My dad loved to wear a hairnet and serve school lunch, even though he didn't have any hair. It's just one of the things about him I like to remember. At the end of my seventh-grade year, my dad passed away unexpectedly after a sudden illness. He was the assistant principal at my high school, a youth sports coach, Scout leader, mentor, and one of the most respected people in our community. More than anything, he was a devoted father who always encouraged my brothers and me to work hard, help others, and make the most of every opportunity. Losing him changed my life in ways I am still trying to understand. The emotions I have had to navigate since his passing have included grief, anxiety, uncertainty, and at times a great deal of frustration. My family and I had to learn how to move forward while carrying a loss that never completely goes away. Along with the emotional impact, there were financial challenges that affected our family. My mom returned to work full-time and began pursuing her Master's degree to strengthen our family's future, while my brothers and I took on additional responsibilities at home. Losing my dad has been the hardest experience of my life, it has also taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I am more resilient than I realized. I learned that tough circumstances do not have to define a person's future. Through school, work, volunteer service, and family responsibilities, I discovered that I am capable of persevering even when life feels uncertain. I have also learned the importance of appreciating people right where they are, and not taking opportunities for granted. One thing that helped my family after my dad's death was counseling and learning how to talk about our emotions. While I do not have a formal meditation practice, I have found that volunteering, prayer, and spending time hiking or biking have helped me process. Working on my grandfather's farm and volunteering for a special needs ministry have helped me move forward. I have also volunteered at mental health events because I believe people should view their mental health as part of overall health. In the fall, I will begin the Electrical Technician program at Ozarks Technical Community College. My goal is to become a skilled electrician and use those skills to serve my community and my country through the Air National Guard. I am drawn to the electrical trades because they combine problem-solving, hands-on work and curiosity. As a student in the electrical program, I plan to build my technical knowledge and professional skills for a stable career while continuing to help lead others in college activities and college ministry. The biggest influences in my life are my dad and my grandfather. My dad taught me the importance of integrity, kindness, and helping people who need encouragement. He did this in many ways, from serving lunch meals at our high school so he could encourage the kids to stopping on the roadside for anyone who needed help. My grandfather, a retired science teacher and farmer, has taught me practical skills, patience, curiosity, and perseverance. He showed me how to approach challenges with a positive attitude and how to keep learning. Together, they shaped the values that guide me today. While I would never have chosen to lose my dad at such a young age, the experience has built my resilience, gratitude, and sense of purpose. It has strengthened my commitment to build a life that honors the lessons my family has taught me. Thank you for this opportunity to apply.

My dad loved a costume, especially a wig. This is especially funny now looking back at photos because he was pretty much fully bald by the time he was 35. He was known for putting on a hairnet and serving meals in my high school cafeteria line where he was the assistant principal. He did this, and all tasks, with so much joy. My dad believed very strongly in daily service and motivated and inspired me growing up to make it a priority. I remember that many times, we stopped on the side of the road to help someone. He still inspires me today, despite his unexpected passing at the end of my seventh grade year. He believed in always helping underserved or unnoticed individuals. When he passed, we received hundreds of personal letters about the ways he had guided and encouraged students. It was really overwhelming and humbling. He had served as my Scout leader and volunteer youth sports coach, not because he had to – but because he loved lifting others up. My dad had a heart for students with special needs, and made that the focus of his doctoral work. I hope he would be proud of me for spending many of my high school hours volunteering in the Capernaum ministry for students with special needs. I have learned how to be inclusive of others and how to meet them right where they are. Some of the best moments I had in high school were just sitting in our Capernaum conversation circles or shooting hoops together. Watching my dad be the first to arrive and the last to leave a job has shaped how I understand service and my future as a skilled trades worker. He saw a person's education, leadership, and service as interconnected. He showed me that serving others is mostly behind-the-scenes and it means taking time to really notice other people. As a future certified electrical technician, I want to be a team partner that encourages others and keeps my workplace safe and motivating. The impact of my dad's life is still something that genuinely motivates me today. I received the Kindness Award for our area in 2025, and I hope my time with our special needs students and roles like summer internships delivering lunches for the food bank have encouraged others to give back, too. Another thing I am very aware of is how strong my dad's hometown pride was. He received and accepted people just as they were, and I strive every day to do that, too. Participating in speech and debate for two years in high school taught me skills that have changed how I communicate, lead others, and approach difficult things. I wanted to join because I wanted to become more confident speaking in front of others and to learn how to express my ideas clearly. Creating strong arguments, organizing my thoughts quickly, and sharing them under pressure are skills I know I can take with me in leadership roles in my community college this fall and in my skilled trades career after. One of the best things from speech and debate was learning better how to really listen to other’s opinions and viewpoints. Everyone in life, from high school to college and the workplace and my future community, has a viewpoint that is worth hearing. Participating in speech and debate is something I am really glad I did, and I look forward to seeing how those critical listening and thinking skills will translate into my life as an adult on the job and as a community volunteer. Thank you.

