Technology is our future. Though the obvious choices, computers and programming are what inspire me about the way technology can make the world a better place. I have chosen to pursue a degree in computer science because technology is the future. When we think about decades and centuries from now, what likely comes to mind is technological advancements. My goal is to be a part of these developments and to better myself, my community, my country, and the world with the skills I learn. Technology is definitely the right path to changing the world. So many women have changed the world with technological advances, and I hope to be one of them. For example, the world’s first computer programmer was a woman! Her name was Ada Lovelace, and she drafted plans for how a machine (The Analytical Engine) could perform computations. Just look at what the transference of data used to be! What started as holes punched into paper, are now millions of bits (1's and 0's). Where would we be, as a society dependent on technology, without her? Now, with programs, we have endless capabilities. I aspire to be like Ada, and impact the world one achievement at a time. In only two years, I have earned two associate degrees (in Science and Art) all in Spring 2022 while maintaining a GPA of 3.7 at my current age of seventeen. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages, among other computational skills and knowledge. Upon completion of my BS, I plan to join the Air Force where I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security, and database resources to units that need them. Each achievement is a step toward one major goal. To impact the world, I must develop myself. To develop myself, I must study to earn a degree. To earn this degree, I am required to pay a university. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various organizations for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful and ensure that those who helped me complete this step realize that it will not go to waste, but rather put our world one step further. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

Passions should be our lives. As I get older, I notice many people do not pursue what they truly enjoy. This is often due to pay in one way or another, with unsatisfaction as the result. My passions lie in computers. When we think about decades and centuries from now, what likely comes to mind is technological advancements. My goal is to be a part of these developments, to better myself, my community, my country, and the world with the skills I learn from earning my degree in computer science. I am passionate about this because I believe to better the world, we must better ourselves with the achievements or goals we set, execute, and accomplish. I enjoy computer science and aspects such as programming, software developing, or learning to protect data. I believe these things are very important and I enjoy the creativity I am able to use in coding. I am also passionate about electronically producing my own music, and digital art as well! These things (such as music and art) are just as important to me, and often bring people happiness. My passions have impacted me by giving me a purpose. I am working towards making a living doing the things I enjoy and I am making good progress with that goal. My passions ARE my motivation. In only two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and High School Diploma all in Spring 2022 at my current age of seventeen years. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development, among other computational skills and knowledge such as network and databases. In addition to my academic achievements, I hold a GPA of 3.7; I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, with honors from both colleges, and I am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science will help me continue to work toward a life of doing what I love. Upon completion, I plan to join the Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. As an Air Force officer, I believe I will be in a better position to help serve and better my country, especially with my major and career focus always in high demand. From individuals, to companies, to the country, and to the world, computing is the future and knowledge of this subject is vital to success. In this life, I can put my passions to use, hoping to change the world! Each achievement is a step to one major goal. To impact the world, I must develop myself. To develop myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a degree. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges, the government, and other individuals for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. I will ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste but rather put our world one step farther. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

To make a positive impact on the world, we must positively impact ourselves goal by goal. My name is Alexus Morse, and I am a 17-year-old first-generation female undergraduate. I have chosen to pursue a degree in computer science because technology is the future. When we think about decades and centuries from now, what likely comes to mind is technological advancements. My goal is to be a part of these developments, to better myself, my community, my country, and the world with the skills I learn from earning my degree in computer science. I am making this choice because I believe to better the world, we must better ourselves with the achievements or goals we set, execute, and accomplish. In only two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and High School Diploma all in Spring 2022 at my current age of seventeen years. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development, among other computational skills and knowledge such as network and databases. Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science will help me continue these achievements. Upon completion, I plan to join the Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at my university into my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. As an Air Force officer, I believe I will be in a better position to help serve and better my country, especially with my major and career focus always in high demand. I will bring new perspectives to solve software/cyber issues and always keep one step ahead of what is expected. From individuals, to companies, to the country, and to the world, computing is the future and knowledge of this subject is vital to success. In addition to my academic achievements, I hold a GPA of 3.7; I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, with honors from both colleges, and I am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. I received all A’s in every course last semester, which proves I do not do the bare minimum and strive for the best I can be, both academically and civically. In my environment, I will not only do what is required, but go above the standards to complete tasks with the highest quality I can provide. Each achievement is a step to one major goal. To impact the world, I must develop myself. To develop myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a degree. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges, the government, and other individuals for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. I will ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste but rather put our world one step farther. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

My name is Alexus Morse, and I am a first-generation female undergraduate at seventeen. I have chosen to pursue a degree in computer science because technology is the future. When we think about decades and centuries from now, what likely comes to mind is technological advancements. My goal is to be a part of these developments, to better myself, my community, my country, and the world with the skills I learn from earning my degree in computer science. I am making this choice because I believe to better the world, we must better ourselves with the achievements or goals we set, execute, and accomplish. These achievements are what should matter, and not gender. In only two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and High School Diploma all in Spring 2022 at my current age of seventeen. I hold a GPA of 3.7; I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, with honors from both colleges, and I am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development, among other computational skills and knowledge. I am going to put this to use by continuing my education and earning a bachelor's degree in computer science. Upon completion, I plan to join the Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at my university into my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. I believe we should not exclude any knowledgeable person from being in a position to better their community simply because of gender. However, I will still face obstacles in the process of pursuing my goals. With my accomplishments, I will likely be the youngest person in the workplace, as well as diversly outnumbered by being a young woman in the military. My fear is that people may see this as an opportunity to take advantage, or wrongly use positions of power. There may be resentment in the workplace, or people that may not see me as fit for a position of leadership simply because I am younger, or a woman. But think about it, the world’s first computer programmer was a woman! Her name was Ada Lovelace, and she drafted plans for how a machine (The Analytical Engine) could perform computations. Where would we be, as a society dependent on technology, without her? I aspire to be like Ada, and impact the world one achievement at a time. Each achievement is a step to one major goal. To impact the world, I must develop myself. To develop myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a degree. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges, the government, and other individuals for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. I will ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste but rather put our world one step farther. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

"I do not have time for those things, I am too busy, I do not have the money, it is too expensive, it is too difficult, I do not know where to start." Excuses are the reason several people do not lead a healthy lifestyle. No time or money to work out or get exercise? You do not need a lot of time, just a little a day in place of scrolling on a phone or watching TV. There are so many options to slowly improve. There is no need to purchase a gym membership or fancy equipment. Just 15 minutes to take a walk, ride a bike, play a sport, or a home workout will do! No time or money to diet or cook? If you think about it, this could be SAVING your expense. Often times, eating out is more expensive, especially if you have to drive or pay for delivery services. Wait times can also be lengthy if you are worried about saving time. Do not know where to start? It DOES NOT matter, just start and you will be thankful you have done so. Would you rather worry about how to start, or wonder what would have happened if you started years ago? I used to do the same thing and come up with excuses to feel better about not improving my lifestyle. I thought if I started exercising and eating better, it would take up too much of my time, be an extra expense, or would have to be strictly planned, but I changed that! A healthy lifestyle is important to me in so many ways. After making better dietary decisions and becoming more active, I feel better mentally and physically, I look better, and so much more! I think the most important change as a result of my healthier lifestyle is my mindset and mental health. I was having issues with confidence in my appearance due to acne and body image as a young teenage girl, but I am so thankful to think differently now. Instead of feeling like I need to be disappointed in myself for certain things, I look at it as self-appreciation. I do not work out to look a certain way, I work out to get stronger and reach new ATHLETIC goals rather than aesthetics. I do not eat a certain way to maintain an appearance, I change my diet based on what my body is telling me. If something I eat gives me acne, that is just my body's way of saying it must have something else. There is either something I am giving it too much of, or something I am lacking. A healthier mindset has also benefited my productivity, mood, and stress. Another