For most of my life, talking was not just talking. It was a challenge. My speech impediment made everyday conversations feel like mental and emotional marathons. I could think of the words, but they did not always come out the way I wanted. That made me anxious. I avoided raising my hand in class, introducing myself to new people, or even making small talk. I thought staying quiet would protect me, but in reality, it was holding me back and isolating me from the people around me. The turning point came when I realized this was not just about speaking. It was about my mental and emotional health. Living in constant fear of embarrassment was exhausting. I did not want to spend the rest of my life holding my voice back. I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin and confident in my own words. So I made the decision to focus on my speech and treat it like any other skill that could be improved with effort and patience. I started by practicing every day. I would read out loud in front of a mirror and record myself so I could listen to how I sounded. I learned to slow down my speech so I had more control over my words. I paid attention to my breathing and tried to keep calm even when I stumbled. I pushed myself into situations I would normally avoid. I volunteered to present in front of the class. I started introducing myself to new people instead of waiting for them to talk to me first. Each step was uncomfortable, but I knew staying in my comfort zone would only keep me stuck. It was not easy. There were moments I left conversations feeling frustrated and wishing I could start over. But every time I made it through a tough situation, even if it was not perfect, I felt stronger. Over time I began to see progress. People noticed I was speaking up more, and that gave me the confidence to keep going. I learned that progress is not about being flawless. It is about showing up every day and refusing to quit. This experience changed how I prepare for my future. In school I no longer avoid participation. I actively look for chances to share my ideas. In work I know I will be able to communicate clearly even under pressure. In life I have learned that the only way to grow is to face challenges directly and keep pushing forward. My speech impediment once felt like a wall between me and the world. Now it feels like a lesson that shaped who I am. Every conversation I have is proof that I can overcome obstacles. It reminds me that my voice is worth hearing and that I am capable of more than I once believed.

My name is Trey English, and I am a Computer Science major at Florida International University. I come from a background where opportunities were not always guaranteed, but I was raised to believe that hard work, consistency, and community can open doors that once felt shut. That mindset is what drives me through school and through life. I chose to study Computer Science because I believe technology is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve lives. I have seen what it can do when it is used with purpose, and I want to help build a future where those tools are designed to serve people. I did not choose this major because it was popular. I chose it because I see the potential it holds. Technology touches everything now, and yet there are still communities without access to it. I want to help change that. As someone who is studying artificial intelligence and machine learning, I am aware of how important it is to bring more voices into the conversation. Right now, only about five percent of software developers in the United States are Black. That number is not just low. It reflects a gap in representation and opportunity that I want to help close. With my degree, I plan to build real tools that solve real problems. I want to create apps and systems that support education access, track local resources, and help nonprofit organizations do more for the people they serve. I also plan to give back through free tech workshops for students in my community. I want to teach coding and project-based learning to show them that this field is not out of reach. If I can help someone discover a passion for technology the same way I did, then that is a win for all of us. One of the biggest ways I can make a difference is simply by being in the room. Sometimes the best inspiration is just being visible and consistent. I want younger students to see me and believe that they can succeed too. Through mentoring, tutoring, and showing up for community events, I will do everything I can to show others what is possible. This scholarship would give me the support I need to keep going without being held back by financial challenges. More importantly, it would be a reminder that what I am doing matters, and that others believe in my journey. I am not working only for myself. I am working to help more students of color step into spaces where they can grow, lead, and build futures they are proud of. Representation and opportunity both matter. I want to be part of the reason that those things become more common in my field. I am ready to take that responsibility and turn it into real impact.

