When people ask me how I got into STEM—especially something like artificial intelligence—I usually smile, because the truth is, it didn’t start with some grand tech moment. It started with balance. Balancing marching band, concert band, and math homework. Balancing early morning rehearsals with late-night problem sets. Balancing being first chair tuba—something I take a lot of pride in—with staying on top of classes that constantly push me. That balance has taught me a lot. Band has been one of the most grounding parts of my life. Being first chair isn’t just about being the loudest or most accurate—it’s about showing up consistently, learning how to support the section, and pushing myself to get better every day. Those lessons carry into how I approach STEM. Just like music, this field demands both structure and creativity. Precision and imagination. And that’s exactly what drew me to artificial intelligence. I’ve always been curious about how we make sense of patterns—whether it’s how a melody flows or how a machine makes decisions based on data. That curiosity grew into a deeper interest in AI, especially the kind that can be used to solve social problems. I’ve worked on small projects exploring how algorithms can detect trends in behavior and flag early signs of things like academic burnout or mental health challenges in students. It’s still a work in progress, but what excites me is the possibility—the idea that the code I write could actually support someone one day. As a first-generation college student, I know how hard it is to even get in the room sometimes. There aren’t many people in my immediate circle who work in STEM, so I’ve had to seek out mentors, ask a lot of questions, and figure things out along the way. But I don’t mind the challenge. If anything, it pushes me harder—because I know how important it is for voices like mine to be part of this space. AI and machine learning are shaping so much of our future, and we need diverse thinkers guiding that process. People who understand nuance. People who’ve learned how to juggle different parts of their identity and still show up, do the work, and lead with empathy. That’s how I see myself contributing—not just by writing the code, but by bringing a perspective that might otherwise be left out. This scholarship would mean more than just financial support—it would be a reminder that there’s a place for someone like me in this field. Someone who’s led a band section, solved a tricky math problem late at night, and stayed committed to learning, even when it wasn’t easy. I want to use what I’ve learned—not just in STEM, but in life—to make a real impact. And I know I’m just getting started

There was a time when I thought struggling with my mental health meant I was failing. I didn’t talk about it. I didn’t even fully understand what was happening—I just knew I felt tired all the time, anxious for no clear reason, and like I was constantly falling behind no matter how hard I tried. It was lonely. I felt like everyone else had things figured out while I was stuck in this fog I couldn’t explain. It took me a while to realize what I was experiencing wasn’t just a phase or me “being dramatic.” It was anxiety. It was depression. And it was real. Getting help was scary at first—admitting I needed support felt like admitting weakness. But it ended up being the opposite. Talking to a therapist, learning to name what I was feeling, starting to treat my mental health like I would any other part of my health—it changed everything. Since then, my outlook on life and the people around me has shifted. I’ve become more compassionate, not just toward others, but toward myself. I know what it feels like to pretend you’re okay when you’re not, and I’ve learned how much strength it takes just to show up some days. That understanding has helped me connect with people more deeply. I listen differently. I check in more. I try to be the kind of person I needed when I was struggling. Being a first-generation college student already comes with pressure, but going through this journey has made me realize I want a career where I can give back—where I can be part of something that helps people feel seen, safe, and supported. Whether it’s through work that improves lives on the ground or through creating spaces where others can thrive, I want my story to matter. I want to use it to remind people they’re not alone. I won’t pretend that everything is suddenly perfect now. There are still hard moments. But I’ve learned to manage them, to be patient with myself, and to keep going. I’ve learned that asking for help is brave, and that healing doesn’t look the same for everyone. Most of all, I’ve learned that there’s nothing wrong with me for feeling deeply—it just means I care. Applying for this scholarship is more than just financial support for me—it’s a reminder that this part of my story doesn’t have to be hidden or shameful. It’s made me who I am: someone who’s growing, trying, and showing up anyway.