My career objective is to become a skilled electrician and build a stable, meaningful career in the electrical trades. After graduating high school, I plan to enroll at Ozarks Technical Community College in fall 2026 to complete a two-year certification and associate degree as an electrical technician. From there, I intend to enter the workforce as a certified electrician, gaining hands-on experience in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. I plan to advance in my field, take on leadership roles, and eventually start my own business. I am also committed to serving as an Air National Guard Reservist, where I can apply my electrical skills to support aircraft and equipment while serving my country. What draws me to this career path is the opportunity to solve real-world problems through hands-on work that directly impacts communities. I value work that requires skill, precision, and integrity, and I want to be part of building and maintaining safe, efficient systems. My experiences working with my grandfather on his farm and in hands-on environments have shaped my interest in this field and reinforced my desire to pursue a career where problem-solving and hard work matter every day. He taught me to have curiosity about how things work and how to have perseverance when they don't. My financial need is significant and deeply tied to my family’s circumstances. When my father passed away unexpectedly during middle school, my family faced both emotional and financial challenges. His life insurance was not sufficient to cover long-term expenses or future college costs, which placed added responsibility on my family. Since then, my mom has worked full-time while also pursuing her Master’s degree to improve our future, and my brothers and I have taken on greater responsibilities at home. I have worked approximately 20 hours per week as an Assistant Manager at a local business since January 2023 while managing my school, activities, and volunteer commitments. This job has helped me develop strong time management, leadership, and problem-solving skills. However, continuing to work at this level while attending technical school—especially with relocation and increased academic demands—may limit my ability to fully engage in my education. In addition, I will be the second of three brothers attending college at the same time, which adds to the financial strain on our family. The cost of tuition, tools, housing, and transportation will be significant, particularly as I pursue a program away from home to gain the best training possible. Financial assistance would allow me to focus more fully on developing the technical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in the electrical trades. It would give me the opportunity to pursue apprenticeships, mentorships, and leadership roles, while still working part-time. Most importantly, it would help ensure that financial barriers do not limit my ability to reach my full potential. I am committed to building a career based on hard work, resilience, and service. With the support of a scholarship, I will be better positioned to achieve my goals and give back to my community.

