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Kanyah Preston

1x

Finalist

Bio

As an 18-year-old African American student from Chicago now residing in Houston, I have maintained a 4.94 GPA while balancing a part-time job and actively participating in STEM initiatives, including the Technology Student Association. My fervent aspiration to become a commercial airline pilot is not merely a personal ambition but a profound commitment to shatter the glass ceiling in an industry where less than 1% of pilots are Black women. Coming from a low-income background, I am resolute in leveraging this career to cultivate generational wealth and serve as a beacon of possibility for others who dare to dream beyond societal constraints. The financial support from this scholarship is not just assistance; it is an indispensable lifeline that will transform my relentless passion into a tangible reality, enabling me to transcend economic barriers and inspire future aviators from underrepresented communities.

Education

J Frank Dobie High School

High School
2024 - 2025
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Engineering, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Airlines/Aviation

    • Dream career goals:

      Become a Commercial Pilot

    • Assistant General Manager

      Doiminos
      2026 – Present5 months
    • Manager

      Captain D/s
      2024 – 20251 year
    • Cashier, Food Manager, Barista

      Thirsty's
      2024 – 20251 year

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Varsity
    2023 – 20241 year

    Track & Field

    Junior Varsity
    2021 – 20221 year

    Cheerleading

    Varsity
    2022 – 20242 years

    Research

    • Engineering, Other

      TSA — President of my Chapter
      2022 – 2024

    Arts

    • Music Inc.

      Music
      2012 – 2023

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      National honors society — Assistant
      2023 – 2026

