"My brain isn't wired correctly," "I'm so stupid," "I want to just give up." These were phrases I constantly told myself anytime I faced hardship when it started getting hard to focus in class, when I couldn't read through course material as fast as my peers, when every hurdle felt like proof that something was wrong with me. But even in those moments, something in me refused to quit. There was a fire I couldn’t ignore. At seventeen, that fire pushed me to take a leap most people my age and many adults would never attempt. My partner was moving to Sioux Falls for college. I applied with no expectations. I knew my grades, and that my circumstances didn’t make me look like the “typical” student. Yet Augie saw a potential in me that I struggled to see in myself. Suddenly, I was a first generation student living 1100 miles from home, carrying the weight of opportunity and instability at the same time. Being first generation means stepping into spaces no one in my family has stepped into and moving forward with no roadmap to work off of except the one I build for myself. As I worked, studied, and built a life for myself here, I realized that the biggest barrier was untreated ADHD. So, I did research, sought out whatever help was available, and eventually got my diagnosis and medication. I became more focused, more capable, I became the person I always knew I could be. Soon after, I earned a position as a Graphics Engineer at Climate Systems. For the first time in my life, I felt like I could meet the standards and goals I set for myself and realize my potential. Then, in April 2025, everything collapsed. My relationship ended, and along with it came my housing. I had no one to turn to, no assistance, no safety net. Nothing could stop me from getting to the places I knew I should be in my life. And so, I kept studying. I finished courses even when I had to take incompletes, even when exams had to be pushed back and I'd need to drive 2 hours to campus just to take my exams, even when life demanded more from me than I thought I had to give. My dream is to innovate tech, develop software, and contribute to research that pushes the boundaries of what's possible, especially for people who grew up with the same disadvantages I did. I want to develop things that make life easier for those who feel out of place, those who don’t have the support they deserve, those who are fighting their way through circumstances they didn’t choose. And someday, when I have children of my own, I want them to know that barriers are meant to be broken, and that determination matters more than circumstance. This scholarship would give me the stability I’ve never had, but most importantly, it would give me the chance to keep going.

I didn’t grow up with access to the newest tech or fancy coding classes. But what I did have was curiosity—a kind that refused to stay quiet. In middle school, I was that kid watching hours of YouTube tutorials on dual-booting Linux, trying to understand cybersecurity just from snippets online, and begging friends to borrow their old laptops so I could experiment. It wasn’t just a phase—it was the beginning of a passion that’s still burning years later. My interest in computer science is rooted in that same hunger to learn, build, and understand. Even now, I’m working full-time while attending school full-time—pursuing knowledge wherever and however I can. I’m currently attending Augustana University, where I’ve been pushing hard to complete my degree. But the truth is, affording it has become increasingly difficult. The financial weight has been heavy—especially after experiencing a period of homelessness a couple months ago—and I’m scared of losing the opportunity to finish something I’ve fought so hard to pursue. That’s why scholarships like this one mean the world to students like me. Along with this, I am striving to complete a certificate in High Performance and Research Computing at Dakota State University alongside my degree, with the hope of entering cybersecurity, government work, or software engineering. At the same time, I’ve built a second path as a 3D artist and graphic designer using tools like Unity, Blender, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Whether my future is in tech, digital art, or some blend of both, I know it’ll be something I carved out all on my own with grit, passion, and perseverance. What makes me a strong candidate for this scholarship isn’t just my resume it’s my resilience. I’ve battled academic stress, mental health challenges, ADHD, autism, and the constant pressure of doing it all on my own. But I’m still here. Still building. Still dreaming. And with your help, I know I can keep going. Chris Jackson’s story reminds me that degrees open doors—especially when those doors are hard to unlock alone. This scholarship would help me hold that door open, not just for myself, but hopefully for someone else one day too. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mental health has been a big part of my life for years. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression, and it’s definitely not something I’ve been able to just “get over.” But over time, I’ve learned some things that make it easier to deal with, like how to be more resilient, when to ask for help, and how to be more understanding and empathetic toward others going through the same things. Because of my struggles, I’ve learned how to push through tough times. It’s still hard, but I know now that I can handle more than I used to think. I also learned that asking for help is important, even though it’s something I used to avoid. I know it’s not a weakness anymore—it’s actually the smart thing to do. This has also made me more empathetic toward others. I understand now that everyone has their own struggles, even if they’re invisible, and it’s helped me become more patient and understanding with people who are going through their own battles. That said, dealing with mental health hasn’t always been easy for my relationships. It’s hard for people who haven’t been through it to understand what it’s like. This has created some tension with family and romantic relationships, because I didn’t always know how to explain what I was feeling. But over time, I’ve learned how to communicate better about my struggles, and that’s helped me grow closer to the people who care about me. It’s taught me a lot about being open, honest, and patient with others. As for my career, my mental health struggles have actually shaped the kind of work I want to do. I don’t just want to get a job; I want to make a real difference in people’s lives. I’ve always been interested in tech, and now I’m focused on how I can use that to help people who are struggling with mental health. Whether that’s through creating apps or websites that make it easier to find support or giving people the tools they need to feel more in control of their mental health, I want to use my skills to make life a little easier for others who feel the way I do. In the end, going through mental health challenges has made me realize that helping others is what really matters to me. It’s not just about the work I’ll do; it’s about making a difference, even if it’s small. I want to combine what I’ve learned from my own experiences with my skills in tech to create something meaningful that can help people navigate their mental health struggles.

