My name is Matthew Selby. As a young boy growing up I’ve always been captivated with aircraft. I live in Beaufort, South Carolina, and my home is less than five minutes from the Marine Corps Air Station, where I can see and hear the aircraft as it flies over my home. During those moments when watching the aircraft, is when I made the decision that I wanted to be a part of that process. My father was a veteran but left home when I was nine years old and expired from lung cancer which spread to his kidneys. I was only thirteen. He fought for seven years at the beginning of the 2000s. It actually subsided for three years before returning and taking his life. Growing up in a single-parent household of three; I learned the importance of work ethics from my mother as I watched her depart for work every day. I realized at that moment college would be a financial struggle for me. Therefore, I joined the Air Force Reserves after finishing high school. My rank is E-4, Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance. My job description is C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft Mechanic for the C-17). Currently, I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL. My college major is Aeronautics with a focus on Safety, Aeronautical Studies, and Geo-system Studies. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was attached to Detachment 157 (AFROTC). While serving in the program, I served as Squadron Commander and Color Guard. I plan to commission as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, in the U.S. Air Force. The purpose for me getting a degree is to comprehend my studies and grasp knowledge to build a better future, including increased marketability and preparations for specialized jobs. I have countless hours of community service, which started in fifth grade and continued through my senior year in high school. As a young man, I joined several young male mentoring organizations, including the Kappa Alpha Phi where I became vice-president of the youth organization and accumulated two hundred-plus volunteer hours. Currently, I’m a junior in college, and I have accumulated fifty-plus hours of volunteer work for park clean-up and football game volunteering. As a leader, I have experience in multiple leadership positions. In 12th grade, I was XO (Executive Officer: Second Highest in Command) of my Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) Battalion and Captain of the Drill Team. I have served on multiple color guards within MCJROTC, and in Boot Camp, I was the Guidon Bearer. My dad was a hero to me and everything I do today is in his honor. Growing up without a father was a bit rough, but I will not let CANCER have the victory! "A message to prospective donors." I've lived with the mentality of "pursuing my dreams until they become reality," and your donations will help me on my path in unspeakable ways. I thank you for taking the time to invest in me, you will be added to my support system, and I do not intend for your efforts to be in vain or taken for granted. One of the few struggles I am facing is future funding for college. Your funding will positively impact my academic journey; by ensuring I stay in college and keep comprehending my studies and grasp my knowledge to build a better future. I thank you for reviewing my application and I do have high hopes for your consideration, and I hope to one day personally write you or shake your hand for the blessings you would have provided for me.

My name is Matthew Selby. As a young boy growing up I’ve always been captivated with aircraft. I live in Beaufort, South Carolina and my home is less than five minutes from the Marine Corps Air Station, where I can see and hear the aircraft as it flies over my home. During those moments when watching the aircraft, is when I made the decision that I wanted to be a part of that process. My father was a veteran but left home when I was nine years old and expired when I was thirteen. Growing up in a single-parent household of three; I learned the importance of work ethics from my mother as I watched her depart for work every day. I realized at that moment college would be a financial struggle for me. Therefore, I joined the Air Force Reserves after finishing high school. My rank is E-4, Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance. My job description is C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft Mechanic for the C-17). Currently, I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL. My college major is Aeronautics with a focus on Safety, Aeronautical Studies, and Geo-system Studies. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was attached to Detachment 157 (AFROTC). While serving in the program, I served as Squadron Commander and Color Guard. I plan to commission as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, in the U.S. Air Force. The purpose for me getting a degree is to comprehend my studies and grasp knowledge to build a better future, including increased marketability and preparations for specialized jobs. I have countless hours of community service, which started in fifth grade and continued through my senior year in high school. As a young man, I joined several young male mentoring organizations, including the Kappa Alpha Phi where I became vice-president of the youth organization and accumulated two hundred-plus volunteer hours. Currently, I’m a junior in college and I have accumulated fifty-plus volunteer hours for park clean-up and football game volunteering. As a leader, I have experience in multiple leadership positions. In 12th grade, I was XO (Executive Officer: Second Highest in Command) of my Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) Battalion and Captain of the Drill Team. I have served on multiple color guards within MCJROTC, and in Boot Camp, I was the Guidon Bearer. "A message to prospective donors." I've lived with the mentality of "pursuing my dreams until they become reality," and your donations will help me on my path in unspeakable ways. I thank you for taking the time to invest in me, you will be added to my support system, and I do not intend for your efforts to be in vain or taken for granted. One of the few struggles I am facing is future funding for college. Your funding will positively impact my academic journey; by ensuring I stay in college and keep comprehending my studies and grasp my knowledge to build a better future. I thank you for reviewing my application and I do have high hopes for your consideration, and I hope to one day personally write you or shake your hand for the blessings you would have provided for me.

