One of my favorite local community events is Oktoberfest. This small-town celebration brings everyone together, and I’ve had the chance to participate in many ways. I’ve done everything from helping with the fire departments grilling tent, to selling candles for my DECA chapter, helping fundraise for Make-A-Wish as a brand ambassador to working the sports boosters booth. It’s a time when the community comes together in a big way, and I get to be a part of it. Oktoberfest holds so much meaning to me because it celebrates our town’s spirit. There’s music from local bands, a farmers market showcasing local produce, and small businesses raising awareness about their services. My towns sports and band boosters raise money during the event to offer grants to kids who wouldn't be able to afford to participate, like me and my brothers. They're also able to offer yearly college scholarships through these fundraising efforts. It’s amazing to see how this event gives back to local kids, offering them opportunities they might not have otherwise had. One of the major goals of Oktoberfest is to raise money for important causes in our town. A key initiative has been fundraising for the library’s handicap-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the resources it offers. The event also supports a small local museum, preserving the history of our community for future generations. And, of course, there’s the food—whether it’s clam chowder, fresh lemonade, or hand-cut fries, there’s something for everyone. Honestly, just thinking about it makes me hungry! Nothing like snacking on cotton candy from the local boy scouts while your schools marching band parades by to help you feel like you're part of the community, and truth be told, also slightly nauseous. What makes this event truly meaningful, though, is the way it fosters a sense of community. It’s about bringing people together, no matter their background, to celebrate what we all share. It’s not just about fun, though that’s definitely a big part of it—it’s about creating opportunities for everyone. As someone who’s benefited from grants to participate in sports, is applying to local scholarships and the countless other ways the community supports me and my family, I’d love to see even more growth in these areas. More grants for local kids, more funding for extracurricular activities, and even stronger community involvement. These changes could provide more opportunities for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Our Oktoberfest may be a small-town event, but it has a big impact. It brings together the flavors of New England, the music of our schools, and the spirit of generosity. It’s a reminder of how much can be accomplished when a community works together. For me, it’s about giving back to the place that shaped me, supporting the causes that help others, and creating a future where everyone can feel included.

I've chosen to pursue higher education because it provides the best opportunity to achieve my personal and professional goals. As a first-generation college student, I see education as more than just a degree—it’s a gateway to stability, growth, and long-term success. Engineering has always fascinated me, and attending college is essential for entering the field and making an impact. More importantly, I want to break generational barriers and set an example for my younger brother, proving that higher education is attainable, even without a direct family blueprint. I want to build a future where my hard work and perseverance open doors not only for myself but for those who come after me. Preparing for college as a first-generation student has required a great deal of initiative and adaptability. Without family to guide me through the process, I’ve sought mentorship from teachers, counselors, and people working in engineering. I've also been fortunate to have several church leaders who have attended my top choice school and have helped me navigate some of the more complex circumstances, like housing and insurance, that my family was having trouble understanding. I’ve challenged myself academically by taking AP classes and following a STEM pathway, ensuring I build a strong foundation for my engineering studies. My involvement in extracurricular activities, such as Robotics and Science Club, has further prepared me for college by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Leadership has played a significant role in shaping my confidence and skills. Serving as Student Government Treasurer, National Honor Society Treasurer, and Vice President of both Robotics and Science Club has strengthened my ability to work in teams, manage complex projects, and take initiative. Additionally, as DECA President, I developed business and communication skills that will help me navigate the professional world. These experiences have not only prepared me for college coursework but also for the collaborative and competitive environment of engineering. Beyond academics, I’ve worked multiple jobs, balancing employment at Sarah Lindsey Realty and Westend Creamery while managing family responsibilities. Working has taught me financial literacy, time management, and the value of perseverance. I also dedicate time to volunteering with Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse, reinforcing my belief in service and community. Understanding the financial challenges of college, I’ve taken steps to apply for scholarships and plan for expenses. I’ve also built a strong support system of friends, mentors, and family members who encourage and inspire me. Ultimately, pursuing higher education isn’t just about career success—it’s about pushing boundaries, expanding my knowledge, and proving that dedication and ambition can overcome any obstacle. I’m excited for the challenges and opportunities ahead and look forward to making the most of my college experience.