My name is Turner Reuter and I appreciate being able to apply for this scholarship. I was fortunate to be in my elementary school’s gifted program and I remember looking forward, every week, to designing and building the many different projects. I also liked taking apart and fixing bikes. In high school, I joined the New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League. It’s been a great experience mountain bike racing with our local team. Having a racing bike gave me the opportunity to not only maintain. but reconfigure and upgrade parts to enhance the bike’s performance. Through high school, I also worked part time at Wheelie’s- the local bike shop. The owner has been very supportive of my interests. I have repaired and upgraded many bikes and also learned a lot. In high school, I also took an automotive class. I have learned a lot about engines and other automotive parts. One of my favorite classes in high school was my drafting and design, where I learned all of the ins and outs of drafting and designing, giving me a deeper insight into the engineering world. Because of my efforts in my many technology classes, I was inducted into the technology honor society last year. I realized, through my design class as well as my love for building bikes, that I wanted to study mechanical engineering. I’ve been reading about bike companies that design and donate bikes to countries in Africa, and around the world to increase the possibility of sustaining their livelihoods. Having transportation from a remote village to sell products can determine the success of a person’s business. Success of a person’s business in underdeveloped countries can mean a difference between eating and starving. It's amazing how some engineers, through new technology, have designed bikes that function like a bike with gears but don’t have gears. The possibilities for improved design and function are endless. There are several non-profit companies in this field. This has made a big difference in many parts of our world. I plan to investigate this work as a possibility in my future. I have been accepted to Rowan University as well as Penn State mechanical engineering programs. My parents are divorced and even though they both work very hard, funds for my education are limited. I appreciate the opportunity to apply for this engineering scholarship in honor of Mr. Roy Nelson. His story is inspirational to me. My great grandfather was a World War 2 fighter pilot and career Air Force officer. My great uncle was in the navy in World War two and unfortunately remains to this day missing in action. Listening to stories of service to our country has inspired me as well to work hard for love of country and the greater good.