Growing up, one thing that always made me stand out was my height. At 6'0", I've almost always been one of the tallest people in my class. Because of that, people often make assumptions about me before they even get to know me. The first question is almost always, "Do you play basketball?" In my case, the answer is actually yes, but people often assume that basketball is my entire personality simply because of how tall I am. It used to bother me that people could form an opinion about me based on something I had no control over, but over time I've learned to laugh about it. What really makes me different, though, isn't my height. It's the fact that I'm naturally a quiet and reserved person. I've never been someone who feels the need to be the loudest in the room or constantly have everyone's attention. Instead, I prefer to listen, observe, and think before I speak. Some people assume that means I'm shy or unfriendly, but that's never been the case. I simply like taking the time to understand people before jumping into conversations. For a while, I wondered if being quiet was something I needed to change. It often seemed like the people who talked the most were the ones who stood out. As I've gotten older, however, I've realized that being a good listener is just as valuable as being a good speaker. Friends have come to me for advice because they know I'll genuinely listen without interrupting or rushing to judge them. Whether it's working on a group project, playing basketball with teammates, or simply spending time with friends, I've found that listening carefully often helps me contribute in ways that aren't always obvious. Being tall and quiet has also taught me not to judge people based on first impressions. I know what it's like when others assume they already know who you are, so I try to give everyone the chance to show me who they really are. That's a lesson that has helped me build stronger friendships and become more understanding of people whose personalities or experiences may be very different from my own. Looking back, I'm grateful for the little things that made me feel different growing up. My height may be what people notice first, but it doesn't define me. The qualities I'm most proud of are my patience, my willingness to listen, and my ability to stay true to myself instead of trying to fit someone else's expectations. Those traits have shaped who I am today, and I believe they'll continue to help me build meaningful relationships and succeed wherever life takes me.

Growing up with a mother who was raising five children largely on her own taught me lessons that no classroom ever could. While other kids may have only seen the finished product of a stable home, I witnessed the countless hours, sacrifices, and determination it took to build one. My mother worked multiple jobs throughout my childhood to make sure my siblings and I had food on the table, clothes to wear, and opportunities she never had herself. Even though life was never easy, she never allowed us to feel like we had less because of how hard she worked to provide. As my older siblings became adults and moved out, my mother's responsibilities did not suddenly become lighter. She continues to provide for me and my two younger siblings while still helping my older siblings whenever they need her. Watching her put everyone else's needs before her own has shown me what true selflessness looks like. She has never measured success by what she owns, but by the lives she is able to support. Over time, her perseverance led her to a government-level position, a goal she earned through years of dedication and hard work. Seeing her achieve that milestone taught me that difficult circumstances do not have to define someone's future. Success is rarely immediate, but persistence and determination can open doors that once seemed impossible. Growing up in this environment shaped the person I am today. It taught me the importance of responsibility, resilience, and gratitude. I learned not to take opportunities for granted because I know how much effort it took for my mother to create them for me. Her example has also inspired me to become more dependable, whether that means helping my family, working hard in school, or preparing for a future career where I can give back to others. As I pursue a college education, I carry my mother's lessons with me every day. She has shown me that leadership is not about recognition but about quietly doing what needs to be done, even when no one is watching. Her strength has motivated me to work toward a future where I can support my family the way she has always supported us. More than anything, growing up with a single mother has taught me that character is built through sacrifice, perseverance, and love. Those lessons will continue to guide me long after I earn my degree.

1. I discovered TXT during high school while exploring K-pop. Their music immediately stood out to me because it blended meaningful lyrics with incredible performances. As I listened to more of their songs and learned about the members, I became a fan of not only their music but also the positive messages they share. 2. I believe one of the most important characteristics of a MOA is kindness. The fandom is at its best when fans encourage one another, celebrate each other's successes, and create a welcoming environment for new fans. Supporting TXT also means reflecting the positivity and respect they promote. 3. My bias is Beomgyu because of his personality and sense of humor. He knows how to make people laugh while also showing genuine care for the other members. His authenticity reminds me that it's okay to be yourself, and that's something I really admire. 4. My ult bias is Beomgyu. His balance of humor, kindness, and hard work has made him someone I look up to as both an artist and a person. 5. My favorite TXT song is "Blue Hour." I love its upbeat sound and the feeling of hope and happiness it brings. Whenever I listen to it, it reminds me to appreciate the good moments in life, even during stressful times. 6. I have not had the opportunity to see TXT perform live yet, but attending one of their concerts is something I hope to experience in the future. 7. My favorite album concept is The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE. I appreciate how it explores feelings of uncertainty while also showing the importance of finding hope and connection. The music and visuals felt both creative and relatable. 8. I am paying for school through a combination of financial aid, personal savings from working as a sales associate at Famous Footwear, and scholarships. I am actively applying for scholarships to reduce the amount I will need to borrow through student loans. 9. This scholarship would help cover expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and other educational costs. Reducing my financial burden would allow me to focus more on my coursework, internships, certifications, and volunteer opportunities instead of worrying about how to pay for school. 10. TXT has inspired me to stay positive during difficult times and to continue growing as a person. Their music often reminds listeners that challenges are a natural part of life and that it is possible to overcome them with perseverance and hope. Their dedication to their craft has also motivated me to work harder toward my own goals. 11. I plan to earn a degree in cybersecurity and use my education to protect people and organizations from cyber threats. Beyond my career, I hope to volunteer my skills with nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups that may not have the resources to strengthen their cybersecurity. I also hope to mentor younger students who are interested in technology, encouraging them to pursue careers where they can make a positive impact. My goal is to build a career that combines technical expertise with service, helping create a safer and more secure digital world.

