Have you ever met an aerospace engineer who is also an equestrian? You might be looking at her here. Cecilia is heading to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this fall, where she plans to keep pursuing both of these unique dreams. Here’s what else this 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient had to say about her professional and personal passions.

What is your professional dream?

I want to be an aerospace engineer.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I want to pursue a side profession — and dream job — of a professional equestrian hunter/jumper. I would like to use this money to help invest in a personal saddle.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream? 

A personal saddle would allow me to enhance my riding techniques and allow me to go to equestrian shows and competitions.

What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

Be smart with your dreams. If something is idealistic and unreasonable, adjust your plans so that you can achieve your dreams and do what you love.

Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

Equestrian sports (hunter/jumper) have large financial dues and my family and I are financially unable to meet all of the expenses like lessons, equipment, and leasing to advance in the sport.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

I want to go to college, join the equestrian team, and compete in hunter/jumper shows.