Losing my dad due to his own decision left me angry and confused, but it also made me realize how real depression is and how important it is to appreciate the people around you. He took his life while I was at church, and in that moment my entire world flipped upside down. It was the hardest thing I have ever gone through, but it changed the way I see life forever. The morning felt heavy before I even knew why. The smell of bleach mixed with something sour drifted down the hallway from where Batman’s crate sat. My dad’s voice carried softly through the house as he cleaned, and I could hear the scrape of a brush against plastic. I hurried to get dressed for church while my mom moved around getting ready. Nothing about that moment seemed unusual, yet I still remember the sunlight cutting through the blinds, almost too bright for such a quiet morning. When I walked past my dad, he barely looked up. He gave me a half-smile and waved me on. “Go ahead,” he said casually. I muttered a quick goodbye and walked out the door without thinking much of it. The air outside was cool and sharp compared to the warmth of the house. I had no idea that was the last moment I would ever see him alive. At church, I sat listening to the hymns echo through the sanctuary while my foot tapped against the floor. At the time, it all felt ordinary. I had no idea that while I sat there singing and praying, my dad was back home making a decision that would permanently divide my life into a “before” and “after.” Before church ended, my mom called me and asked me to try calling my dad because he was not answering his phone. My heart tightened as I dialed, and every ring that went to voicemail made the pit in my stomach grow deeper. Soon after, my mom drove to the apartment complex where his phone’s location last appeared. I remember imagining her there, terrified and hoping for an answer. By the time we arrived, the ambulance and police were already there. I had to stay in the car, too far away to see him and too powerless to do anything but wait. The reality of what had happened crashed down on me all at once. My chest tightened, my thoughts spun, and I could barely breathe. I replayed that morning in my head over and over again: the half-smile, the wave goodbye, and the ordinary moments I had ignored because I never imagined they would be my last with him. Even now, I carry that morning with me. The sunlight through the blinds, the smell of cleaning supplies, and the cool morning air all remind me of the day everything changed.Losing my father erased the future memories I thought we would share. He will not be there for birthdays, graduations, or the small everyday conversations I once took for granted. His absence follows me everywhere, reminding me not only of what I lost but also of what I still have: the chance to appreciate the people around me while they are still here. Looking back, I know I may never understand why my dad made the choice he did. His silence left behind questions that I will never be able to ask and answers I will never hear. But I have learned that grief does not have to define the rest of my life. I have learned that even simple check-ins can matter more than we realize and that many people hide their hardest battles behind quiet smiles. My dad’s death left a scar I will carry forever, but it also changed the way I see life. It taught me not to take time or people for granted because nothing is promised. Every goodbye, every laugh, and every ordinary moment matters more than I ever realized before. Although his loss shaped me in painful ways, it also taught me to cherish life and hold onto the people I love while I still can.

Computer science inspires me because it allows me to solve problems, think creatively, and develop technology that can help people in their everyday lives. Ever since I was younger, I have been interested in understanding how computers, software, and networks function behind the scenes. Technology has become such an important part of society, and I enjoy learning about the systems and programs that people use every day. Through my education and personal research, I have gained a deeper understanding of how computer science impacts nearly every career field and industry in the modern world. From communication and education to healthcare and business, technology continues to shape the way people live and work. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy computer science is because of the problem-solving aspect involved in the field. I enjoy challenges that require critical thinking and patience, especially when working to fix technology issues or improve systems. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from finding a solution to a difficult problem after spending time researching and testing different ideas. Computer science also encourages creativity because there are many different ways to approach and solve problems. I appreciate that the field is constantly changing and evolving, which gives people the opportunity to continue learning new skills throughout their lives. New technologies are introduced every year, and I believe that continuous learning is one of the most exciting parts of pursuing a career in computer science. The specific area of computer science that interests me the most is cyber engineering and cybersecurity. As technology becomes more advanced, protecting personal and sensitive information has become more important than ever before. Businesses, schools, hospitals, and government organizations all depend on secure systems to store and protect important data. Unfortunately, cyber threats and hacking attempts continue to increase, creating a strong need for cybersecurity professionals who can defend networks and systems from attacks. Because I enjoy problem-solving and working with technology, I believe cybersecurity is the career field that best fits my interests and strengths. I plan to attend Louisiana Tech University and pursue a degree in cyber engineering so I can gain the knowledge and experience necessary for a successful career in cybersecurity. My goal is to help organizations and individuals protect their information while contributing to a safer digital environment. Overall, computer science inspires me because it combines innovation, creativity, and problem-solving in ways that can positively impact people and society every day.