A time when I relied on my faith to overcome an obstacle or challenge was when my mom was hospitalized this summer. We just finished attending my honor society program in Maryland, and needed to head back to NYC. My mother was already having a tough time walking, but she still insisted on she and I to attend my ceremony as it was important to her to see me get awarded befor I was off to college. Upon returning back to where we were staying for the weekend, she could not walk and was so tired. I was worried and did not know what else to do. We called 911 to get her assistance. I was in fear. Sirens blared, but the silent panic in my own head was deafening. I was muted by shock. A few hours earlier, I had anticipated a vacation in Washington, D.C. for the rest of our time, but unexpectedly, I was rushing to the hospital behind in an ambulance carrying my mother. As a eighteen-year-old newly graduate from highschool from a single mother household, we were 4 hours from home, I was distraught over the prospect of losing the only parent I had. My fear turned into action as I made some of the bravest decisions of my life, to go with my mom to the emergency room. A week later from the ER to Intensive Care Unit, my mother’s condition became stable towards the end of the week, but we were still states away from home. I had my younger sister at our Aunt's apartment in Maryland, and I coordinated with my sister to take turns rotating to watch my mom. My mother’s doctors in New York coordinated with the doctors in Maryland and came up with a plan that would save her life. Throughout her stay, blood work, IV fluids, injections, and more, I anxiously awaited any word from her doctors, but each time I asked, I was told that there had been another complication or delay. Relying on my faith and positive attitude, I remained optimistic that my mother would survive and that I could embrace new responsibilities. My mother had been a source of strength for me, and now I would be strong for her through her long recovery ahead. As I started college, everyone thought the crisis was over, but it had really just started to impact my life. My mother was often fatigued, so I assumed more responsibility, juggling family duties, school, athletics, and checking up on her, my grandmothers, and my younger siblings. I made countless trips to the neighborhood pharmacy during the summer to get her medication, warmed dinner, walked to the grocery store, supported my concerned sister, check on my little brother away in school, and provided the loving care my mother needed to recover. I didn’t know I was capable of such maturity and resourcefulness until it was called upon. Each day was a stage in my gradual transformation from dependence to relative independence. Throughout my mother’s health crisis, I matured by learning to put others’ needs before my own. As I worried about my mother’s health, I took nothing for granted, cherished what I had, and used my daily activities as motivation to move forward. I now take ownership over small decisions such as scheduling daily appointments and managing my time, but also over major decisions involving my future, including the college admissions and financial aid process. My mother remains a guiding force in my life, but the feeling of empowerment, how I discovered within myself is the ultimate form of my independence.

As an athlete all my life throughout high school, playing sports as a high-school student can be both exciting and challenging. I had to display discipline with my homelife, grades, friendships, while playing ice hockey, and football. While sports can be a great way to stay fit, learn teamwork, and develop leadership skills, there are also many challenges that high-school students face when playing sports. One of the biggest challenges that high-school students face when playing sports is time management. Waking up early, being prepared, and having enough rest to have all your tasks done is a big deal. People hold athletes' accountable for lateness and not being prompt. Your poor time management can end up affecting your entire team. High-school students have a lot of responsibilities, including studying, attending classes, doing homework, and participating in extracurricular activities. Playing sports adds an additional time commitment, with practices, games, and tournaments taking up many hours each week. This can make it challenging for students to balance their academic and athletic commitments, leading to stress and fatigue. Another challenge that high-school students face when playing sports is the risk of injury. Many sports involve physical contact, high impact movements, and repetitive motions, which can lead to injuries such as sprains, strains, and concussions. Injuries can not only be painful but can also lead to missed games and practices, which can affect a student's performance and confidence. High-school students playing sports also face the challenge of competition. Sports are inherently competitive, with teams competing against each other to win games and championships. This can create pressure to perform well and win, leading to stress and anxiety. Additionally, competition can lead to conflicts with teammates, coaches, and other teams, which can be difficult for students to navigate. Finally, high-school students playing sports may also face financial challenges. Some sports require expensive equipment, uniforms, and travel expenses, which can be difficult for families afford. This can limit opportunities for students to participate in certain sports and can create financial stress for families. In conclusion, playing sports as a high-school student can be both rewarding and challenging. Some of the challenges that high-school students face when playing sports include time management, the risk of injury, competition, and financial challenges. Despite these challenges, playing sports can be a great way for high-school students to learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. It is important for students to prioritize their academic responsibilities while also making time for sports, to take precautions to prevent injuries, and to maintain good communication with coaches and teammates to navigate any conflicts that may arise.

