Since middle school, I have focused on intellectual excellence, including thorough preparation and complete dedication to everything that I do. Since starting high school, I've focused on one goal: working as an engineer for SpaceX or NASA. While some dream of space travel, I want to be the engineer making those dreams possible. Aerospace engineering requires precision, perfection, and exploration, pushing the boundaries of known science in the physics realm, all of which intrigue me and match my strengths. I understood early that earning scholarships would be crucial for attending a top engineering program, so I deliberately worked to position myself as an ideal candidate. This meant not just earning perfect grades (4.0 unweighted GPA) and having strong test scores (34 ACT), but also challenging myself with 8 AP courses and 8 dual enrollment classes. I've already proven I can succeed at college-level work through my 4.0 GPA in courses like Advanced Java Programming and Introduction to Engineering as a dual enrollment student. Maya Angelou said, "If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased." I've lived out this principle through service to my community in an unexpected place: in a production booth. Through over 500 hours of volunteer service that is still ongoing, I've discovered that building meaningful community impact happens in the careful execution of technical details that go unnoticed. Each week, I dedicate 7-10 hours to serving. Whether operating cameras during morning services or managing the soundboard for youth group, my role is to ensure technology enhances rather than distracts from worship. This service builds bridges, allowing homebound members to remain connected to their church family. This service to a greater community through technical production is something I plan to continue while a college student and even beyond. What began as operating a single camera evolved into mastering complex technical systems through years of dedication. I immersed myself in learning different camera shots, sound mixing techniques, and lighting configurations. My curiosity drove me to understand the details of audio engineering, from compressors and noise gates to equalizer charts. At sixteen, I became the youngest technical director—a role historically reserved for paid professionals—managing everything from complex light sequences to critical system troubleshooting. This journey from a fifth grader awkwardly operating a camera bigger than myself to becoming a technical director has taught me that building expertise requires both patience and perpetual learning. This connection between my technical director experience and future engineering aspirations also demonstrates how I've already begun applying STEM principles in real-world settings. I've also built more than just technical skills along the way—I've worked to build a legacy of leadership and service. Realizing that one day I would graduate, I focused on developing the next generation of technical leaders. I've trained a junior to take charge next year and am also preparing an eighth-grader to follow him. This approach to leadership—combining technical excellence with people development—has helped build a sustainable, supportive team culture that will continue long after I've moved on. While I've already demonstrated my ability to maximize opportunities through consistent academic excellence, proven leadership, and meaningful community service, as I pursue my goal of developing next-generation spacecraft at SpaceX or NASA, I'll continue this pattern of turning opportunities into achievements. Just as my work connects people through technology today, my future work in aerospace engineering will advance innovations that benefit humanity and build a better world.

What began in a production booth eight years ago has evolved into something far more significant: a legacy of technical excellence, mentorship, and service. Through over 500 volunteer hours as Technical Director, I've discovered that making a difference happens not in the spotlight, but in the careful, often unnoticed work of developing others. Starting as a fourth grader operating a single camera, I've grown into a leader who manages complex systems, but more importantly, builds people. Realizing I would eventually graduate, I shifted my focus to developing the next generation of technical leaders. I've trained a junior to take charge next year while also preparing an eighth-grader to follow him. This approach to leadership—combining technical excellence with people development—has built a sustainable team culture that will continue long after I've moved on. My academic journey parallels this commitment to growth and service. With a 4.0 GPA and achievements in AP science and math courses, I'm pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. While some dream of space travel, I want to be the engineer making those dreams possible. I'm fascinated by how seemingly minuscule interactions can have dramatic physical impacts—whether in chemical reactions or rocket propulsion systems. Throughout my journey, I've faced significant challenges. When approaching the soccer coach after tryouts, I was crushed to be offered only the backup goalie jersey. Self-doubt settled in as I realized I'd sit the bench all season. Rather than quit, I embraced the role with my whole heart. My perseverance was rewarded when our starting goalie was injured, and I delivered three consecutive shutout wins. This experience taught me that success comes through consistent effort, not just moments in the spotlight. This lesson was reinforced during my Trail Life USA Freedom Project, where I led the renovation of our team's locker room. After others had given up demolishing stubborn cabinets, I spent five additional hours alone trying various approaches. Finally, stepping back, taking deep breaths, and reassessing the problem led me to discover hidden screws that made the impossible possible. In that moment, I realized that sometimes we need to be broken down to be rebuilt better. These experiences have shaped my understanding of making a difference. Whether I'm helping younger students master technical skills or hope to someday design spacecraft that expand human potential, my goal remains the same: create opportunities that elevate others. My vision, guided by Philippians 2:3-4, is to "value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to the interests of others." In my career, I want to bring this same spirit of service and development. Engineering isn't just about solving technical problems—it's about creating possibilities for people. By developing technologies that expand human potential and mentoring future innovators, I hope to create ripple effects of opportunity that extend far beyond my own contributions. This is how I plan to make a difference—not through personal recognition, but by building systems and people that continue to serve others long after I've moved on.

