I've faced several forms of adversity, but one of the most defining challenges has been growing up in a family where higher education wasn’t an established path. Being the first to attend college has meant navigating this journey without a roadmap from relatives who understand the process. I’ve had to learn how to balance my responsibilities, such as helping my family, working full and part-time jobs, and managing academic pressures, all while staying focused on my goal of earning a degree. The death of my grandfather from cancer was another pivotal moment that shaped my educational journey. His passing made me realize how precious time is and motivated me to pursue my education with even more dedication. It gave me a deeper sense of purpose, pushing me to work harder and not take this opportunity for granted. My passion for pursuing a degree in STEM, particularly in construction management, comes from a desire to be part of something that creates tangible change in the world. STEM fields are not only about understanding and solving complex problems; they’re about building the future, whether through technology, infrastructure, or innovative solutions. I’m drawn to the challenges and opportunities that STEM offers—how it combines creativity with logic and allows me to contribute to sustainable, impactful projects. Construction management, specifically, excites me because it lets me be at the intersection of leadership, engineering, and real-world problem-solving, making it a perfect fit for my skills and ambitions. Financially, pursuing higher education has been a challenge. Like many first-generation students, I face financial constraints, with limited family resources to support my academic goals. I’ve had to balance working to support myself while also focusing on my studies, which can sometimes be overwhelming. The cost of tuition, books, and living expenses add up quickly, and without financial assistance, achieving my degree would be much more difficult. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies rather than worrying about how to cover my expenses. It would also provide me with the freedom to explore additional educational opportunities, such as internships or certifications, that can help me build a strong foundation in my field. This support would bring me one step closer to achieving my long-term goal of becoming a leader in the construction management industry, and ultimately, creating a positive impact in my community.

Being the first in your family to obtain a college degree is a significant and transformative achievement. It represents more than just personal success; it symbolizes breaking generational barriers and creating a path for others to follow. For many first-generation college students, this accomplishment embodies the hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance of their family. It’s about honoring those who came before you, who may not have had the same opportunities, and paving the way for future generations. It can mean being a role model for younger siblings, cousins, or even members of your community, showing that higher education is not just a dream but an achievable reality. For me it means beating racial stereotypes and statistics based on people who come from low-income neighborhoods like mine. It means more than attending a school it means being a beacon of hope for your family. In my case, pursuing a degree in construction management is an intentional choice aligned with both my interests and the opportunities I see in the industry. Construction management is a dynamic field that combines leadership, problem-solving, and technical skills to oversee complex building projects. What excites me most about construction management is the ability to be at the forefront of turning designs into tangible structures, whether that’s a residential development, a commercial project, or an infrastructure endeavor. I find the balance between the practical, hands-on aspect of construction and the strategic, leadership role in managing teams, budgets, and timelines highly appealing. It also offers a broad range of career opportunities, from working with large construction firms to potentially starting my own business one day. As for my long-term goals, I envision myself becoming a leader in the construction industry, managing large-scale projects that have a lasting impact on communities. I aspire to not only excel professionally but also to promote sustainable and innovative building practices that contribute to environmental stewardship. Another significant long-term goal is to eventually establish my own construction management firm, where I can lead a team of professionals and offer mentorship to others entering the field. Additionally, I aim to give back to my community by creating educational or career opportunities for those interested in construction, particularly young people who may not initially see this path as accessible. Ultimately, obtaining a degree and pursuing a career in construction management is about growth—both personal and professional—and contributing to something bigger than myself, creating a legacy that extends beyond my own achievements.

My family had always been full of hard workers, laborers the type of people we call America's backbone, I grew up working since I was 13 my brother, father, uncle and grandfather used to do all types of labor, steelwork, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, construction and even electrical work. Naturally, I grew up learning these things as well but I quickly realized, I liked construction, My father worked for a construction company and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Even when I was young I loved building blocks and legos, The whole concept of building something from start to finish impressed me but it was the tight-knit work crews that drew me in more because it was always an environment I enjoyed being around, These guys worked but they had fun they were like brothers, It was crazy to me that people could have fun doing such hard work, which got me to doing research where I stumbled upon construction management, the idea you get to do construction work but be on the other end of it setting it up was something I knew I wanted to do instantly, I now find my self at Wentworth Institute of Technology the best construction management school in the state of Massachusetts pursuing a career in the field, I hope to make a change in the industry and make a name for me and my family for generations to come. Thank you for the opportunity to apply. Best, Lucas Sein