I am a determined, high achiever who values equity. When I was two years old, my parents found out I had a speech delay. This led me to participate in slow-paced classes until middle school, when my sixth-grade math teacher realized I was a gifted student. While I wasn’t a naturally smart student, I found my unique way to study and excel in all my classes. My years of schooling have taught me not only how to be resourceful but also that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. As far as I can remember, I have always been a high achiever, but I wanted to be perfect. I spent time with my back arching towards the computer screen—acting like I was the hunchback of Notre Dame—to revise an assignment over and over. I would also compare myself to peers with higher grades who were beginning their careers and put myself down when I wasn’t where I wanted to be. Then, during my first semester of graduate school, I realized that my mental health and my back were being negatively affected by this idea of perfection. The root issue was me basing my self-worth on productivity and perfection; Being a Black woman, you must be twice as great to get half of your reward. An additional reason I felt pressured to succeed was that I became the first in my household to obtain a bachelor’s degree. However, I have come to learn that my worth isn't based on how hard I work or how perfect I am, but rather I’m worthy as I am. Through this realization, my career journey has become much easier with self-compassion and reflection. There are communities worldwide that, unfortunately, don’t have the resources needed to succeed. From December 2024 to March 2025, I volunteered online for UNICEF, designing visually engaging presentations for children in another country. My work there was driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to resources, regardless of circumstances. However, as I created these e-learning aids, I recognized that the most significant barrier was not content creativity but the lack of basic access to the technology required to use them. This epiphany has honed my focus on a broader issue: digital inequality. As technology becomes a necessity, underserved communities continue to have limited access to computers, which is why I wish to pursue digital security. The connection to my late father, who was also a computer enthusiast, additionally fuels my pursuit of this field by honoring his legacy and acknowledging his influence on my interests. My career goal is to provide technical access and digital resilience to underserved communities. I plan to achieve this by collaborating with non-profit organizations, applying my cybersecurity expertise to secure and expand their infrastructure. My long-term vision is to scale this model, reaching out to similar, digitally untapped communities worldwide. I also want to inspire others who desire to pursue STEM to do it, regardless of what you look like. My commitment is already underway: I’m assisting a professor with their computer science class and am actively applying for related internships to gain real-world experience. Winning this scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of graduate funding, allowing me to focus fully on internships and studies without the distraction of a second job. With the scholarship, I would be assured of gaining the critical expertise needed to graduate. Ultimately, I want to support a world where everyone has access to innovative technology—not only a select few.

I deserve this scholarship because I’m a resilient, high achiever who values equity. Ever since I was two years old, I had a speech delay. This led me to participate in slow-paced classes until middle school, when my sixth-grade math teacher realized I was a gifted student. While I wasn’t a naturally smart student, I found my unique way to study and pass all my classes. My years of schooling have taught me how to be resourceful, and more importantly, that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. As far as I can remember, I have always been a high achiever — but I wanted to be perfect. I spent time back-arched over the computer screen to revise an assignment over and over. I would also compare myself to peers with higher grades, and put myself down when I wasn’t where I wanted to be. Of course, I became more fatigued and stressed out as a result. Through this realization, high achievement has become much easier with self-compassion and reflection. I discovered the root issue is me basing my self-worth on productivity and perfection; So I have come to learn that my worth isn't based on that, but rather I'm worthy as I am. And lately, I’ve been embracing the idea that doing the best that I can is enough. Although I’m fortunate, there are communities worldwide that unfortunately do not have the resources needed to succeed. From December 2024 to March 2025, I remotely volunteered at UNICEF to design visually engaging presentations for children in another country. My work there was driven by the core belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality educational resources, regardless of their location. However, as I designed these e-learning aids, I recognized that the most significant barrier was not the creation of content, but the lack of basic access to the technology required to use it. This realization deepened my focus on a broader issue: digital inequality. Underserved communities don't have much access to computers, as technology is becoming a necessity nowadays— and I believe I can help them through cybersecurity. Another reason I chose information security as my field is that it has a connection to my late father, who was also a computer enthusiast. My dad used to be the computer guru of the house until he passed. He performed the recommended practices for a healthy information system, such as backing up data and implementing antivirus software. Pursuing this field honors his legacy and acknowledges his influence on me while aligning with my interests. For that reason, my professional journey has a sentimental purpose to it. My Master’s degree will help me gain the knowledge and skills needed for not only a tech career, but also to address digital inequality. Last semester, I had the opportunity to assist one of my professors in computer security research. Additionally, I am applying for internships that enhance my technical skills to move me further along my cybersecurity career path. I then desire to be involved with organizations that are addressing electronic poverty by volunteering with them to provide cybersecurity services, since computers still require technical protection. I want to provide the same protections my father once did for our household for someone in need. Therefore, I hope to lessen the digital divide even more with my education and experience. My career goal of reducing digital poverty could also inspire people to study STEM. I could speak to people, especially minorities such as BIPOC and women, about pursuing STEM and the impact they could make through listening to my experiences.

