I chose to pursue a degree in STEM because I have always been driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how the world works at a deeper level. Technology, in particular, stood out to me as a field where problem solving, creativity, and real world impact come together. STEM is not just about equations or code, but about building solutions that improve everyday life, protect people, and push society forward. Being able to contribute to that progress is what motivates me to continue in this field. My interest in STEM developed through hands on learning and self driven exploration. I found myself wanting to understand not just how technology functions, but why it behaves the way it does and how it can be improved. This curiosity led me toward computer science and cybersecurity, where I could actively work on real problems involving systems, networks, and security. Projects like building a network wide ad blocker using Pi-hole helped reinforce my decision to pursue STEM because they showed me the direct impact technical knowledge can have on people’s daily experiences. As a person of color, I am aware that representation in STEM still has room to grow. While progress has been made, many students from underrepresented backgrounds continue to face barriers such as limited access to resources, lack of mentorship, or feeling out of place in technical environments. These challenges do not reflect a lack of ability, but rather a lack of opportunity. Seeing this firsthand has shaped how I view my role in the field and strengthened my commitment to staying in STEM. I hope to make a difference in STEM by contributing not only through technical skill, but also through perspective and advocacy. Diverse backgrounds bring different ways of thinking, problem solving, and identifying risks that may otherwise be overlooked. In fields like cybersecurity and technology, where systems impact millions of people, diversity is essential for creating solutions that are fair, effective, and inclusive. I want to be part of teams that value collaboration and different viewpoints, because that is where true innovation happens. In the future, I hope to use my STEM education to help design and protect systems that people rely on every day. I also want to help make STEM more accessible by sharing knowledge, encouraging others from underrepresented communities, and showing that success in STEM is achievable with persistence and support. Representation matters, especially for students who may not see themselves reflected in these fields. Pursuing STEM is both a personal and collective goal for me. It allows me to challenge myself intellectually while also contributing to a future shaped by diverse voices and ideas. Through dedication, continued learning, and community involvement, I hope to help build a STEM field that is stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Everyone faces adversity at some point in life, but the way a person responds to those challenges often defines who they become. One of the most significant adversities I have faced has been navigating my academic and professional goals in STEM while dealing with limited resources and self doubt. Pursuing a technical field is demanding on its own, but doing so without strong financial support or early exposure to STEM made the journey even more challenging. As a minority student interested in technology, I often felt behind my peers who had access to better equipment, structured programs, or mentors in STEM. Early on, I struggled with confidence and questioned whether I truly belonged in such a competitive field. There were moments when the complexity of the material and the lack of guidance made me consider choosing an easier path. Instead of letting those doubts stop me, I decided to take control of my learning. I overcame this adversity by becoming self motivated and resourceful. I relied heavily on free online resources, documentation, and hands on experimentation to teach myself technical skills. I spent countless hours troubleshooting problems, building small projects, and learning from my mistakes. Rather than viewing failure as a setback, I learned to treat it as part of the learning process. Over time, my persistence paid off, and I gained confidence in my ability to understand and apply complex concepts. This adversity shaped me into someone who is resilient, adaptable, and disciplined. It taught me that success in STEM is not only about intelligence but also about consistency and determination. Facing these challenges helped me develop problem solving skills that extend beyond academics. I learned how to manage frustration, stay focused under pressure, and continue working toward my goals even when progress felt slow. These qualities will continue to guide me throughout my education and career. If I could give advice to someone facing similar circumstances, it would be to not measure yourself against others. Everyone starts from a different place, and progress is not always immediate or visible. Seek out learning opportunities wherever you can find them, ask questions without fear, and do not be discouraged by setbacks. Most importantly, believe that your background does not limit your potential. Adversity can be a powerful teacher if you allow it to strengthen you rather than define you. Overcoming these challenges has reinforced my commitment to STEM and my desire to help others who face similar obstacles. The adversity I experienced did not hold me back. Instead, it shaped me into a motivated learner who is prepared to face future challenges with confidence and purpose.