My name is Trey English, and I’m a Computer Science major at Florida International University. What first drew me into AI and machine learning was the idea that computers could do more than follow commands. They could learn. They could grow. That concept fascinated me, and it pushed me to dig deeper. I wanted to understand how we could train machines to think, adapt, and help solve problems that actually matter. My hands-on journey with AI and machine learning started with simple coding. I picked up Python and began building small programs. At first, it was basic automation and logic exercises. But as I learned more, I found myself drawn to machine learning libraries like TensorFlow and scikit-learn. I started working with datasets, creating models that could make predictions based on trends and patterns. One of my first mini-projects was training a neural network to recognize handwritten digits using the MNIST dataset. It was exciting to see a model slowly improve with each training cycle. That moment showed me the potential of what these tools could do when used the right way. What makes AI and machine learning so powerful is that they are not just for tech companies. They can be used to make an impact in schools, in healthcare, in justice reform, and beyond. That is what motivates me the most. As I build my skills, I see the bigger picture. There is a lack of diversity in the teams creating these systems, and that gap affects how the technology behaves. Without different voices, AI can reflect biases instead of removing them. I want to be one of the voices that helps change that. My dream is to use AI to serve people who are often overlooked. I want to create tools that make it easier for nonprofits to manage data, for schools to support students with different learning needs, and for everyday people to have access to resources that help them grow. I see a future where I can work with organizations that fight for social change and help them bring tech into their mission. I also want to lead workshops in communities like mine, where students might not have access to STEM education. If I can introduce them to AI and coding, maybe they will see a new path for themselves too. Everything I have learned so far has been self-taught, through trial and error and lots of patience. I plan to keep learning, keep building, and stay focused on creating impact. This scholarship would help me continue down that path without the stress of financial pressure slowing me down. It would also remind me that I am not just working for myself. I am working to open doors for others too. AI and machine learning are shaping the future. I want to make sure that future works for everyone.

My name is Trey English, and I’m a Computer Science major at Florida International University. I’ve always believed that the best use of knowledge is to serve others with it. That mindset has shaped the way I approach school, service, and my future career. I come from a place where opportunities don’t always come easy, but I was raised to never settle and to make the most of every chance I get. That’s what motivates me, not just to grow for myself, but to bring others up with me. I chose to study Computer Science because I saw how much power there is in technology. The world is being shaped by data, automation, and digital tools, but not everyone has equal access to it. My goal is to change that. I want to use the skills I’m developing to help bridge the digital divide and make sure that the benefits of technology reach the people who need it most. There are three main ways I plan to make a positive impact with my degree. First, I want to create software that solves real problems in underserved communities, like apps that connect people to local resources or platforms that improve education access. Second, I plan to teach. Not in a traditional classroom, but through coding workshops and mentorship programs for students who don’t see themselves represented in tech. If I can help them realize their potential early on, that impact could ripple out for years. Third, I want to work directly with nonprofits and community organizations, helping them modernize their tools so they can better serve their missions. Right now, I’m already working to make an impact through volunteering. I’ve served as a church camp counselor, where I helped guide and mentor younger kids, building up their confidence and leadership skills. I also had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic, where I helped build a church, a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful work you can do is the work that lifts others up. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the value of consistency, service, and listening before leading. Social issues like the digital divide, unequal access to education, and underrepresentation in tech aren’t just stats to me, they’re real problems I see and feel. That’s why I’m committed to using what I learn to help change the systems around them. This scholarship would make a big difference in my journey, helping me stay focused on service and success without being weighed down by financial strain. I won’t just be grateful for the opportunity, I’ll act on it. I’ll keep pushing, keep building, and keep finding ways to turn knowledge into action that truly matters.

How did you get interested in pursuing a computer science degree? My interest in computer science started with a simple question — “How does this work?” I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to figure things out, whether it’s rebuilding something that broke or understanding what’s going on behind the scenes of an app or game. What started as curiosity eventually turned into a passion for solving problems. When I discovered how powerful code can be — not just to build websites or software, but to automate systems, analyze data, and create tools that help people — I knew this was the field I wanted to be in. Computer science gives me the ability to turn ideas into real solutions, and that’s what drives me. What is your goal or dream job after receiving your degree? My dream job is to work as a software developer or systems engineer on projects that have real-world impact — especially in education or community-focused technology. I want to design tools that improve people’s lives, whether it's through creating accessible educational platforms, helping nonprofits organize data more efficiently, or developing systems that make essential services easier to reach. Long term, I’d love to launch my own tech-based nonprofit that teaches coding and digital skills to underserved youth. I want to use the knowledge I gain through my degree to open doors for others, just like others opened doors for me. Why do you feel you are the best candidate for receiving this scholarship? I believe I’m a strong candidate for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship because I live by many of the same values Mark Green stood for — resilience, determination, and a belief in the power of education to transform lives. I come from a background where I’ve had to work for every opportunity I’ve received. I’ve faced challenges like overcoming a speech impediment, pushing through financial limitations, and navigating new environments as a first-generation college student. But I never let any of that stop me — instead, I used it as motivation. What makes me different is that I’m not just pursuing a degree for myself. I carry the responsibility of being a role model for those coming after me — in my family, my community, and one day, in the classroom or workplace. I’ve already committed myself to service through my church, volunteering locally, and helping build a church abroad. I plan to keep that same service-driven mindset throughout my career. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my education while continuing to serve and grow. I won’t take it for granted — I’ll use it as fuel to keep pushing forward and lifting others up as I go.