From a speech delay and high achievement to equity, these are some core experiences and values that have shaped who I am today. I had a speech delay since I was two years old, which led me to participate in slow-paced classes until middle school, when my sixth-grade math teacher realized I was a gifted student. While I wasn’t a naturally smart student, I found my unique way to study and pass all my classes. My years of schooling have taught me how to be resourceful, and more importantly, that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. As far as I can remember, I have always been a high achiever — but I wanted to be perfect. I spent time back-arched over the computer screen to revise an assignment over and over. I would also compare myself to peers with higher grades, and put myself down when I wasn’t where I wanted to be. Of course, I became more fatigued and stressed out as a result. Through this realization, high achievement has become much easier with self-compassion and reflection. I discovered the root issue is me basing my self-worth on productivity and perfection; So I have come to learn that my worth isn't based on that, but rather I'm worthy as I am. And lately, I’ve been embracing the idea that doing the best that I can is enough. Although I’m fortunate, there are communities worldwide that unfortunately do not have the resources needed to succeed. From December 2024 to March 2025, I remotely volunteered for UNICEF to design visually engaging presentations for children in another country. My work there was driven by the core belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality educational resources, regardless of their location. However, as I designed these e-learning aids, I recognized that the most significant barrier was not the creation of content, but the lack of basic access to the technology required to use it. This realization deepened my focus on a broader issue: digital inequality. Underserved communities lack access to computers, as technology is becoming a necessity nowadays— and I believe I can help them through cybersecurity. Another reason I chose information security as my field is that it has a connection to my late father, who was also a computer enthusiast. My dad used to be the computer guru of the house until he passed. He performed the recommended practices for a healthy information system, such as backing up data and implementing antivirus software. Pursuing this field honors his legacy and acknowledges his influence on me while aligning with my interests. For that reason, my professional journey has a sentimental purpose to it. My Master’s degree will help me gain the knowledge and skills needed for not only a tech career, but also to address digital inequality. Last semester, I had the opportunity to assist one of my professors in computer security research. Additionally, I am applying for internships that enhance my technical skills to move me further along my cybersecurity career path. I then desire to be involved with organizations that are addressing electronic poverty by collaborating with non-profit organizations to provide cybersecurity services, since computers still require technical protection. Therefore, I hope to lessen the digital divide even more with my education and experience. My career goal of reducing digital poverty could also inspire people to study STEM. I could speak to people, especially minorities such as BIPOC and women, about pursuing STEM and the impact they could make through listening to my experiences.

