Education has been the single most grounding force in my life, providing not only direction but also purpose during some of my most uncertain moments. As an undergraduate double majoring in computer science and national security and intelligence with a focus on cybersecurity, and minoring in a foreign language, my academic journey has shaped how I see the world, how I respond to adversity, and how I define success. More than a pathway to a career, education has given me the resilience to rise when circumstances made it easier to stop. My interest in technology and security did not begin in a classroom. It grew out of curiosity about how systems work, how they fail, and how those failures impact real people. I was drawn to computer science because it rewards logic and persistence, and to national security because it asks broader questions about responsibility, trust, and protection. Cybersecurity sits at the intersection of those disciplines, where technical skill meets ethical decision making. Through my coursework, I have learned that protecting systems is ultimately about protecting people, especially those who may not have the resources or knowledge to protect themselves. While education has opened doors for me, it has not been a smooth or uninterrupted journey. I live with Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness that has required frequent hospitalizations and forced me to confront physical limitations during critical points in my academic life. There were semesters shaped not by exams or projects, but by recovery schedules, medical uncertainty, and learning how to advocate for myself in environments that were not always designed with chronic illness in mind. These experiences tested my discipline and my resolve, but they also reshaped my definition of strength. Rather than allowing illness to derail my goals, I learned to adapt. I became meticulous with my time, intentional with my energy, and deeply aware of how invisible challenges affect performance. This perspective now informs how I approach both education and cybersecurity. Systems that work only for the healthiest or most privileged users are incomplete systems. True security, like true access to education, must be inclusive, flexible, and resilient by design. My challenges have sharpened my focus and reinforced my commitment to building solutions that account for real world complexity rather than ideal conditions. Outside of academics, my education has been shaped just as strongly by community and family. Some of my most meaningful learning has taken place outdoors with my grandfather, where we spend time archery shooting, cross country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and building wooden birdhouses that are donated to local parks. These moments have taught me patience, craftsmanship, and respect for the natural world. They have also reinforced my belief that stewardship matters, whether it is caring for shared outdoor spaces or safeguarding digital environments that people rely on every day. I have also volunteered as a youth sports coach, an experience that has shown me the power of mentorship and encouragement. Coaching taught me how confidence is built slowly, how leadership requires empathy, and how small moments of belief can have lasting effects. As my four year old nephew begins participating in athletics, I look forward to continuing that role, helping young people develop discipline, teamwork, and self trust. These experiences have shaped my long term goal of giving back through mentorship and service, using my education to create opportunities for others rather than simply advancing myself. The Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER Scholarship resonates deeply with my story because it recognizes that ambition alone is not enough. Progress requires perseverance, belief, and support. Like many students, I have faced obstacles that were not visible on the surface, yet demanded strength every day. Education gave me a sense of direction when uncertainty threatened to take it away, and it continues to be the tool I use to rise above circumstances I cannot control. Looking forward, I hope to use my education to build a career in cybersecurity that prioritizes ethical responsibility, accessibility, and long term impact. I am particularly interested in protecting critical systems and vulnerable populations, ensuring that security measures consider both technical integrity and human experience. I want to be part of a future where technology serves as a stabilizing force, not a barrier, and where security solutions are informed by diverse perspectives and lived realities. Receiving this scholarship would provide more than financial support. It would allow me to focus fully on advanced coursework, research opportunities, and skill development that are essential for my field. More importantly, it would affirm that perseverance matters and that who we are becoming is just as important as where we are going. Education has shaped my goals, strengthened my resolve, and clarified my purpose. It has taught me that rising higher does not mean avoiding hardship, but learning how to move forward through it with intention and integrity. I am committed to using what I have learned to create a better future, not only for myself, but for the communities and systems that depend on thoughtful, resilient leadership.

