Engineering has always fascinated me because it is the perfect blend of creativity, logic, and problem-solving. As someone who enjoys asking “how” and “why,” I find engineering deeply rewarding, it gives me the tools to not only understand the world but to improve it. I’m pursuing engineering as a career path because I want to design systems and technologies that make a tangible impact, particularly in the field of aerospace. From a young age, I was drawn to airplanes, spacecraft, and how they defy gravity through sheer human ingenuity. Over time, this childhood curiosity evolved into a more focused ambition: to become an aerospace engineer and contribute to the design of next-generation aircraft for civilian and military use. My passion is backed by hands-on experience that has already begun to shape my path. I have had the pleasure of graduating from a pre-engineering program at the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center, which has given me early exposure to a wide range of engineering principles and practices. Through this program, I’ve participated in several team-based projects that mimic real-world engineering challenges. One project involved designing and building a miniature truss bridge using CAD software and laser-cut materials. We had to calculate load-bearing limits, factor in material strengths, and simulate stress tests. It was a valuable introduction to structural engineering and team collaboration. Another notable project involved programming and assembling a small autonomous robot. I worked on both the mechanical design and the coding elements, which helped me understand how systems integration works in real-world applications, something especially relevant in aerospace systems. Additionally, my experience extends into the classroom through advanced STEM coursework. At Anadarko High School, I’ve pursued a rigorous academic track that includes physics, calculus, and computer science. These classes have laid the theoretical foundation for the hands-on work I’ve done outside of school and helped me recognize the real-world importance of what we study in textbooks. The integration of theory and practice has confirmed for me that engineering is not just a subject I enjoy, it’s a career I’m prepared and excited to pursue. While my pre-engineering program is not formally classified as a co-op, it mirrors many aspects of co-op experiences by immersing students in project-based learning and offering exposure to tools used in professional engineering environments. We’re encouraged to collaborate, communicate our ideas clearly, and apply our classroom learning in a practical setting. These skills will be invaluable as I move into higher education and, eventually, a professional engineering role. I’ve also had the opportunity to tour university engineering departments and speak with practicing engineers. These experiences have only reinforced my desire to enter the field. I’m especially inspired by aerospace engineers working for companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, whose innovations help shape national defense, space exploration, and global transportation. In the future, I plan to continue building my hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities, and possibly a co-op program at the University of Oklahoma, where I’ll be majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I’m committed to developing not only technical proficiency but also the leadership, communication, and ethical decision-making skills required to excel in this demanding yet incredibly rewarding field. Engineering is more than a career choice for me, it’s a calling. It’s a way to leave a mark on the world, to help solve humanity’s toughest challenges, and to contribute meaningfully to society through innovation and design. My hands-on experiences so far have given me a strong start, and I’m excited to keep building on that foundation as I pursue this path with focus and passion.

Growing up, I was often surrounded by students and peers who seemed to be naturally gifted in various subjects. They effortlessly grasped concepts and excelled in their studies with what appeared to be minimal effort. This was a source of frustration for me because it seemed as though they always knew the material without putting in the time to study or learn. Despite my efforts, I often felt overshadowed by their apparent ease in understanding complex topics. However, my perspective on academic success began to change when I entered the sixth grade and took my first-ever STEM class. It was in this environment that I truly felt in my element for the first time. That sixth-grade STEM class ignited a passion within me that I hadn't experienced before. For the first time, I found myself excelling in a subject area that was both challenging and exciting. I realized that while I may not have been the most naturally gifted student in the room, my hard work, determination, and genuine interest in the material allowed me to outperform many of my peers. This experience was a turning point in my academic journey. It proved to me that natural talent, while valuable, is not the only path to success. Hard work, perseverance, and a deep curiosity for learning can lead to exceptional achievements, even for those who may not initially seem like the smartest or most gifted. This realization has continued to motivate me throughout my academic career. As I have advanced through school, I have remained committed to pushing myself in the fields of science and engineering, especially as I now focus on applying to colleges with the goal of studying aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineering is not just a field of study for me; it is a calling that resonates deeply with my desire to innovate and contribute to the advancement of technology. The fire that was lit in that sixth-grade STEM class has continued to burn brightly, driving me to pursue my dream of one day working in the aerospace industry, potentially with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or Northrop Grumman. In addition to my academic aspirations, I am also motivated by a strong desire to challenge the stereotypes that are often applied to Native Americans. As a proud member of my tribe, I am all too familiar with the harmful stereotypes that paint my people as "lazy" or "dependent on government handouts." These stereotypes are not only untrue, but they are also damaging to the perception of Native Americans in society. I am determined to prove that Native Americans can be among the best and brightest in our nation, excelling in fields like aerospace engineering while also preserving and honoring our tribal traditions. My goal is to be a role model for other Native American students, showing them that it is possible to achieve great success in modern fields of study without losing sight of our cultural heritage.

