"Why do you never follow the rubric?" A question many of my classmates have asked. Bluntly put, I was never one for restrictions. It all started in the 3rd grade, when I discovered the web developer console. Pressing random buttons out of boredom in some mondain routine online math class, I eventually pressed that magical F12 key. Soon, the screen changed and morphed, suddenly HTML prompts and scripts where up on the side of my screen. I clicked a single image box from the console, pressed delete, and the image vanished. From there, my curiosity and antics only snowballed. Every time we were in the computer lab, I would find some random excuse to put on a show for the students next to me. I would change text, images, the occasional link to lead to somewhere stupid, it always brought a smile or laugh to the class. From that point on, I wanted to be a showman in school. As the years when on, and we got older, practical jokes and small gags slowly faded away. We had become more mature, or at least, on the outside. Regardless, I wanted to preserve at lease some spark of "delight" in the classroom. My new avenue of creativity came in the form of over achievement on projects. Every project that I turned in was designed not only for grades but intentionally crafted to be interactive or require audience participation. Instead of making the classic poster board or presentation, I would program full on video game projects that revolved around stories we read, giving my classmates a rush, and something to actually experience! Why read about a story we just read when you can play a game and be immersed in the elements? To this day, some of my high school teachers still play my little projects. In terms of "hacking" this was, more a loophole of following rules. Never did need to write a paper, the goal was understanding the story! I figured, why stick to the script, something common and predictable? No one cares! You need to be a showstopper, less your efforts fall upon def ears. Hacking, programming, heck anything with computers was news for days in my small rural town of a school, and I loved it! I even got into "hacking" computers back to life for classmates, which not only amused the students, and the teachers as well. I would meticulously pull of the cover of school computers, press that reset button, and poof, the password was changed. Or I would need to find out why someone's computer didn't connect to the internet, so I would fire up Wireshark and look for breaks. I eventually got so good that I aided my schools IT department. Kyle Lam’s story connects with me; it feels like a reflection of my own life. Like Kyle, I don’t chase what's safe or obvious. I love exploring what could be done, not just what should be. Restrictions, regulations, and rules in schoolwork or any project in general diminish the spark that everyone is born with! If you experiment, and dig into the unknown, you can turn your spark into a roaring fire. So, to answer the question, why do I never follow the rubric? The reason is simple, the rubric is a baseline, build beyond what you are told.

There are many things that come to mind when thinking of a life goal. A dream that embodies the very soul of an individual, something they will put every fiber of their being into. For me, I have had this dream ever since I was a boy. My name is Zane Hochstetler, and my dream is simple, but contains every moral and value I stand by. My dream is to entertain the world through the magic of computer systems, create my own Game Studio that allows me to share my thoughts with the world, and allow others not only to see the vast worlds I have dreamt, but to build a community around a world they can change as they like. Ironic, isn’t it? A man born in Ohio, the heart of farming and sports, wants to become a computer nerd to entertain the masses. Silly to some, but it is my dream no less. From a young age, I was drawn to technology. My father, an engineer, often worked on metal contraptions, sparks, and wires. Though I didn’t understand it fully, it sparked a passion in me that grew deeper with time. I have always tried to stand out. Throughout high school, I was the kid who never wrote an English paper or drew on a poster board. Instead, I programmed full-fledged video game projects for my class to see and play. Why retell a story or historical event when I could let my class experience and interact with it? Putting a smile on someone’s face and adding excitement or whimsy to their life meant far more to me than a grade. Granted, I was also the kid who got straight A’s, but that is a different story, haha. Leadership has also been a main staple of my life. In my last two years of high school, I attended the Trumbull County Technical Center. There, I led BPA competitions and competed in business challenges, meeting friends I could call upon for years. But leadership is more than glory. It’s about ensuring your team’s security is as important as your own. For our “Capstone Project,” designed to test if we were ready for the working world, no one knew what to do. So I took initiative and presented an idea: we pooled our strengths and created a video game that not only showcased everyone’s skills, helping us pass, but created a memento to remember each other by. Now, my plan to achieve my dream follows a clear path. First, I learned the basics through high school. Before college ends, I aim to develop and publish my first game, utilizing the friends and skills I gained at TCTC. From there, I want to build a community around the intellectual property of that game. Finally, I plan to continue growing by developing new projects and updating the original game, listening closely to the community’s wants and needs. So that leads me here, to the end of my story. To put it bluntly, Austin, this money is to fund my education and allow me to continue my dream of helping others and entertaining others as well. I will achieve my dream one way or another, but with your help, I might just do it a bit faster.

