I grew up around the racing and automotive world. My dad and I would go to drag races and car shows, and whenever helicopters flew over our house from the racetrack, I would always ask him which helicopter was carrying my favorite NASCAR driver, Kyle Busch. We watched the Pocono NASCAR races on TV every year, and I constantly asked when we could finally go see a race in person and watch the M&M’s car. After years of asking, we made that trip in 2023. We went to the truck race and Cup qualifying at Pocono, and it was everything I had imagined and more! Seeing the cars, crews, and haulers in person, hearing the engines, and feeling the energy of the crowd was unforgettable. It was one of those moments that stays with you forever. Since then, my dad and I have gone to many local car shows and events like Ford Nationals at Carlisle. Standing at the top of the hill and looking out over rows of cars stretching across the fairgrounds is a feeling that never gets old. It reminds me of my first NASCAR race, something so exciting and meaningful that I wish I could experience it again for the first time. These moments, especially the ones I’ve shared with my dad, are what built my passion for the automotive world. He introduced me to something he loves, and it became something we now share. That connection is a big part of why this field means so much to me. Because of these experiences, my dream job is to work in the automotive industry, ideally as a racing engineer. I want to be part of the teams that design, analyze, and improve race cars at the highest level. I am currently a third year Mechanical Engineering student at Penn State, and my coursework is giving me the foundation to pursue this path. More importantly, I’ve taken steps to directly connect my education to the automotive industry. I joined Penn State’s Formula SAE team, Nittany Motorsports, where I work on both the aerodynamics and chassis subsystems. Through aerodynamics, I’ve run simulations to evaluate vehicle balance and explore design changes that could improve lap time. I’ve also worked hands-on with carbon fiber, helping develop and document layup procedures, including material preparation, vacuum sealing, and resin application. On the chassis side, I’ve simulated camber geometry to determine optimal static camber values for improved cornering stability. These experiences have shown me how engineering concepts directly translate into performance on the track, reinforcing my desire to work in motorsports. In addition to my technical experiences, mentorship has played a key role in my journey. My mentor, who is a Penn State alumni, was the first person outside my family to tell me that a career in motorsports was achievable and gave me a path to work on chasing my dream. That encouragement helped turn a dream into a goal I could actively pursue. Between my education, hands-on experience, and passion, I am working every day to get closer to that goal. The automotive industry represents more than just a career path for me, it represents the experiences, memories, and connections that shaped who I am. Every time I think about those races and car shows with my dad, I’m reminded of why I chose engineering in the first place. I want to build a career that not only challenges me technically, but also allows me to contribute to the same community and passion that inspired me from the very beginning.

Some things I do to help my family and friends feel loved is being positive in general. I love to do the small things, like taking walks with my nana and her dog, telling my friends good morning, and asking how they are. I love volunteering, and helping out with classes for young girls to show them how to make friends, and be great role models for themselves and others. I love getting to do the small things in life every day to help make my day and everyone's around me, days better. I'm a hardworking student and athlete, and I know that life can be stressful. When I needed it most, all my friends were there for me with love and support, and that really inspired me to want to do the same and help make others' days the best they can be and help them feel loved. Some of the small things I do every day to help my family and friends feel loved could include saying hi or waving to them in the hall, asking them how their day is or if they need anything, or even something as simple as giving someone a hug can go a long way. I know when I need it most, a warm hug or a friend waving hello can mean the world to me and that inspires me to want to be the best person I can be and do the small things to help everyone around me feel loved and cared about on a daily basis.

For me, I've always been a hard and determined worker in everything I do. I'm a varsity high school athlete and looking to play college golf. I began playing golf when I was 9. My dad got a set of clubs and I ended up trying them out and enjoying it. From here, I began taking some classes and private lessons. I was doing my favorite thing with my friends and family, and getting better at it every day. I was in great golf classes that empowered girls to dream big, and show us great role models in the golf industry; many of which I'm friends with today. Those classes as well as golf overall have helped me become the person I am today!! For the future, I hope to do the same for other girls. If I play college golf, it would be so awesome to help at a golf camp for kids, and show kids, and especially young girls that if you dream big, and work hard anything is possible! Even after college, I want to continue to give back to the programs that helped me find love for the game. Although I want to work for NASA, I'd still like to make time to ensure that I help all the young girls out there I can!