My journey with mental health began in earnest when I left Texas Tech University to care for my terminally ill father. The stress of caregiving, combined with the grief of losing him to alcoholism and liver cirrhosis, triggered my diagnosis of anxiety and depression. I have continued to battle these conditions to this day. Like many others, I initially suppressed my feelings, believing I simply needed to push through. This approach only deepened the isolation and made daily life more difficult. Mental health has profoundly shaped my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations. I now believe that vulnerability is not weakness but courage. Suppressing emotions, as I once did and as was common in many communities, prevents healing and connection. I have learned that mental health struggles do not define a person’s worth or potential. Instead, they reveal our shared humanity and the need for compassion, both for ourselves and others. This understanding has changed how I view the world. I no longer see mental health challenges as something to hide, but as issues that deserve open dialogue and support, much like the mission of this scholarship in honor of Ethel Hayes. These experiences have deeply affected my relationships. As a husband and father of two young sons, I am committed to modeling emotional honesty. I speak openly with my wife about my anxiety and depression, and we work together to create a home where our children learn that seeking help is a sign of strength. This openness has strengthened our partnership and helped me show up more fully as a parent. I also maintain regular appointments with medical professionals and therapists, which have taught me practical tools for managing difficult emotions and preventing isolation. My mental health journey has clarified and strengthened my aspirations. At 31 years old, I returned to Collin College as a nontraditional student and am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. I want to protect hospitals, schools, small businesses, and families from digital threats that can cause real harm and additional trauma. In many ways, my drive to enter this field stems from my own experiences with loss and mental health. Just as I seek to safeguard systems from invisible attacks, I want to contribute to a world where mental health struggles are met with understanding rather than silence. I am also beginning a federally funded research opportunity as a research assistant at Collin College, exploring how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational curricula. I hope this work helps create learning environments that are more supportive of students facing mental health challenges. Through my struggles, I have gained empathy, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. Mental health experiences have taught me that healing is possible and that education can be part of that healing. By continuing my studies while managing anxiety and depression, I hope to show others that it is possible to pursue meaningful goals even on difficult days. This scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more fully on my education and advocacy. More importantly, it would honor the courage of those like Ethel Hayes and everyone working to bring mental health out of the darkness and into the light.

My father, Eric Thomas Oliver Larimore, passed away several years ago after a long struggle with alcoholism and liver cirrhosis. His death was the culmination of years of pain that began when he lost his own father, Carl Walter Oliver, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and Vietnam veteran, in a tragic training accident over the Gulf of Mexico. The unresolved grief and trauma from losing his father at a young age contributed heavily to my dad’s battle with alcohol. Watching someone I loved slowly destroy himself while trying to run a small tile and carpet cleaning business was heartbreaking. His passing left our family with deep sadness, financial strain, and many unanswered questions. Losing my father forced me to navigate a complex mix of emotions: grief, anger, guilt, and profound sadness. I felt guilt for not being able to save him and anger at the disease that took him. At the same time, I felt a heavy sense of responsibility as I stepped up to care for him during his illness, then continued supporting my grandmother and mother-in-law through her own battle with stage 4 lung cancer. These losses occurred while I was trying to figure out my own path, and they dramatically altered my trajectory. I left Texas Tech University to care for my father, putting my education on hold for years. The emotional weight made it difficult to envision a stable future. Through this experience, I have learned that I am more resilient than I ever realized. I discovered that strength is not the absence of pain but the willingness to keep moving forward for the people who depend on me. I am now 31 years old, a husband, and a father of two young sons. I returned to college full-time at Collin College, where I am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity with a 4.0 GPA. I want to continue my education to build the stability and security that my family lacked after my father’s passing. A career in cybersecurity will allow me to protect others from harm and create the kind of dependable future I wish my father could have had. Meditation and journaling have been vital tools in my healing journey. I began journaling during my father’s illness as a way to process overwhelming emotions when I had no one else to talk to. Writing down my thoughts helped me untangle grief from guilt and fear. Meditation, even just ten minutes a day, has taught me to sit with difficult feelings without being consumed by them. These practices have brought me clarity, reduced my anxiety, and helped me show up more fully as a student and father. They remind me daily that healing is an ongoing process, not a destination. The biggest influences in my life are my older brother, Carl Larimore, and my wife. Carl overcame leukemia as a teenager and went on to earn multiple degrees while building a successful career in financial planning. His discipline and refusal to let hardship define him inspired me to return to school despite the challenges. My wife has been my steady partner through caregiving, grief, and parenting. Her strength and love have shown me what healthy support looks like. Losing my father to alcohol taught me that trauma does not have to be the end of the story. With tools like meditation and journaling, the support of loved ones, and a clear purpose, I am committed to turning pain into progress. Continuing my education is my way of breaking the cycle and building a better life for my own children.