Throughout my life I have faced adversity that has made life challenging at times. It may have been hard to deal with, but it has made me strong and shaped me to be the man I am today. I know that adversity is simply a part of life and everybody will come across it, but how you handle it and overcome it is what truly builds your character. 
One obstacle that I have had to overcome in my life, is being African living in the Bronx. Our community is an underserved and marginalized community. Unfortunately, in today's world People of color are still disrespected and stereotyped just because of the color of their skin. Personally, I choose to ignore the stereotypes because of the fact that I know that I am better than that. Instead of being focused on how others may characterize me I focus on who I am, and continue to do the things that make me unique. Due to the fact that I focus my attention on academics and sports, I was awarded the MIP from IHIH and KIPP a sports Ambassador for being an African that excels in both sports and academics. I use that to teach kids how to roller blade and ice skate in the Bronx for a couple years now. 
Another obstacle that I have had in my life, is being raised by a single mother. Today many people undergo challenges in their lives and they can either let it stop them or push forward. As the eldest child of a single mother, one huge adversity I had faced growing up would be helping my mother with my two younger brother and sister . My parents divorced when I was 2 years old and my father wasn’t present . I don’t think not having my father active in my life put me at a disadvantage but there were times where things would’ve been easier if he were there. My mother wasn’t able to work most of the time because she had to watch my younger brothers. Therefore, we are considered a low-income family. Throughout my life, I had to learn how to prioritize and balance my education with home life. I use that to encourage the students I teach as a jr coach for skating. I also started participating in extracurricular activities like sports, Robotics, and theater production . Along with homework and my brother and sister, I used more of my time after school. Instead of getting home at 2:30pm with 6 hours for everything I needed to do, I now got home at 10:30 or 12 am with around 5 hours to do everything . While participating in these activities and completing my coursework, I also had to balance it with my household duties. At first, it was extremely challenging because I was overwhelmed and it seemed as though I didn't have time for anything. I would either forget to do my homework or miss an event or practice. eventually, I learned to deal with it without stressing myself out by prioritizing and creating a schedule. I also began volunteering with my moms SLNA, becoming a jr skating coach, youth UN association member, and volunteering my time with my mom in Africa. By organizing my time, I managed helping my mother take care of my brothers with schoolwork. This experience displays resiliency because although I had a lot on my plate, I was able to focus and do it all.

The US Army, with its rich history and unwavering commitment to serving the country, has always been a source of inspiration for me. From an early age, my admiration for the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our nation has only grown stronger. The qualities and values embodied by the US Army, such as bravery, selflessness, and determination, resonate deeply with me, shaping my aspirations and influencing my life choices. One of the key reasons why the US Army inspires me is their unmatched bravery. The soldiers who make up the army are often placed in dangerous and life-threatening situations, yet they remain steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity. Whether it is combating terrorism overseas or providing aid during natural disasters at home, these brave individuals risk their lives to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. Their bravery motivates me to face challenges head-on and reminds me of the importance of remaining composed and resolute even in the most challenging circumstances. Furthermore, the selflessness displayed by the US Army is profoundly inspiring. Each individual voluntarily chooses to serve their country, often leaving behind the comforts of home and family to protect the freedoms that we all cherish. This selfless commitment to something greater than oneself is deeply admirable, reminding us all of the significance of sacrifice and service to others. It encourages me to seek opportunities to give back to my community and consider the needs of others before my own. Additionally, the army's unwavering determination serves as a powerful source of inspiration. The extensive training and rigorous demands placed upon soldiers test their physical and mental limits. Yet, they persevere, demonstrating an unyielding determination to overcome any obstacle that stands in their way. This determination is not limited to the battlefield, but translates into all areas of their lives. It teaches us the importance of setting goals, working diligently, and never giving up in the pursuit of our aspirations. The US Army also inspires me through its emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie. The army operates as a cohesive unit, with every member playing a vital role in accomplishing the mission at hand. This unity and reliance on one another fosters a sense of community and belonging, creating an environment where individuals are motivated to support and uplift one another. It serves as a reminder that success is often achieved through collaboration and that we can achieve more when we work together for a common purpose. In conclusion, the US Army inspires me on many levels. Their bravery, selflessness, determination, and commitment to teamwork are qualities that I strive to embody in my own life. The sacrifices and unwavering dedication of the men and women in the army inspire me to consistently strive for excellence, face challenges head-on, and serve others before myself. The US Army is a shining embodiment of the virtues that make a positive impact in the world, and I am grateful for their service and the example they set for us all.

