Most people believe a small town doesn’t have opportunities, but I’ve worked in a machine shop, learned to drive any tractor, a top student academically in my class, and hopefully valedictorian next year as a senior. I remember getting my first A’s in high school. I realized how important it is to have a 4.0gpa, and it brought me to take SATs as a junior. Earlier as a kid I struggled to fit in, but I had the courage to step out of my comfort zone by participating in extracurriculars such as FFA and National Honor Society. I’ve grown so much as an individual and in academics. That confidence encouraged me to grow into Michael Hiller, the St. Paul FFA Chapter president and agricultural student of merit this year as a junior. Other than FFA I am also a varsity tri-sport athlete playing football, basketball and track & field. After high school I look forward to earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and perhaps a masters degree at Oregon State University Honors College. My current goal after college is to work in CAD systems or running a mechanical engineering division after college graduation. I’m considering a four year degree and a masters which means paying up to six years of college. I’ll need every dollar I can find to avoid student loans as much as possible. Which is why I’m starting to apply for scholarships as a junior!