The person I admire most is my older brother, Carl Larimore. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 14, Carl faced a battle that would have broken many people. Yet he refused to let his illness define him. He graduated high school in the top 10 of his class, earned his bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University, completed a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning at Texas Tech University, and later obtained an MBA from Auburn University. Today, he is a Senior Director, Senior Wealth Advisor, and Shareholder at Mercer Advisors, and he has been recognized on the Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors list. Carl’s journey of resilience, discipline, and continuous self-improvement has profoundly inspired my pursuit of higher education. Watching Carl overcome serious health challenges while excelling academically taught me that education is a powerful tool for building a stable and meaningful life, no matter the obstacles. His example gave me the courage to return to college at age 31 as a nontraditional student. After leaving Texas Tech University to care for my terminally ill father, I spent years prioritizing family responsibilities. I cared for my father, grandmother, and mother-in-law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer, all while supporting my wife through her nursing degree at Collin College. We now have two young sons. Carl’s determination showed me it is never too late to invest in yourself and your family’s future. His influence motivated me to enroll full-time at Collin College in the Information Systems Cybersecurity program, where I currently maintain a 4.0 GPA with the goal of earning a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. I am also inspired by Dan Leahy’s legacy of encouraging students to participate in speech and debate. Although I have not yet competed in formal speech or debate at Collin College, I recognize the value of these activities in developing critical thinking, articulate communication, and advocacy skills. My motivation for wanting to participate in speech and debate stems directly from my life experiences and career goals. As a returning adult student and father balancing family, work, and school, I have learned to communicate clearly under pressure, whether explaining complex family decisions or advocating for my own educational needs. In cybersecurity, the ability to explain technical threats, present findings, and advocate for stronger security measures is essential. Participating in speech and debate would sharpen these skills, helping me become a more effective professional who can clearly communicate risks to non-technical audiences and advocate for safer digital environments for businesses and families. Dan Leahy believed speech and debate should be accessible to all students because it builds the confidence and voice needed to succeed in academics and careers. His passion resonates with me as I work to become a cybersecurity analyst and eventually a cybersecurity engineer. I want to use my education not only to protect systems but also to educate and advocate for stronger security practices in our communities. Carl’s example of perseverance and Dan Leahy’s commitment to developing articulate advocates continue to drive me forward. This scholarship would ease the financial burden on my young family and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and involvement in campus activities, including speech and debate opportunities at Collin College. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring Dan Leahy’s important legacy.

Cancer has left a deep and lasting impact on my family. Over the course of several years, I watched three close family members battle the disease. I cared for my father during his terminal illness, supported my grandmother through her cancer journey, and later helped my mother-in-law as she fought stage 4 lung cancer until her passing. These experiences tested our family in ways I could never have imagined and forever changed how I view life, responsibility, and resilience. The emotional and practical toll was immense. I stepped away from my own education at Texas Tech University to help care for my father. I coordinated medical appointments, managed medications, handled household needs, and provided daily emotional support. When my mother-in-law received her stage 4 diagnosis, the cycle repeated. The fear, uncertainty, and grief became constant companions. Financially, the burden was heavy. Treatments, medications, and lost wages stretched our family resources thin. My wife and I learned to live on a very tight budget while she completed her nursing degree at Collin College and I eventually returned to school. Through these experiences, I learned powerful lessons about strength, sacrifice, and what truly matters. I discovered that resilience is not the absence of pain but the choice to keep moving forward even when everything feels overwhelming. I saw firsthand how cancer does not just affect the patient, it ripples through the entire family, reshaping priorities and relationships. I also learned the importance of being present. Some of the most meaningful moments came not from grand gestures, but from simply sitting beside a loved one, listening, and offering comfort during their hardest days. These lessons now shape my educational and career path. At 31 years old, I am a nontraditional student at Collin College pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. I want to build a career that protects hospitals, families, and small businesses from digital threats that can cause real harm and instability. In many ways, my drive to enter cybersecurity comes from the same place as my caregiving years: a deep desire to protect the vulnerable and create stability for those who need it most. Cancer also taught me empathy and perspective. I understand how quickly life can change and how important it is to support one another through hardship. As a husband and father of two young sons, I am determined to model perseverance and hope. I want my children to see that even after profound loss and struggle, it is possible to keep pursuing your goals with purpose. This scholarship would honor the memory of my father, grandmother, and mother-in-law while easing the financial burden on my own young family. It would allow me to focus more fully on completing my degree without the constant pressure of loans and tight budgets. Most importantly, it would recognize the quiet strength required to continue moving forward after cancer touches your family. Cancer took much from us, but it also gave me a clearer sense of purpose. I carry the lessons of love, loss, and resilience with me every day as I work toward a better future for my family and for others.

Returning to school at age 31 as a husband and father of two young sons has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions of my life. After several years away from college, I made the difficult choice to leave a full-time job at Plano Overhead Garage Door that required 60 to 70 hours per week and return to Collin College full-time to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity. While I am proud of maintaining a 4.0 GPA, the journey has come with significant obstacles. The biggest challenge has been balancing family responsibilities with the demands of full-time studies. For several years, I put my own education on hold to care for my father during his terminal illness, then my grandmother, and later my mother-in-law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. During that same period, I supported my wife as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College. She is now pursuing her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons, and being present for them while managing coursework, exams, and group projects often feels like a daily juggling act. Financial pressure has been another major hurdle. Leaving a stable job created a substantial sacrifice for our family. We now live on a very tight budget, relying primarily on my wife’s income and student loans through FAFSA. I was recently awarded Federal Work Study and continue part-time work with Pro Football Focus, but the constant worry about covering tuition, books, and basic family needs adds significant stress. On top of this, I have been managing anxiety and depression that began during my father’s illness and continue to this day. I regularly see medical professionals and therapists to help me cope, but there are still days when motivation is low and fatigue is high. Despite these challenges, I have worked hard to overcome them through discipline and support. I have learned to manage my time more effectively, prioritize what matters most, and ask for help when needed. Returning to school has also strengthened my sense of purpose. I am determined to complete my degree and eventually earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity so I can provide long-term stability for my family and pursue a career that allows me to protect others. My experience as a returning parent-student has taught me resilience and the true meaning of sacrifice. It has shown me that education is not just about personal achievement, but about building a better future for the next generation. I want my sons to see that it is never too late to pursue your goals, even when life becomes complicated. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference by reducing the financial burden on my family and allowing me to focus more fully on my studies without the constant weight of loans and tight budgets. It would honor the hard work of parents who are determined to improve their lives while still raising children. I am grateful for the opportunity to return to school and remain committed to pushing forward, even on the hardest days. My journey has strengthened me, and I am motivated to finish what I started for my family and for myself.