Throughout my life I have faced adversity that has made life challenging at times. It may have been hard to deal with, but it has made me strong and shaped me to be the man I am today. I know that adversity is simply a part of life and everybody will come across it, but how you handle it and overcome it is what truly builds your character. 
One obstacle that I have had to overcome in my life, is being African In America. I was raised in Sierra Leone West Africa . Unfortunately, in today's world African are still disrespected and stereotyped just because of the color of their skin. Instead of being focused on how others may characterize me I focus on who I am, and continue to do the things that make me unique. 
Another obstacle that I have had in my life, is being raised by a single mother. The fact that I have never had a father figure has been difficult for me at times. Today many people undergo challenges in their lives and they can either let it stop them or push forward. As the eldest child of a single mother, one huge adversity I had faced growing up would be helping my mother with my two younger brother and sister . My mother work most time because she had to watch my younger brother and sister. Throughout my life, I had to learn how to prioritize and balance my education with home life. I also know that it’s important for me to get a degree to change my circumstances. I managed helping my mother take care of my brothers with schoolwork. This experience displays resiliency because although I had a lot on my plate, I was able to focus and do it all.

My name is Amad and I am a 17 year old Senior living in the Bronx. Throughout my life I have faced adversity that has made life challenging at times. It may have been hard to deal with, but it has made me strong and shaped me to be the man I am today. I know that adversity is simply a part of life and everybody will come across it, but how you handle it and overcome it is what truly builds your character. 
One obstacle that I have had to overcome in my life, is being African young man. Unfortunately, in today's world young black men are still disrespected and stereotyped just because of the color of their skin. Personally, I choose to ignore the stereotypes because of the fact that I know that I am better than that. Instead of being focused on how others may characterize me I focus on who I am, and continue to do the things that make me unique. Due to the fact that I focus my attention on academics and sports, I was awarded the MIP from IHIH and KIPP a sports Ambassador for being an Black youth that excels in both sports and academics. 
Another obstacle that I have had in my life, is being raised by a single mother. The fact that I have never had a father figure has been difficult for me at times. For example, without a father my family has only one income to live off of. Even though my mom has done a phenomenal job raising our family, it has been a struggle. Today many people undergo challenges in their lives and they can either let it stop them or push forward. As the eldest child of a single mother, one huge adversity I had faced growing up would be helping my mother with my two younger brother and sister . My parents divorced when I was 2 years old and my father wasn’t present . I don’t think not having my father active in my life put me at a disadvantage but there were times where things would’ve been easier if he were there. My mother wasn’t able to work most of the time because she had to watch my younger brothers. Therefore, we are considered a low-income family. Throughout my life, I had to learn how to prioritize and balance my education with home life. I also started participating in extracurricular activities like sports, Robotics, and theater production . Along with homework and my brother and sister, I used more of my time after school. Instead of getting home at 2:30pm with 6 hours for everything I needed to do, I now got home at 10:30 or 12 am with around 5 hours to do everything . While participating in these activities and completing my coursework, I also had to balance it with my household duties. At first, it was extremely challenging because I was overwhelmed and it seemed as though I didn't have time for anything. I would either forget to do my homework or miss an event or practice. eventually, I learned to deal with it without stressing myself out by prioritizing and creating a schedule. I also began volunteering with my moms SLNA, becoming a jr skating coach, youth UN association member, and volunteering my time with my mom in Africa. By organizing my time, I managed helping my mother take care of my brothers with schoolwork. This experience displays resiliency because although I had a lot on my plate, I was able to focus and do it all.

Throughout my life I have faced adversity that has made life challenging at times. It may have been hard to deal with, but it has made me strong and shaped me to be the man I am today. I know that adversity is simply a part of life and everybody will come across it, but how you handle it and overcome it is what truly builds your character. 
One obstacle that I have had to overcome in my life, is being African, a male first child from an inner city, and a Single parent home. Unfortunately, in today's world our community are still disrespected, stereotyped and causes mental health issues that are unaddressed with young black men just because of the color of their skin. Instead of being focused on how others may characterize me I focus on who I am, and continue to do the things that make me unique, like starting my own sports apparel business . Due to the fact that I focus my attention on academics and sports, I was awarded the MIP from IHIH and KIPP a sports Ambassador for being a young black man that excels in both sports and academics. This has given me the drive to be my own business man and to be able to gain respect. 
Another obstacle that I have had in my life, is being raised by a single mother. The fact that I have never had a father figure has been difficult for me at times. For example, without a father my family has only one income to live off of. Even though my mom has done a phenomenal job raising our family, it has been a struggle. Today many people undergo challenges in their lives and they can either let it stop them or push forward. As the eldest child of a single mother, one huge adversity I had faced growing up would be helping my mother with my two younger brother and sister . I don’t think not having my father active in my life put me at a disadvantage but there were times where things would’ve been easier if he were there. My mother wasn’t able to work most of the time because she had to watch my younger brothers. Therefore, we are considered a low-income family. Throughout my life, I had to learn how to prioritize and balance my education with home life. I also started participating in extracurricular activities like sports, Robotics, and theater production . Along with homework and my brother and sister, I used more of my time after school. Instead of getting home at 2:30pm with 6 hours for everything I needed to do, I now got home at 10:30 or 12 am with around 5 hours to do everything . While participating in these activities and completing my coursework, I also had to balance it with my household duties. At first, it was extremely challenging because I was overwhelmed and it seemed as though I didn't have time for anything. I would either forget to do my homework or miss an event or practice. eventually, I learned to deal with it without stressing myself out by prioritizing and creating a schedule. I also began volunteering with my moms SLNA, becoming a jr skating coach, youth UN association member, and volunteering my time with my mom in Africa. By organizing my time, I managed helping my mother take care of my brothers with schoolwork. This experience displays resiliency because although I had a lot on my plate, I was able to focus and do it all.