change I noticed was how I feel physically. Cardio has given me better circulation and a healthier heart rate and muscle training has made me become stronger. I am less tired, have fewer headaches, feel more energetic, and am simply healthier overall! I have cut minutes off of my mile time, increased my physical endurance, speed, and flexibility too. It takes a lot of learning to lead a healthy lifestyle, so I will write about some mistakes I made and how I have improved. The first mistake I made about what a "diet" meant, was that it had to be very restrictive. I should eat nothing with high sugar, I should only eat fruits and vegetables, or eggs and meat, and I should eat less. Now I realize this is not true, every person's body is different. After studying my own habits, I was able to pinpoint my issues. The first is dairy; if I eat too much food containing dairy (such as ice cream or cheese), it results in acne and stomach ache. The second is sugar; if have too much sugar in my diet, it also results in acne and stomach ache BUT if I have too little it results in dizziness and lack of energy. Though I did not gain weight from it, I thought I should eat less because I tend to overeat meals I enjoy. But actually, eating less slows the metabolism which means your body will take more time to burn the calories you consume. Overeating is not healthy, but neither is undereating. This is where I realized the most important thing is about finding BALANCE in my lifestyle, not opposites or cutting everything out. Now, I make healthy swaps for things I know are not good for my body. Instead of ice cream or milkshakes with dairy, I will have a smoothie or even dairy-free ice cream! There are so many dietary alternatives in today's grocery stores to make it easier for us to change. Instead of over or under-eating, I will eat to feel full, just not overly full. The misconception I had with exercise is that I have to stick to the same regimen every single day for it to work. I have to run for cardio, strength train every part of my body, and stretch all in only an hour or two! I could not be more wrong. I could work out for only 20 minutes and still be seeing improvements. Sometimes it is good to stick to certain things, but it is also good to switch it up and train your body in different ways. It all relates to finding personal balance. Other things that have been factors of my healthier lifestyle are water and sleep. I once thought it was pointless to drink water unless I felt thirsty. There are SO many benefits of hydration; healthier skin, faster metabolism, less headaches, less dry eyes, etc. Sleep also has an endless amount of benefits, and scientifically, nothing can replace it. A healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things for me to maintain and I hope this essay described it well to any readers. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

One compliment can save a person's life. As we get older, our worries grow with us. We start getting more self-conscious, especially as young girls and women. Sometimes it can be hard to accept or appreciate your looks and personality when it feels like the expectations are too high. When this started happening to me as a teenage girl, I made a promise to myself. This promise was that anywhere I went, if I noticed something or someone I admired, I would give them a compliment. It may seem simple, but at the time it felt difficult to approach someone when I feared talking to new people or being social in general. The best part about this is that it does not just affect that ONE individual. I could inspire them to do the same; spread positivity. Then, THAT person could pass it on until it becomes a "domino effect". Therefore, impacting one individual impacts the community, and impacts me as well. I feel good for possibly boosting someone's confidence, and it does the same for me! For some recent examples: I noticed someone laughing and told them they had a nice smile. They were just about to cover it with their hand. I complimented a young woman's hair because the colors were beautiful to me. It turns out, she just had it dyed and was starting to be self-conscious about the decision she made. I told another person I liked their outfit. They were surprised because they felt uncomfortable with their body, and did not think it looked good on them. So, why is this one promise so important? You may never know someone's mental state. Think of the most awful day you have ever had. Would a compliment improve that day even the slightest? Now, think of a time you missed out on something because you did not take a risk. Say you were going to perform for example, or even just given a class presentation, etc. If someone had given you a compliment beforehand, would it have boosted your confidence JUST enough to take that risk? The risk that could have been life changing. It is amazing to me how a few simple words can do this, impact so many lives and individuals. Someone could be in a bad mental state, thinking of self-harm or suicide. You could save that person's life and never even know it, just by taking a few seconds to say these few kind words. How did this help me? In more ways than one, it has boosted my confidence, made me a better person, and inspired me. Music is my favorite hobby. Since I was only 5 years old I knew this, but sadly I never had the confidence enough to pursue it. I have so many ideas for original songs but always feared what people would think of them. In 2021 I released my first single, "Confidence" and have been producing more as well! If you would like to listen, I have linked my YouTube below. Moving forward, I would like to ask a favor. Even if this essay does not place, and I do not receive a scholarship, I am hoping anyone reading this will help me. Take my promise as an inspiration to make your own. Next time you see/hear something/someone you admire, take a few moments to say a few kind words. It may be easy, or it may not, but the outcome will be worth it. Help me spread positivity that is much needed in our society. Thank you greatly for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