Being the grandson of a U.S. Air Force veteran has deeply shaped my career aspirations in cybersecurity. My grandfather, Carl Walter Oliver, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and served in Vietnam as a pilot. He later served as an instructor pilot before tragically dying during a training mission over the Gulf of Mexico. Although I never had the chance to meet him, his legacy of service, discipline, and sacrifice has been passed down through my family and continues to influence the path I am building today. My father, Eric Thomas Oliver Larimore, lost his dad at a young age. The trauma of that loss affected him profoundly and contributed to his own struggles with alcoholism and liver cirrhosis later in life. He channeled some of that pain into entrepreneurship by starting a small tile, grout, and carpet cleaning company. Watching my father work hard to provide for our family, despite his personal battles, taught me the importance of resilience and the desire to create stability and security for those you love. These family experiences have directly shaped my career goals. I am currently a 31-year-old undergraduate student at Collin College pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My long-term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity and advance into a role as a cybersecurity analyst and eventually a cybersecurity engineer. My grandfather’s military service instilled in me a strong sense of duty and protection. He served his country by defending it in the air. I want to serve my community by defending it in the digital realm. In today’s world, cyber threats can disrupt hospitals, schools, small businesses, and families just as severely as physical threats. Cybersecurity allows me to protect the vulnerable and provide the kind of stability that my own family struggled to maintain after my grandfather’s death and during my father’s illness. The lessons of service and resilience I inherited from my veteran grandfather and my father have also influenced how I approach my education. After leaving Texas Tech University to care for my father during his terminal illness, I later returned to school full-time at age 31 while raising two young sons and supporting my wife through her nursing career. Balancing these responsibilities has not been easy, especially while managing anxiety and depression that began during my father’s illness. Yet the example of service and perseverance set by my grandfather motivates me to keep pushing forward. I see my future career in cybersecurity as a modern form of service. Just as my grandfather protected his country through military duty, I want to protect organizations and families through strong digital defenses. This scholarship would honor the legacy of my veteran grandfather and ease the financial burden on my young family, allowing me to focus more fully on completing my degree and preparing for a career dedicated to protection and service. Being the descendant of a veteran has taught me that true strength lies in using your skills to safeguard others. That understanding now drives my educational journey and my aspiration to build a meaningful career in cybersecurity.

My father, Eric Thomas Oliver Larimore, passed away several years ago after a long struggle with alcoholism and liver cirrhosis. He was an entrepreneur who owned and operated a small tile, grout, and carpet cleaning company. He worked long, unpredictable hours to provide for our family, often facing the daily pressures of running a business on his own. While his life was marked by hardship, especially after losing his own father in a military training accident, he taught me the value of resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of showing up for your family even when life feels overwhelming. Losing my father has had a profound impact on my journey. His death came after I had already left Texas Tech University to help care for him during his illness. I stepped away from my own education to support him, my grandmother, and later my mother-in-law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. The grief of losing him, combined with the emotional and financial strain of caregiving, forced me to grow up quickly. At a time when many young adults are still finding their direction, I was learning how to manage grief, responsibility, and the reality of life without a parent. The loss of my father has shaped me in powerful ways. It taught me perseverance and the importance of making deliberate choices for the future. After his passing, I made the decision to return to college at age 31 as a nontraditional student. I am now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity at Collin College while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I am also a husband and father of two young sons. Balancing full-time studies, family responsibilities, and my own mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression that began during my father’s illness, has not been easy. Yet I refuse to let grief or hardship stop my progress. My father’s entrepreneurial spirit and the lessons I learned from watching him work hard despite his struggles continue to motivate me. He tried to build security for his family through his business, even though his own path was difficult. This inspires me to pursue a stable and meaningful career in cybersecurity. I want to protect small businesses, families, and communities from digital threats that can cause real harm and instability. In many ways, my career goal is an extension of what my father attempted to do, creating safety and stability for the next generation. Losing my father has also deepened my empathy and sense of purpose. I understand firsthand how the death of a parent can change the trajectory of a child’s life. It has made me more determined to succeed not only for myself, but for my wife and our two sons. I want them to see that even after profound loss, it is possible to keep moving forward with resilience and hope. This scholarship would honor my father’s memory and support my continued education. It would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more fully on completing my degree. Most importantly, it would recognize the strength it takes to keep pushing toward your goals after losing a parent. My father’s life and passing taught me that resilience is not the absence of pain, but the decision to keep building a better future despite it. I carry that lesson with me every day as I work toward my educational and career goals.

