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Hobbies and interests
Video Editing and Production
Psychology
STEM
Cybersecurity
Information Technology (IT)
Artificial Intelligence
Reading
Academic
Adventure
I read books multiple times per month
Ashton Hackett
1,265
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/d8a6e67da46d4052a63d18213b83328730952b3a80f44214a842590105d15599.webp)
Ashton Hackett
1,265
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Soon, I hope to use this scholarship money to go to Seminole State College and earn an associate’s degree in Information technology/Cybersecurity. After two years of college, I will transfer to the University of Central Florida for my last 2 years of post-graduate education and obtain my bachelor’s of science degree in information technology. After I graduate, I will work hard to become a skilled IT professional who not only excels in technical expertise but also possesses a profound understanding of the impact technology has on society. One of my primary goals is to specialize in cybersecurity, recognizing the role it plays in protecting digital infrastructures and protecting sensitive data. The more technological the world gets, the more the demand for cybersecurity experts grows. I aspire to contribute to the development of innovative and effective cybersecurity solutions, protecting organizations against evolving digital threats.
Education
Lake Howell High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Accounting and Computer Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
Career
Dream career field:
Information Technology and Services
Dream career goals:
Crew Trainer
McDonald's2021 – 20232 years
Sports
Track & Field
Junior Varsity2022 – 20231 year
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Minority Students in Technical Arts
As a future computer engineer, I am fully committed to using my skills to serve others and improve our society in multifarious impactful ways. The rapidly evolving field of computer engineering offers numerous opportunities to address critical societal issues, I intend to use my expertise to create solutions that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and technological advancement.
One of my primary objectives is to bridge the digital divide, which affects marginalized communities. Many people lack access to essential digital resources, impeding their educational and economic opportunities. By developing more affordable and accessible technologies, I aim to provide these communities with the tools they need to thrive in the technological age. This includes creating low-cost computing devices, improving internet accessibility, and designing user-friendly software tailored to diverse needs. By making technology more accessible, I hope to empower individuals and communities, allowing them to participate fully in the digital economy and improve their quality of life.
Another way I can improve the quality of life of others is by contributing to the development of affordable advanced medical technologies, such as telemedicine systems, wearable health monitors, and diagnostic tools with AI. These innovations would enhance patient quality of life, improve diagnostic accuracy, and make healthcare more available in remote and underserved areas. By implementing technology into healthcare we can improve health as a whole and reduce the lack of accessibility to medical care. This will not only save lives but also improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems. Education is a powerful tool needed for social change, I plan to use my skills to enhance educational possibilities through technology. This involves making educational software and platforms that provide interactive and individualized learning experiences. Additionally, I will focus on creating tools that support STEM education and encourage more students to pursue careers in science and technology. By making education more appealing and obtainable, I hope to not only prepare children for future careers but also inspire them to use their abilities to address societal challenges.
In our increasingly connected world, cybersecurity is crucial for protecting personal data, business operations, and national security. I aim to contribute to the making of hefty defense mechanisms that will guard our nation's data from those who have bad intentions. By enhancing cybersecurity protection I will assist in creating a safer digital environment for everyone, ensuring that the benefits of technology are not overshadowed by security risks. Effective cyber security measures are essential for maintaining trust in technological systems and protecting against dangerous threats.
In conclusion, as a future computer engineer, I am committed to using my skills to serve others and improve our society. By addressing the digital divide, advancing healthcare, enhancing education, and strengthening cybersecurity to make a meaningful and impactful effect on the world. Through these efforts; I hope to contribute to a future where technology serves as a force of good, improving lives and creating a more equitable and sustainable society.
(attached are two different computers I built from scratch for productivity and video editing usage)
Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship
From a young age, I was fascinated by the intricacies of technology and the endless possibilities it presented. My earliest memories are filled with moments of curiosity and discovery, whether it was taking apart old gadgets to see how they worked or spending hours watching videos on how they worked. I vividly remember the first time I dismantled a broken video-taping camera and began to carefully examine its components and marvel at the complexity hidden within its covering. Experiences like these ignited a spark within me, a newfound passion for understanding and wanting to create with technology.
