My name is Rickey Talley, and I recently graduated from Tallmadge High School in Ohio. This fall, I will be attending Stark State College to pursue an associate degree in Automotive Technology. As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother, I’ve seen firsthand how financial hardship and lack of access can limit opportunities. One social issue I am actively working to address is the lack of awareness, access, and representation for students—especially students of color—within the skilled trades. In our current society, college is often seen as the only path to success. While higher education absolutely opens doors, the trades are sometimes viewed as a fallback option rather than a career worth pursuing. That perspective hurts students who are gifted with their hands, mechanically minded, or simply learn better through action than through lectures. I have ADHD, and for most of my school life, I struggled to focus in traditional classrooms. When I entered the Automotive Technologies program in high school, everything changed. I found purpose, focus, and confidence in an environment that supported how I learn best. Now, I am using my story and skills to challenge the outdated mindset that only a four-year degree leads to success. I speak with underclassmen at school about the value of trade programs. I’ve helped peers explore career and technical education as a real option, and I’ve shared my journey with younger students who may not see themselves represented in these fields. This type of informal mentorship may seem small, but it plants seeds. I want students—especially other BIPOC youth—to know they are not limited by the path others expect them to take. I want them to see that pursuing a career in the trades can be a powerful, respectable, and fulfilling choice. In the long term, I hope to expand my impact beyond conversations. My goal is to become a certified technician, gain experience, and eventually open my own auto repair shop. I want to use that business not just to provide reliable service, but as a hub for community support. I plan to offer training opportunities and internships for students who want to learn through real experience. I also want to provide affordable car repair services for low-income families, because I know how disruptive transportation issues can be when resources are already limited. Outside of school, I stay active in my community and support others wherever I can. Whether volunteering in the church nursery, helping my grandparents with errands, or being a dependable friend and sibling, I believe that being present and involved in your community matters. Small actions add up to big change, and I try to reflect that every day. Social issues like access to education, career training, and representation in nontraditional spaces are deeply personal to me. I am not trying to change the world overnight, but I am committed to creating impact where I can—through the choices I make, the people I uplift, and the opportunities I help build. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue walking this path and expand my ability to serve others in even greater ways.

My name is Rickey Talley, and I recently graduated from Tallmadge High School in Ohio. I’ve always been someone who learns best by doing, and that’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen to pursue a career in the skilled trades. This fall, I’ll begin working toward an associate degree in Automotive Technology at Stark State College. I’m excited to continue learning and building a future where I can use my hands, my problem-solving skills, and my passion to make a difference in the world around me. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, I learned early on what it means to work hard and adapt to challenges. My mom raised me and my sister on her own, and her strength showed me how to keep going even when things were tough. I also grew up with ADHD, which made traditional classroom learning difficult. But when I found the Automotive Technologies career program in high school, everything changed. Working with tools, diagnosing problems, and seeing the results of my labor helped me stay focused and gave me a sense of purpose that I had been missing. What started as an interest has grown into a career path I’m deeply passionate about. I want to become a certified automotive technician and eventually open my own garage. My long-term goal is to create a business that is not only known for its quality and reliability, but also its service to the community. I’ve seen how something as simple as a car repair can completely disrupt someone’s life when they don’t have the time or money to fix it. I want to offer affordable and even free services to single parents, low-income families, and veterans—people who often sacrifice a lot to get by and deserve a break when life gets hard. I also want to give back through mentorship. A lot of students like me get overlooked or discouraged because they don’t fit the mold of a traditional learner. I want to be someone who helps them find their path in the trades, just like my instructors helped me find mine. Whether it’s offering internships, training programs, or just a chance to see what the trades are all about, I want to help others find success in a hands-on career where they can thrive. Although I don’t come from a military background, I deeply admire the values that service members like Shawn Jeffrey Carlson represented—discipline, resilience, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. Those are the same qualities I hope to carry with me into my career. I believe that the trades are more than just work. They are about creating solutions, helping others, and building a future you can be proud of. The skills I’m learning now will stay with me for life. I plan to use them not just to earn a living, but to serve others with honesty, integrity, and care. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be able to continue my training and take one more step toward building a future that makes a real difference for my community.