Throughout my life I have faced adversity that has made life challenging at times. It may have been hard to deal with, but it has made me strong and shaped me to be the man I am today. I know that adversity is simply a part of life and everybody will come across it, but how you handle it and overcome it is what truly builds your character. 
One obstacle that I have had to overcome in my life, is being African American. Unfortunately, in today's world African Americans are still disrespected and stereotyped just because of the color of their skin. Personally, I choose to ignore the stereotypes because of the fact that I know that I am better than that. Instead of being focused on how others may characterize me I focus on who I am, and continue to do the things that make me unique. Due to the fact that I focus my attention on academics and sports, I was awarded the MIP from IHIH and KIPP a sports Ambassador for being an African American that excels in both sports and academics. 
Another obstacle that I have had in my life, is being raised by a single mother. The fact that I have never had a father figure has been difficult for me at times. For example, without a father my family has only one income to live off of. Even though my mom has done a phenomenal job raising our family, it has been a struggle. Today many people undergo challenges in their lives and they can either let it stop them or push forward. As the eldest child of a single mother, one huge adversity I had faced growing up would be helping my mother with my two younger brother and sister . My parents divorced when I was 2 years old and my father wasn’t present . I don’t think not having my father active in my life put me at a disadvantage but there were times where things would’ve been easier if he were there. My mother wasn’t able to work most of the time because she had to watch my younger brothers. Therefore, we are considered a low-income family. Throughout my life, I had to learn how to prioritize and balance my education with home life. I also started participating in extracurricular activities like sports, Robotics, and theater production . Along with homework and my brother and sister, I used more of my time after school. Instead of getting home at 2:30pm with 6 hours for everything I needed to do, I now got home at 10:30 or 12 am with around 5 hours to do everything . While participating in these activities and completing my coursework, I also had to balance it with my household duties. At first, it was extremely challenging because I was overwhelmed and it seemed as though I didn't have time for anything. I would either forget to do my homework or miss an event or practice. eventually, I learned to deal with it without stressing myself out by prioritizing and creating a schedule. I also began volunteering with my moms SLNA, becoming a jr skating coach, youth UN association member, and volunteering my time with my mom in Africa. By organizing my time, I managed helping my mother take care of my brothers with schoolwork. This experience displays resiliency because although I had a lot on my plate, I was able to focus and do it all.

My name is Amad, and I'm a 17-year-old boy from the Bronx. I have two other younger siblings, my little sister and little brother, that I love deeply. My family is originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa. A huge portion of my family is from that side, but I also have some family from Florida and other countries. My family takes the country and our culture in Sierra Leone very seriously. It’s built around family and support. We always provide whatever they can to keep things moving for the family back home and the local people in the rural communities. That has become a tradition in what my family does, especially my mom, for people in our local community and overseas in Africa. We donate things like money, clothing, food, and canned goods. My family and I would do whatever it takes to make sure that our family back home is progressing in many positive ways. Occasionally, we would go back to Sierra Leone to visit some of our close family members and see how they were doing. My family has heavily influenced my identity as a proud Sierra Leonean man by consistently doing good deeds for others in our country. I have learned to appreciate what I have and value what is given to us. Our faith also makes us appreciate all opportunities. I aspire to do the same and give back. After high school, I plan on going to college. I have always wanted to major in computer science or get into the field of technology. I especially like this field because I like using and fixing technology a lot. My background experiences have heavily shaped my future goals to be an independent person who is confident enough to go after my dreams and teach others. I really believe this because I have always wanted to help others and create the things I have done previously in my life successfully. My history of playing ice hockey, football, and other sports has encouraged me to attempt to make a company that provides all and any sports wear. I believe that with my desire, passion, and ability to help many people who desire to play sports, I want to make sure that they have easy access to it. Receiving an educational scholarship would be very beneficial to me because it will help me be prepared as a graduating senior. It’s important to not only feel confident that I won’t have to burden my mom with costs she can’t afford, but also feel confident, even among my peers that belong . This confidence will also help me to share my experiences with students in underserved areas whether in the Bronx or in Africa . If given the opportunity, I will be able to share my experience with others as a young mentor . I want to be able to motivate and encourage teenagers who want to experience this as well to keep pursuing their dreams.