I have always believed that a strong community is built through people who are willing to help others, even in small ways. While I may not have completed thousands of hours of community service, I have learned that every act of kindness has the potential to make a meaningful difference. Through volunteering, working in customer service, and supporting those around me, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassion and service. One of the most meaningful ways I have contributed to my community has been by volunteering to serve meals to individuals experiencing homelessness. That experience reminded me that a warm meal can provide more than nourishment. It can offer comfort, dignity, and the reassurance that someone cares. Meeting people from different walks of life helped me realize that everyone faces challenges we may not see, and it strengthened my desire to continue giving back whenever I have the opportunity. I have also volunteered at community events, including helping at concession stands that raised money and supported local activities. While these responsibilities may have seemed simple, they showed me how communities thrive when people are willing to contribute their time and effort. Every volunteer plays a role, no matter how small, in creating opportunities that bring people together. My current job as a sales associate at Famous Footwear has also shaped the way I serve my community. Every day, I interact with people from different backgrounds, helping customers find what they need and making sure they feel respected and valued. Working in customer service has taught me patience, communication, and empathy. I have learned that treating people with kindness, even during stressful situations, can make someone's day a little better. Those interactions have reinforced my belief that building a stronger community starts with how we treat one another. As I prepare to begin college and pursue a degree in cybersecurity, I hope to continue expanding the ways I can serve others. Technology plays a major role in our daily lives, but many nonprofit organizations, schools, and small community groups do not have the resources to protect themselves from cyber threats. My goal is to use the knowledge and skills I gain through my education to help these organizations strengthen their digital security so they can continue serving the people who depend on them. I also hope to mentor younger students who are interested in technology, encouraging them to pursue careers where they can make a positive impact. Community is built through consistent acts of service, respect, and compassion. Whether I am volunteering, helping a customer, or preparing for a career where I can protect others, I strive to contribute in ways that strengthen the people around me. Receiving the Books for Good Scholarship would not only help me continue my education but would also allow me to continue serving my community and using my future career to make a lasting difference.

Growing up as the son of a Coast Guard veteran, I learned the importance of service, responsibility, and perseverance long before I fully understood what those values meant. Watching my mother dedicate herself to serving others showed me that making a difference is not always about receiving recognition. It is about doing what is right, remaining dependable, and contributing to something greater than yourself. Those lessons have shaped both my character and my career aspirations. Although I did not serve in the military myself, I have always admired the commitment and sacrifices that military families make. My mother's service taught me that success is measured not only by personal accomplishments but also by the positive impact we have on the lives of others. Her example encouraged me to approach my own goals with discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic. As I grew older, I developed a passion for technology and became especially interested in cybersecurity. We live in a world where so much of our daily lives depends on digital systems, from financial institutions and schools to hospitals and government agencies. At the same time, cyber threats continue to grow in both number and complexity. I realized that cybersecurity is another way to serve others by protecting the information and systems that people rely on every day. That realization inspired me to pursue a degree in cybersecurity and build a career dedicated to keeping individuals and organizations safe. My mother's influence extends beyond my career choice. She taught me the value of staying calm under pressure, taking responsibility for my actions, and never giving up when faced with challenges. Those lessons have helped me succeed both academically and professionally. As a sales associate at Famous Footwear, I have learned how to communicate effectively, solve problems, and work as part of a team. Through volunteer experiences serving meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and helping at community events, I have also discovered how meaningful even small acts of service can be. These experiences have reinforced the values my mother instilled in me from an early age. Looking ahead, I hope to build a career that reflects those same principles of service and dedication. My goal is not only to work as a cybersecurity professional protecting organizations from cyber threats, but also to use my skills to help nonprofit organizations, schools, and local communities that may not have the resources to strengthen their digital security. I also hope to mentor young students who are interested in technology, encouraging them to pursue careers where they can make a positive impact. Being the son of a Coast Guard veteran has shaped the way I view success and responsibility. My mother's example showed me that true leadership is found in serving others with humility, integrity, and commitment. As I pursue my education and future career, I hope to honor the values she demonstrated through her service by protecting others, giving back to my community, and using my skills to make a lasting difference. While my path is different from hers, the purpose behind it remains the same: to serve others and leave the world better than I found it.