What I want to build isn’t just a place—it’s a future. I want to build my own auto repair shop, a space where I can do what I love, help people in need, and create opportunities for others who learn the way I do. For me, cars have always made sense. I recently graduated from Tallmadge High School, where I was part of the Automotive Technologies career program. I am now preparing to pursue an associate degree in Automotive Technology at Stark State College. My passion for fixing cars has grown into a much larger dream: building something that lasts, not just for me, but for my entire community. Growing up in a single-parent household, I saw my mom work hard to keep everything running, even when our car wasn’t. We didn’t always have the money for repairs, and that made life harder. I realized early on how much people rely on their vehicles to get to work, school, and appointments. When transportation breaks down, so does access to opportunity. That is why I want to one day open a shop that does more than turn a profit. I want to offer affordable services, especially for single parents, low-income families, and people just trying to get back on their feet. But I do not just want to build a business. I want to build people up. As someone with ADHD, I have struggled in traditional classrooms. It wasn’t until I started working with my hands that I found real focus and confidence. There are a lot of students out there like me—young people who are smart and capable but need the right environment to thrive. I want my shop to be a place where they can learn the trade, gain experience, and feel like they belong. I want to be a mentor for those who may not see a clear path forward and show them that the trades are not just a backup plan. They are a strong, proud, and valuable career choice. Building this future will take time, hard work, and dedication. But I am committed to making it real. With the education I am starting this fall and the determination I carry with me every day, I believe I can create a space that helps people, teaches skills, and gives back to the community that raised me. In the end, I want to build something that lasts longer than just a repair or a job. I want to build trust. I want to build opportunity. And most of all, I want to build a future where my passion can serve a greater purpose.

My name is Rickey Talley, and I recently graduated from Tallmadge High School in Ohio. I am preparing to attend Stark State College to earn my associate degree in Automotive Technology, and I am proud to be joining the skilled trades. For me, working with my hands has always come naturally. I have never been someone who thrives in traditional academic settings, but give me tools, a challenge, and a garage, and I come alive. My passion for the skilled trades is rooted in who I am, where I come from, and what I want to give back. I grew up in a single-parent household where my mom worked hard to raise me and my sister. We didn’t have a lot, but she gave us everything she could: stability, support, and encouragement. When something around the house broke, we couldn’t always call someone to fix it. We had to learn to figure things out. That experience taught me resilience, but it also showed me how valuable skilled tradespeople are. Whether it is a mechanic, roofer, electrician, or welder, people in the trades are the ones who keep our communities running. I want to be one of those people. I was first introduced to the trades through my high school’s Automotive Technologies career program. It was the first time I found a classroom where I could truly focus. I have ADHD, so sitting still and absorbing lectures was always difficult. But the moment I started learning how to break down an engine or diagnose a problem under the hood, everything made sense. I realized that I could build a career doing something I was good at, something that made me feel confident and capable. The person who influenced me the most to pursue this path was one of my shop teachers. He didn’t just teach mechanics. He believed in me. He saw my potential and never gave up on helping me learn the skills I needed. He showed me that a career in the trades is not a backup plan. It is a proud, purposeful path. His encouragement helped me realize that I want to use the trades not just to support myself, but to make a positive impact on others. In the future, I plan to become a certified automotive technician and eventually open my own shop. I want my shop to be more than just a business. I want it to be a place where young people like me, especially those who do not fit the mold of a traditional student, can learn, grow, and find their own place in the trades. I also want to provide affordable services for people in need. I know what it is like when your only vehicle breaks down and you cannot afford to fix it. I want to be the kind of tradesperson who helps people through tough times, not just for a paycheck, but because it is the right thing to do. Reading about Dustan Biegler’s story reminded me why I am proud to enter this field. He started in the trades and became a respected leader by lifting others up and sharing what he knew. That is the kind of legacy I want to build, not just by fixing cars but by creating opportunities, supporting my community, and leading with humility and heart. The trades have given me direction and purpose. Now, I want to return that gift by using my skills to help others, just like so many helped me along the way.

