Back in 2012, when my parents purchased our first electric car, I had no inkling of the profound changes unfolding around us. My parent's conversations about the shift to EVs (electric vehicles) turned me into an eager sponge, soaking up their knowledge and enthusiasm. I remember fondly my dad giving us his version of TED Talks about topics like “how the Chevy Volt is NOT a hybrid, it’s an electric car with a gas generator.” What captivates me most is the relentless innovation in electric vehicle batteries. It’s not just about capacity; it’s also about weight, charging times, and sustainability. Our initial electric ride was the Chevy Volt, a clunky design with a massive battery running down the car’s center, encroaching on precious seat space. And let’s not forget the modest and almost laughable 40-mile range. Fast forward to today: my family now owns a Tesla Model S and two Chevy Bolts. The EV transformation over the past decade leaves me in awe. Amidst all the technological breakthroughs, one advancement stands out— solid-state batteries. There are currently ten companies working relentlessly on this new technology. I firmly believe these batteries are the game-changer that will ultimately dethrone the internal combustion engine. Why? Because solid-state batteries address nearly every concern associated with conventional lithium-ion batteries. They are safer, with minimal risk of fires or chemical leaks due to their stable composition. They have a longer lifespan because there is no anode surface lithium plating. Higher energy density promises an extended range for electric vehicles. Faster charging times are within reach, and their lighter weight opens up possibilities for battery size flexibility. What is most amazing about this technology is its potential to electrify our skies and seas. Consider this: the transportation sector currently contributes about a quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Electrification of this major greenhouse gas emitter is crucial for environmental sustainability. EVs significantly reduce climate pollution compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. Even as some parts of our electric grid still rely on fossil fuels, the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources ensures that EVs will continue to get cleaner. In this electrifying journey, solid-state batteries emerge as a pillar of advancement to a future of cleaner and more enduring transportation. As I aspire to become a mechanical engineer, I am thrilled by the opportunity to contribute to this pivotal transformation. My logical mindset has always been my strength, aiding me in tackling complex problems, from intricate calculus equations to managing a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule. The versatility of mechanical engineering captivates me, and my advanced placement courses in physics, environmental science, and calculus only fuel my passion. My involvement in extracurricular activities including GET-IT (Girls Exploring Together – Information Technology) and National High School Model United Nations has shaped my understanding of global challenges and the importance of technological solutions. I am excited to continue my academic journey at Michigan State University in the fall where I will pursue a mechanical engineering degree with a concentration in energy. As a child, I learned to embrace a carbon-reduced approach to life. I understand the importance of how transitioning to this approach is not only positive (and crucial) for the environment but also can lead to more efficiency in the innovations themselves. I am eager to help develop innovative solutions for today’s pressing issues, whether I am designing efficient energy solutions or advancing electrified transportation. I am immensely grateful for your consideration. With your support, I am confident I will contribute meaningfully to our society as I embark on my learning journey. Thank you for your time.

Back in 2012, when my parents purchased our first electric car, I had no inkling of the profound changes unfolding around us. Their conversations about the shift to electric vehicles turned me into an eager sponge, soaking up their knowledge and enthusiasm. I remember fondly my dad giving us his version of Ted Talks about how the Chevy Volt "is NOT a hybrid, it IS an electric car just with an onboard gas generator". What captivates me most is the relentless innovation in electric vehicle batteries. It’s not just about capacity; it’s also about weight and charging times. Our initial electric ride was the Chevy Volt, a clunky design with a massive battery running down the car’s center, encroaching on precious seat space. And let’s not forget the modest and almost laughable 40-mile range. Fast forward to today: we now own a Tesla Model S and two Chevy Bolts. The transformation over the past 12 years leaves me in awe. Amidst all the technological breakthroughs, one advancement stands out— solid-state batteries. There are currently 10 companies working relentlessly on this new technology. I firmly believe these batteries are the game-changer that will ultimately dethrone the internal combustion engine. Why? Because solid-state batteries address nearly every concern associated with conventional lithium-ion batteries. They’re safer, with minimal risk of fires or chemical leaks due to their stable composition. They have a longer lifespan because there is no anode surface lithium plating. Higher energy density promises extended range for electric vehicles. Faster charging times are within reach, and their lighter weight opens up possibilities for battery size flexibility. What is most amazing about this technology is how it could also electrify our air and seas. Consider this: the transportation sector currently contributes about a quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Electrification of this major greenhouse gas emitter is pivotal for environmental sustainability. Electric vehicles (EVs) significantly reduce climate pollution compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. Even as some parts of our electric grid still rely on fossil fuels, the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources ensures that EVs will continue to get cleaner. In this electrifying journey, solid-state batteries shine as a beacon of progress, illuminating a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future. As I pursue my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer with an energy concentration, I am elated at the prospect of contributing to this transformative shift.