As I grew older, this passion only grew stronger. My tinkering developed into creating more complex projects like programming simple games, building computers from scratch, and constructing robots via the engineering program. This hands-on engagement with technology was more than just a hobby; it was a window into a world where imagination could thrive and transform into an obtainable reality. Each success and each failure taught me valuable lessons and pushed me to dive deeper into the world of STEM. The feeling of solving problems and creating something from scratch was overjoying and confirmed my decision to pursue a degree in this field.
Choosing to study STEM is not just about following a life-long passion; it's about using this passion to make a meaningful impact in society. As a person of color, I am aware of the underrepresentation of minorities in STEM fields. This pushes me harder to succeed and to serve as a role model for others who might think twice about pursuing similar paths due to a lack of representation or support.
In the STEM field, I hope to contribute to making inclusive technologies that reflect the diverse world we live in. I will work hard to address challenges that are often overlooked and to design solutions that benefit a broader spectrum of our world. I am convinced that representation matters, and by being visible and accessible, I can help encourage the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Overall, my journey in STEM is driven by a combination of personal passion and a commitment to positively impacting the world. I want to live in a world where technology is not only advanced but also impartial, where diversity is praised for innovative breakthroughs. Throughout my studies and future career in STEM, I aim to contribute to this vision, making sure that the STEM fields become more and more inclusive and reflective of our very diverse society.
Windward Spirit Scholarship
The idea of Millenials and Gen Z becoming “The greatest generation 2.0” is a compelling and optimistic perspective. This comparison draws parallels between the challenges faced by the generations that experienced the Great Depression as well as World War II and the struggles that Millennials and Gen Z face today.
First, It’s important to note the significant economic challenges that both groups have encountered. The great depression and its aftermath came with dire economic circumstances, with high unemployment rates and low incomes. Similarly, Millenials and Gen Z have had to confront financial struggles, with stagnant wages and underemployment. The burden of student loans has been an additional obstacle to financial stability for many in these generations. The willingness to overcome these financial challenges reflects a shared resilience and determination.
The concept of duty and responsibility is another common theme. The greatest generation faced the monumental task of defending the world through the infamous World War II which they fought with a deep sense of duty. In contrast, today’s younger generation deals with different world-wide crises, such as climate change and the flaws in economic and healthcare systems. They too are reacting to their “rendezvous with destiny” by addressing these crucial issues. Their commitment to preventing climate change, advocating for social justice, and striving for healthcare reform shows a sense of responsibility towards shaping not only a better world but a better environment.
It’s worth noting that the response of millennials and gen z to these challenges is far different from their predecessors. They matured along with the use of technology and social media as tools for activism, creating a global movement for change. This willingness to adapt and take advantage of modern tools in order to mobilize and engage is a distinguishing feature of these generations.
While some may blame older generations for the problems that exist today, the willingness of Millennials and Gen Z to confront these issues head-on is commendable. They are not merely looking to place blame but are actively looking for solutions. The sense of problem solving and out-of-the-box thinking is indicative of their potential to become a transformative force, just as “The Greatest Generation” was in its time.
The idea that these younger generations “do hear the call of duty” is an encouraging one. They acknowledged the challenges they face and are willing to step up to address them. Their efforts to redefine societal norms, advocate for justice, and work towards a more sustainable future show their readiness to bear the burden of the previous generations.
In conclusion, the comparison between the Greatest Generation and Millenials/Gen Z as “The Greatest Generation 2.0” is a thought provoking concept. While the challenges these two groups faced mildly differ, their shaped sense of duty, resilience, and adaptability are noteworthy. Millennials and Gen Z have the potential to create a lasting positive impact on the world, just as their predecessors did. The optimism and energy they bring to the table are reasons to believe in their capacity to meet their “rendezvous with destiny” and make a better future for all generations alike.