Mental health is deeply important to me as a student because it has been one of the greatest challenges I have faced while trying to pursue my education. Since leaving Texas Tech University to care for my terminally ill father, I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I continue to battle these conditions to this day. The weight of caregiving, grief, financial pressure, and the responsibility of being a husband and father has often felt overwhelming. There have been days when anxiety made it difficult to focus on assignments and depression made simply getting out of bed a victory. Yet I refuse to let these struggles define or stop me. I am currently a 31 year old undergraduate student at Collin College pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I am also a husband and father of two young sons. Balancing full time studies, family responsibilities, and ongoing mental health management requires constant effort. I regularly see medical professionals and therapists who help me develop coping strategies, reframe negative thoughts, and build resilience. Seeking professional help has been one of the most important decisions I have made. It has taught me that asking for support is not weakness, but strength. Mental health matters to me as a student because it directly impacts every part of academic success. When anxiety or depression goes unaddressed, it can erode focus, motivation, and confidence. I have experienced this firsthand. At the same time, I have learned that with proper support and self awareness, students facing mental health challenges can still achieve excellence. My own journey proves that perseverance is possible even on the hardest days. I advocate for mental health in my community in several quiet but consistent ways. At home, I am open with my wife about my struggles so our sons grow up understanding that mental health deserves the same care as physical health. I normalize conversations about therapy and self care within our family. On campus at Collin College, I plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter, where I hope to encourage open dialogue about the mental health pressures many nontraditional and adult students face. I also share my story informally with fellow students who are balancing work, family, and school, reminding them they are not alone. Through my upcoming federally funded research project on the secure use of generative AI in education, I want to contribute to learning environments that are more supportive and less likely to worsen mental health challenges. By pursuing my degree in cybersecurity while managing anxiety and depression, I hope to show others that seeking help and continuing forward are compatible. Mental health awareness is not just about reducing stigma. It is about creating space for students like me to succeed without shame. This scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and advocacy efforts. Most importantly, it would affirm that students facing mental health challenges are worthy of support and capable of making meaningful contributions. I am committed to continuing my own healing journey and to being a voice that encourages others to seek help and keep moving toward their goals.

My veteran grandfather’s military service and my father’s entrepreneurial journey have deeply influenced my educational and professional goals. My grandfather, Carl Walter Oliver, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and served in Vietnam as a pilot. He later became an instructor pilot but tragically died during a training mission over the Gulf of Mexico. My father, who lost his dad at a young age, carried the pain of that loss throughout his life. He channeled his grief into entrepreneurship by starting and running a small tile, grout, and carpet cleaning company. Though he eventually struggled with alcoholism and passed away from liver cirrhosis, much of which stemmed from the unresolved trauma of losing his father, my dad’s determination to build his own business left a lasting mark on me. Growing up, I saw the resilience required to operate a small business. My father worked long, unpredictable hours to provide for our family while managing customers, equipment, and financial pressures. His entrepreneurial efforts taught me the value of self reliance, hard work, and solving problems under pressure. Even though his business faced many challenges, it instilled in me a deep respect for those who take risks to create opportunities instead of waiting for them. This experience directly shapes my current path in education and my future career. I am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity at Collin College with a 4.0 GPA. My goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. I want to build a stable career that combines technical skill with the same entrepreneurial drive I observed in my father. Cybersecurity allows me to protect small businesses and families from digital threats that can destroy livelihoods, much like my father tried to create security through his company. My grandfather’s military service has also impacted my educational journey. As a USAFA graduate and Vietnam veteran, he represented discipline, excellence, and service. The ripple effect of his tragic death shaped my father and, in turn, shaped me. Watching my father navigate life after such profound loss taught me perseverance. When I faced my own challenges, caring for my terminally ill father, grandmother, and mother in law while supporting my wife through nursing school and raising two young sons, I refused to quit. At 31 years old, I left a demanding full time job that required 60 to 70 hours per week so I could return to school full time. My grandfather’s legacy of service and my father’s entrepreneurial spirit continue to motivate me to push forward despite financial hardship and family responsibilities. Their stories inspire me to pursue cybersecurity not only for personal stability but also to serve and protect others, much like my grandfather served his country and my father worked to build security for his family. I hope to combine technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset to create innovative security solutions that help small businesses thrive safely in the digital world. This scholarship would honor the legacy of both my grandfather’s military service and my father’s entrepreneurial efforts. It would ease the financial burden on my young family and allow me to focus more fully on my studies so I can continue building a resilient, service oriented future.

