Hello, I'm Nathan Ruda, a senior at Northshore High School. I plan on attending a university and majoring in Civil Engineering. I am a member of my high school's National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Band. I have been a part of the National Honor Society and Beta Club for the past two years. I have been a member of the Northshore High School Panther Pride Marching Band for the past four years. Outside of school, I worked as a lifeguard for the past two summers. I was promoted to shift leader this most recent summer. I was one of five shift leaders throughout the summer, and the only one who stayed the entire summer. Additionally, I attended the Louisiana Boys State Leadership Conference over the summer. I gained valuable leadership experiences and life lessons in what turned out to be one of the most memorable weeks of my life. These experiences and the growth that ensued from them all stem from the values my parents have instilled. I was raised by two teachers who sacrificed for myself and others, which means that reducing the cost of future education is crucial. I plan to minimize these expenses so I can attend my dream school: Mississippi State University. Receiving scholarships would significantly lower the cost of out-of-state tuition and fees. Benefiting from the stellar education Mississippi State offers is a top priority, so I am doing what I can to make it possible. Attending a university, especially an out-of-state one, is a substantial investment. Having the security of a scholarship would allow me to focus more on studying my passion, rather than worrying about financial constraints. Additionally, I aspire to study abroad, and scholarships play a vital role in funding that opportunity. Experiencing architecture unlike what we have in the United States could inspire future projects. While our culture is reflected in the typical architecture and infrastructure in the United States, it does not mean we would not evolve and adapt. I feel compelled to draw inspiration from cultural masterpieces around the world and integrate them into our landscape. With two younger siblings and parents who are both teachers, I am eager to contribute financially. I aim to support my parents and express my gratitude for providing me with a wonderful childhood and setting me up for future success. I am currently interning with a local Civil Engineering firm. This experience has affirmed that Engineering is my dream job. The combination of business, architecture, and math further solidifies my career choice. It is my dream to cultivate these skills by attending Mississippi State while drawing inspiration from local and global infrastructures, such as those found in Rome and Florence. I aspire to be more than just an average office worker; I aim to work with the best of the best. Engineering and architecture are subjects I am incredibly passionate about, and I am confident in my ability to make a substantial impact on the community around me.