    Future Interests

    Entrepreneurship

    Love Island Fan Scholarship
    **Heart Heist: The Trust and Temptation Challenge** Reality television thrives on moments where emotion, strategy, and vulnerability collide, and *Love Island* has mastered this balance through its iconic challenges. A fresh concept that would elevate the drama while testing the Islanders on a deeper level is the “Heart Heist: The Trust and Temptation Challenge.” This game is designed to push contestants beyond surface-level attraction and into a space where loyalty, risk, and emotional intelligence are constantly in conflict. At its core, the challenge revolves around dual intentions. Each Islander is given two hidden objectives: protect the connection they currently have while secretly attempting to form a new one. Every contestant receives a “Heart Card,” representing their current partner, and a “Heist Card,” which assigns them a different Islander as a target. This setup immediately creates tension, as no one knows who is genuinely invested and who is playing the game strategically. It forces Islanders to question every interaction, turning even the smallest glance or compliment into a potential clue. The challenge unfolds in three escalating rounds. The first round, “Soft Moves Only,” limits contestants to subtle forms of flirting—eye contact, compliments, and conversation. This phase emphasizes emotional intelligence and communication skills rather than physical attraction. Islanders must read body language, pick up on tone, and carefully navigate conversations without revealing their true intentions. It creates a slow-burning tension where viewers and contestants alike begin to speculate about hidden motives. The second round, “Turn Up the Heat,” raises the stakes by allowing physical interaction. Dancing, playful dares, and close proximity intensify connections and make loyalties visibly fragile. What makes this round particularly compelling is that partners are required to watch these interactions unfold. This element introduces discomfort and jealousy, forcing Islanders to confront their feelings in real time. It becomes a test of trust—whether they believe their partner is simply playing the game or genuinely exploring another connection. The final round, “The Heart Heist,” delivers the ultimate moment of truth. Islanders must decide whether to remain loyal or attempt to “steal” their assigned target. A heist attempt involves directly asking the target if they would leave their current partner for them. The simplicity of the question is what makes it so powerful. A “yes” results in an immediate shift in couples, leaving someone else unexpectedly single. A “no,” however, carries consequences: the Islander who attempted the heist loses their current partner’s trust and risks being left alone. This all-or-nothing decision transforms the challenge from a game into a high-stakes emotional gamble. What sets “Heart Heist” apart from traditional *Love Island* challenges is its psychological depth. It is not just about attraction or entertainment; it actively exposes intentions and forces accountability. Islanders can no longer hide behind vague feelings or passive behavior. Every action has a consequence, and every choice reveals something about their character. Loyal contestants may be rewarded for their consistency, while risk-takers might either find a stronger connection or face isolation. Additionally, the challenge creates organic drama without relying on artificial conflict. Love triangles, betrayals, and unexpected pairings emerge naturally from the structure of the game. Viewers are drawn into the uncertainty, constantly questioning who is genuine and who is playing strategically. The final reveal—where Islanders learn who had them as a target—adds another layer of shock, often reshaping perceptions and relationships even further. Ultimately, “Heart Heist: The Trust and Temptation Challenge” captures everything that makes Love Island romance, tension, unpredictability, and emotional stakes. By blending strategy with vulnerability, ensuring that every Islander is tested in a meaningful way, delivering the kind of unforgettable moments that define reality television
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
    The first time I looked up at the sky after my father passed, it didn’t feel empty—it felt full. Full of distance, of movement, of something just beyond reach. In that moment, flying became more than just a dream to me. It became a way to stay connected to him, to chase something that felt both deeply personal and powerful. Becoming a pilot is not simply about learning how to operate an aircraft—it is about rising above loss, limitation, and expectation. I grew up in Chicago and now live in Houston, and both places have shaped who I am. I have seen different environments, different struggles, and different opportunities, but one thing has stayed constant: the need to work harder to be seen and heard. As a Black young woman, I am aware that aviation is a field where people who look like me are often underrepresented. Instead of discouraging me, that reality motivates me. I want to challenge those norms and become part of a new generation of pilots who reflect the diversity of the world we live in. I want little girls who look like me to see someone in the cockpit and believe that they belong there, too. Higher education is the foundation that will allow me to turn this dream into a reality. Aviation requires discipline, technical knowledge, and strong decision-making skills. Through higher education, I will gain not only the academic training needed to succeed, but also the confidence and experience that come from being challenged and supported in a learning environment. I plan to take advantage of every opportunity available to me—whether that is flight training, internships, or mentorship programs—to build the skills necessary to excel in this field. Education is not just a step for me; it is the runway that will allow me to take off. Losing my father changed the way I see the world. It forced me to