My name is Trey English, and I’m a freshman Computer Science major at Florida International University. I come from a background where opportunities weren’t always easy to find, but I’ve learned that resilience and purpose can carry you far, especially when you believe in yourself and the people around you. What stood out to me most about Mark Green’s story was his commitment to learning, no matter where life placed him. That mindset speaks to me deeply, because I’ve had to grow through my own challenges while still trying to lift others up along the way. Education changed the way I saw my own potential. I used to struggle with self-expression, especially because of a stutter I’ve worked hard to overcome. It made school presentations and conversations difficult, but instead of shutting down, I chose to push forward. Through practice and support from my community, I slowly found my voice. That journey taught me the value of perseverance, and it made me realize how powerful it is when someone believes in you, or better yet, when you start to believe in yourself. I chose to study Computer Science because I want to build tools and systems that solve problems — especially for people who are often overlooked. My dream is to create accessible technology that empowers communities with fewer resources. Whether it’s automating systems for small nonprofits, teaching tech skills in underserved schools, or developing software that improves everyday lives, I want my work to make an impact that outlasts me. My commitment to service didn’t start in college. I’ve volunteered as a summer camp counselor for my church, helping younger kids find confidence and connection. I also had the chance to travel to the Dominican Republic to help build a church from the ground up. That experience showed me how powerful service can be when you put others first and work with humility. It made me realize that the best kind of leadership isn’t loud, it’s consistent. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education, it would fuel a larger goal: to be a role model and resource for others like me who come from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to show students that where you start doesn’t define where you end up , and that education, when used right, has the power to shift generations. If selected, I will carry the spirit of Mark Green forward by continuing to strive, serve, and build. Not just for me, but for everyone I can reach. I don’t take opportunities like this for granted, I see them as responsibility and motivation to keep growing, and to help others do the same.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s that I’ve always had a natural curiosity — but even more than that, I’ve had a deep respect for learning and the power it holds to change lives. I didn’t grow up with all the answers handed to me. A lot of what I know came from trial and error, watching others, and teaching myself when no one else could. That independent mindset shaped how I see education. It’s not just about facts or formulas — it’s about unlocking something in people that helps them grow beyond what they thought was possible. That’s why I want to be an educator. I’m majoring in Computer Science because I’ve always been interested in systems that learn and adapt — kind of like people do. My love for technology is about more than just building apps or writing code. It’s about helping others see that STEM is not some elite club. It’s a tool that anyone can learn to use to solve real-world problems. That’s especially important for students in underserved communities, where resources are limited and opportunities are harder to reach. I want to be someone who brings those opportunities closer. My goal as an educator is to create spaces where students feel safe to ask questions, to fail, and to try again. I want learning to be something they enjoy, not something they fear. I want to teach them that tech isn’t out of reach. It’s already in their lives — in their phones, their games, their playlists. I want to show them how to go from users to creators. Beyond the classroom, I plan to build programs that reach deeper into communities — after-school coding workshops, mentorship circles, and digital literacy bootcamps. I want to lead efforts that not only teach students, but also train other mentors to pass it forward. That kind of ripple effect is what really makes change stick. My past experiences volunteering as a church camp counselor and helping build a church in the Dominican Republic have shown me what it means to serve others directly. I carry that same mindset into my future as an educator — showing up consistently, listening to people, and doing whatever I can to help them grow. I believe being an educator is one of the most powerful ways to leave a lasting impact on the world. It’s not just about transferring knowledge. It’s about believing in people until they start believing in themselves. That’s the kind of work I want to do — every day, for as long as I can.

