I will never forget the summer of 2023, when my friend and I stood in my front yard on a warm, sunny day. Suddenly, a thunderous rumble broke the calm. A huge Blackhawk helicopter rushed just 500 feet above us. I never learned why it flew so low, right over my neighborhood. Regardless, I couldn’t stop thinking about how those spinning blades lifted such a massive weight and moved it forward. That night, my curiosity kept me awake. Instead of sleeping, I dove into the physics of flight online. Three hours later, I understood the basic mechanics of helicopter flight. But for me, that was not enough; I had developed a thirst for information that had not been there before. Anxious to learn more, I joined the 502 Flight Club, a local group that teaches young pilots and those interested in the basics of flight. There, I joined others fascinated by aviation’s technological advances and purposeful engineering. Because of one pivotal moment in my yard, I started on a path to my lasting goal: becoming an aeronautical/aerospace engineer, and quench my thirst for knowledge. My upbringing shaped my aspirations and character. My parents instilled unselfishness and the worth of giving back. Whether including someone left out or helping a neighbor, I strive to put others first. This value also guides my career ambitions: by helping design military aircraft, I hope to protect others and ensure their safety. The idea that my engineering work could aid national defense and directly benefit the lives of countless people is a strong motivator for me. Volunteering, encouraged by my parents, has remained a core part of my life. I’ve helped clean up the community and assisted at school fairs, but I’m proudest of my work with veterans through the Be Like Griff Foundation. Introduced by my father, this organization helped me develop a passion for supporting those who served. I have helped in their fundraising car shows, dog jogs, and other events to promote the Foundation. My involvement, from volunteer to a leadership role, has taught me dedication, teamwork, and empathy—qualities I try to carry into all aspects of life, A formative event in my life was my mother’s battle with colon cancer when I was four. For four years, my family faced uncertainty. My mother was diagnosed with stage 3c cancer, and I could lose her during any of the numerous surgeries or treatments. Thankfully, she is now about 14 years cancer-free. While this was certainly something I wished didn't have to happen, it undoubtedly helped shape me into who I am today. Even at that young age, I learned that life is precious and unpredictable. That time helped me appreciate moments with family, seek meaning, and meet challenges with resilience and gratitude. It also strengthened my commitment to pursue what matters most to me, and my will to have a positive impact on all those around me. My passion for aeronautical/aerospace engineering is fueled by curiosity, defined by selflessness, and driven by service. My upbringing and experiences developed empathy, perseverance, and purpose. I look forward to learning, growing, and contributing to aeronautical/aerospace engineering—combining my love of flight with my commitment to make a difference.

Throughout my life, I have been motivated to experience and learn more about my passions. As a child, this meant an obsession with everything that lived in the water. Fishing ran in my blood. My great-grandfather, grandfather, great uncle, uncle, and father all earned recognition as accomplished competitive fishermen. I read every book I could find on fish, crustaceans, whales, dolphins, and anything else that inhabited the water. When I wasn’t reading, I was out fishing, wading, or boating, trying to experience aquatic life firsthand. As I got older, this same curiosity expanded into other interests, including airplanes and the incredible complexity behind how they work. Looking back now, I realize that I was already living the idea of “Just One More.” With each cast of a line or new detail I learned, it never felt like the last. There was always more to explore, understand, and experience. My love of the outdoors grew from that time I spent with my family. Ever since I was little, I spent time with friends by a creek that ran through our neighborhood, exploring the banks and seeing what we could find. I have discovered that nature is not only for exploration but can also be a place to connect with others. Whenever I have the chance to be outside, I take it—even choosing to do homework or study on our back porch just to feel the sun and fresh air. One of my favorite memories is sitting by my grandfather at a local pond while our corks floated in the water. While we waited for a bite, he amazed me by talking about nature. He could identify birds just by their calls and knew exactly where deer had stopped to forage or drink from the pond. He taught me about the bluegill and bass we caught and explained how everything in nature is connected. I still do not understand how he could know so much about the world around him. That day sparked in me a desire to keep learning about nature, as he had. My father carried that tradition forward. His father made sure he developed a passion for fishing and nature, and my dad passed that passion down to me. Even now, just before we pack up to leave the water, my dad always says, “One more cast.” Those moments have become some of my favorite memories, and I still fish with him as often as I can. My grandfather passed away a year ago, but the lessons he taught me about fishing, nature, and curiosity will always stay with me. Another way I embody the “Just One More” mindset is through creativity and engineering. When I go to college, I hope to become an aerospace engineer. While some people may not consider blueprints or technical drawings art, I certainly do. In my school’s engineering program, I often find myself completely immersed in technical drawings, studying every detail and correcting even the smallest error. Designing something that solves a problem requires both creativity and accuracy, and I enjoy making sure every specification is clear and intentional. To me, “Just One More” means constant curiosity and exploration. It’s that extra cast, the extra question, the extra design improvement; shaping my love for nature, family bonds, and interest in engineering.