Various people in my life have played a significant role in shaping my aspirations and guiding me toward success. However, one person stood out and was undoubtedly my biggest inspiration: my band director. Serving as a band member for the last four years of high school and four years before that, music has been a large part of my life. My band director has been instrumental in nurturing my passion for music and instilling a sense of confidence in me. The summer before my senior year, my band director informed me that I would be a soloist in our marching show, a task I had dreamt of since freshman year. While I could hardly contain my excitement, the moment I saw the solo I realized it would be the most challenging piece I have ever played. My most fatal flaw in playing the clarinet was targeted in this solo: tonguing. Not only would I have to rapidly improve my technique, but I would also have to learn the forbidden technique of double-tonguing on the clarinet. My director was there for every second I spent practicing and constantly encouraged me to keep trying. His belief in me never faltered, and he continued to push my musical boundaries. My band director demonstrated a trait that highlighted kindness and efficiency, which was often looked over by other teachers. He ensured the entire band program ran optimally while creating a fun environment for musicians to enjoy their craft and meet new people. I have never met anyone that could accomplish the daunting task of working with teenagers, but my director went above and beyond and truly showcased the fact that passion beckons success. Looking back at the last four years of high school, my band director has been there every step of the way. From consoling me when college decisions came out to routing me on as I became a two-time Texas All-State musician, he has left an unforgettable imprint on my life and taught me lessons I can only hope to replicate and share. Even outside of music, my band director proved to be a wonderful friend and an outstanding person, one whom I look up to greatly and can only hope to become one day. The invaluable experiences I have obtained from my years in the band program define me as a person and undoubtedly fueled my interest in computer science, as I can continue to be creative while writing symphonies of code that will change the face of technology. Ultimately, I may have entered the field of music in search of a fun leisure activity, but I leave with the knowledge that will contribute to engineering a prosperous and efficient future.

Pursuing a degree in STEM has been a path I eagerly embraced due to a multitude of inspirations that have shaped my passion for these fields, especially mathematics and engineering. My brother, a computer engineering major at a local college, illustrated this concept of aiding those across the world with his senior project. I witnessed the development of a device that assisted the visually impaired navigate the world and quickly realized that software directly impacts a person's everyday life. I was entirely dumbfounded that my own brother, the same brother that I could consistently beat in Mario Kart, created a device that physically alters someone's life for the better. Without a second thought, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. Not only did this project utilize aspects of computer science, but it also exposed the wide range of options this field held. I reached out to various engineering majors who explained how their work impacted lives. While those stories greatly fascinated me, the computer scientists I discussed with caught my attention the most. From machine learning and artificial intelligence to algorithms, I learned that this field of study offered more than just the opportunity to graduate; it provided the means to impact society. As more people around me entered this field, I was further inspired to take similar action - to help the world as they were. Even more, the various engineering opportunities available allow me to continue to research and learn more about higher-level mathematics, which I have attempted to do in high school by participating on my school's competitive mathematics team. While the projects I have heard about proved quite interesting, my first-hand interaction with engineering lured me in. One summer my brother decided to buy various computer parts and build a PC, serving as a catalyst for my newfound passion in engineering. As I stood holding a flashlight at the tiny screws required to holster the motherboard on the case, I couldn’t quite comprehend how this assortment of indistinguishable computer parts could relay access to an entire world of information. My brother placed the glass on the case, and it was time to see if our hours of work would bring mechanical life into this world. *clank* *thrum* *pitter-patter* A cacophony of sounds emerged as the motherboard checked that every part received power. Suddenly, the fans stopped whirling and whooshing, and the decadent RGB lights disappeared. Disappointed looks materialized as everyone realized that we failed to breathe life into the computer. Instead of giving up, we turn off the power and remove the glass, analyzing all the possible problems. “Maybe the PSU is a bust?” “Did you use enough thermal paste on the CPU? Did you use too much?!” Theories filled the air, and we concluded the motherboard must be faulty. The next day my brother replaced the motherboard, and the computer hummed with life. I was thrilled to see games and strings of code run flawlessly on this machine I helped build - I couldn't believe I created a device that had nearly infinite possibilities! I realized that software engineering has become a staple of the modern world and will no doubt become the primary source of advancement in the future, of which I am determined to serve as an active member and develop software that will create an environment with equal opportunities. With the help of my brother and his friends, I excitedly determined that computer science would allow me to replicate the accomplished feeling on a grander scale - to change the face of technology and promote sustainable and efficient software.