My name is Matthew Selby. As a young boy growing up I’ve always been captivated with aircraft. I live in Beaufort, South Carolina and my home is less than five minutes from the Marine Corps Air Station, where I can see and hear the aircraft as it flies over my home. During those moments when watching the aircraft, is when I made the decision that I wanted to be a part of that process. My father was a veteran but left home when I was nine years old and expired when I was thirteen. Growing up in a single-parent household of three; I learned the importance of work ethics from my mother as I watched her depart for work every day. I realized at that moment college would be a financial struggle for me. Therefore, I joined the Air Force Reserves after finishing high school. My rank is E-4, Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance. My job description is C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft Mechanic for the C-17). Currently, I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL. My college major is Aeronautics with a focus on Safety, Aeronautical Studies, and Geo-system Studies. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was attached to Detachment 157 (AFROTC). While serving in the program, I served as Squadron Commander and Color Guard. I plan to commission as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, in the U.S. Air Force. The purpose for me getting a degree is to comprehend my studies and grasp knowledge to build a better future, including increased marketability and preparations for specialized jobs. I have countless hours of community service, which started in fifth grade and continued through my senior year in high school. As a young man, I joined several young male mentoring organizations, including the Kappa Alpha Phi where I became vice-president of the youth organization and accumulated two hundred-plus volunteer hours. Currently, I’m a junior in college and I have accumulated fifty-plus volunteer hours for park clean-up and football game volunteering. As a leader, I have experience in multiple leadership positions. In 12th grade, I was XO (Executive Officer: Second Highest in Command) of my Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) Battalion and Captain of the Drill Team. I have served on multiple color guards within MCJROTC, and in Boot Camp, I was the Guidon Bearer. "A message to prospective donors." I've lived with the mentality of "pursuing my dreams until they become reality," and your donations will help me on my path in unspeakable ways. I thank you for taking the time to invest in me, you will be added to my support system, and I do not intend for your efforts to be in vain or taken for granted. One of the few struggles I am facing is future funding for college. Your funding will positively impact my academic journey; by ensuring I stay in college and keep comprehending my studies and grasp my knowledge to build a better future. I thank you for reviewing my application and I do have high hopes for your consideration, and I hope to one day personally write you or shake your hand for the blessings you would have provided for me.

My name is Matthew Selby. As a young boy growing up I’ve always been captivated with aircraft. I live in Beaufort, South Carolina and my home is less than five minutes from the Marine Corps Air Station, where I can see and hear the aircraft as it flies over my home. During those moments when watching the aircraft, is when I made the decision that I wanted to be a part of that process. My father was a veteran but left home when I was nine years old and expired when I was thirteen. Growing up in a single-parent household of three; I learned the importance of work ethics from my mother as I watched her depart for work every day. I realized at that moment college would be a financial struggle for me. Therefore, I joined the Air Force Reserves after finishing high school. My rank is E-4, Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance. My job description is C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft Mechanic for the C-17). Currently, I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL. My college major is Aeronautics with a focus on Safety, Aeronautical Studies, and Geo-system Studies. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was attached to Detachment 157 (AFROTC). While serving in the program, I served as Squadron Commander and Color Guard. I plan to commission as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, in the U.S. Air Force. The purpose for me getting a degree is to comprehend my studies and grasp knowledge to build a better future, including increased marketability and preparations for specialized jobs. Currently, I’m a junior in college and I have accumulated fifty-plus volunteer hours for park clean-up and football game volunteering. As a leader, I have experience in multiple leadership positions. In 12th grade, I was XO (Executive Officer: Second Highest in Command) of my Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) Battalion and Captain of the Drill Team. I have served on multiple color guards within MCJROTC, and in Boot Camp, I was the Guidon Bearer. "A message to prospective donors." I've lived with the mentality of "pursuing my dreams until they become reality," and your donations will help me on my path in unspeakable ways. I thank you for taking the time to invest in me, you will be added to my support system, and I do not intend for your efforts to be in vain or taken for granted. One of the few struggles I am facing is future funding for college. Your funding will positively impact my academic journey; by ensuring I stay in college and keep comprehending my studies and grasp my knowledge to build a better future. I thank you for reviewing my application and I do have high hopes for your consideration, and I hope to one day personally write you or shake your hand for the blessings you would have provided for me.