My goals in computer science aren’t centered around prestige or big tech salaries—they’re rooted in a desire to build things that matter. I want to use my skills to help people live better, safer, more connected lives. Whether that’s through research, development, or entrepreneurship, my mission is to create technology that’s practical, empowering, and accessible. Recently, I completed a research project that opened my eyes to just how powerful tech can be when applied with purpose. I realized I want to do more of that—dig into questions that have real-world consequences, work on projects that serve actual communities, and build tools that solve problems people face every day. My short-term goal is to become a developer at a company aligned with these values, where I can learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful projects. Long-term? I’d love to start my own company—something small, intentional, and community-focused. I want to design my own website, app, or digital platform that helps others navigate life more easily, whether that means providing access to housing resources, safety tools, or educational support. Outside of computer science, my goal is simple, but deeply important to me: I want to make a social impact before I die. I want to do something—anything—that improves lives or inspires change. It doesn’t have to be flashy or world-changing. I just want to know that I used my time, my skills, and my perspective to leave the world a little better than I found it. That’s why, for me, the line between “computer science goals” and “non-computer science goals” is blurry. They’re not separate tracks—they’re part of the same road. Technology has the power to amplify impact, and I want to make sure it’s used in ways that serve people, especially those who often get overlooked. My dream is to combine technical skill with heart and creativity—to build tech that feels like it was made for real people, not just for data or profit. I’m currently a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics at Augustana University. I live on my own, support myself through work, and know firsthand how important access and opportunity are. That perspective fuels everything I do. I don’t just want to make “cool” things—I want to make useful things. And I want to do it in a way that brings people together, not leaves them behind. Whether it’s through research, coding, design, or eventually entrepreneurship, I’m committed to finding the intersection between technology and humanity—and building from there. Because at the end of the day, my biggest goal is to make a difference. And computer science is how I plan to do it.

