From Ethiopia to Engineering: A Journey Fueled by Passion From a remote orphanage in Ethiopia to the bustling streets of America, my journey has been anything but ordinary. Adopted at the tender age of three by a loving American family, alongside my 10-year-old sister, my earliest and most profound memory involves my first encounter with an automobile. That initial ride from the orphanage to the hotel sparked a fascination with cars that has since defined my life’s trajectory. Despite being presented with typical toys like a stuffed animal and a ball, my favorite pastime at the hotel while my our adoption was finalized became pushing a suitcase around hotel corridors, simulating the movement of vehicles and shouting "Vroom! Vroom!" This early fascination blossomed into a passion for automotive engineering as I grew up in America. My childhood was characterized by an ever-growing collection of Matchbox cars, model cars, and intricate vehicles I constructed from Legos. My academic journey mirrored this passion; while I excelled in a rigorous high school schedule, I eagerly participated in an automotive engineering technology program for part of the day. There, I not only earned a number of ASE certifications but was also honored as an ambassador for the program, a recognition of my dedication and potential in the field. Aware of the sacrifices my parents made, including the small fortune spent traveling to Ethiopia and the cost of adopting two children, I am determined to contribute to my education. The Dr. William and Joe Sherwood Family Scholarship represents a pivotal opportunity to advance my aspirations without imposing further financial strain on my family. This scholarship will enable me to pursue a career in automotive engineering. It will alleviate the financial barriers to my education, allowing me to focus on developing the skills and knowledge required to excel in the field. My aspiration to pursue a career in automotive engineering stems from a lifelong passion, nurtured from my very first encounter with a car in Ethiopia. I am driven by the desire to innovate within the automotive industry, leveraging my unique background, skills, and certifications. The Dr. William and Joe Sherwood Family Scholarship will not only support my academic endeavors but also empower me to achieve my dream of making a significant impact in the automotive field. My journey from an Ethiopian orphanage to the threshold of the automotive industry underscores a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to realizing my potential and contributing to the advancement of automotive engineering.

From a remote orphanage in Ethiopia to the bustling streets of America, my journey has been anything but ordinary. Adopted at the tender age of three by a loving white family, alongside my 10-year-old sister, my earliest and most profound memory involves my first encounter with an automobile. That initial ride from the orphanage to the hotel sparked a fascination with cars that has since defined my life’s trajectory. Despite being presented with toys for the first time, I chose to push a suitcase around the hotel corridors, making car noises! This early fascination blossomed into a passion for automobiles as I grew up in America. My childhood was characterized by an ever-growing collection of Matchbox cars, model cars, and intricate vehicles I constructed from Legos. My academic journey mirrored this passion; while I excelled in high school, I eagerly participated in a skill center’s automotive engineering technology program for part of the day. There, I not only earned a number of ASE certifications but was also honored as an ambassador for the program, a recognition of my dedication and potential in the field. My aspiration to pursue a career in automotive technology stems from this lifelong passion, nurtured from my first car ride in Ethiopia. I am driven by the desire to work alongside engineers to test new vehicles, leveraging my background, skills, and certifications. My journey from an Ethiopian orphanage to the threshold of the automotive industry underscores a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to achieving my dream.