My name is Braylon Kendrick, and I am an incoming college student pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. As I begin this next chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons I have learned through my education, my work experiences, and my commitment to serving others. Every challenge I have faced has shaped me into someone who values hard work, perseverance, and giving back to my community. Throughout high school, I learned that success is built through consistency, responsibility, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when life becomes difficult. Like many students, I have balanced school, work, and college preparation while considering the financial challenges of earning a degree. Rather than letting those obstacles discourage me, I used them as motivation to grow and work harder toward my goals. One experience that has had a significant impact on my personal growth is working as a sales associate at Famous Footwear. Although many people see retail as simply a part-time job, it has taught me valuable life skills that will benefit me throughout my career. Every day, I communicate with customers from different backgrounds, solve problems, work with my teammates, and learn how to stay calm under pressure. Those experiences have strengthened my confidence, improved my communication skills, and shown me the importance of treating everyone with patience and respect. Outside of work, I have found purpose through volunteering in my community. Whether serving meals to individuals experiencing homelessness or helping at community events, I have seen how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Those experiences reinforced one of my strongest values: success should not be measured only by personal accomplishments but also by the positive impact we leave on others. I hope to continue carrying that mindset with me throughout my life and career. One of my greatest strengths is determination. When I set a goal, I stay committed even when the journey becomes difficult. Preparing for college, balancing work responsibilities, and searching for scholarship opportunities have all required persistence and discipline. At the same time, I recognize that one of my weaknesses is putting too much pressure on myself. I want to succeed not only for my own future but also to make my family proud, and I sometimes expect perfection from myself. Over time, I have learned that growth comes from learning through mistakes rather than fearing them. My decision to pursue cybersecurity comes from both my passion for technology and my desire to help others. Technology has become essential to everyday life, but it also creates risks that affect individuals, businesses, schools, and communities. I want to build a career protecting people and organizations from cyber threats while helping create a safer digital world. I also hope to volunteer my skills to nonprofit organizations and schools that may not have the resources to strengthen their cybersecurity and to encourage young students to pursue careers in STEM. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of earning my degree. With fewer worries about tuition, books, and other expenses, I would be able to focus more on my coursework, internships, certifications, and volunteer opportunities that will prepare me for my future career. When I think about my future, I picture more than a successful career. I see a life built on service, integrity, and continuous learning. My goal is to use my education not only to build a stable future for myself but also to strengthen communities, protect others, and inspire future generations. This scholarship would be an investment in both my education and my commitment to creating a positive impact through my work and service.

Technology has always fascinated me because it is constantly evolving and has the power to connect people, solve problems, and improve everyday life. As I learned more about the growing number of cyberattacks affecting individuals, businesses, schools, and even hospitals, I became interested in cybersecurity. I realized that behind every secure system is someone working to protect sensitive information and keep organizations running safely. Knowing that cybersecurity professionals can make such a meaningful impact inspired me to pursue this career path. I am especially drawn to cybersecurity because it combines critical thinking, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Every day presents new challenges, and the field requires professionals to stay curious and adapt to emerging threats. I enjoy learning how technology works and finding solutions to complex problems, which makes cybersecurity a perfect fit for my interests and strengths. Beyond my passion for technology, I am motivated by the opportunity to help others. Through my volunteer experiences serving meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and helping at community events, I have learned that making a difference does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, simply using your skills to help someone in need can have a lasting impact. That mindset is something I hope to carry into my professional career. After earning my degree in cybersecurity, I plan to work in a role where I can protect organizations from cyber threats and help safeguard the personal information people trust companies to keep secure. As our society becomes more dependent on technology, cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting computers. It is about protecting people's finances, privacy, education, healthcare, and even public safety. Knowing that my work could prevent cybercrime and help others gives me a strong sense of purpose. I also hope to use my knowledge outside of my career by volunteering with nonprofit organizations, schools, and small businesses that may not have the resources to build strong cybersecurity programs. By providing guidance, promoting cybersecurity awareness, and mentoring students who are interested in technology, I want to help create safer communities both online and offline. I believe that education is one of the best ways to reduce cyber threats, and I hope to encourage others to develop the skills needed to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. Ultimately, I want my career to be about more than professional success. I want to use my education and skills to solve real-world problems, protect others from harm, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in technology. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to service, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting difference in my community and beyond.

