I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. Especially when technology is involved. As a kid, I was taking apart electronics just to see how they were made. I never lost interest in understanding how digital systems functioned. That curiosity only grew over the years, especially when, in seventh grade, I learned how to program. Writing those first lines of code gave me a sense of purpose and possibility, as if I had unlocked a new way of creating and understanding the world. As I continued to explore the tech industry, cybersecurity became the specialty that intrigued me the most. In today’s digital world where learning, communication, business, and healthcare all rely on technology, cybersecurity is more important than ever. What excites me most about this field is the opportunity to protect people, communities, and institutions from real-world threats. I know what it’s like to grow up in an environment where safety and protection weren’t always guaranteed. That experience fuels my commitment to ensuring others feel safe, especially online. To me, cybersecurity goes beyond keeping out hackers or stopping data breaches. It’s about creating trust, protecting privacy, and defending people’s rights in a constantly evolving digital space. I want to be part of that mission. Specifically, I aim to work with organizations that serve vulnerable communities, as they are often the most exposed to cyber threats yet the least protected. Whether it's helping a nonprofit secure its systems, joining an ethical hacking firm, or contributing to tools that help small businesses stay safe, I want to be on the front lines of digital defense. Another reason cybersecurity appeals to me is because it’s a field where learning never stops. Threats are always evolving, which means I’ll always be challenged to adapt, stay informed, and think creatively under pressure. That kind of dynamic, high-stakes environment energizes me. It's where problem-solving and creative thinking come together, two of my strongest passions. In the future, I plan to start as a penetration tester or cybersecurity analyst, then work my way into a leadership role where I can train and mentor the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Including those from underrepresented backgrounds like mine. The tech world still lacks diversity, and I want to be part of the change. Earning a degree in computer science with a focus on cybersecurity will open doors. Not just for me, but for others who might follow in my path. Ultimately, I want to use my skills to make a real impact. Whether it’s defending systems against attacks, teaching others about cybersecurity, or simply being a role model for kids who rarely see people like themselves in tech, I’m committed to empowering and protecting others. That’s what drives me, and that’s what inspires me about computer science and cybersecurity.

One of my greatest achievements to date didn’t happen in front of a crowd or under Friday night lights: it happened in the quiet, relentless work I put in after my final high school football season ended. Hitting a 405-pound squat last month may seem small to some, but for me, it represents something much bigger. It’s a symbol of my determination, my refusal to give up on myself, and my belief that with hard work and faith, anything is possible. Throughout high school, football was everything to me. Since fifth grade, I’ve dreamed of playing college football. I devoted myself to training, studying plays, and staying disciplined. But when my final season began, that dream felt like it was slipping through my hands. Despite all my preparation and effort, my coaches overlooked me. Politics took the place of fairness, and playing time became something to fight for rather than earn. It was discouraging to watch everyone else be handed opportunities I worked tirelessly for. Still, I never let it define my worth as a player—or as a person. Even though I didn’t get the playing time I deserved, I made a choice: I wasn’t going to let someone else’s decisions dictate my future. After our team lost in the second round of the playoffs, I took only two days to reflect, then got right back to work. I knew I still had a chance, even with limited film. I believed that if I trained like a college athlete before I even became one, the right opportunity would find me. So I committed myself mentally, spiritually, and physically. I worked out every day with a clear goal in mind: get stronger, more explosive, and more prepared for college football than I’ve ever been. While my bench press steadily improved, the squat was my biggest challenge. I dealt with knee pain and a sensitive lower back, but I didn’t let that stop me. I trained smart, rehabbed consistently, and never lost sight of that 405-pound mark. I prayed. I trusted. And four months later, I did it. I hit that squat. And even more importantly, around that same time, I received an offer to play Division III football at Ripon College. That moment meant everything to me. It wasn’t just about the number or the offer—it was about everything I had overcome to get there. It was about not giving up when things didn’t go as planned. It was about silencing the doubt in my head and proving that the vision I had in fifth grade was worth holding on to. This experience taught me that hard work doesn’t always pay off when or how you expect it to, but it does pay off. It taught me that belief in yourself can carry you through disappointment and that pain, whether physical or emotional, can either break you or push you forward. I chose to let it fuel me. Looking forward, I see this achievement as just the beginning. I plan to major in computer science and pursue a career in software engineering, a passion I’ve had since I discovered coding in 7th grade. I’ve always been curious about how things work and how I can build solutions that matter. But beyond my career, I want to give back to the game, to my community, and to the next generation. I want to show young athletes and kids from tough backgrounds that no coach, no setback, no circumstance can take away what’s meant for you if you’re willing to work for it. The 405 squat isn’t just a number. It’s a reminder that I’m stronger than the things that tried to stop me, and I’m only getting started.