My name is Rickey Talley, and I recently graduated from Tallmadge High School in Ohio. I’ve always been someone who learns best through movement and hands-on work, so when I discovered the Automotive Technologies career program in high school, it felt like I had finally found my lane. The combination of focus, problem-solving, and tangible results was exactly what I had been looking for. Now, I’m preparing to take the next step in my journey by enrolling at Stark State College to earn an associate degree in Automotive Technology. Growing up in a single-parent household, my mom always worked hard to provide for my sister and me. Money was often tight, and we had to be resourceful and responsible with whatever we had. That experience shaped me in many ways. I learned the value of reliability, both in people and in the tools we depend on every day. I also learned to appreciate the importance of transportation. When a car breaks down in a household like mine, it affects everything. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career that could make a difference in people’s daily lives, especially for families like mine who rely heavily on their vehicles. I have ADHD, so traditional classroom settings have always been a challenge. But when I’m working in a garage or focused on a mechanical task, everything seems to come together. I can concentrate, problem-solve, and stay motivated in a way that makes sense for me. That realization gave me a new sense of confidence, and it confirmed that the trades were not just a good fit, but the best fit for me. To master my trade, I plan to approach my education at Stark State with the same energy and determination that brought me this far. I’ll continue to build my technical knowledge through classroom and lab work, but I also want to learn from experienced professionals in the field. I believe that becoming a great mechanic means never stopping the learning process. Whether it’s through internships, shadowing opportunities, or eventually getting certifications like ASE, I am ready to put in the time and effort to become one of the best in my field. But my goals don’t end with getting a job. I want to use my skills to give back to the community that helped shape me. One day, I hope to open a garage of my own, not just as a business, but as a place that offers fair pricing, honest service, and opportunities for young people who might not think college is for them. I want to create a space where students can learn about the trades, see the value in hands-on work, and gain the confidence to follow a similar path. I also want to offer discounted or free services to people in need, like single parents and low-income families who can’t always afford major car repairs. Trade work is meaningful work. It creates visible change, supports the economy, and solves real problems. For someone like me, it also offers a way to channel my energy into something productive, something lasting. I’m proud to be pursuing a career in the trades, and I’m ready to carry that pride into my future and my community.

From the moment I turned a wrench in my high school automotive class, I knew I had found my calling. There’s something incredibly rewarding about diagnosing a problem, getting your hands dirty, and bringing a machine back to life. The automotive industry doesn’t just offer a career path—it offers a purpose. I’m passionate about pursuing a future in this field because it combines problem-solving, hands-on work, and the opportunity to help people every single day. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, I quickly learned the value of reliability, both in people and in vehicles. I was raised by my mom, who worked hard to make ends meet for me and my sister. We depended on our car for everything: school, appointments, groceries, and work. When it broke down, everything came to a halt. That experience made me realize how critical transportation is for daily life, especially for families like mine who can’t afford to be without it. I want to be the person that keeps those cars moving, the one who makes sure people can get where they need to go safely and affordably. I recently graduated from Tallmadge High School, where I was part of the Automotive Technologies career program. That program gave me a strong foundation in engine systems, diagnostics, and shop safety. But more importantly, it helped me find my focus. I’ve always had ADHD, and sitting still in a traditional classroom has been a challenge for me. But when I’m working with my hands, especially under the hood of a car, everything just makes sense. I’ve learned that I thrive in environments where I can actively engage with the problem in front of me, and that’s exactly what automotive work is all about. This fall, I’ll be continuing my journey by attending Stark State College to pursue an associate degree in Automotive Technology. I’m excited to continue developing both my technical skills and my understanding of how vehicles impact the larger economy and environment. That’s one reason why I’m especially interested in the tire retread industry. I admire how it supports sustainability by reducing waste, conserving resources, and saving money for businesses and individuals alike. It’s the kind of innovation that keeps this industry relevant and resilient, and it’s the kind of work I want to be a part of. In terms of skills, I bring more than just technical knowledge to the field. I bring grit. I bring a strong work ethic. I bring the ability to stay calm under pressure, troubleshoot efficiently, and work as part of a team. Whether it’s collaborating in a busy shop or communicating clearly with customers, I know how important it is to stay focused and reliable. I also bring a deep respect for the trade itself because I know what it feels like to depend on a vehicle, and I know how meaningful it is to be someone others can rely on. The automotive industry is where I’ve found both confidence and direction. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be able to take the next steps toward a future where I can give back by keeping vehicles on the road, supporting working families, and helping build a more sustainable industry for generations to come.