I was born in 2006. At only 5 years old, in 2011, the game known as Minecraft would release. I was given an old laptop and patiently awaited for my dad to come home and take me to the mall to by my first Minecraft card. All I remember about that day was starting my first Minecraft world, and getting stuck in caves for hours on end, just to be excited to do it the next day. As the years past, I forgot logins, went through different accounts and met lots of people. But one particular person I met has stuck with me for 8 years. We met on a, popular at the time, server named Hypixel. We would play SkyWars, Bedwars, and even some more relaxed games like QuakeCraft. If not this, we'd hop on servers like MineHQ, or Arcane and play some PotPvP (Potion PvP). This time in my life is one that holds a deep place in my heart, and it's hard to imagine some days that the things I used to do and love either no longer exist, or have unfortunately faded from interest. Though even nowadays, the one thing that held those experiences and my current is still alive and well, Minecraft. To this day, I look forward to coming home from long shifts at work to my modded Minecraft world where I can be the professional engineer, or the doctor, or the scientist in my world doing what I please. If it's not modded Minecraft, it'll usually be simple vanilla survival Minecraft, or some work on a server with that same aforementioned friend on Lunar Client. To conclude, my favorite aspects have to really be the connection you gain from just being in the same servers as others, especially with the recent but not so recent addition of servers on bedrock edition, allowing even console players to connect with others. Minecraft holds a very near and dear place to my heart, and being able to express that love, all while using it to afford the school I'm attending sounds like a dream come true.

To innovate or advance, in my eyes, is to breathe a kind of fresh air unto an idea or concept that hasn’t had the chance to see the light of day, or get the consideration needed to develop into something truly astonishing. For example, AMD, a tech company that is breaking the barrier between affordability and performance in CPUs and even GPUs, have recently been on a roll with their innovative 3D cache, that just with a few tweaks to a regular CPU, can increase the performance by more than marginal percentages. A great example of this magnificent feat they’ve made is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. An arbitrarily less “powerful” CPU than a 7900x or even a 7950X3D. Despite how it looks on paper, in gaming, this CPU is an absolute monster. In some circumstances, it can even rival and overtake the likes of the newer Intel i9 14900k! Though those CPUs are made more for productivity and potential workstation PC builds, it is still impossible to overlook how big of an achievement it is to have a CPU from the Ryzen 7 series doing better than Intel’s i9 14th Generation chips in all kinds of games, software, and tasks. The key take-away from this for me is that less is more. In the world of tech, it’s so easy to get engrossed in the absolutely massive variety in things to use for any given task. With such a wide variety of items out there, I’ve always thought and considered many ideas about how I can just improve certain things before considering making a completely new item. One of which is an idea that uses tech that is less likely to ever truly exist in the next few years or even decades, as it’s mainly from a game I’ve loved since I was a kid, Assassin’s Creed. In Assassin’s Creed, when using a weapon named the “Hidden Blade,” it is known for it’s very technologically advanced release and sheathe method in which the user of the blade simply makes a hand movement that moves a very specific muscle in the arm/wrist which then releases the blade outwards. The concept of having anything like this as something real has always felt like something that would be worth making, yet no one has ever really made anything completely like it. The closest would more than likely be the projects on YouTube that use a ring for the pull mechanism that releases the blade. However, I’d like to take this idea/concept one step further and use it for something else. Going through daily life, despite the use of my phone, it is always nice to be able to just swoosh my wrist to face upwards towards me and see the time, or any kind of information I want. Because of this, I’ve always thought about how innovative it would be to mix the two together, and the closest I’ve got to even having something conceptually appealing, is to use the muscle mechanism to display the screen or even change things that are currently displaying. The ability to potentially bring something like this into existence is what I want to have at some point within my lifetime, whether its soon, or in decades worth of studying. And this scholarship is the perfect fit to help me find a financially better method to obtaining the knowledge and making the connections necessary to invent the thing I’ve always been interested in creating. Thank you.