Information security is ultimately about protecting people. That belief is what drew me to cybersecurity and what continues to shape my academic and personal journey. As an undergraduate double majoring in computer science and national security and intelligence, with a focus in cybersecurity and a minor in foreign language, I am driven by the idea that technology, when designed thoughtfully, can defend communities, preserve trust, and create safer systems for everyone. My interest in cybersecurity developed from a curiosity about how systems work and, more importantly, how they fail. Studying national security alongside computer science has shown me that cyber threats do not exist in isolation. They intersect with geopolitics, language, culture, and human behavior. I am particularly interested in how misinformation, cyber warfare, and infrastructure vulnerabilities affect global stability and marginalized populations. That interdisciplinary perspective has become central to how I approach cybersecurity problems. My path, however, has not been linear. During my undergraduate career, I have faced significant challenges due to Crohn’s disease, including repeated hospitalizations that disrupted coursework, routines, and long term planning. Managing a chronic illness while pursuing a demanding technical degree required adaptability, persistence, and discipline. There were periods when I had to relearn material independently or balance recovery with deadlines, often while feeling physically exhausted. These experiences forced me to develop strong time management skills and resilience, and they reshaped how I view accessibility and inclusion in technical fields. Living with a disability has made me acutely aware of how systems often fail to account for people who do not fit a narrow definition of availability or productivity. In cybersecurity, this awareness translates into an emphasis on inclusive design, threat modeling that considers real world users, and policies that protect vulnerable populations. I believe diversity in information security is not just about representation, but about building stronger, more ethical solutions by including voices shaped by different challenges and lived experiences. Outside of academics, I find balance and inspiration through time spent outdoors with my grandfather. Activities like archery, cross country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and building wooden birdhouses for local parks have taught me patience, precision, and respect for systems that work quietly in the background. These moments reinforce my appreciation for stewardship, whether of natural environments or digital ecosystems, and remind me why protecting what we build matters. My long term goal is to work in cybersecurity at the intersection of national security and public service, contributing to systems that are resilient, ethical, and accessible. I hope to advocate for inclusive practices within the field while mentoring others who may feel discouraged by health challenges or nontraditional paths. If awarded this scholarship, I would use the funds to offset tuition and educational expenses related to my computer science and cybersecurity studies, allowing me to focus more fully on coursework, research, and professional development. Support from Hackers Against Hate would not only ease financial pressure but affirm that diverse experiences strengthen the future of information security.

Curiosity and perseverance have always shaped who I am and how I approach the world. I am an undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Computer Science and National Security and Intelligence, with a minor in a foreign language. I am drawn to fields that challenge me to think critically, adapt quickly, and understand the world from both a technical and global perspective. What makes me unique is the way I balance these academic interests with a deep appreciation for nature, exploration, and meaningful connection. Some of my most formative experiences have taken place outdoors, particularly alongside my grandfather. From archery and cross country skiing to canoeing and kayaking, time spent in nature has taught me patience, focus, and respect for the environment. One of my favorite traditions has been building wooden birdhouses together and donating them to local parks. These moments reinforced the importance of stewardship and preserving the natural spaces that bring people peace, inspiration, and connection. These outdoor experiences have shaped the way I approach my education. Just as nature requires attentiveness and care, computer science demands precision, curiosity, and a willingness to problem solve when the solution is not immediately clear. I enjoy tackling complex challenges and continuously learning, whether through coding, studying global security issues, or exploring new languages and cultures. Travel and exploration, even on a small scale, have helped me understand the value of seeing the world through multiple lenses. My academic journey has not been without obstacles. During my first semester of college, I faced serious health challenges and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Learning how to manage a chronic illness while maintaining academic performance required resilience and adaptability. Rather than slowing me down, this experience strengthened my determination and taught me how to navigate uncertainty with discipline and persistence. Outside the classroom, I believe strongly in giving back. I have volunteered as a youth sports coach, an experience that allowed me to encourage confidence, teamwork, and discipline in young athletes. As my four year old nephew begins participating in athletics, I am especially motivated to continue volunteering and helping create positive environments where children can grow, learn, and develop a love for movement and teamwork. Supporting others as they discover their strengths is something I value deeply. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of pursuing a demanding academic path while working full time to support myself. I would use the funds toward tuition, academic materials, and technology essential for my studies in computer science. Reducing financial stress would allow me to focus more fully on my education while continuing to grow through service, exploration, and personal development. John Woolley’s love for nature, curiosity, and adventure resonates strongly with me. I strive to carry those same values forward by approaching both my education and my life with passion, responsibility, and respect for the world around me. This scholarship would support not only my academic goals, but my commitment to living with purpose, curiosity, and appreciation for both technology and the natural world.

