A friend once said to me, "Coming out isn't about stepping out—it's about letting people in." That statement struck me like a disco ball shattering through a stained-glass window: dramatic, messy, and downright enlightening. Because that's precisely what coming out has been for me—a glamorous combination of fear, liberation, and finally being seen. For years, I was an open book with a fascinating cover but pages no one ever opened. I wore the roles that I thought other people expected of me to fill—laughing at the right jokes, agreeing with the right opinions, blending like a chameleon to a beige wallpaper convention. But inside? Inside, there was color. There was glitter. There was reality. Coming out wasn't an initial fireworks display—it was a chain of flickering candles, each one lit by trust. When I came out to a close friend for the first time, I whispered it like a secret I feared would detonate. Instead, she smiled, hugged me, and said, "I was just waiting for you to tell me." That moment cracked something open in me. I realized that coming out wasn't a question of declaring something shocking or sensational—it was about giving people the chance to come to know the real me, unadulterated and unrestrained. Telling my family was another kind of high-stakes emotional rodeo. I braced myself for all the possible reactions: tears, silence, dramatic fainting. What I got instead was… acceptance. Not a utopian fairy-tale variety, but real, true love with room to expand. They didn't understand everything right away, but they wanted to. And that willingness to lean in—to ask questions, to sit in the pain of learning—meant everything. By being out, I've brought others into my life more fully. I've invited them to witness what I hold dear: integrity, bravery, happiness, and the refusal to live a half-hearted life. I represent the notion that each human being should be allowed to be themselves without apology. And beyond that, I represent possibility—for those who are still attempting to get it, still attempting to find the words, still too scared to speak their truth. Coming out helped me build bridges—not walls. I’ve had incredible conversations with people who once had limited views but opened their hearts after hearing my story. I’ve watched friends become better allies, families become more inclusive, and communities start to shift. It's not always easy—there are still sparks of awkwardness, of explaining, of fighting against old patterns—but every time I tell the truth of who I am, I light a candle. And the world gets a little lighter. So, yes, coming out is indeed about opening up to others. It's letting them in to your best self and being like, "Come on in—there's laughter, love, maybe some glitter, and a whole lot of soul." And when people do come on in? They don't just see you. They feel you. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens.

As long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by things getting the job done—how bridges stand strong in storms, how buildings rise on vacant ground, and how machinery affects our everyday lives. That curiosity brought me naturally to the construction and trade industry, where creativity marries precision and where what we create today will set the foundation for tomorrow. Serving in this profession is not only a career choice for me—it's a calling based on purpose, hands-on experience, and the ability to create lasting value for others. My father has been one of the most significant influences on my path. A hardworking tradesman himself, he instilled in me the value of craftsmanship, pride in your work, and the dignity that comes from creating something with your own two hands. Watching him come home covered in dust but smiling with pride made a deep impression on me. He showed me that skilled labor isn’t just about tools and materials—it’s about heart, discipline, and the drive to contribute to the world in a tangible way. Through his example, I’ve come to see the trades not only as a career path but as a meaningful way to serve others. My fascination with the skilled trades only grew stronger as I began working on projects myself. Whether it was helping to help restore a neighbor's porch, working on a building site, or learning to weld and use power tools, I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose and fulfillment. There's something particularly fulfilling about seeing the concrete fruits of your own labor—knowing you've constructed something strong, functional, and durable. In a more digital world, I've found real satisfaction in work that is grounded, hands-on, and required. Beyond personal satisfaction, I think the skilled trades are a powerful way to make a positive impact on the world. There's increasing demand for sustainable construction practices, energy-efficient homes, and long-lasting infrastructure. I want to be a part of that revolution—using today's techniques and green materials to build wiser, safer, and more sustainable communities. Whether I'm building affordable housing, recovering from a disaster, or building schools and hospitals in rural communities, I believe skilled tradesmen are vital to solving real-world problems. I also hope to give back through mentoring. In the same way that my dad influenced me, I hope to influence young people—especially those who might not see college as the best route—that the trades do have a real, fulfilling future ahead. I hope to assist in breaking the misconception that success only lies in a four-year degree and prove that tradesmen are not only essential—they're valued, innovative, and set to drive the future. Finally, I'm not just looking for a job—I'm answering a call. By the construction and skilled trades sector, I will leave my imprint not only on buildings but on people. My dream is to build more than structures; I want to build opportunity, resiliency, and a greater world.

Because I am a student of mechanical engineering, I have always been drawn towards the ideology that innovation can correct real issues. My decision to study this is not only because of a fondness for mathematics and science but also because I want to use these tools to simplify other people's lives. Through my education and experiences, I hope to have a lasting, positive impact by creating sustainable technologies, inspiring future generations of engineers, and promoting fair access to engineering solutions. Mechanical engineering is a powerful field because it intersects nearly every aspect of modern life—from transportation and energy to healthcare and manufacturing. My dream is to become an expert in sustainable and efficient design, particularly in renewable energy system design. Climate change is one of the largest challenges our world is facing today, and mechanical engineers have a crucial role to play in developing technologies that reduce carbon emissions and facilitate a cleaner world. By creating wind turbines, solar panels, or efficient machinery, I plan to contribute my share towards the transition to a greener and cleaner world. My experiences have also shaped my objective of using engineering for social purposes. Having grown up in an environment where exposure to advanced technology and engineering tools was not quite high, I am aware of the challenges faced by most people in entering the STEM workforce. I plan to use my experience to lead underrepresented students to find their potential in the engineering career. By tutoring, giving public speeches at schools, or creating outreach programs, I want to inform young people that their situation has no impact on their opportunities. Moreover, I am sure that real change happens when technology is accessible and inclusive. Engineers sometimes engineer for the average individual, unwittingly excluding people with disabilities or those from underrepresented groups. I hope to advocate for universal design concepts—engineering products for individuals from all walks of life and ability levels. Such as designing affordable prosthetic limbs using 3D printing or increasing access to clean water by making access better through low-cost mechanical systems are tangible solutions engineers can have on people's lives. Finally, I aspire to apply my mechanical engineering degree not only as a passport to technical achievement, but as a platform for service. I want to be known not only as someone who builds machines, but as someone who builds bridges—bridging people with the technologies and opportunities they need to thrive. Regardless of whether I'm being employed as part of a research team, startup, or nongovernment organization, I shall carry with me the commitment to create a beneficial difference. Genuine people with care and actions are what deliver positive change. My education in mechanical engineering as well as real-life experiences renders me capable to be such a person. I'm not going to just work on designing systems—I'm going to design the world better.