My name is Matthew Selby. As a young boy growing up I’ve always been captivated with aircraft. I live in Beaufort, South Carolina and my home is less than five minutes from the Marine Corps Air Station, where I can see and hear the aircraft as it flies over my home. During those moments when watching the aircraft, is when I made the decision that I wanted to be a part of that process. My father was a veteran but left home when I was nine years old and expired when I was thirteen. Growing up in a single-parent household of three; I learned the importance of work ethics from my mother as I watched her depart for work every day. I realized at that moment college would be a financial struggle for me. Therefore, I joined the Air Force Reserves after finishing high school. My rank is E-4, Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance. My job description is C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft Mechanic for the C-17). Currently, I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL. My college major is Aeronautics with a focus on Safety, Aeronautical Studies, and Geo-system Studies. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was attached to Detachment 157 (AFROTC). While serving in the program, I served as Squadron Commander and Color Guard. I plan to commission as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, in the U.S. Air Force. The purpose for me getting a degree is to comprehend my studies and grasp knowledge to build a better future, including increased marketability and preparations for specialized jobs. I have countless hours of community service, which started in fifth grade and continued through my senior year in high school. As a young man, I joined several young male mentoring organizations, including the Kappa Alpha Phi where I became vice-president of the youth organization and accumulated two hundred-plus volunteer hours. Currently, I’m a junior in college and I have accumulated fifty-plus volunteer hours for park clean-up and football game volunteering. As a leader, I have experience in multiple leadership positions. In 12th grade, I was XO (Executive Officer: Second Highest in Command) of my Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) Battalion and Captain of the Drill Team. I have served on multiple color guards within MCJROTC, and in Boot Camp, I was the Guidon Bearer. "A message to prospective donors." I've lived with the mentality of "pursuing my dreams until they become reality," and your donations will help me on my path in unspeakable ways. I thank you for taking the time to invest in me, you will be added to my support system, and I do not intend for your efforts to be in vain or taken for granted. One of the few struggles I am facing is future funding for college. Your funding will positively impact my academic journey; by ensuring I stay in college and keep comprehending my studies and grasp my knowledge to build a better future. I thank you for reviewing my application and I do have high hopes for your consideration, and I hope to one day personally write you or shake your hand for the blessings you would have provided for me.

My name is Matthew Selby. As a young boy growing up I’ve always been captivated with aircraft. I live in Beaufort, South Carolina and my home is less than five minutes from the Marine Corps Air Station, where I can see and hear the aircraft as it flies over my home. During those moments when watching the aircraft, is when I made the decision that I wanted to be a part of that process. My father was a veteran but left home when I was nine years old and expired when I was thirteen. Growing up in a single-parent household of three; I learned the importance of work ethics from my mother as I watched her depart for work every day. I realized at that moment college would be a financial struggle for me. Therefore, I joined the Air Force Reserves after finishing high school. My rank is E-4, Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance. My job description is C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft Mechanic for the C-17). Currently, I attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL. My college major is Aeronautics with a focus on Safety, Aeronautical Studies, and Geo-system Studies. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was attached to Detachment 157 (AFROTC). While serving in the program, I served as Squadron Commander and Color Guard. I plan to commission as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, in the U.S. Air Force. The purpose for me getting a degree is to comprehend my studies and grasp knowledge to build a better future, including increased marketability and preparations for specialized jobs. I have countless hours of community service, which started in fifth grade and continued through my senior year in high school. As a young man, I joined several young male mentoring organizations, including the Kappa Alpha Phi where I became vice-president of the youth organization and accumulated two hundred-plus volunteer hours. Currently, I’m a junior in college and I have accumulated fifty-plus volunteer hours for park clean-up and football game volunteering. As a leader, I have experience in multiple leadership positions. In 12th grade, I was XO (Executive Officer: Second Highest in Command) of my Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) Battalion and Captain of the Drill Team. I have served on multiple color guards within MCJROTC, and in Boot Camp, I was the Guidon Bearer. "A message to prospective donors." I've lived with the mentality of "pursuing my dreams until they become reality," and your donations will help me on my path in unspeakable ways. I thank you for taking the time to invest in me, you will be added to my support system, and I do not intend for your efforts to be in vain or taken for granted. One of the few struggles I am facing is future funding for college. Your funding will positively impact my academic journey; by ensuring I stay in college and keep comprehending my studies and grasp my knowledge to build a better future. I thank you for reviewing my application and I do have high hopes for your consideration, and I hope to one day personally write you or shake your hand for the blessings you would have provided for me.

