One technology that inspires me is the internet—a tool that has transformed the way people access information, connect with others, and create opportunities. Growing up on a Native American reservation, I experienced firsthand how limited access to educational resources and career guidance can create barriers for many young people. For me, the internet became a vital gateway to learning and growth. Because local resources were scarce, I turned to the internet to teach myself basic coding and explore STEM topics. Through free online tutorials and virtual communities, I was able to gain skills that would have otherwise been unavailable. This experience showed me the incredible potential technology has to empower individuals, especially those from underserved communities like mine. What inspires me most about the internet is its ability to provide access to education and opportunities regardless of geography or background. Students living in rural or underfunded schools can now take online courses, participate in virtual programs, and connect with mentors who help guide their future careers. This democratization of knowledge helps level the playing field and gives more people the chance to succeed. Beyond education, the internet also improves access to healthcare, government services, and job opportunities. Telemedicine connects patients in remote areas to doctors, while online job portals help people find careers that match their skills and interests. These advancements demonstrate how technology can break down barriers and create a more equitable world. The internet inspires my passion for computer science because it highlights how technology can be a powerful force for good. I want to use my education to build programs and resources that help Native youth on reservations access scholarships, mentorship, and STEM education—just as the internet helped me find my path. Ultimately, the internet shows me that technology can connect people, create opportunity, and build stronger communities. It motivates me every day to pursue a career in STEM so I can help make a positive impact on others’ lives.

My name is Brianna Kills In Water, and I am a Native American woman and first-generation college student pursuing a degree in computer science. Growing up on the reservation, I experienced firsthand the limited access to technology and educational resources that many Native youth face. Despite these challenges, I have always been curious about how technology works and how it can be used to solve problems. My journey into STEM began as a personal mission—not only to build a better future for myself but to inspire others in my community to believe that they too can succeed in fields where we are often underrepresented. A personal experience that truly shaped my interest in STEM occurred during my sophomore year of high school. Our school received a small grant to introduce basic computer programming classes. I was immediately drawn to the logical thinking and creativity involved in writing code. I remember the excitement I felt the first time I created a simple program that displayed my name on the screen. It was a small achievement, but it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities technology offered. That moment sparked a passion that has only grown stronger. However, the path was not without obstacles. On the reservation, resources like advanced computer labs, coding clubs, or mentors in STEM fields were scarce. I found myself turning to the internet, teaching myself coding languages through free tutorials and online courses. This self-driven learning experience was challenging, but it also showed me how much I wanted to succeed. I realized that technology is a powerful tool that can help overcome barriers like distance, lack of resources, and limited opportunities. As I continued my studies, I became increasingly aware of how underrepresented Native Americans and other people of color are in STEM fields. This awareness motivated me to pursue computer science not only as a career but as a way to create opportunities for others. I want to build tools and programs that make education and resources more accessible to Native youth, especially those living on reservations. My dream is to establish a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships, mentorship, and career guidance to help others break into STEM careers. Beyond the technical skills, what inspires me most about STEM is the ability to create real-world impact. Technology is everywhere, and it has the potential to transform communities, improve lives, and drive social change. I want to be part of that change, using my education and experiences to make a difference in my community and beyond. This journey has taught me resilience, determination, and the power of self-motivation. Despite financial hardships and limited resources, I remain committed to my goal. Pursuing a degree in computer science is not just an academic pursuit—it is a commitment to breaking barriers and opening doors for others who come from backgrounds like mine. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to contribute to the STEM field as a proud Native American woman.

I am deeply interested in pursuing a degree in computer science because it offers the unique combination of creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives. Growing up as a Native American on the reservation, I have witnessed how limited access to technology and educational resources can hold back many talented young people in my community. This inspired me to choose a field where I could not only build a successful career but also help create opportunities for others who face similar challenges. Technology has the power to connect, educate, and empower. I am fascinated by how a few lines of code can transform into tools or platforms that solve real problems. My passion grew as I began teaching myself basic coding through online resources and small projects. I realized that computer science is more than just a career—it is a way to bring positive change to communities that have been historically underserved. My goal is to use my degree to create a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships, mentorship, and career resources for Native youth on the reservation. I want to help them see that pursuing STEM fields is not only possible but also rewarding. The path to this goal has not been easy. Financial hardship has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced so far. During my first two semesters, I worked two jobs to cover bills and tuition, balancing those responsibilities with my full course load. I also had to take out student loans, which I had hoped to avoid, just to keep moving forward with my education. These financial pressures have often made it difficult to focus entirely on my studies, but they have also taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of perseverance. Being a first-generation college student comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating the complexities of college admissions, financial aid, and academic expectations without family guidance has pushed me to develop independence and resourcefulness. I have learned how to advocate for myself and seek out opportunities that support my growth, even when the path is unclear. Despite these obstacles, I am committed to succeeding and giving back. I want to be a role model for other Native youth, demonstrating that with hard work and support, they too can achieve their dreams in STEM and beyond. This scholarship would relieve some of the financial burdens I face, allowing me to focus more on my education and professional development. It would be an investment not only in my future but also in the future of my community.

