I am a 28-year-old African American father, husband, and son who has been pursuing his engineering degree for nearly ten years. My journey has not been linear, but it has been intentional. Every challenge I have faced has reinforced my commitment to education, resilience, and service. I grew up in Chicago and attended Gary Comer College Prep, a high school designed with futuristic architecture but fortified windows — a reflection of the environment around it. A police station stood across the street. Gang activity in the area was so frequent that students were often required to remain inside the building until rides arrived. Outdoor sports practices were sometimes canceled for safety. Faculty regularly warned us not to stop at nearby stores due to crime. Police cruisers parked outside our school were a normal sight. Despite these realities, I was determined not to become a product of my environment. I witnessed peers fall into gang involvement and substance use, but I consciously chose a different path. I maintained a GPA above 3.5 while navigating instability at home, including three evictions — one during high school that forced my mother and me to move into a one-bedroom apartment with family. In that crowded space, I pushed myself relentlessly to succeed academically until the pressure led to a mental breakdown. It was the first time in my life my body simply shut down from stress. That moment changed me. I realized that perseverance must be paired with sustainability. Since then, I have committed to resilience rooted in discipline, not burnout. Financial hardship followed me into adulthood. Without family support for college, I accumulated significant debt while balancing full-time work to survive. Progress toward my engineering degree slowed, but my vision never wavered. When I was a junior in high school, I decided I would become an engineer. Today, nearly a decade later, I am completing my engineering degree online at Arizona State University — not because it is easy, but because it is the most responsible way to support my family while finishing what I started. Becoming a father strengthened my resolve. I have vowed that my wife and son will not experience the instability I grew up with. That promise fuels my discipline and determination every day. Beyond my personal goals, service has become central to my identity. During college, I volunteered as a wrestling coach to mentor student-athletes who faced circumstances similar to mine. I wanted them to see someone who understood their environment but chose education and discipline. I have also served as a robotics competition judge to connect with youth through technical engagement. Representation matters. Exposure matters. Sometimes a single conversation can redirect a young person’s trajectory. Pursuing my engineering degree is not solely about career advancement. It is about impact. Engineering represents problem-solving at its core — identifying complex challenges and building structured solutions. That mindset extends beyond technical systems; it applies to communities. With this degree, I plan to contribute meaningfully to industries that shape infrastructure and innovation while also mentoring underrepresented students pursuing STEM fields. This scholarship would reduce the financial burden that has slowed my progress and allow me to fully align my education with my service. I plan to expand my mentorship efforts by speaking in high schools, particularly in underserved communities, to share a different narrative of success — one built on education, resilience, and long-term vision. I want to be living proof that success does not require escape through entertainment or shortcuts. It can be built through knowledge, discipline, and faith in a better future.

I am a 28-year-old African American father and I have been pursuing my engineering degree since 2018 with unwavering determination. Engineering is not simply a career path for me—it is an essential part of who I am. I once personalized an ink pen engraved with the words “Engineering 4L.” To others, it may appear to be a small symbol of passion. To me, it represents the foundation of engineering itself: begin with an idea, write it down, sketch it, refine it, and build it into reality. That process mirrors my life—drafting, redesigning, and persistently building toward my goals. My passion for engineering feels innate, as though it runs through my blood. However, passion alone is not enough; it must be paired with purpose. My purpose is to use engineering not only to innovate but also to inspire. I want to demonstrate that no matter how high the obstacles may seem—no matter how much the odds feel stacked against you—success in engineering is attainable with commitment and resilience. I strive to bring intellect, positivity, and encouragement into every environment I enter, especially when discussing the limitless possibilities within engineering. One of the most meaningful moments that reaffirmed my calling occurred when my son was born. While my wife rested after labor, our newborn cried relentlessly in my arms. In an instinctive attempt to soothe him, I began speaking softly about engineering—the different disciplines available to him and the world: mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, bioengineering, and more. As I described the different engineering disciplines in detail, he gradually calmed and fell asleep. That moment was symbolic for me. It represented not only my deep love for engineering but also my desire to pass down hope, knowledge, and ambition to the next generation. Growing up as an underprivileged and underrepresented African American male in the heart of Chicago presented challenges that could have easily derailed my ambitions. My high school years were surrounded by the harsh realities of gun violence and gang activity in my community—an experience I never want my son and future children to ever witness. The sound of shootings and the presence of gang conflict were not distant news stories—they were part of my environment. Financial hardship and limited access to resources further compounded those obstacles. However, instead of allowing my circumstances to define my trajectory, I chose to let them refine my resilience. Witnessing instability including the unfortunate experience of 3 evictions, strengthened my desire to build something lasting, meaningful, and constructive. Engineering became my pathway out—not just economically, but mentally and spiritually. It gave me structure, direction, and hope in environments where those things often felt scarce. Earning my bachelor’s degree in engineering is more than an academic milestone; it is the foundation upon which I will build my legacy. This scholarship would not only provide financial support but also serve as an investment in a future engineer dedicated to innovation, representation, and community uplift. I am committed to completing my degree and contributing meaningfully to the field of mechanical engineering while inspiring others—especially young students who may not yet see themselves reflected in this profession—to pursue their own ambitions without hesitation. Engineering is my lifelong commitment. With the right support, I will continue drafting, designing, and building—not only machines, but opportunities and inspiration for others.

I am a proud Black African American man from Chicago, Illinois, and a devoted husband and father. Since 2016, I have worked tirelessly to support my family while pursuing my college education. Balancing work, school, and family has not been easy, but these experiences have shaped my perseverance, focus, and commitment to building a better future for myself and others. In high school, I was a star athlete in both football and wrestling, and I learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that continue to guide me today. When I began college, I chose to study Mechanical Engineering because I was fascinated by how things work and I had the desire to develop my own engine. However, as I gained more experience through various jobs, I discovered that my true interest lies in Electrical Engineering. In 2022, I made the decision to change my major, and since then, I have felt reenergized by the possibilities this field offers for innovation and impact. My goal is to use my Electrical Engineering degree not only to build a fulfilling career but also to inspire and uplift the next generation. After graduation, I plan to return to my high school and speak to students about the power of perseverance, education, and self-belief. I want to serve as a mentor and role model for teens, especially young African American men who may not see many engineers who look like them. Representation matters, and I want to show them that success in STEM is not only possible but attainable. Currently, only about 3.8 to 4.8% of Electrical Engineers in the United States are Black, and the percentage of Black engineers across all disciplines remains around 5%. These statistics highlight a critical underrepresentation that I am determined to help change. By earning my degree and sharing my story, I hope to become part of the solution—to inspire more students of color to pursue careers in engineering and to strengthen our collective voice in the STEM community. Being selected for this scholarship would be more than a financial investment in my education; it would be an investment in building a stronger, more inclusive future. It would allow me to complete my degree, continue supporting my family, and fulfill my mission of mentoring and motivating others. I am deeply committed to using my education not just for personal success, but to create opportunity, restore hope, and spark ambition in others who come after me.