When I think about my mom, who raised me along with my four siblings, I think about this quote from Maya Angelou, who said, "I was raised by a single mother, and I learned from her that strength is not the absence of weakness, but the triumph over it. Invincibility is not winning each time, but rising every time we fall." This quote perfectly encapsulates the resilience and determination that my mom embodies. Despite the challenges she faced as a single mother, she never let her weaknesses define her but instead used them as opportunities for growth and empowerment. Her unwavering ability to rise every time she fell has been a constant source of inspiration for me and my siblings throughout our lives. The first time I ever met my father was on a prison visit; he had been arrested and charged with serving time. So long that he didn't get out until I was 13 years old. While that might seem like a bad thing, it's not. What my mother had to put up with him when they were together was terrible; the details are horrifying that someone could do stuff like that, so I won't get into them. Just know that life could have been worse if he wasn't in jail. Even then, life for my family wasn't that great; my father had just been put in prison, we were losing our house, and we didn't know where to go. Despite the difficult circumstances, my mother's strength and resilience kept our family together. She worked tirelessly to provide for us and ensure that we had a roof over our heads. Especially when she had to take care of me when I was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease from my father's side, it was just another gift of pain from him. Although we faced many challenges, we managed to find a support system within our community that helped us navigate through those tough times. She had to deal with raising four children all by herself. Despite the immense responsibility of raising four children on her own, my mother never let her own struggles hinder her dedication to our well-being. She taught us the importance of perseverance and instilled in us a strong sense of resilience that has shaped who we are today. I don't think I could be the man I am today without the dedication of my mom and her unwavering support. She not only provided for us financially but also emotionally and mentally. Her sacrifices and hard work have taught me the value of determination and the power of unconditional love. I am forever grateful for her guidance and the life lessons she has imparted to me. Thanks, mom, even If I had all the time in the world, I don't think I could describe how much I love her.

I am Preston Hennessey, a 19-year-old mechatronics engineering student. I will become a successful engineer who uses my skills to make a positive impact on the world. I want to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, such as climate change, poverty, and disease. I want to inspire other young people to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world. I know that achieving my dream will not be easy; I am determined to work hard and make it happen. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can become the dream version of my future self.

While congenital heart defects are rare but impactful, affecting around 1% of babies born each year, I was one of the unlucky people to have been affected by it. I was born with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes the heart muscle to thicken abnormally. This thickening can block the flow of blood out of the heart, which can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Thickening of the heart can indeed have serious effects on blood flow, potentially causing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and even fainting. These symptoms arise because when the heart muscle thickens, it becomes harder for blood to be pumped out effectively. This restricted blood flow can result in discomfort and difficulty breathing. It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as they could be indicative of an underlying heart condition that needs to be addressed promptly. This condition has had a significant impact on my life, both physically and emotionally. In the early years, my condition made it difficult for me to keep up with my peers at school. I was often tired and had to miss school, and I sometimes felt like I was being held back. My family also faced financial struggles, as my single mother of five had to take time off work to care for me. As I grew older, my heart condition continued to affect me in various ways. It limited my ability to participate in physical activities and sports, making me feel isolated from my friends and classmates. Additionally, the constant medical appointments and treatments put a strain on my family's finances and caused emotional stress for all of us. Additionally, my condition has caused me to experience frequent hospital visits and medical procedures, which have further disrupted my daily life and added to the financial burden on my family. Despite these challenges, I have learned to be resilient and determined in pursuing my education and personal goals, but the impact of my heart condition continues to be a constant reminder of the importance of early detection and proper medical care.  Despite the challenges, I never gave up on my dreams. I worked hard in school and eventually graduated. I am now enrolled in college, majoring in mechatronics, which is a combination of electrical and mechanical engineering. The people around me are proud of me for getting through a situation that would've emotionally crippled most people and made them give up. I believe that everyone faces challenges in their lives. Some challenges are small, while others are large. But no matter how big the challenge is, it is important to never give up. If you keep fighting, you will eventually overcome the challenge and come out stronger on the other side. I am grateful for the challenges I have faced in my life. They have made me stronger and more resilient. They have also taught me the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult things may seem. I am excited to start my college journey and pursue my dream of becoming an engineer. I know that it will be challenging, but I am confident that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. I believe that the skills and determination I have developed through overcoming past challenges will serve me well in my college journey. I am ready to embrace the opportunities for growth and learning that lie ahead, knowing that each obstacle will only make me stronger and more prepared for my future career as an engineer.

