I am pursuing a STEM career in cybersecurity. I am interested in this career because it aligns with my passion for technology and problem-solving. The role of someone who specializes in cybersecurity generally includes analyzing threats, monitoring vulnerabilities, and protecting various companies' data from cyberattacks. There is rarely a day I go without using some sort of technology, whether it's my phone, laptop, or TV. This goes for many people in the world since technology is so widely used today that it becomes hard to envision a world without it. As a result of this, cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing industries as more sophisticated technology is being created. With better technology comes the increased risk of cyber threats and digital attacks against one’s personal data. I learned about cybersecurity on a field trip to Lockheed Martin that my school sponsored. On this field trip, I was able to learn about multiple STEM fields and listen to a panel of women in STEM speak about how they got started in their respective careers. Out of the four women on the panel, one of them stood out to me. The woman who stood out was the one who had a career in cybersecurity, which is where my interest in majoring in cybersecurity began. After the field trip, I began to do research and discovered that cybersecurity isn’t limited to working solely for businesses. I found it can also cross over into other industries such as government and healthcare, which could lead one to believe that the demand for cybersecurity specialists is high. Thus, I believe that a fast-growing industry like cybersecurity can provide job security across the various industries I could enter through this career path. Along with job security, Smith 2 cybersecurity is also a very important job to have, as it protects people’s data and, ultimately, their privacy. Just recently, I had my bank account hacked, as someone was spending money on my card, causing me to deactivate it and order a new one. It is great that my bank is very efficient at addressing suspicious activity and purchases on my card; if they weren’t, then there is a good chance that all the funds in my account would’ve been wiped out. I’m sure many people around the world have had the same experience I’ve had, which just goes to show how important it is to have measures protecting one’s information. The threat of having one's personal information leaked is very serious, and of course, businesses would also want to protect their information as well. For businesses, if their information is breached or leaked, then they run the risk of going bankrupt or facing serious legal battles, which both would end up being costly. For industries such as healthcare, if their system was hacked, then patients' sensitive information could be revealed or altered, which would pose a great risk to patients’ health and the hospital treating the patients. Lastly, in a situation where the government gets hacked, the repercussions could be so significant that the government won’t be the sole victim of the attack, but the country as a whole may face significant problems too. I view cybersecurity as a very important career in the world we live in today. I want to encourage more women to enter STEM careers and show them that success in these fields is possible, especially for those who may feel those opportunities are out of reach.

I was the first in my family to earn an Associate of Arts degree while still in high school, but I owe that achievement to many people. When I think of community, I think of the people, organizations, and experiences that have shaped me. My community consists of my family, school, teammates, coworkers, and volunteer groups. I am the youngest of 3. Both of my older siblings are currently in college, and I will be entering my first year in college this fall. Yes, my parents will have 3 kids in college at the same time. As I have witnessed how financially stressful college expenses can be, I decided to do something different to help my parents cut down on financial expenses. I decided to get a part-time job to help prepare for college, while being dual-enrolled in my senior year. I knew that it would be difficult, but I also knew that if I could cut my college attendance down by obtaining my AA degree, this would help my family, and it is one of my proudest accomplishments. My way of contributing to my family is not only financially but also in daily household chores. Organizing the pantry, keep the house tidy, and walk our dog Charlie, without being asked to do so; taking the weight off of my parents as they both worked stressful full-time jobs. My community is also volunteer groups. I was. member of Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) for the last 2 years, where I was actively involved in local parades, Adopt a Road, and wellness events in our community. As a volunteer, I have learned a lot and met new people. I learned that it takes teamwork to finish projects efficiently. For example, with Adopt a Road, we picked up trash and debris monthly in our community. Working together allowed us to cover more ground and get more done. Additionally, preparing our float for the community Christmas parade would have never been as beautiful and successful if we had not worked together. As a member of my School's National Honor Society, I had the opportunity to participate in several community service projects. One in particular was "My Own Blanket", where we made blankets for kids in foster homes. Lastly, I have also volunteered at a local youth summer camp called SportsTyme, where I helped the coaches with the kids. I would help with setting up the games, preparing the lunches, and playing with the kids. Lastly, my community also includes my teammates. I played volleyball for 4 years and served as the captain my sophomore year for my club team. In this role, I learned that leadership Is built on patience, communication, and leading by example. In college and beyond, I plan to continue volunteering with youth programs, mentoring students, and participating in local service organizations. I hope to use the leadership and teamwork skills I have developed to give back to my community, just as others have invested in me.

