If there’s one thing I am determined to build, it’s a better life for my mother—the person who gave me everything, even when she had very little herself. Raised by a single mother after my parents’ divorce when I was six, I witnessed firsthand what sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional love look like. Moving to a new state with limited support, my mom worked tirelessly to provide me with opportunities she never had. At times, I didn’t show her the appreciation she deserved—but now, I fully understand the weight she carried to ensure I had a chance at success. My ambition is not just to succeed for myself, but to give back to the person who made my journey possible. I’m pursuing a degree in computer engineering not only because I’m passionate about technology and innovation, but because I see it as a path to financial stability and long-term impact. With that foundation, I plan to give my mom the peace and comfort she sacrificed for me—whether that’s buying her a home, helping her retire early, or simply making sure she never has to worry again. What drives me is not just gratitude—it’s a promise. Before my grandmother passed away, she asked me to look after my mom, to respect her, protect her, and care for her. That promise has become a core part of who I am and what I’m building my future around. It’s the reason I stay focused when things get hard. It’s the motivation behind my academic discipline, my long nights of studying, and my constant pursuit of growth in a highly competitive field. The impact I want to make starts with my family, but it doesn’t stop there. By honoring the people who helped shape me, I hope to set an example for others in my community—especially young men who may not always realize the strength it takes to be soft, loyal, and responsible. I want them to see that success isn’t just about titles or income; it’s about the way you uplift the people around you. In the end, building a better life for my mother isn’t just a goal—it’s my mission. It’s what keeps me ambitious, fuels my drive, and defines the kind of impact I want to leave on the world.

During my junior year, I was selected to take an advanced course called AP Capstone, a prestigious, college-level class focused on critical thinking, research, and public speaking. I was proud to be chosen—this class was limited to only a few students, and I saw it as a chance to prove myself academically. But what I didn’t expect was that this experience would become one of the most challenging periods of my high school life. The class was unique—not just because of the curriculum, but because of its social dynamics. I was the only male student in a group of ten, alongside nine female classmates and a female teacher. I initially didn’t think much of this, but as the year progressed, I began to feel singled out in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. When a group conflict or issue arose, I noticed that blame often shifted toward me, even in situations where I wasn’t involved. The environment, at times, felt less like a classroom and more like a place where I was constantly defending my character. The most painful moment came when I was accused of bullying and harassment—false allegations that shocked and devastated me. These accusations did not reflect who I am or how I treat others. I’ve always strived to be respectful, kind, and supportive to everyone around me. It was especially hurtful when a private meeting with my guidance counselor revealed an accusation that I had made fun of a classmate for having a peanut allergy. What made this even more absurd was that I have the same allergy. I would never mock someone for something I personally deal with and understand deeply. In fact, I had simply told the classmate, “I hope you feel better.” That was it—nothing more, nothing less. Yet, I was made to feel like I had done something wrong. Around the same time, I experienced a mental health crisis and made the decision to step away from social media—a choice that has helped me in the past to regain focus and mental clarity. Unfortunately, this conflicted with a class assignment that required using Instagram as part of our research. I asked my teacher for an alternative, explaining that staying offline was important for my mental well-being. Instead of being met with empathy, I was told I had no choice but to complete the assignment or receive a zero. That response made me feel dismissed and unsupported. This entire experience challenged me on every level. I was forced to navigate false accusations, social isolation, and emotional exhaustion—while still trying to succeed academically. But through it all, I learned some powerful lessons. I learned how to advocate for myself, even when my voice felt drowned out. I learned to hold onto my values and maintain my composure under pressure. Most importantly, I learned the value of empathy—for myself and for others who feel misunderstood or overlooked. That chapter of my life didn’t break me—it built me. It strengthened my confidence, deepened my resilience, and shaped the way I want to lead and support others in the future. I now understand how important it is to create inclusive, fair, and emotionally safe environments wherever I go. And I carry that lesson with me, determined to be better—not bitter—because of what I endured.