Pursuing a degree in STEM has been a path I eagerly embraced due to a multitude of inspirations that have shaped my passion for these fields, especially mathematics and engineering. My brother, a computer engineering major at a local college, illustrated this concept of aiding those across the world with his senior project. I witnessed the development of a device that assisted the visually impaired in navigating the world and quickly realized that software directly impacts a person's everyday life. I was entirely dumbfounded that my own brother, the same brother I could consistently beat in Mario Kart, created a device that physically alters someone's life for the better. Without a second thought, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. Not only did this project utilize aspects of computer science, but it also exposed the wide range of options this field held. I reached out to a multitude of engineering majors who explained how their work impacted lives. While those stories greatly fascinated me, the computer scientists I discussed with caught my attention the most. From machine learning and artificial intelligence to algorithms, I learned that this field of study offered more than just the opportunity to graduate; it provided the means to impact society. As more people around me entered this field, I was further inspired to take similar action - to help the world as they were. When working on building a computer with my brother, I realized that computer science and engineering have become staples of the modern world and will no doubt become the primary sources of advancement in the future, of which I am determined to serve as an active member and develop software that will create an environment with equal opportunities. With the help of my brother and his friends, I excitedly determined that computer science would allow me to replicate the accomplished feeling on a grander scale - to change the face of technology and promote sustainable and efficient software. Outside of computer science, providing equitable opportunities for all is of great importance to me. I inherited many leadership roles in which I applied this concept. From Woodwind Captain to Mathematics Team Captain, I needed to create a welcoming environment that allowed people from all backgrounds to participate. I found it critical that anyone felt empowered enough to join, as the accumulation of various minds raises the program to a new enlightened era. My primary goal in any organization was to build it up and construct a program that could last long after I graduate, composed of the most passionate and enthusiastic individuals from any background. Throughout my childhood, poverty and sexism were a constant. Whether from social media or my neighborhood, I saw those around me struggle to create a foundation for their life. In recognizing my privilege, I realized that I must do something to change the horrendous cycle of hardship. I could not do much as a child, but I will use the knowledge I gain in college to fulfill the dreams of my younger self and help society. Ultimately, my pursuits in computer science and my personal endeavors share a similarity: changing the world. I want to combine these interests in the future and create a world in which every single person has an opportunity to thrive in society, whether it be from a line of code I write to an organization.

Pursuing a degree in STEM has been a path I eagerly embraced due to a multitude of inspirations that have shaped my passion for these fields, especially mathematics and engineering. My brother, a computer engineering major at a local college, illustrated this concept of aiding those across the world with his senior project. I witnessed the development of a device that assisted the visually impaired in navigating the world and quickly realized that software directly impacts a person's everyday life. I was entirely dumbfounded that my own brother, the same brother I could consistently beat in Mario Kart, created a device that physically alters someone's life for the better. Without a second thought, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. Not only did this project utilize aspects of computer science, but it also exposed the wide range of options this field held. I reached out to a multitude of engineering majors who explained how their work impacted lives. While those stories greatly fascinated me, the computer scientists I discussed with caught my attention the most. From machine learning and artificial intelligence to algorithms, I learned that this field of study offered more than just the opportunity to graduate; it provided the means to impact society. As more people around me entered this field, I was further inspired to take similar action - to help the world as they were. When working on building a computer with my brother, I realized that computer science and engineering have become staples of the modern world and will no doubt become the primary sources of advancement in the future, of which I am determined to serve as an active member and develop software that will create an environment with equal opportunities. With the help of my brother and his friends, I excitedly determined that computer science would allow me to replicate the accomplished feeling on a grander scale - to change the face of technology and promote sustainable and efficient software. Outside of computer science, providing equitable opportunities for all is of great importance to me. I inherited many leadership roles in which I applied this concept. From Woodwind Captain to Mathematics Team Captain, I needed to create a welcoming environment that allowed people from all backgrounds to participate. I found it critical that anyone felt empowered enough to join, as the accumulation of various minds raises the program to a new enlightened era. My primary goal in any organization was to build it up and construct a program that could last long after I graduate, composed of the most passionate and enthusiastic individuals from any background. Throughout my childhood, poverty and sexism were a constant. Whether from social media or my neighborhood, I saw those around me struggle to create a foundation for their life. In recognizing my privilege, I realized that I must do something to change the horrendous cycle of hardship. I could not do much as a child, but I will use the knowledge I gain in college to fulfill the dreams of my younger self and help society. Ultimately, my pursuits in computer science and my personal endeavors share a similarity: changing the world. I want to combine these interests in the future and create a world in which every single person has an opportunity to thrive in society, whether it be from a line of code I write to an organization.