The people who have supported me most in my educational journey are my family—especially my mom and my grandfather. After my dad passed away unexpectedly during middle school, their support became even more meaningful. My mom has been a constant source of encouragement, pushing me to stay focused on school and responsibilities. She has shown me what resilience looks like in real life by going back to college for her Master's degree in counseling, after she learned my dad's death was linked to undiagnosed depression and addiction. My grandfather, who is both a farmer and a retired science teacher, played a major role in shaping my interest in hands-on work. From a young age, he taught me how to have curiosity about the way things work and how to persevere when they don't. He has always shown me to have a sense of awe about the world, and I think this will help me succeed in my future plans as an electrical technician. I honor their support by applying the values they taught me every day. I take my education seriously, challenge myself and stay committed to my goals even when it would be easier to take shortcuts. Whether I’m working, studying, or volunteering, I try to honor them by staying focused on building a future that makes their sacrifices meaningful. Losing a parent at a young age changes your life in every single possible way. There is literally nothing about my life it hasn't affected. It forces you to grow up faster and understand life in a deeper way. Instead of using that loss as an excuse, their support helped me turn it into motivation. I’ve worked about 20 hours a week as an assistant manager at a pizza franchise, played sports, and had leadership roles through my activities, and I have volunteered for two years with a special needs ministry for local teenagers. I have taken ownership of my future, instead of using the loss of a parent as a reason to stop succeeding. As I move forward toward my career goals in the trades, I plan to build on their support by developing my skills and take advantage of every opportunity available to me. I want to pursue technical education where I can apply what I’ve learned in real, practical ways. My goal is to become a skilled electrician, possibly working in public utilities or infrastructure, where I can contribute to my community in a meaningful way. I will carry forward the lessons my family taught me into everything I do. I also hope to eventually mentor others the way they have mentored and guided me. This support has been especially instrumental because growing up in a single-parent household after losing my father could have easily led me down a different path. There were huge challenges—emotionally and financially—but those challenges built strength. As a freshman, my path took a negative turn when I was working through a lot of depression about losing my dad. I was able to turn that around completely and am proud of the hard work I put in since then. My family’s support gave me both the foundation and the confidence to believe that I can succeed, even without my dad, who was my greatest cheerleader and a community leader. In the end, their influence is not just something I appreciate. It is something I carry with me. Every step forward I take is a reflection of the lessons they showed me. Their support has not only shaped my educational journey but has also defined the kind of person I strive to become.

My dad loved a costume, especially a wig. This is especially funny to us now looking back at photos because he was pretty much fully bald by the time he was 35. He was known for putting on a hair net and serving meals in my high school cafeteria line where he was the assistant principal. He did this, and all tasks, with so much joy, even though he didn’t have any hair to contain. My dad believed very strongly in daily service and motivated and inspired me growing up to make it a priority. I remember that many times, we stopped on the side of the road to help someone. He still inspires me today, despite his unexpected passing at the end of my seventh grade year. He believed in always helping underserved or unnoticed individuals. When he passed, we received hundreds of personal letters about the ways he had guided and encouraged students. It was really overwhelming and humbling. He had served as my Scout leader and volunteer youth sports coach, not because he had to – but because he loved lifting others up. My dad had a heart for students with special needs, and made that the focus of his doctoral work. I hope he would be proud of me for spending many of my high school hours volunteering in the Capernaum ministry for students with special needs. I have learned how to be inclusive of others and how to meet them right where they are. Some of the best moments I had in high school were just sitting in our Capernaum conversation circles or shooting hoops together. Watching my dad be the first to arrive and the last to leave a job has shaped how I understand service and my future as a skilled trades worker. He saw a person's education, leadership, and service as interconnected. He showed me that serving others is mostly behind-the-scenes and it means taking time to really notice other people. As a future certified electrical technician, I want to be a team partner that encourages others and keeps my workplace safe and motivating. The impact of my dad's life is still something that genuinely motivates me today. I received the Kindness Award for our area in 2025, and I hope my time with our special needs students and roles like summer internships delivering lunches for the food bank have encouraged others to give back, too. Another thing I am very aware of is how strong my dad's hometown pride was, despite our community's challenges, including a fairly high rate of poverty. He received and accepted people just as they were, and I strive every day to do that, too. I have learned a lot about doing this in my role as an assistant manager at a very busy local pizza franchise, where our primary customer base are nearby low-income individuals. I think my dad would really appreciate this, because he worked in food service, too, in high school, often joking that he was the "head of lettuce." It hurts every day to realize he is gone, but I have pressed forward so I can honor the person he was. As a fifth grader, I wrote a note in school that said "Grit is the ability to stick with something even when it's hard. People have success because they know hard work and listening to others helps them to be." My mom has had this taped on our kitchen cabinet all this time, and I plan to keep living that way, like he did, as I enter this next chapter. Thank you.