A high school field trip sparked my interest in technology. During my sophomore year, I visited Lockheed Martin and learned about multiple STEM fields. I listened to a panel of women in STEM speak about how they got started in their careers. The woman who stood out had a career in cybersecurity, which is where my interest in majoring in cybersecurity began. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries as more sophisticated technology is being created. With better and advanced technology comes the increased risk of cyber threats and digital attacks against one’s personal data. Cybersecurity plays a critical role in the life science sector by securing sensitive patient information, intellectual property, and operational systems, making it a crucial part of the life science industry. I am most excited about this career because it aligns with my passion for technology and problem-solving. The digital world is expanding fast. I learned that cybersecurity reaches almost every industry, from healthcare and education to government and businesses. More recently, several schools that use the Canva platform, including my high school, were hit with a cyberattack. As a result, personal information was at risk, the platform affected students' daily work, and mass emails were sent out to parents and students to not provide any of their information. My educational goals are to major in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity and minor in Spanish. My career goals are to excel in a cybersecurity role in the defense industry, working for a company like Lockheed Martin, and moving into a leadership role. I plan to obtain experience through internships starting the summer after my freshman year. Upon graduating from college in 2030. I plan to already have a position in the cybersecurity field secured through my internships and networking community. I have also personally experienced cyber situations with my debit card, where my information was compromised, and I had to reorder a new debit card. This has happened to me more than once. Thus, as someone who has served in multiple community events, I plan on educating and bringing cybersecurity awareness to communities. By pursuing a career in cybersecurity, I will contribute to safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring privacy, and maintaining trust in these systems. Protecting data ultimately protects people. As a successful woman working in STEM, I hope to inspire and encourage others to study in these fields, especially those who may feel it is impossible.

Beyond the Court As a student-athlete and captain of my Club volleyball team, while simultaneously playing for my high school team, sports have helped shape who I am throughout my high school years. Playing volleyball taught me discipline, leadership, communication, and perseverance. All of these have helped me as I look forward to my future career goals. I plan to attend Howard University, majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity and a minor in Spanish. Right now, I do not plan to continue playing Volleyball, but I do plan on exploring other extracurricular activities, or possibly another sport like golf or the swim team. Although I have very little experience in either golf or swimming. My journey in self-discovery, which includes playing sports, has taught me that if I am willing and work hard, I can do anything. I chose to attend Howard University because, after touring the campus and speaking with current students, I felt that it aligned with both my personal and professional goals. The university’s culture emphasizes leadership, networking, and effective communication. These three qualities I have developed over time playing volleyball, and I am eager to continue strengthening them. I believe Howard provides an environment that will support my growth and help me reach my full potential. Serving as team captain further strengthened my leadership abilities in being resilient. We did not have a winning season the year I served as the captain; players were quitting, and morale was down. I tried to lead by example. I was encouraging my teammates, being positive, being punctual, and providing instructions to improve. I quickly learned that leadership is not simply about giving instructions; it is about listening, understanding, and supporting others. Learning how to lead and learning that some things are out of my control. Overall, my participation in sports has had a significant impact on my life. It has made me a more disciplined student, a stronger leader, and a more resilient person. The lessons I learned will be important and helpful in college and my career in cybersecurity.

I may not be the first generation, nor the second generation of people in my family to go to college; my path to where I am today differs from every one of my family members. As the youngest child in my family, I was used to following in my siblings' footsteps, from the sports they played to their interests. My sister was very sporty and always excelled at the sports she played, especially soccer, so I played soccer to be more like her, but I didn’t stick with it for long. My older brother was very interested in the arts and music, so to relate to him, I took up playing the piano and trumpet, but that didn't last for long either. To figure out why I could never find a hobby I loved, I stepped back and reflected on my life. I realized that many of my previous hobbies were the result of my siblings' interests and not my own. Then, senior year came, and a big shift happened. Both my siblings were in college, and I was on my own. I began to search for hobbies that I genuinely enjoyed and suited my personality instead of ones that I was influenced by someone else's life. Some activities I found myself falling in love with were reading, putting together puzzles, watching movies at movie theaters, and scrapbooking. The same applies to my education. While in high school, my sister was in the health academy program and my brother was in band, but I decided to stay on the traditional route and focus on my education. When I made up my mind to do something, I never did it halfway, so when I learned I could earn my AA degree in high school, I did everything I could to earn it by the end of my senior year. I took virtual summer classes so I could meet my high school graduation requirements quicker. During my sophomore year, I began taking dual enrollment classes, which contributed to my high school credits and the credits required for my AA degree. Even though I was juggling numerous classes, a part-time job, and community service activities, I maintained a 4.53 GPA and graduated from Seminole State College with my AA degree before my high school graduation. Through my involvement in service projects, I have learned that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference and have shaped my future. As a volunteer at SportsTyme, a summer youth camp that I have volunteered at for the last 2 summers, I learned that serving others is an opportunity to shape someone else’s experience positively and has helped me grow as a leader by teaching me responsibility, patience, and the importance of mentorship. Some organizations I helped in my community were "Adopt A Road", My Own Blanket, and My Free Little Library. With that said, my educational goal is to major in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity. At the college I’m enrolled in, the cost of attendance is $65,000 annually, and the out-of-pocket cost is $40,000. This fall, my parents will have 3 children attending college, and my family received very little financial assistance. Thus, receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my academic journey with confidence and focus on my goals without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. I plan to use my education and career in cybersecurity to serve my community by helping protect individuals, businesses, and institutions from the growing threat of cyberattacks, and I want to further expand my impact by leading community initiatives that promote cybersecurity awareness.