As long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with technology. As a little kid, I used to take apart my grandma's phone and put it back together, mess with my mother's computer, and play around with my PlayStation 2 to figure out exactly what made them work. This passion never faded. When I learned to code in 7th grade, it was like a switch flipped in my mind. I wasn't just able to use technology; I could create things with it, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Since then, I've been learning all types of things about technology, primarily coding. I've learned to program small pieces of games, think logically to come to solutions, and think differently from before. What I like about technology is the fact that it allows people to develop solutions to real-world issues, and I want to be a part of it. For that, I am studying technology. I want to take something I enjoy and make it a career, something that will also stimulate my mind and make it grow, and something that will allow me to contribute to something with meaning. A decade from now, I see myself as a senior-level software engineer. I see myself in the position of contributing to the creation of something impactful, whether applications, programs, or technology-enabled solutions for the general public. Beyond career development, though, there's a more personal motivation to excel in such a career. I come from a not-so-nice neighborhood in Southeastern Wisconsin. My upbringing has held me back, preventing me from having the same access to resources as others. I want to truly make a difference. If I become successful in my dreams, I want to give my success back to my community. Whether that means creating programs to expose children to coding, helping to fund the deliveries of supplies to schools, or simply being a mentor to someone who is going through the same struggles I have gone through, I want to be a positive force in someone else's life so they know that they too can accomplish it. I think the two-year degree is a great addition to my journey. It will provide the foundation of the technical knowledge I will need to be a software engineer, but it’s also a means of demonstrating to myself and others that I am serious and dedicated to putting in the work. Entering the two-year program means that I can establish a foundation of knowledge, gain some confidence, and move in the direction of obtaining a bachelor’s degree or joining the career world. It’s not necessarily about getting a job—it’s about creating something for myself and others. This scholarship would not only be monetary aid but also a vote of confidence in all that I am striving to accomplish. I am ready to demonstrate that where I am from will not determine where I am going.

Being a first-generation college student has a huge influence on my career goals. It pushes me to work even harder, because I know I’m not just doing this for myself, I’m doing it for my family too. I would be the first person in my family to earn a college degree, and that alone motivates me to stay focused and determined, even when things start sounding difficult. I’ve seen firsthand how hard life can be without access to education or well-paying job opportunities. That’s something I want to change — not just for myself, but for the people I love. My biggest goal is to graduate and land a stable, good-paying job so I can help take care of my mom. She’s done everything she could for me, with very little. I want to repay her by making sure she never has to struggle again. One of my dreams is to move her out of this dangerous city and into a safer, more peaceful environment. I want her to live somewhere she can truly feel secure and happy. Being a first-gen student comes with pressure, but it also gives me a sense of pride and purpose. I know I’m breaking cycles, setting an example, and opening doors for those who come after me, maybe one day for my future kids. My career goals aren’t just about success in a traditional sense. They’re about creating a better life for myself and my family, and showing that no matter where you start, you can change your future with determination and hard work.

I am now in my senior year of high school at Racine Case, splitting my time evenly between school and athletics. I am a two-sport athlete, playing defensive back in football and running track. I have seen my share of adversities outside of school classrooms and athletic fields, which has impacted my outlook and future goals. Fortunately, I never developed cancer, but I was familiar with this kind of fear. I was going through breast cancer-like symptoms, which was terrible. Although they were false, they gave me an idea of how much doubt and anxiety people living with cancer go through. It was this experience that I was thankful to appreciate my good health. However, my experience is not my own. I share my aunt's story, she has survived breast cancer—twice, overcoming not just the body, but the mind, the test of this dreadful disease. It was difficult to see her endure this, but above all, I was in wonder of how resilient she was. She never gave in, not even when hope was gone. She remained positive and persisted. Having witnessed her overcome this has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. Whenever I'm in a bad situation—be in trouble in a hard game, hard class, or just having a bad day—I turn to her past troubles. I tell myself, “If she can deal with breast cancer, I can deal with this small challenge.” It is something which has motivated me to see through in times of trouble, not necessarily in and about sports. I go about each of my games of football as a tribute to her hard work and perseverance. I play hard and I give my best because I know that is something which she would want me to. She has taught me to persevere, and I try to carry that strength along in all my activities. Her journey has also motivated me in school. I tried my level best to finish my high school senior year with a high GPA with IB classes because of her struggle. I learned perseverance and how perseverance has helped me to stay focused towards my goal. Her strength has also motivated me in my life, and I was encouraged to reach my potential. Through this, I was able to secure my place to play college football, which is my dream. Looking ahead, I hope to inspire people in my athletic and educative life, just like my aunt has inspired me. Her experience of having cancer has taught me how unpredictable life is, and how we should never let go of any opportunity. I hope to take forward the lessons I learned from her about toughness, strength, and perseverance in class, in the football ground, or my future career. My experiences of my aunt's struggle with cancer have shaped me to where I stand now. They taught me to enjoy life, to enjoy hard work, and not to give up. Wherever I go in life, I'll never look back and remember her struggle and take that as my inspiration to go forward.