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Mamma Mia! Beyond being a fun, feel-good musical, it has shaped my love for music, fashion, and has helped me make unforgettable memories with friends. The film’s energy, storytelling, and iconic ABBA soundtrack continue to inspire me in ways I never expected. I first fell in love with Mamma Mia! when I watched it as a kid, loving its energy and catchy songs. Not long after, I discovered an ABBA cover band was performing at the beach near my house and that’s when my love for the music truly took off. My friends and I spent nights dancing barefoot in the sand, singing at the top of our lungs under the stars. Those moments of pure joy became some of my most cherished memories, and every time I hear an ABBA song, I’m transported back to those summer nights, feeling as carefree as the characters in the movie. Beyond the music, Mamma Mia! also sparked my love for fashion. I fell in love with the movie’s flowy dresses, vintage patterns, and effortless bohemian style. Inspired, I decided to learn how to sew so I could recreate outfits that reflected the film’s aesthetic. Over time, I developed my own unique fashion sense, wearing outfits to school that made me stand out in the best way. My proudest moment was designing and creating my prom dress, which was completely inspired by Mamma Mia!—a dreamy, flowing gown that felt like something straight out of the film. One of my favorite memories tied to Mamma Mia! was my 16th birthday. I threw a themed party where my two best friends and I all wore gowns inspired by the movie and went out for hibachi. It was a night filled with laughter, music, and fun—one I’ll never forget. That memory became even more special when one of my friends moved away shortly after. The themes of friendship and cherishing the moment in Mamma Mia! became even more meaningful to me, reinforcing how important it is to embrace every experience fully. This movie has shaped my life in so many ways. It taught me to express myself through fashion, appreciate music’s power to bring people together, and most importantly, to create memories that last a lifetime. Whenever I hear ABBA or see a flowing bohemian dress, I’m reminded of the joy, adventure, and friendships that Mamma Mia! has brought into my life.

I am a first-generation soon-to-be college student pursuing engineering, driven by a passion for problem-solving and innovation. My ultimate goal is to become a Formula One race day engineer, combining my love for STEM with my love of motorsports. Beyond the technical aspects, I see engineering as a way to push boundaries, improve efficiency, and contribute to advancements that extend beyond racing—whether in automotive safety, sustainability, or mechanical design. My desire to make a positive impact stems from my experiences in leadership and service. As DECA president, Student Government Treasurer, Science Club Vice President, and Robotics Vice President in high school, I learned how to organize teams, inspire others, and implement change. These leadership roles prepared me for my current position as Young Women’s president in my church, where I mentor and support young women in their personal growth. Additionally, volunteering with Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse has reinforced my belief that true success is measured by how much we uplift those around us. In my career, I hope to inspire others—especially women in STEM—to pursue their ambitions, break barriers, and contribute to groundbreaking innovations. Adversity has shaped much of my resilience and determination. Growing up, I experienced the unique challenges of being a "glass child"—someone often expected to be independent because a sibling requires more attention. My older brother has a learning disability, and my younger brother struggles with his mental health. While my parents did their best to support us all, I often felt the need to handle things on my own to avoid adding to their burdens. I learned to be self-sufficient, but I also struggled with feeling unseen. At times, I wished my parents would be more involved in my life, but I came to realize that empowerment doesn’t always come from external validation—it comes from within. Instead of dwelling on what I lacked, I focused on what I could control, my education, leadership skills, and personal growth. I sought mentors, took on responsibilities, and worked hard to carve out my own path. Through these experiences, I developed resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. Overcoming these challenges has given me a deep understanding of perseverance and the importance of support. In my future career, I want to create opportunities for others who may feel overlooked or underestimated. Whether through mentorship, innovation, or leadership, I aim to use my position as an engineer to empower others and drive positive change. My journey has taught me that adversity is not a limitation—it is a chance for growth, and I plan to use my experiences to inspire others to push past their own obstacles and achieve their full potential