My condolences to Brandon's family, the loss of a child is never something easily perceived. Brandon Repola was clearly respected within his community, and a golden example of what every man should strive to be. To change the world is what we should strive for. Honoring his name through this scholarship is a powerful way to preserve his memory. It’s odd, in many respects, I can see my own passions mirrored in Brandon’s story. Just reading the short snippet of his history has provided gave me a window into the kind of person he was. Driven, ambitious, and determined to use his skills to impact the world, that is something I wish to become. Hard work and a focused, unwavering mindset are what push me forward each day. I too want to change the world in some form, be it through a major technological breakthrough or through a service rooted in digital innovation. My area of focus is vastly changing every day. Computer technologies and digital creativity are the backbone of society, and with those areas come a great variety of opportunities to focus on. Like Brandon, I believe entrepreneurship gives us the power to create things that have never existed before. With enough willpower and a strong sense of direction, we can build ideas that others may not even dream of attempting. One of the moments I’m most proud of came during my final year at the Trumbull County Technical Center. I had a simple idea to create a video game, not just as a personal project, but as a class-wide collaboration. As the year progressed and challenges mounted, that idea became a lifeline for the entire class. I stepped up as a leader, organizing my classmates, assigning tasks based on their skills, and motivating everyone to push through. In the end, we completed the game, passed our final requirements, and created something that will preserve our class’s memory forever. It wasn’t just a school project; it was a legacy. That experience showed me the power of creativity, leadership, and unity, and it’s something I carry with me into every project I take on. I’m currently pursuing an undergraduate degree with plans to further my skills in digital development, marketing, and technology. Outside of school, I freelance in web design and continue game development on my own time. My ultimate goal is to run my own studio, offering creative services and building games that reflect both innovation and community. Brandon’s story reminds me that purpose is just as important as talent. His desire to inspire others and show what’s possible through effort and belief is a message that resonates with me deeply. I hope to carry that same torch forward, not just for my own success, but to show others in my generation that they can build something meaningful too.

Computers are a primary part of modern-day life, every facet of the day is aided by a computer system, one way or another. Computing systems have been an intricate part of my generation for as long as we have existed, but even before I understood and utilized these tools myself, I was exposed to them in a multitude of ways. My name is Zane Hochstetler, and I am studying the vast world that is computer science. To put it bluntly, computers have always been a fascination for me. Starting with my father and his engineering job, he would always be working on some technological mess at the table. Granted, while too young to comprehend their function or purpose, it perplexed me none the less. Dad would tinker with this mess of wires, then all of a sudden it would make a noise, or a string of lights would go off. To me, that was amazing. The fascination with computer systems grew from there. In high school, I would find myself researching all the hardware we had at our disposal. From computer lab desktops, to Chromebook, I was trying to understand exactly how these machines worked. This fascination sunk into my classwork as well, opting to use the power of computers over conventional creativity. Instead of making a poster or paper about a book I read, I would make full-fledged video games for my class to enjoy. If we had an assignment that required us to "visualize and idea" then I would use my technical knowhow to truly show my class what my idea was. This need to entertain and go above and beyond spilled into my dream job of being my own independent game studio. Regardless of success or fame, the true goal of my dream is to entertain the public with something I did, with a world I foster and constructed for their entertainment. There is a plethora of people that study computer science for many reasons, and granted, they may all share the same goal of independence. So why choose me, some may ask. I'm not learning to make money, nor am I learning skills to create a cog in the machine for a business. I want education for one sole reason: I’m building a legacy. This scholarship would not only support my education, but also empower me to continue creating, innovating, and sharing my passion with the world.