Putting Jesus first, others second, and myself third is a profound principle that guides my actions and decisions. One significant instance that exemplifies this occurred during a mission trip to a rural village in Sierra Leone West Africa with my family. The community was impoverished, lacking basic necessities like clean water and healthcare. Despite the challenging conditions, I was determined to prioritize serving others, mirroring Jesus' teachings. We started in an area when I spent my childhood at a school next door to our old house in Goderich. My mom lead a environmental youth summit for kids in Middleschool in Sierra Leone. The kids were excited and amazed to see us and especially because a young student like myself was helping them. I volunteer in 2021 during CoVid at the school. We had about 200 or more kids participating on a Saturday. I realized it was important to give back. Throughout the trip, I spent countless hours helping build distributing food, and offering snacks and beverages to the students and teachers. Each hour presented new opportunities to selflessly serve those in need. Despite physical exhaustion, witnessing the impact of our efforts on the villagers filled me with a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. Living by these principles continues to shape my life beyond that mission trip. In my daily interactions, I strive to prioritize the needs of others above my own desires. Whether through volunteering, lending a listening ear, or simply showing kindness, I aim to embody the love and compassion Jesus demonstrated. Looking ahead, I intend to keep living by these principles by remaining grounded in my faith, actively seeking opportunities to serve, and cultivating a heart of humility and empathy. By continually placing Jesus and others before myself, I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me and honor the values that are central to my beliefs.

The University of my dreams that I plan to attend is SUNY Brockport, also known as The College at Brockport, State University of New York. I want to attend this university because it is a comprehensive public college located in Brockport, New York which is within the state that I live in. They also have an ice hockey and football program that peeks my interest since I am an athlete and these are the 2 sports I play primarily. There are several reasons why I want to consider attending SUNY Brockport: The Academic Excellence SUNY Brockport offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, education, business, health sciences, and more. The college is committed to academic excellence, with dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields and provide personalized attention to students. The Vibrant Campus Community: Brockport provides a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and engage in extracurricular activities. The college offers numerous student organizations, clubs, sports and events, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging students to pursue their interests outside the classroom. I love the fact that as an ice hockey player , the school has a Division III and club hockey team I aspire to be a part of. The campus is also Beautiful. The campus of SUNY Brockport is situated on 464 acres of scenic land along the banks of the Erie Canal, providing a picturesque backdrop for learning and recreation. The school is Located just outside Rochester, New York, so SUNY Brockport offers easy access to cultural attractions, outdoor recreational opportunities, and internship and job prospects in the Greater Rochester area and student like me from NYC. The most attractive part is the Affordable Education. As part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, SUNY Brockport offers an affordable education with competitive tuition rates and various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. The college is committed to making higher education accessible to all students, regardless of financial background. Lastly, their Strong Support Services. SUNY Brockport is dedicated to supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom. The college provides a wide range of support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, health and wellness resources, disability services, and more, to help students thrive academically and personally. In also like the fact that they have an EOP program that I can be a part of. Overall, SUNY Brockport offers a dynamic learning environment, supportive campus community, beautiful surroundings, and affordable education, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a quality college experience. Whether you're interested in pursuing your academic passions, exploring new opportunities, or preparing for your future career, SUNY Brockport has the resources and support to help you achieve your goals.

