The series Stranger Things has a variety of interesting characters with different personalities and skillsets that aid them in surviving and defeating supernatural threats. It is not an easy choice to make, but I would choose Eleven, Joyce Byers and Nancy Wheeler to be in my squad. My reasoning for choosing Eleven has the simplest of explanations: her own supernatural powers. The saying "fight fire with fire" is one that applies here. It's one thing to be aware of the supernatural happenings, but it's another to be a part of it all. The supernatural oftentimes involves "the impossible," so it's best to have someone strong enough to also do "the impossible" on the team. Joyce Byers is arguably emotionally driven. She fights for the people she loves and will not stop even if it negatively impacts how she is perceived by people around her. Even when the world around her defied logic while she tried to find her son, she did not let herself believe she was crazy and instead persevered. Some might see Joyce's emotional drive as a flaw, but if anything, her drive re-instates something a group always needs: humanity. Without humanity, you can lose sight of what you are fighting for. In addition, Joyce is ambitious, a fighter and a problem solver. Last, but not least, is Nancy Wheeler. Nancy is not only a woman of logic, but she also can fight well. She has experience in using select weapons and can use them with precision. Nancy is a teammate you want for an intense fight and for when you find difficulty putting all the pieces together.

I am attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a computer science major with a concentration in cybersecurity. My passions include technology and coding, sustainability, fashion, religion and creative writing. I express these passions by making them a part of my everyday life. I am currently serving as president of my university’s Students for Sustainability organization, and I am a member of the university’s honors program, the Ragin Cajun Catholics and my university’s women’s chapter of Associating for Computing Machinery. I spend my free time outside of my academic and student organization obligations practicing creative writing, my French skills, and cooking. I am always on the search for new experiences that will provide me with the opportunity to learn and expand my mindset. This upcoming academic year will be my final year before I graduate, and I look back at my college years with gratitude for the academic journey I have experienced. I look forward to the career journey that is to follow. With my bachelor’s degree in computer science and interest in sustainability, I hope to use what I know in computer science to help track progress in environmental preservation while incorporating technological solutions to improve current environmental issues. In addition, I hope to inspire others, especially women to find their part within the technology field even in the face of adversity. Another goal of mine is to extend my own success to others. My intention is to continuously give back to my community in order to encourage a future of progress and innovation. As a computer science major, technology and math are naturally my primary interests in STEAM that I have, but my interests in steam expand beyond my chosen major. Environmental science has become important to me as someone who cares about living a sustainable lifestyle and connecting with nature. Plus, with my love of creative writing and fashion, my appreciation and interests in the arts have also grown. My variety of interests in STEAM, allow for me to appreciate the works of other people and see how our different roles in these fields are impactful in their own ways. STEAM has opened doors that give me the desire to learn how we can all work together to improve society and our overall way of living. It is no doubt that STEAM has greatly influenced not just my academics, but also the passions and goals that have shaped me as a person.

Since my early preteens, I have been interested in coding. It started with a simple desire to make a personal profile on an old forum website look aesthetically pleasing, and it grew into an interest for so much more. My interest and knowledge in coding has grown over the years, and I now find my interest lying in software development. My enthusiasm for coding and software development has lead me to choosing to major in computer science at my university. In addition, I chose computer engineering for my concentration in my major to provide myself with a hardware background and further expand my knowledge on the technology I work with. My education is very important to me, and everyday I make an effort to excel in my academic life. I apply what is taught in class to my projects, and I dedicate portions of my free time to teaching myself beyond what is taught in my classes. I aim to expand my knowledge constantly and make myself a reliable and knowledable person in the computer science field, specifically software development. My career goals are found in software development. I am set on developing software that can help make the world a more accessible place for persons with a disability. Technology is constantly changing and improving the lives of people all over the world and I want to be a part of that movement. Accessibility is a must in our growing world an it can start with something both so simple and as complex as software. With additions in software made to include the disabled persons, doors can be opened in various areas. Accessible software can make navigating a world made with mostly able-bodied people in mind simpler. It impacts businesses by giving them the oppurtunity to both provide accomadations that improves the workplace for disabled indivduals and allow for disabled customers to be serviced comfortably. Accessibility in software and technology as a whole can also empower disabled people to step into the STEM field themselves, allowing for more great minds to be brought into the STEM field. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden that comes with paying for collegeand would give me the chance to dedicate more time to my studies and to software-related projects outside of classwork. This scholarship can help me stay on a path that leads to success in my career and goals. With success in my goals, I am not just working for my own gain, but I intend to give back to the community by developing software that can help many people.