Education has become my clearest path to stability, purpose, and the ability to provide a secure future for my family. At 31 years old, I am a nontraditional undergraduate student at Collin College pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My long term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. This journey has given me renewed direction and confidence that I can turn personal hardships into professional strength. For many years, my education took a backseat to family needs. I cared for my father during his terminal illness, then supported my grandmother, and later helped my mother in law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. During those difficult seasons, I also stood beside my wife as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College. She is now pursuing her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons who depend on us daily. These responsibilities taught me patience, resilience, and the true meaning of sacrifice. I eventually left a full time job at Plano Overhead Garage Door that demanded 60 to 70 hours per week because the hours made it impossible to attend school while being present for my family. The decision created immediate financial strain, but it also clarified my sense of direction. I realized that continuing in that role would limit our family’s future, while returning to school could open doors to greater stability and the opportunity to serve others in a meaningful way. Returning to college at my age has not been easy. We now live on a very tight budget, relying primarily on my wife’s income and student loans obtained through FAFSA. I was recently awarded Federal Work Study and continue part time work with Pro Football Focus, where I analyze game film and have even contributed as an NFL Draft Analyst for Cowboys Wire. These experiences have strengthened my time management and analytical skills, but the financial pressure remains a daily challenge. Despite this, education has reshaped my goals from simply getting by to actively building something better. It has given me a clear sense of direction, to use technology as a tool for protection and positive impact. My interest in cybersecurity grew from a lifelong aptitude for technology and the practical realities I observed after moving from West Texas to Collin County. While I once considered the oil and gas industry, I saw how digital systems now control healthcare records, financial data, and critical infrastructure. Cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and AI enhanced social engineering can devastate families and communities in ways that feel deeply personal to me after years of caregiving. I am motivated by the intellectual challenge of defending systems and the stability this career offers my own family. Education has transformed my perspective from survival mode to purposeful contribution. I now see myself not just as a student, but as someone preparing to safeguard vulnerable people and organizations. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. I plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter at Collin College, building on my earlier leadership experience as philanthropy chairman for Alpha Tau Omega at Texas Tech University. I am also about to begin a federally funded research opportunity as a research assistant, exploring how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational curricula. These steps reflect the growth I have experienced through education. What once felt like setbacks, leaving school to care for family, working long hours, and returning as a 31 year old father, have become the foundation for my drive and empathy. I hope to use my education to create a better future by entering the cybersecurity field as an analyst and eventually advancing to a cybersecurity engineer role. In this career, I can protect hospitals, schools, small businesses, and families from digital threats that cause real harm. My experiences with illness, loss, and financial sacrifice have given me a unique perspective on why strong security matters. It is not just about technology. It is about giving people peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what matters most in life. By securing systems, I can help prevent the kind of disruptions that make already difficult situations even harder for families like mine. Education has shown me that perseverance and purpose can rise above circumstances. The challenges I have faced have not broken me. They have clarified who I am becoming, a dedicated father, a disciplined student, and a future professional committed to service and protection. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden on my family by helping cover tuition, textbooks, and certification costs. It would reduce our reliance on loans and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and research without constant worry. Most importantly, it would affirm that students who have faced hardships are still worthy of support and capable of making a meaningful difference. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue higher education and for scholarships like this one that recognize the strength required to keep moving forward. With continued dedication, I am determined to honor the belief that who we are becoming matters just as much as where we are going.

One of the most meaningful volunteering experiences I organized happened through my role supporting family and community needs during difficult times, combined with my growing involvement in campus service at Collin College. While I have not yet led a large-scale event, I took initiative by coordinating informal digital literacy and online safety workshops for family members and neighbors, and I am actively preparing to organize similar efforts through student organizations. For several years, I served as the primary caregiver for my father during his terminal illness, then for my grandmother, and later for my mother-in-law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. These responsibilities went far beyond basic care. I organized medical appointments, coordinated with healthcare providers, managed medications, and created support schedules so family members could rest. At the same time, I helped my wife balance her full-time nursing studies at Collin College. She has since completed her degree and is now pursuing her master’s to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons, and I made sure our home remained stable and supportive during these challenging seasons. This hands-on service taught me how to lead quietly by anticipating needs, solving problems under pressure, and keeping everyone encouraged. As I returned to school full-time at age 31, I began giving back in new ways tied to my field of study. I am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity with a 4.0 GPA. I plan to organize cybersecurity awareness workshops for local seniors and small business owners through the Collin College Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter. These sessions will focus on practical skills such as recognizing phishing scams, securing home networks, and protecting personal information, directly addressing vulnerabilities that affect vulnerable community members. I am also about to begin a federally funded research opportunity as a research assistant, where I will explore secure ways to integrate generative AI into educational courses, an effort that will benefit future students and educators. I volunteer because I believe leadership through service is essential for building stronger communities. True leadership is not about titles or authority. It is about showing up consistently, using your skills to lift others, and creating ripple effects of kindness and empowerment. The “Pay It Forward” philosophy that STLF promoted resonates deeply with me. When we serve others without expecting anything in return, we inspire chains of positive action. My caregiving experiences showed me that service builds resilience, empathy, and genuine connections. In cybersecurity, I see the same principle at work: protecting others from digital harm is a form of service that allows people to live, learn, and connect safely. By teaching online safety, I help seniors avoid scams, support small businesses in staying operational, and give families peace of mind. Leadership through service matters because it develops character, fosters inclusivity, and creates lasting impact. It transforms individuals into leaders who prioritize collective well-being over personal gain. My journey has taught me that even small, consistent acts of service, when done with heart and initiative, can change lives and encourage others to do the same. This scholarship would support my continued education and allow me to expand my community service efforts. The funds would help cover tuition, books, and certification costs, reducing financial stress on my family so I can focus on both academics and organizing meaningful volunteer initiatives on campus and in Collin County. Thank you for considering my application and for carrying forward the mission of Students Today Leaders Forever.