grow stronger and more focused on what truly matters. While his absence is something I carry with me every day, it also drives me. Flying makes me feel closer to him, like I am reaching toward something that connects us beyond this world. That feeling gives me purpose. It reminds me that even through loss, something meaningful can grow. I am determined to turn that pain into motivation and use it as fuel to keep pushing forward, even when things get difficult. I also understand that success is not just about personal achievement—it is about impact. As I work toward becoming a pilot, I plan to give back to my community by mentoring young girls, especially those from minority backgrounds, who may not see themselves represented in aviation or other STEM careers. Representation matters, but guidance and encouragement matter just as much. I want to be someone who not only breaks barriers but also helps others do the same. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. This scholarship would play a critical role in helping me achieve my goals. The cost of higher education and flight training can be overwhelming, and financial support would allow me to focus more on my studies and training rather than the burden of how to afford them. More importantly, receiving this scholarship would be a reminder that someone believes in my potential and is willing to invest in my future. That belief is powerful, and I would carry it with me throughout my journey. I am not defined by where I come from, the challenges I have faced, or the statistics that may try to limit me. I am defined by my determination, my resilience, and my vision for the future. Becoming a pilot is not just about reaching new heights physically—it is about proving that barriers can be broken and that dreams are valid, no matter who you are. One day, I will sit in the cockpit and look out at the horizon, knowing that every challenge I faced helped me get there. I will carry my father’s memory with me in every mile I fly, and I will use my success to open doors for others. Higher education is not just part of my journey—it is the key that will unlock everything I am capable of becoming.
    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
    Losing my dad had a major impact on my mental health and the way I see the world. It was not just the loss of a parent, but the loss of stability, guidance, and a sense of comfort I had always depended on. In the time that followed, I experienced grief in ways I did not fully understand at first—moments of silence felt heavier, motivation came in waves, and even everyday things felt different. Over time, though, I began to understand that mental health is not something separate from life; it is deeply connected to how we process what happens to us. That experience shaped my goals in a very real way. Before my dad passed, I had ideas about the future, but they were not fully defined. After his passing, I started to look for something that gave me meaning and direction. Flying became that outlet. Being in the air gave me a sense of peace that helped me process grief in a healthier way. It also helped me see that my life was not limited to pain or loss—I could still build something meaningful from it. That realization is what pushed me toward becoming a pilot and pursuing aviation as a career. My relationships also changed because of my mental health journey. I became more aware of who I leaned on and how important support systems are. Losing a parent can make you feel isolated at times, but it also showed me the importance of people who stay present—my mother, mentors, teachers, and friends who checked in and encouraged me to keep going. At the same time, it made me more understanding of others. I learned that people are often dealing with things you cannot see, and patience and empathy matter more than judgment. My understanding of the world also became more grounded and mature. I realized that success and struggle often exist at the same time, and that mental health plays a big role in how people navigate both. I used to think strength meant not being affected by difficult situations, but now I understand that strength is learning how to move forward while still carrying those experiences with you. Grief did not disappear, but I learned how to manage it in a way that allows me to still pursue my goals. Overall, my experience with mental health after losing my dad shaped me into someone who is more focused, more self-aware, and more intentional about my future. It pushed me toward aviation, strengthened my relationships, and gave me a deeper understanding of resilience. Most importantly, it taught me that healing and growth can happen at the same time, even when life feels uncertain.
    Dan Leahy Scholarship Fund
    A person I deeply admire is my mother. She has been the most consistent example of strength, discipline, and perseverance in my life. After my father passed away, she became the only parent in our household, carrying both emotional and financial responsibilities on her own while still making sure I stayed focused on school and my future. Watching her sacrifice daily without complaint showed me what true resilience looks like. What inspires me most about her is not just that she endured hardship, but that she continued to push me toward opportunities even when things were difficult. She encouraged me to stay in advanced classes, stay involved in extracurriculars, and always think beyond my immediate circumstances. Even when resources were limited, she made sure I understood the value of education as a pathway to stability and independence. Because of her, I began to see college not just as an option, but as a responsibility I owe to myself and to her sacrifices. Her example is a major reason I am pursuing further education, especially in aviation. I want to become a pilot not only because of my personal connection to flying, but because I want to build a career that reflects the same determination she showed in raising me. Every step I take in my education is also a way of honoring her effort and