To me, empowerment means having the confidence, knowledge, and ability to take control of my own life and make meaningful decisions. It’s about feeling capable and supported in pursuing my goals, whether in education, career, or personal growth. It is about recognizing my potential and having the courage to pursue my goals, despite obstacles that may arise. Empowerment is not just about personal strength; it also comes from the encouragement of others and access to opportunities. Empowerment affects my life in a lot of ways. As a first-generation college student planning on pursuing engineering, it gives me the motivation to push through challenges. In my family, empowerment means advocating for my siblings and helping them navigate their struggles. In my dream job, a race day engineer, it will mean being in a male dominated field and succeeding. Empowerment means so much to me now and will continue to help drive me. Leadership has also been a major source of empowerment in my life. Holding various leadership positions in high school, such as DECA president, Student Government Treasurer, Science Club Vice President, and Robotics Vice President, helped me develop confidence in my ability to organize, inspire, and make decisions. These experiences prepared me to take on greater responsibilities, including my current role as Young Women’s president in my church. Leading others requires a deep understanding of empowerment—helping people see their potential and giving them the tools to grow. Through mentoring and guiding others, I have learned that true empowerment is not just about personal success, but about lifting others along the way. My experiences with hard work and perseverance have also shaped my understanding of empowerment. Balancing academics, leadership, and multiple jobs has required discipline and resilience. Through these commitments, I have learned that empowerment is about reclaiming control, finding solutions, and building a future through dedication and effort. It has motivated me to push myself, whether through my education, career aspirations, or personal development. Furthermore, empowerment is about using my strengths to help others. My volunteer work with Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse allows me to contribute to my community and provide others with hope and support. Whether through service or leadership, I have found that empowerment is most meaningful when shared. It is about creating opportunities for others to thrive, just as I have been given opportunities to grow. Ultimately, empowerment is the driving force behind my ambitions, resilience, and leadership. It gives me the courage to pursue my dream of becoming a Formula One race day engineer, knowing that I have the capability to succeed. It reminds me that challenges are not roadblocks, but stepping stones to growth. Most importantly, it reinforces the idea that success is not just about personal achievement—it is about uplifting those around me so that they, too, can realize their potential.

Growing up on a homestead gave me an appreciation for problem-solving and working with my hands. Whether it was figuring out a new watering system, plotting my own garden or helping swap out a transmission, I have always been around the real world applications of engineering. This hands-on experience sparked my passion for mechanical engineering and set me on a path to pursue a career where I can combine my creativity with technical knowledge and a love for figuring things out. While I will also cherish the experiences I had growing up, I have always been eager to explore the rest of the world. Harry B. Anderson’s travel adventures spoke deeply to me, I have always dreamed of traveling the world. Mechanical engineering is not just a career choice for me, it's a path to the future where I can work with the latest technology while also fulfilling my desire to travel. My ultimate dream is to work in Formula 1 racing, a job that blends engineering excellence, innovation, and global exploration. Formula 1 is the top of engineering performance, where every detail—from aerodynamics to materials science—plays a crucial role in success. The opportunity to be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what is possible while traveling to races across the world is exactly the kind of challenge that excites me. My journey to pursuing engineering has not been without obstacles. As a first-generation college student, I have had to navigate the complexities of higher education largely on my own. My family has always supported my ambitions, but without a map to follow, I have had to be resourceful and determined. I have balanced multiple jobs, difficult academic work, and leadership roles in student organizations. These experiences, such as being President of DECA and taking my chapter to compete on International level twice, have strengthened my resilience and reinforced my belief that hard work and passion can open doors to incredible opportunities. Receiving this scholarship would not only provide financial support but also serve as a meaningful connection to Harry B. Anderson’s legacy of exploration, craftsmanship, and dedication to knowledge. Like him, I want to use my skills to make an impact, whether through advancements in engineering or by inspiring others to chase their own dreams. With this support, I will continue to push myself academically and professionally, working toward a future where I can travel the world and make contributions to mechanical engineering.

