On my 10th birthday, I received my first dirtbike. Not only did I become the coolest kid in my neighborhood, but I fell in love with the mechanics of it. I wanted to know how it worked, what made it go faster, and how to fix it when it needed repair. As I got older, my curiosity grew as well. I traded up from dirtbikes to 4-wheelers, to speedboats and family cars. I have always been happiest when I am working with my hands, and figuring out how things work. I was lucky enough this summer to get a job at a local, family-owned automotive shop. Although I was hired as a part-time employee, it quickly became a full-time position. And I loved every minute of it. I started with knowledge of basic maintenance skills that I knew from working on my Suburban and my Dad's Jetta- changing the oil, replacing brake pads, and cosmetic repairs. During this past summer, I learned how to replace belts, diagnose a variety of engine problems, and even got to do a motor swap. The shop is working with my school schedule so that I can continue working there part-time, and adding to my skills and knowledge. These experiences have reinforced my desire to earn my ASE certification. I plan on attending Cecil College in the Fall of 2024 and completing their Automotive Repair program. I am currently dual enrolled in high school, while also taking business classes at Harford Community College. After receiving my ASE certification, I hope to continue working locally at an automotive shop while also pursuing a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Business Management at Harford Community College. Eventually, I would like to open my own automotive shop and provide opportunities for teens similar to the one I had this summer. Summer of 2022 was a changing point in my life. My relationship with my sister had been very unstable in recent months as she worked through some mental health issues. While on a family vacation, my sister became frustrated with me and decided to hit me with her car. Even though my physical injuries were relatively superficial- scrapes, cuts, bruising, and some scarring, this event created a chasm in my family that was unresolvable. My mother refused to hold my sister accountable for her actions, and in turn, I severed ties with them. This has been emotionally stressful, especially as they have not been a part of so many milestones over the past year and a half. I am lucky to have had the support of my father and other loved ones and family to be there each step of the way.

On my 10th birthday, I received my first dirtbike. Not only did I become the coolest kid in my neighborhood, but I fell in love with the mechanics of it. I wanted to know how it worked, what made it go faster, and how to fix it when it needed repair. As I got older, my curiosity grew as well. I traded up from dirtbikes to 4-wheelers, to speedboats and family cars. I have always been happiest when I am working with my hands, and figuring out how things work. I was lucky enough this summer to get a job at a local, family-owned automotive shop. Although I was hired as a part-time employee, it quickly became a full-time position. And I loved every minute of it. I started with knowledge of basic maintenance skills that I knew from working on my Suburban and my Dad's Jetta- changing the oil, replacing brake pads, and cosmetic repairs. During this past summer, I learned how to replace belts, diagnose a variety of engine problems, and even got to do a motor swap. The shop is working with my school schedule so that I can continue working there part-time, and adding to my skills and knowledge. These experiences have reinforced my desire to earn my ASE certification.

Phil Jackson said, "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." I believe the key to success in all aspects of life is knowing how to work together to achieve goals. By being part of a team- whether in a sport, a family, or a club, we learn to give and receive support that creates a sense of community. When a community is strong and supportive, then everyone benefits. During my time in high school, I was a member of the Varsity lacrosse team, as well as the captain of the golf and wrestling teams. In my leadership role, I learned the value of celebrating team successes, while also highlighting individual strengths so that each member's expertise could build a strong team base. Despite the long hours of practice, our team readily accepted the physical demands of training in hopes we would share a victorious season. I believe that high school athletics are a valuable tool in building relationships. These relationships transcend just a sports season, they help create friendships that last. As I hit roadblocks with my family, my teammates were there to offer support and guidance. Additionally, I have earned community service through the Knights of Columbus organization and Bike Camp through the Harford County Office of Disabilities. Even though both experiences were ways to give back to the community, my experience with Bike Camp is one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I have ever had. I had the privilege of working with students K-8 who had varying levels of physical disabilities. Over the week I was able to assist in teaching them how to balance and ride a bike. The joy of the students, and the pride on their faces (and their family's faces), was the best gift I could receive. I recently started working at a local, family-owned automotive shop. Although I was hired as a part-time employee, it quickly turned into a full-time position. I discovered I love the automotive field, and working collaboratively is a huge part of the job. I need to listen and communicate clearly- skills I have learned on the field and on the mat. The hours of boot camp and endurance training have prepared me physically for my chosen career, while the volunteer hours I have completed have given me the social skills, and the understanding of how to interact positively with customers.