I’m a fan of LeBron James because he represents excellence, resilience, and leadership both on and off the basketball court. His dedication to his craft, his longevity in the game, and his commitment to giving back to his community make him not just a basketball icon, but a role model in every sense of the word. From the beginning of his career, LeBron carried the weight of massive expectations. Being labeled “The Chosen One” as a teenager would have crushed many athletes, but instead, he lived up to the hype—and then exceeded it. He’s won championships with three different teams, is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, and has consistently been one of the most complete players in the game. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, passing, or defending, LeBron plays with versatility and intelligence that few athletes in any sport can match. But what makes me admire him most is not just the numbers—it’s how he carries himself as a leader. He has consistently used his platform to speak out on social issues, promote education, and uplift others. The “I PROMISE School” he founded in Akron, Ohio is a perfect example of that. He’s shown that being great isn’t just about performance—it’s about purpose. As for whether LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT), I believe he makes a very strong case—but I also recognize that the answer can be subjective. Some say Michael Jordan is the GOAT because of his perfect 6–0 Finals record, his killer instinct, and the way he changed the culture of basketball. That’s fair. But LeBron’s career has been built on consistency, adaptability, and sustained greatness over two decades, which is arguably even harder to achieve. LeBron didn’t have the luxury of playing with the same coach or system throughout his entire career. He had to adjust to new teams, teammates, and challenges multiple times—and still found ways to dominate. His ability to make those around him better while maintaining elite performance for 20+ seasons speaks volumes about his greatness. And unlike many other superstars, he’s done it all while staying relatively free of off-court controversy. So, do I think LeBron is the GOAT? Personally, I’d say yes—because greatness, to me, is about more than rings. It’s about impact, leadership, longevity, and how you inspire the next generation. LeBron has checked all of those boxes and continues to set the bar for what it means to be a true champion.

Going to college represents a major turning point in my life—one filled with new experiences, personal growth, and greater responsibility. To me, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about pushing myself further academically, navigating life independently, and finding real-world opportunities to put my passion to work—all while being away from the familiarity of home. When my parents divorced at the age of six, my mother and I moved to a new state to start fresh. With limited income and no nearby support system, she raised me the best she could—teaching me resilience, discipline, and the importance of staying focused. Growing up wasn’t always easy, but those early challenges shaped my sense of drive. I’ve learned how to adapt, push through discomfort, and find strength in difficult moments. Going to college is the next step in that journey: a chance to grow through new challenges and expand my vision of what’s possible. I’m majoring in Computer Engineering because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work—from electronics to systems to code. I still remember attending a robotics camp in middle school and feeling completely captivated by how hardware and software come together to solve real-world problems. Later, I enrolled in programming classes and participated in tech events that made me feel like I had found my place. I even looked up to my uncle, a computer engineer himself, who inspired me with his knowledge and success in the field. That’s when I knew this path wasn’t just something I was interested in—it was something I was meant to pursue. College, for me, is a platform to take that passion seriously. I’m not just trying to get a job or earn a paycheck—I’m trying to accomplish something bigger than that. I want to become someone who engineers solutions that improve lives. Someone who builds systems, leads teams, and mentors others—not just for personal gain, but to leave something behind that others can build on. As someone entering a field where fewer than 15% of African Americans choose to major, I recognize that I’m not just earning a degree—I’m increasing the odds. And I take that seriously. I want to inspire the next generation of young Black students to see themselves in tech, not as outsiders, but as leaders. Whether it’s through mentoring, community outreach, or simply showing up as proof that it’s possible, I want to help open doors for others just like me. Going to college means proving to myself that I’m capable of achieving more than I ever thought possible. It means creating an impact that extends beyond my family or friend group—an impact that lives on in the people I support, the projects I build, and the lives I touch along the way.