Growing up, I was always the kid who asked “why” and tried to figure things out on my own. Whether I was building paper planes, fixing broken toys, or playing around with computers and apps, I loved the challenge of learning how things worked. Over time, that curiosity turned into a passion for technology. I knew early on that I didn’t just want to use tech, I wanted to understand it, create with it, and push it further. That’s what led me to pursue a STEM-related field. I’m currently majoring in Computer Science because I see how powerful software and automation can be in shaping the future. I’ve always been drawn to systems that can improve over time, like AI, self-learning programs, and smart applications. Those ideas motivate me to learn more about how we can build tools that think, adapt, and solve problems better than before. To me, coding isn’t just about syntax, it’s about unlocking possibilities. My career goal is to work at the intersection of innovation and impact. I want to be part of a team that builds smart solutions, things that actually help people, not just impress them. Whether it’s designing automation tools that improve efficiency or developing applications that make life easier, I want my work to matter. My dream is to build systems that bring real change, especially to communities that don’t always have access to the latest technology. That same drive to help others is why community service has always been important to me. I’ve volunteered as a summer camp counselor at my church, and I had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic to help build a church from the ground up. That experience stuck with me because it reminded me that giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about showing up, being consistent, and doing what you can to make life better for someone else. Looking ahead, I want to bring my technical skills into service work. I imagine leading workshops for students in underserved areas, teaching them the basics of coding and technology. I’d also love to help nonprofits use data and tech more effectively to serve their communities. For me, STEM and service aren’t separate, they go hand in hand. One gives me the tools, and the other gives me the purpose. At the end of the day, I’m not just working toward a degree. I’m working toward a future where I can use what I’ve learned to make a real impact. I want to build, lead, and give back, because to me, that’s what success really looks like.

I’ve always been curious about how things work—whether it’s machines, systems, or even people. Something about the way all these parts come together to create something bigger has always fascinated me. That's why I’m drawn to Computer Science. There’s so much potential in this field to change lives, solve problems, and shape the future in ways we can’t fully predict. I’m not here just to be a spectator; I want to be part of the change, creating solutions that make life easier, better, and more inclusive. I believe technology should not only be about making things faster or cooler, it should be about giving everyone a fair shot. The impact I want to make? It's simple but profound: I want to break down barriers. I see technology as a way to level the playing field, especially for those who don’t have access to the same resources or opportunities. Imagine AI improving healthcare so that people in underserved areas get the same care as anyone else, or developing tools that give students access to personalized education, no matter where they come from. That’s the kind of change I want to help create. It’s not just about pushing the limits of AI; it’s about making sure that as we do, we’re taking everyone with us. It’s about using tech to give people opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise—whether it’s in education, employment, or even social justice. But none of this would be possible without the struggles I’ve faced so far. Anxiety has been one of the biggest hurdles I’ve had to deal with, especially in terms of public speaking. Growing up with a stutter made it hard to express myself clearly, and there were times I felt like I couldn’t get my words out fast enough, especially when the pressure was on. It was tough, and at times, I felt like my voice wasn’t heard. But I didn’t let it stop me. Over the years, I learned that progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, trying, and pushing through. I forced myself into situations where I had to speak, and slowly but surely, I built confidence. It’s not a perfect solution, but I’ve learned to manage it and use my voice, no matter the obstacles. That same mentality carries me through everything. College is tough, and balancing academics with personal challenges is no joke. It feels like every step forward comes with two steps back, but I keep moving. I've learned that setbacks are part of the process. It’s not about avoiding mistakes; it’s about learning from them and building yourself up again. My struggles with anxiety taught me something that goes beyond academics: resilience. The ability to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned, is just as important as the knowledge I’m gaining in class. I’m not here just for a degree; I’m here to make a difference. Whether it’s using my skills to create solutions in AI or breaking down the barriers that keep people from succeeding, I’m here to do the work that pushes society forward. The road won’t always be easy, and there will be days when I feel like giving up. But I know that as long as I keep my focus on the bigger picture, as long as I stay true to the values of resilience and service, I’ll get where I need to go. And that’s the impact I want to leave behind.

Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s legacy stands as a testament to service, sacrifice, and bravery—values that strike a chord deep within me. They’re more than just words; they represent the kind of strength and resilience that shapes lives and communities. These values have always guided me, especially as I work to navigate my own journey. In my case, it’s about growing, stepping out of my comfort zone, and honoring the sacrifices made by others before me. It’s about embracing the struggles, pushing through anxiety, and using my opportunities to do something bigger than myself. Like Sgt. Ware, I’m learning that growth is hard, but it’s the only way forward. From a young age, I’ve known that the challenges facing the African diaspora in the U.S. are rooted in a history of sacrifice. We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much left to do. And that’s why these values speak to me on a personal level. They’re not just ideals for me, they’re a call to action. The African diaspora continues to fight for equity, for fair treatment, for opportunities that others often take for granted. It’s easy to feel the weight of that fight, but what I’ve learned over time is that, just like Sgt. Ware, our strength comes from showing up even when it feels impossible. The values of service, sacrifice, and bravery have shaped my path in ways I never could have predicted. They pushed me to keep moving forward, even when my anxiety made it hard to speak in public or show up in class. And while I still face that battle today, I’ve learned to see those struggles as opportunities to grow. That’s what service and sacrifice are about beyond the personal discomfort and doing what needs to be done for the greater good. As I move forward in my college journey, the sense of responsibility I feel is bigger than my degree, it’s about the future I want to build, the kind of change I want to be part of. Like Sgt. Ware, I understand that the fight isn’t over. The work has to keep going. When it comes to the challenges facing the African diaspora, I see the roots of inequality stretching into almost every corner of society. Economic disparity stands as a huge barrier. There’s a reason why so many Black Americans are still locked out of opportunities that would create real wealth and long-term stability. The wealth gap remains staggering. The lack of access to quality education, healthcare, and good jobs continues to pull many communities further down. It’s not just about making ends meet; it’s about having the chance to build something that lasts. So for me, the need for policy reforms that close this gap is urgent. It’s about creating equal access to education, investing in Black communities, and creating pathways into high-demand industries like tech. When you break down the barriers to entry in sectors like AI, data science, or engineering, you open up the door for real change. That’s what we need. Then there’s the criminal justice system, which remains a key part of the ongoing struggle. It’s not just about policing, it’s about systemic racism that continues to affect the African diaspora in ways that shouldn’t be happening in 2025. Disparities in incarceration, police brutality, and the criminalization of Black bodies need to be addressed head-on. Reforms like abolishing cash bail, improving police accountability, and providing alternatives to incarceration are all critical. These aren’t just policy shifts; they’re about saving lives, giving people a chance to live without fear of a broken system. To make all of this happen, a collective effort is crucial. It’s not just on politicians or activists. Community leaders, particularly those in grassroots organizations, need to be at the forefront of these changes. Groups like the National Society of Black Engineers have already shown the power of collective action. They’ve empowered Black students to take charge of their futures, and that’s exactly the kind of work that needs to continue. Local governments, educators, corporations, and faith-based organizations all have a role to play. We need to come together to create policies that work and hold each other accountable for the changes that need to happen. Sgt. Ware’s legacy isn’t just a reminder of the past; it’s a blueprint for the future. It’s about service, sacrifice, and bravery, qualities that we need to keep living out every day, especially as we continue to fight for what’s right. The African diaspora’s journey isn’t finished, but with the right reforms and the right people leading the way, change is not only possible—it’s inevitable.

Anxiety has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s a feeling that tightens in your chest, that makes your mind race and your heart beat faster, even when nothing is physically wrong. For me, anxiety often showed up in situations where I had to speak in front of people. It wasn’t just the fear of saying something wrong—it was the fear of being judged, of being exposed, of not measuring up. I remember moments where I felt trapped inside my own head, struggling to get the words out. I’d stumble, stutter, and even freeze at times, and in those moments, it felt like all I could do was shrink away from the spotlight. But over time, I learned that anxiety wasn’t something I could avoid. I had to face it head-on. Every time I forced myself to speak, whether in class or in front of a group, I could feel the weight of the nerves, but I also felt a little more control over them. The process wasn’t smooth. There were moments where I failed, where I still stumbled, but those were the moments that taught me the most. They showed me that anxiety wasn’t an obstacle—it was a challenge, one that pushed me to become stronger. I learned that facing fears isn’t about making them disappear; it’s about working through them. As I pushed through my anxiety, I also discovered that it taught me more than just resilience. It taught me the value of persistence. Every time I kept going, even when it felt like I was failing, I realized that growth wasn’t linear. Some days were harder than others, but each small step forward was a victory. Anxiety might still show up from time to time, but now I know how to deal with it. It doesn’t control me—it’s simply part of the process. Pursuing a college degree is important to me because it represents more than just getting a piece of paper. It’s a chance to prove to myself that I’m capable of more than I ever believed. When I think about why I’m here, I know it’s not just for my own personal success—it’s also about honoring my family. I’m the third Baldwyn English, and that name carries a sense of responsibility. My parents, my family, and my friends have always believed in me. They’ve supported me through every struggle, and I want to make them proud. College is an opportunity to show that their faith in me wasn’t misplaced. But it’s not just about them. It’s about me, too. College gives me the chance to take control of my future, to shape my career, and to pursue a passion for self-learning and innovation. I’ve always been drawn to fields like AI and data science because they represent the intersection of curiosity, creativity, and practical problem-solving. Those fields allow me to channel my energy into something productive, something meaningful. Every challenge I face here is another opportunity to grow, and I’m ready to embrace it. Ultimately, pursuing a college degree isn’t just about getting a diploma. It’s about building a life that reflects the hard work I’ve put in. It’s about continuing to push myself, face my fears, and grow through every experience. It’s about proving that, despite the anxiety, despite the struggles, I can overcome anything and keep moving forward.

