Arabella Floding

Arabella Floding is a 19-year-old from Arizona and a first-time applicant of this scholarship. She is currently pursuing a degree as a first year in Industrial Engineering with a combined major in Business Administration at Northeastern University in Boston.

Growing up, Arabella was raised by her single mother in a low-income household. At times, she faced housing insecurity and stayed with friends in order to continue attending school. These challenges taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community support. Rather than allowing obstacles to hold her back, Arabella used them as motivation to excel in academics, leadership, and the arts.

In high school, she was a four-year member of marching band and sang in choir for two years. She also founded and served as vice president of her school’s Speech and Debate Club and was actively involved in FBLA and Service Club. These experiences not only gave her a platform to lead but also helped her strengthen her voice, connect with others, and give back to her community.

Now at Northeastern University, Arabella is pursuing her passion for Industrial Engineering and Business Administration, fields that combine her love of problem-solving with her drive to create efficient systems that benefit people. She is excited to use her education to build a career at the intersection of engineering and business, with the goal of creating solutions that make organizations and communities stronger.

Outside of academics, Arabella enjoys playing music, spending time with her dogs, and being with friends. She is deeply grateful for this scholarship, which not only supports her education but also recognizes the hard work and perseverance that brought her to where she is today.

Listen to Arabella’s Winning Song Below!

Our Interview With Arabella

Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Yes, this was my first time entering. I honestly didn’t expect to win, but I’m really grateful that I took the chance to share something meaningful to me.

How did you hear about the contest?
I heard about it through a scholarship matching website. I was looking for creative opportunities, and this one stood out because it combined art, writing, and civic engagement.

What inspired your work?
I was inspired by folk artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Hozier. Their music feels honest and deeply emotional, and it connects with people on such a personal level. I wanted to create something that carried that same feeling of reflection and authenticity.

What did you learn about the U.S. Constitution while creating your entry?
I learned how much the Constitution still influences our lives and how relevant it continues to be. It’s not just a historical document. It’s something that depends on all of us to keep its values alive through awareness, discussion, and action.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
I plan to bring it up in conversations with my friends and through local protests and community events in Boston. I think talking about it in real, everyday situations helps people realize how much it affects all of us.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
I’d love to visit the Lincoln Memorial. It represents hope, courage, and the fight for equality. Being there would be a reminder of how powerful leadership and compassion can be.

What are your career plans?
I plan to become an industrial engineer with a focus on supply chain management. I love problem-solving and finding better ways to make systems work. My goal is to use that to make industries more sustainable and efficient.

How do you spend your free time?
I love anything creative. I recently taught myself to sew, and I play instruments like the marimba. I also participate in a club at my school called STEMout, where I volunteer weekly at the public library and do STEM activities with children. I love spending time with my friends too, whether we’re watching movies, going shopping, or playing cards together. Those little things mean a lot to me and keep me grounded.

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution feels more important than ever because of everything happening in the country right now. It reminds us of our rights and our responsibility to protect them. It’s a promise of fairness and equality that we all have to keep working toward. The Constitution brings us together in moments where we may feel divided, and displays the connection we hold as citizens.

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