new era of travel and connectivity. Beyond my personal aspirations, I believe in the broader impact of commercial space travel on society. A world where rapid global travel is possible will experience a myriad of benefits whose impact is difficult to quantify. Rapid global travel would foster greater cultural exchange and understanding. For a personal standpoint, I’m part of a big Mexican family, I have many uncles and aunts in parts of the world. Some are in Mexico, one is in Florida, another in Chicago, and one even all the way out in Germany. Due to these distances, we rarely get to be all together, let alone see them individually often. We only see each other a few times every few years. Rapid global travel would change that. Like mine, there are countless families around the world who struggle with my same dilemma. This technological leap will break down barriers and bring people closer together leading to a more interconnected and empathetic global community. In addition, the advancements in aerospace engineering would undoubtedly lead to new technologies and innovations that would benefit many other industries, like telecommunications as well as environmental monitoring and driving economic growth and improving our quality of life. Moreover, just like I am inspired to pursue a career in aerospace engineering by the advancements that I have already seen today, the development of commercial space travel can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. There is nothing more powerful than young minds witnessing the possibilities of what humanity can achieve to motivate them to pursue careers in STEM fields and therefore driving further advancements and discoveries. This positive cycle of inspiration and innovation would lead to a brighter future for all, as we collectively work towards solving the world’s most pressing challenges. In addition to the direct benefits of commercial space travel, advancements in this technology would have significant positive environmental implications. For example, it could lead to the development of more efficient propulsion systems and sustainable materials that can be applied to other industries like fuel-efficient engines in the automotive and aviation industries, reducing our carbon footprint and combating climate change. By investing in aerospace engineering, we are also investing in a more sustainable future for our planet. This is arguably the single most important goal today. As I reflect on my journey and the impact I hope to make, I am reminded of the importance of perseverance and resilience. Throughout high school, I have faced numerous challenges, from rigorous coursework to personal obstacles. However, these experiences have only strengthened my resolve and determination to achieve my goals. I am committed to continuing this journey, no matter how difficult it may be, because I believe in the transformative power of innovation and the positive change it can bring to our world. However, the journey to achieving this goal is marred by not only academic challenges but financial ones as well. By supporting my education and career aspirations, the Daelyn Belsdoe Legacy of Love scholarship is not only investing in my future but also in the future of our society and planet. This scholarship represents not only a personal lifeline but also an investment in the future I plan on contributing to creating. I humbly ask for your support not just for myself but for our collective progress, in which I am fully committed to contributing. In conclusion, the pursuit of commercial space travel and advancements in aerospace engineering hold the potential to drive positive change and benefit future generations in countless ways. From fostering global connectivity and cultural exchange to inspiring the next generation of innovators and developing sustainable technologies, the impact of these advancements is far-reaching. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more connected, and sustainable world. Thank you for your consideration and for supporting the visionaries of tomorrow.