I chose to study cybersecurity because technology shapes every aspect of our lives, and protecting it is not just a necessity—it’s a responsibility. From personal data breaches to large-scale cyberattacks, the threats we face in the digital world grow more sophisticated every day. I want to be part of the solution, working to create a safer, more ethical, and more resilient digital landscape. My passion lies not just in defending against cyber threats but in ensuring that security and privacy are accessible to all, not just a privileged few. My short-term goal is to complete my degree in computer science and specializing in cybersecurity while gaining hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities. I aim to obtain industry certifications that will solidify my technical expertise and prepare me for a role in threat intelligence or digital forensics. In the long term, I want to work at the intersection of cybersecurity and policy, helping shape digital laws that protect individuals, businesses, and governments from cyber threats. I see myself advocating for stronger security regulations, working to bridge the gap between technology and legislation to create a more secure and just digital future. Being an underrepresented minority in STEM, particularly as a queer gender non-conforming woman in cybersecurity, has deeply influenced my career goals. The lack of diversity in the field has made it clear to me how important representation is—not only for creating inclusive workplaces but also for ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in security solutions. Cybersecurity is about protecting all people, and that requires a workforce that reflects the diverse world we live in. I want to be part of the change that brings more voices to the table, mentoring future minority technologists and pushing for a more inclusive industry. However, financial hardship has been one of my biggest obstacles. Raised by an incredibly resilient single mother and domestic abuse survivor, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices required to pursue higher education. Despite my academic achievements and dedication, the cost of tuition, certifications, and resources remains a significant burden. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support necessary to continue my education, access essential learning tools, and take advantage of opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. With this assistance, I will be able to focus on my studies, develop and hone my expertise and skills, and work toward my ultimate goal of making a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity.

I love math because it is both an art and a science, a language of the universe that speaks in patterns, logic, and infinite possibilities. It is the rhythm behind nature’s spirals, the symmetry in a snowflake, the precision in the orbits of planets. Math exists in the quiet elegance of an equation and the chaotic beauty of a fractal. It is, at once, a mystery to be unraveled and a truth that has always been there, waiting to be understood. For me, math has never been about memorizing formulas or crunching numbers—it has always been about discovery. It is the thrill of chasing an unsolved problem, the satisfaction of fitting pieces of logic together until they form something complete. It is the way a difficult proof feels impossible until, suddenly, like a puzzle snapping into place, clarity emerges. Math is structure, but it is also freedom. It is the foundation that builds our world—governing physics, engineering, and technology—while also offering the boundless creativity to imagine beyond what already exists. Every theorem tells a story, every number holds a meaning. Math is the bridge between what is and what could be. It allows us to map the stars, encrypt our digital world, and model the mysteries of human behavior. It is the common thread woven through science, music, and art, connecting disciplines that seem worlds apart. But above all, I love math because it makes sense of the chaos. In a world that is often unpredictable, math offers certainty. No matter how complex the problem, there is always a solution—even if it takes years, even if it requires us to think differently. Math teaches patience, resilience, and the power of persistence. It teaches that failure is not an end, but a step toward understanding. To me, math is not just about calculations—it is about thinking deeply, about seeing the world in a way that is logical yet beautiful, structured yet boundless. It is both the question and the answer, both the challenge and the reward. And that is why I love it.