Pursuing a degree in STEM has been a path I eagerly embraced due to a multitude of inspirations that have shaped my passion for these fields, especially mathematics and engineering. My brother, a computer engineering major at a local college, illustrated this concept of aiding those across the world with his senior project. I witnessed the development of a device that assisted the visually impaired navigate the world and quickly realized that software directly impacts a person's everyday life. I was entirely dumbfounded that my own brother, the same brother that I could consistently beat in Mario Kart, created a device that physically alters someone's life for the better. Without a second thought, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. Not only did this project utilize aspects of computer science, but it also exposed the wide range of options this field held. I reached out to various engineering majors who explained how their work impacted lives. While those stories greatly fascinated me, the computer scientists I discussed with caught my attention the most. From machine learning and artificial intelligence to algorithms, I learned that this field of study offered more than just the opportunity to graduate; it provided the means to impact society. As more people around me entered this field, I was further inspired to take similar action - to help the world as they were. Even more, the various engineering opportunities available allow me to continue to research and learn more about higher-level mathematics, which I have attempted to do in high school by participating on my school's competitive mathematics team. While the projects I have heard about proved quite interesting, my first-hand interaction with engineering lured me in. One summer my brother decided to buy various computer parts and build a PC, serving as a catalyst for my newfound passion in engineering. As I stood holding a flashlight at the tiny screws required to holster the motherboard on the case, I couldn’t quite comprehend how this assortment of indistinguishable computer parts could relay access to an entire world of information. My brother placed the glass on the case, and it was time to see if our hours of work would bring mechanical life into this world. *clank* *thrum* *pitter-patter* A cacophony of sounds emerged as the motherboard checked that every part received power. Suddenly, the fans stopped whirling and whooshing, and the decadent RGB lights disappeared. Disappointed looks materialized as everyone realized that we failed to breathe life into the computer. Instead of giving up, we turn off the power and remove the glass, analyzing all the possible problems. “Maybe the PSU is a bust?” “Did you use enough thermal paste on the CPU? Did you use too much?!” Theories filled the air, and we concluded the motherboard must be faulty. The next day my brother replaced the motherboard, and the computer hummed with life. I was thrilled to see games and strings of code run flawlessly on this machine I helped build - I couldn't believe I created a device that had nearly infinite possibilities! I realized that software engineering has become a staple of the modern world and will no doubt become the primary source of advancement in the future, of which I am determined to serve as an active member and develop software that will create an environment with equal opportunities. With the help of my brother and his friends, I excitedly determined that computer science would allow me to replicate the accomplished feeling on a grander scale - to change the face of technology and promote sustainable and efficient software.

Pursuing a degree in STEM has been a path I eagerly embraced due to a multitude of inspirations that have shaped my passion for these fields, especially mathematics and engineering. My brother, a computer engineering major at a local college, illustrated this concept of aiding those across the world with his senior project. I witnessed the development of a device that assisted the visually impaired navigate the world and quickly realized that software directly impacts a person's everyday life. I was entirely dumbfounded that my own brother, the same brother that I could consistently beat in Mario Kart, created a device that physically alters someone's life for the better. Without a second thought, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. Not only did this project utilize aspects of computer science, but it also exposed the wide range of options this field held. I reached out to various engineering majors who explained how their work impacted lives. While those stories greatly fascinated me, the computer scientists I discussed with caught my attention the most. From machine learning and artificial intelligence to algorithms, I learned that this field of study offered more than just the opportunity to graduate; it provided the means to impact society. As more people around me entered this field, I was further inspired to take similar action - to help the world as they were. Even more, the various engineering opportunities available allow me to continue to research and learn more about higher-level mathematics, which I have attempted to do in high school by participating on my school's competitive mathematics team. While the projects I have heard about proved quite interesting, my first-hand interaction with engineering lured me in. One summer my brother decided to buy various computer parts and build a PC, serving as a catalyst for my newfound passion in engineering. As I stood holding a flashlight at the tiny screws required to holster the motherboard on the case, I couldn’t quite comprehend how this assortment of indistinguishable computer parts could relay access to an entire world of information. My brother placed the glass on the case, and it was time to see if our hours of work would bring mechanical life into this world. *clank* *thrum* *pitter-patter* A cacophony of sounds emerged as the motherboard checked that every part received power. Suddenly, the fans stopped whirling and whooshing, and the decadent RGB lights disappeared. Disappointed looks materialized as everyone realized that we failed to breathe life into the computer. Instead of giving up, we turn off the power and remove the glass, analyzing all the possible problems. “Maybe the PSU is a bust?” “Did you use enough thermal paste on the CPU? Did you use too much?!” Theories filled the air, and we concluded the motherboard must be faulty. The next day my brother replaced the motherboard, and the computer hummed with life. I was thrilled to see games and strings of code run flawlessly on this machine I helped build - I couldn't believe I created a device that had nearly infinite possibilities! I realized that software engineering has become a staple of the modern world and will no doubt become the primary source of advancement in the future, of which I am determined to serve as an active member and develop software that will create an environment with equal opportunities. With the help of my brother and his friends, I excitedly determined that computer science would allow me to replicate the accomplished feeling on a grander scale - to change the face of technology and promote sustainable and efficient software.