I chose to study Computer Science not just because I enjoy technology, but because I’m fascinated by the idea that a machine can learn. Not by copying but by growing. As people do, as a kid, I’d lose track of time trying to crack puzzles, take apart systems, and figure out the “why” behind how things worked. That childhood curiosity didn’t fade, it transformed. I started seeing how data was more than just numbers. It told stories. It revealed patterns, made predictions, and solved problems. It could be messy and complex, but with the right mindset, it could be powerful. That’s what pulled me in. I’m drawn to the edge where logic meets creativity. In this field, I write code that thinks, build tools that adapt, and ask questions that challenge the status quo. I’m not here just to keep up with the future, I want to shape it. Right now, my goal is simple: learn by doing. Internships, research, and team projects. Because lectures can teach you theory, but applying it, that’s where growth happens. Whether I’m scraping data from messy spreadsheets or training a machine to recognize a voice or an image, I’m chasing moments where I can think deeply, work collaboratively, and build something that means something. Long term, I see myself leading in the world of ethical AI. I think AI can be a force for equity if we build it with care. Imagine systems that bridge the education gap or bring healthcare to communities long ignored. That’s where I want to be, at the intersection of innovation and impact. But here’s the thing. In every classroom, every lab, and every tech event, I notice who’s not there. People who look like me. It’s a quiet absence, but I feel it. It would be easy to let that discourage me, but instead, it motivates me. I want to be part of breaking that pattern. Because representation isn’t just symbolic, it changes who feels seen, and who feels possible. I don’t just want a seat at the table. I want to open the door wider. A scholarship like this would give me the freedom to keep pushing. To focus less on costs and more on coding. To spend time building projects instead of worrying about whether I can afford textbooks. It would give me space to grow, not just as a student, but as a future contributor, mentor, and changemaker. Your support isn’t just funding an education, it’s fueling a vision. A vision where the future of tech is built by more voices, more backgrounds, and more people who care about using intelligence—human or artificial—for good.

I am someone who values growth, perseverance, and service. As the third person in my family named Baldwyn, I’ve always felt a strong sense of responsibility to live up to my family’s legacy while also carving my own path. My parents taught me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and helping others, which have become the foundation for my actions in both my academic and personal life. One of the most meaningful experiences that has shaped me was a service trip to the Dominican Republic, where I traveled with a group to help build a church for a local community. While the physical task of building the church was rewarding, the real impact came from seeing how our efforts would help the community long-term. The church wasn’t just a building; it was a space where the community could gather, worship, and grow together. This experience reinforced my belief that service is a powerful way to create positive change, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of community. It also sparked my desire to use my skills to contribute to others in meaningful ways. This sense of purpose led me to pursue Data Science and AI. Growing up, I always had an interest in technology and problem-solving. I loved figuring out how things worked and seeing how new technologies could improve people’s lives. As I explored the world of data science and artificial intelligence, I realized how much potential these fields have to address real-world issues, especially in underserved communities. My goal is to use these tools to develop solutions that can improve healthcare, education, and accessibility for people who don’t have the same resources as others. The degree I am pursuing in Computer Science will equip me with the technical skills necessary to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. In particular, I want to use my education to develop systems that improve healthcare outcomes, provide better access to education, and increase accessibility in underserved communities. For example, AI can be used to predict health trends, optimize treatments, and provide remote healthcare services in rural or low-income areas. I believe that technology can help bridge gaps in these essential sectors and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. In addition to my technical goals, I am committed to giving back through mentorship and leadership. I have been involved with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where I have seen firsthand how mentorship can make a significant difference in someone’s life. As I continue to learn and grow in my field, I want to offer mentorship to other students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, to help guide them in their own careers. I hope to be a resource and inspire others to pursue their passions, just as I have been inspired by those who mentored me along the way. Ultimately, I plan to use my education to create solutions that are not only innovative but also inclusive and ethical. I want to contribute to the development of systems that have a positive societal impact, especially in communities that are often overlooked. Whether it’s improving healthcare accessibility, enhancing educational tools, or using technology to solve other pressing problems, I am determined to make a lasting difference.