My story begins with a simple truth: life didn’t hand me the perfect starting point, but it gave me the foundation I needed to grow into someone strong, curious, and determined. My parents divorced when I was six years old, and shortly after, my mother and I moved to a new state. We had very little—limited income, no extended family nearby, and the challenge of building a new life from scratch. But what we did have was each other. My mom did everything she could to raise me with love, discipline, and encouragement. Watching her resilience made me believe that no matter how hard life gets, you can still rise. Growing up, I faced my own battles. I was often bullied in school—singled out for being different, quiet, or simply for being me. Those moments could have broken my confidence, but instead, they made me more introspective and driven. I found comfort in problem-solving and creativity, which led me to discover programming. The first time I attended a coding event, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time—joy, excitement, and a sense of belonging. It felt like I had finally found a space where my curiosity could flourish. That spark grew even brighter when I began taking programming classes. Each new concept felt like unlocking a mystery, and every project gave me a sense of purpose. Around the same time, I found inspiration in one of my uncles who had majored in computer engineering. Hearing him speak about the field and seeing his accomplishments gave me a vision of what was possible—not just for him, but for me too. That’s why I chose to major in Computer Engineering. It’s not just about computers or circuits; it’s about solving problems, building meaningful solutions, and shaping the future. It’s a field where innovation meets impact, and I want to be at that intersection—developing technologies that make people’s lives better, especially those in communities like the one I came from. But I also recognize the numbers. Less than 15% of African Americans in the U.S. major in computer engineering. That statistic doesn’t discourage me—it motivates me. It tells me that not only do I have a seat at the table, but I also have a responsibility to pull up more chairs for those coming after me. Representation matters. When young Black students see someone who looks like them succeeding in a field where they’re underrepresented, it plants a seed of belief. I want to use my degree and career not only to engineer change through technology but also to inspire change in people. I plan to return to schools in underserved communities to speak to students about tech, host coding workshops, and mentor aspiring engineers who may not know where to start. My presence alone can challenge the stereotype of what an engineer “looks like.” But my actions—my willingness to give back, to lead, to uplift—will help open more doors than I walk through myself. In every challenge I’ve faced—from family hardship to social adversity—I’ve found a reason to keep going and a purpose that’s bigger than me. Computer engineering is the path I’ve chosen, not just to succeed, but to make sure others know they can too.

My long-term career goal is to become a computer engineer who not only innovates, but uplifts—someone who uses technology to solve meaningful problems and create tools that serve people, especially those who have historically been left behind by technological advancement. I envision myself designing systems and devices that improve access to education, healthcare, and communication—bridging digital divides and making technology more inclusive and human-centered. What drives me is more than just a love for electronics and engineering—it’s the values I’ve carried with me throughout my life: kindness, empathy, and a strong belief in service. I was raised by a single mother who taught me that intelligence means nothing without integrity, and that true success lies in what you give back, not just what you achieve. Watching her work tirelessly for our future showed me what resilience looks like and instilled in me the ambition to build a life—and a career—that honors her sacrifices and supports others in turn. I’ve always been curious about how things work. As a kid, I’d take apart electronics just to figure out what was going on inside. That curiosity turned into passion when I attended a robotics camp in middle school. It was the first time I truly saw the power of technology to create, connect, and inspire. Since then, my dream has been to pursue computer engineering and use it to develop solutions that can make everyday life better—especially for underserved communities. But technical knowledge alone isn’t what makes someone a great engineer. I believe the best engineers are also the most human—empathetic, honest, and driven by a sense of purpose. I try to live those values in everything I do. As a high school senior, I mentored a freshman on the track team who doubted his own abilities. I made it my goal to help him believe in himself—not just as an athlete, but as a person. I showed up, encouraged him, and held him to a higher standard because I knew he was capable of more. By the end of the season, he had grown in both confidence and performance—and I knew that my belief in him had made a difference. I also carry that same mindset into my friendships. When people come to me for advice, I listen with empathy and offer guidance that comes from a place of care. I don’t tell people what they want to hear—I tell them what they need to hear, because I want them to be better, do better, and make the right choices. I believe that’s what leadership looks like—not control, but compassion backed by action. This scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my education without the constant stress of financial limitations. More importantly, it aligns with the values I hold close: self-drive, kindness, generosity, and the desire to use talent for good. I want to be the kind of engineer who doesn’t just build great things—but builds people up along the way. And with the support of this opportunity, I know I’ll be one step closer to doing exactly that.

