Calculus is important in STEM because it teaches you how to understand change, motion, and relationships between variables, which is the foundation of almost every scientific and technical field. Even when a STEM career does not use calculus every day, the way calculus trains your brain is what matters. It teaches you how to break big problems into smaller pieces, how to analyze patterns, and how to think logically about how one change affects another. But calculus is also important because it is a genuine test of intelligence, discipline, and mental endurance. It forces you to think in ways that most people never have to. You cannot memorize your way through calculus. You have to understand it. You have to visualize what is happening, reason through abstract ideas, and connect concepts that build on each other. That challenge is exactly what makes it so valuable in STEM. STEM fields demand people who can handle complexity, who can think several steps ahead, and who can stay calm when a problem looks impossible at first glance. Calculus develops that mindset. In engineering, calculus is everywhere. It explains how forces act on structures, how fluids move, how heat transfers, and how systems behave over time. Without calculus, we would not be able to design airplanes, predict weather patterns, build safe bridges, or understand how electrical circuits respond to different inputs. Even computer science uses calculus in areas like machine learning, graphics, and optimization. Calculus is the language behind the models and simulations that make modern technology possible. What makes calculus especially important is that it teaches you to think in a way that prepares you for real STEM challenges. STEM problems are rarely simple. They involve multiple variables, changing conditions, and the need to predict outcomes. Calculus gives you the tools to handle that complexity. It teaches you how to approach a problem step by step, how to visualize what is happening, and how to find solutions that are both accurate and efficient. For me, calculus is not just a requirement. It is a skill that strengthens everything else I do in STEM. It pushes me to think harder, to be more precise, and to trust my ability to work through difficult concepts. Even when the equations get frustrating, the process of solving them builds confidence and problem‑solving ability. That is why calculus is so important: it challenges your intelligence in a way that prepares you for the real world, and that challenge is exactly what drives innovation in STEM.

Cats are not normal in this world. They hold a bit more power than a regular cat. They have the power of wizards and witches yet still act like the entitled fur babies that they are. This makes any small mistake a huge deal for them. Most cats often grant good luck or prosperity, so the more a cat loves you, the better the affects you get. They can also impose bad luck, which makes it a big deal for us cat owners to appease them properly. I woke up late on a weekend morning. Later than usual by about thirty minutes. I found my handsome brown tabby staring down at me from my chest. This was not a gentle wake‑up. No no no. He was glaring at me with such sharpness it could cut diamond. He was a heavy cat, and his four paws on my chest were getting heavier by the moment, like he was slowly increasing gravity just to make a point. I slowly sat up from my bed, already knowing what the prince wanted. Wet food. It was thirty minutes late, which was not a big deal in my eyes, but his perspective was something extremely different. Now, you have to understand that these cats are not pleased with the regular treats and forms of forgiveness. So, I knew what was coming after he finished eating. He sat up high in his cat tree, smiting me with his gaze like a tiny furry deity. His tail flicked once, a warning shot. I knew he would not change his mind easily, so I headed out. My cat prince loves to eat the fanciest fish in the market. Fresh tuna. He also does not hide out and play in any cardboard box. Like a dragon, the shinier the better and the warmer the better. This temperature thing is what prevents me from reusing the same box, because he knows when it is not done by the local blacksmith. He can sense the difference instantly. If the metal isn’t enchanted with the proper warmth runes, he won’t even look at it. It’s expensive owning a cat like this, there’s no doubt. Now I have to travel across town paying for the most expensive tuna ever and tipping the blacksmith for his time and understanding. The blacksmith doesn’t even question it anymore. He just nods, heats the forge, and asks, “Same enchantments as last time?” Once I returned back home, the prince was still where I left him. He did not move until I placed both items down in an aesthetic layout. He is picky and mean, but I love him, nonetheless. It was a decent adventure into town, but now everything was going to be better as he started to chow down on his tuna. As he ate, the tension in the room finally eased. The air warmed, the shadows softened, and the house seemed to exhale. His magic settled like dust in sunlight; subtle, but unmistakable. Peace, at last… at least until the next time I dared to sleep in.

