My interest in pursuing a degree in computer science first arose from a desire to understand how technology works and how it can be applied to address real-world problems. The deeper I became acquainted with networking, programming, and cybersecurity, the more clearly I saw that technology affects all aspects of our lives—whether in hospitals and businesses or in schools and families. Since I am a first-generation college student, I was aware that earning a computer science degree would enable me to secure a stable future while making a real difference. Even though the path has been difficult, each of my courses has only strengthened my determination to succeed in a field where women remain underrepresented. Once I have obtained my degree, my aim is to enter the field of cybersecurity, focusing on safeguarding critical systems and sensitive information. I would like to work for a healthcare organization to help protect patient data and ensure that the technology used is both secure and reliable. Since technology is constantly evolving, I plan to keep advancing my knowledge by earning certifications and gaining practical experience to eventually become a leader in the cybersecurity industry. I believe I am a strong applicant for this scholarship because I have never let financial or personal difficulties prevent me from continuing my studies. As a first-generation college student, I have had to manage my college life on my own while staying committed to my academic objectives. I have also spent time volunteering because I believe leadership involves serving others and contributing to the community. The scholarship would not only relieve the financial strain of pursuing my degree but also enable me to focus on becoming the best student and future professional I can be. My aim is to use my education to encourage other young women to enter careers in STEM and to show them that their background doesn't determine their future—that it is their determination which does.

Education involves more than just obtaining a degree or preparing for a career; to me, it means freedom. It gives people the chance to build a future that had once seemed impossible and to become someone who can make a real difference. Since I am a first-generation college student working toward a STEM degree, each class I complete stands not only for my own aspirations but also for the sacrifices my family made so that I could have the opportunities they themselves never had. My parents moved from Nicaragua to the United States to give their children a better life; they worked very hard and taught me the value of perseverance, humility, and hard work. Since they never had the chance to go to college, I have had to sort out my higher education studies on my own. While the experience has been difficult, it has also made me more independent, resourceful, and determined to achieve success. I decided to pursue a career in STEM because I wish to use technology to solve real-world problems. My aim is to work in cybersecurity, ensuring that organizations and the people who depend on them are protected every day. Each networking lab, programming assignment, and technical challenge improves my ability to solve problems and serves as a reminder of why I chose this career. The field of STEM is always changing, and I am looking forward to continuing to learn throughout my career. Education has also shown me what true leadership means. By taking part in volunteer work, I have discovered that leadership involves serving others, listening to them with compassion, and applying my knowledge to assist those around me. In the future, I hope to act as a mentor to young women and to students who are the first in their families to go to college and who might doubt if they belong in STEM. I would like to help them come to believe in themselves and to take on the opportunities which they once thought were beyond their reach. I, like a great many students, have had to deal with both financial and personal difficulties during my studies. Rather than discouraging me, these experiences have helped build my resilience and reminded me that education is one of the most effective means of altering the course of a person's life. The LeadHer Learning Scholarship would not only help alleviate the financial strain of pursuing my degree but also reinforce my conviction that every woman should have the chance to pursue higher education. My aim is to graduate, to build a significant career in cybersecurity, and to use my education to inspire, mentor, and create opportunities for future generations of women in STEM.

Grief entered my life early—and it didn’t come quietly. It shook my world and taught me lessons I never expected. In 2010, when I was 16, I lost my father to a heart attack and my stepfather to a robbery, just six months apart. The people who gave me safety, structure, and guidance were suddenly gone. My childhood ended in an instant, and I was left feeling lost and unprepared for the world ahead. With my mother struggling with illness and deep depression, we had nowhere to turn. We were alone. In search of support, we moved to Nicaragua to be closer to family. For seven months, I tried to keep up with school while adapting to a new country, culture, and way of life. It was hard and often lonely, but it changed me. I learned not just academics, but the meaning of resilience, survival, and the power of community. Those lessons became the foundation I stand on today. Watching my mother fight battles I couldn’t fix forced me to grow up fast. I realized I had to be strong for both of us, even when I felt scared and unsure of myself. When we returned to the U.S., I got my first job at 17. While others my age were focused on school and imagining their futures, I was busy piecing mine back together. I took on responsibilities beyond my years, working to support my household and create some sense of stability. That first job became my reality for the next 15 years—not because I dreamed of it, but because it was necessary to help us survive. I learned early that sometimes, survival comes before ambition. Months later, we faced another blow—our home went into foreclosure. Despite doing everything we could, we found ourselves in a long, exhausting fight with the bank. For years, we struggled to hold on to whatever stability we had left. Eventually, with the help of a lawyer, we sold the house, but the loss left a mark on both of us. For a long time, I felt caught between survival and possibility. The weight of everything I’d experienced, along with my ADHD, made it hard to focus or believe I could have more. Choosing to seek therapy became a turning point. It gave me tools to manage my challenges, rebuild my confidence, and finally take control of my future. In November 2022, after years of fighting and rebuilding, we chose to start over in Orlando. That move was a new beginning for both of us. I decided to return to school—a choice that was both scary and exciting. It meant stepping away from what was familiar and allowing myself to dream again about the life I once thought was out of reach. Today, I’m continuing my education at the University of Central Florida after earning my Associate’s degree from Miami Dade College. This milestone once felt impossible, but now fills me with pride and hope for what comes next. Losing my father and stepfather didn’t just shape my life—it redefined it. Their absence forced me to grow up fast and take on responsibilities no teenager should have to face. But those losses also gave me resilience, purpose, and an unshakable determination to build something better. I’m not just pursuing a degree—I’m honoring my survival by becoming everything I was once told I couldn’t be. Every class, every step forward is a promise to myself and to those I love that I will keep going, no matter how hard the journey gets.