My name is Amad Dao. I am a Senior graduating from Highschool in Bronx NY. I come from a proud West African family from the country of Sierra Leone. I live with my mom and my little brother and sister that I help look after. I plan on being my moms first graduate. I’ve worked hard all my life to maintain good grades, stay on honor roll, dean’s list, and even principals list. I was proud to graduate from elementary school with congressional awards, and now plan on graduating Highschool with honors from my school and two honors societies. I look forward to going to college for Computer Science & Cybersecurity, which is my goal to graduate in. I was inspired to do this major because of my robotics club in middle school. I really enjoyed the program in collaboration with playing video games . My chosen major is Computer Science with a cyber security concentration. I have always had an affinity for computers. It seems like on some level they speak to me and I wanted to learn how to speak back in their language. I also am a pretty big gamer and learning how to write and design games is something I have wanted to learn since I was about thirteen years old. Another reason I want to major in computer science is the ongoing proliferation of Internet connected devices and devices with single chip computers in them . There are lots of exciting uses for these devices and I want to learn how to implement usage of these devices and how to write software to control and enhance them. Also from my previous experience gaming, robotics, and programming, I know that computer science teaches more dynamic problem solving difficulty issues. Another reason I chose computer science is because computers are shaping the direction our world takes and I want to play a part in that. The idea of writing a program that helps a physicist decode the secrets of the universe or a doctor discover a cure for a serious disease holds great appeal for me. Computer science is a continually growing field and with computers becoming involved in almost every aspect of our lives it should remain so for the foreseeable future. Thanks to computer chips imbedded in everything from basketballs and shoes to computer-controlled thermostats more and more computerized data is being produced daily and to manage the acquisition, storage and use of this data will require computer scientists. I hope to be a part of the growing trend of developers of the future. I want to become an inspiration for other boys and girls like me to look up too. I hope in my industry that I will pave the way for others . Social media, video calling tools, instant messaging apps, etc., have transcended the traditional boundaries, helping individuals on personal and professional levels. I want to be a part of that. While one can better connect with their loved ones on the other side of the globe, similarly, they can work for an organization in a different timezone altogether. I also want to help people like my mom that work in healthcare. Advancements in computing technology have significantly improved medical and healthcare facilities. Research and development of new medicines, medical equipment manufacturing, and even how diseases are identified and treated have seen a massive positive shift in recent years due to computer science. Similarly, the internet has made it possible to develop a network of healthcare facilities, even allowing doctors to treat patients, including performing surgery, remotely. It’s amazing to be apart

My name is Amad Dao. I am a Senior graduating from Highschool in Bronx NY. I come from a proud West African family from the country of Sierra Leone. I live with my mom and my little brother and sister that I help look after. I plan on being my moms first graduate. I’ve worked hard all my life to maintain good grades, stay on honor roll, dean’s list, and even principals list. I was proud to graduate from elementary school with congressional awards, and now plan on graduating Highschool with honors from my school and two honors societies. I look forward to going to college for Computer Science & Cybersecurity, which is my goal to graduate in. I was inspired to do this major because of my robotics club in middle school. I really enjoyed the program in collaboration with playing video games . My chosen major is Computer Science with a cyber security concentration. I have always had an affinity for computers. It seems like on some level they speak to me and I wanted to learn how to speak back in their language. I also am a pretty big gamer and learning how to write and design games is something I have wanted to learn since I was about thirteen years old. Another reason I want to major in computer science is the ongoing proliferation of Internet connected devices and devices with single chip computers in them . There are lots of exciting uses for these devices and I want to learn how to implement usage of these devices and how to write software to control and enhance them. Also from my previous experience gaming, robotics, and programming, I know that computer science teaches more dynamic problem solving difficulty issues. Another reason I chose computer science is because computers are shaping the direction our world takes and I want to play a part in that. The idea of writing a program that helps a physicist decode the secrets of the universe or a doctor discover a cure for a serious disease holds great appeal for me. Computer science is a continually growing field and with computers becoming involved in almost every aspect of our lives it should remain so for the foreseeable future. Thanks to computer chips imbedded in everything from basketballs and shoes to computer-controlled thermostats more and more computerized data is being produced daily and to manage the acquisition, storage and use of this data will require computer scientists. I hope to be a part of the growing trend of developers of the future. I want to become an inspiration for other boys and girls like me to look up too.

