Sparkman High School Class of 2015 Scholarship

I learned how to code on a laptop older than I am. In ten years, I hope to be a strong woman who creates software that gives every student in the next generation a fair shot at the education I was blessed to receive. I plan to major in Computer Science, concentrating in Software Engineering at the University of Alabama. I chose Alabama for their Accelerated Masters program, where I can achieve my master's degree in 5 years— helping to reduce my total cost of education. I will begin this fall, and I am excited to learn how to change lives with technology. As I type this essay, I am using software meticulously developed by those who came before me. Throughout school, I’ve utilized many programs. Google Classroom, Quizlet, Khan Academy; the list goes on. These software programs have impacted my education by providing me with unique ways to learn and understand subject matter. I was fortunate to come from a school system that provides these services, but not every student shares that same opportunity. I want to design software that not only teaches the youth but also finds the means to make sure it is extremely inclusive. I would also like to personally dedicate my time to teaching coding and computer concepts to underserved parts of the community. As of 2023, Alabama is ranked #45 in education,  which is arguably outstandingly low. By creating better and more affordable software, this gap can be bridged, helping young students like me. My mother is an elementary school teacher and is part of the reason I am passionate about academic opportunities. From a young age, she worked with me relentlessly, ensuring my future was bright and that I had a foundational backbone. I have taken only honors and AP classes in high school and scored a 30 on my ACT. This score helped me obtain a few merit scholarships, but not nearly enough to cover my tuition and living expenses. I have worked 2 part-time jobs since my freshman year, and this scholarship would relieve some of the burden that my financial status weighs on me. Receiving this scholarship would not only help fund my education, but would also help shape the education of generations to come; not just in my community, but far beyond it. I am dedicated to using my compassion and skills in software engineering to break through challenges and financial barriers in instruction and to create pathways for students who, like me, dream of something greater.