When my wife and I learned we were expecting our first child, I felt an urgent need to find a career that would provide financial stability and personal fulfillment. I explored several career paths, but many either failed to ignite my passion or couldn’t offer the stability my growing family needed. After much prayer and guidance from trusted family and friends, I decided to pursue plumbing—a trade I came to admire for its essential role in society and the opportunities it provides for growth and security. Plumbing appealed to me because it offers job security, valuable hands-on skills, and the potential to provide a better life for my family. Growing up, I lacked the guidance of a father who could teach me practical skills. My father struggled with alcoholism and was often absent, leaving my single mother to shoulder the financial and emotional burdens of raising our family. Watching her work tirelessly to make ends meet inspired me to pursue a career that would offer both stability and the ability to care for my own family. Plumbing became the perfect avenue to gain the self-reliance skills my father never taught me, while also securing a brighter future for my children. Since beginning my plumbing journey, my confidence has grown immensely. I’ve learned how to use power tools, troubleshoot problems, and think critically to solve complex issues. For example, tasks like replacing a leaky kitchen faucet—once daunting—have become second nature. Each new skill I master brings a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. These experiences have taught me the value of persistence and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. I know I will be successful in this trade because I am a hard worker and am not afraid to tackle difficult problems. My determination to succeed, combined with my willingness to continue learning, drives me forward every day. The diverse aspects of plumbing—whether repiping a house, clearing drains, or installing water heaters—ensure job security as long as I remain a dedicated and reliable employee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw many people lose their jobs, but plumbing remained an essential service. This financial stability will allow me to spend more time with my children, eliminate the need to work multiple jobs, and provide a life of stability and opportunity for my family. To me, a successful life means having a close-knit family that enjoys spending time together and a career that meets our essential needs while allowing for family fun and quality time. Plumbing enables me to achieve this vision. If I only accomplish two things in life, I want to be a great plumber and a great father. I am confident that my work ethic and determination will allow me to achieve both.

In college, I explored several career paths. Some didn’t ignite my passion, while others wouldn’t provide the financial stability my growing family needed. When my wife and I learned we were expecting our first child, the urgency to find a stable and fulfilling career increased significantly. Through prayer and guidance from trusted family and friends, I decided to pursue plumbing. Although I had no prior experience, I was confident in my ability to learn. With encouragement from my wife and father figures, I reached out to a family acquaintance about joining his plumbing crew. As I gained hands-on experience, my passion for plumbing and skilled trades grew. I developed a deep appreciation for their critical role in society. My employers’ encouragement and my desire to provide a better life for my family motivated me to fully commit to this career path. For the past two years, I have been enrolled in a plumbing apprenticeship program. This experience has not only enhanced my confidence but has also allowed me to develop valuable skills such as using power tools, maintaining my home, and improving my critical thinking. Each day, as I work and attend classes, I feel a growing sense of inspiration. I take pride in helping others maintain and improve their homes while simultaneously creating a better future for myself and my family. After completing my apprenticeship, I plan to become a foreman and eventually open my own plumbing business. My employer has been incredibly supportive throughout my journey, and I intend to work for him for several years as a way of expressing my gratitude. After gaining sufficient experience, I hope to establish my own company. Once my business is successful and requires less of my day-to-day involvement, I aspire to join the Plumbers Without Borders program, contributing to efforts that improve access to safe water and sanitation in underserved communities around the world. The decision to pursue plumbing was not without challenges. As I mentioned earlier, I had no prior experience in the field. In the beginning, I earned the nickname “one-man wrecking crew” from my coworkers due to my lack of skills and understanding. Despite my hard work, I often felt lost and discouraged, doubting whether I had made the right career choice. I worried that my inexperience might even cost me my job. One day, my foreman and the company owner held a meeting with me. They outlined the areas where I was struggling and offered clear advice on how to improve. That meeting became a pivotal moment in my career. I had a choice: I could let their feedback offend me, or I could embrace their constructive criticism and use it to grow. I chose humility and accepted their advice. Slowly but surely, I began to improve. My lack of experience placed me far behind the learning curve, but with the patience and support of my employer and coworkers, I learned from my mistakes and made significant progress. The journey was far from easy, but it taught me the value of humility and perseverance. Recently, my employer told me I am now his most valuable employee because of my willingness to accept feedback and strive for improvement. Hearing those words validated all the hard work and challenges I’ve overcome. I am proud of the progress I’ve made and am committed to continuing to grow, no matter the obstacles I may face.