Maya Angelou said, "If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased." I've lived out this principle in an unexpected place as I have served as technical director at my school and church: in a production booth, where the myriad of buttons and glow of control panels have been my constant companions. Through over 600 hours of volunteer service, I've discovered that meaningful community impact happens in the careful execution of technical details that go unnoticed. My growing technical expertise naturally evolved into leadership opportunities where I could champion new ideas and mentor others. Realizing that one day I would graduate, I focused on building the next generation of technical leaders just as much as building their individual skills. I've trained a junior to take charge next year and am preparing an eighth-grader across all aspects of production to ensure that our excellence in service continues. This approach to ensuring continuity and access reflects my belief that justice means creating sustainable systems that provide opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or experience level. My commitment to service extends far beyond the occasional volunteer opportunity. What I do allows those who are homebound or traveling to be included in the church community. This consistent dedication to service has taught me that true impact often comes through sustained, behind-the-scenes commitment to others' needs. By breaking down barriers to participation and ensuring everyone has access to community resources, we create a more equitable and just society. Looking toward a possible career at SpaceX or NASA, I aim to lead engineering teams that make space exploration more accessible while developing future innovators. Just as I ensure technology enhances rather than distracts from worship services now, I will strive to ensure our technical achievements serve a greater purpose. Whether leading spacecraft design teams or mentoring new engineers, my success will be measured not by personal achievements, but by the lives I've helped elevate and the innovations we create together to benefit humanity. My personal vision flows from the Biblical principle found in Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This principle matches my understanding of justice--creating systems and opportunities that serve everyone, not just a select few. Through my education and future career in engineering, I aim to continue building bridges, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that technological advances benefit all of humanity, not just those with privileged access.

At 2 AM, I stared at my screen in disbelief. Four years of dedication had led to this moment: playing against recognized professionals in overtime play, my car soaring through the virtual arena, perfectly rotating to strike the ball at an angle that seemed to defy physics. That impossible shot helped secure my rank as 35th in the world at Rocket League. Looking back at the night my friend first introduced me to this mix of soccer and rocket-powered cars, I never imagined a 30-minute gaming session would spark a journey that would profoundly impact my character, capabilities, and career. While I have played traditional soccer for around twelve years, Rocket League's additional elements created new possibilities for personal growth. My journey from novice to elite player taught me the value of systematic improvement and deliberate practice. I watched professionals play, looked at my own replays to find areas to improve on and challenge myself, and asked coaches from the community for advice. Managing boost, making split-second decisions, and mastering precise mechanics were all necessary to improve, so I trained for thousands of hours. This dedication to improvement took me beyond gaming, supporting my growth mindset that I have learned to apply to every challenge I face. Perhaps most significantly, competing at the highest levels taught me invaluable lessons about mental fortitude. The pressure of tournament play and the intensity of high-stakes matches helped me develop emotional control that serves me well beyond gaming, including helping me with my challenge of singlehandedly taking down a set of cabinets that even adults were unable to remove for my Trail Life USA Freedom Servant Leadership Project. The fierce in-game competition creates an untamed fire in some people, leading to frustration and toxicity. I never add to this tension, and, when negativity is directed at me, I keep my composure and disregard it. My gaming success has created multiple unique opportunities. I was selected as one of the Coca-Cola Rocket League All-Stars in November, competing for a scholarship against other top players across the United States. I've already competed for prize money on multiple college campuses against content creators with over 500,000 followers and participated in various sponsored tournaments. These experiences taught me to perform under pressure and engage professionally with diverse competitors. For almost two years now, I have held the rank of Supersonic Legend, an exclusive level that only the top 0.01% of players attain. This ranking has demonstrated that with proper dedication and systematic practice, seemingly impossible goals become attainable. What began as a simple curiosity of "Can I beat my friend?" evolved into a journey that developed my character, strengthened my mental resilience, and taught me the value of sustained dedication. Even at the game's highest levels, I'm still discovering new ways to improve. These problem-solving and analytical skills have guided my path toward a certificate in computer programming that I will, as a senior in high school, receive from a community college in May and a possible bachelor's degree in computer engineering, where I can apply the same dedication and precision that made me successful in Rocket League to developing innovative software solutions. My gaming experience has not only made me a better player, but it has also ultimately shaped me into a more capable, disciplined, and technically minded person who is ready to tackle the challenges of computer programming.

