A single moment can forever change the course of one's life, as I have come to learn. It was when I was eleven years old that my life-changing moment occurred, one that caused the world to feel as though it had shifted on its axis. The experience of sixth-grade picture day has become a permanent challenge that will remain with me, impacting my future in ways that were initially unknown to me and that continue to shape me to this day. My vision went black as I leaned against the wall, and my legs gave out. The wall brushed against my face as though it was attempting to catch me on my way down. Suddenly, I found myself in the back seat of a car rushing to the hospital. What started as a fun day of skipping school became a never-ending battle that demanded frequent hospital visits and tests, leading me to travel to a children's hospital. Despite the many tests I underwent, there was only one diagnosis that came out of it all: severe anxiety. At eleven years old, I was at a loss to understand what anxiety meant beyond the definition, let alone what I would be anxious about. The anxiety label was etched into me like a tattoo, becoming an inseparable part of who I am. Living with a mental illness from a young age and during a time when mental health was highly misunderstood by society presented me with numerous challenges and shaped me into the person I am today. These experiences have shaped my path, influenced my core beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. It has been thirteen years since my diagnosis, and I can now say that I am no longer afraid as I once was. More importantly, I am no longer an angry little girl who was tired and frustrated with feeling ashamed and misunderstood. I have grown to learn compassion and empathy, for I understand what it feels like to be misunderstood and appear fine on the surface. However, everyone is fighting their own hidden battles, and people's actions toward me often reflect their own personal problems. At the end of the day, we are all human, flawed, and hurting, but a small act of kindness can go a long way in a society where we all conceal our struggles. This shift in my perspective has strengthened my relationships. I confront problems honestly and directly because I know there is often a reason behind people's actions. As a result, I have realized that open honesty and understanding are the foundations of strong, healthy relationships, whether friendships or family. However, I have also found that my empathetic nature has taught me to value and preserve my energy, resulting in many acquaintances and fewer but more meaningful friendships. Despite experiencing wrongful treatment from others, I don't harbor anger toward them. My unwavering commitment to positively impact the world stems from my experience with mental illness. This experience motivated me to dedicate my time to volunteering and pursuing a career that aligns with my aspirations. Specifically, I aim to positively impact the Foster Care system by collaborating with non-profit organizations to raise awareness, resources, and funds. Moreover, I am passionate about working directly with foster children by participating in outreach programs designed to inspire and educate them. As well as beginning a start-up intended to positively change the system permanently. One organization I plan to volunteer for is ChickTech, a national non-profit organization that conducts workshops and programs for girls and women. The organization welcomes volunteers who share their mission of empowering girls and women to pursue careers in STEM fields. My aspirations to positively impact the community continue to be influenced by my struggles with anxiety during high school. During this challenging period, the engineering program and robotics team provided me with a safe and supportive environment to grow and develop. Without their help, I would have been at risk of dropping out and losing my ability to succeed. This experience has fueled my desire to help others struggling with mental illness or facing other challenges. Throughout the years, many vastly difficult circumstances have significantly contributed to the person I am today. It is a daily struggle to combat the belief that I am inadequate and the overwhelming feeling of self-doubt. My mind tends to fabricate worst-case scenarios for every conceivable situation. These pessimistic beliefs exacerbate my dependency on others and make socializing increasingly challenging. Paradoxically, they also cause me to avoid social situations and gatherings, which has made it difficult for me to form lasting friendships, mainly because I move frequently. As a result, I gravitated towards a career with stability, low socialization requirements, and a high probability of remote work. Working directly with computers minimizes variability and decreases the likelihood of heightened anxiety. It is a field where I can thrive, which my anxiety ultimately directed me towards. Nevertheless, advancing within this field may be challenging due to my self-doubt and need for reassurance, but it fuels my attention to detail and precision. Over the past thirteen years, my mental illness has presented many difficulties, and although there will never be an endpoint, it has shaped me into the individual I am today. I aspire to concentrate on the positives instead of fixating on the limitations it imposes. By altering my perspective from negative to positive, I have learned to coexist with anxiety rather than letting it defeat me and hinder my life.