Throughout my education journey, I have always tried to challenge myself. Not just by taking difficult classes but by taking on leadership roles and seeking out service opportunities. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family looking to pursue engineering, I recognize the impact of hard work, determination, and resilience. My journey has been shaped by challenges, yet these obstacles have only strengthened my resolve to succeed and give back. In high school, I’ve challenged myself with AP courses and a STEM pathway while balancing leadership roles. As DECA president, I found my voice and learned I have a natural ability to lead. I've enjoyed working with my classmates in competitions. My involvement in drama club and volleyball allowed me to learn teamwork, creativity, and discipline. Through these experiences, I learned to manage my time effectively, making sure my academic load stayed challenging while making meaningful contributions to my school and extracurricular activities. Beyond school my commitment to service has help define me. As a leader in my church youth group, I have worked closely with my peers, having fun but also helping them with their personal and spiritual growth. Volunteering with Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse has strengthened my belief in the power of service to change lives. These roles have given me the opportunity to uplift those in need while strengthening my leadership skills. Reading about John Puffer St. and the SMILE philosophy made me smile. It made me think about the ways in my life I can Shine, Motivate, Inspire, Lead, and Excel. I can Shine by setting a positive example and i can Motivate those around me to reach their potential. I will seek to Inspire others through kindness and perseverance. I try and Lead with integrity and purpose, and Excel in all that I do. This mindset can help me to push forward, embrace challenges, and lift others along the way. The legacy I am building extends beyond personal success; it is rooted in creating opportunities for others. Whether through mentoring younger students, leading community initiatives, or pursuing a career in engineering to solve real-world problems, my goal is to leave a lasting impact. I know that true success is measured not only by individual achievement but by the positive influence we have on others. Ultimately, my dedication to education, leadership and service has shaped me into someone who is prepared for the future. but actively working to uplift those around me. By trying to live by the principles of SMILE, I can hope to inspire my peers, family and others I come into contact with to strive for their own success.

Faith has always been a part of my life, shaping my values. My faith has helped me make decisions and figure out challenges. My belief in God has been a source of strength, guiding me through adversity and helping me find purpose in hardships. I believe my Heavenly Father has my best interest in heart and if I only ask He will help guide me to make meaningful choices in my life. One of the most significant ways faith has impacted my life is by giving me strength in difficult times. Growing up my family has always faced financial struggles, which made pursuing some education and extracurricular activities challenging. However, my faith reassured me that I was not alone. I believed that God had a purpose for me, and through prayer and hard work, I’ve found opportunities that allowed me to have a fulfilling highschool experience. My faith taught me the value of hard work and to trust in God. This mindset gave me the motivation to excel in school, take on leadership roles, and embrace service opportunities despite challenges. Faith has also shaped my perspective on leadership and service. My belief in Christ’s example of selflessness has guided me in my leadership and volunteer roles. The scriptures taught me to lead with compassion, patience, and a willingness to help. These experiences have influenced how I will approach my future career in engineering. Engineering is not just about solving technical problems, it's about improving lives. My faith instills in me a responsibility to use my education to help others, not just look for personal success. Additionally, faith provides me with resilience. An important quality for a career in engineering. The challenges in engineering can be scary, with complex problem solving, long hours, and plenty of failure. But my faith reminds me that failing is part of growing. I have learned to approach difficulties with patience and determination, trusting that God has a path for me even when things are uncertain. This belief will help me remain confident in my career, even when I face obstacles. Engineering also requires a lot of decision making. My faith teaches me to act with integrity, ensuring that my work aligns with my values of honesty, responsibility, and caring for others. My faith has been a guiding force throughout my life, providing strength in adversity, helping shape my leadership, and allowing me to seek a career with service and integrity. I know that as I start my engineering education journey, my faith will continue to sustain me, helping me contribute positivity to the world.

