I am passionate about pursuing a career in the skilled trades—especially welding—because I’ve seen firsthand how rewarding it is to build something with your own two hands and take pride in your work. During high school, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience not only in welding but also in aviation and aircraft maintenance. These programs helped me discover who I am and what I love to do, and they shaped my decision to attend Universal Technical Institute (UTI) this August to continue my training in welding. Throughout high school, I worked on actual aircraft as part of an aviation maintenance program. I learned how to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft systems with precision and focus. That experience introduced me to the world of mechanics and technical trades, and it taught me the importance of detail, safety, and responsibility. At the same time, I was learning how to weld—cutting, sawing, and shaping metal in the shop with sparks flying all around me. Though, I would admit I wasn't the best at it at first, it began to grow on me. I fell in love with the process and the power behind it. Welding challenged me in the best way possible, and I realized that this was something I wanted to keep doing for the rest of my life. Being a girl in the welding field hasn’t always been easy. There have been times when I’ve felt judged or underestimated just because I’m female. I’ve had to work harder to prove that I belong in the shop, that I’m capable, and that I can weld just as well—if not better—than anyone else. But every time someone doubted me, it only made me more determined. I’ve learned to stand my ground, to take pride in my work, and to believe in myself no matter what others say. My biggest inspiration for going into welding is my high school welding instructor, Mr.Woods. He taught me to be strong, independent, and hardworking. His teachings have driven me to succeed—not just for myself, but for the young women who will come after me. Through my career in welding, I plan to break barriers and open doors. I want to give back by mentoring girls who are interested in the trades and show them that they have a place in this field. Welding isn’t just my career—it’s my way of making a difference, creating opportunities, and building a stronger future for all of us.

Growing up as an Asian-American in a single-mother household, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility to give back to my community, especially to those who are marginalized or underserved. My experiences have shaped my drive to break barriers and create opportunities for others, particularly young girls and minorities in male-dominated fields like aviation and welding. One of my proudest self-initiated projects was creating a mentorship program at my high school, where I worked with younger girls from diverse backgrounds, introducing them to career paths that they may not have traditionally considered. Through this program, I aimed to help them envision their future careers in fields like aviation, welding, and other technical industries. I held workshops, invited female professionals to speak, and offered hands-on activities that allowed these girls to interact with the tools and technologies in those fields. As a result, many of these students gained confidence and a sense of belonging, knowing that they too could succeed in these areas. Another initiative I took on was volunteering at a local community center where I taught basic technical skills to underserved youth. Many of the kids in the program came from low-income households and had limited access to resources. I introduced them to simple engineering and aircraft maintenance concepts, sparking their interest in STEM. As an Asian-American girl pursuing a career in aviation maintenance and welding, I used my experiences to show them that they, too, could break barriers and pursue careers in industries traditionally dominated by men. Growing up in a single-mother household has taught me resilience, hard work, and the value of education. It also gave me insight into the challenges faced by many marginalized populations. My mother worked tirelessly to support our family, and her example of perseverance, despite the difficulties she faced, has been a constant source of inspiration. I want to be that role model for others—particularly young girls of color—showing them that they can achieve their goals, no matter what their background or circumstances may be. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue empowering underrepresented groups through mentorship and by making sure that everyone, regardless of gender or race, has the opportunity to succeed in their chosen fields. By pursuing my studies at Texas Southern University, I will gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting impact in both the aviation and welding industries. My ultimate goal is to open doors for others, helping marginalized individuals find their path to success, just as I have.

Growing up in a single-mother household with two older sisters shaped me in ways that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. My mother worked hard to provide for us, often juggling multiple jobs, and she did so with strength and resilience. Watching her face challenges head-on taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work. My older sisters were my role models, offering guidance and support when things felt overwhelming. They taught me the value of family, teamwork, and compassion. Together, we supported each other, making sure no one ever felt alone. My mother instilled in me the belief that education is the key to success and that no obstacle is too big to overcome if you're willing to work for it. This mindset became my foundation, and it’s what drives me as I pursue my dreams in aviation maintenance and welding. These fields are often seen as male-dominated, but growing up with strong women around me has empowered me to break barriers. I want to show others, especially young girls, that they too can succeed in industries they might not have initially considered. Texas Southern University (TSU) is where I plan to continue my journey. I am excited to be part of a university that values diversity and inclusion, where I will receive the education and training I need to excel in my chosen fields. TSU will provide me with the tools to refine my skills in aviation maintenance and welding, while also helping me develop the leadership qualities that are essential for success in these fields. Looking ahead, I want to use my education to not only succeed personally but to also give back to my community. I aspire to mentor young girls, especially those from similar backgrounds, and encourage them to pursue careers in fields that challenge societal norms. I hope to create spaces where girls can feel confident in their abilities and supported in their dreams. My long-term goal is to work in aviation and welding while also being an advocate for gender equality in these industries. Coming from a single-mother household has taught me that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and the support of those who love you. I plan to take these lessons into my future, making a positive impact not only on my community but on the world. Through my studies and future career, I aim to inspire and uplift others, showing that no dream is too big and that with persistence, we can all reach our goals.