There’s something special about taking a machine that doesn’t work, putting in the time and effort, and watching it roar back to life. For me, fixing cars has always been about more than just mechanics—it’s about proving that anything broken can be rebuilt. That mindset is what pushed me to pursue a trade in the automotive industry, and it’s also what motivates me to give back to my community one day. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household hasn’t been easy. My mom raised me and my sister on her own, doing whatever it took to keep us going. Money was always tight, and that meant we didn’t have the newest things or the easiest path. But what we did have was a strong work ethic, a lot of love, and the belief that we could build better futures for ourselves. For me, that future is in the trades—where I can turn my passion into a profession. I’ve always had a hard time sitting still in a classroom. I have ADHD, and traditional learning environments didn’t always bring out the best in me. But when I joined the Automotive Technologies career program at Tallmadge High School, everything changed. I finally found a place where my hands-on learning style was an asset, not a struggle. I discovered I could focus for hours when I was under a hood, problem-solving and getting my hands dirty. That’s when I knew: this wasn’t just something I was good at—it was something I loved. This fall, I’ll be attending Stark State College to earn my associate degree in Automotive Technology. I want to become a certified technician and eventually open my own shop. But I don’t just want to fix cars—I want to help people. I’ve seen what it’s like when someone can’t afford a repair or doesn’t know who to trust. In the future, I plan to offer discounted or even free services for people in need—especially single parents, like my mom, who can’t always afford car repairs but still need reliable transportation. I also want to mentor young people who learn like I do, showing them that trade careers are just as valuable and rewarding as any other path. Reading about Ben Bonner’s life and legacy moved me. His dedication to uplifting others and helping those who were often overlooked reminds me of the kind of person I want to be. Kindness, compassion, and a willingness to help—that’s what the trades are really about. Whether it’s repairing a stranger’s car or teaching a younger kid how to change their oil, I want to be someone who brings value to my community and helps others find strength in their skills. I know that the road ahead won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to work hard, stay grounded, and keep moving forward. With the support of scholarships like this one, I’ll be one step closer to turning my passion into a career—and my career into a way to give back.

Some people fall in love with cars because of the speed, the style, or the sound of a revving engine. For me, it started with a much quieter moment—watching an older cousin pop the hood of a beat-up sedan and say, “We can fix this.” I didn’t know what any of the parts were called at the time, but something about that moment stuck. The idea that something broken could be brought back to life with time, effort, and the right tools—it lit a spark in me. That spark turned into a full-blown fire when I entered high school and joined the Automotive Technologies career program. It didn’t take long to realize this was where I belonged. I didn’t need to sit at a desk all day or memorize terms from a textbook—I needed to move, to build, to do. Working on engines gave me the kind of focus and drive that I’d struggled to find in other areas. With ADHD, sitting still and listening to lectures was always a challenge, but give me a wrench and a real-world problem, and I’m locked in for hours. Now that I’ve graduated from Tallmadge High School and am preparing to start my associate degree in Automotive Technology at Stark State College, I feel more sure than ever that this isn’t just a hobby—it’s the beginning of a career I want to grow in for life. My goal is to become an ASE-certified technician, and one day, I hope to open my own garage that’s not just about service but also about mentoring others who learn like I do. When I read about Marcus Matias, I saw someone who embodied the kind of passion I want to live out. He didn’t wait for permission or a degree—he learned by doing. He turned hobbies into skills, and skills into a lifestyle. I admire how he didn’t just fix things; he tinkered, he customized, he pushed the limits of what his vehicles could be. That level of curiosity and commitment is something I aim to carry with me, whether I’m replacing a timing belt or brainstorming a way to make an old car run cleaner. Like Marcus, I also dream of hitting the road—taking something I’ve built or fixed and watching it move under its own power, carrying stories, miles, and memories. But even more than that, I want to build a life where I get to do what I love every day and help others along the way. To me, the automotive industry isn’t just about repairs. It’s about resilience. It’s about people who take pride in the process, who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, and who believe every problem has a solution if you're willing to work for it. That’s what keeps me turning wrenches—and it’s what will keep me going for years to come.