In 2019, I was in 8th grade. I was making jokes with friends, thinking about how awesome it was that we'd get a couple weeks off from school. That year, I was enrolled in one of my most enjoyable classes yet: Science. We'd do projects that showed the light wavelengths from our phone's flashlight on a TV, or make something simple like mix a couple chemicals that create this gooey warm liquid. This class was the start of a love for science and a passion for seeing to it that I gain as much knowledge in it as I can. The next year going into 9th grade, I had to overcome what I found to be my hardest class. Biology required more brain power and more memorization tactics than I had in my arsenal as a 14 year old kid. Despite this, I kept going and managed to pass. Little did I know that the next year would be even better. Despite never getting the opportunity to formally advance in science classes because I wasn't as good at them in junior high as I was at math, I decided to take the biggest step I could and go straight to Physics with the big juniors and seniors instead of going into Chemistry as an older-than-I-looked sophomore in High School. In that Physics class, I was sat next to someone who changed me for the better and someone who really made me realize my full potential. His name was Nic (short for Nicholas), and he was my partner throughout that amazing year of Physics. We did all of our projects together, studied for tests together, and ultimately excelled with full marks throughout the entire year. Towards the end of the year however, he was preparing to become a senior and graduate the very next year while I was just barely becoming a junior. Despite my young age, he looked to me with admiration and saw something in me that I was too naive to notice. The coming days before his graduation we had talked for the last time in person and he told me how much he appreciated me and how little I really tried and that I really should give this field of study my all so that I can become the accomplished man he knows I could be. He was the one person of many that I went to school with at the time that saw this in me and I don't think I'd be where I am if not for his words and friendship. I wound up finishing college a year and a half early and applied to college as soon as possible to attend with my girlfriend and ended up getting accepted with a close-to full ride scholarship. Despite how fortunate I was for this, it still isn't enough for me to be stress-free in my academic journey. Even though I'm only 17, I've still accumulated $1300 in bills including rent, phone payment, and car insurance. Without proper support for my academic pursuit, I fear I may have to leave school. This is where this scholarship will come into play. I plan to use this scholarship in a way that will solely benefit my future and make the best for me, my future family, and whatever I might have coming for me.

I am deeply passionate about math because it possesses a unique quality that sets it apart from other subjects—it is universally understood, regardless of the language spoken. I once heard that math is a universal language, where numbers will always represent the same thing, regardless of culture, language, or background. This notion resonated with me and sparked a profound appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics. Beyond its sometimes ambiguous nature, math possesses an inherent ability to captivate my imagination. It is like a puzzle, with intricate patterns waiting to be deciphered and harmonious structures waiting to be unraveled. In the very unknowing world we live in now, where not everything is certain, I can be sure that 2+2 will always equal 4, or that 2x2 is the same. It keeps me secure. Mathematics also empowers me with a set of skills that extend far beyond numerical calculations. It hones my analytical thinking, enhances my problem-solving abilities, and provides me with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to spot minute discrepancies in the things I'm working on. These skills are not confined to the domain of math alone but are saturated in every aspect of my life, from analyzing real-world situations to making informed decisions about things I care deeply about.

I possess a diverse collection of interests that contribute to my unique identity. Foremost among them is a deep admiration for Batman, and he partly inspires me to be the man I am today. His grim, brutal personality and overpowering brooding are what resonate deeply with me as I watch different Batmen. His actions in the comics can be and my personal favorite Batman(s) is the Robert Pattinson Batman and the Arkham Series Batman. Two of the most brutal Batmen who have some of the best detective abilities, and combat skills to this date. Similarly, in my pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery, I have cultivated a love for the genius and versatility of Leonardo Da Vinci. It has fueled my thirst for multidisciplinary exploration. Inspired by his relentless curiosity and exceptional mastery of art and science, I am driven to become as inspirational and curious as that amazing man was. Computer science is another interest that has peaked my intellect, offering a compelling blend of logic, creativity, and problem-solving. Delving into videos about the different programming languages, software engineering, UI/UX design, etc has felt like an inviting area of expertise that I could enjoy learning. This dynamic field empowers me to think innovatively, adapt to new challenges, and contribute to the ever-advancing digital frontier. Ever since high school, Art and drawing have served as outlets for my creativity, self-expression, and a way to communicate my ideas without words. Through the stroke of my mechanical pencil, I find peace and the ability to communicate effectively. These artistic endeavors and interest in Computer Science have nurtured my imagination, refined my attention to detail, and provided me with an interest in college when nothing else could. Along with these interests, Engineering, particularly Mechanical Engineering or even Electrical Engineering, intrigues me with its mixed bag of aesthetics and logical work. I am captivated by the process of transforming random night-time/shower ideas into real innovations or products, constantly seeking ways to optimize functionality, performance, and sustainability. Furthermore, I am heavily engaged with the immersive historical portrayal and gameplay of Assassin's Creed. This amazing video game series that I've played since elementary school has sparked my fascination with the past, weaving together elements of history, adventure, and stealth. Exploring different time periods and cultures through the eyes of the game's protagonists has deepened my appreciation for how complex human history really is and the impact of our actions on the people that come after us. This scholarship will help guide me through a tough ride going to a college 1,200 miles away from where I was born. Without having to worry about tuition, I can freely take my chances learning different topics and having the opportunity to really do what I love and make an impact on the world. In conclusion, my wide-ranging interests consist of Batman, Leonardo Da Vinci, computer science, art, engineering, Linguism (though I didn't touch on that), and the entire Assassin's Creed series. These passions, hobbies, and interests fuel my intellectual prowess and inspire creative expression. With these diverse pursuits, I am driven to attend college to pursue the curiosity lurking within me and follow the moral compass of those I idolize. Further, I hope you enjoy the art piece I attach! Thanks!