I chose to pursue higher education because I believe it will help me achieve my dreams and give me the opportunity to have a better future. Growing up, I always looked up to people who were able to go to college and make a difference in the world. I want to be one of those people. College will give me the tools, knowledge, and experiences I need to be successful in life. It will allow me to learn more about subjects I’m passionate about and give me the chance to work toward my goals, whether it’s in a career or in helping my community. As a first-generation student, I know that going to college is not just an opportunity for me, but for my family as well. My parents didn’t have the chance to go to college, so I want to take this step for them and show them that hard work can lead to success. It’s important to me to be a role model for my community and show them that no matter where you come from, you can achieve big things with the right mindset and determination. I want to make them proud, and I hope that my journey to college inspires them to work hard for their own dreams. Preparing for college as a first-generation student hasn’t been easy, but I’ve worked hard to get ready. I’ve researched what it takes to get into college, and I made sure to stay on top of my grades, extracurriculars, and standardized tests. I’ve been involved in clubs and sports to help build leadership skills and make connections with others. I also reached out to teachers and counselors for advice about the college application process and what I needed to do to be successful. They have been really supportive, and their guidance has made me feel more confident about moving forward. Another way I’ve prepared is by learning about scholarships and financial aid. Since my mother doesn’t have a lot of money saved for college, I’ve been looking for scholarships that can help me pay for school. I’ve also learned about student loans and how to manage them wisely. Understanding how to finance my education is a big part of preparing for college, and I’m doing everything I can to make sure I don’t have to worry about money while I’m studying. I’ve also been working on building my time-management and study skills. I know that college is very different from high school, and I know that I will need to stay organized and manage my time well to succeed. I’ve been practicing by staying on top of my schoolwork, setting aside time for studying, and making sure I meet deadlines. These are skills I know will help me in college, and I’m confident that I can handle the challenges that come with it.

Overcoming adversity has been a defining theme in my life. When I was 12, my life took a turn for the worse. My father, who had partial custody of me, became physically and emotionally abusive. It got to the point where I opened up to my mom about what he was doing to me every time I would go to his house and she backed my decision to stop seeing him for my wellbeing. After hearing the news, he tried to get me back through the courts. I trusted the justice system to protect me, but instead, I was forced to continue seeing him a month after the incident. The system failed me, and I felt betrayed by the people who were supposed to safeguard my well-being. It was an excruciating time, feeling alone and abandoned by people who were supposed to protect me. But in that pain, I made a decision that would change my life: I would never see him again no matter the consequence. I took control of my own future, even if the courts couldn't. This decision, while difficult, freed me from the toxic influence he had over me and allowed me to focus on my own path. He attempted to win me back through the courts again, but eventually gave up. As I moved through middle and high school, I faced another set of challenges. Attending a predominantly white school meant that I often experienced racism, whether it was subtle microaggressions or blatant acts of discrimination. At first, it was difficult to understand why I was being targeted for something I couldn’t change. But as the years went by, I learned to ignore the hate and use it as fuel to drive me forward. Instead of letting the hurt and negativity define me, I chose to channel it into my goals. I wasn’t going to let anyone’s prejudice limit my potential. My determination to rise above these adversities fueled my ambition. Despite the obstacles I faced, I remained committed to my education and athletics. I will be the first person in my family to attend college, and that accomplishment means more to me than words can express. The journey hasn't been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who understands the value of perseverance, hard work, and resilience. Additionally, I earned the chance to play Division 3 football, an achievement that further shows my belief in overcoming the odds. Football taught me not just about physical endurance, but about mental toughness. The same mental toughness I used to push through the hardest moments of my life.