My interest in computer science began in my late pre-teens on an old website when I saw people customizing their profiles by coding. I decided I wanted to do the same on my own so I taught myself basic coding. Over the years my interest and knowledge in coding has grown and matured beyond making web layouts look pleasing to the eye. My interest has stretched to software development, where I can combine my creativity with the logistics of the technological world. My desire to pursue this degree greatly stems from knowing that this combination can lead to the creation of great things in technology. My hope is to work as a software developer after I recieve my degree. I would especially like to develop software geared towards persons with disabilties. My heart is set on making the world more accessbile in everyday life for everyone through technological advances. Accessbility is crucial to opening doors for disabled persons, and I believe that the path to a more accessible world can start with something both simple and complex as software. I do not just see my career as a means to make a living, but I see it as an oppurtunity to make a meaningful impact in people's lives. With this scholarship, I will be significantly relieved of the financial burdens in my life, and I will be able to dedicate more time to my studies in computer science. In addition, I will have extra time to spend working on additional computer science related projects outside of my given school work instead of cramming extra work hours on top of my normal hours into my schedule.This scholarship is one that will truly provide me with the ability to work towards my career and give back to the community with the work I plan to do.

My interest in a computer science degree first began in my early teen years. Back then, I had a few friends online who were really into coding. They used their coding knowledge to create beautiful and colorful themes on a variety of websites. I loved seeing their creations and wanted to do similar so I taught myself how to code. As I learned, I realized that I not only enjoyed the results that came out of coding, but I also found satisfaction in the process itself. I decided I wanted to learn more about jobs that involved coding. In my research, I found interest in a career in software development. As I learned more about the education necessary in this sort of career I found a computer science degree to be the most suitable option for me in getting where I need to be. My goals lie in software development. I am bursting with ideas. I have number of software and apps in my mind that I would like to create, but in particular I want to focus on accessibility. I intend to work on software that makes apps and websites accessible to disabled users such as the blind or visually impaired so they can have as much opportunity to use and enjoy content like their sighted peers do everyday. If I am chosen for this scholarship, I will not be the only person gaining from it. This scholarship will further aid me in focusing more on my education and goals instead of worrying about any financial hardships and that stress associated with it. It will help me to pay for my degree in computer science, and I will be able to use what I have learned to pay it forward to my community and others as well. My education will help me to reach both my career goals and my goals in helping further the growth of accessibility in the digital world.

Instagram handle: abbybees.s My back-to-school tip is to remember to look out for yourself as you jump back into your academics. Don't give up those much needed meals to only work on homework. As a college student, I like to plan my meals in advance. I plan the days that I'll cook, and I try to have healthy and budget-friendly meals that are ready to heat up or eat right away when days get cramped with work! Remember your meals, your health is important and being healthy will help you out academically!

My interest in the world of technology began in my youth. The way programs worked and the way code, while looking like confusing bits and pieces to some, was so important for allowing a program to work was greatly intriguing to me. These interests inspired a desire within me to involve myself in the cyber security field. I am thankful towards Bold for opportunity to apply for this scholarship so I an have the chance to move closer to my career goals in the world of cybersecurity. In pursuing my career in cyber security, I aspire to develop software that can protect private information and keep people safe when they use technology in their day-to-day lives. I want to use my success in my career to to help those who have similar dreams to my own. I hope to be able to do the same for students in the future. My passion for learning has encouraged my interests in the cyber security field and the vast world of technology. I hope for my work within cyber security to be beneficial to many.