I grew up in a community with strong skilled labor roots where hard work and helping neighbors are part of everyday life. Watching people build careers through hands-on work shaped my view of success from an early age. My dad especially believed in those values. Before becoming an assistant principal at my high school, he worked at a lumberyard, in restaurants, and alongside my grandfather on the family farm. He believed that work should be done well, and that lesson has stayed with me. At the end of middle school, my dad passed away unexpectedly. Losing him was the most difficult challenge my family has ever faced, but it also changed the way I look at life and my future. During that time, I spent many hours working with my grandfather, who is both a science teacher and a farmer. On his farm, I learned practical skills like repairing equipment, using power tools, maintaining machinery, and solving problems when things broke. He taught me curiosity about how things work and perseverance when they do not work the first time. Those experiences played a major role in my decision to pursue the electrical trades. I am interested in the trades because I want a career that is hands-on, challenging, and meaningful. I enjoy understanding how systems work, diagnosing problems, and finding solutions. Electrical work combines technical knowledge, creativity, teamwork, and responsibility. I also value the flexibility and long-term opportunities the trades provide. As an electrician, I could work for a company, serve in industrial or commercial settings, or eventually start my own business. I want a career where I can continue learning, growing, and leading others. Following high school graduation, I will attend Ozarks Technical Community College in the fall of 2026 to complete my electrical technology certification and associate degree. My long-term goal is to become a skilled and dependable electrician while continuing to build leadership skills and mentor younger workers entering the trades. I also hope to serve as an Air National Guard Reservist and use my electrical skills working on aircraft and equipment. My great-grandfather served as an electrician during World War II, and following a path of service and skilled work would mean a great deal to me. Work and service have also helped prepare me for this future. Since January 2023, I have worked about twenty hours a week at a local Little Caesar’s franchise and was promoted to Assistant Manager. I help oversee opening and closing procedures, customer service, cash management, and team leadership while balancing school and extracurricular activities. This experience has taught me discipline, time management, communication, and how to stay calm under pressure. I also volunteer as a leader for Young Life Capernaum, a ministry serving teenagers with special needs. That experience has helped me grow in patience, empathy, and leadership while pushing me beyond my comfort zone. The values I carry forward—perseverance, service, curiosity, and integrity—come from the people who shaped my life and the challenges I have overcome. Pursuing the trades allows me to build a meaningful future while using my skills to support my family, serve my community, and continue growing as a person. Thank you for caring about students in skilled labor and the opportunity to apply.