Throughout my educational journey, I was occupied by the unrealistic pressure to be perfect, which caused regular burnout and anxiety. Every test, assignment, and social event reminded me of my perceived inadequacies. During tests, I felt immense anxiety and would end up with bad scores. Afterward, I would obsessively revise my future assignments. I deemed myself unworthy of my goals when I compared myself to someone who I believed was doing better than me, whether it was in school or life. This mindset filtered into my career choice, Cybersecurity. My interest in Cybersecurity began in the spring of 2020 when I took an elective required for my major, “Essentials of Information Security”. I was discovering what field I wanted to work in within the computer engineering realm once I graduated. After taking this course, I decided to pursue cybersecurity because it is an important skill in a world dependent on technology, and with this skill, maybe I can help others somehow. I have taken other cybersecurity-related electives since then and obtained a Network Security Administrator certification from Palo Alto Networks. Originally, I planned to have an entry-level job that involved cybersecurity after getting my Bachelor’s degree, and then having the job pay for me to go to graduate school. Unfortunately for me, it didn't work out that way, and I began to see myself as a failure. I isolated myself from family and friends because I was ashamed of not progressing in my career. Eventually, I realized the pressure I was putting on myself was making me give up on life. From this realization, I strived to liberate myself from this form of self-sabotage. Through using self-care strategies such as self-compassion and self-reflection, I was able to overcome perfectionism. I began to practice daily self-compassion by challenging negative thoughts and engaging in self-reflection. By doing this, I became more resilient to setbacks, like bad exam scores or job application rejections. Because of self-compassion and reflection, I am encouraged to care for myself in multiple ways, including hygiene, exercise, hobbies, and rest. And above all, I’ve learned that I don’t have to be perfect to accomplish my dreams– I only have to try my best. Now I pursue my goals with a can-do attitude through authenticity, compassion, and determination! Last year, I discovered the digital inequality crisis. Nowadays, having access to technology via computers and smartphones is becoming necessary; You need a smartphone or computer for almost everything, applying for a job, going to school, etc. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford technology, which makes them prone to not being capable of living in today's society. To solve this issue, I want to support a secure and equitable digital environment where anyone can access innovative technology solutions regardless of background and circumstances. I am interested in solving digital inequality because I value equity; Everyone should have access to vital resources, and technology is one of them! If I receive this scholarship, it’ll help me pay for college more easily because I am currently unemployed as well, making it difficult to come up with money to pay for school. Being the recipient of this scholarship would lower the financial need for my tuition and the loan amount to pay. Furthermore, I can focus on my goal: resolving technical disparity. To achieve this goal, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Cybersecurity and gaining real-world technical experience from internships and employment. With the combination of my education and experience, I hope to contribute ingenious solutions that address digital inequity.

My interest in Cybersecurity began in the spring of 2020 when I took an elective required for my major, "Essentials of Information Security". I was discovering what field I wanted to work within the computer engineering realm once I graduated. After taking this course, I decided to pursue cybersecurity because I've realized that everyone needs digital protection in a world becoming more reliant on technology. Since then, I have taken other cybersecurity-related electives and obtained a Network Security Administrator certification from Palo Alto Networks. By pursuing a cybersecurity career, I desire to help combat digital inequality. Nowadays, having access to technology via computers and smartphones is becoming necessary. You need a smartphone or computer for almost everything, applying for a job, going to school, etc. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford technology, which makes them prone to not being capable of living in today's society. To solve the digital inequality issue, I want to support a world where anyone can access technology regardless of background and circumstances. I am interested in solving this problem because I value equity; Everyone should have access to vital resources, and technology is one of them! To achieve this goal, I’m pursuing my Master’s in Cybersecurity and gaining real-world technical experience from internships and employment. With the combination of my education and experience, I hope to contribute ingenious solutions that address digital inequality.