My passion for STEM began with a simple realization: technology has the power to protect, connect, and change lives. Growing up, I was fascinated by how things worked, from dissecting old electronics to experimenting with basic programming. However, my interest truly solidified when I learned about cybersecurity and its crucial role in safeguarding digital privacy. In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are constant, I saw an opportunity to use my skills to protect people and uphold digital security. As a queer woman in STEM, my journey has not been without challenges. I have often found myself in spaces where I felt like an outsider, where representation was scarce, and where I had to work twice as hard to prove my place. Despite this, I refused to be discouraged. I sought out mentorship, joined LGBTQ+ tech communities, and immersed myself in cybersecurity competitions like Capture The Flag. These experiences not only sharpened my technical abilities but also deepened my commitment to making STEM more inclusive. I want to be a part of the change that ensures future generations of underrepresented students feel seen, heard, and empowered in the field of technology. Beyond technical innovation, I believe cybersecurity is fundamentally about justice. Digital security is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity that affects individuals, corporations, and governments alike. My goal is to specialize in cybersecurity policy, where I can bridge the gap between technology and legislation to create protections that safeguard user privacy and prevent cyber exploitation. By combining my technical expertise with my advocacy skills, I hope to contribute to policies that make the digital world safer and more equitable for everyone. Financial hardship has been one of my greatest obstacles. Raised by a single mother who has worked tirelessly to support me, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices that come with financial insecurity. Despite her unwavering support, the rising cost of education has made it increasingly difficult to continue my studies. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve some of that burden but also allow me to focus on furthering my knowledge, obtaining certifications, and continuing my research in cybersecurity policy. I am determined to use my education to make a tangible impact. Whether through developing security measures, shaping policies, or mentoring the next generation of diverse technologists, I am committed to driving change in STEM. This scholarship would be an investment in my future—a future where I can contribute to innovation, advocate for equity, and ensure that the next wave of cybersecurity professionals reflects the diversity of the world it seeks to protect.

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has shaped my identity, my resilience, and my desire to create a more inclusive world—both in technology and beyond. As a queer woman in STEM, I have often found myself in spaces where I felt like an outsider, but that experience has strengthened my resolve to foster representation and equity. I actively seek out and support LGBTQ+ spaces in tech, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply by showing up as my authentic self. In the future, I hope to contribute to initiatives that make cybersecurity and STEM more accessible to marginalized voices, ensuring that diversity isn’t just a goal but a standard. Throughout my academic journey, I have found great strength in the LGBTQ+ community. Connecting with others who have shared similar struggles has given me a sense of belonging that I once feared I would never have. I have sought ways to give back by participating in LGBTQ+ tech groups, supporting fellow students, and advocating for safe spaces in STEM. I want to continue this work on a larger scale, using my platform and expertise to push for more inclusive policies in tech companies and cybersecurity organizations. Representation matters, and I want to be part of the change that ensures future generations of LGBTQ+ students and professionals feel seen and valued in STEM fields. I am currently pursuing a degree in computer science and specializing in cybersecurity because I believe protecting digital privacy and security is more than a technical challenge—it’s a matter of justice. From preventing data breaches to fighting cyber harassment, I want to ensure that technology is used as a force for good. But my ambitions extend beyond technical work; I also want to influence policies that safeguard the most vulnerable in our digital world. As technology advances, so do the risks, and it is crucial to have diverse voices shaping cybersecurity solutions that prioritize ethics and human rights. However, financial hardship threatens my ability to continue my education. Raised by an incredibly resilient single mother and domestic abuse survivor, I have watched her sacrifice to support me, but recent challenges have made affording school nearly impossible. Despite working hard to pursue my education, the financial burden is overwhelming, and without assistance, I may not be able to continue on this path. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my studies, pursue critical certifications, and work toward a future where cybersecurity is not only stronger but also more inclusive. With this support, I can turn my passion into action, giving back to both the LGBTQ+ and tech communities in meaningful ways. I want to be an example for others, showing that no matter the obstacles, it is possible to carve a path forward and make a lasting impact.

