Throughout my high school years and into my college career, I have grappled with the ongoing challenge of maintaining my mental wellness. Initially, I held the belief that relocating across the country for college would be a solution to my mental health struggles. However, it quickly became apparent that this move only exacerbated my existing anxiety and depression, leading me on a difficult journey toward self-discovery and healing. In high school, the concept of therapy was foreign to me. I dismissed it as an unnecessary step and instead pinned my hopes on the notion that a change of scenery and a fresh start at college would magically resolve my mental health concerns. Unfortunately, this misguided belief was shattered as I found myself facing even greater challenges as a mechanical engineering major entering college during the pandemic. The pressures of academia, coupled with the daunting prospect of establishing a new social life and adapting to a different environment, worsened my anxiety and depression. Determined to address my mental health struggles, I turned to my college's mental health resources, seeking the support and guidance that I desperately needed. Regrettably, my initial encounters with these resources proved unhelpful and distressing. Waiting rooms became the backdrop for my anxiety attacks, with the inadequate support only intensifying my struggles. This experience left me feeling isolated, as though I had no choice but to face my issues alone. Despite these setbacks, I continued to persevere, believing that I could tough it out on my own. In pursuit of my dreams, I secured an internship in the automotive manufacturing industry, a dream come true, working at BMW. My resolve was put to the test as I confronted my anxiety head-on, determined to push through my challenges and prove to myself that I could overcome them. However, anxiety attacks and symptoms of depression continued to persist. My time in South Carolina during the internship became a turning point. The constant struggle with my mental health issues compelled me to reassess my approach. The decision to research and find a therapist became a crucial step in my journey toward better mental wellness. During the summer of 2022 I started seeing a therapist, and from that moment, my path toward self-improvement and healing began. Since embarking on this path of therapy, I have faced numerous obstacles, confronted distressing moments, and committed myself to enhancing my mental well-being. This process has required hard work and resilience, but it has been a transformative experience. I have come to understand that addressing mental health issues is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward personal growth and self-discovery. As I continue my pursuit of an engineering degree, I now recognize the immense importance of maintaining my mental wellness. This newfound self-awareness has enabled me to stay focused on my academic goals while also fostering a healthier and more balanced approach to life. My struggles have taught me that mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their mental wellness and seek support when needed, ultimately fostering a more compassionate and understanding environment for all individuals facing similar challenges in their educational and professional endeavors.

I am a senior in mechanical engineering at the University of Tennessee. I'm the first in my family to pursue higher education. Since middle school, I've been driven by a strong passion for automotive engineering, which led me to study mechanical engineering. This passion has guided me to join DriveUT, a college car club, which has introduced me to the Knoxville car community and to many more mechanical engineers with similar interests. Along with my passion for automotive is my role as a chapter founder of Alpha Omega Epsilon, a STEM sorority at UT. Our mission is guided by three pivotal pillars—sisterhood, professionalism, and philanthropy. Our sorority offers mentorship opportunities through rose buds and big sister pairings, along with workshops delving into professional realms, fortifying our community with support and knowledge. To further my professional experience, I was able to secure a three-rotation co-op with BMW beginning the second semester of my sophomore year. Although it has delayed my graduation by a year, I find it extremely important to further my education with industry experience. I am currently in South Carolina completing my second rotation as a metrology automation engineer intern. During this rotation, I applied to BMW’s SpeedUp program which grants me internal hiring access after graduation. This program had many challenges to get into, including an interview and research presentation. The program has also given me the opportunity to attend additional professional development workshops and German classes. I take great pride in this achievement as I adjusted my co-op schedule to meet its prerequisites and it aligns perfectly with my envisioned career goals. I believe it will serve as a significant advantage upon my graduation and in my future job search. While my educational pursuits have been supported by my parents' unwavering dream to navigate college debt-free, unforeseen medical expenses have placed an increasing strain on our financial situation. My sister's difficult battle with early onset Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB), including three unsuccessful cardiac ablations, has compounded our family's financial strain. Personally navigating irregular heart rhythm concerns, albeit less severe and frequent, has further added to our medical expenses. Additionally, my father's allergy medication, deemed non-life-threatening by insurance standards, incurs significant out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, the health challenges faced by my mother relating to arthritis, grandmother's battle with breast cancer, and the recent diagnosis of dementia in my grandfather have compounded our familial challenges. To alleviate this financial strain, I've tried many things: residing at home, juggling work commitments during the semester, securing paid internships, and persistently applying for scholarships. My parents and I’s unwavering determination to graduate without the burden of financial debts have been a driving force. This scholarship represents more than just support for my academic path; it contributes to my family's resilience in the face of financial challenges. This financial support, beyond its material value, signifies an alleviation of burdens. It opens a window to channel my energies entirely into my academic pursuits, to engage more deeply in engineering-related clubs, and to further my professional experiences. I look forward to joining UT's Baja team after my return from the co-op at BMW, which excites me and offers new opportunities beyond my planned courses.