Hello there. My name is Zane Hochstetler. I am an average everyday man with a fiery passion and work driven attitudes for all things technology! Computers and the digital trades as a whole have influenced me all my life, my father being an engineer, I was either directly or indirectly exposed to some sort of gadget either brought home by my father, or something I simply stumbled across. This passion and curiosity have influenced a multitude of decisions in my life and continues to do so to this day. The trade of computer science and technology as a whole is the basis of my work. Even in high school I opted to program full-fledged story book-based video games before even thinking about writing a paper, and honestly, I think my teachers would agree that was a better option haha. I have always been an entertainer, and a dreamer. I have always been someone who wants the highest reaction from the crowd, and someone who is willing to sink time, effort, and overall focus into a project to produce something worthwhile. My overall plan is to become my own independent man, via opening my own game development studio. A place where I can utilize my creative talents to offer up experiences that give people a rush. But for now, I am working up to that so coveted dream. My community is rural, plain and simple. There are no technological marvels where I live. West Farmington is a quaint little farming town. Nevertheless, there are a multitude of businesses that want to be seen! Hence, my freelance digital trade services were born. I established my own website, zanehoch.com, to offer services to my community, allowing them to connect to the world without the hassle of calling someone from 4 states away. This simple set up allows me to make an income and provide services that allow my community to stay connected in a multitude of ways. From website design to basic computer installation, there is lots to do! All in all, learning the trade of computers is the heart of my work. This operation also serves a second functions. True, it is to make an income and provide service to my community, but it also fuels my education. On top of all the books I am given by my institution, real time projects allow me to learn quickly and efficiently. If there is an issue my client is experiencing, and I don't know how to fix it right off the bat, I take the time to research the issue. Working for myself, and for my community allows me to grow and develop as a person, while also maintaining the ever so focused dream of being an entertainer in the realm of computers.

Hello there! My name is Zane Hochstetler. I’ve always been someone who enjoys working with technology, solving problems, and creating things from the ground up. I grew up curious about how things work, from video game mechanics to the most advanced computer systems. Going into my junior year of high school, curiosity led me to study at the Trumbull County Technical Center, where I was enrolled in the Web Design and Application Develpment course. From there, my passion for this trade grew exponentially. I was the head of a multitude of projects, BPA companions, and a plethora of other things which have allowed me not only to develop my leadership skills but learn and understand the functionality of computers as a whole. I even proposed, led, and successfully directed a full-fledged game development operation that allowed all of us to pass our final exam, our capstone prestation of skills. This experimentation with leadership and coordination made me realize something about myself, I do not want a common end job. I do not want to be stuck behind a counter for the rest of my life, or answer to a board room executive that barely knows my name. The trades is what allows me to break away from the common traditions of the middle class. Utilizing all that I have learned from my time at trade skill, I have established myself as my own work force. I got out of there, started a website zanehoch.com, started to advertise myself as a freelance technical trades' contractor. Passion and purpose go hand and hand, and my motivation is simple, rise above expectations and set your own precedent. If you don't work hard to understand something many can't, then how can you possibly stand out? The trades is the way to go, especially a younger man like me. Learning a skill that is alien to many will open a sea of opportunities unthought of by my peers! Not to mention, I always love standing out. Even in high school and into college, my projects were never just for the grade, they were a show. They were built to entertain, and inspire, and really test my trade skills. All in all, the trade of computer technology is a gateway to millions of possibilities. With the expansion of computing systems gaining every day, I am assured that my services will always be needed, and there will always be a show to put on.

