I have decided to pursue aerospace engineering. I chose aerospace because when I was younger my dad would wake me up early some mornings, even before school, to watch launches from Wallops to the ISS. My grandfather was in the Navy and did a lot of engineering, my dad was also an engineer. I had watched the movie Hidden Figures and did a research project on Katherine Johnson in 5th grade, inspiring me even further to work on air and spacecraft, specifically at NASA. 

 I actually wasn’t very sure about what my career was going to be until January of 2024 when I went to the Tech Expo at the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. As soon as we walked into the Engineering room I was blown away, and I knew what I wanted to do. In preparation I took  Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus, and this school year I am taking AP Calculus AB and AP Physics 1.  I will be doing Engineering at JFCTC through the 2026 school year. In my first year of Engineering I've explored Hand Drafting, and multiple CADD softwares such as SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD. I've also learned about serval CNC machines like the CO2 Laser and the Shark CNC for wood. There have been many other projects completed, all in this portfolio. 

Outside of school, I used to dance at Ballet Caliente Classical School of Dance. I was in Studio Company, the highest level of achievement at the school. In my nearly 14 years of experience I’ve learned the school’s motto, The Dancing D’s: Dedication, Devotion, Discipline, and Determination. I not only would apply these principles to my dancing, but to my everyday life, including school. I’ve also learned resilience, physically and mentally. I've pushed through multiple injuries over the last two years, and learned everything I needed to quickly and commendably. I had to give up dance temporarily because of injury, while it has been difficult, I'm growing for the better. I’ve also volunteered at St. John’s Summer Program for two summers, most recently I started working as a counselor. I enjoy hanging out with the campers and inspiring them. I love the atmosphere there and enjoy doing my job. At St. John’s I’ve learned how to connect with people a community and how to work on a team. This will help me when I have to work with a group of people, even though I am a very independent person.

After graduation from Leonardtown High School I want to go to college. My goal is Penn State University, University Park Campus specifically. I’ve grown up going to football games and tailgates at Penn State. I love the town and a lot of my family are alumnus of the school, including both my parents. I hope to major in Aerospace Engineering while I'm there. After college I want to work at NASA, but other than that I'm not sure, but I'm looking forward to the adventure.