Well to start, I am Ariel, but most, if not everyone I know, calls me Ari. I have two completely different sides of my family. One is Middle Eastern, which comes from my Dad, and Hispanic, which comes from my Mom. I'm interested in topics on a wide range of topics which include, but are not limited to Chemistry, Forensic Science, Computer Science, Comics, Art, Architecture, Math, Software Engineering, UI/UX Design, Interior Design, Physics, Foreign Languages, Ancient Languages, and Data Analytics. The list could go on and on if I really took time to think about every single thing that I've taken interest in over the years. I take great pride in my love for knowledge in these random topics, because at the end of the day, all they do is make me smarter! Growing up in a Hispanic/Middle Eastern family has shaped the way I see the world and my identity as a person living in it. My family's traditions, values, and beliefs whether it's events, holidays, or things we disagree on have influenced my outlook on life, and have played an incredibly large role in shaping the way I see myself and the way I do things in life today. One of the most important things about my family background is our strong idea that a strong community and family, is a happy community and family. In typical mexican culture, family is something we all hold deep to our hearts. This has taught me the value of building strong connections with others and the importance of helping those in need. However, similar to any other person coming into their heritage, it has its challenges. One of the biggest struggle for me has been getting around the language barrier to speak to close relatives. Although Spanish wasn't spoken in my household, I found it simple as a child to pick it up and speak it often. However, after I was put in a mainly English speaking daycare around primary/elementary school time, I started struggling to communicate effectively with my family members in their native language. This has made me appreciate the importance of embracing the heritage you were born with and has taught me the value of learning multiple languages. In conclusion, my Hispanic family background has played a big role in creating the way I see the world and myself. The values, traditions, and beliefs of my culture have given me a sense of community, a dedication to work and be prosperous, and have an appreciation for diversity. While there have been challenges family wise, my multi-heritage has made me a stronger, more tenacious person, and has taught me to embrace and celebrate how far I've come as a person!

I'd consider Apple's "iPhone" to be one of the biggest products that influenced me to delve into the world of tech. Ever since I got my first kid as a kid, all that I would want to do is watch educational videos about the phone. I would figure out the model number, figure out how to jailbreak it, explore the parts inside of the phone, and eventually when time came around for Touch ID to be brought to the iPhone, I watched video after video about how it worked, and how to haptic touch worked to add a level of depth to the clicks. Another big factor that got me into tech was this one website that I was introduced to quite a while back that essentially needed you to "hack" into it in order to get an invite/password for it. I remember going on youtube to figure out exactly how to work out the problems because at the time, I was addicted to the idea of hacking and being able to get into things that I wouldn't normally be able to get into. It all really came down to writing a few lines of code, and editing the lines of HTML through inspect element. This, along with minecraft mods, which uses Java to code, sparked my idea as a kid in elementary school to get into programming. However because of circumstances, I wasn't able to get 100% into this area of tech until very recently, and instead I would rely on just keeping up to date throughout the years in hopes that a day like the ones now would come. I plan on using the things I've learned to hopefully make an impact on the industry of tech. Whether it be by introducing new ideas for tech in mobile devices, or for computers. I do think that the tech industry has a social and especially moral obligation to be inclusive to all consumers. The tech industry as a whole has a responsibility to promote equality and inclusivity, comply to laws and regulations set upon them, and influence for the betterment of society. By being inclusive, and giving accessibility to anyone around the world, it can grow to greater lengths and be properly accepted. As long as the tech industry can not only meet its responsibilities but also create new opportunities for innovation and leaps in technology, it will stay thriving and continue to do better as time goes on.

