Books have been one of the most consistent influences in my life, shaping the way I think, learn, and set goals for my future. I’ve read widely across genres—classics, fantasy, modern fiction, and historical works—and each category has taught me something different. Instead of focusing on individual titles, I’ve come to understand how reading as a lifelong habit has shaped my character, my ambitions, and the direction I want my life to take. The first major lesson books taught me is curiosity. Reading across so many genres exposed me to different cultures, eras, philosophies, and perspectives. Classics taught me how people have wrestled with universal questions for centuries. Fantasy showed me the power of imagination and world‑building. Modern fiction revealed the complexity of everyday life and the challenges people face. This variety strengthened my ability to think broadly and approach problems from multiple angles. Curiosity became a habit, and that habit now guides my academic goals and the way I approach learning. Books also taught me discipline. Finishing long series or dense classics required patience and focus. I learned how to stay committed to something even when it was challenging or slow. That discipline carries over into my academic work and my long‑term goals. Whether I’m studying, planning for college, or working toward future career paths, the persistence I developed through reading helps me stay consistent and motivated. Another major lesson I gained from reading is perspective. Books allow you to step into someone else’s life, even if only for a few hundred pages. Through stories, I learned how different people think, how they respond to hardship, and how they grow. This helped me develop a more balanced and thoughtful approach to understanding others. It also shaped my goals by making me want a future where I can contribute positively to the people around me, whether through leadership, service, or mentorship. Reading also strengthened my ability to analyze and reflect. Many books—especially classics and literary fiction—require careful attention to themes, symbolism, and character development. Over time, I became better at noticing patterns, asking questions, and thinking critically. These skills directly influence my academic goals, because they help me understand complex material, make informed decisions, and communicate clearly. Books taught me independence as well. Reading is a solitary activity, and spending so much time with books helped me become comfortable learning on my own. I learned how to explore topics deeply without needing someone to guide me. This independence shaped my goals by making me confident in pursuing challenging paths and taking responsibility for my own growth. Finally, books taught me ambition. Many stories follow characters who strive toward something difficult, whether it’s survival, personal growth, or a dream they refuse to give up. Seeing characters overcome obstacles made me want to set goals that push me beyond my comfort zone. Reading showed me that progress happens gradually, through consistent effort, and that long‑term goals are worth pursuing even when the path is demanding. All these lessons—curiosity, discipline, perspective, analysis, independence, and ambition—have shaped the goals I’m working toward today. Books didn’t just entertain me; they helped form the foundation of how I think and who I want to become. They taught me to stay committed, stay thoughtful, and stay driven. Because of everything I’ve learned from reading, I’m pursuing a future built on growth, responsibility, and lifelong learning. Books have shaped my goals by shaping me, and I carry the lessons they’ve taught me into every step of my future.

My name is McClendon Treser, and my goal is to earn a four‑year Professional Flight degree and be flying as a commercial airline co‑pilot—or serving as a commissioned officer in the Air Force or Navy—by the time I’m twenty‑five. I’ve built a detailed, realistic plan that begins in high school and continues through college, flight training, and potential ROTC service. My plan starts in my senior year of high school, where I plan to obtain my Private Pilot License (PPL) by training under a Certified Flight Instructor. Getting my PPL early gives me a strong foundation before entering a university flight program, reduces the workload later, and shows scholarship committees and ROTC programs that I’m serious about aviation. After high school, I plan to attend either Louisiana Tech University or Auburn University, both of which offer respected Professional Flight degrees. At either school, I will pursue a bachelor’s degree in aviation while also considering joining Air Force ROTC or Navy ROTC. ROTC would allow me to work toward becoming a commissioned officer, opening the door to military aviation or other officer career fields. It also provides leadership training, discipline, and potential financial benefits depending on scholarship availability and contract status. Funding my education and flight training is a major part of my plan. I know that scholarships will be essential, so I intend to apply for university merit awards, aviation‑specific scholarships, and national scholarships. I also plan to raise money for flight hours—both for my PPL and the 40+ hours required for my Commercial Pilot License with Multi‑Engine rating (CPL‑ME)—through GoFundMe fundraising, outside scholarship applications, and, if necessary, Parent PLUS loans. I understand that the majority of the costs come from the extensive flight hours it takes to earn this license. Based on current estimates, the full cost of attending Louisiana Tech ranges from $135,000 to $172,000, and Auburn ranges from $226,000 to $335,000, not including scholarships or grants. These totals include tuition, housing, books, and extensive flight hours. I have scored a 30 on the ACT, which gives me considerable help covering tuition costs for both schools, and also make me eligible for the TOPS Honors award, in Louisiana. Because of this, my strategy focuses on reducing the financial burden through every available resource. Overall, my plan is ambitious but achievable. By earning my PPL early, choosing a strong aviation university, pursuing ROTC, and aggressively applying for scholarships and funding opportunities, I am positioning myself to reach my goal of becoming a commercial co‑pilot or military officer by age twenty‑five.