I'm currently pursuing the ever so rapidly growing trade of computer science, with a specific focus on application development. My passion for technology started early in life. I’ve always been curious about how things work, especially computers. That curiosity led me to enroll in the Web Design and Application Development program at the Trumbull County Technical Center during my final years of high school. There, I realized that technology isn’t just about coding or building websites, it’s about solving problems, creating experiences, and helping others bring their ideas to life. The mix of logic and creativity sparks an overall passion for my work, enabling me to see the connections between fantasy writing and realized digital works. Whether I’m designing a website for someone or building a video game from the ground up, I’m able to express myself while learning how digital systems work on a deeper level. After completing my trade education, I plan to continue developing my skills through freelance work and personal projects. I’ve already begun building a portfolio of websites and video game prototypes that show not only what I’ve learned but also what I’m capable of independently. I hope to grow my brand, reach more clients, and eventually start my own game development studio. My goal is to create a career that allows me to help and overall entertain others through the magic of computers, while also expressing my creativity as a whole. Be it something completely aimed at a functional purpose or purely driving by entertaining prowess, I want to build a career that feels personal and impactful. One of the biggest and most memorable challenges I faced was during my senior year at TCTC was when my classmates and I had to complete a capstone project. This project was essentially the final "yes or no" as to if we were skilled in our trade or not. It was truly a make-or-break moment, if any one of us fell below the marker, that man would not be considered ready to pass the course. Due to this strenuous fact, many of us struggled to find direction worthy of thought and dedication. I and my classmates knew what we had learned, but we weren’t sure how to apply it in a meaningful way. Instead of working alone, I brought a few of my classmates together and pitched an idea: what if we all created smaller projects that contributed to one big one? That idea became the T.H.I.E.F. Initiative, a collaborative game project that allowed each of us to focus on our individual strengths while contributing to a shared goal. It wasn’t easy organizing the group, or balancing all the moving parts, but by listening, adapting, and keeping everyone focused, I ended up orchestrating and overseeing a project we were all proud to present. I'm also happy to say, we all passed above advanced, haha. That experience taught me that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself, it’s about helping others do their best work and building something greater together.

There are a multitude of passion projects and education-based projects I have worked on over the years. If I had to choose one, however, it would be the one I am still working on to this day. In my final days of high school, I attended the Trumbull County Technical Center, enrolling in their Web Design and Application Development program. It was a major decision that helped me build the foundation for my future in technology. Toward the end of my senior year, my classmates and I were tasked with completing a capstone project. This project needed to demonstrate to a panel of judges that we were capable of applying the skills we had learned in our trade. We were made aware of this requirement well before the deadline; however, one dilemma seemed to plague our classroom, no one knew what to do for their final project. Hence, the T.H.I.E.F. Initiative was born. The Honest Idea of Educational Fighting (T.H.I.E.F.) was a game project designed to solve multiple problems with a single idea. I came to the conclusion that what we needed most was a unified focus. So, gathering a handful of my peers, I presented a solution. In short, we each created smaller projects with the shared goal of contributing to a larger one. Everyone was given a specific task based on their skill set, passion, and overall knowledge base. Each role was tailored so that not only would we appear professional during our presentations, but we could also connect our individual work back to the main project. This wasn’t just a way to optimize our professional appearance and to earn a passing grade, it was an opportunity for all of us to come together and learn from one another’s ideas. We brought together our creative strengths, weaknesses, and quirks to build a game that was truly ours. Once all was said and done, I’m proud to say that my small orchestration of a few outgoing high schoolers resulted in something we’ll remember for years to come. Not to mention, we all passed our capstone presentations with scores well above advanced, haha. Technology has always been a large part of my life, not just in school or my community. Even as a young boy, I was fixated on understanding how and why technology worked. That curiosity led me into a realm of learning that outshined all my other skills. Understanding how a computational system works gives me a sense of pride. It shows that the human mind is capable of creating truly amazing things. That’s where my inspiration lies. If humans can build such wonders through technology, then why can’t I do the same? Technology is a tool created from great minds to aid and allow the creation of other amazing long-lasting ideas. Every day I strive to finally make something that will leave a mark just as big as the creation of the computer.