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to the way things work. While other kids were glued to video games or building with blocks, I was the one taking things apart—remote controls, flashlights, anything I could get my hands on—and trying to figure out how to put them back together. That curiosity quickly grew into a passion for mechanical work, especially when it came to cars. Growing up with ADHD, school was never easy for me. I often struggled to stay focused in a traditional classroom setting. Sitting still, reading from textbooks, or filling out worksheets made my mind wander. But I discovered something important early on: when I was using my hands—whether I was assembling something, fixing a bike, or working on a small engine—I could focus better than ever. It was like my brain clicked into place when I had a task in front of me that required movement, problem-solving, and precision. That’s when I realized I wasn’t broken—I just learned differently. And mechanical work became my outlet, my focus, and eventually, my purpose. My passion for cars really took off in high school when I joined the Automotive Technologies career program at Tallmadge High School. That experience changed everything for me. I finally found a learning environment that matched how I think and work. Being in the shop, running diagnostics, tearing down engines, and learning how different vehicle systems function felt natural to me. It wasn’t just school—it was something I looked forward to every day. I found pride in solving problems that others might give up on, and I felt a sense of accomplishment every time I got a car running again or figured out a complex issue under the hood. No one in my family is a mechanic, but my mom has always been my biggest supporter. She raised me and my sister on her own, working hard to give us every opportunity she could. Even though she didn’t always understand how I could spend hours in the garage or under the hood of a car, she always encouraged me to follow my passion. Her work ethic and determination to provide for us inspired me to do something meaningful with my skills—something that could support me and, someday, give back to others like her. This fall, I’ll be starting my associate degree in Automotive Technology at Stark State College. I’m excited to continue learning and eventually work in a shop—or maybe even open my own. I’m especially interested in diagnostics and vehicle electronics, where technology and mechanics come together. Long term, I want to be someone customers can count on—not just for repairs, but for honest, reliable work that keeps them safe on the road. For me, automotive work isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. It’s where I found focus, confidence, and a future. I’m proud of where I’ve come from, and I’m even more excited about where I’m going. There’s something special about bringing a car back to life with your own two hands. It’s more than just fixing something—it’s creating motion, solving problems, and doing work that matters. That’s the kind of work I want to do every day.

One problem I’ve become passionate about solving is how to make cars more environmentally friendly and sustainable for everyday drivers—especially those who, like my own family, don’t have the money to invest in the latest high-tech vehicles. As someone from a working-class, single-parent household in the Midwest, I know that going green can’t just be a luxury—it needs to be accessible for everyone if we want to make a real difference. My interest in this problem started during my time in the Automotive Technologies career program at Tallmadge High School. That experience introduced me to how vehicles work and the impact they have on the world around us. While I loved learning about engines and diagnostics, I also couldn’t ignore the environmental challenges tied to traditional gas-powered cars: air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the overuse of natural resources. As someone who plans to work in the automotive industry, I began to think about how I could be part of the solution rather than the problem. Right now, electric vehicles (EVs) are one answer—but they’re not realistic for many families. EVs are often expensive, and the charging infrastructure isn’t fully developed in many areas, especially in rural or underserved communities. I’ve seen firsthand how people in my area rely on older cars to get to work, school, and doctor appointments. They don’t have the time or money to invest in brand-new vehicles or expensive upgrades. That’s why I believe the real challenge is not just creating eco-friendly cars, but making sustainable vehicle options available and practical for everyday drivers. As I begin my associate degree in Automotive Technology at Stark State College this fall, I’m excited to dig deeper into the mechanics of cars and how innovation can reduce environmental impact. I want to learn more about hybrid conversions, fuel efficiency upgrades, and low-cost emission reduction technologies. My long-term goal is to work in the industry developing or promoting solutions that make it easier for everyday people to reduce their carbon footprint—whether that’s through more efficient engines, better maintenance practices, or affordable retrofits for older vehicles. I’m also interested in how automotive repair shops can play a role in this movement. Independent garages, especially in small towns, could offer eco-conscious services if they had the right training and tools. By educating both technicians and customers, we could help extend the life of vehicles while also reducing emissions and waste. It’s a practical way to protect the environment without asking people to buy entirely new cars. For me, this issue is personal. My family has always had to make do with what we had, and I know so many others who are in the same situation. I believe that sustainability should be something everyone can participate in—not just those who can afford a Tesla. Making eco-friendly vehicle options affordable, practical, and widespread could have a massive impact on our environment, especially if it becomes the norm rather than the exception. I’m determined to be part of that change. As a first-generation college student and aspiring automotive professional, I plan to use my skills, education, and background to help build a future where sustainable driving is possible for all—not just the few.