Adopted from an Ethiopian orphanage at the tender age of three, alongside my 10-year-old sister, I was catapulted into an entirely new world in America. This transition laid the groundwork for a series of profound personal struggles, ranging from grappling with feelings of abandonment to navigating the complexities of family dynamics and personal identity. Yet, these hardships have not defined me; instead, they have sculpted a resilient, empathetic individual with a clear vision for the future. The initial challenge of adaptation was immense. Despite the loving embrace of my adoptive parents, the shadow of abandonment lingered, manifesting in a persistent search for belonging and identity. This search was complicated further when my parents divorce as my father transitioned into a woman. This period of adjustment was marked by confusion and a sense of loss as I mourned the father I once knew, while striving to accept and understand “her” new identity. In addition,I was diagnosed with ADHD in the first grade, adding another layer to my complex personal narrative. My journey toward overcoming these challenges was neither straightforward nor easy. It required immense self-reflection and a conscious effort to cultivate resilience. I embraced therapy as a means to process my feelings of abandonment and the changes within my family structure. Through these sessions, I learned the power of open communication and the importance of seeking understanding and common ground. Academically, I turned my ADHD diagnosis into a catalyst for success rather than a hindrance. My mother, a dedicated teacher, equipped me with strategies to manage my attention challenges which led me to excel in school.I harnessed my hyperfocus as a tool for deep dives into subjects that fascinated me, particularly in the realm of automotive engineering. This passion became an outlet for my creativity and a foundation for my future aspirations and truly help be excel in Sports and physical activity offered another avenue for coping and growth. They not only provided a physical outlet for my energy but also instilled in me the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Through my involvement in sports, I learned the importance of setting goals, developing strategies to achieve them, and the value of hard work and dedication. My experiences have profoundly influenced my outlook on life and my interactions with others. They have fostered a deep sense of empathy and an understanding that everyone faces their own unique challenges. This realization has driven me to become an active volunteer with the National Honor Society and Junior Optimist Club, where I have the opportunity to give back to my community and support those who are also facing their own struggles. Looking to the future, I am determined to use my experiences and the lessons I have learned to achieve my goal of becoming an automotive engineer. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, the value of embracing one’s identity, and the power of a positive outlook. I plan to continue volunteering and advocating for those facing personal hardships, using my story as a testament to the fact that challenges can be overcome and can indeed pave the way for a bright and fulfilling future. In sum, my life has been a tapestry of unique challenges, each contributing to the person I am today. These experiences have not only shaped my character but have also ignited a passion for learning, a commitment to community service, and a determination to succeed against all odds. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons of resilience, empathy, and the unyielding belief that every struggle is an opportunity for growth and transformation.

My journey toward the automotive world began in an unlikely setting: a remote area in Ethiopia, far removed from the technological advancements and automotive landscapes that define much of the world today. Adopted at the tender age of three along with my older sister, my first encounter with a car left an indelible mark on my young mind. At the orphanage, adoptive parents introduced my first toys—a stuffed animal and a ball—yet, it was the ride in a car to the hotel that ignited a passion within me. Once at the hotel in Addis Ababa, the wheeled suitcase became my car and the hotel corridor, my racetrack, as I made "vroom-vroom" noises, pushing it around with gleeful abandon. This early fascination blossomed into a collection of matchbox cars, model cars, remote-controlled cars, and cars built from Legos. Anything that could fuel my imagination and mimic the mechanics of a car was a treasure. It was not just about playing; it was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with cars, an unquenchable desire to understand how they work, to fix them, and to customize them into something uniquely my own. This passion for automobiles was not confined to a hobby; it shaped my academic and extracurricular pursuits. Despite a demanding high school schedule, I also sought out automotive engineering technology classes at our technical center where my dedication and enthusiasm quickly became apparent. My commitment to learning every facet of automotive repair and design was rewarded with numerous ASE certifications, a testament to my skills and a solid foundation for my future in this field. Recognized for my passion and potential, I was inducted into the Oakland Technical School National Honor Society program and honored as an Ambassador for the school. These accolades were not just for show; they were affirmations of my commitment to automotive mechanics/technology and my dream of making a significant impact in the industry. Earning this scholarship would be more than financial aid; it would be an opportunity to further my education and gain the practical experience necessary to achieve my goals. My aim is not only to work in automotive repair but to revolutionize it by introducing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and performance. Through this scholarship, I will be equipped to turn my passion into a career that not only excites me but also contributes to advancing the automotive mechanics industry. My story, from that first car ride in Ethiopia to my achievements in high school and beyond, is a testament to the power of passion, the importance of education, and the impact one person can make with the right support and opportunities.