In his 1936 acceptance speech for renomination as president, Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of the "rendezvous with destiny" that the American people faced. He said that this generation had the opportunity to create a better future for themselves and for the world. The Millennials and Gen Z are now facing a similar "rendezvous with destiny." They will inherit a world that is facing many challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and political polarization. However, they also have many strengths that could help them to address these challenges. One of the strengths of the Millennials and Gen Z is their diversity. They are the most diverse generation in American history, and this diversity gives them a unique perspective on the world. They are also more interconnected than any previous generation, thanks to the internet and social media. This gives them the power to mobilize and organize to make change. Another strength of the Millennials and Gen Z is their commitment to social justice. They are more likely than previous generations to care about issues such as climate change, racial equality, and LGBTQ rights. They are also more likely to be involved in activism and volunteerism. Of course, the Millennials and Gen Z also face some challenges. They are graduating from college with more debt than previous generations, and they are facing a difficult job market. However, they are also more optimistic than previous generations, and they are more likely to believe that they can make a difference in the world. I believe that the Millennials and Gen Z have the potential to be the "Greatest Generation 2.0." They have the skills, the diversity, and the commitment to make a difference. I am confident that they will rise to the challenge and create a better future for themselves and for the world. In the essay, the author compares the Millennials and Gen Z to the Greatest Generation, who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. The author notes that both generations faced challenges, but they also had strengths that helped them to overcome those challenges. The author believes that the Millennials and Gen Z have the potential to be the "Greatest Generation 2.0" if they use their skills, diversity, and commitment to make a difference in the world. I agree with the author's assessment. The Millennials and Gen Z are a generation with a bright future. They are more diverse, more interconnected, and more committed to social justice than any previous generation. These strengths give them the potential to make a real difference in the world. I am excited to see what the Millennials and Gen Z will accomplish in the years to come. I believe that they have the potential to create a better future for themselves and for the world.

First, I want to express my condolences for the loss of Richard P. Mullen. He was a great man in both life and the field of engineering, and his family must be very proud of what he accomplished. I see this Scholarship as the chance to view him as my mentor, and role model in my pursuit of my education in Engineering. As a student of engineering, I understand the importance of not only academic excellence but also the need for integrity to succeed in this field. Richard P. Mullen's integrity and strong moral values set him apart, and I aspire to emulate the same in my personal and professional life. I am grateful for the opportunity presented to me by the Scholarship to honor his legacy by furthering my education in engineering. Through this scholarship, I can learn from his achievements and make a positive contribution to society by incorporating his exemplary principles and values into my work. I do not know if Mr. Mullen had a hard or challenging life, but I think can relate to his experiences and would love to learn more about him. I was born with a life-threatening heart condition, which I didn't find out about until I was 13 years old. This condition has had a significant impact on my life, both physically and emotionally. In the early years, my condition made it difficult for me to keep up with my peers at school. I was often tired and had to miss school, and I sometimes felt like I was being held back. My family also struggled financially, as my single mother of five had to take time off work to care for me. Despite the challenges, I never gave up on my dreams. I worked hard in school and eventually graduated. I am now enrolled in college, majoring in mechatronics, which is a combination of electrical and mechanical engineering. I think that Mr. Mullen would be proud of me for overcoming the challenges I have faced. Just like how the people around me were also proud of me for getting through a situation that would've emotionally crippled most people and made them give up. I believe that everyone faces challenges in their lives. Some challenges are small, while others are large. But no matter how big the challenge is, it is important to never give up. If you keep fighting, you will eventually overcome the challenge and come out stronger on the other side. I am grateful for the challenges I have faced in my life. They have made me stronger and more resilient. They have also taught me the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult things may seem. I am excited to start my college journey and pursue my dream of becoming an engineer. I know that it will be challenging, but I am confident that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way. I am also inspired by the legacy of Richard P. Mullen. He was a great man who made a difference in the world. I hope to one day follow in his footsteps and make a positive impact on the world. My name is Preston Hennessey, and I hoping this Scholarship could be awarded to me in my pursuit of education, and hopefully dedicate it to Mr. Mullen.