The moment I heard a cybersecurity professional speak during a school field trip to Lockheed Martin, I realized that technology could be used to protect people on a much larger scale than I had ever imagined. As she described her role defending organizations from cyber threats, I began to see how a career could be more than just a job; it could be a way to serve others. That experience inspired my goal of pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Cybersecurity and shaped how I view my role as a positive force in society. Today, I strive to make a positive impact through service, leadership, and education. Through organizations such as Delta GEMS and the National Honor Society, I have participated in community projects that improve the lives of others. Whether helping clean local roads through Adopt-A-Road, supporting the installation of a Little Free Library, or volunteering at MLK and Christmas parades, I have learned that meaningful change often begins with small acts of service. These experiences taught me that being a positive force is not about seeking recognition but about contributing to the well-being of others and strengthening the community around me. My commitment to academics is another way I contribute positively to society. Earning my Associate of Arts degree while simultaneously completing high school required perseverance, discipline, and sacrifice. As the first person on both sides of my family to achieve this milestone, I hope my accomplishments encourage younger students to pursue ambitious goals and believe in their ability to succeed. By demonstrating dedication and resilience, I aim to lead by example. In the future, I plan to expand my impact through a career in cybersecurity. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, the protection of personal information, financial systems, healthcare records, and national security has become more important than ever. My goal is to work in the defense industry, helping safeguard critical systems from cyber threats. Beyond my professional responsibilities, I hope to educate others about cybersecurity awareness and safe online practices so they can better protect themselves in a digital world. Current social norms have influenced my thinking by highlighting the growing role technology plays in society. While technology connects people and creates opportunities, it also introduces challenges related to privacy, cybersecurity, and misinformation. These realities have reinforced my belief that technical knowledge should be used responsibly and ethically to benefit others. Additionally, as a young woman pursuing a career in STEM, I recognize the importance of representation. Seeing successful women in technology inspired me, and I hope to inspire future generations to pursue careers in fields where their perspectives and talents are needed. Ultimately, I believe being a positive force in society means using one's abilities to create opportunities, solve problems, and serve others. Through community service, academic achievement, and my future career in cybersecurity, I am committed to making a lasting impact that helps build safer, stronger, and more connected communities.

I was inspired to study computer science after I learned about cybersecurity on a field trip to Lockheed Martin that my school sponsored. On this field trip, I was able to learn about multiple STEM fields and listen to a panel of women in STEM speak about how they got started in their respective careers. Out of the four women on the panel, one of them stood out to me. The woman who stood out was the one who had a career in cybersecurity, which is where my interest in majoring in cybersecurity began. After the field trip, I began to do research and discovered that cybersecurity isn’t limited to working solely for businesses. I found it can also cross over into other industries, such as government and healthcare, which could lead one to believe that the demand for cybersecurity specialists is high. My educational goals are to attend Howard University, majoring in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity, and minoring in business or a second language, such as Russian or Spanish. My career goals are to excel in a cybersecurity role in the defense industry, working for a company like Lockheed Martin, and eventually moving into a leadership role. I plan to obtain experience through internships starting the summer after my freshman year. Upon graduating from college in 2030. I plan to already have a position in the cybersecurity field secured through my internships and networking community. I am interested in this career because it aligns with my passion for technology and problem-solving. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries as more sophisticated technology is being created. With better and advanced technology comes the increased risk of cyber threats and digital attacks against one’s personal data. As previously mentioned, I plan to have a career in the field of defense; however, I would also be interested in working with companies that protect individual personal data as well. I have personally experienced the importance of cybersecurity when my bank account was compromised. I saw firsthand how vulnerable personal data can be and how important it is to have protections in place. Situations like this happen to many people, and without proper cybersecurity measures, the consequences can be devastating. This motivates me to pursue a career where I can help prevent similar incidents and protect others from financial and personal harm. Working in the defense field in cybersecurity will have a direct and meaningful impact on my community by helping protect individuals, businesses, and institutions from the growing threat of cyberattacks. In today’s technology-driven world, nearly every aspect of daily life—banking, healthcare, education, and communication—relies on digital systems. By pursuing a career in cybersecurity, I will contribute to safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring privacy, and maintaining trust in these systems. In 5–10 years, I see myself expanding my impact by leading community initiatives that promote cybersecurity awareness. Many individuals are unaware of how to protect their personal information online, and I want to help educate my community on safe digital practices. By combining my technical expertise with my passion for service, I aim to make cybersecurity more accessible and understandable for everyone. I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, persevered, and was active in her community as a leader.