My name is Jared Medearis, and I spent most of my childhood on a basketball court by myself. This was largely because I struggled with anxiety and depression. I never loved crowds, mostly because I feared public humiliation and judgment from my peers. I found peace in being alone, shooting hoops, or listening to music through my headphones. It wasn’t until I was about 14 years old that a therapist explained I was dealing with something common among teens and adults worldwide—anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety often stem from trauma, and my childhood was marked by severe traumatic experiences. My mom, brother, and I endured abuse and neglect at the hands of two different fathers before we finally left them. Being a victim of child abuse made me feel different from other kids, which led to bullying and public ridicule. I clung to the few people who showed me love and respect. To this day, the hardest part of depression is feeling like I can’t turn to anyone for help. I often feel trapped, as though no one can truly understand what it feels like to drown on the inside. Therapists, my spouse, close friends, and family all offer support, but they can only do so much. If I hadn’t found sports and my faith in Jesus Christ as a teenager, I don’t think I would have made it this far. I cling to the things that bring light into my life. As an adult, I turn to city leagues and pickup games at the gym to fill my spare time—time I might otherwise spend overthinking, spiraling into hopelessness, or focusing on what I lack. Reading the Word of God reminds me that I am a beloved son of God, and He is always there to lift me up. I also practice words of affirmation, and my wife has received advice and training from counselors on how to support me through my struggles with depression. I am pursuing a career in plumbing because it makes me feel like the man I want to be. My stepfather said many hurtful things that still haunt me, and for a long time, I believed I wasn’t going to amount to anything. I wasn’t handy at all, but I always wanted to be. My wife encouraged me to give plumbing a try, and I was fortunate to find a patient and supportive boss who took the time to teach me. Now, when I complete a plumbing project and hear positive feedback, I feel a sense of accomplishment that few other things provide. What started as a temporary job has become a source of personal fulfillment, and I am determined to pursue it as my career. I have felt alone for over fifteen years, but I know that I am not. Even though my brain struggles to comprehend the love that others have for me, I know it exists. I am worth something, even if the only person who doubts it at times is me. Pursuing my passion for plumbing is my way of proving to myself that I am capable and worthy.

My name is Jared Medearis, and I spent most of my childhood on a basketball court by myself. This was largely because I struggled with anxiety and depression. I never loved crowds, mostly because I feared public humiliation and judgment from my peers. I found peace in being alone, shooting hoops, or listening to music through my headphones. It wasn’t until I was about 14 years old that a therapist explained I was dealing with something common among teens and adults worldwide—anxiety and depression. Depression and anxiety often stem from trauma, and my childhood was marked by severe traumatic experiences. My mom, brother, and I endured abuse and neglect at the hands of two different fathers before we finally left them. Being a victim of child abuse made me feel different from other kids, which led to bullying and public ridicule. I clung to the few people who showed me love and respect. To this day, the hardest part of depression is feeling like I can’t turn to anyone for help. I often feel trapped, as though no one can truly understand what it feels like to drown on the inside. Therapists, my spouse, close friends, and family all offer support, but they can only do so much. If I hadn’t found sports and my faith in Jesus Christ as a teenager, I don’t think I would have made it this far. I cling to the things that bring light into my life. As an adult, I turn to city leagues and pickup games at the gym to fill my spare time—time I might otherwise spend overthinking, spiraling into hopelessness, or focusing on what I lack. Reading the Word of God reminds me that I am a beloved son of God, and He is always there to lift me up. I also practice words of affirmation, and my wife has received advice and training from counselors on how to support me through my struggles with depression. I am pursuing a career in plumbing because it makes me feel like the man I want to be. My stepfather said many hurtful things that still haunt me, and for a long time, I believed I wasn’t going to amount to anything. I wasn’t handy at all, but I always wanted to be. My wife encouraged me to give plumbing a try, and I was fortunate to find a patient and supportive boss who took the time to teach me. Now, when I complete a plumbing project and hear positive feedback, I feel a sense of accomplishment that few other things provide. What started as a temporary job has become a source of personal fulfillment, and I am determined to pursue it as my career. I have felt alone for over fifteen years, but I know that I am not. Even though my brain struggles to comprehend the love that others have for me, I know it exists. I am worth something, even if the only person who doubts it at times is me. Pursuing my passion for plumbing is my way of proving to myself that I am capable and worthy.

