As a child, I dreamed of becoming successful—not for my own sake, but to ensure a better life for my mother. Her story is one of incredible resilience. She survived an abusive childhood, only to face more hardship in an abusive marriage. Watching her endure that pain lit a fire in me. I promised myself that one day, I would help her break free from the cycles of dependence and trauma that defined her life. For me, becoming a lawyer was a natural goal. I saw law as a tool not only to achieve financial stability but also to fight for justice. I wanted to stand up for women like my mother—women silenced by abuse, failed by systems meant to protect them, and left without recourse. Law offered a way to tackle the generational trauma that had affected so many women in my family. I envisioned myself fighting for their rights, helping them reclaim their voices, and ensuring that their stories wouldn’t be forgotten or dismissed. I imagined opening doors for women who had been denied access to justice, so they could finally break free from cycles of violence and dependence. However, life rarely follows the paths we plan. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree at UNCW, I faced a series of family tragedies that derailed my goals. I had to pause my aspirations and step up to handle critical family responsibilities. The losses we endured were devastating, but they also gave me clarity about what mattered most: providing stability and security for my family. Once I was able to get our family affairs in order, I re-evaluated my career path. While my passion for justice remained, I realized that the growing field of technology could offer me another powerful way to effect change. By pursuing a degree in computer science, I saw the opportunity to create financial stability while also building tools that could empower others. Technology, much like law, can be transformative—offering solutions to problems that impact millions, including women in vulnerable situations. Now, as a computer science student, I’ve immersed myself in opportunities to grow and contribute. I’m an active member of the Software Development Club and Girls Who Code, where I’ve honed my technical skills and found a supportive community. Every line of code I write is driven by the same mission I’ve carried since childhood: to provide my mother the freedom and independence she deserves, and to honor the sacrifices she made to support me. This scholarship would be an incredible step forward, allowing me to focus on my education and career goals. It’s an opportunity to transform my determination and resilience into success, breaking cycles of trauma not only for my family but for others who share similar stories. With this support, I’ll continue striving toward a future where I can create lasting change—through technology, advocacy, and the unyielding promise I made as a child to protect the woman who has inspired me most.