As an individual with a distinctive background, I have encountered numerous challenges that have molded my character and fueled my determination to succeed. Growing up in a resilient and resourceful family has instilled in me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and resilience. Despite facing numerous obstacles, I am committed to using my education as a formidable tool to overcome hurdles, attain my goals, and positively impact my community and beyond. During my formative years, I immersed myself in academics and pursued excellence in various fields. I endeavored to follow the arduous path, whether academically, in extracurriculars, workforce, and socially. I furthered by marrying shortly after high school and becoming a military spouse, exploring and learning a new way of life. At the age of 16, my brother marched me to the local subway, where I secured my first job. Shortly after beginning work, I went to the bank and acquired my initial loan to purchase my cousin's old truck. During the summer, I started picking up extra work at various locations, including a nearby lumber yard. My life rapidly became a juggling act between full-time work and academic commitments. This mentality and path were shaped by observing and listening to my family. I distinctly recall being in the 2nd grade when my father emphasized the importance of scholarships and urged me to start planning early. From a young age, my parents made it clear that higher education was not a privilege but a responsibility that I had to shoulder financially. Who I am today is a product of my family's hard work and dedication. My mother earned her GED and worked tirelessly to reach her current position. She worked the night shift when we were children, all the way through high school, to be an active mother and fulfill the demands of being a mother. My father worked non-stop to provide for his family, waking up at 3 am and returning home at 6 pm. He worked every weekend, missing important family events, including birthdays and holidays, to the point of almost working on the morning of my wedding day. My family comprises individuals without a higher education but has a strong blue-collar, hardworking, loving ethos and a willingness to assist those in need. I was not an ordinary child, nor did I follow a typical path. At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety that caused seizures. I have fought this mental battle ever since, accepting that there is never a finish line. However, this challenge has also shaped me into who I am today, teaching me mental strength, perseverance, empathy, and perspective. Ultimately, my upbringing, unique journey, and the obstacles I have encountered have led me to where I am today and formed my future aspirations. I am pursuing a higher education in Computer Science and will utilize this degree not only for a career I am passionate about but also to create a positive change. I plan to collaborate with non-profit organizations that raise awareness, resources, and fundraisers for the Foster Care system, as well as start-ups aimed at effecting change. I will volunteer and mentor within the STEM community, such as with a FIRST Robotics team and ChickTech. These goals and aspirations, which I strive to achieve through my higher education, are shaped by the journey of life that has made me who I am today rather than who I aspire to be.

Kindness and empathy will intertwine with the pursuit of career success resulting in the endeavor to positively impact society and achieve a sense of fulfillment from contributing to the world.

Perseverance is a quality that enables individuals to persist through challenges and obstacles and is the ability to remain focused on a goal, despite setbacks, failures, and adversity. It is a crucial skill that can be developed and honed through practice and experience. By facing and overcoming challenges, individuals can build their resilience and confidence and develop the mental toughness necessary to persevere through difficult times with determination and strength. Perseverance is a critical component of success, as it allows individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, even when encountering difficult and unexpected circumstances. The path to success is a journey that consists of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unforeseen challenges. Without perseverance, it can be easy to give up when the going gets tough and to succumb to discouragement and frustration. However, it is not simply gritting one's teeth and pushing through tribulations. Instead, it is a mindset, perspective, and way of approaching challenges involving determination, resilience, and adaptability. It requires individuals to have a clear sense of purpose, a strong belief in themselves and their abilities, and the ability to remain adaptable and open to new solutions and approaches when confronted with impediments. Perseverance, to me, is an essential quality that enables individuals to overcome obstacles and attain their goals, no matter how challenging or daunting they may seem. It requires determination, resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose and belief in oneself. By cultivating perseverance, individuals can develop the vital mental toughness necessary to succeed in all areas of life. At the age of 11, my diagnosis of severe anxiety, which could result in seizures, brought about numerous challenges and difficulties. Perseverance, a vital attribute in the face of severe anxiety, is something I have had to learn over the past 13 years to manage my symptoms and improve my quality of life. Although anxiety may remain a constant in my life, I have overcome many obstacles over the years through perseverance, with the realization that there may never be a finish line. Perseverance is shown daily by taking small steps to confront fears and conquer anxiety. It involves gradually exposing oneself to anxiety-provoking situations, such as public speaking, social events, or simply going into a store. I developed confidence and resilience by taking these small steps and enduring the discomfort, eventually conquering specific anxiety triggers. Another way battling anxiety can demonstrate perseverance is by seeking and utilizing effective treatment options. These could include regularly attending therapy sessions, experimenting with different medications or coping strategies, and adopting lifestyle changes to support mental health. By persevering and being open to new approaches, I can find the best method and combination for me. Despite my diagnosis, my perseverance and determination have allowed me to achieve goals that once seemed impossible due to the mental limitations imposed by anxiety. This mindset has propelled me from getting married at 19 and moving away from home to another state to relocating across the country from North Carolina to Oregon. It has helped me navigate new situations and challenges despite being alone in a new state with no acquaintances nearby. Perseverance has enabled me to live with anxiety rather than be consumed by it and not live at all. My experiences have given me a mindset and resilience to aid my future endeavors. Instead of allowing anxiety to cripple my present and affect my future, I have instilled a new perspective to enable growth through perseverance.