My name is Benjamin Larimore, a 31 year old undergraduate student at Collin College in Texas. I am currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My long term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity and build a career that protects people and communities from digital threats. What defines me most is my strong work ethic, resilience in the face of hardship, and commitment to family and service, qualities I know Kalia D. Davis embodied throughout her remarkable young life. Like Kalia, who excelled as a high school athlete in track and cross country while earning straight A’s and later attending the University of Illinois on a full ride, I have learned to push forward with determination even when life presents significant obstacles. For several years, I set aside my own educational dreams to care for family. I supported my father during his terminal illness, then my grandmother, and later helped my mother in law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. During this time, I also stood by my wife as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College. She is now pursuing her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons who motivate me every day. These caregiving responsibilities required me to leave a demanding full time job at Plano Overhead Garage Door that required 60 to 70 hours per week. The decision created real financial strain for our family. We now live on a tight budget, relying on my wife’s income, student loans, Federal Work Study, and my part time work with Pro Football Focus. Yet, instead of giving up, I returned to school full time with renewed purpose. I treat every class and assignment with the same excellence and dedication that Kalia showed in her academics, athletics, and community involvement, such as her role on the executive board of the Black Student Union. I also bring community service experience to my journey. Through family caregiving and supporting my wife’s educational path, I have learned the value of showing up consistently for others. I am about to begin a federally funded research opportunity at Collin College as a research assistant, exploring how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational curricula. I plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter to build leadership skills and give back to my campus community. My future career in cybersecurity will allow me to serve others by safeguarding hospitals, schools, small businesses, and families from cyberattacks, continuing a legacy of protection and excellence. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my life. The funds would help cover tuition, textbooks, and certification exams, reducing our family’s reliance on loans and easing financial pressure. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and research without added stress, helping me maintain the high standards of excellence that Kalia demonstrated. Just as Kalia lived, loved, laughed, learned, and built a lasting legacy, I am committed to doing the same, balancing family, academics, and service while striving to make a positive impact. Kalia’s story of ambition, kindness, and unwavering drive inspires me to keep moving forward with joy and purpose. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education but also honor her memory by empowering another student who values hard work, community, and living life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and for keeping Kalia’s legacy alive through this meaningful scholarship.

One of the most significant obstacles I have overcome occurred when I chose to leave a stable, full-time job to return to college full-time at age 31. For several years, I prioritized family needs over my own education. I cared for my father during his terminal illness, then supported my grandmother, and later helped my mother-in-law through her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. At the same time, I assisted my wife as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College. She is now pursuing her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons, and the emotional and financial weight of caregiving felt overwhelming at times. Instead of giving up, I made a deliberate decision to build a better future for my family. My previous job at Plano Overhead Garage Door required 60 to 70 hours per week, leaving no room for school or family balance. I walked away from that stability, knowing it would create immediate financial hardship. We now operate on a very tight budget, relying on my wife’s income, student loans, Federal Work Study, and my limited part-time work with Pro Football Focus. Despite these pressures, I enrolled full-time in the Information Systems Cybersecurity program at Collin College and have maintained a 4.0 GPA. This choice required daily discipline, sacrifice, and resilience, but it taught me that perseverance through hardship creates long-term strength. This experience also demonstrated leadership in my life. Leadership, for me, means showing up consistently for others even when it is difficult. As the primary caregiver during multiple family health crises, I coordinated medical care, managed household responsibilities, and provided emotional support while encouraging my wife to complete her degree. I led by example, modeling commitment and adaptability for our two sons. In my academic life, I have taken initiative by preparing to begin a federally funded research opportunity as a research assistant at Collin College. In this role, I will explore how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational courses. I also plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter to develop leadership skills and contribute to my campus community. My career goal is to serve my community as a cybersecurity professional. I am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity, with plans to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology. I want to protect hospitals, schools, small businesses, and families from cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. In doing so, I will help create safer communities, much like Jimmy Cardenas dedicated himself to protecting and strengthening his own community. Cybersecurity allows me to turn my technical aptitude and life experiences into meaningful service. By defending digital systems, I can prevent harm and support the well-being of others, especially vulnerable families facing challenges similar to what my own has endured. Overcoming these obstacles has strengthened my ambition and sense of responsibility. It has shown me that true leadership involves sacrifice, empathy, and a commitment to lifting up those around you. I am determined to continue this path of service through my education and future career. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden on my family, reduce our dependence on loans, and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community involvement. It would honor Jimmy Cardenas’s legacy of resiliency and community protection by supporting a student who is committed to the same ideals. Thank you for considering my application.

My passion for cybersecurity stems from a deep desire to protect people and systems in an increasingly digital world. As a 31-year-old undergraduate student at Collin College, I am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My long-term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity and build a career defending organizations and families from evolving digital threats. My initial interest in the field developed after relocating from West Texas to Collin County. I once considered a career in the oil and gas industry, but I quickly recognized the critical demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in North Texas. Technology has always fascinated me, yet it was the realization that cyberattacks can devastate lives, stealing identities, disrupting hospitals, or targeting small businesses, that truly sparked my commitment. Cybersecurity allows me to combine technical problem-solving with meaningful service. I see it as a way to safeguard the vulnerable, much like the protective role I played in my own family. My journey has not been without obstacles. For several years, I set aside personal ambitions to care for loved ones. I supported my father through his terminal illness, then my grandmother, and later helped my mother-in-law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. At the same time, I assisted my wife as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College; she is now pursuing her master’s to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons, and these responsibilities required immense sacrifice. I eventually left a full-time job that demanded 60 to 70 hours per week, creating significant financial strain for our family. We now operate on a tight budget, relying on my wife’s income, student loans through FAFSA, Federal Work Study, and limited part-time work. These challenges tested my resilience and adaptability. Balancing caregiving, parenting, and returning to school full-time demanded strong time management and emotional endurance. Yet, these experiences strengthened my determination. They taught me that true passion persists through adversity and that diverse life perspectives bring unique value to cybersecurity. My background as a husband, father, and caregiver gives me empathy for users and a practical understanding of how security failures affect real families. I approach the field with humility and a service-oriented mindset, recognizing that inclusive teams produce stronger defenses. I am actively working to overcome these barriers by maintaining academic excellence, seeking on-campus employment through Federal Work Study, and continuing part-time work with Pro Football Focus while pursuing paid cybersecurity internships. I am also about to begin a federally funded research opportunity at Collin College as a research assistant, exploring how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational curricula. I plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter to build community and leadership skills. These experiences have shaped my approach to cybersecurity by emphasizing collaboration, ethical responsibility, and innovation. I believe diverse voices, including nontraditional students like me, strengthen the field and lead to more creative solutions against threats such as AI-enhanced social engineering and ransomware. My future goals include starting as a cybersecurity analyst, advancing to an engineer role, and eventually mentoring others from underrepresented or nontraditional backgrounds. This scholarship would ease my family’s financial burden, reduce reliance on loans, and allow me to focus fully on my studies and research. By supporting students who bring unique perspectives, Hackers Against Hate helps build a more inclusive and effective information security community where merit and passion truly drive success. Thank you for considering my application.