I didn’t grow up with a roadmap to college—I grew up learning how to survive. Every step forward felt uncharted, and every lesson was hard-earned. My name is Alayda Mendoza, and I’m proud to be a first-generation college student. Today, I’m working toward my Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at the University of Central Florida, after earning my Associate’s degree in Cybersecurity from Miami Dade College. My journey to higher education wasn’t guided by a mentor or a plan—it was shaped by loss, responsibility, and resilience. When my father passed away, everything I knew changed overnight. My mother’s health began to decline, and suddenly, I was thrust into a role I could never have expected—becoming the head of our household while still trying to hold onto my dreams. I was balancing grief with strength, and every day meant carrying responsibilities far beyond my years. It was overwhelming, but I refused to let go of my education. Just as I was starting to find my footing, life threw me another curveball. A sudden medical emergency left me in a coma, and when I woke up, everything felt different. I had been given a second chance—one I promised myself I wouldn’t waste. That experience changed me: instead of seeing obstacles as reasons to give up, I started seeing them as reasons to keep going. No matter how hard things got, I refused to give up on my education. I dove into cybersecurity, learning everything I could about network security and system administration. There were moments when the path felt impossible, but I kept going. As a first-generation student, I had to create opportunities for myself where none existed. I want to show other first-generation students that their circumstances don’t define their futures. I plan to share my story—the hard parts most of all—so others know they’re not alone. Through mentorship, outreach, and my future career in technology, I hope to create access for students who feel unseen or unsupported. My biggest goal isn’t just to succeed; it’s to reach back and help others rise with me. My love for technology comes from a place of purpose. I want to bridge the digital divide and give underserved communities the tools, knowledge, and security they deserve. Education changed my life, and I’m determined to use my story and skills to help change others' lives. For me, earning a degree isn’t just about academics—it’s about honoring every hardship that tried to stop me. Through my journey, I hope to prove that even in the darkest moments, it’s possible to rise, rebuild, and redefine what’s possible.

Do you know what it feels like to be in an induced coma? I do. On March 12, 2018, I had just started a new job. I was working myself to the bone, desperate to pay off debts and return to school. My focus was on bills, responsibilities, and survival—not on my health. A little over a month later, on April 20, my body gave out. I felt unwell, and my mother rushed me to the hospital. I remember closing my eyes for what felt like a few minutes—but it turned out to be a week. I had fallen into an induced coma. When I woke up, there was a tube down my throat and tears in my mother's eyes. The doctors hadn't expected me to make it, but somehow, I did. The week that followed was filled with physical, emotional, and mental rehabilitation. I had to learn to walk again using a walker. I had to retrain my body to eat and speak. Doctors asked me simple questions—"Who is the president? How old are you? What's your mother's name?"—to test for brain damage. I saw psychologists, speech therapists, and physical therapists. I had to rebuild myself from scratch. That near-death experience shook me to my core. It was a stark reminder of how fragile life is and how little time we truly have. No amount of money, stress, or work is worth sacrificing your health. When we die, we take nothing with us. That thought has stayed with me every single day since, reminding me to appreciate the present moment. After being released from the hospital, I slowly started to rebuild my life—with purpose this time. I joined the gym and started cooking healthy meals. I spoiled my mother with love, grateful for all she did to keep me alive. I took classes one at a time and began breaking bad habits. I also began distancing myself from toxic friendships that no longer aligned with the new path I was on. I started meditating, returned to church, and reconnected with my faith. Not everyone understood my journey. In my absence, Some coworkers were kind, but others criticized me for missing work. That experience taught me a harsh but valuable truth: a job can replace you in a heartbeat, but your life cannot be replaced. From then on, I vowed never to let anyone or anything rob me of my well-being again. Today, I accomplished in completing my Associate's in Cybersecurity and put my application to transfer to University of Central Florida for Spring Semester 2026. I am taking steps forward one by one, even through financial challenges. But I approach life differently now. I appreciate every sunrise, every deep breath, and every chance I get to improve myself. I've learned to slow down, take care of my mind and body, and prioritize peace over pressure. My relationships have also changed. I now make a conscious effort to show my loved ones how much they mean to me, knowing that life is fragile and can change in an instant. That week in a coma was the scariest experience of my life—but it also gave me the wake-up call I needed. I live everyday like its my last, making conscious choices that align with my values and goals. This lesson will guide me in school, at work, and for the rest of my life, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.