Choosing to pursue higher education wasn’t a simple decision—it was a personal promise. As a first-generation college student, I’m not just working toward a degree. I’m building a path for my future, honoring my family’s sacrifices, and proving that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you end up. I grew up in a single-parent household in Tallmadge, Ohio, raised by my mother alongside my older sister. My mom worked tirelessly to provide for us, often putting her own dreams aside to make sure we had opportunities she never did. Seeing her strength and determination taught me the value of hard work, but it also made me realize that I wanted more than just a job—I wanted a career. I wanted a future where I could support myself and give back to the family and community that shaped me. Education has always felt like the key to that future. During high school, I joined the Automotive Technologies career program, where I discovered a passion for cars, hands-on problem-solving, and technical work. That program helped me realize that I wanted to keep learning, growing, and eventually turn my passion into a career in the automotive field. I graduated from Tallmadge High School in May 2025 and will begin pursuing an associate degree in Automotive Technology at Stark State College this fall. As a first-generation student, preparing for college hasn’t been easy. My family has always supported me emotionally, but without someone who had gone through college before, I had to figure out a lot on my own. I researched how to apply for financial aid, filled out the FAFSA myself, and looked into scholarship opportunities like this one. I asked teachers and advisors questions—sometimes ones that felt basic—because I knew I couldn’t afford to go into this next chapter unprepared. I’ve also worked on building strong habits that will help me succeed in college. Time management, staying organized, and learning how to advocate for myself have all become essential tools. I’ve talked to current students, explored campus resources, and made a plan for balancing school, work, and life. I know that the transition to college won’t be easy, but I’ve learned how to face challenges head-on. My motivation goes beyond just earning a degree. I want to set an example for my younger relatives and peers—especially those who don’t see many people like us in college. I want to show that it’s possible to chase big goals, even when the odds feel stacked against you. And one day, I hope to open my own business in the automotive industry and provide job opportunities for others in my community. Being a first-generation college student means walking into the unknown—but it also means having the courage to create something new. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited about what lies ahead. With the right support and determination, I know I can succeed in college and beyond—not just for myself, but for everyone who helped me get here.

Growing up in the Akron area, it's impossible not to know who LeBron James is. But for me, being a fan of LeBron has always been about more than just basketball. His greatness on the court is undeniable, but what truly inspires me is what he’s done off the court—especially for the community he and I both call home. LeBron was born and raised in Akron, just like me. He faced tough circumstances growing up—being raised by a single mother, moving frequently, and dealing with uncertainty. Despite those challenges, he rose to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. That story alone makes him someone I look up to. It shows me that no matter where you come from, success is possible if you’re willing to work for it. On the court, LeBron James has had an incredible career. He was drafted as the #1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers straight out of high school. Since then, he has won four NBA championships (two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cavaliers, and one with the Los Angeles Lakers), earned four MVP awards, and become the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. His versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to impact every part of the game—scoring, passing, rebounding, and defending—are unmatched. He has been to the NBA Finals ten times and continues to perform at an elite level even into his 40s. But what makes LeBron the greatest to me isn’t just the stats. It’s how he uses his platform. He founded the LeBron James Family Foundation and opened the “I PROMISE School” in Akron to support at-risk youth with free tuition, meals, transportation, and family support services. That kind of commitment to giving back is rare among celebrities, and it means a lot to people in our area. LeBron didn’t forget where he came from—and that loyalty and leadership make him a true role model. Do I believe LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time? I think the answer depends on what you value. Some people look at Michael Jordan’s six championships or Kobe Bryant’s killer instinct and say they’re the greatest. And that’s fair—they were amazing players, no doubt. But LeBron's overall impact—on the game, on his teams, and on his community—is on another level. He’s a once-in-a-generation athlete who has redefined what it means to be a complete player and a leader. So yes, to me, LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. Not just for what he’s accomplished in the NBA, but for how he’s uplifted Akron and inspired people like me to dream bigger, work harder, and give back whenever we can.