I have always believed that success is about more than earning a degree or finding a good career. To me, success means using the opportunities I have been given to improve the lives of others. The experiences I have had through work, volunteering, and overcoming personal challenges have shaped my character and motivated me to pursue a career where I can make a meaningful difference. As I begin studying cybersecurity, I am excited to combine my passion for technology with my desire to protect people and serve my community. One of the experiences that has had the greatest impact on me is working as a sales associate at Famous Footwear. At first, I saw it as a way to earn money and gain work experience, but it quickly became much more than that. Working with customers from different backgrounds taught me patience, communication, and problem-solving. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, work effectively with a team, and always treat people with respect, even during difficult situations. Those lessons have strengthened my confidence and prepared me to work with others in any professional environment. Service has also played an important role in shaping who I am. Through volunteer opportunities, including serving meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and helping at community events, I have seen how even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. Those experiences reminded me that everyone deserves compassion and support, regardless of their circumstances. They also reinforced my belief that success should be measured not only by personal accomplishments but by the positive impact we have on those around us. One of my strongest values is perseverance. Like many students, I have faced moments of uncertainty about my future, finances, and the transition to college. Rather than allowing those challenges to discourage me, I have used them as motivation to work harder. Whether preparing for college, balancing work responsibilities, or searching for scholarship opportunities, I have learned that determination and consistency often matter more than talent alone. Those experiences have made me more resilient and prepared me to face future challenges with confidence. My passion for cybersecurity comes from my fascination with technology and my desire to solve meaningful problems. As our world becomes increasingly dependent on digital systems, protecting personal information, businesses, schools, and critical infrastructure has never been more important. Cybersecurity offers an opportunity to combine analytical thinking with service by helping people stay safe from cyber threats. I am excited by the challenge of constantly learning in a field that evolves every day while knowing my work can have a direct, positive impact on others. Earning a degree in cybersecurity will provide me with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to build a successful career while creating opportunities to give back. I hope to work in cybersecurity, protecting organizations from cyberattacks, while also volunteering my expertise to nonprofits, schools, and community organizations that often lack the resources to strengthen their digital security. I also hope to mentor students who are interested in technology, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM and showing them that success is possible through hard work and perseverance. My long-term goal is to build a career that combines professional excellence with meaningful service. I want to be someone who not only protects organizations from digital threats but also uses my education to strengthen communities, mentor future generations, and create opportunities for others. By earning a cybersecurity degree, I will gain the tools to make a lasting difference, proving that technology is most powerful when it is used to protect, empower, and improve the lives of others.

Growing up, I have learned that character is built through responsibility, service, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when life becomes challenging. Every experience I have had, whether at work, in my community, or at school, has helped shape the person I am becoming. I believe that success is not measured only by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact we leave on the people around us. One of the experiences that has influenced me the most is working as a sales associate at Famous Footwear. While helping customers find the right shoes may seem simple, the job has taught me valuable skills such as communication, patience, teamwork, and problem-solving. Every day brings new challenges, whether it's helping a frustrated customer, working with my coworkers during busy hours, or learning how to manage multiple responsibilities at once. These experiences have strengthened my confidence and shown me the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect. Outside of work, volunteering has had an equally meaningful impact on my life. I have volunteered by serving food to individuals experiencing homelessness and helping at community concession stands. Those opportunities reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make someone's day a little brighter. Seeing people come together to support one another inspired me to continue looking for ways to give back. As I pursue a degree in cybersecurity, I hope to use my education to protect people and organizations from cyber threats while also volunteering my skills to nonprofits that may not have the resources to defend themselves against online attacks. Technology has become essential to everyday life, and I want to help create a safer digital world for everyone. Outside of school, I enjoy staying active, spending time with my family and friends, and continuously learning new things. I have a strong interest in fitness because it teaches discipline, consistency, and perseverance. I also enjoy researching technology and cybersecurity because I love solving problems and understanding how systems work. Whether I'm learning a new technical skill, improving my health, or spending time with the people I care about, I believe personal growth comes from challenging myself every day. The person who motivates me the most is my mom. Throughout my life, she has consistently demonstrated resilience, hard work, and selflessness, even when facing difficult circumstances. Watching her continue to provide for our family and encourage me to pursue my goals has taught me the value of determination and gratitude. Whenever I face obstacles or doubt myself, I think about the sacrifices she has made and the example she has set. Her unwavering support inspires me to work harder, remain humble, and strive to build a future that makes both my family and my community proud. As I begin my college journey, I hope to continue growing as both a student and a person. My goal is not only to build a successful career in cybersecurity but also to use my knowledge and experiences to serve others, strengthen my community, and leave a positive impact wherever I go.

