Being a first generation college student means a lot to me because it’s more than just going to school, it’s about opening a door that no one in my family has walked through before. I grew up in a single parent household, and my mom has always worked extra hours to keep things together for my two sisters and I. Watching her do everything she could to give us a better future makes me see colleges more than just my own journey, it feels like I’m carrying her sacrifices with me every step of the way. My first semester in college was rough. I was adjusting to a whole new state and environment, and I didn’t handle it as well as I wanted. My GPA drop lower than I ever thought it would, and honestly, I felt like I let myself and my family down. But instead of giving up, I use it as motivation. I started managing my time better, focusing more, and reminding myself why I’m here. Now my GPA for this term is a 3.5, and I’ve raised my overall GPA to a 3.1. That comeback means a lot to me because it shows I can bounce back from setbacks and keep moving towards my goals. School hasn’t just been challenging academically, it’s also been tough financially. Over the summer I attended a full course load and I worked to cover tuition and housing but once the fall semester started my class schedule and homework, made it impossible to keep my job and still give my studies the attention they needed. I ended up having to let go of my job and take out another loan, which was a hard choice, but I knew my education had to come first. Still, the financial stress is real, and this scholarship will take a lot of weight off of my shoulders. Even with the challenges, I stay motivated by the bigger picture. I’m working towards a degree in mechanical engineering, because I want to use problem-solving and creativity to make a difference. Whether in designing something sustainable, improving community resources, or just showing what’s possible when you don’t give up, I know engineering is a path where I can build something meaningful. I also want to be an example for my two sisters and for others in my community, to show that even when things get hard, it’s worth pushing through. This scholarship would help me focus more on my studies and less on worrying about money. It would let me keep building on the progress I’ve made and move closer to my goal of graduating with my bachelors degree. Being a first generation student means proving their hard work and determination can change the future, And I’m committed to doing that.

From a young age, I understood the value of perseverance. Raised in a single-parent household, I watched my mother work long hours to support my two younger sisters and me. College always felt like a distant dream, something I knew I wanted but wasn’t sure how we’d afford. Yet rather than feeling discouraged, I allowed those financial hardships to fuel my ambition. Today, I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to solving real-world problems, particularly those affecting underserved communities. One of my proudest achievements so far has been working on a freshman-year project called the Cap Filter. The idea was simple: develop a bottle cap that filters microplastics out of drinking water. However, the goal was far greater: to make clean water more accessible and sustainable. This project ignited my deep interest in sustainable design and reminded me that even small inventions can have a life-changing impact. It also solidified my long-term career goal: to become an engineer who develops affordable technologies to protect both people and the environment. Do you know that out of our whole class, I was the only student who did the project? I could not believe it. This actually boosted my confidence as well. I presented my project, received an A, and received praise from my professor, which really made me feel good. Engineering, to me, is not just about machines or blueprints. It’s about people. It’s about using science and creativity to enhance the lives of others. That’s why I am not only driven by curiosity but also by compassion. I want my work to reflect the values I hold dear—kindness, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves access to safe and affordable solutions, regardless of their income level. As a low-income student, I understand how barriers, whether financial, educational, or social, can limit opportunities. That’s why I’m determined not only to overcome these barriers myself but also to help break them down for others. I aspire to work on projects that serve marginalized communities and to one day mentor students like those who dream big but need someone to believe in them. Receiving this scholarship would not just relieve financial pressure; it would be a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. It would allow me to focus more deeply on my studies and research and continue growing into the kind of engineer and person I aspire to be. Intelligent, self-driven, honest, kind, and committed to making a positive impact.