Growing up in Miami as a first-generation American with Nicaraguan roots has shaped the way I see the world and my place in it. My parents came to this country seeking a better life, and their sacrifices taught me the value of hard work, gratitude, and perseverance. As their child, I carry that legacy with pride and responsibility. The COVID-19 pandemic hit my family hard, especially financially. That period taught me to be resourceful and responsible with money, managing my needs over my wants, skills I carry with me today. It also reminded me that life can be unpredictable, but resilience and focus can carry you through even the toughest times. Being a first-generation college student in cybersecurity isn’t easy, but I chose this path with purpose. I want to protect and serve my country in a digital age where threats are evolving. Cybersecurity isn’t just a career for me—it’s a way to give back, to defend others, and to honor the opportunities my family fought for. Though the road hasn’t been smooth, I’ve never stopped moving forward. Every challenge has slowed me down, but never stopped me. My identity reminds me that I’m not just chasing a dream for myself—I’m carrying the hopes of my family and proving that no matter how long it takes, I will make it to the finish line.

I have chosen to pursue higher education for several vital reasons. First and foremost, I want to provide for my family and ensure a stable and secure future. Coming from a low-income background, I've seen firsthand the challenges that financial instability can bring, such as bills behind, electricity and water being cut off, no food on the table, having to work double shifts to survive inflation, and not being able to rest. These experiences have fueled my determination to break the cycle. By earning a degree in cybersecurity, I can create opportunities for a well-paying and fulfilling career, which will allow me to support my family. Furthermore, I am driven to make a better future for my family and the world. Technology profoundly impacts society, and as a cybersecurity professional, I am dedicated to contributing to creating a safer digital landscape. With the rise of cyber threats, I feel a strong responsibility to help protect individuals, businesses, and institutions from harm, ultimately contributing to a more secure and trustworthy world. In addition, I have a passion for helping and motivating others. Whether mentoring others, sharing knowledge, or solving critical problems, I find a deep purpose in using my skills to uplift and guide others. Higher education will equip me with the tools and expertise I need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me. Finally, I am deeply motivated to make my mother proud. She worked hard to support me despite limited resources, and I want my achievements to honor her sacrifices. As the first in my family to attend college, I carry a profound responsibility to set an example for my younger relatives and show them that graduating and earning a degree is essential. As a first-generation college student, preparing for college has required determination, resourcefulness, and resilience. I have educated myself about financial aid, scholarships, and budgeting to make my education possible. I have read many books (Finance, Mental Health, Real Estate, Taxes, Cybersecurity, Inner and Outer Health), joined study groups, and actively engaged in learning communities to ensure I had the support and guidance to succeed. Also, I have worked on developing a strong sense of discipline and time management to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities. By embracing challenges and seeking resources, I have positioned myself to excel in college and beyond, proving that anything is achievable with hard work and perseverance.