Growing up, I was often surrounded by students and peers who seemed to be naturally gifted in various subjects. They effortlessly grasped concepts and excelled in their studies with what appeared to be minimal effort. This was a source of frustration for me because it seemed as though they always knew the material without putting in the time to study or learn. Despite my efforts, I often felt overshadowed by their apparent ease in understanding complex topics. However, my perspective on academic success began to change when I entered the sixth grade and took my first-ever STEM class. It was in this environment that I truly felt in my element for the first time. That sixth-grade STEM class ignited a passion within me that I hadn't experienced before. For the first time, I found myself excelling in a subject area that was both challenging and exciting. I realized that while I may not have been the most naturally gifted student in the room, my hard work, determination, and genuine interest in the material allowed me to outperform many of my peers. This experience was a turning point in my academic journey. It proved to me that natural talent, while valuable, is not the only path to success. Hard work, perseverance, and a deep curiosity for learning can lead to exceptional achievements, even for those who may not initially seem like the smartest or most gifted. This realization has continued to motivate me throughout my academic career. As I have advanced through school, I have remained committed to pushing myself in the fields of science and engineering, especially as I now focus on applying to colleges with the goal of studying aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineering is not just a field of study for me; it is a calling that resonates deeply with my desire to innovate and contribute to the advancement of technology. The fire that was lit in that sixth-grade STEM class has continued to burn brightly, driving me to pursue my dream of one day working in the aerospace industry, potentially with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or Northrop Grumman. In addition to my academic aspirations, I am also motivated by a strong desire to challenge the stereotypes that are often applied to Native Americans. As a proud member of my tribe, I am all too familiar with the harmful stereotypes that paint my people as "lazy" or "dependent on government handouts." These stereotypes are not only untrue, but they are also damaging to the perception of Native Americans in society. I am determined to prove that Native Americans can be among the best and brightest in our nation, excelling in fields like aerospace engineering while also preserving and honoring our tribal traditions. My goal is to be a role model for other Native American students, showing them that it is possible to achieve great success in modern fields of study without losing sight of our cultural heritage.

Growing up, I was often surrounded by students and peers who seemed to be naturally gifted in various subjects. They effortlessly grasped concepts and excelled in their studies with what appeared to be minimal effort. This was a source of frustration for me because it seemed as though they always knew the material without putting in the time to study or learn. Despite my efforts, I often felt overshadowed by their apparent ease in understanding complex topics. However, my perspective on academic success began to change when I entered the sixth grade and took my first-ever STEM class. It was in this environment that I truly felt in my element for the first time. That sixth-grade STEM class ignited a passion within me that I hadn't experienced before. For the first time, I found myself excelling in a subject area that was both challenging and exciting. I realized that while I may not have been the most naturally gifted student in the room, my hard work, determination, and genuine interest in the material allowed me to outperform many of my peers. This experience was a turning point in my academic journey. It proved to me that natural talent, while valuable, is not the only path to success. Hard work, perseverance, and a deep curiosity for learning can lead to exceptional achievements, even for those who may not initially seem like the smartest or most gifted. This realization has continued to motivate me throughout my academic career. As I have advanced through school, I have remained committed to pushing myself in the fields of science and engineering, especially as I now focus on applying to colleges with the goal of studying aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineering is not just a field of study for me; it is a calling that resonates deeply with my desire to innovate and contribute to the advancement of technology. The fire that was lit in that sixth-grade STEM class has continued to burn brightly, driving me to pursue my dream of one day working in the aerospace industry, potentially with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or Northrop Grumman. In addition to my academic aspirations, I am also motivated by a strong desire to challenge the stereotypes that are often applied to Native Americans. As a proud member of my tribe, I am all too familiar with the harmful stereotypes that paint my people as "lazy" or "dependent on government handouts." These stereotypes are not only untrue, but they are also damaging to the perception of Native Americans in society. I am determined to prove that Native Americans can be among the best and brightest in our nation, excelling in fields like aerospace engineering while also preserving and honoring our tribal traditions. My goal is to be a role model for other Native American students, showing them that it is possible to achieve great success in modern fields of study without losing sight of our cultural heritage.