I chose to pursue a degree in STEM—specifically computer science—because I believe in the power of technology to transform lives and create opportunity, especially in communities like mine that have historically been left behind. As a Native American woman and first-generation college student, entering the STEM field is not just about personal achievement—it's about representation, breaking barriers, and showing others on the reservation that they, too, can thrive in these spaces. Growing up, I didn’t see many people in STEM who looked like me. In fact, pursuing a career in technology didn’t even feel like an option for most people around me. That lack of visibility and access is exactly what inspired me to pursue this path. I want to be the person who shows young Native students that a future in science, technology, engineering, or math is not only possible, but powerful. I was first drawn to computer science because of how creative and problem-solving-oriented it is. I loved how a few lines of code could turn into something real—a website, an app, or a tool that helps people. As I began learning more on my own and then in college, I saw how tech could be used to improve education, connect communities, and open doors to opportunity. I realized that I could use my education not just to better my own life, but to make a lasting impact. As a person of color in STEM, I hope to bring more than technical skills—I want to bring perspective, empathy, and change. I hope to use my degree to build platforms and programs that support underrepresented youth, especially Native students. One of my biggest goals is to start a nonprofit organization that offers mentorship, scholarships, and job readiness programs for students on reservations. I want to give them tools I wish I had—like access to technology, guidance on career paths, and belief in themselves. Representation matters, and I believe that by entering this field and succeeding, I can challenge stereotypes and help shift the narrative. When more young people of color see themselves in STEM, they’ll start to believe they belong there too. That belief can be life-changing. Choosing STEM was more than an academic decision—it was a mission. I am determined to not only be part of the future of technology but to make sure my community is part of it too. With dedication, support, and vision, I know I can make a difference—not just in the field, but in the lives of others who share my story.

As a Native American woman and first-generation college student pursuing a degree in computer science, my journey into STEM has been both rewarding and challenging. I’ve always been passionate about technology and the impact it can have on underrepresented communities like mine. But the path toward a professional career in this field has not been easy—especially when it comes to financial obstacles. During my first and second semesters, I faced significant financial challenges that made it difficult to stay focused solely on my studies. I had to work two jobs just to keep up with my bills and tuition, all while attending classes full-time. I even had to take out loans—something I never wanted to do. I come from a family and community where college education is rare, and I have financial support from home but my family can't help to pay off everything. Every expense—from textbooks to lab fees, from tuition to transportation—is something I have to figure out on my own. As I continue toward my degree and begin preparing for admissions tests, certifications, and internship applications, I know the financial pressure will only increase. Study materials, test fees, and application costs for summer programs or professional opportunities are high, and sometimes, it feels like a barrier that could hold me back. These stressors make it harder to focus on learning and building the skills I need to succeed in the tech industry. Receiving the Victoria Johnson Minority Women in STEM Scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my life. It would relieve the financial pressure I carry every day and allow me to reduce my work hours and dedicate more time to my coursework, projects, and professional development. It would also give me the freedom to apply for internships and leadership programs that could open doors for my future, without constantly worrying about how I’ll afford the next step. My goal is to graduate with a degree in computer science and use my knowledge to create resources for Native youth on the reservation. I dream of starting a nonprofit that helps students access scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities in STEM—especially in tech. I want to help break the cycle of underrepresentation and show others from my community that anything is possible. This scholarship isn’t just support for me—it’s an investment in someone who is committed to lifting others as she climbs. I am working hard every day to create a better future not only for myself, but for those who will come after me. With this support, I can keep moving forward with confidence, knowing that others believe in my potential too.

One project that I am especially passionate about was a personal initiative I started to teach myself basic coding and explore how technology could help my community. Growing up on a Native American reservation, I didn’t have many opportunities to learn about computer science in school, so I decided to take my education into my own hands. I began watching free online tutorials, experimenting with small projects like building simple websites and learning the basics of Python. It wasn’t part of a class or program—it was just me, my curiosity, and a deep desire to create something meaningful. My idea was to eventually build a website or app that could provide access to scholarships, internships, and educational resources specifically for Native youth. So many students on the reservation have the potential to succeed but don’t know where to start or how to access the right support. I wanted to create a space that made those resources easier to find. While I’m still working on developing the full platform, the process of learning and dreaming about this project has become something I’m deeply passionate about. This experience taught me how powerful technology can be—not just for making money or building cool gadgets, but for solving real problems and making a difference in people’s lives. It also taught me how resourceful and determined I can be when I care about something. I didn’t have a fancy computer lab or a mentor in tech. What I had was motivation, and that was enough to get me started. What inspires me most about working in technology is how it gives people the tools to create change, especially in underserved communities. Native American voices are often left out of conversations around innovation and tech, and I want to be someone who helps change that. I want to break barriers and show others on the reservation that we belong in this space too. My dream is not just to work in tech, but to use my future success to build programs that give back—nonprofits that offer scholarships, mentorship, and career guidance to Native youth who may not see a path forward yet. Technology inspires me because it’s about building, solving, and connecting. It gives people the chance to lift each other up, and that’s what I want to do. Through my studies in computer science, I am learning the skills to turn these ideas into reality. And through scholarships like this one, I’m getting the support I need to stay on this path—not just for myself, but for my community.