Health and Resilience: A Journey of Healing and Identity Navigating the intricacies of mental health has been a profound journey for me, shaping my aspirations, relationships, and worldview. I was born in Ethiopia and lived in a small hut with my biological parents and my sister Sofanit who was ten. Unfortunately,when I was about three years old,we were placed in an orphanage because our parents were ill and struggling to take care of us. Soon, we were adopted by loving American parents, and my sister and I, who didn’t speak English, were thrust into a life far removed from our beginnings. Our parents, each grappling with their mental health struggles, offered us a life filled with love but also complex emotional landscapes. My mom, who along with her siblings became wards of the court at a young age after they lost their father due to cancer and their mother due to suicide. My dad struggled with mental and identity issues throughout his life and eventually transitioned into a female which also led to their divorce when I was eleven. They have both fought battles that have deeply influenced my understanding of resilience and mental health. Coupled with my own experiences of ADHD, anxiety, bouts of depression, and feelings of not being wanted stemming from the circumstances of our adoption, my life has been a testament to the power of overcoming and understanding mental health challenges. The challenges of adoption, family mental health issues, personal struggles with ADHD, anxiety, and depression have profoundly shaped my goals. Witnessing my parents' resilience in the face of their mental health struggles, grappling with my feelings of worthlessness, and the complex emotions surrounding my dad's transition have instilled in me a deep sense of determination and empathy. These experiences have driven me to pursue a career in something I love and enjoy–automotive engineering technology, aiming not only for personal achievement but also to innovate in ways that can make life better for others. My academic excellence and leadership roles, such as being the captain of the soccer team and a high school boardercross state champion are manifestations of my commitment to excelling despite the odds. My involvement in the Optimism Club, National Honor Society, and volunteer organizations reflects my desire to spread hope and positivity, recognizing that mental health is a crucial component of overall well being. The complexities of my family's mental health, alongside my own battles with depression and the struggle to find my place as an Ethiopian child in a white, English-speaking family, have taught me invaluable lessons about relationships. Empathy, patience, and understanding have become cornerstones of my interactions with others. Seeing my parents navigate their mental health challenges, dealing with my own, and the additional layer of cultural and identity struggles have made me acutely aware of the invisible battles people face. This awareness has fostered deep connections with those around me, as I strive to offer the same support and understanding that I have needed. My role as an ambassador for my automotive engineering program is not just about academic or career advancement; it's about building a community where empathy and support are paramount. My experiences have taught me that relationships are built on mutual respect, understanding, and the willingness to support each other through life's challenges. Growing up in a family that embodies diversity, from our multicultural backgrounds to navigating the intricacies of gender identity, has significantly broadened my understanding of the world. These personal experiences have given me a unique perspective on the importance of acceptance, tolerance, and the celebration of individuality. My family's journey, my struggle with depression, and the quest to find my own place in the world have shown me that mental health issues do not discriminate; they can touch anyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or economic status. This realization has made me a staunch advocate for mental health awareness and inclusivity, driving me to work towards a world where no one feels isolated or misunderstood because of their mental health or identity. Dealing with ADHD, anxiety, and depression has been a personal battle, but it has also been a source of strength. These challenges, along with the emotional turmoil of feeling like I lost the dad I knew during her transition into a female, despite her unwavering love, have taught me the importance of self-care, time management, and seeking support when needed. Excelling academically and being involved in various extracurricular activities have required me to develop strategies to manage my time effectively and to advocate for myself in situations where my mental health could have been a barrier. These experiences have not only prepared me for future challenges but have also made me more compassionate towards others who are dealing with their own struggles. Ultimately, my experiences with mental health have profoundly shaped my life. They have sculpted my goals into aspirations that not only seek personal success but also aim to contribute positively to the lives of others. They have woven empathy, understanding, and patience into the fabric of my relationships, allowing me to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level. And they have expanded my worldview, instilling in me the values of diversity, acceptance, and advocacy for mental health awareness. Through the lens of my experiences, including the bouts of depression and feelings of worthlessness due to adoption, the cultural and identity challenges of growing up in a diverse family, and navigating my father's transition, I see a world that is complex but also rich with the potential for understanding, resilience, and compassion. My journey has taught me that while mental health challenges can be daunting, they can also be a source of strength and growth.