Well, the idea of influence is to control the things, and or people around you. Whether it is in a good or bad way all depends on the way you do it. The way I influence is not in the typical, manipulative way. Rather, I love to exude just raw authenticity and charisma. I've had friends that tell me that even though I can come off weird, introverted, and a little hard-headed. Yet, despite this, they still come to me with questions, and I provide answers. A hardship I've been dealing with is coming to terms with the 4 divorces my parents went through, and living through them as if nothing happened. I try not to let it affect me, yet it seems like it comes to mind at the simplest of times. I have no way to describe how I am dealing with it, or if I ever will overcome it. However, I am using the lessons I've learned from seeing it all unfold throughout my life in a way that I can positively enforce my relationship with my girlfriend. I plan on going into the UI/UX design, or Software Engineering field by double majoring in Computer Science and Art with a minor in Mathematics. I chose this field mainly because art has always been an important hobby for me to let go of the stress I have. I still don't know if pursuing it professionally will make my passion for it worse, or better but I can only hope for the best. I plan to live comfortably, help my family with living comfortably as well, and just live a happy life where I don't have to worry about the things I want or need. Well, I'll be very straightforward, this scholarship would mean being able to pursue a further education that not a single person in my family has yet to pursue. Another thing is, I read in the description that Jack was extremely interested in eSports and spent a lot of his time playing with friends. I would just like to use the space I have to tell you that I am the same way, and seeing that someone so akin to me, has been lost from this world pushed me to tears. My only friends aside from the best friend I have, which is my girlfriend, are all people I met through eSports-based video games. I met them all through CS: GO. To end it off, I'll just say that I appreciate your consideration. The love for eSports will forever bring people together. My condolences, Ariel.

My all-time favorite piece of art I created is one made for a final when I was in my freshman year of high school. Though the prompt of what I was given is self-evident in the piece of art itself, the meaning is very different. I see my art as more of a powerful image in which I capture the essence of mortality, innocence and time as we know it, slowly fleeting away with a skeleton's hand showing the fragile side of existence grasping desperately towards the rose, which represents the beautiful shine and glow of life and the desperation to maintain that innocence and fragility. The idea of using a rose, and making it glow as the centerpiece of my drawing comes from the memory that at a young age, my mother had always had roses in our backyard. It seemed like no matter what time of year it was, they bloomed, and they'd always looked beautiful. I remember getting up early in the morning and going outside before anyone even woke up just to smell them, and go play outside right next to where the roses would always grow. Even if I was doing something as simple as just throwing a ball in the air and catching it over and over again, the roses never left my mind. I remember being so curious about the roses that I searched them up and figured out what type of roses they were, how much it would cost to grow them, where to find them, etc. It brought me down a rabbit hole online in which I was curiously searching for any flower I could even learn about. Whether it was Lillies or even Texas' flower: the Bluebonnet. Just the idea that all these things could exist kind of brought me to an awakening of a sort. It became the moment everything in my mind I can remember to date is somewhat real. These events happened too many years ago to count. Yet the smell, shape, and mere existence of the rose keep the memories of which that drawing was made alive and well in my mind, safe with me until the end of time, or the end of me. However, nothing can be said about the idea to use dictionary paper for the background. It just came to mind, and it ended up fitting well with the concept I was going for, so I just went for it! In short, my favorite piece of art is a skeleton hand with a glowing rose hovering that has a most likely unexpected meaning towards it aside from basic assumption, with the inspiration coming from my mother's old garden with roses in our backyard from childhood.