When I think about the service I have done, I do not think about titles or recognition. I think about the moments where someone or something needed help, and I stepped in because it felt right. Most of my volunteering has been done as part of a team, where everyone contributes ideas, effort, and heart. I have never been interested in taking full credit for an event or project. What matters to me is being someone others can rely on. One of the most meaningful places I volunteered was Hope for Brevard, a cat adoption center that supports abandoned and rescued cats. My role there was simple but important: cleaning cages, keeping the environment sanitary, and distributing medications to cats that needed them. It was not glamorous work, but it mattered. Those animals depended on us to stay healthy and comfortable until they found a home. Caring for them taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of showing up even when the work is quiet and unseen. I have also volunteered in my local town whenever help was needed. Whether it was setting up community events, assisting at gatherings, or offering an extra pair of hands, I always tried to be someone who made things easier for others. I helped with trail building at Natchez Trace State Park, spending hours clearing paths, repairing damaged areas, and creating something that future hikers and families could enjoy. At college, I joined the campus activities board, where I helped plan and run events that brought students together and made campus life feel more connected. In all of these experiences, I worked alongside people who cared just as much as I did. My role was often to present ideas, suggest improvements, and reflect on what we learned after each event. I like thinking about how things can be better the next time. I like noticing what people enjoyed, what they needed, and what could make the experience more meaningful. That is the kind of leadership I believe in: leadership that listens, adapts, and serves. Leadership through service is important because it teaches you to put people first. It reminds you that real impact does not come from authority or recognition, but from compassion and consistency. When you serve others, you learn how to understand them. You learn patience, empathy, and humility. You learn that everyone has a story you may not see at first glance. Service makes you pay attention. I believe the best leaders are the ones who are willing to do the unglamorous work. The ones who show up early, stay late, and do whatever needs to be done without expecting praise. The ones who understand that helping others is not about being in charge, but about being present. That is the kind of leader I try to be. Every volunteer experience I have had has shaped the way I want to impact my community in the future. Whether I am caring for animals, supporting local families, building trails, or helping plan events, I am always thinking about how my actions can make life a little easier or a little brighter for someone else. Service is not something I do for a requirement. It is something I do because I believe communities grow stronger when people choose to care.

As a first‑generation college student, I have always understood what it feels like to navigate the world without a map. When no one in your family has walked the path before you, you learn to rely on your own determination, your own instincts, and your own sense of responsibility to others. That responsibility is what drives me. My goal is to use my talents to build a more empathetic and understanding global community, starting with the people right in front of me. I have always believed that change begins at the smallest level. Before anyone can hope to impact the world, they have to understand the needs of their own community. For me, that means creating a safe, welcoming hangout space for teens and young people who often have nowhere else to go. I want to build a place where they can socialize, relax, and feel safe without spending money or relying on their phones to fill the silence. A place with games, cheap food, a mini golf course out back, and an atmosphere that encourages real connection. It may sound simple, but I believe that giving young people a safe space to exist can change the direction of their lives. My commitment to this vision comes from the community service I have done over the years. Volunteering taught me that empathy is not something you talk about. It is something you practice. Whether I was helping at events, supporting people who needed an extra hand, or giving my time to organizations that serve the community, I learned that compassion grows when you show up consistently. Service work showed me that people thrive when they feel seen and valued, and that even small acts of care can ripple outward in ways you do not expect. Those experiences shaped the way I see my role in the world. I do not believe empathy is something that can be forced on a global scale. It has to be built person by person, community by community. If I can create a space where young people feel supported, respected, and connected, then they will carry those values into their own relationships, their own futures, and eventually their own communities. That is how global understanding begins: with individuals who have experienced compassion and know how to extend it to others. As a first‑generation student, I also want to use my education to show others that their circumstances do not define their potential. I want to be someone younger students can look to and think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” Representation is a form of empathy. It tells people that they belong in spaces they have never seen themselves in before. My dream may start small, but its impact does not have to stay small. By building a safe space for teens, I am building confidence, connection, and community. And those things spread. My goal is to create a foundation of empathy that reaches far beyond my neighborhood, because every global movement begins with someone who cared enough to start local.