My computer science goals are centered on building a strong foundation in cybersecurity, networking, and systems while continuing to gain hands on experience outside the classroom. I want to become someone who not only understands how software and networks function, but also how they can be protected against real world threats. My goal is to work in information security in a role where I can help design, monitor, and improve secure systems, whether that is through network defense, threat analysis, or security engineering. Beyond technical skills, I aim to keep learning independently and experimenting with projects that push my understanding further. Building tools like a network wide ad blocker using Pi-hole showed me the value of applying theory to practical problems. Moving forward, I want to continue working on projects that strengthen my problem solving skills and expose me to real security challenges rather than just textbook examples. My non computer science goals focus on personal growth, communication, and community involvement. I want to become better at explaining technical ideas in a way that makes sense to people without a technical background. Cybersecurity often fails not because of technology, but because users do not understand risks or best practices. Being able to communicate clearly and educate others is something I see as just as important as writing secure code. I also value balance outside of academics. Staying active, managing my time effectively, and maintaining interests beyond technology help me stay focused and motivated. These goals may not seem directly related to computer science, but they shape how I approach challenges and work with others in team based environments. In the future, I plan to combine my computer science and non computer science goals by working in cybersecurity roles that involve collaboration, education, and real world impact. I am interested in positions where I can help organizations improve their security while also contributing to awareness and training efforts. Whether that means helping users understand safer online behavior or working with teams to build more secure systems, I want my work to have a practical and positive effect. Ultimately, my goal is to build a career where technical skill, communication, and ethical responsibility come together. By combining my computer science background with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to learning, I hope to contribute to a safer and more inclusive digital environment. These goals motivate me daily and guide my future decisions.

I am interested in pursuing a career in STEM because it sits at the intersection of problem solving, creativity, and real world impact. From an early age, I have been curious about how systems work, especially technology that people rely on every day. As I grew older, that curiosity turned into a passion for science and technology, particularly in information security and computing. STEM gives me the tools to not only understand complex problems but also design solutions that protect, improve, and empower communities. Technology plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of modern life, yet many people remain vulnerable due to lack of access, education, or security. I am especially interested in cybersecurity and computing because these fields directly affect individuals, businesses, and national infrastructure. My goal is to help create safer digital environments while also working to make technical knowledge more accessible to underrepresented groups. I want to contribute to systems that are secure, ethical, and inclusive, and to be part of the next generation of professionals who take responsibility for how technology shapes society. The impact I hope to make extends beyond a single job or project. I want to mentor younger students who may not see themselves represented in STEM fields and show them that they belong. As a minority student, I understand how discouraging it can feel to enter spaces where few people share your background. By succeeding in STEM and giving back through outreach and education, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers they may not have thought were possible. My journey has not been without challenges. I have had to navigate higher education while balancing financial pressure and limited resources. There were times when self doubt and external obstacles made it difficult to stay motivated. Learning complex technical material without access to expensive tools or guidance forced me to be resourceful and persistent. Instead of giving up, I taught myself through free resources, hands on projects, and trial and error. These experiences strengthened my resilience and reinforced my belief that determination matters just as much as talent. Pursuing STEM has taught me how to think critically, adapt quickly, and push through failure. Each challenge I have faced has prepared me to handle the rigor and responsibility that comes with a STEM career. This scholarship would provide not only financial support but also encouragement to continue working toward my goals. I am committed to using my education to make a positive impact, support others, and contribute meaningful solutions to the challenges our world faces.