My name is Sophia Le, and I’m a recent graduate of Sterling Aviation High School. While there, I had the opportunity to study aviation maintenance, which sparked my deep interest in the mechanics and precision behind aircraft systems. Being in the hangar, working on real aircraft parts, and learning how every bolt and wire contributes to keeping people safe in the sky gave me a purpose and a sense of pride I’d never felt before. I knew I wanted to pursue a hands-on trade that makes a difference—and that realization has led me toward two passions: aviation and welding. This fall, I’m proud to be attending Texas Southern University, where I’ll continue my academic journey. I chose TSU because of its strong support for students of color and its commitment to excellence and community. I’m excited to become part of a university that values leadership, service, and hard work—qualities I plan to carry with me both in and out of the classroom. My goal is to take what I’ve already learned through my aviation training and expand on it academically while also exploring opportunities in welding and other skilled trades. I believe TSU is the right place for me to grow, not only as a student, but as a future tradeswoman and community leader. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, I’ve already faced doubts and assumptions, but instead of letting them discourage me, they’ve motivated me. I want to be an example for other girls who might be interested in technical careers but are too afraid to take the leap. Through my studies and career, I hope to break stereotypes, show others what’s possible, and prove that skill, dedication, and work ethic matter more than gender. My career goals are about building—not just aircraft or structures, but confidence, equality, and opportunity. I plan to use my technical skills to help improve the safety and reliability of aircraft and infrastructure. Eventually, I hope to give back by mentoring young students—especially girls—and encouraging them to explore career paths in trades like aviation and welding. I believe everyone deserves access to opportunity and guidance, and I want to be the kind of person who helps others reach their potential. In the future, I envision a career that not only supports my personal growth but also inspires others—especially young women of color—by showing them the power of technical trades and education. The road ahead is long, but with the education and experiences I’ll gain at TSU, I am confident I will be able to impact my community and the world in meaningful ways.

Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of experience with financial education. Like many people, I wasn’t taught how to manage money at home or in school. I had to figure things out on my own through trial and error. That’s something that has stuck with me as I’ve gotten older—I’ve realized how important it is to learn how money works if I want to build a stable and successful future for myself. As a student pursuing a career in aviation maintenance and welding, I’ve come to understand just how important financial planning is. These are skilled trades that can offer great opportunities, but like any career, you have to be smart about how you manage your income, save for your goals, and prepare for the unexpected. I’m the kind of person who likes to plan ahead, and financial education is a huge part of that. One of the first times I really had to think about finances was when I started applying to college and trade certification programs. Looking at tuition costs, tool expenses, and living costs made me realize how quickly things can add up. I didn’t want to rely entirely on loans or put my future self in a tough financial spot. That’s why I started looking into scholarships, budgeting tools, and financial literacy resources. I’ve started tracking my spending, setting savings goals, and learning about credit. Even simple things like understanding interest rates or learning how to build credit responsibly are things I wish were taught more openly. I plan to keep learning. I want to take workshops, use apps to manage my money better, and talk to financial advisors who can help me understand long-term planning. I want to be able to afford the tools I need for my trade, save up for a reliable vehicle, and eventually have enough to live comfortably on my own. I also want to help my family and support others who may be struggling financially. In the future, I hope to teach younger people—especially girls and students entering trades—about the importance of financial literacy. I want to encourage conversations about saving, budgeting, and investing early on, so others don’t feel like they’re starting from scratch like I did. Financial education is about more than just money—it’s about freedom, confidence, and opportunity. By continuing to learn and apply smart money habits, I know I can build a future I’m proud of and help others do the same.

I’ve always been interested in how things work, especially when it comes to planes. Taking aircraft maintenance in high school gave me the opportunity to learn hands-on how to inspect, repair, and service aircraft. It was exciting to work on something so real and important. I enjoyed being in the hangar, using tools, and understanding the systems that keep aircraft safe and running. That experience helped me realize that I love working with my hands and being part of a team that solves problems. Aviation maintenance has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of safety. Being a girl in this field hasn’t always been easy, but it’s made me even more determined. I want to show that girls can do this work just as well as anyone else. That’s part of why I’m passionate about pursuing trades. I like being able to challenge expectations and prove that with hard work, anything is possible. I believe it’s important to be confident and curious, even when you’re the only one who looks like you in the room. It pushes me to grow and work even harder to earn my place in this industry. In addition to aviation, I’ve also become very interested in welding. I like the precision and creativity that welding involves. It’s another way to work with metal, to build and fix things, and to use technical skill in a meaningful way. Welding is used in a lot of industries, including aviation, and I think it would be a great trade to add to my skill set. I want to become certified in welding as well so I can be more versatile and open up more job opportunities for myself in the future. I also want to give back. In the future, I hope to mentor young girls who are interested in trades but don’t know where to start. I want to visit schools, volunteer at community events, and share my experience so others feel encouraged to explore careers like aviation maintenance and welding. Representation matters, and I want to be someone who shows other girls that they belong in these spaces too. I want them to know that it’s okay to be different, to get your hands dirty, and to work hard for something you care about. Choosing this path is not just about a job—it’s about building a future I’m proud of and helping others do the same. I’m passionate about growing in this industry and being part of a positive change in the world of skilled trades.