What I want to build is not a product or a business plan. It is a place. A place where teenagers can exist without being told to move along, where they can laugh too loudly, stay too long, and feel safe doing it. I want to build a community hangout space designed specifically for teens but welcoming to anyone who needs somewhere to be. It would be clean, bright, and comfortable, with games to play, cheap food, and even a small mini golf course out back. Most importantly, it would be a space where no one feels pressured to be on their phone just to avoid awkwardness. I want it to be the kind of place where people actually talk to each other again. Growing up, I watched how many teens drift toward trouble simply because they have nowhere else to go. They linger in parking lots, convenience stores, or outside businesses that do not want them there. It is not that they are doing anything wrong. They just do not have a safe, welcoming alternative. I want to change that. I want to build a place where teens can develop healthier social habits, where they can be active, creative, and connected instead of isolated or bored. My long-term goal is to elevate my community by investing in its young people. A space like this would give teens a sense of belonging, something that is becoming harder to find. It would also create opportunities for mentorship, part time jobs, and community events. I want it to be a place where friendships form, where kids learn how to interact face to face, and where they feel seen and valued. I have always believed that my future only feels meaningful if I am helping others build theirs. I cannot picture a version of success where I am thriving while the people around me are struggling. That is why this project matters so much to me. It is not just a building. It is a commitment to making sure the next generation has a better foundation than the one many of us had. With my education, I hope to gain the skills, confidence, and resources to turn this vision into something real. I want to build a future where my community feels stronger, safer, and more connected. And I want to start by giving teens a place where they can simply be themselves.

My father has always been someone others overlooked. Too often, people dismissed him or used his talents without recognition. Yet as a firetruck mechanic for our local fire department, his work has been nothing short of lifesaving. Every truck he repairs is another vehicle ready to protect our community. Even the ambulances that carry the most critically injured to safety have passed through his hands. Some have told him he is not a “first responder,” but when a truck broke down in a moment of crisis, he was the first person they called. He has sacrificed countless weekends and family plans to ensure the department had working vehicles, and though his name may never appear in headlines, his impact is written in the lives saved by the engines and ambulances he keeps on the road. From him, I learned that true service does not always happen in the spotlight. He taught me to work hard, never give up, and embrace the value of supporting others—even when the credit goes elsewhere. My father is the reason I am, quite literally, reaching for the stars. Now, as an aerospace engineering student at Florida Institute of Technology, I carry his lessons with me. I once longed for recognition, frustrated when my efforts went unnoticed. I remember confiding in him, and after one of his signature bear hugs, he reminded me that recognition is not the measure of success. What matters is the impact you make, whether or not others see it. His words have stayed with me, shaping the way I approach challenges in both academics and life. That lesson became real at my senior awards ceremony. I had poured myself into clubs, competitions, and academics, hoping for scholarships or honors. Instead, I was only acknowledged for participating in SkillsUSA. I left devastated, but my father was waiting in the parking lot. His quiet reassurance helped me realize that setbacks do not define me. Even without the recognition I expected, I had already achieved something greater: admission to my dream college. That moment taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of measuring success by growth rather than applause. My father’s influence extends beyond lessons of perseverance. He has shown me the dignity of work that others may overlook. While some see only the firefighters rushing into burning buildings, I see the man who ensures their trucks will start, their ladders will extend, and their hoses will pump water when lives are on the line. His role may be behind the scenes, but it is indispensable. That perspective has shaped how I view my own future in aerospace engineering. I may not be the astronaut whose name is remembered, but I can be the engineer who designs the systems that carry them safely into orbit and back home. Like my father, I want to contribute in ways that may not always be visible but are absolutely vital. There is also a deeper lesson in his sacrifices. My father has missed family dinners, holidays, and weekends because duty called. Yet he never complained. Instead, he showed me that service often requires personal sacrifice, and that true commitment means putting others before yourself. That example has inspired me to dedicate myself fully to my studies, knowing that the work I do now will one day contribute to something larger than myself. My father may never stand on a stage or wear a medal, but his work has saved lives and shaped mine. He showed me that the most important contributions are often unseen, and that perseverance matters more than applause. As I pursue aerospace engineering, I carry his example with me—ready to build, innovate, and serve, even if my role is behind the scenes. His story is proof that heroes do not always wear uniforms or rush into burning buildings. Sometimes, they wear grease-stained coveralls, carrying a wrench instead of a hose, and quietly ensure that others can do their jobs. ***Copilot was used to refine, and grammar check the essay I wrote with my own stories and passion. ***