NileRed, a YouTube chemist, has a remarkable way of revealing the hidden principles that govern our world. Watching him turn plastic gloves into grape soda sounds like science fiction, but through his experiments, he demonstrates that the seemingly impossible becomes possible once you understand chemical properties and universal laws. What started out for me as a curious watching of his clips developed into a better understanding of the universe that went beyond chemistry. At first, I was merely intrigued by his experiments, but, after watching multiple videos, a pattern emerged. In his videos, he demonstrates that everything is made of atoms, just arranged in different ways. This fundamental principle that complex things can be understood through their basic components and then used for practical purposes has guided my love of science and my future career plans. Through my chemistry classes, I've discovered how to explore these principles. In labs, each experiment has revealed new layers of understanding as we observed invisible interactions, tracked changing variables, and analyzed how everything connects. Often, I find myself staying after class or returning after school to discuss deeper "why" and "what if" questions with my teacher, eager to understand more than just what's covered in our lessons. Chemistry challenges my brain to think about the theoretical. Everything is at equilibrium, yet multiple things interact with one another. Seemingly minuscule interactions have such drastic physical impacts. And, ultimately, all components of the world interact no matter how big or small. It also shows me the practical use of experimentation to better what currently exists. For instance, one experiment that we performed tested insulatory properties of multiple materials for both exothermic and endothermic reactions. The direct application of this experiment is realized in the healthcare and restaurant industries for food safety, as well as in buildings for insulation. These theoretical-to-practical interactions appear at every scale and in all scientific disciplines, as in physics, where calculations, experimentations, and observations meet to show what the application of change is in the real world. Our first lab saw us taking carts with sensors and experimenting with which way to tilt the plane of the track, how hard to push the cart, and what mathematical effect each change exhibited in the experiment. Our second lab took us through predicting how far a projectile would launch. Then, we had to observe trials to see if our calculations were correct. Understanding the more complex principles of science that are a fundamental part of our universe isn't just academic—it's crucial for humanity's future. With the necessary emphasis today on STEM careers, making the complex understandable and usable to all is critical. As a student, I have chosen to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering. While some dream of space travel, I want to be the engineer making those dreams possible through mastery of the principles that govern our universe. The opportunities of internships with NASA or SpaceX excite me because of their long-lasting impact on the universe at large. Getting to space isn't just about building bigger rockets: it requires understanding how seemingly minuscule interactions have such drastic physical impacts and, ultimately, how all components of the world interact, no matter how big or small. Every component of our world affects every other. My understanding of science and my ability to explain complex concepts can create pathways for greater universal understanding. Whether I'm helping classmates work through challenging assignments or managing complex light sequences and sound systems as my school's Technical Director, I apply these principles daily. More importantly, though, I've focused on developing future leaders, training a junior to take charge next year and preparing an eighth grader to follow him. Breaking down complex concepts into understandable components—whether they're sound waves, lighting configurations, or team dynamics—helps build stronger communities. I believe that understanding our universe isn't just about scientific advancement; it's about bringing people together to solve shared challenges. When we understand how things work, from molecular interactions to human relationships, we can better address both technical problems and social issues. I want to use my knowledge not just to advance space exploration or explain things better to my peers, but to help create a world where seemingly impossible transformations become possible through understanding, collaboration, and dedication to our shared human experience.