My passion for cybersecurity comes from curiosity and a desire to understand how the technology we depend on every day can be protected. I did not begin my journey with extensive resources or formal experience in the field. Instead, my interest developed through hands-on learning, problem solving, and a growing awareness of how vulnerable digital systems can be when security is overlooked. What first sparked my interest in cybersecurity was noticing how often people around me dealt with issues like malware, intrusive advertising, data tracking, and unsecured networks without really knowing why it was happening. I wanted to understand what was going on behind the scenes and how these problems could be prevented. That curiosity pushed me to start teaching myself the basics of networking, operating systems, and security concepts outside of the classroom. One of the most meaningful experiences in my journey was creating a network wide ad blocker using Pi-hole on a Raspberry Pi. Over winter break, I challenged myself to design and deploy a solution that would protect every device on a network rather than just a single browser or computer. Through this project, I learned about DNS, network traffic, Linux systems, and how security tools operate at a deeper level than most users ever see. It was the first time I felt like I was not just learning cybersecurity, but actively applying it to solve a real problem. Like many students pursuing technical fields, I have faced challenges along the way. Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially when you are still developing foundational knowledge and comparing yourself to others who seem more advanced. Access to resources, confidence, and hands on opportunities are not always equal. There were moments when things did not work as expected, when systems failed, or when troubleshooting took far longer than planned. Instead of giving up, I learned to break problems down, research independently, and stay persistent until I understood the issue. These experiences shaped how I approach cybersecurity today. I focus on learning by doing, asking questions, and understanding not just how tools work, but why they work. I also value collaboration and clear communication, because strong security depends on people just as much as technology. Working through challenges has taught me patience and adaptability, which I believe are essential traits for anyone in this field. My long term goal is to build a career in cybersecurity where I can help protect systems, networks, and users while contributing to a more inclusive and accessible security community. Hackers Against Hate’s mission strongly aligns with my own values, as I believe innovation and effective security come from diverse perspectives and equal opportunity. This scholarship would support my continued education and help me grow into a cybersecurity professional who is both technically skilled and committed to making a positive impact.

My name is Alfonso Carrington III and this is an essay about myself. My favorite hobbies are bowling, programming, and building projects of any kind. Bowling has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. With three generations of bowlers, I was able to learn the fundamentals of the sport quickly. On holidays, I would visit my family in Chicago and bowl. I would always move behind the bowling alley's machines to see how they work. The more I saw bowling machines, the more interested I became in computers and technology. My uncle had a huge impact on my interest in computers since he majored in cyber security. Not long after, I decided that I wanted to work in the field of technology. I attempted to learn various coding languages but would eventually forget or put them off. Starting high school I met a friend who was very proficient in coding. One day I asked him "how are you able to learn so much so easily?", and he told me "I put in all my effort". From that day on, I decided to put all my effort into what I'm learning or doing. To retain what I learn, I like to brainstorm different project ideas and later implement them in Python, HTML, etc. I am currently building an animatronic that can interact with guests in a state welcome center. When I am not bowling or coding, I am volunteering in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). Throughout high school, community service has been at the center of my school life. It has taught me the importance of giving back to my community and how to be a better person. I began taking community service seriously when I joined Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). My JROTC Program highly encouraged students to take part in community service. Seeing my instructors with my classmates inspired me to begin my community service journey. In JROTC, I volunteered to service the parking lot, baseball field, and football field. We would also place wreaths and mini U.S. flags on veteran graves during My favorite community service event was the parking detail because it allowed me to collaborate with my classmates and instructors. High School clubs I am involved in include the Student Government Association (SGA), School Support Organization (SSO), National Technical Honor Society(NTHS), Key Club, Engineering Club, Prom Committee, and Technology Student Association (TSA). Participating in these clubs has greatly improved my leadership ability and allowed me to help around my school.

Throughout high school, community service has been at the center of my school life. It has taught me the importance of giving back to my community and how to be a better person. Providing service has allowed me to improve my communication, networking, and leadership skills. But with high school came many hurdles and challenges. The two biggest challenges I've faced came from academics and physical fitness. In my freshman year of high school, I was out of shape and academically weak. When I didn't understand classwork, fear of embarrassment would prevent me from asking for help. Eventually, my fear would cause my grades to decline significantly and almost force me to quit J.R.O.T.C. I knew that if I wanted to improve my grades and have a chance at college, I needed to start studying. Motivated to do better, I picked up new study habits and started communicating with my teachers. Going through this struggle was great because I haven't had a grade fall below 89% since. Physical fitness was my second biggest challenge. I never paid attention to what I ate and how much I exercised until I joined JROTC. I wanted to join a special team called Raider, which required me to be physically fit. In my freshman year, I took the physical fitness test to join the team. When I viewed my results, I failed almost every test. I spent the next 3 years training my body and mind to handle harder training. During this time, I would stop exercising and start again, but never give up. Eventually, I made a training partner who would run around the school track with me. He pushed me to limits I never thought I could achieve. Then, one mile turned into two, and two miles turned into three miles. Every time I ran I had a new personal record, and that motivated me to keep training harder. Once I knew that I developed a physically acceptable test score, I took another physical fitness test. If I passed this test, I would become a Raider, if I failed the test I would never be able to become a Raider. Finally, after years of failing and trying again, I made the JROTC Raider Team. Later I realized that my run time was less than ten seconds faster than the time I needed to pass. I knew from that point that if I never gave up on my goals, I could accomplish anything.