My academic journey is defined by perseverance, responsibility, and a strong commitment to both education and service. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Mount Union pursuing a double major in National Security and Intelligence and Computer Science, with a minor in a foreign language. My academic path is demanding, but I have never been afraid of hard work or long hours when something matters. Throughout high school, I worked consistently to save money for college, knowing early on that I would need to contribute significantly to my own education. That mindset carried into college. Today, I work full time while managing the rigorous demands of a double major and a minor. Balancing work and academics requires discipline, time management, and sacrifice, but it reflects my determination to remain financially responsible and keep my student loan debt as low as possible. My family has always valued sacrifice and commitment. My parents continue to help my grandparents maintain our family farm, which has been in our family for generations. Because of this responsibility, they are unable to assist financially with my college education. Watching my family prioritize one another taught me accountability, resilience, and the importance of honoring long term commitments even when it is difficult. Giving back to others has always been important to me. I have volunteered as a youth sports coach, an experience that has been both meaningful and formative. Coaching young athletes has taught me patience, leadership, and how to encourage confidence in others. I have seen firsthand how positive guidance can shape a child’s self belief and motivation. As my four year old nephew begins participating in athletics, I am especially motivated to continue volunteering and helping create environments where young athletes feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow both on and off the field. My college journey has also included significant personal challenges. During my first semester, I faced serious health issues and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Managing a new diagnosis while maintaining academic performance tested me physically and mentally. There were moments when continuing felt overwhelming, but those challenges strengthened my resolve and taught me how to adapt, advocate for myself, and stay focused during uncertainty. This scholarship would provide meaningful support by reducing financial pressure and allowing me to devote more time and energy to my education, health, and service efforts. It would help ensure that financial strain does not limit my ability to succeed academically or continue giving back to my community. I am committed to building a future rooted in perseverance, ambition, and impact. I strive to use every opportunity I am given to grow, to serve others, and to make a positive difference through both my education and my actions. This scholarship would not only support my academic goals, but also reinforce my dedication to working hard, giving back, and leading with purpose.

The family member I lost was my grandmother, and there has never been a day of my life that has not been shaped by her presence or her absence. She was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer at fifty two years old, when I was only two. Doctors gave her three months to live. Instead, she fought for eight years. I was ten years old when she passed away, but by then, she had already taught me more about strength and perseverance than most people learn in a lifetime. I grew up in the house next to my grandmother on our family farm, which meant she was woven into every part of my childhood. She got me on the bus every morning and was waiting when I came home in the afternoon. She helped me with my homework, made me dinner, and took care of me while my parents were at work. She was my safe place. To me, she was not just my grandmother. She was my everything. Even while battling cancer, she never let her illness define her or limit how much love she gave. I watched her endure treatments, exhaustion, and uncertainty, yet she always showed up for me. As a child, I did not fully understand the weight of what she was carrying, but I understood her determination. Losing her at such a young age was devastating. It felt as though the world had lost its balance, and learning how to move forward without her was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Before she passed away, my grandmother shared something that has stayed with me ever since. She told me she wished she had gone to college and spoke about how important education was to her. She made it clear that she wanted me to pursue my dreams fully and without fear. That conversation became a promise I carry with me. Today, I am an undergraduate student double majoring in National Security and Intelligence and Computer Science, with a minor in a foreign language. Every late night of studying and every challenge I face feels connected to her belief in me. My desire to persevere comes directly from the lessons she taught me through her actions. Watching her fight for eight years showed me that giving up was never an option. When life becomes difficult, I think about her strength and remind myself why I keep going. She taught me that resilience does not mean the absence of pain, but the choice to move forward despite it. Losing my grandmother changed my life forever. It shaped my ambition, my work ethic, and my outlook on adversity. I pursue my education not only for myself, but to honor her memory and the sacrifices she made. Her strength lives on in the way I approach challenges and in the future I am working to build. Though she is no longer here, everything I strive for carries her influence, and her legacy continues through me.

