My story begins with change. When my father left, I was very young. My mother, who works for the United Nations, took on the responsibility of raising my brothers and me, while her job led us to live across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Central America, and eventually, New York. This nomadic lifestyle shaped me profoundly—it taught me resilience, flexibility, and the power of adapting to the unknown. I had to start over again and again—new schools, new languages, new friends—while also caring for my younger brothers through each transition. Growing up in under-resourced schools, I didn’t have access to many of the extracurricular or academic opportunities other students often take for granted. Still, I found strength in creativity and initiative. I had to teach myself how to grow, how to lead, and how to make the most out of limited circumstances. The hardest challenge came when we moved from Costa Rica to New York in the middle of my high school years. I jumped from finishing 9th grade into the middle of 10th grade due to the difference in school calendars. As my school in Costa Rica had been closed for an entire school year during the pandemic and we had limited access to online education, I had missed crucial concepts, especially in math and physics, but I worked tirelessly to close my academic gaps. When I applied to Cornell, most people said I had no chance. But I got in—and not only have I kept up, I’ve thrived. I am now a proud member of the ChemE Car Project Team, where I help design and build chemically powered model cars. I serve as a team leader in Cru-Christian Fellowship, offering mentorship and spiritual support to fellow students. I also perform with the Cornell Shakespeare group, which has allowed me to express my passion for the arts. Despite financial challenges—my mother has taken out loans, credit lines, and sacrifices a great deal to support my two brothers and me—I continue to pursue my goals. I work part-time, but as an international student on a G4 visa, I do not qualify for financial aid, making each semester a real financial stretch. Still, I believe I was given these challenges for a reason. They’ve shaped my sense of purpose. My dream is to become an engineer who contributes to sustainable innovation. In high school, I wrote a book for teenagers called 'Why Engineering Matters' to inspire others to see the role of engineering in creating a better world. At Cornell, I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering. My coursework, combined with hands-on experiences, is sharpening my technical skills in thermodynamics, materials science, and systems design—all essential to developing sustainable technologies. What drives me is a responsibility to give back. I want to be part of the solution to the environmental crisis by working on next-generation transportation systems that reduce emissions and energy consumption. With a background shaped by many different cultures and systems, I bring a unique global perspective to engineering challenges. My hope is to design technologies that are accessible, environmentally sound, and globally adaptable. Beyond technical impact, I also want to uplift others. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, writing for a broader audience, or leading by example, I want to show that even those who come from uncertain or unconventional paths can contribute meaningfully. I’ve been helped by others along the way, and I intend to pay that forward—through teaching, mentorship, and service in both local and international communities. Cornell is helping me grow into the kind of engineer who not only designs better systems—but builds a better world.

To me, success is not found in wealth, awards, or any human measure of worth — it is found in a life anchored in the Lord, my God, Jesus Christ. Building my life on Jesus is not just a goal of mine; it is a lifelong pursuit. With every decision that I make, every challenge that I face, and every goal that I set, I will be firmly rooted in my faith and guided by His wisdom. I am committed to stewarding the gifts God has given me, particularly my skills and love for engineering, not for personal gain but for a higher purpose: to help others through innovation and problem-solving. Engineering is not merely a profession. To me, it is a calling — an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the world. I aspire to complete my engineering degree so that I can contribute to companies at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Engineering is not just about designing systems or solving problems. It is an opportunity to create solutions that drive meaningful change to make life better for others. Whether it is through creating more efficient infrastructure, developing sustainable energy solutions, or advancing medical technology, I want to be part of a movement that uses science and engineering to address real-world challenges. Though I love engineering, my faith in God is my ultimate foundation. I believe that with every problem that I solve and every challenge that I face, I should steward it all to the Lord in integrity, perseverance, and a heart for service. This opportunity will allow me to finish my studies at Cornell University. Without the burden of financial strain, I can devote myself fully to my education and personal growth. Without the necessary financial means, continuing my education at Cornell would be uncertain, but this scholarship would allow me to concentrate on honing my skills, engaging in research, and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share my passion for engineering. At Cornell, I am involved in ChemE Car, a project team dedicated to building a car that runs on chemicals. As a member of the mechanical sub-team, I am responsible for designing the car’s frame and constructing containers to house the chemicals. This team has become my home at Cornell, and this scholarship would enable me to continue contributing to a community that inspires me every day. My faith in God fuels my discipline. Cornell’s engineering program is notoriously challenging, yet with every obstacle I encounter, with every difficult problem set, or with every late night studying, I have an opportunity to rely on the Lord’s strength. I know that true success is not found in a particular moment in time but in the journey. It is a process that requires patience, dedication, and resilience. With every setback and through every failure, I can grow in wisdom and experience. Though failure may seem frightening, I can rest assured that the Lord is my shepherd through thick and thin; my faith is in Him and Him alone, so I have nothing to fear. That is why, to me, success is not about reaching the top. Rather, success is being able to serve others in humility using the gifts that the Lord has given me. One day, I hope to look back on my life and see that my actions, my work, and my choices glorify the Lord. If I can pursue engineering with excellence and serve those around me with humility, all while striving to grow closer to God, then I will consider my life truly successful. This scholarship would be more than a means to support my education. It would be an investment in a future in which I can serve others and bring meaningful change. With this support, I would be equipped to dedicate myself to my education without the burden of financial stress, focusing on developing my skill set and growing in my faith so that I can use engineering as a means to live out my ultimate purpose, the truest form of success: to glorify the Lord in all that I do.