Life is nothing without fear. Think about it for a moment. What is the most fun thing you have ever done? What about your proudest moment? Most likely, these experiences involved fear. We do not know bravery if we have never experienced fear. I practice bravery by saying yes to opportunities and overcoming both small and large fears. Even the simplest challenges can be intimidating! I fear talking and approaching new people, so I came up with a solution. Every time I go in public and notice something admirable, I will give a compliment. Another way I live boldly is by taking risks. There are a great deal of experiences I can say I have done and accomplished because of this. Some of these fun activities include snowboarding, tubing, rollercoasters, ice skating, ATV riding, etc. Now, back to the concept of fear. What should we fear more: pursuing our goals and dreams or what would happen if we NEVER tried in the first place? This is how I like to push myself to escape my comfort zone and try new things. One of my greatest accomplishments was intimidating. I wanted to earn an associate's degree before I turned 18. I was worried that I would not be able to do it, handle the workload, miss out on the typical high school experience, or disappoint those encouraging me. Now, thanks to bravery, I have done ever more and OVER-achieved my goal. Now at only 17, I have two associate degrees, a high school diploma, and so many more skills to put towards my future. We must realize that fear is just a skill. Anyone can learn, practice, and overcome it. Do not let fear hold you back or keep you from living your life. Live boldly. Thank you, Alexus Morse

Sikora Drake STEM Scholarship My name is Alexus Morse, and I am a first-generation female undergraduate. I have chosen to pursue a degree in computer science because technology is the future. When we think about decades and centuries from now, what likely comes to mind is technological advancements. My goal is to be a part of these developments, to better myself, my community, my country, and the world with the skills I learn from earning my degree in computer science. I am making this choice because I believe to better the world, we must better ourselves with the achievements or goals we set, execute, and accomplish. These achievements are what should matter, and not a person's race, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. Diversity in the workplace is important to me because I believe we should not exclude any knowledgeable person from being in a position to better their community simply because of these attributes. In only two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and High School Diploma all in Spring 2022 at my current age of seventeen. I hold a GPA of 3.7; I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, with honors from both colleges, and I am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development, among other computational skills and knowledge such as network and databases. I am going to put this to use by continuing my education and earning a bachelor's degree in computer science. Upon completion, I plan to join the Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at my university into my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. I am appreciative that I live in a country where, as a young woman, I have the freedom to learn and accomplish these things. Imagine being told you cannot attend school or even read simply because of what gender you are. This is still a reality; imagine all the potential that is not being utilized by those who want to make an impact. For example, the world’s first computer programmer was a woman! Her name was Ada Lovelace, and she drafted plans for how a machine (The Analytical Engine) could perform computations. Where would we be, as a society dependent on technology, without her? I aspire to be like Ada, and impact the world one achievement at a time. Each achievement is a step to one major goal. To impact the world, I must develop myself. To develop myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a degree. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges, the government, and other individuals for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. I will ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste but rather put our world one step farther. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

The Jacob Daniel Dumas Memorial Scholarship I am inspired to pursue a degree in STEM because technology is the future. When we think about decades and centuries from now, what likely comes to mind is technological advancements. My goal is to be a part of these developments, to better myself, my community, my country, and the world with the skills I learn from earning my degree in computer science. I am making this choice because I believe to better the world, we must better ourselves with the achievements or goals we set, execute, and accomplish. One of my most meaningful achievements is the completion of two associate degrees at my current age of seventeen years. In two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and High School Diploma all in Spring 2022. This relates to my field of study due to the fact that I chose to take computer courses whilst earning my AS degree. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development, among other computational skills and knowledge such as network and databases. I plan to finish my Bachelor of Science in less than two years. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in STEM will help me continue these achievements. Upon completion, I plan to join the US Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at my university into my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. From individuals, to companies, and to the country, and to the world, computing is the future and knowledge of this subject is vital to success. In addition to these academic achievements, I hold a GPA of 3.7 (from my North Carolina community colleges (Forsyth Technical and Wake Technical); I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, with honors from both colleges, and I am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. I set ambitious goals and intend to continue learning, which will make a difference while applying my skills and providing these services to my community. I received all A’s in every course last semester, which proves I do not do the bare minimum and strive for the best I can be, both academically and civically. In my environment, I will not only do what is required, but go above the standards to complete tasks with the highest quality I can provide. This is my inspiration to pursue a STEM degree. Each achievement is a step to one major goal. To develop the world, I must develop myself. To develop myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a STEM degree such as computer science. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges, the government, and other individuals for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. I will ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste but rather put our world one step farther. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship What draws me to mathematics is the satisfaction of problem-solving and the challenges that come with it. After solving advanced equations, I notice that there are several things in life that are simply just equations. Much like the way we solve math in steps, we must create steps in our life as well. For example, my biggest major goal is to be a part of the changes, impacts, and technological advancements of the world. If we look at this in mathematical terms, my goal is the result and I am required to solve the equation. "X = changing the world". I have chosen to pursue a degree in computer science because technology is the future. When we think about decades and centuries from now, what likely comes to mind is technological advancements. My degree is the first part of my equation because I believe to better the world, we must better ourselves with the achievements or goals we set, execute, and accomplish. Currently, I am seventeen and have two associate degrees. In addition to these academic achievements, I hold a GPA of 3.7; I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, honors from both colleges, and am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree is my next step. Upon completion, I plan to join the US Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at my university to my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data utilizing mathematics. So, what do we do to solve an equation? Break it up into steps, like PEMDAS for example. I have explained my first step in education, my next in furthering it, and my additional step in my career. I must keep asking myself how I can solve my equation, the goal I have set for myself. Why am I pursuing another degree? To get a head-start in my career. What will my career be? US Air Force Officer? How will this solve the equation to reach my goal? I will be in a position to serve my country and to better the world. Am I on the right path to reaching the answer? Yes, to become an officer I must complete my bachelor's degree. Now, lets look at the equation again. It started as "X = changing the world". Now after explaining, it has become "(associate degree * 2) + Bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics + Air Force Officer = changing the world". Simply, to develop myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a degree. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges, the government, and other individuals for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. My motivation will be to ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste, but rather put our world one step farther. This mindset is how the basic principles of mathematics have shaped my world, and why I continue to be drawn to it. Thank you for your reading and consideration, Alexus Morse

Rho Brooks Women in STEM Scholarship My name is Alexus Morse and I am an undergraduate student pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. In only two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and High School Diploma all in Spring 2022 at my current age of seventeen. This relates to my field of study due to the fact that I chose to take computer courses whilst earning my AS degree. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development, among other computational skills and knowledge such as networks and databases. My parents are the biggest influence in my life. My mother and father have sacrificed many things in their own lives to support and encourage me to do and be the very best I can be in every aspect. Everything they do is for me and my siblings, and I intend to pay them back by giving them reasons to be proud of the woman I am becoming. They have enabled me to accomplish what I have at an early age, and I am hoping to win as many scholarships as possible to continue this progress they have sacrificed for. I will write as many essays as it takes to continue my college education, for myself and for them. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science will help me continue my career aspirations. Upon completion, I plan to join the US Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at my university to my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. From individuals, to companies, to the country, and to the world, computing is the future, and knowledge of this subject is vital to success. Currently, I am seventeen and have two associate degrees. In addition to these academic achievements, I hold a GPA of 3.7; I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, honors from both colleges, and I am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. I set ambitious goals and intend to continue learning, which will make a difference while applying my skills and providing these services to my community. I received all A’s in every course last semester, which proves I do not do the bare minimum and strive for the best I can be, both academically and civically. In my environment, I will not only do what is required, but go above the standards to complete tasks with the highest quality I can provide. Each achievement is a step to one major goal. To develop the world, I must develop myself. To develop myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a STEM degree such as computer science. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, and colleges for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. I will ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste but rather put our world one step farther.

