I’m currently attending in-person classes at the University of Wyoming, where I’m pursuing a degree in business with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. I’ve been fortunate in many ways — I’ve had strong support systems, a clear direction, and the opportunity to pursue education in a field I care deeply about. That said, getting to this point has taken significant time, energy, and sacrifice, especially as I’ve worked to build real-world experience while staying committed to my education. Throughout college, I’ve focused on not only learning business theory, but also applying it in meaningful, practical ways. I currently operate a small tech and aerospace startup, which I launched as a way to solve problems I saw in industries like infrastructure, safety, and public services. I didn’t wait for a job offer or ideal timing — I started building. Running a company while attending classes full-time has required long days and tight schedules, but it’s also helped shape my sense of discipline, resilience, and purpose. Beyond my academic and professional work, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others. I’ve spent the last few years mentoring students who are figuring out their own paths — some are trying to start businesses, others are just looking for support as they prepare for college or navigate new opportunities. I’ve helped them with everything from setting goals and launching their ideas to just being a sounding board when they needed one. For me, giving back isn’t something I plan to do someday — it’s something I’m already doing, and something I’ll continue to do, regardless of where my career takes me. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced isn’t financial, but rather time management and responsibility. Balancing leadership roles, academic coursework, and business growth while making room for mentoring and volunteering requires careful structure and daily discipline. It’s taught me how to stay focused and make decisions based on long-term impact, not short-term gain. Those lessons have helped me become a better student, a better business owner, and a better contributor to my community. I believe the purpose of education is not just personal advancement, but the ability to create value for others. Whether it’s through a company, a mentorship conversation, or a small act of service, I aim to lead by example — not just through titles or projects, but by how I show up for others. I want my degree to serve as a foundation for building things that matter: companies that solve real problems, jobs that empower people, and programs that help students see what’s possible for their future. Receiving this scholarship would be a great support as I continue managing my education and professional commitments. It would allow me to focus more fully on scaling the community efforts I’ve already started and investing in tools and opportunities that benefit others. I don’t take the ability to pursue higher education lightly — and I’m committed to making sure that the opportunities I’ve had don’t stop with me. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who are working not just toward graduation, but toward making an impact in the communities around them.

I’m a senior business student at the University of Wyoming, currently working on launching a company that builds advanced drone and software systems designed to support infrastructure, emergency response, energy efficiency, and national defense. My dream is to build not just a successful business, but a meaningful one — a company that improves how the world operates while creating opportunities for others to grow with it. Growing up, I learned early that if I wanted something, I’d have to figure out how to build it. College wasn’t a guarantee. A clear path forward wasn’t laid out for me. That’s why I’ve always gravitated toward entrepreneurship — it’s about creating your own future and helping others do the same. I’ve had to work incredibly hard for every opportunity, and I haven’t taken a single one for granted. As my company has grown, I’ve been able to work with state and industry partners, gain investor interest, and develop real-world applications for the technology we’re building. But while that progress is exciting, I know how many students out there never get the chance to explore their potential. That’s what motivated me to help launch the Empowerment Alliance — a student-led initiative that helps high school and college students who want to better themselves, attend college, or even start companies of their own. The Empowerment Alliance exists to show young people — especially those from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds — that their goals are achievable. We offer mentorship, peer support, and real-life examples of students creating progress in their own lives. Our aim is to break the cycle of hesitation that comes from fear, doubt, or lack of access. Whether someone wants to pursue higher education, launch a small business, or just figure out what they're good at, we help them take that first step. Through both my business and the Empowerment Alliance, I’m committed to building a better, more inclusive future — one where innovation and opportunity are within reach for anyone willing to work for it. I want my career to reflect that commitment. I don’t just want to build drones or software — I want to build systems that empower people. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial relief. It would mean time and space to keep doing the work that matters to me: finishing school strong, scaling my company, and reaching even more students through the Empowerment Alliance. I’m not just trying to succeed for myself — I’m trying to create a platform where others can succeed alongside me.