I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was fifteen. At the time, I was enrolled in driver’s education courses, and I wanted to get a license as soon as possible. However, my first seizure changed those plans. The hardest part of my diagnosis was the limitations put on my life. As a teenager, I was devastated to learn that I could not drive within six months of having a seizure. To me, driving meant freedom, having some control over my life, but now that control had been taken. I was afraid of having another seizure within the next months, but thankfully the medication chosen for me was the right fit, and I was able to take my courses and get my permit. Unfortunately, I had a seizure one night after missing medication. I was pushed back in my journey again. It was difficult to see all my peers earning their driver’s licenses while I had to rely on others to drive me places. Even after the six-month period passed, I struggled. It sometimes felt like I would never get a license, but I did not let my frustration stop me. I practiced driving until I became more confident behind the wheel. I passed my driver’s test, and I was able to get my license. Words cannot describe how content I felt. I did the one thing that felt so unreachable for a long time. I have not had another seizure since, and I am grateful for the independence I have. Despite its drawbacks, epilepsy has created room for growth. In the struggle to get my license, I learned to be patient with myself and that it’s okay to do things within my own time even if it does not match the way others do it.

Writing is something I have involved myself in since a young age. Creative writing is especially special to me. I am able to create a number of stories from my mind with just a pencil and some paper or a computer and a keyboard. I am appreciative towards Gabriella Carter for funding a scholarship that gives students the opportunity to be vocal about the hobbies that inspire them in their everyday lives. Writing brings me happiness in the multitude of abilities it gives me. When I write, I can bring words to life on a page. I can build magical worlds with unique characters that go adventures while also trying to navigate their own lives. I use my works to create lessons behind a story that will educate and empower my readers. Creative writing has helped me in various aspects in my life where some may assume it would not. When writing fiction, creativity is a must. When I write, I explore numerous ideas as I make the decision of what I want to write and how I want to do it. I have to consider issues that I may encounter when I am developing a plot for a story, and I must find a solution for those issues. I have to consider how readers will feel when they read my writing so that I can write in a way that will invoke the emotions I intended the reader to feel. These considerations are helpful to me in my college and career life. Writing has taught me how to be creative when encountering issues in work and school. I know how to come up with out-of-the-box solutions that may not have been considered before, but may turn out to be beneficial in the long run. I am also able to get into the mindset of what the consumer or employer may be looking for so that I can structure my work in a way that fits their needs. In addition, creative writing has overall helped me to improve my writing even outside of fiction. To conclude, creative writing has been a passion of mine for a long time. It has opened up my imagination and has allowed for me to create works that inspire others. It has helped me to become a better problem solver and a better writer. My hobby in creative writing has helped me to work smarter both academically and career-wise. The way creative writing has helped has showed me that it is much more than a simple hobby or passion. It is something that can build up character and new skills.

My interest in the world of technology began in my youth. The way programs worked and the way code, while looking like confusing bits and pieces to some, was so important for allowing a program to work was greatly intriguing to me. These interests inspired a desire within me to involve myself in the cyber security field. In pursuing my career in cyber security, I aspire to develop software that can protect private information and keep people safe when they use technology in their day-to-day lives. I want to use my success in my career to to help those who have similar dreams to my own. I am thankful towards Bold for countless opportunities that could help me get closer to my career goals. I hope to be able to do the same for students in the future. My passion for learning has encouraged my interests in the cyber security field and the vast world of technology. I hope for my work within cyber security to be beneficial to many.