One day, the world will be entirely focused on the universe outside of space. We all be looking up at the stars. One day, we will even be passing by them in a rocket. That rocket will be a great achievement for mankind. It will be the start of a new era. Humans will be in space every single day exploring the far outer reaches. To be a part of the huge brain behind creating such a rocket would be an honor. An aerospace engineer can hold the technology for the future of mankind, its job growth is constantly increasing. It is a perfect position to make a meaningful impact on the world. Space travel is the future and the more technological advancements made towards that goal, the more the human race can accomplish. Ever since I was young, I have looked up at the stars and wondered. I wondered what it would be like up there, if all of the human race was up there. I would be stargazing with my father every summer night. He was my inspiration to continue looking. The stars brought such joy to my father and I. I want to be the reason other little girls and boys look up to the stars in the same way. I want them to excited for the future and what is to come. As any human, I want to be the best citizen I possibly can be. To be able to contribute to the world and make it better is my dream. The world will see my accomplishments through the technological advancements in space. I dream to stop incoming asteroids; I am passionate about expanding our knowledge of the universe. I chose aerospace engineering as my interest because I dream of making the world more knowledgeable about what’s out there. I want to inspire others and give them hope for a bright future. As a determined and stubborn woman, I will accomplish my goals to help advance the world. There are so many opportunities to shine in this degree. So many companies are hiring engineers so that they can have more legs in the modern space race. I want to be in the front of the race. I have dedicated my entire high school career to becoming the best engineer I can. My high school provides technical career areas. I chose the area of Engineering and Design Technology. There I learned how the design process of an engineer. How to identify problems, sketch out ideas, and problem solve. This area or shop led me to having a work-based learning curriculum. I got a job at a nearby engineering firm where I work as a CAD designer. I have learned many things and have had the honor of working alongside the engineers. I have helped solve problems and design solutions. Outside of work, I have showcased my design and creative skills in more than one way. I have competed in the local bridge design competition. I won first place in the first year I participated. I worked with a team of others to make a deck arch truss bridge with the best strength-to-weight ratio, proposal, and presentation. In my high school drama club, I work as marketing director to show off my designs and software knowledge. I have created many works of display and I have been given the honor of passing down my knowledge and expertise. I am very passionate about being an engineer. I ask questions when I do not understand. When I work in a team, there is no struggle in communicating ideas. In groups, I am more than capable of leading discussions and making decision as a leader. I believe I have a lot of tools in my basket to become the best engineer I can be. I want to make a difference. I want to inspire and be the reason for great changes.

One day, the world will be entirely focused on the universe outside of space. We all be looking up at the stars. One day, we will even be passing by them in a rocket. That rocket will be a great achievement for mankind. It will be the start of a new era. Humans will be in space every single day exploring the far outer reaches. To be a part of the huge brain behind creating such a rocket would be an honor. An aerospace engineer can hold the technology for the future of mankind, its job growth is constantly increasing. It is a perfect position to make a meaningful impact on the world. Space travel is the future and the more technological advancements made towards that goal, the more the human race can accomplish. Ever since I was young, I have looked up at the stars and wondered. I wondered what it would be like up there, if all of the human race was up there. I would be stargazing with my father every summer night. He was my inspiration to continue looking. The stars brought such joy to my father and I. I want to be the reason other little girls and boys look up to the stars in the same way. I want them to excited for the future and what is to come. As any human, I want to be the best citizen I possibly can be. To be able to contribute to the world and make it better is my dream. The world will see my accomplishments through the technological advancements in space. I dream to stop incoming asteroids; I am passionate about expanding our knowledge of the universe. I chose aerospace engineering as my interest because I dream of making the world more knowledgeable about what’s out there. I want to inspire others and give them hope for a bright future. As a determined and stubborn woman, I will accomplish my goals to help advance the world.