My name is Amad Dao. I am a Senior graduating from Highschool in Bronx NY. I come from a proud West African family from the country of Sierra Leone. I live with my mom and my little brother and sister that I help look after. I plan on being my moms first graduate. I’ve worked hard all my life to maintain good grades, stay on honor roll, dean’s list, and even principals list. I was proud to graduate from elementary school with congressional awards, and now plan on graduating Highschool with honors from my school and two honors societies. I look forward to going to college for Computer Science & Cybersecurity, which is my goal to graduate in. I was inspired to do this major because of my robotics club in middle school. I really enjoyed the program in collaboration with playing video games . My chosen major is Computer Science with a cyber security concentration. I have always had an affinity for computers. It seems like on some level they speak to me and I wanted to learn how to speak back in their language. I also am a pretty big gamer and learning how to write and design games is something I have wanted to learn since I was about thirteen years old. Another reason I want to major in computer science is the ongoing proliferation of Internet connected devices and devices with single chip computers in them . There are lots of exciting uses for these devices and I want to learn how to implement usage of these devices and how to write software to control and enhance them. Also from my previous experience gaming, robotics, and programming, I know that computer science teaches more dynamic problem solving difficulty issues. Another reason I chose computer science is because computers are shaping the direction our world takes and I want to play a part in that. The idea of writing a program that helps a physicist decode the secrets of the universe or a doctor discover a cure for a serious disease holds great appeal for me. Computer science is a continually growing field and with computers becoming involved in almost every aspect of our lives it should remain so for the foreseeable future. Thanks to computer chips imbedded in everything from basketballs and shoes to computer-controlled thermostats more and more computerized data is being produced daily and to manage the acquisition, storage and use of this data will require computer scientists. I hope to be a part of the growing trend of developers of the future. I want to become an inspiration for other boys and girls like me to look up too.

My name is Amad Dao. I am a Senior graduating from Highschool in Bronx NY. I come from a proud West African family from the country of Sierra Leone. I live with my mom and my little brother and sister that I help look after. I plan on being my moms first graduate. I’ve worked hard all my life to maintain good grades, stay on honor roll, dean’s list, and even principals list. I was proud to graduate from elementary school with congressional awards, and now plan on graduating Highschool with honors from my school and two honors societies. I look forward to going to college for Computer Science & Cybersecurity, which is my goal to graduate in. I was inspired to do this major because of my robotics club in middle school. I really enjoyed the program in collaboration with playing video games . My chosen major is Computer Science with a cyber security concentration. I have always had an affinity for computers. It seems like on some level they speak to me and I wanted to learn how to speak back in their language. I also am a pretty big gamer and learning how to write and design games is something I have wanted to learn since I was about thirteen years old. Another reason I want to major in computer science is the ongoing proliferation of Internet connected devices and devices with single chip computers in them . There are lots of exciting uses for these devices and I want to learn how to implement usage of these devices and how to write software to control and enhance them. Also from my previous experience gaming, robotics, and programming, I know that computer science teaches more dynamic problem solving difficulty issues. Another reason I chose computer science is because computers are shaping the direction our world takes and I want to play a part in that. The idea of writing a program that helps a physicist decode the secrets of the universe or a doctor discover a cure for a serious disease holds great appeal for me. Computer science is a continually growing field and with computers becoming involved in almost every aspect of our lives it should remain so for the foreseeable future. Thanks to computer chips imbedded in everything from basketballs and shoes to computer-controlled thermostats more and more computerized data is being produced daily and to manage the acquisition, storage and use of this data will require computer scientists. I hope to be a part of the growing trend of developers of the future.

Growing up in Africa can be both a challenge and a blessing. Africa is not how it is portrayed via media, but it can be restraining in its own way too when it comes to education. Being born in New York, my mom took me to be raised in a small eastern West African country, Sierra Leone , I did not get the chance to grow up with the American traditions and education when young. I went at age two and came back at almost 5. It made me see life different because I had more than my class mates. Everything is different back home starting with having 40 / 50 people in one class. In elementary school, I remember having to compete with students because everyone was trying to be number 1. The education system is set up but there were always challenges because of students and families needs. I remember my grandma would invite my entire class and the teachers for lunch once a week because they didn’t have. That was a big step for us since we were more fortunate. Students where I lived had to share pens and pencils and couldn’t afford education. Having the chance to use computers was a big deal mainly because we never get the chance to use that kind of technology at school or at home for that matter. Outside of school, you would go to a computer place and pay for how many hours you want to be at a computer. At the end of that class session, we all talked about what we did and how we felt mature. The excitement every kid had made the teachers laugh but I still remember it till this day. Coming back to America changed how I perceive things. Back home everyone is fighting for the few opportunities that we have but in USA people are not using the unlimited resources they are presented with. People in America don't realize how privileged they are. Americans see it as if the options they have are supposed to be there for them. I am aware that USA has a lot of resources , opportunities, and programs for its students and some might not know how to use them or even acknowledge them. As I got older I would go back with my family and volunteer with my mom at the local schools. I know what it's like to not have certain opportunities so with that I will be able to use resources not only for myself but also to help other people realize what kind of opportunities they have. Because of this experience, I always believe in giving back. We donate clothes, food, and our time to our people. I appreciate my experience because it taught me to care for others. If given the opportunity , I want to be able to do more.

