My name is Owen Sanford, and I’m currently a sophomore at Michigan State University pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. In addition to my academic pursuits, I’m an avid guitarist, both acoustic and electric. I taught myself to play, never having had formal lessons, and recently took on the challenge of designing and building my own guitar. It was one of the most difficult yet rewarding experiences I’ve ever had, and it instilled in me a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. That project reflects the way I approach engineering—driven by curiosity, creativity, and a desire to build solutions. With an electrical engineering degree, I aim to innovate, whether by improving healthcare technologies to assist those living with illness and disabilities, or collaborating with the automotive industry to enhance safety. Ultimately, my goal is to create solutions that improve quality of life and make the world a better, more equitable place for everyone. A significant influence on my decision to pursue electrical engineering has been my brother, Griffin Sanford, who is studying the same field at Wayne State University. Since our parents divorced when I was very young, Griffin has been my constant source of support and guidance. He's been a mentor and role model in my life, and when I saw how passionate he was about electrical engineering, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Receiving the Larry William Moore Scholarship would be a tremendous honor for me. Like Mr. Moore, I am a student at Michigan State University pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, and I share his passion for building and creating. My father, a skilled builder, helped me design and construct my guitar—a project that not only challenged me technically but also gave us a rare opportunity to bond. Though we haven’t always been close, that experience brought us together. I hope to continue building meaningful connections, both personally and professionally, as I follow this path in engineering. This scholarship would not only support my education but also inspire me to carry forward the legacy of using creativity and skill to make a positive impact. Sharing this field of study has created another bond between us. We now connect over challenging coursework and complex math problems, deepening both our relationship and my passion for the field. Electrical engineering has become more than just a career choice; it’s a way to connect, grow, and contribute to the world around me. Christian Frederick Martin, the inventor who revolutionized the design of the American guitar, is my favorite inventor. His innovation speaks to my own love for music, as guitar playing has been an integral part of my life. Learning guitar has not only improved my motor coordination and cognitive skills but also provided me with a means to express myself creatively. The guitar is more than just an instrument for me—it’s a way to connect with others and share in a universal language of music. Martin’s contributions have inspired me to think of how engineering can similarly change lives, offering tools for personal expression and connection.