Growing up as a Native American on the reservation, I didn’t often see people pursuing careers in fields like computer science. Technology and innovation felt distant—like they were for someone else. But instead of letting that discourage me, it motivated me to become the person who could help change that. I chose to major in computer science not only because I am passionate about technology, but because I want to be an example to the younger generation in my community. I want them to know that they belong in this field too, and that their dreams are just as valid and achievable as anyone else's. My interest in computer science started when I realized how powerful technology is in solving real-world problems. From creating apps that improve daily life to designing systems that help entire communities, I saw how tech could be used for good. I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I started teaching myself the basics of coding and became fascinated by how much you can do with just a computer and an idea. Over time, I decided that this was more than just a passing interest—it was a career I wanted to build for myself and use to give back. My ultimate goal is to earn my degree and then start a nonprofit organization focused on helping Native youth on the reservation. I want to provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and career-building opportunities in tech. I want to help them prepare for jobs at top companies and give them the tools they need to succeed. Most importantly, I want them to believe in themselves and their potential. By pursuing computer science and following this path, I hope to open doors not only for myself but for many others. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because I am not only committed to my education, but also to making a lasting impact. I work hard, stay focused on my goals, and carry the hopes of a community that deserves more representation and opportunity. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to turning my vision into a reality and proving that where you come from doesn’t limit how far you can go.

The first challenge I faced, I turned 11 years old. It was when my niece who was 5 years old at the time. She was killed by her own mother and the mother's boyfriend. After that happened, I felt depressed, I had no one to talk to. Then I continued talking to God again, praying helped me to get through day by day. Even as 11 years old, we are able to have feeling of depression and anxiety. It does not only affect adults. The second challenge I faced, I was 16 years old. My favorite grandpa passed away and it was during the time I was in basketball. I had really bad toxic coaches that would scream in my face. Remembering that I felt really bad for myself because I choose basketball over my grandpa. While he was in the hospital dying, I was trying to prove to my coaches that I was enough for them. In the end, I wasn't enough for them and my favorite person that I cared so much about passed away. But I kept praying that my life would get better and that it was just another obstacle that I would have to get passed. The third and final challenged I faced, I was 17 years old. A year later after my grandpa died and I slowly getting better, my two childhood best friends died. Elsie died of suicide and Ray died of being stabbed in the middle of the street. Elsie died in October 2022 and Ray died in March 2023. They were only 5 months apart, I remember feeling numb and lost, I didn't think what I wanted to do with my future. I thought since they were gone, all of these people left me in this world. I had nothing. Even though they are my best friends, they are family to me. They were the people that I went to when I needed help emotionally and mentally. But in the end, I am still here. In high school I graduated with a 3.99, straight A's, joined extracurricular activities, joined clubs, and being a part of a Lakota dub project for the Marvel Avengers movie. I did all of those and keeping myself in one piece by praying almost every day and staying in touch with God as much as I could. These experiences shaped my life, by showing that I am capable of keep going toward the future. All of these experiences I had experience though out my preteen years. Showed me That I am enough, and I am able to get through whatever hardship that gets thrown toward me.

The time I had used faith to overcome a challenge and challenges. It started when I was 5 years old, and I grew up in a Christian household. I had to face sexual assault/rape when I was 5 years old, it was my cousin that I thought was a brother to me and my protector. I didn't know who to go to and I never told anyone until I was 11 years old. So, throughout that gap year I asked my aunt to take me to church with her. No one knew and I remember thinking that this holy spirit would protect me and be there for me. The second challenge I faced, I turned 11 years old. It was when my niece who was 5 years old at the time. She was killed by her own mother and the mother's boyfriend. After that happened, I felt depressed, I had no one to talk to. Then I continued talking to God again, praying helped me to get through day by day. Even as 11 years old, we are able to have feeling of depression and anxiety. It does not only affect adults. The third challenge I faced, I was 16 years old. My favorite grandpa passed away and it was during the time I was in basketball. I had really bad toxic coaches that would scream in my face. Remembering that I felt really bad for myself because I choose basketball over my grandpa. While he was in the hospital dying, I was trying to prove to my coaches that I was enough for them. In the end, I wasn't enough for them and my favorite person that I cared so much about passed away. But I kept praying that my life would get better and that it was just another obstacle that I would have to get passed. The fourth and final challenged I faced, I was 17 years old. A year later after my grandpa died and I slowly getting better, my two childhood best friends died. Elsie died of suicide and Ray died of being stabbed in the middle of the street. Elsie died in October 2022 and Ray died in March 2023. They were only 5 months apart, I remember feeling numb and lost, I didn't think what I wanted to do with my future. I thought since they were gone, all of these people left me in this world. I had nothing. But in the end, I am still here. In high school I graduated with a 3.99, straight A's, joined extracurricular activities, joined clubs, and being a part of a Lakota dub project for the Marvel Avengers movie. I did all of those and keeping myself in one piece by praying almost every day and staying in touch with God as much as I could.