From a young age, I have been mesmerized by aviation and known that I wanted to become a pilot. My grandfather was a pilot and created the initial spark for flying in me. I loved hearing about his world travels and experiences. Where ever he went, he would bring knick-knacks from all around the world to me. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to fly with him as he passed when I was young. However, my passion for flying has only grown with age, but the undeniable fact that I was faced with was that my family was not financially able to help me pursue my dream. At the age of 14, I started searching for organizations that would allow me to learn more about flying and become hands-on involved despite my financial circumstance. I was not going to let finances crush my goals of earning my flight ratings and pursuing higher education. Three years ago, I came across Tango Thirty-One Aero Clube, an organization designed to help underprivileged youth learn how to fly through "sweat equity" and mechanic work. I made a place for myself in this club and was determined to soak up as much knowledge and experience as I could. By the age of 17, I performed two ground-up restorations on Cessna 150s, earned my private pilot certificate in a plane I restored, and graduated high school a year early with a 4.3 GPA and a year worth of college credits. Currently, I'm attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I completed my Instrument rating through the university in April 2021 and am now pursuing my Commercial license. Thankfully, I was awarded educational scholarships that lowered my tuition, which has aided in allowing me to attend. Between my financial input through work and help from my parents, my educational and flight training goals are becoming a reality. My mom is working two jobs, and my stepfather is working three jobs to help support my passion. I am so grateful for their hard work to help get me where I am today. I'm applying for the scholarship as it would help significantly in completing my Commercial license and relieve much stress from my family and I. Earning this license would allow me to get a job in aviation to help fund the remainder of my training and progress my flight and educational goals. Being allowed the opportunity to become a commercial pilot would permit me to progress my next goal of becoming an airline pilot once I graduate from college in 2023. I would be able to build hours and experience by working as a pilot as my commercial license would make me a pilot for hire. I will work as hard as I can to be able to financially support myself through the rest of my schooling and training. Ten years from now, I see myself where the little girl in me has always wanted to be, in the sky flying for an airline or a corporate company with pure joy in my heart for accomplishing something I've worked so hard for. Flying and aviation as a whole is something I'm extremely passionate about. In ten years, I would also love to run a program similar to Tango Thirty-One to help underprivileged youth learn about aviation through a hands-on method. I want to inspire others to work hard and keep pushing despite the burden of finances. My “spark” grows every day, and I love seeing that grow in youth and my peers. I will continue to persevere and work hard towards my dreams of becoming a professional, well-rounded pilot.