Throughout my educational journey, I was occupied by the unrealistic pressure to be perfect, which caused regular burnout and anxiety. Every test, assignment, and social event reminded me of my perceived inadequacies. During tests, I felt immense anxiety and would end up with bad scores. Afterward, I would obsessively revise my future assignments. I deemed myself unworthy of my goals when I compared myself to someone who I believed was doing better than me, whether it was in school or life. This mindset filtered into my career choice, Cybersecurity. Ever since an elective I took in my junior year of undergrad about information security, I’ve desired a career in that field. I even obtained a Network Security Administrator certification with Palo Alto Networks. Originally, I planned to have an entry-level job that involved cybersecurity after getting my Bachelor’s degree and then having the job pay for me to go to graduate school. Unfortunately for me, it didn't work out that way, and I began to see myself as a failure. I isolated myself from family and friends because I was ashamed of not progressing in my career. Eventually, I realized the pressure I was putting on myself was making me give up on life. From this realization, I strived to liberate myself from this form of self-sabotage. Through using self-care strategies such as self-compassion and self-reflection, I was able to overcome perfectionism. I began to practice daily self-compassion by challenging negative thoughts and engaging in self-reflection. By doing this, I became more resilient to setbacks, like bad exam scores or job application rejections. Therefore, self-compassion and reflection encouraged me to care for myself in other ways including hygiene, exercise, hobbies, and rest. In hindsight, I am grateful I was out of school and unemployed from 2022 to August 2024 as I wholeheartedly believe that you are where you need to be. During that time, I’ve gotten to know myself–the great, good, bad, and the ugly. Even though I didn’t anticipate being unemployed while in graduate school, I overcame an adversity that has been affecting me since my childhood. Now with authenticity, compassion, and determination, I pursue my goals with a can-do attitude. A problem I’m interested in the technical realm is the digital inequality issue, which consists of people in underserved communities not having access to computers in a world that’s becoming more tech-dependent. As a person who values equity, this issue frustrates me. So my goal is to support a digital environment where everyone can benefit from innovations, regardless of background or circumstances. To achieve this goal, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity. Being currently enrolled will open me to internships while in school. These internships would help me connect to industry professionals and hone my skills by addressing projects such as digital inequality, security, and privacy. I believe that these skills complemented by overcoming self-doubt and becoming resilient would be valuable in the technical industry in need of an adaptable person who can address complex challenges. However, my current unemployment and the lack of FAFSA support for graduate students create financial barriers to my success. This scholarship will support me by decreasing the amount needed for loans and the stress of finances while pursuing my Master’s degree. With the scholarship money, I can focus more on achieving my career goal. Finally, I want my essay to be a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to get what you want, you only have to keep trying.

My mental health, particularly perfectionism, has significantly impacted my academic performance and personal life throughout my education. This essay will explore how this challenge has manifested and the strategies I've implemented to prioritize my mental well-being. My perfectionist tendencies have resulted in regular burnout episodes. I would be so anxious while taking an exam that I end up receiving a bad score. This would cause me to obsessively revise my work while hunching over the computer for the majority of the day. Perfectionism also caused my self-esteem to lower because I deemed myself unworthy of my goals if anyone had proven to perform better than me, whether it was a peer with a higher test score or loved ones celebrating a milestone. And it wasn’t until starting graduate school that I realized – I was holding myself back from success because of the unnecessary pressure I was putting on myself. I often isolated myself in my room, head throbbing, feeling angry at the world. Family and friends rarely hear from me due to fear of incompetence compared to them. I felt like I couldn’t have free time because of the pressure to be perfect. While breaking down from yet another burnout episode, I knew I couldn’t keep doing this anymore. Recognizing this, I strived to apply strategies to improve my mental health. From that point forward, I prioritized my mental wellness through daily self-compassion and reflection. Since implementing self-compassion and reflection into my life, I have improved my ability to manage my commitments. For instance, I give myself an hour to vent out any thoughts to myself aloud and challenge negative self-talk by constantly contradicting my negative thoughts. By doing this, I became more resilient to setbacks, like bad exam scores or job application rejections. Therefore, self-compassion encourages me to care for myself in many ways, such as hygiene, exercise, hobbies, and rest. Sometimes, I avoid basic hygiene because I’m stressed, causing me to look and feel bad. And when I acknowledge my stress, I then perform my hygienic routine. After getting dressed, I am motivated to do my schoolwork and go to the gym. Going to the gym at least twice a week has been such a game-changer for me! Since regular exercise was added to my self-care, I've been calmer and more inclined to get things done, which has allowed me to focus better on my studies. As a result, I would get high grades on my assignments. Additionally, staying active enhances my imagination with my creative hobbies. On the weekends, I take a break from schoolwork and work on a story or a video edit. When I’m invested in a creative project, I feel excited as my imagination comes to life; Ultimately, allowing me to enjoy the present moment. My hobbies remind me that I can pursue interests beyond assignments and obligations, and also enjoy life in other ways. I like to watch gaming playthroughs and listen to music to unwind from my day. Finally, I prioritize sleep. With an adequate amount of rest, I can continue to tackle problems in my schoolwork and life. By using these self-care strategies, I know I can overcome any challenges of graduate school–and life–with authenticity, compassion, and determination. Although mental wellness is an imperfect, challenging process, I am committed and devoted to taking care of the most important person in my life: me. Lastly, let this essay be a reminder that you are worthy of your goals, even before you achieve them.