My educational goals are to attend Howard University, majoring in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity, and minoring in business or a second language, such as Russian or Spanish. My career goals are to excel in a cybersecurity role in the defense industry, working for a company like Lockheed Martin, and eventually moving into a leadership role. I plan to obtain experience through internships starting the summer after my freshman year. I have been very involved in my community through various organizations. One is Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully, an organization that I have been a member of for the last 2 years. We are a group of middle and high school girls. This year alone, I volunteered in adopting a road, which consists of picking up trash to help the community look better, health fairs and walks, local Christmas and MLK parades, and Cardz for Kids. We also installed a Little Free Library in Casselberry, FL, last year, and continuously take time to stock it with free books for the community. Another organization that I have the opportunity to serve my community is with the National Honor Society of my high school. I've helped with the “My Own Blanket” organization, where we put blankets together with fabric for kids in foster homes, school events, and career fairs. I have over 300 hours of community service hours over the last couple of years, and have dedicated myself to community service because of the impact I've seen it has on the community and people, and how it has connected me to others. Community service has grown me in leadership. Through my involvement in community service, I’ve come to understand how meaningful even small acts of service can be, but one experience in particular shifted my perspective: volunteering with the SportsTyme youth summer program. I had transitioned from a camper to a volunteer mentor and volunteered for the past three summers. As a volunteer, I was no longer just participating—I was responsible for guiding younger kids who looked to me for direction and support. Whether I was helping organize activities or addressing behavioral issues, I realized that my actions directly influenced their experience. Moments where I had to discipline campers and explain the consequences of their behavior taught me the importance of patience, accountability, and leading by example. This experience impacted me by helping me recognize the value of mentorship and the responsibility that comes with it. It also changed how I view community service; I now see it not as a task to complete, but as an opportunity to shape someone else’s experience positively. Ultimately, SportsTyme showed me that small contributions can leave a lasting impression, inspiring me to continue serving and eventually lead initiatives that make a difference. At Howard University, I plan on continuing community service by joining clubs and/or community service organizations. I hope to lead community service initiatives and create opportunities that positively affect others post-education as well.

My educational goals are to attend Howard University, majoring in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity, and minoring in business or a second language, such as Russian or Spanish. My career goals are to excel in a cybersecurity role in the defense industry, working for a company like Lockheed Martin, and eventually moving into a leadership role. I plan to obtain experience through internships starting the summer after my freshman year. Upon graduating from college in 2030. I plan to already have a position in the cybersecurity field secured through my internships and networking community. I am interested in this career because it aligns with my passion for technology and problem-solving. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries as more sophisticated technology is being created. With better and advanced technology comes the increased risk of cyber threats and digital attacks against one’s personal data. I learned about cybersecurity on a field trip to Lockheed Martin that my school sponsored. On this field trip, I was able to learn about multiple STEM fields and listen to a panel of women in STEM speak about how they got started in their respective careers. The woman who stood out was the one who had a career in cybersecurity, which is where my interest in majoring in cybersecurity began. I am involved in my community and very creative. I took courses and received several certificates in my digital design courses during my Junior year. Along with my natural creativity and the enhancement through the courses I took, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, I have been able to use these skills in my community. For example, I have been a member of Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) for the last 2 years, and I initiated a media committee that I now chair to document our yearly community service projects and events. This year, I participated in "Adopt a Road", which consisted of us volunteering to clean up a mile stretch of road. I have also helped with local health and wellness events, where I help prepare bags for the participants. We also participated in our local Christmas and MLK parades, and keep books available in our Free Little Library that we installed last year in a local park. At our end-of-the-year celebration, I will be presenting our year's events to the members and advisors in a Canva presentation. During all our community events, I did not just volunteer, but made sure I was taking pictures and video for us to reflect on at the end of the year to show our community involvement and impact. My other community service and extracurricular activities include National Honor Society, Club Volleyball, where I served as the captain one year, a part-time job at Culver's, and a volunteer coach assistant for SportsTyme, a youth camp. I plan on contributing to the advancement of African American representation in the tech and STEM sector by working in a career in cybersecurity. Black women constitute roughly 2% of the science and engineering workforce. I plan on attending Howard University as previously stated. After touring Howard, I found that Howard offers an education that aligns with my future goals and matches my personality. As a successful black woman working in STEM, I hope to inspire and encourage other African Americans to study in these fields, especially those who may feel it is impossible.