I am someone who believes that purpose is shaped not just by dreams, but by the journey that builds character along the way. Raised by a single mother, I learned early on the importance of perseverance, humility, and giving back. Watching my mother work tirelessly to support us gave me a strong sense of responsibility—not only to succeed for myself, but to use my growth as a way to lift others. That mindset has guided who I am today: a driven individual who values mentorship, service, and the power of innovation. One of the experiences that helped define my values was mentoring a freshman during my senior year of high school. He had joined the track team but struggled with self-doubt. I made it a point to support him—offering encouragement during practices, checking in on his progress, and constantly reminding him that he had potential far beyond what he could see in himself. Over time, I watched him grow—not just as an athlete, but as a confident young man. That experience showed me how powerful belief and mentorship can be. It also reminded me of the mentors and positive influences I had growing up, and how much of a difference they made in my own life. Beyond the track, I try to be a voice of encouragement and accountability for my friends. Whether someone is going through a hard time or facing a tough decision, I offer advice with one intention: to help them become a better version of themselves. I believe leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about consistently doing what’s right and being someone others can trust and grow with. My passion for computer engineering began in childhood. I’ve always been fascinated by electronics—curious about how devices work beneath the surface. That curiosity deepened when I attended a robotics camp in middle school. For the first time, I saw how mechanical components, sensors, and code came together to bring something to life. It was like discovering a new language—one that blended creativity, logic, and purpose. Since then, I’ve wanted to be part of building technology that improves the world around us. The computer engineering degree I’m pursuing is a direct pathway to turning that passion into a career. It equips me with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills I need to design systems that are efficient, secure, and impactful. Whether I end up working in embedded systems, software development, or hardware design, my ultimate goal is to use technology to solve problems that matter—bridging digital gaps, improving access to education, or building tools that help communities thrive. But my ambitions aren’t only technical. I want to create a lasting impact by mentoring future students, especially those who come from underrepresented backgrounds like mine. I plan to share my story, offer guidance, and advocate for greater inclusion in STEM fields. I want to build a career where success is measured not just by what I achieve, but by who I help along the way. In everything I do—from mentoring on the track to designing innovative tech—I’m guided by the belief that progress is most meaningful when it lifts others with it. This degree is the next step in fulfilling that purpose.

I am a proud product of resilience, raised by a strong and determined single mother who instilled in me the values of hard work, empathy, and the importance of giving back. Growing up in a single-parent household wasn’t always easy, but it taught me how to persevere in the face of adversity and to never take opportunities for granted. My mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices shaped who I am today—motivated, grounded, and committed to being a positive force in my community and beyond. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University, a field that excites me not just for its innovation and problem-solving, but for its potential to drive meaningful change. Technology touches every aspect of our lives, and I want to be part of shaping it to serve the greater good. I see my education not only as a pathway to a fulfilling career but also as a powerful tool to uplift others and address important social issues. There are three main ways I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my degree and future career. First, I aim to help bridge the digital divide. Many underserved communities still lack access to essential technology and digital education. With my background, I deeply understand the consequences of limited access and aim to create affordable and accessible tech solutions that empower marginalized populations. Whether it’s through software development, hardware engineering, or outreach programs, I want to make technology inclusive and equitable. Second, I’m passionate about using innovation for social good. I plan to work on projects that use data, AI, and automation responsibly—designing systems that are ethical, secure, and user-friendly. From sustainable tech to public safety tools, I want to contribute to innovations that solve real problems and improve quality of life, especially for those often left behind by rapid technological advancement. Third, I hope to serve as a mentor and advocate for students who, like me, come from non-traditional or underrepresented backgrounds. I understand the challenges of navigating higher education without a blueprint, and I believe that one of the most powerful things we can do is help lift others as we climb. I plan to stay connected with my community, build support networks, and promote diversity and inclusion within the tech field. Even now, I strive to be an active asset in my community. I regularly volunteer at community events, including charity marathons and local clean-up initiatives, showing that small acts of service can create ripple effects of change. These experiences keep me grounded and connected to the people and issues that matter most. They remind me that leadership starts with service and that positive impact doesn’t always require a title—just heart and effort. As I continue my journey in computer engineering, I carry with me the strength of my upbringing, the lessons learned from my community, and a vision of a more connected, inclusive, and empowered world. I’m not just working toward a degree—I’m building a foundation to help others rise with me.

