Odd one by Bria

Odd one by Bria - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

During my junior year of high school, I took my very first dual enrollment class in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Before starting the program, I had no idea what HVAC was, and I never imagined myself learning about heating and air systems. I was also the only woman enrolled in the class, which made me feel like I hardly belonged at first. I didn’t talk to many people, and there were many times when the class felt not only difficult, but lonely.

However, instead of leaving a situation that challenged me, I used it as motivation to prove myself. Being the only woman in the program pushed me to work harder and show that I was more than capable of succeeding in a class where I stood out.

As I continued through my junior and senior years, HVAC became more than just a class to me. It taught me how to think critically and solve problems. When working on equipment. I had to examine the issue, identify the causes, and make decisions based on what I observed.

By my senior years, I had gained skills I never thought I would have honestly. I went from not knowing about HVAC at all, to being able to examine furnaces and rewire components.

I believe that HVAC really challenged me because it pushed me out of my comfort zone, and ultimately strengthened my critical thinking skills. It taught me that difficult challenges can become a opportunity to grow and also discover new things.