Receiving this scholarship would have a significant impact on my journey to becoming a civil engineer and, more specifically, on my goal of working in the Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) paving industry. As someone who is deeply passionate about road infrastructure, materials testing, and long-term pavement durability, this scholarship would not only ease the financial challenges of college but would also help me focus more fully on my professional development, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare me for a meaningful career. I’ve been fortunate to gain real-world experience early in my academic journey. During two consecutive summers, I worked with Reith-Riley Construction—first as a lab technician, where I tested asphalt samples and worked with aggregate gradation and compaction procedures, and then as an estimator, where I contributed to the planning side of road projects. Both roles helped me understand the connection between technical data and project execution. In my most recent position, I worked as an inspector with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), where I learned about quality control, field operations, and safety protocols on active job sites. These experiences confirmed my desire to work in this industry and showed me how essential skilled civil engineers are to the success of roadway projects. Financially, college has been a challenge, and every semester comes with added pressure to afford tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and living expenses. Receiving this scholarship would reduce that pressure, allowing me to take full advantage of every learning opportunity—whether that’s spending extra time in the lab, attending industry conferences, or taking part in unpaid research that strengthens my engineering foundation. I would also be able to invest in certifications and tools that will better prepare me for industry standards in asphalt technology, pavement design, and materials testing. After graduation, I plan to work as a civil engineer with a focus on road reconstruction and sustainable paving solutions. I want to contribute to projects that improve safety, accessibility, and pavement performance, while also helping the industry innovate and evolve with environmental concerns in mind. This scholarship would help me graduate with less financial strain and more flexibility to pursue roles that align with my long-term vision—not just the most immediately available option. In the big picture, this scholarship would not only help me as a student—it would benefit the paving industry by investing in someone who is truly committed to contributing to its future. With your support, I can continue building the skills, experience, and perspective necessary to make a lasting impact in the world of civil engineering and HMA paving. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply and excited about what the future holds.

My grandpa served during Vietnam and is one of the most respectful, kind, helpful, and patient people I have ever known. He has taught me a lot about life and has taught me skills as well. He has a perfect marriage with God included. I strive to be like him. One story that stands out to me happened when I was around 16 years old. My grandpa wanted to show me how to drive a stick shift car. It was a hot summer day, and I was getting frustrated becauseI struggled to switch gears smoothly. I remember him always saying “Take your time.” He continued to encourage me until I eventually started to get the hang of it. This lesson taught me a lot about patience and persistence which has stuck with me throughout my life. Grandpa's influence goes beyond practical skills; he has also shown me the importance of kindness and respect. He always treats people with the utmost respect, no matter who they are or what their background is. This is something I have tried to carry into my own life, whether it is through my studies in civil engineering at Grand Rapids Community College or my part-time jobs as a coach, lawn care worker, irrigation technician, and asphalt lab technician. In each of these roles, I strive to be kind and respectful, just like my grandpa. One of the most valuable lessons my grandpa taught me is the importance of having strong values and living by them. He has a perfect marriage with God included, and this has shown me the importance of faith and commitment. I try to apply these values in my own life, whether it is in my relationships or my work. For example, when I am coaching ultimate frisbee, I always emphasize teamwork, respect, and perseverance. These are values that I learned from my grandpa, and I believe they are essential for success in any area of life. Despite my high school GPA of 2.7 and my current college GPA of 2.76, I am determined to work hard and improve. My grandpa's teachings about persistence and not giving up have been a great source of motivation for me. I know that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my goals and make him proud. In conclusion, my grandpa has been a significant influence in my life. He has taught me valuable lessons about patience, kindness, respect, and the importance of strong values. I strive to be like him in everything I do, and I am grateful for the impact he has had on my life. I believe that these qualities make me a strong candidate for the James T. Godwin Memorial Scholarship, and I hope to continue to honor my grandpa's legacy through my studies and future career in civil engineering.

My name is Nicholas VanderWeele, a rising sophomore at Grand Rapids Community College, majoring in Civil Engineering. If you're reading this, I want you to know about my journey, a journey that has been marked by struggle, resilience, and growth. Mental health has been my largest struggle through high school and into college, a struggle that has impacted my life in ways I could never have imagined. High school was tough. The pressure to perform well academically, combined with the stress of figuring out who I am and where I fit in the world, led me down a path of mental health struggles. I found it hard to accomplish simple tasks. Even completing coursework became an uphill battle. The result was a drop in my grades, and I even failed a class. It was a difficult time, but it was also a time of learning and growth. Entering college, I carried this struggle with me. The transition to a new environment, coupled with the increased academic demands of my Civil Engineering major, only exacerbated my mental health issues. My grades suffered, and my GPA fell to 2.76. However, it was during this time that I realized I needed to confront my mental health struggles head-on. I sought help. I started attending therapy and began to learn strategies to manage my mental health. It was not an easy process, but it was necessary. I learned to prioritize my mental well-being, to understand that it's okay to ask for help, and that struggling with mental health does not make me weak. It makes me human. This journey has taught me resilience. I have learned to not let my mental health struggles define me, but rather to see them as part of my journey. They have made me stronger, more empathetic, and more understanding of the struggles others may be going through. It has also sparked an interest in advocating for mental health awareness, especially among students. I am applying for the Elijah's Helping Hand Scholarship Award because I believe in the power of education. I believe that despite the struggles I have faced, I can excel in my Civil Engineering major and contribute positively to my community. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support I need to focus on my studies and continue my journey towards improved mental health. Through my experiences, I have learned that mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the human spirit's resilience. I am not defined by my struggles, but by how I rise above them. I am Nicholas VanderWeele, a Civil Engineering student, a mental health advocate, and a survivor. I am not just a student with a mental health struggle; I am a student with a story of resilience and triumph.