Confidently strolling to the press box after tryouts, I knew Coach would tell me I had easily made the team. I'd played soccer since I was six and was a starter on the highest level for my well-known club team. Crushed puts it mildly as to how I felt when his outstretched arm held only the backup goalie jersey. His offer was that or none at all. Self-doubt settled in as I realized there was no way I'd be subbed in for our All-State goalie. I'd sit the bench all season. Even so, I took the position. I just wanted to be on the team, more than anything. My mantra became, "Always give your best in everything, start to finish." Picking up cones, moving goals, or running drills, I was determined never to quit. Even as I warmed the bench, I persevered. An unexpected opportunity came when our goalie went out on concussion protocol, and my mantra pushed me to three consecutive clean-sheet shutout wins as he recovered. From there, I summoned the courage to approach Coach and ask for a field jersey–for a second chance. I was awarded my coveted prize, and from that moment on, he started me on the field, leading to one of the greatest moments of my soccer career as we were recognized as back-to-back state champions. When choosing my Trail Life USA Freedom Project, I knew I wanted to show my appreciation for my team and the soccer program. Over two weeks, I led ten peers and seven adults in demolishing the old locker room, painting the walls, and building twenty new lockers. The most frustrating part was the demolition of the previous benches and cabinets. After others had given up, I spent five intense hours trying to tear down a section of hanging cabinets. I relentlessly shook them, beat them with a hammer, even stuck a crowbar into every possible crack, all to no avail. At that point, I had to calm myself down. I stopped and took multiple slow, deep breaths, mirroring my process before a stressful game. Then, I returned, clear-headed, found a set of buried screws, and finally ripped everything down with a satisfying thud. Then came building the lockers. Cutting, constructing, and painting required the sort of patience I'd struggled to find during demolition. So again, I breathed steadily. Five intense days later, I set away my various tools and stared at my labors, completed. I'd given my best in everything, start to finish. The locker room looked professional. This same character drives my academic pursuits. My mantra of "always give your best" means taking the most challenging courses available - eight AP classes and eight college courses - while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. This commitment to excellence led to being named Chief Junior Marshal and earning straight A's in my college coursework. Even in gaming, this mindset propelled me to rank 35th worldwide in Rocket League, reaching the elite Supersonic Legend rank achieved by only 0.01% of players. While Rocket League ties in to my love of soccer, and while my academics of science and math are used on the pitch, it was the gift that I gave the soccer team that confirmed my pursuit of engineering. My gratitude for the gift of a second chance to play was returned to me as the gift of confirming my future studies and career. Just like I gained the confidence to pursue asking for a jersey that changed my soccer team life, completing the locker room project gave me the confidence to become an engineer.

Since starting high school, I've focused on one goal: working as an engineer for SpaceX or NASA. While some dream of space travel, I want to be the engineer making those dreams possible. Aerospace engineering requires precision, perfection, and exploration, pushing the boundaries of known science in the physics realm, all of which intrigue me and match my strengths. Without question, math and science are the two things always on my mind. The other school subjects, while important, become afterthoughts. In AP Calculus, all the different studies of math combine to solve for change. Constantly shifting from graphs to trig to algebra, calculus correlates rates with time and numbers. The solutions are essential to predict or analyze the change. Each modification either directly or inversely affects every other piece of the equation. As the automotive pioneer Sir Henry Royce put it, "Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it." Like Royce revolutionizing the automotive industry, I want to pioneer change in aerospace engineering. While calculus set the stage for understanding relative change, in my mind, AP Physics is the closest to engineering, and it has been one of my most recent steps on my journey to become an engineer. Through this class, I have learned that physics is where the calculations, experimentations, and observations meet to show what the application of change is in the real world. Since middle school, I have focused on intellectual excellence, including thorough preparation and complete dedication to everything that I do. I understood early that earning scholarships would be crucial for attending a top engineering program, so I deliberately worked to position myself as an ideal candidate. This meant not just earning perfect grades (4.0 unweighted GPA) and having strong test scores (34 ACT), but also challenging myself with 8 AP courses and 8 dual enrollment classes. I've already proven I can succeed at college-level work through my 4.0 GPA in courses like Advanced Java Programming and Introduction to Engineering at Forsyth Tech. In August, without any previous experience, I elected to serve as a project manager to gain hands-on engineering experience. The project required me to lead the renovation of a locker room, using skills like consulting, measuring, designing, and building. Completing the transformation was a surreal experience for me, and it created in me a desire to make more of those moments. Scholarships are investments in future impact. I've already demonstrated my ability to maximize opportunities through consistent academic excellence, proven leadership, and meaningful community service. With this foundation, I'll continue this pattern of turning opportunities into achievements as I pursue my goal of developing next-generation spacecraft at SpaceX or NASA.