proving that her sacrifices led to something meaningful. My motivation for participating in speech and debate also comes from this mindset. Growing up, I learned that being able to speak confidently and clearly can open doors that talent alone cannot. In environments where I often felt overlooked or underestimated, I realized that communication is power. Speech and debate gave me a structured way to develop that skill—to organize my thoughts, defend my ideas, and learn how to speak with confidence under pressure. I was also motivated to join because I wanted to challenge myself. As someone pursuing a career in aviation, communication and decision-making are critical skills. Pilots must be able to think clearly, speak effectively, and remain calm in high-pressure situations. Speech and debate helped me build those abilities in a practical way, while also teaching me how to analyze complex topics and present ideas with clarity. More than anything, both my mother’s influence and my experience in speech and debate have shaped how I view my future. My mother taught me resilience through action, and speech and debate taught me confidence through voice. Together, they have pushed me toward higher education and strengthened my commitment to becoming a pilot. I want to continue building on these experiences by using education not only to achieve my goals, but to become someone who can speak, lead, and represent others who come from similar backgrounds and challenges.
    Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship
    The people who have supported me most in my educational journey have been my mother, mentors from my nonprofit music program, and teachers who saw potential in me even when I was still figuring out who I wanted to become. Their support has been the foundation that kept me moving forward, especially during times when my path felt uncertain and when I had to navigate life after losing my father. My mother has been the most constant influence in my life. Growing up in a single-parent household after my father passed away meant she had to carry both emotional and financial responsibilities on her own. Watching her sacrifice and push through challenges taught me resilience and accountability. Even when resources were limited, she made sure I stayed focused on school and opportunities that would help shape my future. I honor her by taking my education seriously and refusing to waste the chances she worked so hard to provide for me. Another major source of support came from my experience in a nonprofit music program through Music Inc. That program gave me opportunities I would not have otherwise had as a child from a low-income background. Through it, I learned discipline, consistency, and professionalism by performing at weddings, banquets, and events for years. The mentors in that program believed in my abilities and invested time into developing my skills. That early exposure showed me that opportunity can change a child’s entire direction in life. I honor that support by continuing to carry the discipline I learned there into everything I do, especially as I pursue aviation. Teachers and school mentors have also played a significant role in shaping my academic journey. They pushed me into advanced courses, encouraged me to take leadership roles, and helped me realize I was capable of more than I initially believed. Becoming involved in leadership positions like TSA President helped me build confidence, communication skills, and responsibility that I now carry into my career goals. Losing my father at a young age made all of this support even more meaningful. It created a gap in my life, but it also made me more aware of the importance of guidance and stability from others. Without that support system, it would have been easy to feel lost or disconnected from my goals. Instead, it gave me structure and direction during a time when I needed it most. I honor everyone who has supported me by pushing myself toward my goal of becoming a pilot. Their belief in me is what drives me to stay focused on my education and future in aviation. As I continue forward, I plan to build on their support by becoming someone who also gives back—someone who mentors, inspires, and creates opportunities for others who come from similar backgrounds. I want to be the kind of example that shows their investment was not wasted, but multiplied into something greater. Their support has not just shaped my success—it has shaped my mindset. It taught me that even in the face of loss and limited resources, having people who believe in you can change the direction of your life.
    Julia Elizabeth Legacy Scholarship
    where some of the most important decisions and innovations happen—aviation, engineering, medicine, technology—but those spaces have not always reflected the communities they are meant to serve. When certain voices are missing, innovation becomes limited, and entire groups of people are left out of progress. As an African American student pursuing a career in aviation, I have already seen how underrepresentation affects perception. Growing up between Chicago and Houston, I rarely saw pilots or STEM professionals who looked like me. Because of that, careers like aviation often felt distant or unrealistic, not because of ability, but because of exposure. It is difficult to pursue something you cannot easily see yourself in. That is one of the biggest barriers diversity in STEM helps to break. For me personally, becoming a pilot is not just about flying—it is about visibility and impact. Flying first became meaningful to me after the loss of my father. Being in the air gave me peace, perspective, and a sense of connection that grounded me in a different way. Over time, it also opened my eyes to how large and interconnected the world is beyond my immediate environment. That experience is what led me to aviation, and now I want to pursue it through education and eventually a professional career. However, I also recognize that STEM fields like aviation are still not equally accessible. There are financial barriers, limited