My career goals include becoming the foreman of a plumbing crew and eventually discovering my niche to open my own plumbing company. I am currently in my second year of my plumbing apprenticeship program. My employer has supported me in many ways as I worked to join the plumbing apprenticeship program. After graduating as a journeyman plumber, I plan to continue working for him for several years as a way of showing my gratitude. After at least five years, I plan to expand my horizons and open my own business. The road to higher education has been challenging for me. I live in Oregon with my wife and three kids. In recent years, Oregon was ranked as the fifth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living 31.43% higher than the national average. While many plumbing companies cover their apprentices’ schooling, my company is one of the few that does not. To support our family and pay for our education, my wife and I each work two jobs. Despite these challenges, we are committed to building a better future for our children while prioritizing time with them. My goal is to complete higher education so I can secure a fulfilling job that allows me to support my family and spend quality time with them. A career that helps others while balancing my personal and professional life is only achievable through higher education. This scholarship would reduce the financial burden of becoming a journeyman plumber. I would use it to cover tuition and gas expenses, as my college is an hour away from home. With this support, I could work fewer hours at my second job, lowering my stress and allowing me to focus more on my classes and apprenticeship. It would be an honor to receive this assistance.

Every day, ads, music, and television influence us to act impulsively. Self-control is a part of everyday life, yet many people seem to lack it. I value the self-control that I have developed because it is an important characteristic that is dwindling away. My self-control will help me have better health, relationships, finances, and a career throughout my life journey. Physical and mental health require self-control. It is easier to stay at home or do other activities than it is to exercise. That is evident in the amount of people who make regular exercise a New Year's Resolution and then give up a few months into the year. The same can be said about eating healthy. It requires self-control to eat healthy portion sizes in a country that has all-you-can-eat buffets, bottomless fries, free refills, and large serving sizes. However, with the self-control that I have diligently developed, I make the effort to eat well and exercise. My mind and body thank me for it. My mind is clear, my body functions properly, and I have greater confidence because of how I feel in my body. All of these benefits cascade into other aspects of my life. Acting impulsively is dangerous to relationships. On the other hand, having the self-control to keep calm in a difficult situation, think before I speak, and simply doing what is right instead of what I may want to do bless my relationships. I have experienced conversations that could have easily escalated, turn into effective communication. Serving my husband instead of watching an extra episode of a TV show makes him feel more loved. Cleaning up after a family get-together instead of going straight home makes my parents feel more appreciated. I am not perfect, but I have seen how my relationships with those around me flourish when I exercise self-control. Financial self-control is being attacked left and right. Everywhere I look, there is an ad for using some sort of buy-now, pay-later system. Even when I make a small $30 purchase online, I am given the offer to make payments on it instead of paying in full. Desperately avoiding the financial temptations that sneak into my mind has required great self-control. The results are less debt, more savings, and gratitude for what I have instead of a longing for what I lack. Pursuing a career has required exercising my self-control in all of the situations previously mentioned. My career path requires physical exertion, so taking care of my physical health will help me be successful. In order to be a great student and employee, I must strive to treat others kindly and do what is right even when it is difficult. Paying for my higher education requires financial self-control so that I can successfully pay tuition while meeting the needs of life. Successfully exercising my self-control will give me a more healthy and fulfilling life. Nothing in the world has more value to me than that.