I love math because it feels like solving puzzles. There’s something satisfying about taking a problem, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and working through it step by step until it clicks. Math, in a way, teaches you how to think logically, how to approach a problem from different angles, and how to persevere when things get tough. It’s not always easy, but that’s part of the fun—finding the right solution after putting in the effort feels rewarding. What really draws me to math is how it connects everything. From the simple numbers we use every day to the complex equations that describe how the universe works, math is a common thread that ties everything together. Whether it’s the way engineers calculate forces, the algorithms behind machine learning, or even the way I can optimize my workout routines, math helps us understand the world better and make smarter decisions. Another reason I love math is because it never stays stagnant. There’s always something new to learn, something new to challenge yourself with. Math evolves and expands, and I love that it has no limits—it’s about pushing boundaries, whether you’re solving problems that have been around for centuries or discovering new concepts. There’s always room to grow, and that’s exactly how I like to approach learning in general. In the end, math isn’t just about numbers or equations. It’s a language, a way to understand and make sense of the world around us. It’s powerful, rewarding, and—most importantly—always full of new challenges.

When you think of calculus, it might seem like a distant, abstract subject, full of symbols and equations that only make sense to mathematicians. But the truth is, calculus is the backbone of so much we encounter in the STEM field. From the way rockets soar through the sky to how engineers build safe bridges, calculus is there, quietly making sense of how the world changes. It’s all about understanding change, motion, and optimization. Without it, we wouldn’t have the technologies, innovations, or systems we rely on today. In physics, calculus is essential for understanding how objects move, how forces interact, and how energy flows. Take velocity, for example. Without the derivative, a core concept in calculus, we couldn’t measure how fast something moves at any given moment. That ability to track motion makes it possible to build everything from cars to spacecraft. When engineers design systems, they’re constantly thinking about how forces change over time, and calculus is the tool they use to make sure their designs work safely and efficiently. Without it, structures wouldn’t be able to withstand pressure, and we’d be left guessing whether they’ll hold up under stress. In computer science, calculus plays a huge role, too. For programmers working on algorithms or machine learning models, understanding how functions change is key to optimizing performance. It’s all about finding the most efficient way to process data or create graphics. Machine learning, for example, relies on calculus to adjust algorithms and make them smarter, learning from patterns in data. We wouldn’t have the advanced software or visual effects we see today if calculus weren’t behind the scenes making it all possible. And then there’s economics—often overlooked when we talk about calculus, but it’s just as critical. Economists use calculus to understand how things change in markets—how supply and demand shift, how costs fluctuate, and how to maximize profit. It’s through calculus that we calculate things like marginal cost and revenue, tools that help businesses make better decisions. Without this understanding of change, we’d be making business decisions based on guesses instead of real data. But calculus isn’t just about numbers—it’s about solving real-world problems. Whether it’s understanding the spread of diseases, calculating population growth, or modeling the flow of fluids, calculus helps us tackle some of the world’s most complex challenges. It’s used in biology, chemistry, and environmental science to predict outcomes and make decisions that impact everything from healthcare to sustainability. In the end, calculus is more than just a set of math problems. It’s the lens through which we can understand the world around us, offering a way to predict, optimize, and improve. In STEM, we need calculus because it provides the framework to make sense of everything—from the smallest change to the biggest breakthroughs. It’s the reason we can solve problems, create innovations, and ultimately shape the future.