My experience in STEM has shaped my career aspirations by fostering a passion for innovation and problem-solving. My journey began in middle school when I joined the LEGO Robotics team. Building and programming robots sparked my curiosity about engineering and introduced me to the excitement of solving technical challenges. As one of the few girls on the team, I had to learn how to assert myself and thrive in a male-dominated environment, an experience that taught me resilience and self-confidence. In high school, I fully immersed myself in my schools STEM pathway by taking classes in AP sciences and mathematics. I have also served as vice president of both the science club and the robotics team. Leading my classmates in these roles has honed my leadership and communication skills. I've had to work wiith teams, present ideas, and guide projects, and I was able to do this as one of, if not the, only girls in the clubs. In robotics, I’ve worked on advanced mechanical designs and programming, which has fueled my interest in engineering and solidified my desire to pursue an education in STEM. To enhance my technical skills, I enrolled in night classes for Manufacturing I and II. These courses were amazing, as they provided hands-on experience with tools, machinery, and CAD software. Designing and fabricating projects deepened my understanding of the manufacturing process and taught me the value of precision and attention to detail. Balancing these night classes with my regular high school schedule required strong time management and discipline, which prepared me for the demands of higher education and future careers. One summer I was able to attend aerospace engineering camp at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where I explored advanced topics such as propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and flight mechanics. This experience was pivotal, as it exposed me to cutting-edge technologies and confirmed my interest in pursuing engineering. Collaborating with other motivated students at the camp also inspired me to push my boundaries and think creatively about solving real-world problems. As a first-generation college student now pursuing engineering, I’ve faced challenges and am prepared on facing more. These challenges have just strengthened my determination to succeed and to inspire others, particularly young women, to explore STEM fields.

Time spent volunteering has been some of the most rewarding times of my life. Whether through my work as a Make-A-Wish ambassador, stocking food at my church’s bishop’s storehouse or participating in highway cleanup, I have learned the importance of serving others and making a positive impact on the world. These experiences have shaped my values, strengthened my character, and taught me the importance of community and compassion. As a Make-A-Wish ambassador, I have had the incredible opportunity to bring hope and joy to children who are ill. My role involves raising money to help grant life-changing wishes, and I’ve taken part in organizing fundraisers and donation drives. Recently I spent a bitterly cold night selling candles to help raise money, and while it didn't keep me warm, knowing the excitement the children whose wishes would be fulfilled and the hope families must feel helped me remember the importance of creating moments of happiness for others. This experience has deepened my belief in the value of giving back and inspired me to continue working toward a future where I can combine my skills with my passion for service. At my church’s bishop’s storehouse, I assist in stocking shelves, sorting food donations, and helping families collect the items they need. This work is deeply meaningful to me because it addresses a fundamental human need, food security. Growing up with limited resources at times, I understand the relief that these services provide to families. The storehouse represents more than just a place to gather food—it is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the strength found in community. Working there has humbled me and taught me the importance of treating every individual with dignity and kindness. A couple times a year, I participate in a cleanup of Douglas state forest, joining others in collecting litter and helping preserve the beauty of nature. While the job can be physically demanding, the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from protecting our environment makes every effort worthwhile. These cleanups remind me that caring for the planet is a shared responsibility and that even small actions can lead to meaningful change. Volunteering is important to me because it connects me to a greater purpose. It has taught me empathy, resilience, and the power of collective action. Ultimately, volunteering has shown me that even small efforts can have a lasting impact. Whether it’s helping a child’s wish come true, ensuring a family has enough to eat, or protecting the environment, these acts of service remind me of the strength of my community and the importance of giving back. I can't wait to discover the opportunities to help I'll come across during the rest of my journey!