As a distinguished student at Anadarko High School and a participant in the Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center's Pre-Engineering Program, I have immersed myself in experiences that have significantly shaped my passion for science and engineering. Through my high school coursework, I have excelled in subjects like advanced mathematics and physics, which provided a solid foundation for tackling real-world engineering challenges. The Pre-Engineering Program, in particular, has allowed me to apply these principles practically, fostering my problem-solving skills and creativity. My efforts have also extended beyond high school, as I have successfully completed freshman year coursework at the University of Oklahoma while balancing my commitments as a high school student. This opportunity gave me early exposure to the rigor and depth of college-level engineering studies, reinforcing my aspiration to design innovative aircraft for civilian and military use. Additionally, my cultural heritage as an American Indian has instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and community. Navigating the complexities of being affiliated with my tribe has taught me adaptability and perseverance, qualities that have served me well in the demanding fields of science and engineering. These experiences, combined with my goal to contribute to aerospace advancements as a minority from a poorer background, have solidified my determination to become an aerospace engineer.

Growing up, I was often surrounded by students and peers who seemed to be naturally gifted in various subjects. They effortlessly grasped concepts and excelled in their studies with what appeared to be minimal effort. This was a source of frustration for me because it seemed as though they always knew the material without putting in the time to study or learn because, despite my efforts, I often felt overshadowed by their apparent ease in understanding complex topics. However, my perspective on academic success began to change when I entered the sixth grade and took my first-ever STEM class. It was in this environment that I truly felt in my element for the first time. That sixth-grade STEM class ignited a passion within me that I hadn't experienced before. For the first time, I found myself excelling in a subject area that was both challenging and exciting. I realized that while I may not have been the most naturally gifted student in the room, my hard work, determination, and genuine interest in the material allowed me to outperform many of my peers. This experience was a turning point in my academic journey as it proved to me that natural talent, while valuable, is not the only path to success. Hard work, perseverance, and a deep curiosity for learning can lead to exceptional achievements, even for those who may not initially seem like the smartest or most gifted. This realization has continued to motivate me throughout my academic career. As I have advanced through school, I have remained committed to pushing myself in the fields of science and engineering, especially as I now focus on applying to colleges with the goal of studying aerospace engineering. Aerospace engineering is not just a field of study for me; it is a calling that resonates deeply with my desire to innovate and contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology. The fire that was lit in that sixth-grade STEM class has continued to burn brightly, driving me to pursue my dream of one day working in the aerospace industry, potentially with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or Northrop Grumman. In addition to my academic aspirations, I am also motivated by a strong desire to challenge the stereotypes that are often applied to Native Americans. As a proud member of my tribe, I am all too familiar with the harmful stereotypes that paint my people as "lazy" or "dependent on government handouts." These stereotypes are not only untrue, but they are also damaging to the perception of Native Americans in society. I am determined to prove that Native Americans can be among the best and brightest in our nation, excelling in fields like aerospace engineering while also preserving and honoring our tribal traditions. My goal is to be a role model for other Native American students, showing them that it is possible to achieve great success in modern fields of study without losing sight of our cultural heritage. To further my knowledge and prepare myself for the challenges ahead, I have recently immersed myself in the study of aviation. I have been reading "Introduction to Flight" by John Anderson and Mary Bowden, a book that has thoroughly captivated my attention and deepened my understanding of the principles of flight. This book has not only expanded my knowledge but has also reinforced my passion for aerospace engineering. It serves as a reminder that there is always more to learn and that I must continue to push myself to gain the expertise necessary to excel in this field. Finally, the opportunity to receive this scholarship would be transformative for me and my family. Coming from a low-income household, the financial burden of college is a significant concern. This scholarship would not only ease that burden but would also allow me to focus entirely on my studies without the constant worry of how to pay for my education. It would enable me to continue my journey towards becoming an aerospace engineer, breaking barriers, and making a difference both for myself and for my community.