Diverse representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is not just important—it’s essential. When we broaden the range of voices in these fields, we don’t just promote fairness; we spark innovation, fuel progress, and inspire the next generation. As a young Black man preparing to pursue a career in automotive technology, I’ve come to understand how powerful representation can be—and how much more work we still have to do. One of the most important reasons diversity in STEM matters is because different perspectives lead to better solutions. People from different backgrounds bring unique life experiences, problem-solving strategies, and cultural insights to the table. That kind of variety drives creativity and leads to technology and innovations that work better for everyone. For example, something as essential as a vehicle’s safety feature or a diagnostic system may need to account for different user needs or experiences. When the people designing and building those systems come from a wide range of backgrounds, they’re more likely to think beyond one narrow point of view. Representation also plays a huge role in inspiring others. When young people see people who look like them succeeding in science, tech, or engineering careers, it helps them believe that those paths are possible for them too. Growing up, I didn’t often see Black men in the media working in STEM or automotive fields, and that sometimes made these careers feel distant. But in high school, I enrolled in the Automotive Technologies career program, and it opened up a whole new world for me. I realized I had a real interest in mechanics, diagnostics, and hands-on problem-solving—and I could see a future for myself in the field. I graduated from Tallmadge High School in May 2025 and will begin working toward my associate degree at Stark State College in the fall. Diversity in STEM is also about equity and access. Many students from single-parent households or underrepresented communities don’t have the same resources or encouragement to enter technical fields. I was raised by a single mother who worked hard to support me and my sister, and I’ve seen how difficult it can be to chase big goals when life is throwing constant challenges your way. That experience has made me more determined to succeed—not just for myself, but to show others that it can be done. When we create more space for diverse students in STEM, we give more people the opportunity to grow, contribute, and change the world in their own way. Looking ahead, my goal is to work in the automotive industry and eventually start my own business. But I also hope to be someone who can give back—whether it’s mentoring others, hiring a diverse team, or simply being visible as a Black man succeeding in a STEM-related career. Representation matters because it shows others what’s possible. It turns dreams into plans. STEM fields will only continue to grow and evolve. To truly meet the challenges of the future, we need a wide range of voices, talents, and perspectives. When we support diversity in STEM, we’re not just opening doors—we’re building a better, more inclusive future for everyone.