1.Ever since I was younger, I used to always look up at the stars. I wanted to be a part of them. Fly among them. I often found myself stargazing and wondering what it was like up there. The birds knew what it was like to be among the stars. So, as a child, I would tape cardboard, or even feathers, to my arms to help me fly. I wanted to join the birds so bad. That’s when I knew I wanted to do something that would get me as close as possible to the stars.   The interest in aerospace engineering grew. I have dreams that include me flying and even cruising in space. I want to fly, even though it is not crucial part of my future career. I still want to be among the birds and the stars. It is a deep connection I feel I have with the sky in general.   2. When it comes to flying and being safe, I know I will be very cautious. I am already a cautious driver and have pledged to several programs that I would continue my safe habits. When I fly, I plan to take every precaution I can, such as getting rid of distractions, triple checking over the plane, and even having someone else double check over me. Whether it be actions or the condition of my plane, I want to be certain that it is safe.   3. I remember very specifically as I was in my Explorations to Engineering class and we were understanding planes and the certain maneuvers they could accomplish. We had to make and design a paper airplane that could do all the maneuvers through several courses. I was very excited, as it was an introduction to what I wanted to do for my career. I thought I could do excellent on it since it was my passion. I was wrong. I struggled to even the plane through the first course. It couldn’t fly straight and stay in the air for even a few seconds. It made me question everything about what I wanted to do. That’s when I realized the very silly thing: I wasn’t getting a career in paper airplane making. I understood the concepts of yaw, pitching, and rolling better than the rest of my classmates. I was helping them out even though I couldn’t make a good enough airplane to complete the courses. I decided that I would try again and take advice from a fellow classmate who was an awesome paper airplane maker. They helped me build the plane and modify it. I managed to get the plane through all the courses and complete the assignment. This small assignment truly made me question if I was cut out for aerospace or even working with planes in general. I realized that my passion was much stronger than a failed paper airplane. Flying and experiencing the joy was still something I would like to accomplish, and I won’t ever be discouraged from it again. I may have temporarily been discouraged from my future, but I jumped right back on even stronger passion.   4. In my belief and research, it takes strong communication skills, leadership, confidence, and awareness to be a successful pilot. I am confident that I checked all the boxes on that. I am able to communicate clearly to my peers and mentors what I understand and what I don’t. Whether it comes to feelings or academics, I prefer to be open about what I’m good at and what I need to work on. I do my best to be as open as possible. This is the reason why I also think I’m a good leader. I have led my drama club in marketing as a director, my section in marching band, and even my classmates in school through any tough or questionable times. Of course, if I didn’t have the confidence, I don’t think I would be as good at accomplishing what I have done now. I also like to pride myself on having good situational awareness. I tend to always be on my toes in uncertain situations, as there is always stuff going around no matter what situation. I have been able to catch friends that were tripping or getting ready to walk into a pole. Also, while driving, I always make sure I know what other cars are doing before I make my move. It has helped me learn that having good situational awareness can be life-saving and is very important in any case.   5. When it comes to engaging with fellow peers and mentors, I intend to treat them all with respect, as everyone always deserves some degree of respect. They all worked hard to get where they are. Some may have worked harder or maybe not as hard as I did, but nonetheless, they will have my upmost respect. I will treat my peers as my equals and as good friends. I will treat my mentors with the respect they deserve and take in every word they say or every lesson they teach me.   6. I believe I am a strong candidate for the Hannah Dollick Memorial Scholarship for a few good reasons. First, there is no way I would pass up an opportunity to learn how to fly. From gazing up at the sky to riding in a commercial airplane, I know I have a passion. I am willing to learn and be a part of the amazing world of aviation. It is on my plans, whether it be during or after college, to start flying. I want to see the world from the stars or even from a bird’s perspective. I would love to be a part of the aviation field and even share my passion with others.   Added Notes: Looking into Hannah Dollick and her community, I see that she was a bright and talented person. She is an inspiration to her entire community and loves helping people. I did not know her personally, but she seemed to have brought a smile to everyone’s faces. No matter what, I do very much believe she will continue to make big impacts on everyone in the aviation community. One can only hope to have such a big impact as Dollick did. I just need financial aid in my journey through aerospace. The money I receive from this I plan to use for my college tuition. Although it is not part of my major, I do plan on learning how to fly through college. Whether it is during or after, I am determined to fly. Learning more about Hannah Dollick made me realize how much an inspiration she is and how much of an honor it is to apply to this scholarship. I hope you consider me and thank you! My best wishes go out to her community! ❤️