The world of technology has heightened my awareness of the vulnerabilities in the digital realm. Stories of data breaches, ransomware attacks, viruses and identity theft are not just news—they are reminders of Cybersecurity's crucial role in protecting citizens, businesses, and governments. For example, on April 1, 2024, I got a letter from AT&T stating that my personal and essential information was breached, hacked and stolen. Now, my data is on the Dark Web, and my identity can be stolen at any time. It's stressful to be on alert all the time. The thought of sitting across a computer, defending people's data, was the driving force behind my decision to pursue a Cybersecurity Bachelor's Degree. From a young age, I've been captivated by the transformative power of technology. The evolution from floppy disks to USBs, beepers to cellphones, landline internet to Wi-Fi, PlayStation to a PlayStation 5, and cassette players to Spotify is a testament to technology's dynamic and awe-inspiring nature. Yet, amidst this rapid change, one constant remains: the vulnerability of any technology to breaches and hacks. This understanding fuels my passion for Cybersecurity. I'm enthusiastic to contribute my skills and sound hearted mind to Cybersecurity. Knowing that I will be part of a blend of specialized expertise, critical problem-solving, and ethical duty motivates me to finish my degree. I want to be a penetration tester to see what vulnerabilities I have to fix. I thrive on the challenge of solving complex puzzles, and I'm driven by a deep-seated desire to protect people in our increasingly interconnected world. This field aligns perfectly with my passion for technology and my unwavering commitment to making a significant, positive impact on society. My commitment to Cybersecurity is unwavering and resolute. My education in Cybersecurity is not just a means of acquiring knowledge but a platform to apply that knowledge to create a safer digital future. After graduating, I envision myself working as a cybersecurity analyst or penetration tester, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. I aim to grow into a leadership role, shaping security policies and strategies that safeguard critical infrastructure on a larger scale. This commitment is not just a career choice but a personal mission. My ambitions in Cybersecurity extend beyond my career goals. I am deeply committed to inspiring others, especially those from underrepresented groups, to explore the field of Cybersecurity. Diversity is the bedrock of innovation, and by empowering others to enter this field, we can strengthen our cooperative defense against cyber threats.

"Most people fail to realize that in life, it's not how much money you make, it's how much money you keep." ― Robert T. Kiyosaki Everyone has experienced this lesson: Life always hits you in unexpected times. It was the beginning of March 2020; COVID19 came like a hurricane and changed everyone's lives. People were terminated by their companies, and some were demoted from Full-Time to Part-Time. Panic, fear, anxiety, and stress consumed me. I got demoted from Full-Time to Part-Time. Many questions passed through my mind; "How do I pay my bills?", "How can I pay my debts and loans?", "Where do I find a second job?". Everything hit too fast and hard. I learned fast that we weren't prepared for this type of emergency. I realized we didn't even have enough savings for an emergency event. Instead of panicking, I acted quickly. I created an excel worksheet with all my bills and debt, calculated how many hours I had to work, cut down all my wants, and focused on my needs to buy and survive. I started to read books like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," "The Simple Path to Wealth," and I started to watch financial advice on TikTok, like Robert Kiyosaki and Grant Cardone, and YouTube videos on financial advice. When I started to listen to their advice, for example, spend less than you make, and live below your means. Stop buying materials to impress others; a 2012 Honda Civic Car will get you to the same destinations as a 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, so why waste money on a new car? Today, I am debt-free, and even though I still live paycheck to paycheck, I don't have that burden of loans and debt. I also was able to save up for a three-month emergency fund.

"Never stop learning and adapting. The world will always be changing. Limiting yourself to what you knew and were comfortable with earlier in life will grow increasingly frustrated with your surroundings as you age." — David Niven Every day there are changes in our lives, but we comprehend them, whether it was a lesson, mistake, or oversight. It's thrilling to see what tomorrow can bring and what we can learn from it. One major lesson I learned in life is financial advice. I was immature, irresponsible, and squandered money in my early twenties. I was comfortable living with my mom, paying only utilities, credit cards, and my car loan. As time passed, I got into a relationship with my boyfriend and noticed that I had to start being independent and make some financial changes. When I started to go out with my boyfriend and the pandemic hit in 2020, I woke up. At work, my boyfriend and I were downgraded from Full-Timers to Part-Timers; we had no emergency funds, had debts to pay, and barely had hours. I questioned myself, "Were we ever prepared"? "Are we ready to buy a house?", "Are we ready for children?" Many things flashed before my mind, and I started to work on budgeting and saving money. What helped us tremendously was listening to money podcasts, making a budgeting excel worksheet, reading financial books, only buying our needs instead of our wants, and following the 50/20/30 budget rule. Today, we are free of debt and have been able to go back to school to finish our degrees. I desire to inspire and help others to be responsible for their money. With everything happening in this world, for example, war, inflation, and possible recession, we need emergency funds to prepare for the future.