The book “Left to Tell” by Immaculee Ilibagiza was a life-changing book to read. It is a story about Immaculee, who survived the Rwandan genocide of 1994. She details the horrors of the genocide and her experience living in a small bathroom with seven women for three months. Her story is an experience that I can hardly imagine facing with the strength and courage she did. During a time of fear, Immaculee grew in her faith in God, and she built a strong relationship with him while in hiding. Her love and hope grew when the world seemed the most horrific. She showed great strength when she chose to forgive the people responsible for the deaths of her parents and brothers. She forgave the people who had done unforgivable things. The love and perseverance she must possess to do that go beyond my scope of mind. Immaculee's story is a reminder to me that I can trust God. Her forgiveness towards people I cannot imagine forgiving has taught me to have a more merciful heart towards those who have hurt me. Her story is horrific to experience, but it is a story that holds great life lessons that can benefit anyone.

The people that have impacted my life have done so in varying ways. Some used words that stuck with me as I navigated my life in my quest to know who I wanted to be. Others comforted me or gave me a helping hand when I experienced hardships. I want to give back to those who have helped me by helping others who run into the same challenges as I once did. One of my aspirations is to start a fund that will help combat financial issues and offer aid to those struggling. I want people to remember me as someone who brought smiles and relief to those in need. I know what it is like to struggle in varying ways, and I realize the help I have received in my life has been so crucial to overcoming life's challenges. I want others to receive the same support I did so they can also move forward in their life's journeys.

Writing brings me happiness. There is something so satisfying about bringing a story to life with words on paper. When I write I can create a world at my finger tips and I can create characters on their own journey throughout the story. When I write I can teach lessons with my fictional world and fictional characters. I create a safe space for myself and readers within a realm that is simply on a page. Writing makes me happy because it reminds of all the things I love. It allows me to bring joy to readers who decide to read my creations. Knowledge that I can make other people happy with something that I love truly brings me glee.

Active listening comes with the act of learning to shut up and avoid putting one’s own two cents. When it comes to active listening, it is not about what I think is the best solution for the current situation or what I would do. What matters in that moment is truly being present for the person I am listening to. A few years ago, I was active on a messaging website meant to help people going through tough times, and the people in charge of helping others out were called active listeners. The active listeners were not allowed to give advice. Instead, they read the messages of the members they were helping and showed understanding towards them. This was because they could not truly put themselves in someone’s shoes and give perfect advice. By discussing the issue, those members got a more rounded understanding of their own situation while having support instead of pressure on their back to follow the “right advice.” People do not necessarily need or want advice during a tough time and that is something everyone must consider when listening to a loved one. What many people want is support. They want to know that they are not alone, and they want to see that someone understands their feelings. When we actively listen, we do not insert ourselves into someone else’s situation, we offer love and support and a shoulder to cry on.

I love my ability to stand up for others and myself. I was not always able to stick up for myself or use my voice when things did not seem right, but as I grew more confident, I realized that it is not okay for someone to treat me poorly. It upset me to see people treated unfairly and put down. I never wanted anyone else to go through bullying and mistreatment that I have either so that has motivated me to be more vocal when issues arise. I am happy to say that I speak up for myself when something is wrong, and I do it with the intentions of standing up for others in a similar place who may not be able to speak up for themselves yet. It can be terrifying at times to use my voice, but I know unfair treatment will only persist if someone does not say something. I love that I can not only help myself, but also others when speaking out against injustices that happen to us.

When I was fifteen, I had my first seizure. I woke up feeling confused and afraid as I was brought into an ambulance. I did not know what happened, but I knew it was not good. I had tests done and epilepsy was my diagnosis. I was prescribed anti-seizure medication and luckily the medicine worked for me. I have not had a seizure in three years, but that does not mean my epilepsy is gone. I tend to have headaches more often and some even grow into horrible migraines that make it hard to function throughout the day. Along with that, my medication does come with its side effects. Those are parts of epilepsy that most people overlook due to a lack of education and stigmatization of the condition. That is why I always seek to educate those around me. It is important for non-epileptic people to understand that epilepsy is not just seizures as well as understand how they can help and accommodate for those who have epilepsy. My first seizure is not a memory I like to relive, but it is a memory that helps me to educate my peers and speak out for those who cannot.