Artificial intelligence first caught my attention through curiosity, but over time it became something much bigger to me. I remember listening to a speaker on social media talk about how AI is creating a new era in history, similar to the Industrial Revolution or the rise of the internet. What stood out to me most was when he explained that, for the first time in history, African Americans have the opportunity to enter a world-changing industry while it is still developing, instead of being locked out after the system is already established. During previous eras of innovation, many Black Americans were denied opportunities because of segregation, discrimination, and laws designed to keep them from fully participating. During the Industrial Age, many African Americans could not benefit equally from the economic growth happening around them because of Jim Crow laws and systemic barriers. Hearing that made me realize how important it is for my generation to learn everything we can about artificial intelligence and emerging technology while the field is still growing. That perspective connected directly to my own experiences with engineering and programming. Through the Collegiate Academy dual-enrollment program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, I took Programming I and II with C++ while balancing high school classes, work, and community service. At first, coding was frustrating because even one small mistake could stop an entire program from working. Over time, though, I began enjoying the process of solving problems and thinking critically through challenges. Programming taught me patience, discipline, and how technology can be used to create solutions that impact real people. As I learned more about artificial intelligence and machine learning, I became interested in how these systems will shape transportation, communication, healthcare, and education in the future. That is one of the reasons I plan to pursue Electrical Engineering with an interest in AI-related technology. Modern transportation systems already rely heavily on sensors, automation, software, and intelligent systems, and I believe AI will continue transforming how people travel and live. Growing up in Moss Point, Mississippi, I have also seen how communities can fall behind when access to technology and opportunity is limited. I want to be part of a generation that helps make sure AI benefits everyone, not just people who already have advantages. I believe diversity matters in artificial intelligence because the people creating technology influence how that technology impacts society. Without diverse voices in these spaces, communities like mine can easily be overlooked. What excites me most about AI is not replacing people, but helping people. I want to help create technology that improves safety, increases access to opportunity, and solves real-world problems. As an African American student pursuing engineering, I feel a responsibility not only to succeed in this field, but also to help others see that they belong in these spaces too. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education while preparing for a future where artificial intelligence and machine learning will shape nearly every part of society. More importantly, it would help position me to contribute to this new era of innovation instead of simply watching it happen from the outside.

For most of my life, my voice stayed inside my head. I was the student who listened carefully, followed directions, and did my work without drawing attention to myself. Being shy and introverted, speaking up felt uncomfortable, and sometimes even scary. Growing up in a low-income, African American household, I learned early that staying quiet often felt safer than being seen or heard. Speaking grammatically correctly was something I consciously tried to do because it did not come naturally, therefore I did not believe my words carried much weight. That belief was challenged when I enrolled in a public speaking class through my dual enrollment program. The idea of standing in front of my classmates and speaking alone made my chest tighten. I remember sitting at my desk, watching others present with confidence, hoping my name would not be called next. When it finally was my turn, my hands shook, my heart raced, and my voice felt unsteady. I wanted to sit back down before I even began. As I spoke, I realized I was not trying to sound impressive. I was just trying to get through the moment. I stumbled over words, paused too long, and felt my face display shame, but something unexpected happened, I finished. What was even more surprising, people listened. No one laughed. No one dismissed me. In that moment, I understood that my voice did not have to be perfect to matter. That experience changed how I saw myself. I began to realize that communication is not about being the loudest person in the room; it is about being honest and willing to speak, even when it feels uncomfortable. Finding my voice helped me grow not only in the classroom, but in my community as well. Through my involvement with the Omega Lamplighters, National Honor Society, and NJROTC, I started to speak more confidently with others while volunteering at food drives, health fairs, and community events. I learned how a few clear, compassionate words could help someone feel understood, informed, or supported. As an African American student from a low-income background, I know how easily voices like mine can be overlooked. That realization has motivated me to continue developing my communication skills so I can advocate for myself and for others who may feel unheard. My experiences have taught me that confidence is built, not given, and that using your voice can create meaningful change even in small moments. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue an Electrical Engineering degree. I will also continue serving my community by focusing on understanding people and communities. I can continue making a difference through service and advocacy. I want to use my voice to address issues of inequality, access, and opportunity, especially in communities like the one that raised me. Whether through public service, community outreach, or leadership, I hope to speak with clarity and purpose to uplift others. Finding my voice did not happen all at once, but that first moment of choosing to speak showed me what is possible. This scholarship represents more than financial support, it represents belief in voices like mine. I am committed to using my voice with confidence, authenticity, and compassion to help build a more just and inclusive future.