My top choice university boasts an annual cost of $87,000 per year. I can't fathom taking out a $250,000 loan, but I also can't imagine not going to Wake Forest University for engineering. This scholarship would at least pay for books for a semester. My passion? Let me start with a story. At 2 AM, I stared at my screen in disbelief. Four years of dedication had led to this moment: playing against recognized professionals in overtime play, my car soaring through the virtual arena, perfectly rotating to strike the ball at an angle that seemed to defy physics. That impossible shot helped secure my rank as 35th in the world at Rocket League. Looking back at the night my friend first introduced me to this mix of soccer and rocket-powered cars, I never imagined a 30-minute gaming session would spark a journey of over 3,500 hours. What started as a simple curiosity of whether I could surpass my friend's skills evolved into a focus on mastering every aspect of this unique sport. While I have played traditional soccer for around 12 years, Rocket League’s additional elements create a new realm of infinite possibilities. My ability to predict, create, and react to plays evolved as I progressed through the ranks. I watched professionals play, looked at my own replays to note what to improve on, and asked coaches from the community for advice. I really wanted to get better and see how far I could go. Managing boost, making split-second decisions, and practicing precise tactics to outplay opponents were all necessary to improve, so I trained for thousands of hours. I hit the ball as fast as I could, created specific scenarios, and played thousands of games until everything became muscle memory. Those hours spent on understanding the game led to my current success. For almost two years now, I have held the rank of Supersonic Legend, an exclusive level that only the top 0.01% of players attain. Although I am quite young, my competitive nature fuels my desire to improve and always be at the top of my game. I’ve already competed for prize money on multiple college campuses against content creators with over 500,000 followers and participated in various sponsored tournaments. These events along my journey have all contributed to my achievement of reaching 35th in the world out of about 90 million active players. Success at this level demands more than just technical skill. The mental demands of Rocket League far outweigh the physical at the highest levels, and I have learned to handle adversity well. The fierce competition creates an untamed fire in some people, leading to frustration and toxicity. I never add to this tension, and, when negativity is directed at me, I keep my composure and disregard it. I understood that keeping a level head was part of my success. From those first 30 minutes at my friend's house to competing on college campuses, my curiosity about Rocket League has driven me to exceed every goal I've set. What began as simple curiosity–”Can I beat my friend?”—led me to explore every aspect of this unique sport. Each rank achieved only deepened my fascination with what's possible when you combine dedication with creativity. Even at the game's highest levels, I'm still asking myself: “What else can I achieve?” Four years and thousands of hours later, I'm still discovering new ways to push the boundaries of what's possible with a rocket-powered car and a ball. This scholarship will help me apply the physics of Rocket League to the reality of my engineering curriculum.

Maya Angelou said, "If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased." I've lived out this principle in an unexpected place: in a production booth, where the myriad of buttons and glow of control panels have been my constant companions. Through over 500 hours of volunteer service, I've discovered that building meaningful community impact happens in the careful execution of technical details that go unnoticed. What began as operating a single camera evolved into mastering complex technical systems through years of dedication. I immersed myself in learning different camera shots, sound mixing techniques, and lighting configurations. My curiosity drove me to understand the details of audio engineering, from compressors and noise gates to equalizer charts. This journey from a fifth grader awkwardly operating a camera bigger than myself to becoming a technical director has taught me that building expertise requires both patience and perpetual learning. I'm also building more than just technical skills—I'm building a legacy of leadership and service. Realizing that one day I would graduate, I focused on developing the next generation of technical leaders. I've trained a junior to take charge next year and am also preparing an eighth-grader to follow him. This approach to leadership—combining technical excellence with people development—has helped build a sustainable, supportive team culture that will continue long after I've moved on. Each week, I dedicate seven to ten hours to serving. Whether operating cameras during morning services or managing the soundboard for youth group, my role is to ensure technology enhances rather than distracts from worship. This service builds bridges, allowing homebound members to remain connected to their church family. At sixteen, I became the youngest technical director—a role historically reserved for paid professionals—managing everything from complex light sequences to critical system troubleshooting. The trust placed in me throughout this journey, including unsupervised access to over $500,000 of equipment, reflects the character I've built alongside my technical expertise. When handed a script with general cues and told to "make it happen," I've proven repeatedly that integrity and conscientiousness aren't just values I profess, but principles I possess. What began in that production booth eight years ago has evolved into something far more significant: a legacy of technical excellence, mentorship, and service that extends beyond my individual contributions. I've learned that building something meaningful isn't always about being in the spotlight—sometimes it's about being the person who makes sure the spotlight works, who trains others to run it, and who ensures that every technical detail serves a greater purpose.