Driving Under the Influence is a prevalent issue that takes a devastating toll on countless lives every year. It is a problem that hits close to home for me, as my late grandfather suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a drunk driver. DUIs continue to plague our society, with incidents occurring regularly near my college campus. I often worry that one day, someone I love and care about could fall victim to a careless and selfish impaired driver. As a mechanical engineering major with aspirations to work for a major automotive manufacturer, I believe that technology can play a pivotal role in preventing DUI-related accidents. The automotive industry has made significant advancements in vehicle safety systems, with features like lane keep assist, self-driving capabilities, and systems to detect drowsy driving. While these developments are commendable, it's crucial that we expand our focus to address the issue of impaired driving, which continues to pose a significant risk on our roads. One potential solution lies in utilizing the existing sensors and technology within vehicles to detect signs of impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. Modern vehicles are equipped with many sensors and advanced driver assistance systems. These sensors can monitor various aspects of a driver's behavior, such as driving patterns within lanes and reaction times. Any deviations from the norm, which could be indicative of impaired driving, could trigger alerts or interventions within the vehicle. Moreover, technology such as voice recognition systems could be harnessed to identify changes in vocal patterns and slurred speech, both common signs of intoxication. Just as drivers can use voice commands to control music or navigation, these systems could be programmed to assess the driver's condition based on speech. If signs of impairment are detected, the vehicle could take appropriate actions, such as alerting the driver, reducing speed, or even initiating emergency protocols to ensure safety. To make this drunk driving prevention system more accurate, additional technology can be integrated into vehicles. Breathalyzer ignition interlock devices, which require drivers to provide a breath sample to start the car, are already in use for DUI offenders. These devices could be refined and made more accessible for all vehicles, providing real-time alcohol-level monitoring. Should a driver exceed the legal limit, the vehicle could take control to prevent them from driving until they are sober. Incorporating such technology into vehicles not only enhances safety but also serves as a strong deterrent against drunk driving. If potential DUI offenders know that their vehicles will intervene when they are impaired, they may think twice before getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. In conclusion, DUIs continue to plague our society, affecting countless lives and leaving a trail of devastation. To prevent these life-altering decisions, automotive manufacturers should harness the power of existing vehicle technology and sensors to detect signs of impairment due to alcohol and drugs. By integrating these features into vehicles and enhancing their accuracy, we can take a significant step towards reducing the incidence of DUIs and saving lives. As a future engineer in the automotive industry, I am committed to being a part of the solution and making our roads safer for everyone.

Throughout my high school years and into my college career, I have grappled with the ongoing challenge of maintaining my mental wellness. Initially, I held the belief that relocating across the country for college would be a solution for my mental health struggles. However, it quickly became apparent that this move only exacerbated my existing anxiety and depression, leading me on a tumultuous journey towards self-discovery and healing. In high school, the concept of therapy was foreign to me. I dismissed it as an unnecessary step and instead pinned my hopes on the notion that a change of scenery and a fresh start at college would magically resolve my mental health concerns. Unfortunately, this misguided belief was shattered as I found myself facing even greater challenges as a mechanical engineering major entering college during the pandemic. The pressures of academia, coupled with the daunting prospect of establishing a new social life and adapting to a different environment, worsened my anxiety and depression. Determined to address my mental health struggles, I turned to my college's mental health resources, seeking the support and guidance that I desperately needed. Regrettably, my initial encounters with these resources proved unhelpful and distressing. Waiting rooms became the backdrop for my anxiety attacks, with the inadequate support only intensifying my struggles. This experience left me feeling isolated, as though I had no choice but to face my issues alone. Despite these setbacks, I continued to persevere, believing that I could tough it out on my own. In pursuit of my dreams, I secured an internship in the automotive manufacturing industry, a dream come true, working at BMW. My resolve was put to the test as I confronted my anxiety head-on, determined to push through my challenges and prove to myself that I could overcome them. However, anxiety attacks and symptoms of depression continued to persist. My time in South Carolina during the internship became a turning point. The constant struggle with my mental health issues compelled me to reassess my approach. The decision to research and find a therapist became a crucial step in my journey towards better mental wellness. During the summer of 2022 I started seeing a therapist, and from that moment, my path toward self-improvement and healing began. Since embarking on this path of therapy, I have faced numerous obstacles, confronted distressing moments, and committed myself to enhancing my mental well-being. This process has required hard work and resilience, but it has been a transformative experience. I have come to understand that addressing mental health issues is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards personal growth and self-discovery. As I continue my pursuit of an engineering degree, I now recognize the immense importance of maintaining my mental wellness. This newfound self-awareness has enabled me to stay focused on my academic goals while also fostering a healthier and more balanced approach to life. My struggles have taught me that mental health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their mental wellness and seek support when needed, ultimately fostering a more compassionate and understanding environment for all individuals facing similar challenges in their educational and professional endeavors.