Growing up in a single-parent household has shaped nearly every part of who I am—from the way I view the world to the goals I set for myself. Being raised by my mom, alongside my older sister, has never felt like a limitation. Instead, it’s been a source of strength. It taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, and staying grounded, even when life throws challenges your way. It didn’t just shape me—it built me. From an early age, I saw my mom wear many hats. She wasn’t just a parent—she was the provider, the protector, the teacher, and the motivator. Watching her juggle work and parenting responsibilities taught me what real resilience looks like. She never gave up, even on the hardest days. That example made it clear to me that quitting was never an option. If she could carry that weight for our family, I could at least carry my goals with focus and determination. There were times when I wished I had someone else to help guide me, especially in areas like learning how to fix things around the house, or even talking about my future as a young man. But instead of letting that be a setback, it became a challenge I wanted to overcome. I developed a strong sense of independence. I started learning things on my own—through school programs, online videos, and hands-on experiences. I enrolled in the Automotive Technologies career program in high school, where I discovered a passion for cars, mechanics, and diagnostics. My goal now is to earn an associate degree from Stark State College and build a future in the automotive industry. I’ve learned that the most important values are the ones that keep you grounded. For me, that means family, responsibility, and gratitude. My mom didn’t just raise me—she inspired me. I value the time we spend together, even if it’s something simple like a conversation after work or a shared dinner. I also value being a role model for others who may be growing up in similar households. I want younger kids to know that growing up with one parent doesn’t make you less—it makes you different, and in the best way possible. It teaches you to hustle, to care deeply, and to never take anything for granted. Being in a single-parent household also made me appreciate community and connection. I lean on my sister, my friends, and the people I trust when I need support. I’ve found joy in shared experiences like gaming with friends, being part of the esports club in high school, and even just traveling and exploring new places with my family. Those relationships remind me that we’re never truly alone, even when life feels that way. My ambition is to not just work with cars, but to build a life where I can give back—to my mom, to my community, and to others who have struggled but continue to fight forward. I want to one day open my own shop or work in a space where I can help train others and provide opportunities for people who might not have had many growing up. I know what it’s like to feel limited by your circumstances, but I also know what it’s like to push past those limits. If awarded this scholarship, it wouldn’t just be financial support—it would be an acknowledgment of every late night my mom worked, every quiet moment she spent worrying, and every time she chose to keep going for the sake of her kids. It would be another reason to keep pushing toward a future that honors her sacrifices and the strength she passed down to me. I may have grown up in a single-parent household, but that home was full of love, drive, and hope. And with those values, I plan to build something bigger—not just for myself, but for everyone who helped shape me.

Drunk driving is more than just a poor decision—it’s a tragedy waiting to happen. It takes lives, shatters families, and turns futures into memories. From a moral, technical, and personal standpoint, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offenses have long-lasting effects that go far beyond the moment someone chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking. From a moral perspective, choosing to drive under the influence is a selfish and irresponsible act. It shows a disregard not only for one’s own safety but also for the lives of innocent people on the road. Taking a life because of a drunk-driving incident isn’t an “accident” in the true sense. It is a consequence of a preventable decision. Each person has a moral responsibility to think about the lives they could destroy before they ever turn the ignition key. The pain of losing someone like Anthony McPherson—a person who had dreams, talents, and people who loved him—is the kind of pain that never truly fades for those left behind. From a technical standpoint, there are several tools and systems available that could drastically reduce DUI-related crashes if they were more widely adopted. Breathalyzer ignition locks, for example, prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. These systems could become mandatory in vehicles for individuals with prior offenses, and even built into new vehicles as a safety feature. With the growth of smart car technology, we could integrate real-time monitoring that detects erratic driving patterns, alerting authorities or shutting the car down safely. Ride-sharing apps, autonomous driving, and improved public transportation systems also offer alternatives to impaired driving, but people need better education and access to these resources. Beyond the numbers and technology, there is the emotional toll that DUI incidents leave behind. I come from a close-knit family—raised by a single mother and alongside my older sister. If I lost either of them to a drunk driver, I don’t know how I would cope. The heartbreak that families like Anthony’s experience never truly disappears. Birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments are filled with a painful absence. Friends no longer get to laugh and share life with someone they love. The ripple effect is massive—affecting mental health, financial stability, and the emotional well-being of everyone connected to the victim. To truly prevent DUIs, we need a combination of education, enforcement, and empathy. We should educate drivers in high school and beyond about the real consequences—not just statistics, but personal stories like Anthony’s. Law enforcement needs to remain strong and consistent in DUI patrols and penalties, but we also need community support systems. Programs that help people get home safely, like designated driver apps or sober ride services, should be more visible and accessible. Ultimately, people need to feel that their choices matter—not just to them, but to the people they’ll never meet whose lives could be changed forever by one wrong move. As someone who plans to pursue a career in the automotive industry, I feel a responsibility to not only work on vehicles but also be a voice for safety and responsibility. Cars can give us freedom, power, and pride—but they must be treated with respect. Anthony McPherson had dreams in this industry, and although his journey was cut short, we can continue his legacy by choosing safety, accountability, and compassion on and off the road. Every life lost to DUI is one too many. It's time we treat drunk driving not just as a traffic offense, but as a human issue with human costs. The road to prevention starts with each of us.