Music, Balance, and the Pursuit of Excellence by Nikolas Nixon I’ve always believed that life, like music, is all about rhythm and harmony—finding the balance between challenge and creativity, work and passion. For me, music isn’t just something I do. It’s something that helps me stay grounded in everything else I do. I started playing piano in first grade, mostly because my mom signed me up for lessons. I didn’t realize then how much that decision would shape me. In fifth grade, I picked up the cello and joined the school orchestra—and from that point on, music became my outlet. It’s where I go when school is intense, chess tournaments are stressful, or life feels too loud. Music gives me peace. It lets me express things I can’t always put into words. As someone who’s passionate about STEM and competes seriously in chess, my days are often packed with classes, study sessions, and tournament prep. I also volunteer regularly at a local food pantry. It’s a full plate—but music helps me breathe. Whether I’m playing a quiet cello solo or losing myself in a complex piano piece, those moments help me refocus. They remind me of who I am outside of grades and achievements. They recharge me so I can keep pushing forward. Balancing academics and music hasn’t always been easy, especially as I’ve taken on advanced coursework and college-level classes to prepare for a future in computer engineering. There have been nights where I’ve had to choose between an extra hour of sleep or perfecting a performance for an upcoming concert. But I’ve learned that passion requires commitment—and managing time well is what allows me to stay committed to all the things I care about. Being part of my school orchestra has also taught me leadership and teamwork. You can't hide in an ensemble—you have to listen, adapt, and play your part. It’s helped me become more self-aware and more collaborative, both in and out of the classroom. And the discipline I’ve built through music has made me a stronger student and a better competitor at the chessboard. Mr. Keith Abens’ legacy of living a full, balanced life deeply resonates with me. Like him, I believe that being well-rounded isn't just about doing a lot—it’s about doing things that make you better, deeper, and more complete as a person. Music has helped shape who I am, and it will continue to be part of my journey as I pursue my dreams. This scholarship would not only support my education, but it would also affirm the value of pursuing passion with purpose—and living a life that’s as full and meaningful as the music I love to play. Thank you for considering my application.

Why I Chose STEM and How I Hope to Serve by Nikolas Nixon I still remember the first time I opened a robotics kit in elementary school. It wasn’t just a project—it felt like unlocking a world of possibility. Building, programming, and solving problems through trial and error sparked something in me. That moment lit a fire I’ve carried ever since. Over time, what began as curiosity evolved into a passion for understanding how things work—and more importantly, how they can be used to help people. As I moved into middle and high school, my interest in STEM grew deeper. I joined STEM clubs, took advanced math and computer science courses, and enrolled in college-level classes to challenge myself. I realized that engineering and technology aren't just about machines and code—they’re about people. Every problem solved, every system built, has the potential to improve someone’s life. That’s what excites me most about pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering or Computer Science—the ability to create solutions that matter. My goal is to design and develop technology that addresses real-world needs—especially in underserved communities. I want to contribute to projects that support mental health, expand educational access, improve disaster readiness, and make everyday life more inclusive. I’m drawn to innovation with purpose, and I believe the best engineers lead with empathy, not just intellect. Chess has also played a major role in shaping how I think. As a two-time Iowa State High School Chess Champion and team captain, I’ve learned how to think ahead, stay calm under pressure, and lead by example. Chess has taught me to see patterns, adapt quickly, and approach complex problems with strategy and patience. These are the same skills I bring into coding, robotics, and engineering challenges. Outside of academics, I’ve dedicated over 200 hours to community service, mostly at our local food pantry. It’s not glamorous, but it’s deeply meaningful. I’ve helped families carry groceries, stocked shelves, and stayed late on cold nights to make sure people had what they needed. Those moments remind me why I want to pursue a career where service and innovation meet. I want to build tools that make someone’s day easier—or even change their life entirely. My greatest inspiration is my mom. She’s been the heart of our home, showing me that leadership doesn’t always come with titles—it comes with showing up, staying committed, and loving people through action. Watching her sacrifices and strength has fueled my own commitment to serve and lead in my own way. Receiving this scholarship would lift a financial burden and allow me to focus fully on my education, research, and growth. It would support my mission to become an engineer who creates with both purpose and heart. Thank you for investing in students like me who dream not only of success—but of impact.