Ever since I was a little kid, I was always fascinated with technology and how they worked behind the scenes. It did not matter if it was about networks, computers, or even cybersecurity systems, I wanted to better my understanding of technology on how to use it, improve it, and eventually protect it. This yearning to learn has brought me a passion for STEM and is leading me to pursue a degree in it, specifically in cybersecurity and computer science. STEM has given me the chance to create, problem-solve, and innovate to help change the trajectory of tomorrow. This path is constantly changing and shaping the world we live in, and I want to be apart of this change and build a better and more advanced future. A huge reason as to why I am pursuing a STEM degree is because I embrace challenges. When it comes to cybersecurity, some requirements would include tenacity, adaptability, and critical thinking. There are new threats, systems, and technologies going through developments and upgrades, this means that there are always something new to learn about; that is what makes STEM so exciting to me. Receiving my Test Out Security Pro certification has only put fuel in my flame of interest in the field and shows how serious these organizations are when trying to keep these people safe from threats. STEM is beyond only memorization; its a field in which you have to be able to solve real world problems and find a way to grow every day. That kind of environment is what keeps me going and wanting to improve myself on both an academic and personal level. Another reason that STEM was my choice is because representation matters and it means a lot to me. As an African American, minorities still have a lack of representation in a STEM, especially in technological fields like cybersecurity. When I was a young child, I never really saw people of color in these roles, having this in mind gave me doubt on if doing it was even possible for a person like me. However, I want to change this doubt for not only be, but for other minorities who want to get into the STEM field. I want the younger generation to understand that no matter what you look like or your background, anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and finding success with cybersecurity will help me push this narrative.

Honestly, one of the biggest things I'm proud of is earning my TestOut Security Pro certification while still juggling high school, getting ready for graduation, and applying to colleges. Some people might just see it as another piece of paper, but for me, it represents a huge step forward in my passion for cybersecurity and a testament to what I can achieve when I really focus. It wasn't just about passing an exam; it was about diving deep into network defense, risk management, and ethical hacking principles, which felt incredibly empowering. This certification wasn't handed to me; it was the result of countless hours of independent study, practical lab work, and a genuine desire to understand the intricacies of digital security in an increasingly connected world. The real challenge wasn't just the material itself, but fitting it all in. My days often felt like a balancing act, shifting from calculus homework to reviewing security protocols, then to drafting college application essays, all while still trying to enjoy my senior year. There were definitely late nights and moments where I felt completely swamped, staring at complex network diagrams or trying to debug a simulated attack scenario when all my friends were out. But the thought of earning that certification, of proving to myself that I could master such a demanding subject, kept me motivated. It proved to me that I could handle rigorous academic demands while also pursuing specialized knowledge outside of the traditional classroom, effectively managing my time and prioritizing my goals even when faced with competing demands. The process of preparing for the TestOut Security Pro exam was an education in itself. It pushed me beyond theoretical concepts, requiring me to apply my knowledge in hands-on simulations that mirrored real-world scenarios. I learned how to identify vulnerabilities, configure firewalls, implement access controls, and respond to security incidents. This practical experience was invaluable, transforming abstract ideas into tangible skills. More than just technical know-how, it instilled in me a deeper appreciation for the constant vigilance required in cybersecurity and the critical importance of protecting digital assets. It also taught me resilience; some labs were frustratingly difficult, but troubleshooting and persistence always led to a breakthrough, reinforcing a problem-solving mindset that will serve me well in any field. Earning that certification wasn't just a personal win; it also solidified my direction for the future. It’s given me a clear advantage in my college applications, showing universities that I'm not only dedicated but also proactive in gaining practical skills in a field I genuinely love. It speaks volumes about my initiative and my ability to pursue independent learning, qualities I believe are essential for success in higher education and beyond. Looking ahead, I know this certification is a solid foundation for further studies in computer science or information security, and it's something I'll carry with me as I start my career journey. It’s a tangible symbol of my commitment to continuous learning and my readiness to tackle the complex challenges of the digital age, affirming that the effort was absolutely worth it.