Pursuing higher education has required me to confront obstacles that were not always visible from the outside. While I was fortunate to grow up in a household that valued education, my greatest challenges came from navigating isolation, self-doubt, and the pressure to define my own path during critical years of development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sudden loss of structure, peer connection, and in-person learning deeply affected me. Like many students, I struggled with isolation and uncertainty at a time when identity, confidence, and direction were still forming. Rather than retreat from those challenges, I chose to face them directly by turning inward and investing in my growth. I began exploring programming, engineering, and creative technology on my own, not as a hobby, but as a way to regain purpose and momentum when traditional pathways felt unavailable. This period led me to seek out community-driven opportunities such as the Hidden Genius Project, a rigorous program focused on technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Entering that space was challenging in itself. I often questioned whether I belonged, whether my skills were strong enough, or whether my voice would be taken seriously. Over time, those doubts became motivation. I learned how to collaborate, lead projects, and support others who were navigating similar uncertainty. What began as a response to isolation became a foundation for confidence and discipline that carried me into college. As a Physics major at North Carolina A&T, I continue to face the demands of a rigorous STEM curriculum while balancing leadership, mentorship, and financial responsibility. Physics challenges me daily to think critically, persist through failure, and trust the process even when answers are not immediate. These obstacles have taught me resilience and the importance of asking for help, building community, and staying committed to long-term goals rather than short-term comfort. I plan to use my education to give back by expanding access to STEM knowledge and mentorship for students who may not see themselves represented in technical fields. I have already taken steps in this direction through mentoring, leading workshops, and supporting younger students interested in technology and leadership. In the future, I hope to contribute through educational outreach, community-based STEM programs, and by serving as a visible example of what is possible with persistence and support. The obstacles I have faced did not deter me from pursuing higher education; they clarified my purpose. Through my education, I intend not only to advance my own career, but to reinvest in the communities that helped shape me, ensuring that others have the guidance and encouragement they need to overcome their own challenges.

Being an up-stander, to me, does not always begin with a microphone or a large audience. It often starts with noticing who is being left out, who feels unheard, and who needs someone willing to step forward. Throughout my life, I have learned that using your voice is as much about listening and acting with intention as it is about speaking. My first real understanding of advocacy came during high school, when I served as Chapter President of the Future Business Leaders of America. In that role, I was not simply organizing meetings or preparing students for competitions. I was responsible for creating an environment where students felt confident enough to lead, present ideas, and see themselves as capable of success. Many of my peers were unsure whether business or leadership spaces were meant for them. I made it a priority to encourage participation, mentor younger members, and advocate for resources that would make our chapter more inclusive and accessible. Standing up for others sometimes meant challenging norms, and other times it meant taking the time to sit with someone one-on-one and remind them that their voice mattered. As I grew older, my understanding of being an up-stander expanded beyond formal leadership titles. Through my involvement in STEM education and mentoring, I saw firsthand how access to information can change trajectories. I worked with students who were curious and capable but lacked guidance or representation in technical spaces. Instead of waiting for someone else to step in, I chose to share what I knew, lead workshops, and support younger students as they navigated paths in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. These moments reinforced my belief that advocacy can be quiet, consistent, and deeply impactful. Now, as a Physics major at North Carolina A&T, I continue to use my voice to build community through service, mentorship, and example. In a field where Black students are often underrepresented, simply persisting and excelling becomes an act of advocacy. I speak up by collaborating with peers, asking questions that invite others into the conversation, and sharing opportunities that could benefit those around me. I believe that progress happens when people are willing to stand beside each other, not just ahead of each other. Inspired by the life of Mohamed Magdi Taha, I am committed to using my voice to advocate for equity, curiosity, and collective growth. His compassion and courage remind me that leadership is not about recognition, but responsibility. Moving forward, I plan to continue building spaces where young people feel empowered to speak, learn, and lead. Whether through STEM education, community engagement, or mentorship, I intend to use my voice to stand up for others and help create pathways where none previously existed. In doing so, I hope to honor the idea that even small acts, when rooted in purpose and empathy, can help shape stronger and more just communities.