You would expect a young man like me to only play sports like basketball . But no, I play one of the most infamous sports in the world, called ice hockey. Hockey has always had a special place in my heart since age 5. In the community of hockey, there aren't many people of color who play the sport. This gave me hope to go to college and play sport. When my mom originally offered me this essay , I knew this could pay for my tuition since my mom couldn’t and possibly play in college. As I started to play hockey, I figured out that hockey was harder than it seemed. As you begin to play the sport, Each day of me going to practice was like adding a new challenge to my life, knowing that it would take me forever to complete. Even though there would be many massive moments and challenges where I would want to give up and stop playing, I kept showing up, day after day. can say that I learned a lot of skills that helped me improve myself as a player, as a teammate, and boosted my confidence. The skills I learned as a young athlete mostly revolved around my technique with skating and my problem-solving ability, especially when it came to tight situations from playing hockey. When our coaches would make us do drills at the beginning of practice, most of them revolved around teamwork. When you master teamwork among your teammates and peers, playing hockey becomes ten times better and easier. Learning problem-solving on the ice allowed me to make hockey a big factor in my life. These skills taught me that we can affect the outcome of our hockey games. When learning what to do in situations, such as a fast break or a double team (having two players on one person), you can learn and master getting your teammates more involved. My life outside of hockey has taught me a lot. I have learned the importance of teamwork. When it comes to playing sports with my various teammates, teamwork has been one of the top three most important values I’ve learned from my coaches. I found that when it comes to school work with my fellow classmates and even my family, you can succeed doing things together. In conclusion, the sport of hockey has had an overall positive impact on my entire life to this day. Because of hockey, I have had many opportunities to meet pro hockey players at conventions, network and get advice from them, and ask questions about experiences to get a better understanding of how real the professional is. Because of the sport, I have also had the opportunity to work with life-changing and historical professional hockey players like Mark Messier. This sport has also given me the opportunity to teach kids and teens throughout New York City how to in-line skate, roller skate, and advance to the ice. With the opportunities that hockey has provided in my life, I can truly say that hockey will always be a forever-life-changing experience that I hope other kids all over the world can experience too. I plan to take these skills & past experiences with me in my college and adult life. I know how being given an opportunity or a better chance, it can mold your life into the future your desire and dream of.

You would expect a young man like me to only play sports like basketball or football. But no, I play one of the most infamous sports in the world, called ice hockey. Hockey has always had a special place in my heart since I was a kid. Since I began I have always wanted to keep playing hockey year after year with my team. In the community of hockey, there aren't many people of color who play the sport. It’s usually because most people live in places like Canada. But little did I know that a program named Ice Hockey in Harlem would make a big impact on my life. When my mom originally offered me the idea to join the program, I was immediately willing to try it. This was especially true since it's the first winter sport I have ever played. When my mom applied for me, it was almost instant that I had to play. As a child, I didn't really know much about the sport or the number of people of color playing hockey either. Still, I definitely wanted to give ice hockey a go. As I started to play hockey, I figured out that hockey was harder than it seemed. As you begin to play the sport, I learned that you will have to multitask with other things. Each day of me going to practice was like adding a new challenge to my life, knowing that it would take me forever to complete. Even though there would be many massive moments and challenges where I would want to give up and stop playing. As I continued to play overtime, it became so rewarding. I loved hockey year after year. The skills I learned as a young athlete mostly revolved around my technique with skating and my problem-solving ability, especially when it came to tight situations from playing hockey. When our coaches would make us do drills at the beginning of practice, most of them revolved around teamwork. When you master teamwork among your teammates and peers, playing hockey becomes ten times better and easier. Learning problem-solving on the ice allowed me to make hockey a big factor in my life. These skills taught me that we can affect the outcome of our hockey games. My life outside of hockey has taught me a lot. I have learned the importance of teamwork. When it comes to playing sports with my various teammates, teamwork has been one of the top three most important values I’ve learned from my coaches. When doing things like projects and presentations, the use of teamwork has drastically improved my effectiveness in getting work done.In conclusion, the sport of hockey has had an overall positive impact on my entire life to this day. Because of hockey, I have had many opportunities to meet pro hockey players at conventions, network and get advice from them, and ask questions about experiences to get a better understanding of how real the professional is. This sport has also given me the opportunity to teach kids and teens throughout New York City how to in-line skate, roller skate, and advance to the ice. With the opportunities that hockey has provided in my life, I can truly say that hockey will always be a forever-life-changing experience that I hope other kids all over the world can experience too. I plan to take these skills & past experiences with me in my college and adult life. I know how being given an opportunity or a better chance, it can mold your life into the future your desire and dream of.