My electrical trades program at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Mo., starts in the fall, where I will complete a two‑year certification and earn my Associate’s degree in the Electrical Technician program. I want to build the strongest skills possible so I can enter the workforce as a certified electrician to build safe, efficient electrical systems in homes, businesses, and community infrastructures. I plan to find a mentor next year in college, and eventually mentor other students in the trades. It is important to me to help keep doors open for the next generation. I plan to become an Air National Guard Reservist after completing my vocational training, using my electrical skills to support aircraft equipment on weekends. My great grandfather served in WWII as an electrician, and hearing how he used his skills to support his children on his farm inspires me. I am also inspired by my dad, who passed away unexpectedly when I was in middle school. His favorite college memories were helping customers in the local lumberyard, and he was the kind of worker who is the first to arrive at any job and the last to leave. After my dad passed, I spent many hours working alongside my grandfather on his farm in northwest Missouri, where we repaired equipment, fixed barns, and tackled countless projects. As a retired science teacher, he sparked my curiosity through lessons like the “electric pickle” experiment, showing me how science and real-world problem-solving connect. He taught me to be curious about how things work and how to persevere when they don’t. Those experiences shaped my appreciation for hands-on work and inspired my decision to pursue a career in the electrical trades. I am certain the electrical trades is the right path for me. Through my high school wood shop classes, I have worked daily on complex projects, including two competition pieces. I am a state finalist and medalist in the NWTEAM Woodworking Competition, which has strengthened my craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to quality. I discovered I really enjoy the full process of creating a project. My first piece was a three-drawer nightstand, and I had to redo it several times to make it up to the standard I wanted to achieve. Even though that was difficult, I also enjoyed the commitment to it and the satisfaction at the end. Receiving a state award for this piece was a great memory. After graduation from Ozarks Technical, I plan to apply my electrical technician degree to the construction industry. I have registered for courses which include electrical systems, including building circuits, electrical blueprints, applying electrical formulas, and understanding emerging energy systems. After graduation, I will apply this knowledge directly in construction settings, by installing, maintaining, and ensuring the safety of electrical systems in new buildings and infrastructure projects. I am especially drawn to the team-oriented side of construction, where electricians collaborate with other trades from the planning phase through final project completion. I will be actively seeking internships and/or apprenticeship opportunities as well, hopefully in the northwest Missouri area where my family lives. I am especially excited to be making connections with construction leader Herzog through career fairs, as we all as national industrial equipment manufacturing leader, Altec Inc. They are two strong community employers located in my hometown, which will be close to the Air Guard base where I plan to serve as a Reservist. In high school, I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with students with special needs in a community ministry program, and I know that service in this area will also be part of my college experience and my future community life. If you called my workplace supervisor and asked about me, she would recommend me to this scholarship because she trusts me completely to manage the tasks her family business requires with integrity, all the time. This is something I carry forward from my dad. I have worked nearly all through high school for her family owned pizza franchise business, which is one the busiest and most award-winning across the region. I was promoted quickly to Assistant Manager and that includes managing cash register, customer service, employee training and safety protocols, often closing the store at 10:30 p.m. on a school night. She does not usually promote a teenager to this role. She would tell you that I have a very strong sense of personal responsibility, but I am also able to help others with a sense of humor and a positive outlook. I sincerely appreciate the honor to apply for the Joe Ford Trade Scholarship, and I am grateful that your family is interested in encouraging students in the trades.

In fifth grade, I wrote this and my mom had it taped on the kitchen wall ever since: “Grit is the ability to stick with something even when it is hard and sometimes when you do not want to.” This has been inspiration during the tough years after my dad passed away unexpectedly, and to help lead others to honor his amazing legacy. I will begin the Electrical Technician program at Ozarks Technical Community College in the fall, working toward my certification and associate degree. I have been accepted and registered. My goal is to become a skilled electrician in the construction industry, helping create safe, efficient systems that power homes, businesses, and communities. I also plan to enlist in the Air National Guard as a Reservist upon trade school graduation and repair planes on weekends, like my great grandfather did. Working as a “No Hunger Summer” intern with Second Harvest Community Food Bank, I was part of a team responsible for preparing and distributing hundreds of daily lunches to low-income youth. When new federal guidelines emerged, we had a tough challenge. We had already been providing daily lunches to many homeless individuals, local senior citizens, as well as parents who attended the daily lunch delivery locations. I had built relationships with these individuals. Yet the new guidelines meant we could only serve lunches to children under 16, and only if they were present with their guardians. These families were clearly struggling, and this led to group tension. I took initiative by bringing these concerns to my supervisor rather than ignoring the issue or breaking the rules independently. This led to me facilitating a team discussion about ways to balance program requirements while feeding as many people as possible. Within a few days, I helped guide our team to a solution for continuing to feed adults who attended the meal sites and remain within program guidelines. I also worked with our team to encourage families to participate in the program rules so that our whole community could be stronger. This experience taught me that working within a team means learning how to receive everyone’s input, and turn that into thoughtful decisions, even when the pressure is on. I also learned that sometimes one person has to ask the hard questions and look for the less-obvious answers. I am excited to take these skills into my electrical trades career future.