When I think about aviation, I do not just think about airplanes in the sky. I think about motion, forces, navigation, and the human curiosity that has always pushed us to understand what lies beyond the horizon. That same curiosity is what has guided my journey, both academically and personally, and it is why I feel called to contribute to the aviation industry through physics and engineering. I am a sophomore Physics major at North Carolina A&T, an HBCU that has shaped my understanding of what it means to pursue excellence with purpose. From an early age, I was drawn to solving problems and understanding how systems work. As a student, I found myself asking why objects move the way they do, how forces interact, and how mathematical models translate into real-world applications. Physics became the language that helped me answer those questions, and aviation is one of the most powerful expressions of that language in action. My interest in aviation is rooted in its intersection of physics, engineering, and impact. Aircraft do not simply fly because of machinery alone, but because of precise calculations involving air pressure, lift, thrust, and energy. As someone who studies the fundamental laws that govern motion and matter, I see aviation as a field where theory meets responsibility. Every equation matters because lives depend on accuracy, safety, and innovation. I am particularly interested in how physics informs aircraft design, flight systems, and the advancement of safer and more efficient air travel. As a student in an underrepresented minority in STEM, my path has not always been straightforward. There were moments when I questioned whether I belonged in technical spaces, especially early on when access to guidance felt limited. What carried me forward was ambition and drive, along with mentors and programs that helped me see my potential more clearly. Experiences such as leading technical workshops, participating in rigorous STEM programs, and mentoring younger students reinforced my belief that knowledge is meant to be shared and used to uplift others. The legacy of Hector L. Villarreal resonates deeply with me because it highlights how aviation can open minds, connect cultures, and create life-changing experiences. His journey reminds me that technical skill paired with purpose can transform not only individual lives, but families and communities as well. This scholarship would help relieve the financial pressure that often accompanies pursuing a demanding STEM degree, allowing me to focus more fully on research, academic growth, and experiential learning opportunities related to aerospace and aviation systems. With this support, I can continue building the foundation necessary to make meaningful contributions to industries where physics drives innovation. My goal is not only to work within aviation-related fields but to help shape a future where access, safety, and excellence take flight together.

The importance of strengthening our efforts to minimize forms of online bullying and uplift our communities is rooted in the importance of our mental health—especially following the aftermath of the period of isolation imposed on us during the years of the coronavirus. Cyberbullying can lead to severe emotional distress, anxiety, and depression, and when added with the fact that not all of us have the outlets we had before the pandemic, online bullying, can even result in tragic outcomes like self-harm and suicide. Beyond personal impact, it creates an overall toxic online environment which discourages meaningful interaction and makes room for negativity and the cycle of cancel culture. By strengthening our efforts to delete cyberbullying, we can build a safer, more inclusive digital space in which people can feel valued, respected, and empowered to express themselves without fear of harassment or being canceled by their online peers. This is a critical concept, and to maximize my efforts to uplift my community, I have constantly devoted my life to ensuring our communities can thrive, and everyone has a chance at being successful online and in person. Through my work, I’ve led many workshops for middle and high school students on technology, entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and encouraged them to come up with ideas that can be beneficial to their own communities. Additionally, I founded and maintained a YouTube channel and online forum for more than 50,000 aspiring programmers globally to post weekly programming tutorials, answer questions, and provide help and guidance. I’ve taught computer programming to high schoolers in person in Atlanta, Oakland and Detroit, and internationally in England through my work with the Hidden Genius Project organization. As the President of the FBLA during my last year in high school, I was responsible for promoting business education, organizing leadership events, and guiding the members of my student organization. In the process, I have helped develop leadership, teamwork, and hands-on skills in myself and others. As a college graduate, I will continue motivating students online by developing further the educational platforms that I have developed and which are currently used by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. I believe in leading the advancements in the space industry and making sure that Black students can be leaders in areas where they have been traditionally missing. In the process, I want to ensure that education, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship, is accessible to underrepresented groups and inspire them to attend college and get good jobs. It is my work in tech and business to create a paradigm of success for others, to encourage them to pursue their dreams and to overcome cultural and economic barriers.