My interest in computer science began early in life through a natural curiosity about how technology works. As a child, I was fascinated by computers and how they could solve problems and connect people. This passion grew stronger when I moved from West Texas to Collin County. While I once considered a career in the oil and gas industry, I observed the increasing reliance on digital systems and the growing threats to them. I realized that cybersecurity, a specialized field within computer science, offered both intellectual challenge and the opportunity to protect critical infrastructure, businesses, and families. Today, I am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity at Collin College with a 4.0 GPA. My long-term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity and build a career as a cybersecurity analyst, eventually advancing to a cybersecurity engineer role. What draws me most to this field is its blend of technical problem-solving and real-world impact, much like Ben Brock’s lifelong commitment to learning and mentoring in computer science and geography. I am especially motivated by the chance to secure systems against evolving threats such as phishing, ransomware, and AI-enhanced attacks. As part of my studies, I am about to begin a federally funded research opportunity as a research assistant at Collin College. In this role, I will explore how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational curricula. I also plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter to develop leadership skills and contribute to the community through knowledge sharing, reflecting Ben’s spirit of mentorship and continuous self-improvement. My connection to the military comes through my family. I am the proud family member of veterans who served our country with honor and sacrifice. Their dedication, discipline, and sense of duty have deeply influenced my own values. Watching them serve taught me the importance of responsibility, resilience, and protecting others, even at personal cost. These lessons mirror the protective mission of cybersecurity, where professionals act as digital defenders for those who cannot always protect themselves. My family’s military service instilled in me a strong work ethic and the understanding that true leadership often involves quiet sacrifice and service to a greater cause. Balancing family life has further shaped my path. As a 31-year-old husband and father of two young sons, I left a demanding full-time job requiring 60 to 70 hours per week after years of caregiving for my father, grandmother, and mother-in-law during serious illnesses. My wife and I have supported each other through these challenges—she completed her nursing degree at Collin College and is now pursuing her master’s to become a nurse practitioner. These experiences reinforced my drive to create stability for our family while using my education to serve others. Ben Brock’s legacy as a lifelong learner and mentor inspires me to approach my studies with the same curiosity and willingness to help others grow. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden on my family, reduce reliance on student loans, and allow me to focus fully on my education and research. It would honor the values of service, learning, and dedication that both my military family members and Ben Brock exemplified. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring Ben Brock’s remarkable life.

One of the most meaningful experiences of service in my life came during the years I dedicated to caring for my family members in their times of greatest need. Between my late twenties and early thirties, I supported my father through his terminal illness, then cared for my grandmother, and later helped my mother-in-law during her courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer. These seasons of caregiving became my primary focus and taught me what true service looks like in daily, often invisible ways. What inspired me to take action was a deep sense of responsibility and love. Watching my loved ones face pain and uncertainty showed me that service is not always about large public projects. Sometimes it means showing up consistently, managing medications, coordinating medical appointments, handling household needs, and offering emotional support when hope feels distant. My wife and I worked as partners through it all. While I handled much of the caregiving, I also supported her as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College. She is now pursuing her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. Together, with our two young sons, we learned that compassion grows strongest in the hardest moments. The challenges were significant. I had to leave a full-time job that required 60 to 70 hours per week because the demands of caregiving and family life were incompatible with those hours. We faced financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and the constant balancing act of meeting everyone’s needs while trying to hold our family together. There were days when fatigue made even simple tasks feel overwhelming, yet I kept going because I understood that my presence and support directly eased their suffering. This experience profoundly shaped my understanding of service, leadership, and faith. I learned that genuine service requires humility and selflessness. It means putting others first even when it costs you personally. Leadership, in this context, is not about directing others but about leading with quiet strength and reliability. Faith played a central role as well. In moments when I felt inadequate, prayer and reflection reminded me that serving others is a reflection of love and compassion, much like the example set by Mary Louise Lindsey. Today, these lessons guide my studies and future plans. As a cybersecurity student at Collin College with a 4.0 GPA, I am pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity and plan to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in the field. I am about to begin a federally funded research opportunity as a research assistant, exploring how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational curricula. I also intend to join the Cybersecurity Club and North Texas ISSA Student Chapter to combine technical skills with community impact. My career goal is to become a cybersecurity analyst and eventually an engineer, protecting hospitals, schools, small businesses, and families from digital threats that can cause real harm. In this way, I hope to continue a life of service by safeguarding the vulnerable in our increasingly connected world. This scholarship would honor the legacy of service and compassion that Mary Louise Lindsey embodied. It would ease the financial pressures on my family, reduce our reliance on student loans, and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community involvement. I am committed to carrying forward a spirit of humility, responsibility, and dedication to improving the lives of others. Social media handles: X (Twitter): @larimore_ben LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benjamin-larimore

