HBCU STEM Scholarship

College is important to me because it's an opportunity to reach milestones, to grow, and to find who I am. As the first generation in my family to attend college, I knew that getting an education was my top priority. My decision to pursue higher education at my university is driven by two key motivations: I not only wanted to make my family proud, but I also wanted to make a positive impact in the world. As I got older, I realized that college would open so many doors for me. It was an environment where I would learn who I was and who I wanted to be and truly begin to flourish. College has allowed me to develop and improve in so many ways. I knew from collaborating with my peers and improving my communication, learning, and leadership skills that college was improving me in ways that I never even realized I needed improvement on. I realized that college has allowed me to explore my options and find other interests that I would enjoy. It allows me to go off on my own and make my own decisions about who I want to be and what I want to do to prepare for life. I knew that college wasn't going to be easy, but I was prepared because I also knew it would teach me about time management, prioritization, and a variety of lessons. I am so grateful to be able to attend college and learn my love for so many hobbies and interests while also growing my love for Computer Science. Since attending my university, I reached so many goals and achieved so much with what college has given me. I have been allowed to pursue my dreams as a first-generation student, which is more than I ever could’ve dreamed of. I’ve been a part of organizations such as NSBE and SWE which has helped me learn what it means to be a community while being able to experience opportunities and explore areas within my major. It is such an eye-opening experience and I am so very appreciative of everything that I have already experienced and everything I hope to experience as I continue studying. I know that college is way more than just going to class, paying tuition, and making it to 8 am classes on time. It's truly about gaining knowledge, taking risks, and gaining opportunities that could give me a better life. As I continue attending college as an upcoming junior, I hope to continue to expand my horizons, evolve as a student and person, and improve myself for when I'm ready to step toward my future. I know that I have so much more growing to do and that college will provide me with so many resources, and chances to grow. College is the opportunity to plant a seed for my future, my family, and myself. I am so proud and grateful that I have the opportunity to attend college.

College is important because it reinforces diverse traits to improve my character as a son, brother, and individual. As a first-generation student, a teacher introduced me to college in third grade, and her description amazed me. As a child, the most I got out of it was freedom due to nobody supervising you, no dress code, and more. Based on that experience, I knew I wanted to attend college. As I got older, I learned I wanted to be a cybersecurity analyst in technology, and my fascination with learning was impeccable. Although unsure about pricing for college, I knew that would be the best route for me because I would gain skills for my career and as a person. From working on many projects and unconsciously improving my communication, leadership, and discipline skills, I understood college is more than learning in the books. Understanding there is no single path in life and college has helped me understand many life lessons. Nobody can make choices for you; taking risks is what life is about, and discipline is a huge factor in life. From many tests of A's but also D's, misunderstanding content, or missing deadlines, I appreciate attending college because it has provided me with more than content in cyber. Since attending college, I have been doing so much in life I wouldn't have dreamed of, from being invited to be a panelist for incoming, leading competition teams, and even securing a cybersecurity internship with the Federal Bank Reserve, which is EXTREMELY competitive. As stated, the college provides me with many experiences, opportunities, and chances to prove myself. This provided me the stance to make adult decisions as a young adult and a safety net in case things go wrong. College is more than just paying for an education. It's the chance to enter doors you didn't even know existed, which I am experiencing. As I come to my senior year of college, I want to gain a continuation of my experience that will transfer to the real world. I want to maintain those skills in college and fortify them so I can continue obtaining that dream cybersecurity career. Continue to meet outstanding individuals who will form a mutual teaching and learning relationship. Most importantly, I want to enhance my skills as an individual, like communication, leadership, and influencing, so one day I can lead the next generation of children interested in cyber. Although college is expensive, I learned early that it is an investment in myself, my family, and my future. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to attend college because I do not know where I would be if I did not participate in school.

College holds a profound significance in my life, serving as a gateway to personal growth, intellectual exploration, and the realization of my aspirations. The decision to pursue a college education, particularly in the field of applied mathematics, is driven by my unwavering belief in the transformative power of knowledge and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. To me, going to college is crucial because it offers a unique opportunity to expand my horizons, challenge my perspectives, and engage in intellectual pursuits. It is a realm where curiosity is nurtured, where I can delve deep into the intricacies of applied mathematics and develop a solid foundation in the discipline. College provides an environment where I can learn from esteemed faculty members, collaborate with like-minded peers, and be immersed in a rich tapestry of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. In addition to academic growth, college is a space for personal development and self-discovery. It is a time when I can explore my passions, uncover hidden talents, and cultivate a well-rounded set of skills that extends beyond the realm of mathematics. Through involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, I hope to develop leadership abilities, enhance my communication and interpersonal skills, and foster a sense of social responsibility. Furthermore, college offers invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and exposure to real-world applications of applied mathematics. I look forward to forging connections with professionals in the field, participating in research projects, and internships that will allow me to apply my mathematical knowledge in practical settings. The college experience will provide me with a platform to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their practical implications, enabling me to contribute to innovative advancements and solve real-world problems. Beyond the academic and professional aspects, college is a transformative journey that shapes one's character, values, and worldview. I aspire to engage with diverse communities, foster meaningful relationships, and cultivate a deep sense of empathy and understanding for others. By immersing myself in a vibrant college environment, I hope to develop a global perspective, embrace cultural diversity, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. In terms of my college experience in applied mathematics, I aim to maximize the opportunities available to me. I want to immerse myself in rigorous coursework, engage in research projects, and seek mentorship from esteemed faculty members who can guide me in exploring the frontiers of applied mathematics. I want to actively participate in mathematics-related clubs and organizations, collaborating with peers who share my passion and pushing the boundaries of mathematical knowledge together. Moreover, I am eager to participate in internships and industry partnerships to gain hands-on experience and witness firsthand how applied mathematics is utilized in solving complex problems. By actively seeking out these opportunities, I hope to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping myself with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field. In summary, going to college holds immense importance to me as it signifies a transformative journey of personal and intellectual growth. I view college as an environment that nurtures curiosity, fosters personal development, and provides opportunities for networking and practical application of knowledge. Through my college experience in applied mathematics, I aim to push the boundaries of my understanding, engage in meaningful research, and contribute to advancements in the field. College is not just a stepping stone toward a career; it is an opportunity to shape my identity, broaden my horizons, and make a lasting impact on the world.