I have always been fascinated by technology. As I grew up, technology also grew up with me, but at a much faster pace. I was always interested in where technology would end up one day, so I wanted to understand it more. I think it's natural to be fascinated by technology. It's all around us, and it's constantly changing and evolving. It's hard not to be curious about what the future holds. I remember the first time I saw a computer. I was about 6 years old, and my parents had just bought one. It was a big, clunky machine with a green screen. I was fascinated by it. I couldn't believe that there was this machine that could do so many things. I could type on it, play games on it, and even learn new things. I spent hours exploring the computer. I would play games like Oregon Trail and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? I would also learn about different subjects by reading books and articles online. I even started creating my projects, like a website about my favorite animals. I loved the sense of wonder and possibility that the computer gave me. It was like a gateway to a whole new world. I knew that I wanted to learn more about computers and how they work. As I got older, my interest in technology only grew stronger. I started taking science and math classes in school, and I loved them. I was particularly interested in physics and engineering. I loved learning about how things worked, and I was always eager to solve problems. I have always been fascinated by science and technology. I remember being a little kid and asking my parents endless questions about how things worked. I was always eager to learn more about the world around me, and I loved the feeling of solving a puzzle. I was also inspired by the potential of STEM to make a difference in the world. I believe that STEM can be used to solve some of the world's most pressing problems, such as climate change, poverty, and disease. I wanted to be a part of that effort. I am excited about the future of technology. I believe that STEM is the key to solving many of the world's problems. I want to be a part of that, and I want to use my skills to make a positive impact on the world. I am confident that my STEM degree will give me the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in my career. I am also confident that I will be able to use my skills to make a difference in the world.

I would like to see education undergo a revolution. I believe that the current education system is outdated and inefficient. It is focused on teaching students to memorize facts and procedures, rather than teaching them how to think critically and solve problems. It is also too focused on standardized testing, which stifles creativity and innovation. The current education system is based on a factory model that was designed over a century ago. Students are expected to sit quietly in rows and listen to lectures. They are given tests to measure their knowledge, but they are not allowed to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. This factory model of education is not effective for many students. It does not take into account individual learning styles or interests. It also does not prepare students for the collaborative and problem-solving skills that are essential in the workplace. I remember sitting in class, feeling like a mindless worker. I was just going through the motions, taking notes and doing the assignments, but I wasn't learning anything. I felt like I was just regurgitating information, not understanding it. I think part of the problem was that I wasn't interested in the material. I was taking the class because it was required, not because I wanted to. I also felt like the teaching style was very passive. The professor just lectured, and we were expected to absorb the information. There wasn't much opportunity for discussion or engagement. I know that I'm not the only one who has felt like a mindless worker in the class. I think it's a common experience, especially for students who are not interested in the material or who are feeling overwhelmed. But it's important to remember that learning is not just about memorizing information. It's about understanding and applying that information. And it's also about finding ways to make learning more interesting and engaging. I'm still on my journey to becoming a more mindful learner, but I'm making progress. And I'm hopeful that I can find ways to make learning more enjoyable and rewarding for myself. I believe that a revolution in the education system would be beneficial for all students. It would help them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century. It would also help them to become more creative, innovative, and collaborative thinkers. I believe that a revolution in the education system is possible. It will take time and effort, but it is worth it to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. It will create a new generation of thinkers, one that America hasn't been in a very long time, and put us at the top again. Ways we can do this is to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These are the skills that will be most important in the 21st-century workforce. Students need to learn how to think for themselves and come up with creative solutions to problems. Make learning more engaging and interactive. Students should be actively involved in their learning, not just passively listening to lectures. They should be given opportunities to collaborate and apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Use technology to enhance learning. Technology can be a powerful tool for learning. It can be used to create interactive learning experiences, provide access to information, and connect students with experts. Empower teachers. Teachers are the key to successful education. We need to give them the resources and support they need to be effective.