I never thought much about flood management growing up in the East Bay, California. But that changed when I joined the Marine Corps at 18 and was stationed in places where flooding wasn’t just a possibility - it was a constant problem. In 2004, while training in Meridian, Mississippi, Hurricane Charley hit. Our unit mobilized to help, and for the first time, I saw firsthand what flood damage really meant. Entire neighborhoods were destroyed, families lost everything, and the recovery was slow and brutal. It wasn’t just about the storm itself; it was about how unprepared some communities were and how much damage could have been prevented with better infrastructure and emergency planning. Seeing people scramble to salvage what little they had left made me realize how critical it is to have the right systems in place before disaster strikes. A few months later, I was stationed at MCBH Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii, where I stayed until 2008. Flooding there was common, especially during heavy rains. It wasn’t just an inconvenience, it shut down roads, damaged homes, and impacted base operations. Living there, I saw how much effort went into managing flood risks, from drainage systems to sandbagging operations. I lived on Kamehameha Highway, which flooded all the time, and it reminded me of how little control people have once the water starts rising. On base, we had to adjust operations constantly due to storm impacts, and I witnessed firsthand how a lack of proper flood management planning could bring everything to a halt. These experiences shaped the way I see flood management. It’s not just about reacting to disasters, it’s about preparation, logistics, and making sure communities can bounce back. My background in aviation supply and logistics gave me an understanding of how critical resource management is in crisis situations. In the military, you learn quickly that having the right supplies in the right place at the right time makes all the difference. The same is true for floodplain management, whether it’s improving drainage infrastructure, ensuring emergency resources are pre-positioned, or developing long-term mitigation strategies. Now, as I work toward a future in engineering, I want to apply that same problem-solving mindset to floodplain management, helping communities plan ahead, minimize damage, and recover faster when disasters strike. I’ve seen what happens when people aren’t prepared, and I’ve also seen the difference that well-planned responses can make. With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of storms, flood management is more important than ever. I want to be part of the solution by contributing to smarter, more efficient flood management strategies that protect people and their homes. This scholarship would give me the opportunity to gain the technical knowledge I need to make a real impact. With my background in logistics, my firsthand experience with flood response, and my drive to find practical solutions, I believe I can help bridge the gap between emergency response and long-term flood resilience. My goal is to ensure that flood-prone areas aren’t just reacting to disasters but are building systems that make them more resilient in the long run. Flooding is unpredictable, but flood management doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and planning, we can do more than just survive disasters, we can prevent them from becoming catastrophes. I’m ready to take what I’ve learned from my time in the military and apply it to engineering solutions that will help protect communities for generations to come.