An oddity I’ve had to overcome was the loss of my grandfather and my father. My grandfather passed first in 2012 (pneumonia), with my father four years later (cancer). I was only thirteen when my dad passed. The loss of these two strong men was devastating because, from that point forward, I didn't have another male figure in my life to guide me to manhood. I strive to be the man they’d want me to be by never giving up on myself and pursuing my passion until it’s my reality. Altogether I missed three weeks of school, laying by a hospital bed or attending funerals. This took a toll on my mental well-being, but I didn't let it affect my grades. I knew they didn't want their deaths to hinder me, so I always strived to push through adversity and give my 110% even when I rarely felt 60%. The deaths of these icons were a lesson in my development, to always strive until the cows come home, and to find a piece of mind with whatever life decides to throw in your path! I'm now nineteen years old. I'm a C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft mechanic) in the Airforce reserves. I study at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach. I'm working on pursuing a bachelor's in Aerospace engineering, and I'm affiliated with AFROTC. The plan is to commission as an officer and pursue a pilot slot. Coming from a military family, I strive to continue our legacy of pride and respect. I push day to day to be a man my fathers would be proud of!

Ever since I was in middle school, I've found Aircraft to be fascinating. I love the idea of how a 141-ton aircraft can fly with little resistance when I can't achieve three seconds of airtime when I jump. From middle school to the current day, I've based my life on living around aircraft. I am currently a C-17 Crew Chief (Aircraft Mechanic) in the Airforce Reserves. I now study at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, majoring in Aerospace engineering. When I stated "living around aircraft," I want to become a pilot in the Airforce Reserves, while working as an Aerospace engineer on the civilian side. Diversity in the workplace is crucial to the success of a mission. It is very effective to have people of different backgrounds, in order to develop multiple approaches to a problem. A personal story I would like to share is my experience of being raised in a predominately black community. As I progressed through middle school/high school, I was the only black male in all of my honors classes. Occasionally there would be black females or people of other ethnicities, but overall I remained the only black male. It was an interesting experience because I was able to network with other students and develop a worldly view. Diversity in the workplace is important to me because there are many unrecognized bright minds in the world. Some people don't have the same opportunities as others, and many people have life experiences that others can't relate to. With this aspect in play, diversity can expand the foundation of work groups. People are able to provide a plethora of ideas, personal experiences, and team members will be enlightened due to networking. Some groups may get stuck on a problem due to the consistency of overthinking, or not being able to see "outside the box." When introducing diversity that problem can be alleviated. For example, when a person joins a group with a different point of view, it can propel the production of an effective result due to the vastness of perspectives and time in service. As history shows, when a group of individuals tarry, they tend to develop similar ideals, with a sprinkle of diversity a spark of production can arise.

From freshman year to senior year being a black male in honors classes isn't so bad. Overall the education is great, the other students are nice, and the teachers actually care about what they're teaching. There's just one problem... I'm the only black male in honors classes! As a senior, I'm the XO (Second highest in command) of the ROTC program and Captain of the drill team. A little thing to know about me is I lost my dad and grandpa at a young age. The loss of these two strong men was devastating, and I strive to be the man they’d want me to be by never giving up on myself and pursuing my passion until it’s my reality. As a big dreamer, my future goals consist of this... I'm planning to attend a 4-year institution and major in Aerospace engineering while minoring in mechanical engineering. In college, I want to complete 4 years of Air Force ROTC, to commission as an officer upon graduation. Afterward, I'm planning to become an aircraft maintenance officer and serve 26 years on active duty. I'm big into helping the community, I cherish the joy of giving and receiving smiles. I’ve participated in multiple community service events, for example, food drives, parades, building up and breaking down of festivals, adopting a highway, assisting the elderly, public speaking, and church announcements. As XO of ROTC, I strive to motivate my cadets to take pride in themselves and to develop a sense of responsibility, to one day take on a leadership role. Overall I strive to stay positive and enthusiastic while trying to keep those around me in a healthy mindset. No Debbie Downers allowed!