mentorship, and a lack of representation that can make it harder for minority students to enter and succeed in these spaces. The wage gap and underrepresentation of Black professionals in STEM show that the issue is not just entry, but long-term equity and advancement. That is why diversity matters—it ensures that opportunity is not just available, but fair and sustainable. My own path has been shaped by opportunities that helped me grow in environments where many students do not get the same exposure. Through nonprofit music programs, I was able to develop discipline, performance experience, and structure at a young age. That experience showed me how powerful access can be in shaping a future. Without it, my path could have looked very different. This is why I believe representation in STEM is essential. It is not only about fairness—it is about inspiration and possibility. When young people see someone from their background succeeding in STEM, it changes what they believe is achievable. It turns “that’s not for me” into “I can do that too.” As I continue my education, I want to be part of changing that narrative. I plan to pursue aviation with the goal of becoming a pilot, but also with the responsibility of being visible in a space where representation still lacks diversity. I want to be an example that helps open doors for others, just as I hope others will continue opening doors for me. Diversity in STEM matters because it ensures that the future is built by everyone—not just a few—and that the next generation can dream without limits.
    Chi Changemaker Scholarship
    One issue I’ve seen in my community is the lack of access to meaningful opportunities for young people, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Growing up, it was easy to feel like your environment defined your future. There weren’t always clear pathways to explore careers, develop skills, or even imagine a life beyond what you saw every day. Without exposure, it’s hard to build confidence or direction, and many students never get the chance to discover what they’re capable of. I was motivated to address this because I experienced it myself. While I grew up in environments where opportunities felt limited, I was fortunate to be involved in a nonprofit music program at a young age. Through that experience, I was able to perform at weddings and banquets for years, which gave me discipline, structure, and exposure to professional settings. More importantly, it gave me a sense of purpose and kept me focused during a time when it would have been easy to go down the wrong path. That experience showed me how powerful access and mentorship can be in shaping a young person’s future. As I discovered my passion for aviation, I realized that the same lack of access exists in that field. Many young people in my community have never been introduced to careers like becoming a pilot. It can feel unrealistic simply because they’ve never seen anyone take that path. I’ve taken the initiative by speaking with younger students and peers in my community, sharing my journey and explaining what it takes to pursue aviation. By being open about both the challenges and the possibilities, I’ve been able to spark interest and help others start to see that this path is achievable. So far, my impact has been on a small, personal level, but it has been meaningful. I’ve helped shift perspectives and introduce new ideas to people who may not have considered them before. Even small conversations can make a difference in how someone views their future. Moving forward, I plan to expand my efforts by becoming more involved in mentorship and outreach programs. As I continue working toward becoming a pilot, I want to partner with schools and community organizations to introduce aviation to underserved students. My goal is to create more access, provide guidance, and be a visible example of what’s possible.
    Text-Em-All Founders Scholarship
    I come from a background that has taught me resilience, perspective, and the importance of opportunity. Growing up between Chicago and Houston, I saw how the environment can shape what you believe is possible for your future. For a long time, my world felt limited to what was around me. But everything began to change when I discovered flying—and with it, a sense of purpose that pushed me to aim higher. Becoming a pilot is more than just a career goal for me. It represents freedom, growth, and the ability to rise above circumstances that once felt defining. After losing my dad, flying became something deeply personal. Being in the air gave me a sense of clarity and connection that I couldn’t find anywhere else. It shifted my mindset—I stopped seeing life as something I was stuck in and started seeing it as something I could navigate. That perspective is what drives me to pursue aviation through my education. I know that this path comes with challenges, especially as someone from a minority and low-income background. Aviation is not always accessible, and there are barriers that can make the journey feel out of reach. That’s why going to college is so important to me. It provides the training, structure, and access I need to turn this goal into a reality. More importantly, it gives me the chance to prove that those barriers don’t have to define the outcome. A big part of what helped me reach this point was my early involvement in nonprofit music programs. Through that experience, I was given opportunities to learn, perform, and grow in ways that many low-income kids don’t always have access to. It gave me structure, discipline, and exposure to new environments, and in many ways, it kept me on the right path. That experience showed me how powerful an opportunity can be when it’s placed in the right hands. Because of that, I want to do more than just succeed for myself. As I work toward becoming a pilot, I also want to be a model for others who come from similar backgrounds. I want young people to see that even if they start in difficult environments, they are not limited to them. Representation matters, and I want to be someone who shows that it’s possible to break into fields like aviation, even when the odds don’t seem in your favor. Through my education and career, I plan to combine discipline, purpose, and service. Becoming a pilot will allow me to live out a dream that once felt distant, but it will also give me a platform to inspire others. My goal is not just to reach new heights for myself, but to show others that they can do the same.