At 31 years old, I am a student at Collin College pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My long-term goal is a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. What makes me unique is my journey of resilience, family partnership, and a deep commitment to protecting others through technology. These qualities reflect John Woolley’s spirit of adventure, service, and appreciation for life’s meaningful connections. For several years, I paused my own ambitions to care for family. I supported my father through his terminal illness, then my grandmother, and later helped my mother-in-law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Throughout these challenges, my wife and I worked as true partners. I supported her as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College, and she is now pursuing her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons, and together we have navigated tight budgets and emotional hardships. I ultimately left a demanding full-time job that required 60 to 70 hours per week so I could return to school full-time. This decision reflects the same mutual respect and shared purpose that defined John and Trish’s life together. My unique perspective comes from blending real-life caregiving with a lifelong passion for technology. While living in West Texas, I once considered the oil and gas industry. After moving to Collin County, I discovered the critical need for cybersecurity professionals to safeguard hospitals, schools, families, and critical infrastructure. Cybersecurity is my way of embracing life’s adventures responsibly by protecting the digital landscapes that now connect our world, much like John explored physical landscapes through travel, birdwatching, and photography. I find inspiration in nature and exploration, though my camera is often a computer screen analyzing threats and my adventure involves securing systems against evolving dangers. As someone who values service, perseverance, and integrity, I align with John’s Eagle Scout background. I plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter at Collin College to build leadership and community impact. I am also beginning a federally funded research opportunity as a research assistant, studying how generative AI can be securely and ethically integrated into educational curricula. If awarded the John Woolley Memorial Scholarship, I would use the funds primarily to cover tuition, textbooks, and certification exam fees for the summer and upcoming semesters. This support would reduce my family’s reliance on student loans and allow me to focus fully on my studies without additional financial strain. Any remaining funds would help purchase essential tools, such as a better laptop for hands-on cybersecurity labs or resources for my research project. By easing this burden, the scholarship would enable me to continue balancing family partnership with academic excellence and prepare me to enter the workforce as a cybersecurity analyst, eventually advancing to an engineer role where I can mentor others and contribute to safer communities. John Woolley’s legacy of curiosity, love for nature, dedication to partnership, and zest for life deeply resonates with me. His example reminds me that true fulfillment comes from shared journeys and using one’s talents to make a positive difference. Through my studies in cybersecurity, I hope to carry forward that spirit by protecting the digital world so others can explore, connect, and live with greater security and peace of mind. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring John’s remarkable life.

One of the greatest challenges I have faced in life has been balancing profound family responsibilities with my own ambitions. At 31 years old, I returned to school full-time at Collin College to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. My long-term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity and build a meaningful career protecting others from digital threats. For several years, I set aside my own education to care for my family. I supported my father through his terminal illness, then cared for my grandmother, and later helped my mother-in-law during her battle with stage 4 lung cancer. At the same time, I assisted my wife as she completed her nursing degree at Collin College; she is now pursuing her master’s to become a nurse practitioner. We have two young sons who depend on us daily. These experiences required immense emotional strength, time management, and sacrifice. I eventually made the difficult decision to leave my full-time job at Plano Overhead Garage Door, which demanded 60 to 70 hours per week, so I could focus on my studies and create a more stable future for our family. Overcoming this challenge taught me resilience, adaptability, and the true value of perseverance. I learned that setbacks and caregiving duties do not have to define or limit one’s future. Instead, they can fuel greater purpose. My years of supporting loved ones through illness deepened my empathy and strengthened my commitment to protecting vulnerable people. This directly inspired my pursuit of cybersecurity. In today’s digital world, threats like phishing, ransomware, and data breaches can devastate families, hospitals, and small businesses. I want to use my education to defend critical systems and help others avoid the kind of pain and loss I have witnessed. This experience has shaped my goals in two important ways. First, it reinforced my drive to succeed academically despite obstacles. Second, it clarified my desire to make a positive impact. I am about to begin a federally funded research opportunity at Collin College as a research assistant, exploring how generative AI can be securely integrated into educational curricula. I also plan to join the Cybersecurity Club and the North Texas ISSA Student Chapter to build leadership skills and contribute to my community. My career path will start with an internship and a role as a cybersecurity analyst, eventually advancing to a cybersecurity engineer position where I can design stronger defenses and mentor others. Receiving the Timothy Reyes Stuckman Memorial Scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden on my family. We currently rely on student loans, my wife’s income, Federal Work Study, and limited part-time work. This scholarship would reduce our dependence on debt, allowing me to focus fully on my studies without added stress. It would honor the resilience Timothy’s memory represents and support my commitment to using education for good. Like many students, I have faced personal hardships that altered my path. Yet these challenges have built in me ambition, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose. I am determined to turn my experiences into strength, just as this scholarship seeks to honor Timothy Reyes Stuckman by empowering students who persevere and strive to make a positive difference. Thank you for considering my application.