Currently, I find the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) air compressor an absolutely beautiful piece of technology. This piece of technology is currently a bit smaller than a microwave, but its small size does not show how impactful it is. The device is currently being used to produce oxygen on Mars. This is expanding and impacting us in such a great way as it is better our space exploration. MOXIE is proving that we can create our own atmosphere to live on Mars. This piece of technology shows how far we have come in our advancement as humans.       MOXIE can also serve as rocket propellant that will assist them in getting home from Mars. This is literally making it a lot easier to create and expand our world to other planets. Space exploration is becoming a lot easier thanks to MOXIE, as it shows that we can eventually end up living off the land on Mars.      MOXIE uses the martian air, which is mostly carbon dioxide, and splits the molecules into carbon monoxide and, most importantly, oxygen ions. These ions will eventually connect with one another and create oxygen gas, which the astronauts will then use to breathe on Mars. MOXIE ends up doing this by inserting a current between two electrodes with opposite charges.       This helps me believe that technology is improving and helping us make the world a better place. If we can manage to produce our own oxygen, we are set to continue living even if the Earth's atmosphere gives out. Producing our oxygen also means longer and easier space travel. The more we travel and explore, the more we find out about our world. In the big picture, as MOXIE becomes more refined and as improvements are made, we could also probably use the same concept but for underwater exploration. In my personal opinion, the MOXIE air compressor is a step into the future and a step into a better world, as it makes things slightly easier.

The thrill and joy that I share with my teammates still continues to drive me onward. The sense of community and pure teamwork continues to draw me in no matter what. The endless opportunity for improvement and the need to continuously sharpening skills brings me motivation to always do my best on the field. Despite being injured several times over the seasons, I still continue on. I plan to continue my love for softball into the future, connecting with others in the community. My passion for softball started when I was seven years old. My father signed me up for little league softball. I made countless friends during my first year and it helped me open up. It kept me quite active through the year as every year my team always strived and worked towards winning the championship. We would always work together in everything and preserve through anything. I have managed to play for 8 total years and reaching state level each time. I credit my teammates and coaches for the progress I have made over the years. Over the years I have experienced quite a bit of roadblocks that have prevented me from playing softball for a while. The first time was when I broke my thumb in a batting cage. It stopped me from playing for a few weeks but right after I was cleared, I got right back to playing. The second time, my kneecap started to feel loose and unstable which hindered my ability to confidently run and play softball. I still continued after some renewed confidence from some physical therapy. The third time, and my worst injury yet, was when I was running to second base and my kneecap just popped out and back in. This little incident fractured my femur and kneecap rendering me unable to walk. This in end cause me to have several more knee problems which led to knee surgery. My teammates throughout this entire time showed relentless support for me and were always checking up on me. I still attend all of the practices and games. Occasionally, I helped out the coaches too with scoring. The injuries I faced did not deter me from participating in softball. Continuing my love for softball would be so fulfilling but there are currently two things from stopping me right now. This includes time and money. I have to work so I can have money for college which leaves little time for softball. This does not mean at all that I plan to give up on softball. I plan to either play in an adult league when I have the chance or to teach others how to play like my father did and his father before him. I would be so honored to teach others or to even just have the opportunity to play again alongside some of my teammates. The adrenaline and sense of belonging will always pull me towards softball over and over again. At this point, I yearn for it as I miss it very much. I will never forget those late nights when the lights came on or the times when we played through the rain. The unforgettable times when I hit the fence or slid to third base for the first time. Catching outs and hitting dingers will always be in memory as those were unbelievable and unforgettable. My loving passion for softball will never die.