Every day, hundreds of thousands of kids in the United States are in foster care, ranging from infants to 21 years old. These kids, varying in all ages, will spend multiple birthdays within the foster system and get shuffled from house to house. In addition to moving from family to family, many kids only have a trash bag to carry their belongings. These children never had a fair opportunity in life; they get placed in a challenging life that they have no control over, which will end up dictating their future. Many join the foster system by leaving terrible circumstances just to get moved into a place that is supposed to keep them safe. However, the problem is the system fails many children; every day, children get put in a life they have no control over and go unnoticed when pleading for help. The foster system exists to provide a safe place for abused and neglected children by placing them with foster families. However, that system designed to support and provide safety has failed children. This system fails kids every day, but society does not blink an eye until a child dies due to that failure. The children in foster care go unnoticed by most of the population until the plea gets posted on the news; by then, it is too late. A few situations vary from sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking, and physical and emotional abuse. These are just a few scenarios children experience in homes they were placed into to protect them. I will use the knowledge and experience I gain from college in computer science to make a difference in the foster care system and community. I have begun my involvement within the system by reaching out to tutor foster students during the school year. However, I plan to work directly with project development to incorporate and advance technology within the foster care system. Many areas within the foster system can be improved using my computer science major and software and application developer career path. I plan to address this critical social issue by working with non-profit organizations that raise awareness, resources, and fundraisers that need assistance developing, creating, and maintaining websites or software. I plan to also volunteer directly within the community of foster kids by participating in outreach programs to teach and inspire by leading workshops and tutoring. For example, ChickTech is an organization consistently looking for volunteers that serve thousands of girls and women nationwide through workshops and programs. Furthermore, I plan to make a more significant difference in the system. There is room for improvement, primarily in communication. For example, many foster kids have restricted or no access to technology, including communication methods. A way of advancement is by creating a smaller device linked with GPS, direct communication to emergency responders and their social workers. Provide the foster kids with this easy-to-disclose device to provide a sense of safety and give them a voice in times of need. Communication can further to the development of a secure app to increase communication and efficiency between social workers and foster parents and kids. Technology is rampant and actively present in today's technologically advanced society. The foster care system is an active critical social issue that is ignored, with the faults only being noticed when it is too late. This system needs to be significantly revised and adapted to save and provide for these children, and there is an abundance of room for technological improvement. These are a few ways I can use my degree and technology to make a difference in the system and children's lives.

My path while growing up was anything but ordinary. I became inspired and passionate to live outside the standard box at a young age and to never fit a stereotype. I want to be and do everything while being intensely passionate about anything I pursue. I feel compassion deeply and contain an emphatic desire to better the world. I aim to live a life with perspective, specifically a perspective that everyone possesses good, and everyone has hardships. These strong attributes have led my life and have influenced my future goals and ambitions. While growing up, beginning with elementary school, I found my passion and aptitude in math. At the same time, I started pursuing instruments, sports, and academics. These activities included the guitar, dance, soccer, violin, chess club, and intramurals. By middle school, I joined basketball, volleyball, tutoring in an elementary class, and trapshooting, and I won the town's homecoming queen. I continued playing soccer and the violin but began performing in stores during Christmas. During this time, my journey with a mental illness of severe anxiety that causes seizures began, but that did not prevent me from skipping a grade ahead in math and science. I continued trapshooting and advanced courses but found a true passion for volunteer work, engineering, and robotics during high school. I engulfed myself within the engineering classroom and co-led and won the highest award possible for our division at the world champions for the school's first FIRST Robotics team. Moreover, I worked full-time during school, joined a french club, and worked on rebuilding my 1988 Mustang with my grandpa during my free time. I strived to never fit into a stereotype, try everything with full passion, and be friends with everyone. After marrying and moving across the country at 19, I re-discovered my love for computer science and volunteer work. I will use the knowledge and experience I gain from college to make a difference in the foster care system and community. I have begun my involvement within the system by reaching out to tutor foster students during the school year. Furthering to working directly with project development to incorporate and advance technology within the system. Furthermore, I will work with non-profit organizations that raise awareness, resources, and fundraisers that need assistance, including volunteering directly within the community of foster kids by participating in outreach programs to inspire by leading workshops and tutoring. For example, ChickTech is an organization consistently looking for volunteers that serve thousands of girls and women nationwide through workshops and programs. Additionally, following project development, many foster kids have limited access to technology, including communication methods. Distributing an easy-to-disclose device linked with GPS, a direct line to emergency responders and social workers to foster children will provide the kids a voice and safety in times of need. Communication can further to the development of a secure app to increase communication and efficiency between social workers and foster parents and kids. My journey, compassion, and passion for making a difference keep me out of the box. These key attributes make me who I am today and inspire my future. I strive to think of ways to make a difference, from handing out food to the homeless to growing flowers to hand out to retirement homes and passersby. I am passionate about bringing change and happiness to others, whether big or small. Most importantly, I know I do not have to know everything because, just like Steve Jobs, world changes are led by passion if I am passionate enough to bring people together to make it happen.