Technology constantly advances, making everyday tasks easier to handle. However, new challenges have arrived because almost everything is online nowadays. While the rapid progression of technology had brought convenience, it had also brought vulnerability. From this realization, I became interested in cybersecurity, a field committed to protecting individuals and organizations from electronic threats. My journey with cybersecurity began in January 2020 because of an elective required for my major. At first, I was mortified when I learned that anyone could access sensitive information on the internet by those having the necessary technical knowledge. But despite the fear of my information getting leaked, my interest for a career in cybersecurity rose. Since then, I have taken similar courses until I graduated in 2021; Not to mention, I obtained a certification as a Network Security Administrator for Palo Alto Networks in December 2020. Fast-forward to 2024, I started my master’s program in Computer and Network Security this August and have been maintaining my certification. Since 2020, I've come to understand that information security isn't solely about proficient computer skills, but providing a secure and equitable digital environment for people. And through this understanding, I figured out where my passion for cybersecurity stems from. I've had speech difficulties since childhood that hindered my ability to socialize. In middle school, I was teased for being weird. This caused my self-esteem to lower- to the point where I felt alienated from society. I even thought I wasn’t worthy of being on this Earth at times. But through self-compassion and reflection, I was able to overcome these feelings. My personal experiences had taught me the importance of inclusion; Which is why I am determined to create a digital environment where everyone can benefit from innovative technology, regardless of background or circumstances. To achieve my goal, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity while actively seeking internships within the profession. I am also dedicated to improving my creative problem-solving skills through various artistic pursuits, such as video editing and creative writing. Combining my technical expertise with my creative abilities, I hope to contribute imaginative solutions that address real-world challenges. I envision a world where technology is used to leverage people’s lives, and not in a way to exploit or marginalize anyone. I want to utilize my skills to develop cybersecurity solutions that are accessible, affordable, and effective. In particular, I am interested in working on projects that address issues such as digital inequality, privacy, and data security; Success on these projects would establish the beginning of actualizing a safe and fair online realm. Even though I’d be working for a company, I would love to eventually own a business that aligns with my mission. My technical knowledge, complemented with my creativity and experiences, makes me a strong candidate for this industry. I want to make the world a better place, with inventive technology that’s accessible to all!