A Father's Bargain by Wolves at the Gate is the song that has the most important message to me. It is a hard-core metal song about Jesus Christ's sacrifice and Atonement for us. With powerful instrumentals and lyrics, it paints a picture of mankind's sinful state and how Christ suffered so we can be forgiven and live with Heavenly Father again. Throughout my life, I have gone to church to learn about Christ and his sacrifice for us. This song has the most important message to me because it brings in an element to the doctrine that I don't think about often - how Heavenly Father felt about allowing Jesus Christ to make that sacrifice. "O my son, you must understand that if I show mercy You must reckon to pay, the last bit of my rage For justice reigns upon this throne; perfection without flaw How can the wicked find their peace and still have broken every law?" When I hear this song, my heart is filled with the unimaginable heartache and pain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ went through. All so we can be forgiven and cleansed and be worthy to live in God's presence again. As the singer cries "If only you knew of the grace and love that our God has for all, You'd turn and look into the face of Jesus the Savior, who calls... So receive this love and grace, believe his love and grace." Without Christ, we are nothing. This song gives me a renewed resolve to follow Christ, which is the most important thing in all eternity.

My childhood had dark times that weighed me down into adolescence. I struggled with mental health, until one day, a pair of missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints came to my family's door. As I learned more about Christ and what he did for the world, I felt light coming into my life. The peace and direction I get through prayer and studying the scriptures are unlike anything in the world. I want to share that light with others. In a world that often feels overwhelming and contentious, Christ offers peace that "passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). I want to see more people in my community, country, and the world coming unto Christ and finding peace. Four years ago, I dedicated two years of my life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I went out every day with the sole intention of speaking to people about Christ. Some people I helped had believed but lost their faith. Others didn't know of Christ as more than a man. No matter their background, I saw the change in people as they started to follow Christ more fully in their lives. They became more kind, patient, and loving. After my two-year mission, I continued with my education and started a family. I share the light of Christ every day in my home. With my wife and two boys, I pray at meals and before bed, I tell Bible stories, and I watch uplifting movies and shows. My oldest son is three years old. Hearing him pray fills my heart with joy. In my church organization, I volunteer to teach the 15-year-old youth Sunday school class. Every Sunday, we walk through the Bible and other scriptures. For many, the teenage years are when people decide who they want to be. They dabble in different hobbies, venture from what their parents have taught them, and push boundaries. By teaching the youth in my community, I am offering them an avenue that isn't as common today but is very fulfilling. Every day, I see the blessings that come from following Christ. I want everyone in my community and the world to experience and see those blessings. If everyone believed in and followed Jesus Christ's teachings, the world would be a safer and happier place.

I grew up in a small town where almost everyone knew their way around one skilled trade or another. However, I had an absent father who didn't teach me any of those skills, and a single mother who couldn't teach me even if she had the time. As I grew older, I wanted to be the kind of husband and father that could take care of my home and teach my children to do the same. When it came time to decide on a career path, I gravitated towards options that would teach me some of those skills. Having seen the financial struggle of a single parent, job security and income were also important factors in my career exploration. I am pursuing plumbing because it gives me the self-reliance I yearned for in my youth, it is an important field of work, and as a plumber, I can provide for my family. Learning a skill that is so essential to society has given me greater confidence. Pursuing plumbing is teaching me how to use power tools, allowing me to repair and maintain the plumbing in my own home, and enabling me to serve others who need plumbing assistance. For example, being able to update my kitchen faucet on my own gave me a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. What is now a simple do-it-yourself project was once a project that seemed unattainable. Many people who are interested in trades shy away from plumbing because it isn't the most glamorous job, but our lives would be very different without it. Access to clean water, facilities that keep our homes clear of waste, and getting hot water in seconds are all blessings from plumbing that I feel many people take for granted. The beginnings of plumbing started centuries ago. The long history of plumbing innovation has improved our quality of life immensely. I don't want to see this trade be diminished in any way. I consider it a privilege to be part of such a profound legacy. Plumbing is an essential job. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were out of work. I was blessed to be able to keep working because people need clear drains and running water. There are many aspects to plumbing, so I don't have to worry about not having work. Whether it is repiping homes, roto rooting drains, or servicing water heaters, there is always someone out there who needs or wants something done. Plumbing also opens the door to being a code inspector, teaching apprentices, or starting my own business. I am confident that I will always be able to provide for my wife and kids because I am pursuing a career in plumbing. Of the many trade career paths that are important to society and the economy, I am carrying on the legacy of plumbing. Learning to plumb is teaching me valuable life skills. Pursuing plumbing allows me to provide for my family in an honest way that I can be proud of. Plumbing is helping me be the man I have always wanted to be.