How can technology affect the progress in the healthcare ecosystem of the world? Technology is the future. Just since the pandemic, people have come to the realization of our dependency on technology and how it affects progress. The shift to technology in the healthcare ecosystem has helped to eliminate waiting times, reduce transportation costs, and increase efficiency. From the broad category of Health IT and healthcare technology services such as telehealth, to vast technological advancements including nanotechnology, the possibilities for increasing progress are endless. To study this progress, we can look at Health IT. Health IT is both changing the way healthcare is being provided and improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare for patients and providers. “Health IT, shorthand for “health information technology,” is a broad concept that encompasses an array of technologies. Health IT is the use of computer hardware, software, or infrastructure to record, store, protect, and retrieve clinical, administrative, or financial information.” (as defined by HealthIT.gov, 2019) Health IT is able to promote progress by reducing human errors, bettering clinical outcomes, and tracking data. Examples of Health IT include clinical decision support, computerized disease registries, computerized provider order entry, consumer health IT applications, electronic medical record systems, electronic prescribing, telehealth, etc. This can explain why the demand for IT professionals and software engineers only increases and is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average for any occupation (according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics). One major way technology accelerates progress in healthcare, is the reduction of medical errors. Ailments can be treated more accurately when a healthcare provider can easily access medical history, test results, and records. When patients are treated more accurately, medical errors are less likely to occur, meaning time will not be taken from other patients, and as a result, technology allows healthcare to be more productive. In relation to accurate treatments, there have been 1.3 million emergency room visits and 350,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year from adverse drug reactions (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). However, if patients’ medical records are immediately available, doctors are able to share recommendations among each other, and the patients, to reduce the risk of prescriptions either being over-prescribed or working against one another. Another thing we can look at, is the development of medical data collection or research. In order to help produce new treatments and medicines, researchers must collect data (with permission from patients). This way, they could quickly discover who suffers from the illness or disorder they are researching to observe clinical trials. Looking at some recent technological services in the healthcare system, such as Telehealth, we can see similar benefits as well. Telehealth decreases the strain on the healthcare system due to patients not having to physically arrive at a clinic. It reduces rural barriers to care, aids patients with limited mobility, expedites timely care, saves costs, and is more convenient. Patients and doctors alike, do not have to take time out of their day to drive back and forth to hospitals, worry about missing scheduled appointments due to location, or even costs associated with transportation. Most interestingly, there are physical technological advancements as well. Nanotechnology is already leading to drastic improvements in healthcare. Scientists are able to use nanoparticles to improve medical imaging, use them in drug delivery systems, and even targeting tumors. In addition, nanotechnology will both cut costs and increase speeds of DNA sequencing (according to the National Nanotechnology Initiative). Nanoparticle treatments can even be multi-functional. At the same the nanotechnology identifies a tumor, it can carry the treatment for it as well. Just think about how much quicker and efficient we will be able to heal in a decade alone! Though there are endless opportunities for advancements, we must not ignore what happens if such technology were in the wrong hands. Imagining the opposite capabilities, such as using technology to infect rather than to heal, only further proves our need for more technology specialists and software engineers. I intend to be one of them, and I believe I am on the right track to make this happen. In two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and High School Diploma all in Spring 2022 at my current age of seventeen years. This relates to my field of study due to the fact that I chose to take computer courses whilst earning my AS degree. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development, among other computational skills and knowledge such as network and databases. I plan to finish my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computer Science, hoping to be a part of our technological progress. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science will help me continue these achievements. Upon completion, I plan to join the US Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at my university into my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. From individuals, to companies, and to the country, and to the world, computing is the future and knowledge of this subject is vital to success. Currently, I am seventeen and have two associate degrees. In addition to these academic achievements, I hold a GPA of 3.7; I have a total of 69 credit hours; I graduated with highest honors from high school, with honors from both colleges, and I am part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. I set ambitious goals and intend to continue learning, which will make a difference while applying my skills and providing these services to my community. I received all A’s in every course last semester, which proves I do not do the bare minimum and strive for the best I can be, both academically and civically. In