Navigating college as a student with an invisible disability has transformed how I understand strength and determination. Living with a chronic illness has reshaped my understanding on resilience, perseverance, and my role in the world. During my first semester of college, I was hospitalized five times over a three month period. What began as unexplained illness eventually led to a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease. At the same time, I was adjusting to college life while pursuing a double major in National Security and Intelligence and Computer Science, along with a minor in a foreign language. Balancing rigorous coursework with repeated hospital stays, medical uncertainty, and physical exhaustion was one of the most difficult challenges I have faced. Despite these obstacles, I remained committed to my education. I completed coursework from hospital rooms, communicated with professors while recovering, and learned how to advocate for myself in academic environments that were not always designed to support students with invisible disabilities. Maintaining a 3.7 GPA through this period was not simply an academic accomplishment. It represented persistence, discipline, and a refusal to allow my diagnosis to define my capabilities or limit my goals. Living with an invisible disability has also changed how I view others. Many disabilities are not immediately apparent, yet they carry significant physical, emotional, and academic challenges. I have experienced how isolating it can feel when others are unaware of the daily realities of chronic illness. This has deepened my empathy and heightened my awareness of the gaps that exist in educational and healthcare systems for individuals managing long term conditions. It has reinforced the importance of accessibility, understanding, and inclusive structures that acknowledge diverse needs. As I continue my education and prepare for a future career at the intersection of technology, intelligence, and national security, I intend to use these experiences to create meaningful impact. I am particularly interested in how technology and data driven systems can be leveraged to improve accessibility, efficiency, and equity. Whether through secure systems design, policy development, or leadership roles, I want to contribute to solutions that consider human complexity rather than overlook it. My journey with Crohn’s disease has not diminished my ambition. Instead, it has strengthened it. It has taught me how to manage adversity, advocate effectively, and remain focused in uncertain circumstances. Being part of the disabled community has shaped me into a more resilient student, a more compassionate individual, and a future professional committed to building systems that are stronger, fairer, and more inclusive. Education opens doors, and this scholarship would help ensure that my health challenges do not restrict my ability to pursue my goals and, ultimately, help create opportunities for others facing similar barriers.

I’ve been told many times when playing golf that missed hits are just practice swings. I was not young when I finally began to take up golfing, and it did not come easy for me. I played many other sports, some as early as 3 years old, but golf certainly was the most challenging for me. Sure, I had played on putt putt courses countless times growing up, as it was an activity my parents and grandparents enjoyed with me as a family. But it was on an actual 18 hole course that I began to learn what patience and discipline actually meant. It’s far easier with a poor hit to just want to throw the club, which I saw a few men do here and there, and less easy to focus on form and follow through and wait for that perfect hit. I began to play golf out of the need to find some peace in my life and create an outlet for my grief. My maternal grandmother had been diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer, and after years of her courageous battle, she eventually passed, at the young age of 60. My grandmother and I were extremely close and she was a tremendous influence in my life. I struggled mentally after her passing, and after considering taking my own life to end the pain, I decided to forge a new path in my life. I focused more of my time into volunteer work and poured my heart into finding something that would allow me to clear my mind and begin to ease my sadness. That’s when I found golf. Though I will never be league worthy or win any awards, I found a wonderful peace being outside with my own thoughts. There I gave much thought to a promise I made to my grandmother and it is a promise I intend to keep. In the fall, I will be attending The University of Mount Union for biochemistry, specializing in viral science, so that I may obtain a career in a research lab. I intend to find better treatments and cures for diseases, such as cancer and many others, that at the present time do not have one. It is my intention to give back to our society and make a true difference in this world. In a lab, much like in my golf swing, it will take extreme patience to find just the right combination that creates a success story. In every sport I play, my education, my career path, and in my life in general: failure is not a word in my vocabulary, I may just find a million ways that do not work. "The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." —Thomas Edison.