When I was doing Track and Field during my senior year, I was not performing as best as I hoped to. I was dealing with cramps and not getting my body right physically and unfortunately, I took a step away not to focus on my schoolwork, but to get myself right mentally. However, something my mother said to me motivated me to go back not to compete but to work on getting better and push my teammates to get better too. Overcoming adversity is something I always am doing and it does not have to account for me being an African American. When I spent time volunteering away from the track, I was feeling a little bit more relaxed and at peace to the point where I never really considered going back as I was happy, but deep down, I felt like I quit because I was tired of the workload. That is not true and I refused to let myself feel like that when things got hard because my friends and family never did, especially when it came to helping me. The friends I have are nothing more than a blessing because they offer me, someone, to talk to whom I trust significantly while being honest with their thoughts, especially being that they are not an adult. A couple of days ago, my friend OJ picked me up at work to drop me off at home and beforehand, I was texting him about the stress I was feeling now that we graduated from high school and are heading to college. I was stressed about the financial burden I was putting myself in and unsure of my next move and being the friend that he is, he listen. When I was done speaking, he told me about the kind of person I was that everyone who knew me throughout high school appreciated, describing my personality, and how I will make much of a difference at a college out of state. He told me to stop focusing on what I am worrying about and to have trust and faith in God. He said that if I ever need someone to talk that he will be there and if not for that talk, I will not be as confident and calm as I am now especially given he played a smooth R&B song. In the future, I want to help my community as best as I can. Since I started volunteering at a specific place during my sophomore year, I have made friends throughout my community and some have appreciated that I still volunteering just for the thrill and not for volunteer hours. I made friends throughout high school that have helped me grow and make smart choices. Whether that comes to throwing a back-to-school gathering where school supplies are given to parents or food drives to provide nutritious foods to low-income families, I want to make an impact because if the people in my community helped me take a step towards growing as a person, it is only reasonable for me to show my appreciation. There was a friend I made from being on the track team. With him being a freshman, I taught him things, telling him to never quit on himself and keep on pushing despite me taking time off from the team. I tell him to "Smell the roses, blow out the candles" like I was told years ago. With high school coming to an end, he wrote those exact words for me. That is enough to push my drive to help my community.

Volunteering has helped changed my mindset by allowing me an opportunity to make a contribution and have an impact on my community. When I was little, a part of me wasn't that much focused on volunteering. I was just a kid playing with friends and my older brother. As I got older, I was not as interested in volunteering whether it was opportunities that were not in my interests or another excuse I always say to avoid doing so. However, there was a time when I saw my late grandma do something and that set me on the path to enjoying volunteer work. My grandmother was always someone I idolized because she was such a blessing in her community. However, what I witnessed her doing reignited a path towards me enjoying life and the gift of how one contribution can make a substantial impact in the community. During my winter break in middle school, my grandmother, mother, and I went to the grocery store. When we finished getting everything that we needed and paid for, we started to head towards the exit and my grandmother saw the Salvation Army buckets they typically have around when it is near Christmas time. She gave as much change as she could offer without hesitating, unlike most people. Since her passing, I volunteer not for the joy of helping others, but in a way as if I am honoring her memory. So, volunteering has changed my mindset by allowing me to have a mindset that is calm, relaxed, and happy. It has also allowed me to take a mental health break and know that when playing competitive sports, it is ok to take a break every once in a while, especially given my struggles with doing Track and Field. This scholarship is something that I need financially because of how much my parents have helped me grow and have been there for me ever since I was born. My parents divorced when I was seven years old and with me living most of the time with my mother, I was living in a low-income family. That being said, I do not have much of a college fund. Every day, I work on being the best I can be for myself and my parents because the one thing my mom said to me is that our family doesn't back down and quit when things get tough. We push through and be grateful for the effort we put in regardless of the results. My parents gave up a lot to give me the best life I can have. This scholarship is something I need financially because with my parents getting older each year, they are bound to go to retirement and for me to ask them for thousands of dollars to fund for college is nothing more, but selfish. It is an option I refuse to consider and with this scholarship, not only can I work on achieving a degree in Computer Science, but can also work and have an ambitious attitude toward being the best I can be academically and financially.