Civil engineering, to me, is about building more than just roads, bridges, or water systems—it’s about building stability, opportunity, and connection. It’s one of those fields that most people don’t think about unless something goes wrong, but it quietly touches nearly every part of our daily lives. Whether it’s a safe sidewalk, clean water, or a building that can withstand an earthquake, civil engineering is there, working in the background. That’s what I love about it—it’s humble but powerful. It solves problems in ways that directly improve people’s lives. My interest in civil engineering started when I was younger, watching a construction site near my neighborhood turn into a community center. I’d pass it on my way to school, and over the months, I became obsessed with the process—how every beam, wall, and pipe had a purpose. At first, I just thought it was cool. But later I realized it was also meaningful. That building didn’t just give people a place to gather; it created a sense of pride and possibility. That stuck with me. As I got older, I started paying attention to how the world is built—how some neighborhoods have reliable infrastructure while others don’t, how climate change is threatening the systems we rely on, and how engineering can be used to address those things. That’s what really sealed it for me. I don’t just want to design things—I want to design solutions. I’m especially drawn to sustainable and resilient infrastructure, the kind that helps communities thrive in the face of change or disaster. Academically, I’ve always leaned into math and science, knowing they’re key to this field. But outside of the classroom, I’ve also looked for ways to learn hands-on—joining engineering clubs, volunteering for local clean-up projects, and just asking a lot of questions. I love the problem-solving side of engineering, especially when it involves creativity and thinking outside the box. It’s not just numbers—it’s logic with imagination.My goal isn’t just to build things—it’s to make life better for people. That’s what really drives me, and why this field means so much. That said, getting here hasn’t been easy. College is expensive, and my family hasn’t had the means to fully support my education. I’ve worked part-time jobs to help with costs while keeping up with classes and projects. There have been times I’ve doubted if I could keep going, but every time I hit a wall, I’ve found a way around it—just like engineers do. Those struggles have made me more resourceful, more patient, and more committed to this path. For me, civil engineering is personal. It’s not just about a career; it’s about the kind of person I want to be—someone who helps create the kind of world we all deserve to live in. The Heron Wolf Civil Infrastructure Scholarship would make a huge difference, not just financially, but in showing that this dream is something worth investing in. I want to be part of the next generation of engineers who lead with heart, think boldly, and build wisely. Thank you for considering my application.

As a student, I believe that I am deserving of this scholarship for several reasons. First and foremost, I have worked exceptionally hard to achieve academic excellence throughout my educational journey. I have consistently maintained a high GPA and have actively participated in various extracurricular activities. Furthermore, I have made a point to give back to my community, through donating food or money. I firmly believe that it is our duty as individuals to contribute in whatever way we can to make our society a better place. Through volunteering for my church, I have been able to witness firsthand the impact my actions can have on improving the lives of others. Whether it's participating in food drives, organizing educational workshops for underprivileged children, or cleaning up local parks, each act of service has had a positive ripple effect in my community. Band and video games has had a great impact on my life. Being apart of the marching and jazz band has allowed me to develop musical skills, collaborate with others, and showcase my talents through performances. This lead me to a sense of belonging, personal growth, and even potential career opportunities some industries. Video games, on the other hand, offer a different kind of experience. It has been a major part of my life. Whenever I didn't have the best day, I could rely on video games. I have been able tobuild friendships, participate in competitive gaming, and explore virtual worlds that offer an escape from reality. My favorite games are NBA 2K, Rocket League, and Minecraft. Both band and video games can foster creativity, enhance focus and concentration, and promote teamwork and cooperation. However, they can also have potential drawbacks when not balanced with other aspects of life, such as excessive screen time or neglecting other responsibilities. Moreover, band, video games, and maintaining my grades taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of collaboration. It has helped me develop crucial skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which will boost me in my future . In conclusion, I feel deserving of this scholarship because of my dedication to academic success and my passion for music. I have witnessed the impact of my efforts on my community, helping individuals overcome challenges and fostering positive change. By receiving this scholarship, I would be able to continue making a difference and inspiring others to join in the pursuit of a better society.