    Hines Scholarship
    Going to college, to me, means more than just earning a degree—it represents opportunity, growth, and the chance to break through barriers that have shaped my life. Coming from environments like Chicago and Houston, I’ve seen how easy it is to feel limited by your surroundings. College is my way of stepping beyond those limits and creating a future that reflects not where I started, but where I’m determined to go. My goal is to become a pilot, and that dream carries a deeper meaning for me. Flying has already changed my life—it gave me a sense of peace and connection after my dad passed away, and it opened my eyes to a world far bigger than anything I had known growing up. Pursuing aviation through college is not just about a career; it’s about continuing that journey, turning something that healed me into something that defines my future. At the same time, I recognize that this path isn’t easy, especially as a minority. Aviation is not a field where people who look like me or come from my background are widely represented. There are financial barriers, limited access to resources, and a lack of mentorship that can make the goal feel out of reach. That’s why going to college is so important—it gives me access to training, knowledge, and networks that I wouldn’t otherwise have. It’s a step toward leveling the playing field. What I’m trying to accomplish goes beyond becoming a pilot. I want to prove to myself—and to others—that those barriers don’t define what’s possible. I want to be someone who not only achieves this goal but also opens doors for others who might feel like they don’t belong in spaces like aviation. Representation matters, and I want to be part of changing what that looks like. College is also about personal growth. It’s about discipline, responsibility, and pushing myself in ways I haven’t before. Becoming a pilot requires focus, precision, and confidence, and I know that college will challenge me to develop those qualities. It will prepare me not just for a profession, but for a life where I can navigate challenges and continue growing. Ultimately, going to college means taking control of my future. It’s about honoring where I come from while refusing to be limited by it. It’s about turning loss into motivation, barriers into fuel, and dreams into something real. Through this scholarship and my education, I’m working toward a goal that once felt distant—but now feels possible.
    Ali Safai Memorial Scholarship
    Flying has shaped my life in ways I never expected, becoming more than just a way to travel—it has become a bridge between my past and my future. Growing up between the rough streets of Chicago and the sprawling energy of Houston, my world once felt limited to what I could see around me. But everything changed after my dad passed away. In the midst of grief, flying gave me something I didn’t know I needed: a sense of closeness to him and a new way of seeing the world. My dad was someone who always believed there was more out there. Even when life kept us grounded, he talked about places beyond our neighborhood, beyond our city, beyond anything we had experienced. When he died, it felt like that sense of possibility died with him. I felt stuck—emotionally and physically—in the same environments that had always defined my life. Chicago, with its hard edges and survival mentality, had taught me resilience but also boxed me in. Houston gave me space, but it still didn’t feel like freedom. I carried grief everywhere, and it weighed me down. Flying changed that. The first time I got on a plane after he passed, it wasn’t just about going somewhere—it was about escaping the heaviness I had been carrying. As the plane lifted off the ground, I felt something shift inside me. Looking out the window, watching the city shrink beneath me, I realized how small everything looked from above. The streets that once felt overwhelming, the places tied to pain and memory, all became distant. In that moment, I felt closer to my dad. It was like I was meeting him somewhere in between the ground and the sky. Being up there gave me a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time. It was quiet in a way that life on the ground never is. No sirens, no chaos, no reminders of struggle—just clouds, light, and the feeling of moving forward. Flying became my way of reconnecting with him, almost like he was guiding me, reminding me that life was bigger than what I had known. As I traveled more, my perspective began to change. I started to see that the world was far more complex and beautiful than the environments I grew up in. Different cities, cultures, and landscapes opened my eyes to possibilities I had never considered. It wasn’t that Chicago or Houston didn’t matter anymore—they will always be part of me—but flying showed me they weren’t the whole story. Where I once saw limits, I began to see opportunities. Where I once felt stuck, I began to feel movement. Every flight became a reminder that I wasn’t confined to one path or one place. It taught me that there’s always more out there, just like my dad used to say. In a way, flying helped me heal. It didn’t erase the pain of losing him, but it gave me a way to carry it differently. Instead of feeling weighed down, I started to feel lifted. Instead of feeling alone, I felt connected—to him, to the world, and to a version of myself that was still growing. Flying didn’t just take me to new places; it changed how I see everything. It gave me perspective, freedom, and a deeper understanding of life. Most importantly, it gave me a way to keep my dad with me—not just in memory, but in every journey I take.