My journey to self-acceptance has been a long road, paved with challenges and triumphs. As a child, I often felt inadequate, afflicted by self-doubt and a sense of being different. My academic struggles, coupled with a speech delay, led to low self-esteem and a belief that I was incapable. However, the support of my parents and certain teachers proved to be a turning point. My third to fifth-grade teachers gave me the patience to answer questions in class. In addition, my sixth-grade math teacher saw that I understood the class concepts quickly, and recommended I be placed in the gifted class. And of course, my parents advocated for me to ensure I had the utmost support I could get, such as extended time taking tests. Their belief in my potential helped me to overcome these obstacles and discover my strengths. Through perseverance and a willingness to learn, I eventually excelled academically, achieving goals I once thought were unattainable. My journey has taught me the genuine importance of mental health. A healthy mind is not merely about the absence of illness but a state of well-being that allows us to cope with life's challenges and fulfill our potential, followed by our unique contribution to society. For me, maintaining mental wellness involves several interconnected methods: Self-compassion: Everyone experiences setbacks and people aren’t perfect. Treating myself with kindness and understanding has helped me to overcome self-doubt and build resilience. When I encounter difficulties, I remind myself that feeling overwhelmed or frustrated is okay. Instead of dwelling on my perceived failures, I focus on learning from my experiences and moving forward. Mindfulness and Reflection: Mindfulness has helped me stay present and connect with my thoughts and emotions. I regularly self-reflect to help identify patterns, understand my triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. By paying attention to my thoughts and feelings without judgment, I can manage stress and anxiety more effectively. Personal Hygiene: Have you heard the saying, “If I look good, I feel good”? I resonate with that saying. Sometimes, stress manifests as avoiding basic hygiene. So I perform my hygiene routine: showering, brushing my teeth, dressing in my favorite clothing, and styling my hair to look good. When I clean myself up, I feel good and remind myself I am beautiful. Exercise and Diet: Physical health is connected to mental health. I prioritize my physical health through exercise and a balanced diet. Going to the gym has helped my creative ideas flow and is an escape from my stress, even if only for an hour. I get the nutrients needed for my physical goals and my mind and body to work optimally. Creative Outlets: Whether writing a fictional story or creating a new video edit, these outlets provide a much-needed escape and help me express myself creatively. They allow me to disconnect from the demands of daily life and focus on something that makes me happy. Other Hobbies: Sometimes, I want to engage in hobbies that don't require using my full creative mind, such as watching my favorite content creators and listening to my favorite songs. They provide comfort and help me relax when I’m stressed out by school and life. Rest: I need enough rest to keep my mind and body working at its best. After all, your body will choose when to rest if you don't. While I’m accepting not only my abilities but also my limitations, I have come to appreciate the importance of mental health and the ways I can nurture my mental wellness. I can embrace life's challenges with unwavering resilience and a strong sense of purpose.

Technology has helped make daily life easier, but challenges remain. During my Bachelor of Science studies, I became fascinated by information security because of the crucial role it has in providing others with digital protection. My goal is to implement a secure and equitable digital environment where everyone can benefit from innovative technology solutions at an affordable cost, whether I built it or not. My goal is huge! Although I can dream big, I have a difficult time expressing myself sometimes due to speech problems as a kid and self-esteem issues. Specifically, I have a lack of self-confidence that manifests as anxiety. I have trouble explaining things because I am afraid of being my authentic self. Often, I would attempt to fit in with others so they would approve of me. However, I have realized that I should prioritize myself in my life. Not to mention, I am getting better with my communication skills by giving myself the patience to convey my ideas. In the past, I struggled to recognize my true potential due to these issues. Others, like my family and past teachers, saw the potential as I transitioned from the slow learning classes to the gifted and talented program. Despite having these issues, I have chosen to persist in my dreams regardless! I am beginning to recognize my potential; I will pursue my dreams because my passions are greater than any obstacle I face. My passion for cybersecurity stems from my dedication to empowering others to enhance their technological experiences. Part of my vision is to integrate the skills developed from my hobbies into my profession. I enjoy participating in diverse art forms because it cultivates my self-expression. Thus, participating in these various art forms would encourage the creative problem-solving skills required for my work. I could then apply my expertise in the creative and technical industries to promote novel technology solutions to worldwide issues. For example, I can use my video editing skills to leverage and educate about new technology to a wide audience on social media or collaborate with other artists and inventors. To connect with the technology industry, I am applying to information security internships during my Master's program to work for companies strongly associated with the technical realm. From the internships, I would have a stronger chance of securing a job in the cybersecurity field to make the needed connections to achieve my goal, by collaborating with like-minded people in every industry. It would be phenomenal if my goal were accomplished within the next ten to twenty years. Realistically, I know that’s not going to happen. So therefore, I would be happy to see my goal achieved locally in my lifetime, hoping to inspire future generations to accomplish it on a larger scale.