A quote that inspires me is “There are no rocks in the path. The path is rocks.” This is like a hiking trip last summer to Big Bend National Park. We had no easy walking, but we saw the most beautiful landscapes ever. This reminds me of my life’s challenges. I grew up in a community with strong blue-collar roots, shaping my view of the importance of trades work early on. My dad believed deeply in these values. Before becoming an assistant principal at my school, he worked at a local lumberyard, a local restaurant (calling himself “the head of lettuce”), and on my grandfather’s farm. He believed that work should be done well. During middle school, my dad passed away unexpectedly. It is hard to describe how painful this was. My two brothers and I were suddenly without the person who had always encouraged us and supported our goals. He died on a Friday, and my older brother insisted that we go to school the following Monday, because that’s what dad would have wanted. During that time, I spent hours working with my grandfather, a science teacher and a farmer. He taught me curiosity about how things work, and perseverance when they don’t. He also taught me to have a good sense of humor, and how to do experiments like his famous “electric pickle.” This influenced my decision to pursue the trades, and helped pull me through the darkest days of grief. Since January of 2023, I have worked about 20 hours a week at a local pizza franchise and was promoted to Assistant Manager. Closing the store late reminds me of the value of work, which my dad would be proud of. I also spent time giving back. I am a volunteer group leader for Young Life Capernaum, a ministry for special needs teenagers. I help lead the meeting activities and weekend retreats. These are some of my best high school memories, just shooting hoops with students or talking with them. This scholarship means I can focus on the top experiences needed to become the best skilled electrician I can, including space in my schedule to volunteer in my community, for school committees, and find internships. I plan to find a mentor and mentor others, while working part-time. I’ll be the second of three brothers in college next year. My mom has returned to college, too. My dad was first on the job and last to leave, while helping the “underdog” students at my school, hunting morel mushrooms, building the perfect campfire, or stopping on the roadside to help everyone. He was a terrible dancer, once breaking the kitchen light. We realized through many pictures he loved a costume or a wig. We think this started when he often served food at school lunch, wearing a hair net, which he did not need since he was bald. It surprised people that he loved classic country music and Metallica. It never surprised anyone that his eyes lit up around babies, dogs, or Veterans. Also he loved fireworks, grabbing 10 neighborhood kids in the back of his pickup for the big show at our city baseball games. About 600 community members attended his funeral. Standing in the back were the toughest of his students – the ones he worked so hard to keep from dropping out. His loss hurts every day, but I press forward. In fifth grade, I wrote "Grit is the ability to stick with something even when it's hard.” I look forward to pressing forward in school and in my community to carry forward my dad’s legacy.