Mental health holds so much importance to me because of how it allows past and upcoming generations of mankind to grow past struggling times. My experiences with mental health have affected what and how I view the world with the good and bad. Since I was six years old, I only had my other around, no supportive father or brother around to make me believe the life before wasn't just a memory. My late grandmother helped me believe in helping others out of one's compassion and sincerity. Despite the abuse and constant harassment of an African American man like me, I always choose to help others regardless of my mental health state because if not for hardships, I wouldn't have grown as much as a normal life with a complete family. Throughout high school, I have had to experience bomb threats, shooting threats, and even massive brawls. However, the most mentally challenging thing that I'm fighting through currently is pushing forward when half of my friends abandoned me. When it comes to maintaining my mental wellness, it's said to talk to someone you trust and at the time, I didn't want to put stress on my mom's plate, so I talked to my closest friends at school. Nowadays, it's difficult when you want your friends to grow even if it's at your very own expense. Someone once told me "Nobody does anything nice for free anymore these days" and with the way life is, I see that as an opportunity to establish my mental path which is carrying for my community, but not to the point where I'm being taken advantage of. There are multiple ways I adopt when it comes to maintaining mental wellness. When I was in quarantine due to Covid, my mental health started to deteriorate slowly mainly because my mother didn't want to catch covid. I was afraid that I had it when I didn't. Making music beats just for fun is what kept me stable. It wasn't video games, watching television, or reading a book, but hearing and making sounds to listen to and feel off from. It allowed me to express myself more in a way I couldn't dream of. Since Covid, I go outside and walk around my community to process my thoughts and enjoy the view, preferably when the sun is starting to set. Every time I do so, I come back home feeling better and stable. All in all, mental health is important to me because it enacted the necessities I specifically need to go through or have in life. As an African American, I have to go through pain to gain strength. I have to experience hurt to feel love. I have to be doubted to put dedication and effort into work. While I honestly can't say my mental health isn't sustainably optimistic, it's a part of me and in every struggle is an opportunity to grow, helping me maintain my mental wellness whenever it comes in the future.

Several circumstances are important in maintaining while being in school. Going to college means learning how to cook nutritious foods by yourself and not by your parents. The pressure of exceeding expectations and functioning in an environment outside of high school. Like all human beings, things are never easy and like others, I face obstacles along the road. Those obstacles have not brought me down but made me stronger along the way. Physical health is something that I focus on despite me not having to take a class anymore as a high school senior. I exercise by going out walking, feeling the breeze, hearing the birds chirping and the sun slowly setting. Every time I move a part of my body, I'm physically being active. However, I maintain my physical health by staying active. Whenever I have a chance to go for a run regardless if it's short or long, I take it. Whenever I have a chance to play basketball, I plan and go for it. With high obesity levels these days, physical health is a necessity at school as well as nutritional health. My nutritional health is something that isn't concerning, but neither is profound. My mom always mentions to me our family history of diabetes. My late grandmother had it and so did my ancestors. I can't say that it's still in the family or that it has vanished, but I don't want to victimize myself with diabetes. The challenge presented in school is simply that not all school foods are nutritious. One time, I saw expired milk that was at most a week past its due date. If I were going to focus on a nutritious diet at school, it probably would be something that isn't necessarily fried or the majority of the foods fried. My mental health is the most important thing I work on maintaining at school over the rest. Every day, I work on making my destiny, paying attention in class for my very own benefit. However, it's hard with such pessimistic events occurring around you. As a high school senior, I envisioned trying to spend time with the people I care about most while eliminating feuds with people from the past in hope of a clean slate. Instead, the majority of the people I saw as friends left me and the clean slate is nothing, but a dream. Regardless, I'm still moving forward for I know I have value. My mom once told me when I made a grave mistake that our family doesn't quit whenever adversity is presented before us or things seem impossible. Because of her words, I maintain my mental health by focusing on myself and my worries while at school and taking the time to destress when necessary. For instance, whenever I need a moment to think alone, I find a place in my community, sit on a bench or curb, and listen to the sounds nature provides. It has allowed me to find peace in others and myself.