I remember watching Hidden Figures in the movie theater and being inspired by the women in NASA and how they have made a difference. These women contributed to the aerospace field while facing discrimination based on their race and gender. They made progress by getting recognized for their contributions in a movie and a book and encouraging young people to get a career in math and science. I walked out of the theater inspired to make a difference in people's lives. I am Ashley Miller, a graduate student from the Bronx, New York, aspiring to work in Cybersecurity. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering Technology after taking rigorous math and science courses, alongside some electrical and computer science subjects. Computer Engineering is a broad major that can delve into the path of the electrical, wire-building side, or the software and application side. Cybersecurity piqued my interest in my early junior undergraduate year. I was intrigued by how vulnerable my data is online and how I can prevent my and other people's sensitive data from getting leaked. Think of Cybersecurity as your internet bodyguard. The different elements of information security, including the psychological aspect, have also interested me. Therefore, I decided to obtain a master's degree in Cybersecurity. In addition, STEM has a lot of potential! It has interesting topics to immerse oneself in, utilizes creativity and problem-solving, and brings new skills one can use for the rest of their life. Most importantly, STEM can help improve people's everyday lives with innovations- Which is why I love STEM! I desire to make a difference in the field as a woman in STEM by helping people's lives with technology. The impact I hope to make is through resolving current issues with technological advances while being affordable, such as quantum computers securing sensitive data (e.g., medical records and banking information). Everyone should have access to things that can help them perform daily tasks more efficiently. Another current issue I would like to resolve is the housing crisis. I believe technology, like 3D printers, can help build homes while being environment-friendly and resilient enough to stand through inclement weather. Another way I would want to make a difference as a woman in STEM is to encourage more women to pursue STEM. Women are sadly underrepresented in this field, and I want to motivate them to pursue it. After all, women can and have been successful in the careers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

I remember watching Hidden Figures in the movie theater and being inspired by the women in NASA and how they have made a difference. These women contributed to the aerospace field while facing discrimination based on their race and gender. They were able to make progress by getting recognized for their contributions in a movie and a book and encouraging young people to get a career in math and science. I walked out of the theater wanting to make a difference too. I am Ashley Miller, a graduate student from the Bronx, New York with an interest in Cybersecurity. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering Technology after taking rigorous math and science courses, alongside some electrical and computer science subjects. Computer Engineering is a broad major and can delve into the path of the electrical, wire-building side, or the software, application side of it. Cybersecurity piqued my interest in my early junior undergraduate year. I was intrigued by how vulnerable my data is online, and how I can prevent my and other people's sensitive data from getting leaked. Think of cybersecurity as your internet bodyguard. The different elements of information security, including the psychological aspect also interested me. Therefore, I decided to obtain a master's degree in cybersecurity. Besides pursuing Cybersecurity, I have a passion for the performing arts as well as motion graphics. I love to tell a story using visual effects and exhibit them on my social media. Additionally, I danced as a child and learned various styles, including ballet, hip hop, and cultural such as Latin and African. Singing is another art form that I enjoy. Singing is more of a hobby to me, but I still like it whether I'm at a karaoke event or just singing in my room. Lastly, spoken poetry. I have enjoyed performing my poetry since high school. At first, I was not fond of poetry because I thought it was boring. That was until my English and Creative Writing teacher challenged the class to write themed poems and perform them. I wrote my poem and performed it. As it turns out, I enjoyed the poem I wrote and the reception. I ended up performing the poem at my school's performing arts show and resumed performing them while getting my Bachelor's degree. STEAM has a lot of potential! It has interesting topics to immerse oneself in, it utilizes creativity and problem-solving, and it brings new skills one can use for the rest of their life. Most importantly, STEAM can help people using innovation. That's why I love STEAM. I desire to make a difference in the world by helping people's lives with technology. The impact I hope to make is through resolving current issues with technological advances while being affordable, such as quantum computers securing sensitive data (e.g. medical records, and banking information). I believe everyone should have access to things that can help them perform daily tasks more efficiently. Another current issue I would like to resolve is the housing crisis. I believe technology, like 3D printers, can help build homes while being environment-friendly and resilient enough to stand through inclement weather. My goal is to ensure technology helps people and the world around us while being cost-efficient.