I watched the computer, the grainy footage and VHS tape quality capturing the moment frozen in time. This recording featured my grandmother, whom my family referred to as “Nanay.” Despite its literal translation from Tagalog to English as “mom” rather than “grandma” (that’s “Lola”), the term was used out of affection and respect for my close bond with her. She created this video to go with the "balikbayan" boxes: care packages sent by Filipino immigrants to families in the Philippines, filled with essentials and laden with love. Nanay spoke in Tagalog, her voice laced with sadness and yearning. She expressed how much she missed her siblings and her longing to return to her homeland. It was a moment so raw and vulnerable, connecting me to her story in a way I’d never before. She was never able to go back, and the tape was never sent. The unwavering connection Nanay shared with her family is the same connection I share with mine. Filipino culture has always emphasized the importance of this connection, and it is precisely what drives me throughout my journey. I honor this connection and bring respect to my grandmother’s sacrifice by excelling academically and serving my community. As a senior in high school, I have embraced the most rigorous STEM electives offered to me. These classes have included AP Computer Science, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Software Design and Development, and more. I’ve kept a 4.57 weighted GPA while balancing other responsibilities such as taking care of my younger sister. In extracurriculars such as the Girls Who Code program, I learned about the strength of women of color in technology, from Dr. Fei-Fei Li to Robin Maxkii. Through these stories, I realized a deeper purpose for my technical skills: to create a real-world, meaningful impact. Beyond academics, I use the power of creativity to serve my community. In my teaching assistant experience at my church, I channeled my passion for art into being a role model for twenty elementary students, guiding them to express their spirituality through drawing and crafting– contributing 100+ hours overall. At my local hospice agency, I’ve sewn over twenty-five bibs and blankets to bring comfort to patients. Knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of others, young and old, has been incredibly rewarding. None of this would have been possible without my family. In light of their support, I intend to major in my passion, Computer Science, and use my knowledge to make a positive difference, just like the strong women I’ve learned about before. This fall, I will attend Middlebury College, having been awarded a full-tuition scholarship through the Posse Foundation for leadership and merit. However, my family and I need to cover the cost of room and board through loans. Receiving this scholarship will significantly offset a portion of this large cost, allowing me to focus on my studies and work to save for additional expenses, such as travel. I plan to pursue areas of computer science that particularly interest me, such as data science and machine learning. While my career goals are still evolving, I remain committed to doing my best and making an impact in my field. Most of all, I am determined to give back to my family, my biggest cheerleaders and inspirations. One of my goals is to someday have the means to fly my mother and her siblings back to the Philippines, where they can reconnect with their loved ones in honor of Nanay. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship, and I am so happy to have been able to tell my story.