My journey in computer science is driven by a deep passion for cybersecurity and the protection of digital privacy, but it is also enriched by my commitment to public policy and advocacy. As a queer woman in STEM, I have experienced firsthand how technology can both empower and exclude, and I am determined to build systems that prioritize security, accessibility, and ethical responsibility. My fascination with cybersecurity began when I first learned about ethical hacking—the idea that breaking into a system could be an act of defense rather than destruction. It felt like a puzzle waiting to be solved, but with real-world consequences that could protect people from identity theft, cyberattacks, and privacy violations. I immersed myself in learning everything I could, from Capture The Flag competitions to online cybersecurity courses, and even building my own small-scale penetration testing projects. These experiences solidified my goal: I want to specialize in cybersecurity, focusing on ethical hacking and digital forensics, ensuring that technology remains a tool for protection rather than exploitation. But my ambitions don’t stop at writing secure code. Beyond computer science, I am deeply passionate about public policy, particularly in shaping legislation that governs digital rights, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. I believe that technology should serve society rather than exploit it, and I want to advocate for regulations that ensure privacy, prevent algorithmic bias, and promote security standards. My interest in policy has led me to participate in debate competitions, research legal frameworks surrounding cybersecurity, and connect with professionals working at the intersection of law and technology. In a world where data is currency, I want to ensure that the rules governing this new digital economy are just and protective, especially for marginalized communities. The fusion of my computer science and policy interests will allow me to bridge the gap between technology and governance. I envision a future where I can contribute to drafting and advising on cybersecurity policies that protect individuals from digital threats such as data breaches, surveillance, and cyber harassment. By combining my technical expertise with my advocacy skills, I hope to influence policies that shape a safer and more inclusive digital world. At its core, my mission is about protection—protecting people from cyber threats, protecting privacy from corporate overreach, and protecting the integrity of systems that shape our daily lives. I believe technology should be wielded with care, and I am determined to be one of the voices ensuring that happens. Receiving the Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship would provide me with the resources to further my education, obtain industry certifications, and continue developing projects that integrate my passions for cybersecurity and public policy. With this support, I will be better equipped to create a career that not only strengthens digital security but also ensures that technological advancements align with ethical and equitable standards. This is more than a career path to me—it’s a responsibility, and one I am ready to take on with passion and purpose.

My journey into cybersecurity began with a single moment of realization: the first time I watched my parents panic over a fraudulent charge on their bank account. I was thirteen, and while they called the bank, I sat in front of my computer, researching how something like this could happen. That curiosity quickly turned into something deeper—a drive to understand the invisible battleground where digital trust is won or lost. As I explored further, I found myself captivated by ethical hacking, encryption, and the intricate puzzle of securing systems against unseen threats. I immersed myself in online courses, participated in Capture The Flag competitions, and even built my own small home lab to experiment with penetration testing tools. But for all the excitement of uncovering vulnerabilities, I also encountered challenges that tested my resolve. Coming from a background with limited access to high-end technology, I often had to be resourceful, relying on open-source tools and self-teaching. Financial constraints made it difficult to afford certifications or attend workshops, but I refused to let that stop me. I sought out free learning platforms, applied for grants, and took every opportunity to network with professionals willing to offer guidance. Additionally, as a queer girl in STEM, I have faced moments of alienation and self-doubt, feeling like I had to prove myself in spaces where I was often one of the few like me. However, I found strength in connecting with mentors, joining supportive communities, and proving my skills through competitions and projects. These obstacles have shaped my approach to cybersecurity in a fundamental way: I believe in resilience, adaptability, and the power of continuous learning. Cyber threats evolve, and so must I. My experiences have taught me that security isn’t just about systems; it’s about people—protecting their data, their privacy, and, ultimately, their trust. Looking ahead, I aspire to specialize in threat intelligence and risk assessment, helping businesses and individuals safeguard themselves against emerging cyber threats. I am particularly drawn to working at the intersection of policy and security, where I can contribute to shaping regulations that balance innovation with privacy. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the means to further my education, obtain critical certifications, and continue pushing the boundaries of my knowledge in this field. Cybersecurity isn’t just a career path for me—it’s a responsibility and a calling. It’s the pursuit of securing a digital world where people can trust that their information, identities, and livelihoods are safe. And no matter the challenges ahead, I am ready to take them on, just as I always have.