Before I embraced the importance of Sankofa-- the principle from my African heritage teaching us to look back and study the wisdom of our ancestors-- I often found myself struggling with a lack of identity. This challenge left me feeling lost and disconnected, uncertain of my direction and purpose. However, as I began to study my ancestry, I realized that I am part of a much larger story, not just an individual navigating life. This understanding transformed my outlook, giving me clarity about my passions and helping me envision a future not just for myself, but for the communities I serve. Embracing Sankofa allowed me to confront this lack of identity, which had made me reluctantly introverted. Without a sense of who I was, I felt baseless, unmotivated, and at times lost. Despite this uncertainty, one thing remained clear: I was always incredibly creative. My interests in programming, tinkering with hardware, and assisting with IT almost everywhere I went offered me moments of clarity and purpose. Even though I didn’t fully understand where this passion would take me, I knew there was something to be done in this space, and I was eager to explore it. During the pandemic, what could have been a period of isolation became an opportunity for growth. I used this time to dive into technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship through the 15-month Hidden Genius Project in 2021. Starting as a student, I advanced to lead programmer and eventually became the director of programming cohorts in Detroit, Oakland, Atlanta and going global in several locations in the UK by 2024, earning a letter of recommendation from the CEO along the way. These roles allowed me to give back by sharing my knowledge with others, embodying the principles of Sankofa by uplifting the next generation. In addition, I mentored over 50,000 aspiring programmers through a YouTube series and an online forum on Discord, where my audience ranged from middle schoolers to college students and even a professor. This experience reinforced the importance of community upliftment, which I also promoted through my work with The Village Method, teaching elementary students about our ancestors and supporting their virtual learning sessions. These initiatives helped me embody Sankofa, leading by example and giving back to my community as I continued to grow. The pandemic not only deepened my understanding of my culture and the African principle of Sankofa, but it also taught me the importance of leading rather than following. During that period of isolation, I was able to break away from the pressure to conform and discovered the power of forming my own opinions. Homeschooling from 2020 to 2021 gave me the space to think independently, rooted in the belief that reclaiming our past is essential to moving forward. This realization allowed me to see the world differently and embrace my identity with purpose. As I reflect on my journey, I see how the principles of Sankofa have shaped who I am today and the leader I aspire to be. By looking back to understand my history, I’ve gained the tools to navigate the present and shape the future-- for myself and the communities I serve. My experiences with the Hidden Genius Project, community service and mentoring others taught me that leadership isn’t just about being at the forefront; it’s about guiding others toward collective progress. Just as I’ve learned from the past, I now move forward, passionate about building on what has come before and paving the way for those who will follow.

The years of the coronavirus brought life to a standstill, forcing us to confront challenges we never anticipated. While the pandemic's effects faded for many, its impact on me has lingered, shaping my perspective and ambitions. The coronavirus was a time defined by an overwhelming sense of loneliness, uncertainty, and isolation. While I worked tirelessly to pursue my dream of attending university and one day innovating within the aerospace industry, the overwhelming time of solitude casted a shadow over my ambitions. The pandemic created a world in which the outside community was out of reach, and, at times, the idea of serving as a leader and carving my own unique path seemed almost implausible. It felt easier to follow the crowd than risk the isolation that comes with standing out, especially during a time when many in my generation turned to social media, online gaming, and artificial intelligence to satisfy our deep need for community. A national state of emergency was declared for children’s health– and as a result, the effects of the isolation on my mind, and the importance of my mental health could not be denied. Furthermore, I realized that if I allowed the effects of isolation to gain any more of a stronghold on my mind, I may not pursue university, I may not strive to reach my dreams, I may not keep that drive. I understood that I needed to combat this, and I could not allow my isolation and sense of loneliness to maintain its grip over my life. I strengthened my efforts to strive for my goals and what I believe in. I conducted workshops aimed at training middle and high school students in technology, entrepreneurship and leadership skills and helping them to come up with projects that will benefit their communities. Moreover, I maintain a YouTube platform and an online forum with more than 50,000 aspiring programmers globally where I upload software engineering tutorials, provide technical support and guidance on a weekly basis. I also taught software engineering fundamentals to high schoolers in-person in cities like Atlanta, Oakland and Detroit, as well as London, via the Hidden Genius Project programming sessions. During senior year in high school, I served as Chapter President of the Future Business Leaders of America, which involved me advocating for business education, leading leadership events and mentoring peers. In doing so, I have helped to nurture leadership, teamwork, and practical skill-building in myself and others. As a college graduate, I plan to continue inspiring students online by expanding the educational platforms I’ve created, which currently reach hundreds of thousands globally. I aim to lead advancements in the space industry, demonstrating that Black students can excel in traditionally underrepresented fields. In the process, I dream of making education accessible to underrepresented groups, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship, to empower students to pursue higher education and meaningful careers. This is all the result of my realization of the requirement of consistent effort through practices like therapy, rest, and self-compassion to grow and sustain our standing in mental health. In embracing the importance of mental health, I’ve found the strength to overcome isolation, rekindle my ambition, and forge a path toward a future where my dreams of innovation take flight. My work in tech and business will serve as an example of this, encouraging others to strive for their goals while breaking mental and social boundaries.

