In the bustling kitchen of Good Shepherds Lutheran Church, amidst the clatter of pots and pans, I found not just a place to serve meals, but a community brimming with warmth and compassion. It was here, among fellow volunteers, that I discovered the transformative power of collective action. Week after week, I eagerly donned my apron, ready to contribute to a cause larger than myself. As we chopped vegetables and set tables, I witnessed the tangible impact of our efforts. Beyond the nourishment provided by the meals, there was a deeper sustenance, an invisible bond of solidarity that transcended socioeconomic barriers. Through our shared labor, we not only filled plates but also hearts, cultivating a sense of belonging within our local community. In the midst of these moments, I found myself drawn to the notion that service is not merely an obligation, but a privilege, an opportunity to connect with others, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to collectively shape a brighter future. It was a realization that sparked a flame within me, a flame fueled by a deep-rooted passion for service and a relentless drive to make a difference in the lives of those around me. My journey continued at the Copper Country Humane Society, where the echoing barks of shelter dogs served as a poignant reminder of the power of compassion. Here, I immersed myself in the daily routines of caregiving, embracing the opportunity to provide comfort and companionship to our four-legged friends. But my commitment to service extends far beyond the walls of a kitchen or the confines of a shelter. As an active member of my sorority, I seize every opportunity to give back to my community. Whether it's volunteering at local food drives, organizing fundraisers for charitable organizations, or participating in service trips abroad, I am driven by a deep-rooted passion for service and a steadfast belief in the power of collective action. Each volunteer experience has left an everlasting mark on my heart, shaping not only who I am but also who I aspire to become. Through the countless hours spent serving others, I have learned valuable lessons in empathy, resilience, and the profound impact of small acts of kindness. Looking ahead, I am inspired by the possibilities that lie on the horizon. In the tapestry of my life, volunteering is not just a thread but a vibrant hue, a testament to the transformative power of service. And as I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I am fueled by the belief that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, I can indeed make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, twists and turns that have left an everlasting mark on every facet of my life. It's like trying to dance to a song with constantly changing beats – challenging, frustrating, and exhausting. My college experience has been a battleground where I've faced this challenge head-on, fighting for every ounce of focus and determination. Studying for exams feels like navigating through a stormy sea, with waves of distraction crashing against the shores of my mind. While my peers seem to effortlessly glide through their coursework, I find myself drowning, struggling to stay afloat. But amidst the chaos, there's a fire within me that refuses to be extinguished. It's the burning ambition to defy the odds, to prove that even with ADHD, I can achieve greatness. My journey with mental health has not only tested my academic prowess but also forged the strongest bonds of friendship and support. Through tear stained textbooks and late night study sessions, my friends have always supported me in moments of doubt and uncertainty. Their unwavering belief in me has fueled my determination to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. Beyond the confines of the classroom, my experience with ADHD has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion. I've walked the path of mental health struggles, and I know firsthand the importance of reaching out a helping hand to those in need. It's this understanding that drives my ambition to advocate for mental health awareness and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals like me. As I journey through college and beyond, I carry with me the lessons learned from my experience with ADHD. Each setback is not a defeat but a stepping stone towards greater resilience and growth. My vision for the future is one where individuals with neurodiverse conditions are celebrated for their unique perspectives and contributions, where barriers are broken down, and opportunities are abundant. In conclusion, my journey with mental health has been a deeply personal and transformative one. It's shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world in ways I never thought possible. Through it all, I've emerged stronger, more determined, and more compassionate than ever before.

In middle school, I attended an event called "Women Can STEM," where I had a life-changing experience. Listening to a female aerospace engineer share her journey ignited a newfound passion within me. Her words resonated deeply, and in that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in engineering. The event was a turning point for me, a moment of clarity amidst the uncertainty of adolescence. Growing up, I had always been fascinated by how things worked, from dismantling old electronics to tinkering with DIY projects in my spare time. However, it wasn't until I heard the aerospace engineer speak that I realized the true potential of engineering as a means to make a difference in the world. Her story was one of perseverance, resilience, and determination. She spoke of overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, demonstrating that gender should never be a limiting factor when pursuing one's dreams. Inspired by her example, I set out on a journey to explore the world of engineering firsthand. My first opportunity came in the form of an internship at Plexus Corp. At only 17, I stepped into the world of mechanical manufacturing with a green twist. It was a revelation, a chance to apply my passion for sustainability and aerospace to real-world challenges in the field of engineering.Every day at Plexus was an adventure, a chance to learn, grow, and make an impact on our world. From optimizing production processes to implementing eco-friendly initiatives, I was given the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways, all while honing my technical skills and gaining invaluable hands-on experience. As a mechanical engineering student, I've come to see technology as a lifeline for our planet, a way to repair the damage and reach for the stars. The intersection of sustainability and space exploration has become a driving force in my academic and professional pursuits, fueling my desire to make a positive impact on both the environment and the future of humanity. Dreaming of a future in aerospace, I long to be part of something groundbreaking, something that changes the world for the better. It's more than a job, it's a mission. I want to save our planet, explore the unknown, and leave a legacy of hope. Aerospace isn't just about flying; it's about pushing humankind forward, and reaching new heights. As a dynamic woman in technology, I see a future where I merge my love for technology with my passion for the environment. I dream of crafting solutions that harness cutting-edge tools to tackle global challenges head-on. It's about using data, innovation, and grit to shape a brighter tomorrow. But beyond the technical, my heart yearns to lead, to inspire, to mentor, to pave the way for others. I want to be the leader little girls look up to, as I once did, the one who shows them that dreams aren't just for boys - they're for anyone with the courage to chase them. In closing, my future in mechanical engineering is fueled by passion, driven by purpose, and guided by a vision of a better world. It's not just a career; it's a calling, one that I embrace with open arms and a determined spirit. With each step forward, I'm not just building a future; I'm building a legacy of hope, progress, and endless possibilities.