I have spent many hours working with my grandfather on his farm in northwest Missouri, where I learned to be curious about how things work -- and how to persevere when they break. My grandfather, a retired science teacher and a current farmer, sparked my interest in the electrical trades. This experience has shaped my interest in electrical work, where problem-solving, creativity, and integrity still matter. In the fall of 2026, will begin my electrical trades program at Ozarks Technical Community College. I plan to complete a 2-year certification and an Associate's degree in the electrical technician program, then pursue work as an electrician. I am excited that the trades show a very promising and growing demand in the future, and they are jobs that can't be replaced by AI. As an electrician, I can work for a company, join a union, or even start my own business. I also value hands-on work and want to be in different and varied work environments. I believe in the electrical trades because it is a field that allows me to build a stable and meaningful career while having the time in my schedule to continue to serve others, as I have done across high school. As an electrician, I can also help promote and lead others and mentor younger students going into the trades. My dad was a much-loved former teacher, and he passed away at the end of my eighth grade year. I know he would really be proud of my path because some of his favorite jobs, next to education, were working hands-on at the family's farm or at the local lumberyard. He taught me to help others and build them up along my path as I keep building my skills. My decision is also influenced by my great grandfather, who served as an electrician in World War II. Hearing how he used those skills to support his family of five on his farm has inspired me to follow a similar path. I also plan to serve as an Air National Guard Reservist after graduation, where I hope to use my electrical skills to work on aircraft and equipment. I hope to work in my career electrician role during the week and serve my country on the weekends. I believe I will be successful because I have developed a strong work ethic, resilience, and the ability to manage responsibility. Since January 2023, I have worked about 20 hours per week as an Assistant Manager at a very busy pizza franchise while balancing school and activities. This has strengthened my time management, leadership, and problem-solving skills. A major challenge in my life was losing my dad unexpectedly, and my family faced emotional and financial challenges. We all had to take on more responsibility. This experience taught me a great deal about resilience. It also motivated me to work hard, and to honor my dad’s values, and not to give up when things are difficult. Through my job, volunteering, and school activities, I have learned patience, teamwork, and commitment. I have also pushed myself outside my comfort zone, especially through my work with special needs students, where I have really developed my patience and leadership. To me, a successful life means building a career I can be proud of, lifting others up, and staying committed to hard work and integrity. I want to be a dependable electrician, continue learning, and eventually mentor others. Success is a lot more than a job—it is about using my skills to support my family, my community, and to keep growing as a person.

A quote that has guided me is “There are no rocks in the path. The path is rocks. Start navigating.” When I think of these words, I remember a trip last summer to Big Bend National Park. Each day’s hike through the canyons brought amazing views. Yet each day brought tough, rocky ground under our boots, just the same as the day before. We had no easy walking areas, but we saw some beautiful sunsets. This experience reminds me of the challenges I have faced in my life. I grew up in a community with strong blue-collar roots where running businesses and helping neighbors are part of everyday life. Watching people support their families through skilled labor shaped my views from an early age. My dad believed deeply in these values. Before becoming an assistant principal at my high school, he worked at a lumberyard, a restaurant, and spent many hours helping on my grandfather’s farm. He believed that work should be done well. At the end of middle school, my dad passed away unexpectedly. Losing him was the most difficult challenge my family has ever faced. My two brothers and I suddenly had to move forward without the person who had always encouraged us and supported our goals. During that time I spent many hours working with my grandfather, a science teacher and farmer. On his farm I learned to repair equipment, use power tools, and maintain machinery. He taught me curiosity about how things work and perseverance when they break. Those lessons continue to shape my passion for electrical trades and my desire to be a dedicated worker. Another lesson from my family’s loss was choosing a path that truly fits who I am. While many classmates plan to attend four-year universities, I know my passion lies in the skilled trades. I enjoy understanding how things operate, diagnosing problems, and fixing them with my hands. Spending time on my grandfather’s farm showed me I need work that is practical and constantly changing. Electrical work interests me because electricians help power homes, businesses, and communities. A career as an electrician also offers flexibility to work for a company, start a business, or grow into leadership roles mentoring younger workers. Since January 2023, I have worked about twenty hours per week at a local Little Caesar’s franchise and was promoted to Assistant Manager. I help oversee opening and closing, customer service, cash management, and team leadership. Many nights I close the store at 10:30 p.m., balancing work with school activities. This experience has taught me discipline and strong time management skills. Volunteering has also been an important part of my growth. I serve as a leader for Young Life Capernaum, a ministry that works with teenagers with special needs. At first I felt overwhelmed because I had little experience working with individuals with disabilities. Over time, I built relationships with the students. This opportunity pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow in patience, empathy, and leadership. These are also lessons that fuel my interest in the trades. The values I carry forward—perseverance, service, curiosity, and integrity—come from the people who have shaped my life and the challenges I have experienced. Losing my dad at a young age changed my perspective and strengthened my determination to build a future in the trades. There are no rocks in the path. The path is rocks—but it is well worth the view.