The African principle of Sankofa teaches my people to look back and study the wisdom of our ancestors, so we can go forwards and use that wisdom as our foundation. Before I embraced this, I often found myself struggling with a lack of identity, causing me to be lost, disconnected, and unsure of my purpose. Added with the voices of the people who I thought were my friends, the media, and the public school system which constantly tried to “define” me, there was no room for me to discover my purpose. It wasn't until the world came screeching to a halt during the coronavirus when I had the room to grasp this fundamental principle. From 2020-2021, my parents homeschooled me about my ancestry, the African principles, and exposed me to what my people have done for this country and humanity—topics the school system would never teach me. They placed me into programs centered around technology and entrepreneurship with other Black youth; and with this as my foundation, my role as a servant leader became clear to me. No longer am I bound by the pathway which too many are stuck to. I am creating a new path, one guided by Sankofa. Through this path, I not only discovered my identity but also my passion for innovation and problem-solving. As I embraced the principles of Sankofa, I began to see how technology, particularly in aerospace, could be a powerful tool for shaping the future—one that must be guided by both progress and responsibility. Guided by the wisdom of Sankofa and a renewed sense of purpose, I now turn my attention to the rapidly evolving world of technology. Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented rate of human advancement. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in just the past twelve years, we have lowered costs of technology while increasing the efficiency of the same. We have increased life expectancy, production of supercomputers, and scientific publications. When artificial intelligence and spacecraft are added into the mix, our rate of innovation skyrockets at a level which simply hasn’t been observed before throughout our human history. This is without a doubt an era of innovation sparked by the innovation of the transistor; however, with great innovation, there's questioning on whether or not we will be able to continue to innovate sustainably. The Trees for Tuition Scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to access the resources, mentorship, and education necessary to develop groundbreaking solutions in aerospace and beyond. With this assistance, I will be able to refine my ideas, collaborate with experts, and work toward sustainable advancements in space exploration and technology. The support from this scholarship will allow me to focus on the challenges ahead, ensuring that my work benefits future generations. The climate crisis is having real-world repercussions outside of scientists wagging a finger and saying “no-no.” For the first time in over 120 years, it snowed in the Gulf of Mexico. Back-to-back hurricanes in the South, yet our leaders, blinded by wealth, have done little-to-nothing to combat this nor prepare the world for future generations to come. While I see a future for myself in aerospace, I will not allow myself to turn a blind eye to the dangerous impacts our spacecraft has on Earth—nor will I be content solely because my business is making profit. It is this fundamental idea—my baseline plan—to ensure our propulsion chemicals are affording sustainability in the otherwise unsustainable spacecraft industry. My goal is to bridge aerospace innovation with environmental responsibility, ensuring progress in space does not come at the cost of Earth's well-being.

The African principle of Sankofa teaches us to look back and study the wisdom of our ancestors, so we can go forwards and use that wisdom as our foundation. Before I embraced this, I found myself struggling with a lack of identity, causing me to be lost, disconnected, and unsure of my purpose. Added with the voices of the people who I thought were my friends, the media, and the public school system which constantly tried to ‘define’ me, there was no room for me to discover my purpose. It wasn't until the world came screeching to a halt during the coronavirus when I had the room to grasp this fundamental principle. In addition to my academic pursuits, I became deeply involved in various extracurricular activities. I served as the lead programmer and educator for the Hidden Genius Project, teaching youth in cohorts in Atlanta, Detroit, Oakland and going global when I taught in sessions around England. As a mentor, I guided over 40,000 aspiring programmers through a YouTube series and an online forum I developed on Discord. I also composed music, played the violin, and developed games. In my senior year of high school, I became the President of Future Business Leaders of America. Furthermore, I am an animator and AI programmer, having created several AI applications when the technology was still emerging. Through these experiences, I’ve honed skills in leadership, mentorship, and creativity, and the importance of balancing my mental health with my academic and extracurricular life. While I come from a family of servant leaders and community builders who work tirelessly to uplift others, my parents have struggled to secure sufficient funding within the school systems they serve. Months often pass in our household with the understanding that we can only afford necessities. My parents have been transparent about their inability to fund my college education, even though I have been admitted into four top HBCUs. Though I plan to work during my education, I am still bound to graduate with significant debt, which could take over a decade to repay. This financial burden would hinder my ability to effectively pursue my vision of building businesses and advancing innovation in the aerospace sector. Scholarships like these are crucial to my mission, as they would alleviate financial strain and allow me to focus on my education, ambitions, and long-term impact. With this assistance, I will fully dedicate myself to my studies and goals as I aim to build businesses fostering innovation while creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive in aerospace and technology. Our people can only thrive when we are not just considering ourselves, but are actively making opportunities for generations.

