When I think about a time I really had to step up and be a leader, I remember my senior year of high school during a group coding project. Everything was going smoothly until, just a week before our final presentation, the program completely stopped running. At first, the room felt tense—some people were frustrated, and a few even suggested giving up and starting over. I didn’t want to let that happen. I took a deep breath and decided to take charge. The first thing I did was break the project down into smaller, more manageable parts. I asked a couple of teammates to work on debugging line by line, another group to focus on the user interface, and others to test sections that were still functional. I took responsibility for rewriting the chunk of code that caused the crash. More than the technical work, though, I tried to keep everyone’s energy up. I reminded them that every big project in engineering or computer science runs into problems, and this was just part of the process. Slowly, the team started believing we could fix it. By the time we presented, not only was our program running again, but we had added extra features that made it even better. That experience showed me that leadership is less about being the smartest person in the room and more about keeping people motivated when things feel overwhelming. Now, as a Computer Science and Engineering major at the University of North Texas, I want to carry that same attitude into my future. What excites me most about this major is how it combines both sides of problem-solving: the creativity of computer science and the practical design side of engineering. Together, those skills open doors to solving real-world problems in ways that actually help people. One area I feel especially drawn to is emergency management and community safety. Growing up in a single-parent household, I know how hard unexpected events can hit—whether it’s money problems, sudden health issues, or even weather disasters. I’ve seen how stressful it can be when families don’t have the right tools or resources. That’s part of why I want to use technology to make a difference in this space. For example, I want to design apps that help families prepare for emergencies, create systems that make communication faster for first responders, and even use data analysis to predict risks before they turn into major problems. At the same time, I see myself working on projects outside of emergencies too—things like building stronger cybersecurity to protect people’s data, or developing educational software to make STEM learning more accessible to younger students. Technology is everywhere in our lives now, and I want to make sure I use my skills to create tools that serve people in meaningful ways. As a first-generation college student, this path is about more than just earning a degree. It’s about proving to myself and my family that hard work pays off, and using what I learn to give back. I know there will be challenges ahead, but I’ve already learned that challenges are where real growth happens. With my Computer Science and Engineering background, I’m determined to build solutions that help people feel safer, more connected, and more prepared for whatever the future brings.

I’m currently a computer science and engineering major, and honestly, I’m really passionate about how technology can change lives for the better. Growing up in a single-mom household with two siblings, I learned early on what it means to work hard and support each other through challenges. My mom has always been my biggest inspiration — she does everything she can to provide for us, and seeing her dedication motivates me every day. Going to college has been a huge shift for me, not just because of the new environment or learning technical skills, but because it made me realize that my education is about more than just me. It’s about building a future where I can help my family and make a difference in my community. Before college, I used to think that helping out at home was enough, but now I understand that investing in my education is a way to help even more in the long run. It’s not always easy balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, but knowing that what I’m doing will open doors for us keeps me going. I want to create opportunities for my siblings and be a role model for them, showing that with determination and focus, we can overcome the obstacles life throws at us. What really excites me about my major is how much potential technology has to improve people’s lives, especially for those who don’t always have access to the tools and resources they need. Whether it’s through building user-friendly apps, developing software that supports education, or working on sustainable engineering projects, I want to use my skills to make things easier and more accessible for everyone. I believe that technology shouldn’t just be for the privileged — it should be a way to level the playing field and help communities thrive. I’m also a gamer, and that’s where I first saw how technology connects people and creates opportunities for learning and growth. Gaming taught me problem-solving, teamwork, and patience — skills that I’m applying to my studies and future career. Plus, it keeps me grounded and reminds me that technology can be fun and creative, not just serious or complicated. Looking ahead, I hope to work on projects that combine innovation with empathy. I want to build things that truly serve people’s needs and make their daily lives better. I’m especially interested in helping communities like mine, where people face financial or social challenges, by creating tech solutions that break down barriers instead of creating new ones. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education and passion to give back in a meaningful way — just like my mom has given so much to support me. I want to be a positive force in my community, showing that no matter where you start, with hard work and heart, you can make a real impact. That’s the kind of future I’m working toward, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.

I grew up in a single-mom household with my younger sister and brother, so responsibility has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Being the oldest meant I had to learn early on how to help out, step up when needed, and put my family first. It wasn’t always easy — there were times when money was tight, and things got overwhelming — but those moments taught me patience, leadership, and the value of hard work. Growing up like that made me appreciate even the small wins and motivated me to keep pushing forward. Now, as an 18-year-old freshman at the University of North Texas, majoring in computer science and engineering, I’m excited about what lies ahead. Technology has always been a big part of my life. From gaming late into the night to trying to understand how the apps and systems I use every day actually work, I’ve been curious about how things function behind the scenes. Gaming especially pushed me toward coding and problem-solving — I love the challenge of breaking things down and building something new from scratch. It’s like a puzzle I’m always eager to solve. Starting college changed my role at home a lot. Before, I was the go-to person for helping out with everyday stuff — running errands, helping my siblings with homework, or just being around when things got busy. Now, I can’t be there as much as I want to be, and sometimes that’s tough because I want to support my family every day. But I also know that this is for the greater good. The education and skills I’m gaining now will help me support my family in bigger ways down the road. It’s a long game, and sometimes that means making sacrifices in the moment, but it’s worth it. Looking ahead, I want to use my degree to work on technology that really matters — whether that’s developing artificial intelligence, creating innovative apps, or working in cybersecurity to protect people online. For me, this isn’t just about building a career; it’s about breaking barriers, setting an example for my siblings, and proving that with hard work and determination, you can change your story. Every challenge I’ve faced — from tight budgets to late nights studying and balancing family responsibilities — has shaped me into someone who’s persistent, resourceful, and determined. I’m proud of where I come from, and that’s exactly what fuels where I’m going.