In the world of trades, there is a plethora to choose from. Personally, I like to stick to what I know. My name is Zane Hochstetler, and I am an aspiring student studying the wonderful world of digital trades. Web design, graphic design, video editing, even programming. If it involves a computer, I want to understand it and refine my skills in it. From humble beginnings as a trade student, to my future goals and coveted career dreams, and even my soon to come graduation plans, my whole focus has been on computer-oriented trades. To begin, let me break down my history. Ever since grade school, I have ensured to take classes revolving around computers, be it typing, simple web design, google suite classes, if it involved a screen, I was doing it. Even when the class was not computer focused, I still managed to find a way to get my love of computers in the class. Anytime I had a project about a book or a story, I would always make a micro video game opposed to a paper. I loved the reactions my classmates had to my projects and loved adding a spark to the classroom. Later down the line, I left my homeschool to attend the Trumbull Career & Technical Center, enrolling in the Web Design and Application Development course. I was able to thrive as a student, leading a multitude of BPA competitions, putting together and leading various digital projects, and most recently, creating a game project that will stretch through generations of students. My recent academic endeavors have also been focused on digital trades, particularly my enrollment in Kent State's IT program. So why did I sink my time into all of this work? Why exactly focus on it? Bluntly, my dream is to become my own self-made man. I want to operate my own digital domain so to speak. My short-term goals revolve around my current endeavors, expanding my independent contracting to bigger and better clients. But my main goal is the construction of my own game studio. Throughout the years, I have found that two things matter to me when it comes to work. The first goal in my work is to go above and beyond expectations. You will either fall above the bar, or below the bar. The second goal in my work is the entertainment factor. Work will always be viewed in a positive light to the creator, but when your work truly inspires and provokes a reaction from others, you know your work is good. Hence, my long-term goal is to be a man who can work for himself, and continue creating entertaining, emotion provoking projects for years to come. My goals may be far, but graduation is coming up quick. What do I plan to do after graduation? I suppose my first task is to pull my resources together. Use all the social ties, work experiences, and over all skills I have learned through my higher education to construct a baseline. From there, I will focus on what I am good at. Small jobs, large jobs, simple favorite here and there, build a repour within my community. Finally, after graduation, my ultimate goal is to create a steady flow of income for myself. The only way a man can truly reach his dreams, is by supporting himself first.

Hello there, my name is Zane Hochstetler. I am currently a high school senior, attending the Trumbull County Technical Center (TCTC) trade school. My current trade of study is computer programming and general computer sciences. As of now, I am ready for the working world! I was able to not only establish a bases of my trade, but also developed a means of being, essentially, my own boss! (Via being a contractor / free agent.) So why choose the path of trades? For starters, being educated in a trade means you can do as you wish in your field, there is a wide variety of opportunities! I'm able to do things how I want, and when I want; I am able to do freelance work and do what I love at my own pace. Speaking of which, one of the other reasons I took up a trade is the fact I love it! I can learn and expand my knowledge of a topic I find intriguing, while also being productive in the process. Being a trade student, I have many avenues of income to choose from. When you have a trade under your belt, you become more than just an average, everyday worker. You become an essential asset to the world of business. You become a resource, something that is sought after and valued by the working world. In short, I became invested with the path of trades because it allows me to get a head start in life. It allows me to study and develop a skill I cherish, and it allows me to gain many operativities I would otherwise lose out on.

If I was stuck watching only one movie for the rest of my life, it would need to be "Star Wars; Return of the Jedi." Now, some may say, why? Why have the same space action story replayed for you over and over and over again? Well, there are a few reasons why I chose this cinematic marvel. In the bluntest manner, I am a Star Wars fan, but I chose this Star Wars movie in particular as it was the first Star War movie I had ever seen. This movie was one of the best ways me and my father connected. My father showed me something from his childhood, and now it remains a favorite of mine to this day. The second reason I would choose this movie is the plot. Yes, lasers and spaceships make an action-packed plot but, that isn't the main point I take away. Towards the end of the film, we are faced with one of the most pinacol battles in Star Wars lore, the battle between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. A fight of good and evil, a son fighting his father. During the conflict, Darth Vader is faced with a choice, continue down this torturous path of the dark side, or come back to the light. This scene is one of my favorites; yes, it depicts an epic and eye pleasing visual event but more importantly, it showcases the idea that anyone can return from even their darkest depths. Personally, if I was to watch a movie for the rest of my life, I would want it to be visually spectacular, and hold a prominent message I could use for years to come. This movie also has a great deal of concepts when considering the plot. We see a mix of people banning together to fight a common enemy, we see the wills of many unthwarted by an almost insurmountable darkness, and we see family values that display the true nature of what it means to be such. Overall, this movie has been a personal anchor in my life, a great teacher of sorts in terms of morals, and even a means of exploring emotional and complex topics that can easily be attributed to my life in one form or another. In short, if I was to watch the same movie over and over again for the rest of my natural born life, it would need to be the one that allowed me to connect many dots as a child, for my future and my present.