I plan to pursue a major in Cybersecurity. This field of study focuses on the protection of data, networks, and systems from cyber-criminals. Cybersecurity interests me because I enjoy the challenge of securing technology. I will take comfort in knowing that every attack or vulnerability I block, will prevent someone from losing their job, money, or company. With the increase in technology, a career in Cybersecurity will be more important than ever. I will do my best to learn all I can to protect others and our country. Throughout high school, community service has been at the center of my school life. It has taught me the importance of giving back to my community and how to be a better person. Providing service has allowed me to improve my communication, networking, and leadership skills. But with high school came many hurdles and challenges. The two biggest challenges I've faced came from academics and physical fitness. In my freshman year of high school, I was out of shape and academically weak. When I didn't understand classwork, fear of embarrassment would prevent me from asking for help. Eventually, my fear would cause my grades to decline significantly and almost force me to quit J.R.O.T.C. I knew that if I wanted to improve my grades and have a chance at college, I needed to start studying. Motivated to do better, I picked up new study habits and started communicating with my teachers. Going through this struggle was great because I haven't had a grade fall below 89% since. Physical fitness was my second biggest challenge. I never paid attention to what I ate and how much I exercised until I joined JROTC. I wanted to join a special team called Raider, which required me to be physically fit. In my freshman year, I took the physical fitness test to join the team. When I viewed my results, I failed almost every test. I spent the next 3 years training my body and mind to handle harder training. During this time, I would stop exercising and start again, but never give up. Eventually, I made a training partner who would run around the school track with me. He pushed me to limits I never thought I could achieve. Then, one mile turned into two, and two miles turned into three miles. Every time I ran I had a new personal record, and that motivated me to keep training harder. Once I knew that I developed a physically acceptable test score, I took another physical fitness test. If I passed this test, I would become a Raider, if I failed the test I would never be able to become a Raider. Finally, after years of failing and trying again, I made the JROTC Raider Team. Later I realized that my run time was less than ten seconds faster than the time I needed to pass. I knew from that point that if I never gave up on my goals, I could accomplish anything.

Throughout high school, community service has been at the center of my school life. It has taught me the importance of giving back to my community and how to be a better person. Providing service has allowed me to improve my communication, networking, and leadership skills. But with high school came many hurdles and challenges. The two biggest challenges I've faced came from academics and physical fitness. In my freshman year of high school, I was out of shape and academically weak. When I didn't understand classwork, fear of embarrassment would prevent me from asking for help. Eventually, my fear would cause my grades to decline significantly and almost force me to quit J.R.O.T.C. I knew that if I wanted to improve my grades and have a chance at college, I needed to start studying. Motivated to do better, I picked up new study habits and started communicating with my teachers. Going through this struggle was great because I haven't had a grade fall below 89% since. Physical fitness was my second biggest challenge. I never paid attention to what I ate and how much I exercised until I joined JROTC. I wanted to join a special team called Raider, which required me to be physically fit. In my freshman year, I took the physical fitness test to join the team. When I viewed my results, I failed almost every test. I spent the next 3 years training my body and mind to handle harder training. During this time, I would stop exercising and start again, but never give up. Eventually, I made a training partner who would run around the school track with me. He pushed me to limits I never thought I could achieve. Then, one mile turned into two, and two miles turned into three miles. Every time I ran I had a new personal record, and that motivated me to keep training harder. Once I knew that I developed a physically acceptable test score, I took another physical fitness test. If I passed this test, I would become a Raider, if I failed the test I would never be able to become a Raider. Finally, after years of failing and trying again, I made the JROTC Raider Team. Later I realized that my run time was less than ten seconds faster than the time I needed to pass. I knew from that point that if I never gave up on my goals, I could accomplish anything.