Every action has an effect, and whether it is noticeable to the eye or happens right away, eventually, each action will affect another person. I often ponder the butterfly effect and how a simple change of perspective can alter my destination and how the following day will go. Just as our actions dictate our futures, they can also influence others. It truly is the little things that matter and can have the most significant impacts. Influence to me means altering another person's course of action and trajectory of their life. I aim to influence others for the better every single day. All it can take is a simple smile when passing by a stranger in a store, acknowledging store greeters, making a positive comment on an employee's jewelry, or holding a door open for another person. Each tiny action will influence their day, leaving a smile and a feeling of happiness and hope. At age 11, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety that causes seizures, leading to many challenges. Although there may never be a finish line to this challenge, I have overcome many hurdles throughout the years. This challenge has also brought many opportunities, growth, and learning. While growing up, I received plenty of judgment and harsh words; however, I can see that everyone has their battles, and it is okay just because someone does not understand that. I have grown to learn compassion, empathy, and a change of perspective from their viewpoint and the ability to connect with people on a deeper level. My most prominent growth from this challenge has been changing my perspective and realizing that I am stronger than the limitations that my brain sets. While growing up, I spent most of my time with a math workbook or science set in my hands. My passion for my field of choice of a Computer Science major and my future major of Software Engineering stemmed from the building blocks of math and science. I am earning a career as a full-stack developer and will use my knowledge and experience to make a difference in the foster care system and community. I plan to begin by volunteering directly within the community of foster kids by participating in outreach programs to teach and inspire by leading workshops and tutoring. Furthermore, my goal is to work directly with project development to incorporate and advance technology within the foster care system, a system that desperately needs to be revised and improved. Every day is a step forward to earn my degree and career; each day is full of hard work and determination, but most importantly, endless empathy for others along this journey of life. I have learned to love the journey while working towards these many goals, and this scholarship is just one of the first steps to getting there. This scholarship will significantly impact my future by assisting in affording to earn my college degree to work towards making a difference and positively impacting others.

When you are young, most girls play with dolls or coloring books; however, I had spent most of my time with a math workbook or science set in my hand. My passion for computer science began with the groundwork of math and science. Around age seven, I began the desire to start learning outside of school. Although I struggled with speech and had to learn to pronounce certain words correctly, numbers and calculations flowed effortlessly. I quickly went from being in a talented and gifted group to taking summer school and skipping a grade. The moment I stepped foot into the engineering classroom, I knew the desire and appreciation for the building blocks of computer science led me to that moment. I spent my high school years engulfed in the Engineering room, exploring the different directions I could choose. During that time, I struggled with a hidden battle of severe anxiety; however, there is always a sense of calmness when learning and working with technology. The desire, passion, and curiosity in all things technological, from the building blocks, added to the empathy, compassion, and perspective I learned from battling anxiety, has dramatically influenced my goals and dreams. Beginning with the bases of my career, I am enrolled to earn my undergraduate degree in Information Science and Technology major. While actively learning HTML, CSS, Java, and more, following the career path for a full-stack developer outside of school work. To further prepare for after college, I have begun preparing for technical interviews, searching for internships, creating a project portfolio, and creating a website resume. During this time, I have continued and increased my involvement within the community and pursued and taken action on specific causes. After college, I plan to immediately enroll for the following degree, majoring in Software Engineering. My career plan is to become a full-stack developer. However, I will use the knowledge and experience I gain from college in computer science to make a difference in the foster care system and community. I have begun my involvement within the system by reaching out to tutor foster students during the school year. However, I plan to work directly with project development to incorporate and advance technology within the foster care system. Furthermore, I plan to address this critical social issue by working with non-profit organizations that raise awareness, resources, and fundraisers that need assistance developing, creating, and maintaining websites or applications. I plan to also volunteer directly within the community of foster kids by participating in outreach programs to teach and inspire by leading workshops and tutoring. For example, ChickTech is an organization consistently looking for volunteers that serve thousands of girls and women nationwide through workshops and programs. Additionally, the system has room for improvement, primarily in communication. For example, many foster kids have restricted or no access to technology, including communication methods. Distributing an easy-to-disclose device linked with GPS, a direct line to emergency responders and social workers to foster children will provide the kids a voice and safety in times of need. Communication can further to the development of a secure app to increase communication and efficiency between social workers and foster parents and kids. Every day is a step forward to earn my degree and career; each day is full of hard work and determination, but most importantly, endless empathy for others along this journey of life. However, I have learned to love the journey while working towards these many goals, and this scholarship is just one of the first steps to getting there.

Every day, hundreds of thousands of kids in the United States are in foster care, ranging from infants to 21 years old. These kids, varying in all ages, will spend multiple birthdays within the foster system and get shuffled from house to house. In addition to moving from family to family, many kids only have a trash bag to carry their belongings. These children never had a fair opportunity in life; they get placed in a challenging life that they have no control over, which will end up dictating their future. Many join the foster system by leaving terrible circumstances just to get moved into a place that is supposed to keep them safe. However, the problem is the system fails many children; every day, children get put in a life they have no control over and go unnoticed when pleading for help. The foster system exists to provide a safe place for abused and neglected children by placing them with foster families. However, that system designed to support and provide safety has failed children. This system fails kids every day, but society does not blink an eye until a child dies due to that failure. The children in foster care go unnoticed by most of the population until the plea gets posted on the news; by then, it is too late. A few situations vary from sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking, and physical and emotional abuse. These are just a few scenarios children experience in homes they were placed into to protect them. I will use the knowledge and experience I gain from college in computer science to make a difference in the foster care system and community. I have begun my involvement within the system by reaching out to tutor foster students during the school year. However, I plan to work directly with project development to incorporate and advance technology within the foster care system. Many areas within the foster system can be improved using my computer science major and software and application developer career path. I plan to address this critical social issue by working with non-profit organizations that raise awareness, resources, and fundraisers that need assistance developing, creating, and maintaining websites or software. I plan to also volunteer directly within the community of foster kids by participating in outreach programs to teach and inspire by leading workshops and tutoring. For example, ChickTech is an organization consistently looking for volunteers that serve thousands of girls and women nationwide through workshops and programs. Furthermore, I plan to make a more significant difference in the system. There is room for improvement, primarily in communication. For example, many foster kids have restricted or no access to technology, including communication methods. A way of advancement is by creating a smaller device linked with GPS, direct communication to emergency responders and their social workers. Provide the foster kids with this easy-to-disclose device to provide a sense of safety and give them a voice in times of need. Communication can further to the development of a secure app to increase communication and efficiency between social workers and foster parents and kids. Technology is rampant and actively present in today's technologically advanced society. The foster care system is an active critical social issue that is ignored, with the faults only being noticed when it is too late. This system needs to be significantly revised and adapted to save and provide for these children, and there is an abundance of room for technological improvement. These are a few ways I can use my degree and technology to make a difference in the system and children's lives.

When you are young, most girls spend their time playing with dolls or coloring; however, I had spent most of my time with a math workbook, science set, book, or instrument in my hand. My passion for computer science began with the groundwork of math and science. Around age seven, I began the initiative and desired to start learning outside of school. Although I struggled with speech and had to learn to pronounce certain words correctly, numbers and calculations flowed effortlessly. I quickly went from being in a talented and gifted group to taking summer school and skipping a grade. The moment I stepped foot into the engineering classroom, I knew the desire and appreciation for the building blocks of computer science led me to that moment. I spent my high school years engulfed in the Engineering room, exploring the different directions I could choose. During that time, I struggled with a hidden battle of severe anxiety; however, there is always a sense of calmness when learning and working in computer science. The desire, passion, and curiosity in all things technology, from the building blocks, added to the empathy, compassion, and perspective I learned from battling anxiety, has dramatically influenced my goals and dreams. I will complete my Undergraduate degree in Information Science and Technology with the Application Development path while actively learning coding languages and building my project portfolio, including preparing for technical internship interviews. While pursuing and working toward my dream career of becoming a Full-Stack Developer, I actively volunteer within the community. I will use my knowledge and career path to make a difference; whether in one kid, one robotics team, one family, or many, I am determined to leave an impact with my degree. However, this is the beginning, as I plan to continue advancing my knowledge by earning a Graduate degree in the Software Engineering major directly after my Undergraduate. I want to do what I love and make a difference, and I will, by taking it one step at a time and working due-diligently, and this essay is just one of the many first steps. This scholarship will significantly impact my future and assist in affording to earn my college degree. I believe I am the best candidate for the Chris Jackson scholarship because I am inspired to carry the attributes that Chris Jackson did. I am dedicated, determined, and perseverant to earn my dream career and future for myself and my family and to make a difference in many others. I aim to make a difference, whether it's making someone feel important and that they matter the way Chris did, because to make someone feel so important involves so much love and care. Every day is a step forward to earn my degree and career; each day is full of hard work and determination, but most importantly, endless empathy for others along this journey of life.

At age 11, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety that causes seizures, leading to many challenges. Although there may never be a finish line to this challenge, I have overcome many hurdles throughout the years. This challenge has also brought many opportunities, growth, and learning. At the start of my diagnosis, I was too young to comprehend how anxiety would evolve into an everyday battle to overcome. Since then, I have gained a new perspective, allowing me to persevere through every hurdle. For example, the judgment of others and being told, "Get over it," "It is all in your head," "You have nothing to be anxious about," and "Just stop it." However, I can see that everyone has their battles, and just because someone does not understand that, it is okay. I have grown to learn compassion, empathy, and a change of perspective from their viewpoint. This has provided me with the ability to connect with people on a deeper level, including myself. I am no longer searching for validation from others and have also learned to have compassion and empathy for myself. My most prominent growth from this challenge has been changing my perspective and realizing that I am stronger than the limitations that my brain sets. My goal has always been to earn my college degree, but as a first-generation student from the working class, there has not been guidance or financial support to accomplish this. However, after taking a few years off to verify my passions and aspirations, I am more than determined to achieve this. I plan to earn a degree with a computer science major and return for a software engineering major. I will use this degree to become a software developer with a company focused on making a change. Additionally, I want to use my knowledge and experience to give back to the community by volunteering, mentoring, and working with a non-profit and start-up. I am determined to use the knowledge I gain from college to make a difference in my family and others. This scholarship will assist me with accomplishing all of these goals by decreasing the total amount I will have to borrow for my degree, allowing me to focus my attention on my school work, internships, and real-world projects. During my free time, when I am not studying or working, I am often in the kitchen. I have grown a love for cooking and baking, leading me to create a blog to share my recipes. I primarily love to create meals from fresh ingredients, often leading to making most items from scratch. This includes homemade bread, pastries, pasta, and cakes, to purchasing a handheld grain mill to mill flour. I have found local produce stands and farms to purchase meat and produce, knowing my money is going back into the community. I am very passionate about volunteering and have been focusing on increasing the amount I do. Additionally, when I am not cooking, baking, volunteering, or coding, I spend time with my husband and dog hiking. We rescued our dog Poseidon about three years ago when he was found as a stray, and since then, we have spent every moment possible with him. Simple things like teaching him how to play with soft toys again have become our highlights. Due to my husband's career as an active duty Marine, he has had the ability to see both coasts. I have found passion in many interests; however, I love seeing the happiness of others overall.

Mountain tops are rocky and cold, intentions are just intentions, and change happens in a heartbeat. These are only a few lessons that have altered my perspective and decisions. I often reflect on all of the lessons on perspective throughout the day. Am I eating a sandwich on the beach, or am I eating a culinary creation full of fresh produce made with love and effort on a sand-filled beach, soaking up the sun and watching the waves roll in, living another person's perspective of a dream? The Noticer by Andy Andrew captures a new outlook on life, bringing pessimistic viewpoints to positive opportunities and providing at least one lesson for any reader. One of the main ways the book impacted my life was the lesson that comfort does not bring change and growth. Mountain tops are rocky and cold with minimal to no growth; however, the view or comfort keeps people from moving on. The view is the next destination that must involve getting down from the top. Through the journey and hardships traveling to the next mountain peak is where growth takes place, where the person slogs through the lush grass and rich soil. Alternatively, those who stay in the comfort of the mountain peak never continue to grow. Hardships and triumphs are necessary for continual growth; without them, one will remain in the comfort, never moving onward. Furthermore, another critical concept the book taught that changed my thinking was that intentions are just intentions. Intentions hold no value; just because someone preaches all the good they intend to do, it correlates to nothing. Often people judge themselves by their intentions but judge others by their actions. Change is instantaneous when the perspective changes and the outlook on life switches. The length of time that comes with change is how long it takes to decide to change, not the change itself. I was able to begin living after implementing this change of perspective. After reading the book, I realized how stuck, and unhappy I had become, how I was so concerned and focused on what I didn't have and comparing myself to the success of others. Since then, I have shifted my perspective and begun the instantaneous change. In relation to the few lessons, I started with getting out of my comfort zone and taking accountability. I stopped telling people my intentions and began to show my actions instead. The change was immediate, and my overall happiness and confidence drastically increased. I have enrolled in college after delaying it for so long due to fear and the comfort of the daily routine. As well as I have begun venturing out to events, stores, and hikes and pursuing volunteering again. The happiness of beginning my journey to the next mountain peak has undoubtedly been incredible. The Noticer by Andy Andrews holds the keys to a complete life transformation. However, just like perspective, the impact that the reader takes from the book is what they make of it. Anyone can take at least one lesson from a simple change of perspective. Without a doubt, this book has impacted me daily and will forever transform my life and future. I will continue to reflect on the many vital points and pursue the happier life that my change of perspective will bring.

I have been passionate about the STEM field for as long as I can remember; however, the moment I stepped foot in the Engineering Classroom during high school sparked a determination. My career journey began with spending my 6th-grade summer in school to advance a year ahead in math and science. From that moment forward, I took every opportunity possible to expand my knowledge within the field. Computer science intrigues me because it encompasses all aspects of life by being the building blocks of society. The growth and expansion of computer science are ultimately due to mathematics. Mathematics laid the groundwork and fundamentals of today's society; with it, the world we know has progressed to where it stands today. Math led the way dating back to the Egyptians building the ancient wonder of the world to today, building skyscrapers, and proceeding in space travel. However, since then, with the groundwork of mathematics, technology has taken control. Computers and programs are actively present and crucial to an advanced society. A few examples include communication and computers for cops, first responders, and the military, medical diagnostic equipment and analysis programs, and to harboring sustainable green energy. These building blocks are why my interest has continued to increase for computer science. Furthermore, I aspire to use my education and experience to make a difference, beginning with volunteering within the community. A few ways would be volunteering as a mentor for a local FIRST robotics team by giving back to the program that sparked my inspiration. I plan to continue volunteering within the community in various ways; however, one of my main goals is to use my knowledge to make a difference within the Foster Care System. I aspire to either begin a start-up or be a part of a start-up to revise and improve the system. The foster system is failing children every day, a system that is put in place to protect these children. A few scenarios that children ranging from newborn to 20 years old get placed into are sexual abuse, neglect, trafficking, and physical and emotional abuse. Often with limited to no access to technology to communicate with authorities or their social worker. These reasons are why I am passionate about earning my degree to work alongside developing programs to improve systems such as the foster care system. I am currently enrolled at Pennsylvania State University and have plans to continue my education after this first degree. I plan to begin a career in either application or software development. Therefore, my next degree major will be software engineering. All of these reasons are why I want a future in the computer science field. With more discoveries, technology will continue to pave the way for the future of society.

I have been passionate about the STEM field for as long as I can remember; however, the moment I stepped foot in the Engineering Classroom during high school sparked a determination. My career journey began with spending my 6th-grade summer in school to advance a year ahead in math and science. From that moment forward, I took every opportunity possible to expand my knowledge within the field. Computer science and technology intrigue me because they encompass all aspects of life by being the building blocks of society. The growth and expansion of computer science are ultimately due to mathematics. Mathematics laid the groundwork and fundamentals of today's society; with it, the world we know would have progressed to where it stands today. Math led the way dating back to the Egyptians building the ancient wonder of the world to building skyscrapers and proceeding in space travel. However, since then, with the groundwork of mathematics, technology has taken control. Computers and programs are actively present and crucial to an advanced society. A few examples include communication and computers for cops, first responders, and the military, medical diagnostic equipment and analysis programs, and to harboring sustainable green energy. These building blocks are why my interest has continued to increase for computer science. Furthering my knowledge has consistently inspired me further in this field. I began learning the groundwork with my interest and advancement in math and science. From the start of high school, I engulfed myself in the STEM field by taking dual enrollment courses within the Project Lead the Way program. The courses included Introduction to Engineering Design, Digital Electronics, Civil Engineering & Architecture, and Engineering Design & Development. While maintaining and pursuing the groundwork of advanced placement courses ranging from US Government, Chemistry, Biology, English, Calculus, and Human Geography. Still, nothing could compare to my interest in the STEM field. I needed more than just taking engineering courses, so I joined and co-led the school's FIRST Robotics team. Since then, I married about a year after high school, packed everything up, and moved from a small town in Iowa to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Between showing up a week before hurricane Florence, learning how to be married, being away from the only home I knew, and learning all that the military life held, life became busy. Flash forward, and I have been with my husband for almost seven years and five years of marriage. We have now been living in Eugene, Oregon, where he is stationed as an active duty Marine working with the reservists. Currently, I am enrolled at Pennsylvania State University, the World Campus, majoring in Information Science and Technology with Application Development. The last few years have been busy, but I am more excited than ever to go back to school to pursue my passion while continuing to support my husband. From the moment I put in my college application, I have been working every day to make this dream come true, yet no matter how long the days can be and how many essays I have written, I could not be happier or more excited. Earning my degree not only provides me with a future in a career that I am passionate about but also assists in financially supporting my family and husband, for if the day ever comes when he decides to leave the Marine Corps, it will be his decision not dependent on the financial income.

Math forms the world and surrounds society's daily lives. Throughout daily tasks, math is actively present, from calculating the amount of sleep, cooking recipes, tracking calories, and finances while shopping. Overall, math is the groundwork and fundamentals of today's society; without it, the world we know would have never progressed to where it stands today. Math is intriguing due to the fact it encompasses all aspects of life by being the building blocks of society. Dating back to the creation of the pyramids, Egyptians could build the ancient wonder of the world that still stands today by using the functionality of math. Furthering mathematic knowledge has expanded architecture from wooden boats and cottages to cruise ships and skyscrapers. Holding the proper dimensions and units, equations to withstand physics, and the creation of tools paved the path to the growth of architecture. Most importantly, mathematics created technology, causing an evolution of its own. Technology that has furthered space exploration was only plausible with the equations to calculate gravity, orbits, speed, and trajectory. Furthermore, technology has drastically improved healthcare, and math functions have led to crucial diagnostic equipment like the CAT and X-ray machines. The evolution continues to daily technological devices such as the computer and cell phone that began with math language leading to programming development. Math's functionality as the building blocks of society and the foundation of evolution is why math intrigues me. The principles of mathematics have shaped my understanding of the world by demonstrating how the world is interconnected. The principles give an insight into patterns and predict the future. Math exemplifies cause and effect, and by integrating statistics and algorithms, it expands to calculated outcomes. The knowledge that math is correlated in all we do and the existence of infinity and continuity while using patterns to determine calculated results has shaped my understanding and perspective of the world. Math is constant and consistent; there are no feelings that determine the meaning and outcome. It is principles that maintain the reliability and consistency of the foundation that has built society to where it stands today. Some of the most significant theories contain great math; however, someone can explain the principles to a child because they are very pictorial. These reasons are why I want a future within the STEM field. With more discoveries, math will continue to pave the way for the future of society.

A mother is patient, supportive, fierce, hardworking, and most importantly, selfless with unconditional love. Being a mother means sacrificing, but sacrificing out of love. Taking on the role of a mother means taking on the part of a teacher, a friend, a chef, a chauffeur, a housekeeper, an event planner, and so much more. Mothers are the foundation of a child's success and future. Who I am today is due to my mother's selfless acts that have inevitably impacted my growth and future. My mother's endless support was one of the main contributing factors to my development into who I am today. When I reflect on key moments, especially within my educational direction, I think of my mother standing alongside me. There were moments when she stood silently off to the side, but she was always there; her support did not go unnoticed. Words may have one unspoken to show her my gratitude, but I am who I am today because of her. Her attendance never ceased at every sporting event, no matter how many consecutive weekends it consumed. Her support allowed me to shoot for the stars, from guitar lessons, violin lessons and concerts, soccer practice and camps and games, Volleyball, Basketball, Trapshooting practice and traveling for competitions, Robotics, and so much more she was always there. She was there and ensured I had clean clothes, dinner, and other needs while she worked full-time and maintained the house. Her support, no matter what crazy idea I had and how much time it consumed, if she could make it happen, she would, and that allowed me to explore, learn and grow. Although she did not sit down and teach me calculus, she gave me the source of strength to push through the hard times. When classes got hard and everything seemed to go wrong, she taught me to have faith. Faith that no matter what was happening at the time was happening for a reason. Guiding and teaching me that God always has a plan and everyone has a different timeline. The strength she taught me and when to lean into my faith has kept me pushing through my childhood and my adult life. My mother's impact on my life may not have been physically teaching me a skill or subject, but her support, guidance, and faith impacted me the most. She pushed me to go after the numerous educational opportunities, supported me through them, guided me in the right direction, and taught me to have faith during the hard times. Now I am 30 hours away from her, yet I find myself calling her every step of the way through my journey of life. Whether it is a small question of how long something stays good or when I hit a roadblock in life and need encouragement or advice, she has been there. A mother is not just a mother; she is in every role while being selfless.

Math forms the world and surrounds society's daily lives. Throughout daily tasks, math is actively present, from calculating the amount of sleep, cooking recipes, tracking calories, and finances while shopping. Overall, math is the groundwork and fundamentals of today's society; without it, the world we know would have never progressed to where it stands today. Math is intriguing due to the fact it encompasses all aspects of life by being the building blocks of society. Dating back to the creation of the pyramids, Egyptians could build the ancient wonder of the world that still stands today by using the functionality of math. Furthering mathematic knowledge has expanded architecture from wooden boats and cottages to cruise ships and skyscrapers. Holding the proper dimensions and units, equations to withstand physics, and the creation of tools paved the path to the growth of architecture. The expansion includes everyday objects, from furniture to kitchenware, linens, and tools. Most importantly, mathematics created technology, causing an evolution of its own. Technology that has furthered space exploration was only plausible with the equations to calculate gravity, orbits, speed, and trajectory. Furthermore, technology has drastically improved healthcare, and math functions have led to crucial diagnostic equipment like the CAT and X-ray machines. The evolution continues to daily technological devices such as the computer and cell phone that began with math language leading to programming development. Math's functionality as the building blocks of society and the foundation of evolution is why math intrigues me. The principles of mathematics have shaped my understanding of the world by demonstrating how the world is interconnected. The principles give an insight into patterns and predict the future. Math exemplifies cause and effect, and by integrating statistics and algorithms, it expands to calculated outcomes. The knowledge that math is correlated in all we do and the existence of infinity and continuity while using patterns to determine calculated results has shaped my understanding and perspective of the world. Math is constant and consistent; there are no feelings that determine the meaning and outcome. It is principles that maintain the reliability and consistency of the foundation that has built society to where it stands today. Some of the most significant theories contain great math; however, someone can explain the principles to a child because they are very pictorial. These reasons are why I want a future within the STEM field. With more discoveries, math will continue to pave the way for the future of society.

Every student and individual understands the importance of an education, specifically a higher education. In order to get a higher education, everyone preaches the significance of scholarships. However, the problem is we all know that, and students hear the speeches daily. I remember getting told to start looking for scholarships in elementary school. Then, in middle school, everyone advised me to think about building a resume for a college application when selecting courses. People will preach what to do and its importance, but only some will explain how and assist you. That issue is increasingly prominent and persistent in minorities and impecunious families. While growing up, I can recall frequently getting preached about the importance of, but no one explained how or helped me through the process. Therefore I was so lost and discouraged that I proceeded to take time off after high school because I was too intimidated by the process. Nevertheless, the problem continues; when trying to break into a dominated field, having mentors and connections makes the endeavor increasingly more manageable. I realized the difficulty of being a first-generation college student is not knowing anyone. When it came time to complete a scholarship, the task was to interview someone within the field I was pursuing, but I needed to find someone to apply for that scholarship. I questioned messaging a random person off of Tik Tok to interview so I could complete the scholarship. These are the problems I am determined and passionate about solving, even if I can make a difference in one person's life. I want to make their endeavor easier because no one deserves to have a greater struggle due to the circumstances they were born into. I plan to earn my degrees, gain knowledge and experience within the tech workforce, and use that for the greater good. I plan to advocate for students, mentor, and volunteer within the community. I want to inspire every lost student who thought they could not accomplish a goal because it felt impossible and overwhelming. I am pursuing my associate's degree in Information Science and Technology and a minor in Security and Risk Analysis. With the goal of becoming a full-stack developer within the tech field. I plan to return to college for my bachelor's in Software Engineering and continue earning my degrees from there. Since I first stepped into the Engineering classroom during my first year of high school, I have continued to be determined to join the tech workforce. My educational and career goals will continue after one degree, just like my goals of helping the community will continue. Furthermore, I have long-term goals of creating an app to give students a place to ask those questions to individuals with experience within the field. To use the app to link them to resources to use along the way. Instead of preaching what to do, I want to tell them how and give them resources to assist their journey. As a military spouse, I don't want to stop there; I want to help other military spouses return to college, as many of us get married young straight out of high school. Overall, I want to do what I love for a career and assist others along the way.