In 2001, at seven years old, I got my first Desktop Computer. I was intrigued by the functions, games, anime, and music videos on the internet. It was a phenomenon that brought people together to improve Technology. Those who built these different technologies from scratch were to enhance the future. As time passed, my surroundings changed, and technological advancement surprised everyone. From Floppy Disc to USB, from Cassettes to CD to Online Audio Streaming, from VHS to Online Movie Streaming, from Nintendo 64 to Nintendo Switch, from Beepers to Cellphones, from Wired Cables to Wireless Access; Technology has progressed in the blink of an eye. I knew that I wanted to be involved in the Technology field but never knew what degree. As I started to read and search different fields in Technology, what caught my eye was the Cybersecurity Field. Hackers, scammers, and viruses are stealing people's sensitive information. They are either stealing or selling it on the black market. Nowadays, Social Media, Cell Phones, Tablets, Laptops, and anything that involves the internet or communication is this generation's priority because it has all their data, plans, private information, and histories saved. Everyone deserves their privacy, and someone must protect their information. Crime has increased tremendously, and I want to succeed in protecting everyone and reporting any suspicious activity that can cause problems virtually or in the real world. It feels like being a virtual soldier in a Cyber War, fighting the wrong to protect the innocent. I am looking forward to finishing my Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity, and it is a thrilling and exciting future. My accomplishment is to become a Cybersecurity Analyst and work for Samsung, Google, Amazon, or maybe just maybe the Government. I want to thoroughly understand cyberattacks, malware, and the behavior of cybercriminals and actively seek to foresee and contain these invasions. "Technology is a useful servant but a Dangerous Master." - Christian Louse Lange.

As the Rain hit hard on top of the roof of my house, lighting covering the dark sky, the fireplace warming my home, I snuggled on the couch with my hot chocolate in my hand as I read a book. Laughter and joy surround the family gathering, children screaming and having fun by the pool, fathers competing in cooking the meat, and mothers talking about the latest gossip. I am engraving this day in my memories. For me, these actions are part of happiness in my life. Happiness is an expressive state marked by feelings of pleasure, delight, bliss, and fulfillment. Each individual has their way of making them happy. For example, family, health, money, work, and other things. There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy. The accomplishments I have achieved make me happy and proud. I am pleased to be in school to finish my degree and have made it so far to clear my debts and support my family. Different things that make me happy are miniature for others. Still, the biggest thing in life is gratitude, waking up every day in good health, spending time with my family, giving to others, personal reasons, having a job, and having a coffee on a snowy day. Smile every day, even if it's for the slightest thing. "Be happy with what you have. Be excited by what you want." - Alan Cohen.

“The Lord is my Shepard, and I Shall not Want” -Psalms 23:1; was the first verse that I acknowledge as a child—going to church, listening to Christian music, watching Christian cartoons, and reading the Bible was the environment that my mother raised me. At a young age, I knew God existed. Even though I couldn’t “see” or “listen” to him, I always felt that he was watching over me. Alas, I started to grow and began to lose my innocence to the world. I focused more on society than my relationship with God. I prefer horrendous music, violent films, toxic friends, and connections. But during that time, I was unfaithful to God, he was still faithful to me, and he never let go of my hand. I kept going through numerous trials: my father and step-father passed away, my mother got very ill, I had to work during my high school years, and I was emotionally distraught. Even though all these obstacles happened to me, I never blamed God. One of my work relationships turned toxic, and I transferred to another job to start a new beginning. I would go jogging to distract myself from my past and overthinking mind. There is a church near the park I would exercise, and it kept drawing me to it. One day, I decided to go in and listen to the pastor preach. I was overwhelmed with the holy spirit; I cried and got on my knees to pray and thanked God for his never-ending mercy and love he has given us. I accepted Jesus Christ as my one and only savior. It is true what they say “ The Closer you get to God, the Harder the Devil tries to Attack You.” As I was fighting through depression, anxiety, and an overwhelming job, I got sick. Instead of going immediately to the hospital, I was fighting the virus on my own, and because I was irresponsible, I went into a coma. Eight days later, I woke up intubated and bedridden. Honestly, during my duration in the coma, I didn’t see the light or darkness. I felt I was in limbo. Even though I don’t remember how I went into a deep coma, that didn’t stop my faith in God. You see, the enemy always tries to put you in a situation where it wants us to blame God. Honestly, it’s up to oneself to choose. Either one can act the victim their entire life, or one can repent and ask for forgiveness and put on the armor of God and fight the spiritual battle. I choose to be alongside God. I am writing my story because I want to let people out there who are lost, who have lost hope and faith that God hasn’t forgotten about you. No matter how low you are in the pit or how much you've sinned, he will pull you out of the darkness. Now I am mature, focused on a stable job, relationship, friendships, goals, and have gone back to school. Through all the hardships, I found my happiness in God. “Stand Still, and Consider the Wondrous Works of God.” -Job 37:14