my environment, I will not only do what is required, but go above the standards to complete tasks with the highest quality I can provide. Each achievement is a step to one major goal. To help progress the world, I must progress myself. To progress myself, I must study, research, learn, and apply knowledge to earn a degree in technology. To earn this degree, I am required to pay my chosen university per credit hour. To pay the university, I must prove my excellence to various clubs, organizations, charities, foundations, businesses, colleges, the government, and other individuals for scholarships and grants; this is my current step. This one step may seem small, but I will make it meaningful. I will ensure that those who helped me complete this step are proud to say they have done so and realize that it will not go to waste but rather put our world one step farther. References Alotaibi, Y. K., & Federico, F. (2017, December). The impact of Health Information Technology on patient safety. Saudi medical journal. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5787626/ Health Information Technology Integration. AHRQ. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.ahrq.gov/ncepcr/tools/health-it/index.html Health Information Technology: Improving the nation's health care. HealthIT.gov. (2018, March 28). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.healthit.gov/video/health-information-technology-improving-nations-health-care Onc: Office of the national coordinator for Health Information Technology. HealthIT.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.healthit.gov/ Protecting human health: Nanotechnology-enabled sensors, diagnostics, and therapeutics. National Nanotechnology Initiative. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.nano.gov/node/1496#:~:text=Nanotechnology%20is%20already%20leading%20to,and%20carry%20drugs%20for%20treatment. S. Michael Ross MD, M. H. A. (2020, December 10). 8 advantages and benefits of Telehealth. Blog. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://blog.cureatr.com/8-advantages-benefits-telehealth Technology must be the heartbeat of a global healthcare revolution. here's why. World Economic Forum. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/05/universal-health-coverage-technology/ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, April 18). Computer and Information Technology Occupations : Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm Virtual Care & Telehealth Solutions - Teladoc Health. Teladoc Health | 20 Years. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.teladochealth.com/ What is health it? HealthIT.gov. (2019, May 2). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-health-it Why Information Technology is important in Healthcare. National. (2021, November 3). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.national.edu/2021/11/03/information-technology-important-healthcare/

One of my most meaningful achievements is the completion of two associate's degrees at my current age of seventeen years. In two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and high school diploma all in Spring 2022. This relates to my field of study due to the fact that I chose to take computer courses whilst earning my AS degree. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development. I plan to finish my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computer Science, at Franklin University. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at Franklin University will help me continue these achievements. After completion, I plan to join the US Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need it. I can apply what I will learn at Franklin University to my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. From individuals to companies, and to the country, computer science is the future, and knowledge of this subject is vital to success. Currently, I am seventeen and have two associate's degrees. I set ambitious goals and intend to continue learning, which will make a difference while applying my skills and providing these services to my community. I received all A’s in every course last semester, proving I do not do the bare minimum and strive for the best I can be academically and civically. In my community, I will not only do what is required but go above the standards to complete tasks with the highest quality I can provide.

One of my most meaningful achievements is completing two associate's degrees at my current age of seventeen years. In two years, I have worked on my academic goals to earn an Associate in Science, Associate in Art, and high school diploma all in Spring 2022. This relates to my field of study due to the fact that I chose to take computer courses whilst earning my AS degree. Now, including my own research and learning, I am able to understand and write various coding languages such as Java, Python, basic C++, and dart for development. I plan to finish my Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computer Science, at Franklin University. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at Franklin University will help me continue these achievements. After completion, I plan to join the US Air Force. Here, I can make a difference by serving the country and bringing programming, cyber security and surety, and database resources to units that need them. I can apply what I will learn at Franklin University to my everyday tasks in the Air Force, whether it be coding or protecting data. From individuals to companies, and to the country, computer science is the future, and knowledge of this subject is vital to success. Currently, I am seventeen and have two associate's degrees. I set ambitious goals and intend to continue learning, which will make a difference while applying my skills and providing these services to my community. I received all A’s in every course last semester, proving I do not do the bare minimum and strive for the best I can be academically and civically. In my community, I will not only do what is required but go above the standards to complete tasks with the highest quality I can provide.