I believe there should be a correlation between what you’re good at and what you choose to study—all of which should lead to your career choice. During my self-discovery, I recognized that I was always a very logical-minded person. Being able to apply what I know to resolve challenges has always been strong suit, whether I’m solving a complex calculus problem or figuring out how to balance my busy school schedule and advanced placement courses with extracurricular activities. Thus, when looking through the opportunities for my education and career and realizing that engineering was an option, I became a lot more passionate about my future. I’ve participated in extracurricular school activities that further my passion for being an engineer. I am a member of GET-IT (Girls Exploring Together – Information Technology) which is a STEM-focused club where I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my math and science skills and participate in several conferences that provided motivational speeches and introduced me to successful professionals and innovative technologies. I also participated in the National High School Model United Nations (UN) as an ambassador and delegate where I attended several mock UN proceedings to debate on my countries’ topics. I learned about what causes some of our greatest global problems and how important it is sometimes to solve these problems with technological solutions. I find mechanical engineering intriguing due to its versatility, and my current enrollment in advanced placement physics, environmental sciences, and calculus courses is further fueling my interest. I can see myself having a fulfilling career as a mechanical engineer, helping find solutions to our issues in the world today, whether I am designing a new wind turbine to create clean energy or developing a new energy-efficient automotive transmission. I strongly believe that devoting my time to obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering would help me achieve my career goals and position myself to best contribute to society. I’m especially excited with the opportunities provided in energy concentrations of the mechanical engineering program at Michigan State University where I will be attending. As a child, I loved working with my parents to install solar panels on our house and invest in electric cars. With my family being early adopters of renewable energy, I learned to embrace a carbon-reduced approach to life. I understand the importance of how transitioning to this approach is not only positive (and crucial) for the environment but also if done correctly, can lead to more efficiency in the innovations themselves--. This has inspired me to become an engineer and contribute to these solutions myself. I have witnessed various family members who have graduated with mechanical engineering degrees go on to make positive impacts in their fields. For example, my uncle was working on launching satellites for the Air Force at the start of his career. I have a cousin who graduated with an engineering degree a few years ago who is now developing prosthetic devices for veterans who have lost limbs during combat. I have another cousin who is currently developing more efficient solutions for artillery transportation. Hearing all of their stories of challenges and successes further inspired me into pursuing this path. In conclusion, I am immensely grateful for your consideration and the opportunity to tell you my story. I am eager to continue my journey of growth and learning, and with your support, I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to our society. Thank you for your time. I look forward to the possibility of being a scholarship recipient to support my passion for pursuing a mechanical engineering degree.

I believe there should be a correlation between what you’re good at and what you choose to study—all of which should lead to your career choice. For example, someone with no concept of rhythm probably shouldn’t study ballet, nor should someone incapable of learning a new language aspire to be an interpreter. Not only would these choices create difficult paths, but they would also result in lesser contributions to society. During my self-discovery, I recognized that I was always a very logical-minded person and motivated. Being able to apply what I know to resolve challenges has always been my strong suit, whether I’m solving a complex calculus problem or figuring out how to balance my busy school schedule and advanced placement courses with extracurricular activities. Thus, when looking through the opportunities for my education and career and realizing that engineering was an option, I became a lot more passionate about my future. I’ve participated in extracurricular school activities that further my passion for being an engineer. I am a member of GET-IT (Girls Exploring Together – Information Technology) which is a STEM-focused club where I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my math and science skills and participate in several conferences that provided motivational speeches and introduced me to successful professionals and innovative technologies. I also participated in the National High School Model United Nations (UN) as an ambassador and delegate where I attended several mock UN proceedings to debate on my countries’ topics. Through my participation, I learned about what causes some of our greatest global problems and how important it is sometimes to solve these problems with technological solutions. I find the mechanical track of engineering intriguing due to its versatility, and my current enrollment in advanced placement physics mechanics, environmental sciences, and calculus courses is further fueling my interest. I can see myself having a fulfilling career as a mechanical engineer, helping find solutions to our issues in the world today, whether I am designing a new wind turbine to create clean energy or developing a new energy-efficient automotive transmission. I strongly believe that devoting my time to obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering would help me achieve my career goals and position myself to best contribute to society. I’m especially impressed and excited with the robust opportunities provided in energy concentrations of the mechanical engineering program at Michigan State University where I will be attending. However, the path to realizing these dreams comes with financial challenges. A scholarship would be a game-changer in my life, providing the necessary support to alleviate the financial burden of tuition, textbooks, room and board, and other educational expenses. This support would not only enable me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies but also empower me to explore additional opportunities such as summer internships, campus clubs, and international study abroad that will further enhance my skills and knowledge. Beyond the immediate financial assistance, being a scholarship recipient would instill in me a sense of validation and motivation. It would serve as a testament to my dedication and potential, boosting my confidence and affirming that hard work and determination are recognized and rewarded. In conclusion, I am immensely grateful for your consideration and the opportunity to tell you my story. I am eager to continue my journey of growth and learning, and with your support, I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to our society. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of being a scholarship recipient to support my pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree.