Growing up as the son of an active duty service member wasn't the idealized TV version of military life. My dad's three combat tours meant long stretches of absence, and even when home, he worked tirelessly, often more than twelve hours a day. The constant moves, the unfamiliar schools, and the ever-present worry created a unique childhood tapestry. But those absences and challenges also made his presence all the more impactful. I remember being eight years old when my dad, despite working 12-hour days at the armory, took the time to drive me to the store. We were in line, and he noticed a woman struggling to pay. Without hesitation, he quietly paid the difference. The gratitude in her eyes, and the lesson he taught me that day about compassion and helping those in need, resonated deeply. It wasn't just about the money; it was about seeing a need and acting with kindness. He always made time for me, instilling in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to helping others, even amidst the pressures of his demanding career.
My father's dedication to service and his emphasis on problem-solving have instilled in me a profound desire to contribute to something larger than myself. Witnessing his dedication firsthand instilled in me a sense of duty and a relentless pursuit of solutions. This is why I'm drawn to the demanding fields of physics and engineering, where I believe I can use my skills to push the boundaries of what's possible in space exploration. My passion for art, connects to my desire to create and solve problems in a tangible and visceral way. My artistic understanding of form, structure, and material properties directly informs my approach to engineering design, particularly in visualizing and prototyping complex systems. Creating sculptures requires a meticulous understanding of how materials interact under stress and load, principles directly applicable to designing spacecraft components and habitats for future space missions. The ability to envision a finished product and then meticulously craft it from raw materials is a skill that translates seamlessly into the engineering world, allowing me to approach complex problems with a holistic and creative mindset. My hands-on experience in manipulating materials and understanding their limitations will be invaluable as we strive to build the infrastructure that will lead the world into tomorrow.
My academic pursuits reflect this drive and my commitment to hands-on learning. As a member of the Fencing Club, I learned the importance of teamwork, strategy, and discipline. More importantly, I fostered a collaborative environment where team members could learn from each other and push their limits. These experiences honed my leadership skills and taught me the importance of adaptability and teamwork, qualities essential for success in any collaborative engineering endeavor.
After completing my dual degrees with a minor in Art Studio, and earning a welding certificate which will allow me to apply practical fabrication techniques to advanced aerospace prototypes, I am determined to contribute to the advancement of Space and Aeronautical Technologies. The welding certificate, in particular, reflects my commitment to gaining practical, hands-on skills. I see it as a critical asset in the design and construction of future space vehicles and habitats, allowing me to contribute directly to the fabrication process and understand the real-world challenges involved in building complex structures. I believe that my unique combination of skills and experiences, blending theoretical knowledge with practical abilities and artistic vision, will allow me to make a meaningful impact in these fields, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and contributing to a future where humanity explores and inhabits the vast expanse of space.
While my dad was deployed in 2019, my mom filed for divorce while he was at mobilization site getting ready to fly over to the Middle East. Once she filed, she would leave me at home alone for weeks at a time, when I had to teach myself how to cook and clean. I was 13 years old at the time. Even though I texted my dad every day, I did not tell him what she did as I did not want to put stress on him while he was defending our country. He would have his brothers and sister buy me pizza and pop from time to time, but I still did not tell him what she was doing. She would also bring in another man and his kids to my dad's house and forced me to be nice to them and told me to never tell my dad what she was doing. As soon as my dad got back, he saw where I lost weight and inches due to the lack of food. He took care of me and helped me to get over that time in my life, but I don't think I will ever get over it as it has caused some long term phycological issues that I will continue to work on. My dad is the rock in my life!