Before I embraced the importance of Sankofa--a principle from my African heritage that teaches us to look back and embrace the wisdom of our ancestors--I often found myself struggling with a lack of identity. This challenge left me feeling lost and disconnected, uncertain of my direction and purpose. However, as I began to study my ancestry, I realized that I am part of a much larger story, not just an individual navigating life. This understanding transformed my outlook, giving me clarity about my passions and helping me envision a future not just for myself, but for the communities I serve. Embracing Sankofa allowed me to confront this lack of identity, which had made me reluctantly introverted. Without a sense of who I was, I felt baseless, unmotivated, and at times lost. Despite this uncertainty, one thing remained clear--I was always incredibly creative. My interests in programming, tinkering with hardware, and assisting with IT almost everywhere I went offered me moments of clarity and purpose. Even though I didn’t fully understand where this passion would take me, I knew there was something to be done in this space, and I was eager to explore it. During the pandemic, what could have been a period of isolation became an opportunity for growth. I used this time to dive into technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship through the 15-month Hidden Genius Project in 2021. Starting as a student, I advanced to lead programmer and eventually became the director of a programming cohort in Detroit, Oakland, Atlanta and going global in several locations in the UK by 2024, earning a letter of recommendation from the CEO along the way. These roles allowed me to give back by sharing my knowledge with others, embodying the principles of Sankofa by uplifting the next generation. In addition, I mentored over 40,000 aspiring programmers through a YouTube series and an online forum on Discord, where my audience ranged from middle schoolers to college students and even a professor. This experience reinforced the importance of community upliftment, which I also promoted through my work with The Village Method, teaching elementary students about our ancestors and supporting their virtual learning sessions. These initiatives helped me embody Sankofa, leading by example and giving back to my community as I continued to grow. In 2022, I took this understanding further by participating in a 15-week intensive program at Zion Hill Baptist Church called the Rites of Passage Program. Through this brotherhood, I was educated about my ancestry, culture, and what it means to be a Black man in the United States and beyond. The elders in the program saw value in us that we had yet to realize within ourselves. They guided us through difficult conversations about America’s harsh realities--lessons that can only be taught within a close-knit community. This experience was crucial to my development as a young man, hardening my resolve and deepening my understanding of who I am. As I reflect on my journey, I see how the principles of Sankofa have shaped who I am today and the leader I aspire to be. By looking back to understand my history, I’ve gained the tools to navigate the present and shape the future--for myself and the communities I serve. My experiences with the Hidden Genius Project, mentoring others, and the Rites of Passage Program taught me that leadership isn’t just about being at the forefront; it’s about guiding others toward collective progress. Just as I’ve learned from the past, I now move forward, passionate about building on what has come before and paving the way for those who will follow.

The principles which my African ancestors have left with my people have given me the confidence I needed to achieve my goals. The principle of Sankofa encourages my people to study their wisdom so that it can be used as a reference while pursuing our goals. Prior to accepting this, I struggled with my identity, feeling lost, disconnected and without a goal. Together with the pressure of the people who I thought were my friends, the media and the public schools, which were always trying to ‘tell’ me who I am, there was no way for me to find out what I was supposed to do. It was not until the world was shut down by COVID-19 when I understood this fundamental concept. Homeschooling me, my parents for two years taught me about my history, the African culture and way of life, and the principles through which I learned that my people have contributed positively to this country and the world—things that the school has never and will never introduce to me. I was put in programs that were related to technology and business for black youths; therefore, my base was strong, and I knew what my role as a servant leader was. I am not anymore trapped in the road which so many people are still trapped in. I am creating a new way, a way that is based on the Sankofa concept. This path did not only help me to discover my real self but also revealed to me my interest and zeal in innovation and problem solving. In this paper, I will explain how I incorporated the principle of Sankofa into my leadership journey and how I am using it to shape my future in aerospace. As a strong believer in knowledge sharing and community empowerment, I sought to extend these principles beyond myself. I have conducted workshops to train middle and high school students in technology, entrepreneurship and leadership skills, and make sure they are able to develop projects that create a tangible impact in their communities. Furthermore, I launched a YouTube platform and online forum that has reached over 40,000 students globally and share programming tutorials, provide technical support and guidance weekly. Teaching programming fundamentals in-person to high-schoolers in cities like Atlanta, Oakland and Detroit and London through sessions with the Hidden Genius Project has allowed me to see firsthand how access to education changes lives. I also celebrate Kwanzaa annually using its values of unity and purpose to strengthen my ties to my heritage and guide my community focused efforts. These experiences have not only solidified my leadership abilities but have reinforced my commitment to using technology as a tool of empowerment. Guided by the of my ancestors, I am working to contribute to aerospace innovation in the right way, making sure that technology improves people’s lives, conserves our environment, and leads to a sustainable future through research, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. My goal is to bridge aerospace innovation with environmental responsibility, ensuring that our progress uplifts communities and preserves our world for generations to come, while also lighting the path for others focused on carrying the torch.