One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on was developing a simple but impactful community website for a local after-school program in Greenville, South Carolina. The program served many hardworking families who faced long hours at work and often struggled to keep up with school updates and events. At the time, communication was mostly handled through paper flyers sent home with students. Too often, those flyers would get misplaced or never make it into parents’ hands, leaving them unaware of opportunities for their children. Recognizing this challenge, I decided to apply my growing interest in technology to create a solution that could make communication easier and more reliable. I began by teaching myself the basics of website design using free tools and online tutorials. I did not have access to expensive software or advanced coding programs, but I learned how to maximize the resources that were available to me. My goal was not to build a flashy site, but a simple, mobile-friendly platform that was easy for staff to update and accessible to families who relied on their phones for internet use. The website included an event calendar, important announcements, and a section with links to educational resources. To make it more convenient, I also added an option for parents to subscribe to email reminders so they could receive updates directly. The impact was greater than I expected. Staff members were grateful for a tool that made their jobs easier, and parents expressed excitement about finally being able to stay informed. One parent even told me the site helped them attend their child’s first school performance because they saw the reminder in time. That moment meant a lot to me because it showed how even a small project could create meaningful connections between families and schools. Working on this project inspired me to pursue a career in technology because it revealed the true power of innovation. Technology is not just about devices, codes, or algorithms—it is about solving problems and improving lives. I saw firsthand that even basic tools could close gaps in communication, create opportunities, and empower communities. That realization gave me a sense of purpose and direction. I began to imagine how I could use technology on a larger scale to address challenges like educational access, digital equity, and community development. This scholarship would allow me to continue that journey by helping me pursue a degree in technology. With financial support, I can focus on advancing my skills in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. My long-term goal is to use these skills to design accessible solutions for underserved communities—whether through educational platforms, affordable digital tools, or mentorship programs for young students interested in tech. In many ways, that first community project was a small step, but it set the foundation for my passion and career goals. It reminded me that innovation starts with empathy, determination, and a willingness to use what you have to make a difference. With the support of this scholarship, I am ready to continue building on that vision and using technology to create lasting impact.

Faith has always been a source of strength for me, especially during moments when life felt overwhelming. One of the most difficult periods in my life came during high school, when financial stress at home threatened to derail my focus on education. There were times when I considered leaving extracurricular activities or even putting my education on hold to help provide more for my family. In those moments of doubt, I turned to my faith. I prayed for guidance, strength, and clarity, and what I received was a renewed sense of purpose. Rather than letting fear dictate my path, I leaned on scripture and the support of my church community to push forward. My faith reminded me that hardships are temporary and that perseverance can lead to growth. Choosing to stay committed to my education, even when it felt impossible, was a meaningful decision influenced by my belief that God places us in situations not to break us, but to build us. That perspective carried me through uncertainty and allowed me to approach challenges with a sense of peace and determination. Alongside my faith, service has been a defining part of who I am. Growing up in a low-income household taught me firsthand how valuable community support can be. I made a commitment to be that source of support for others whenever I could. Over the years, I have volunteered through local food drives, church outreach programs, and community clean-up initiatives. One of the most impactful experiences was helping at a community technology workshop in Greenville where children were introduced to basic coding and computer literacy. Many of the kids did not have access to laptops at home, and I saw how their faces lit up when they were able to explore new skills. It reminded me of myself at their age—curious about technology but limited by financial circumstances. Being able to encourage them, answer their questions, and watch them discover something new was deeply rewarding. These experiences reinforced my belief that service is not just about giving, but about empowering others. By volunteering, I not only impacted lives in small ways but also deepened my own understanding of leadership, compassion, and responsibility. Service motivated me to think beyond my own goals and consider how my future career in technology can be shaped around helping others access opportunities they might otherwise miss. Looking forward, my hopes for the future are both ambitious and grounded in the values that have guided me thus far. Educationally, I aspire to earn a degree in technology, focusing on areas such as software development, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. Spiritually, I want to remain rooted in faith, using my values as a compass to guide my professional and personal choices. Personally and familially, I hope to break cycles of financial struggle in my family while also serving as a role model for younger relatives and peers who may face similar challenges. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also affirm the values of perseverance, service, and faith that I strive to live by. The Ed and Aline Patane Scholarship emphasizes purpose and compassion, and I see my own journey reflected in those principles. With this support, I would be able to focus more fully on my education, pursue internships and research opportunities in technology, and ultimately use my skills to give back to my community in meaningful ways. My long-term vision is to create technological solutions that bridge gaps in education and access, particularly for underrepresented or low-income communities. Whether through designing accessible learning platforms, advancing cybersecurity for small organizations, or mentoring the next generation of students, I want my career to reflect the same spirit of service and resilience that has defined my life thus far.

Coming from a household where money was always tight, I often had to go without things many of my peers considered normal. However, instead of seeing these circumstances as a disadvantage, I learned to view them as motivation. I realized early that education and hard work could help me build a better life, and technology quickly became my pathway to achieving that vision. While we did not always have the latest devices at home, I was fascinated by computers, phones, and the internet. I wanted to understand how they worked and how they connected people across the world. Whenever I got the chance, I would take apart old electronics, watch tutorials online, or spend time in the school computer lab exploring coding and digital tools. Those experiences sparked my curiosity and made me realize that technology was not just about machines—it was about solving problems, creating opportunities, and shaping the future. That sense of discovery helped me stay motivated through difficult times when financial stress weighed heavily on my family. Being from a low-income background gave me resilience and determination that I now apply to my pursuit of a career in technology. Balancing school with part-time jobs to help my family taught me discipline and responsibility. I could not always afford the best resources, but I learned how to maximize what was available, whether it was free coding programs, library computers, or community workshops. That resourcefulness has become one of my greatest strengths. It showed me that innovation often comes from working within limitations—a lesson that is central to the tech field itself. Growing up in Greenville also shaped my values through the power of community. I saw how neighbors supported one another and how small acts of kindness could make a big difference. That inspired me to think about how I can use technology not just for personal success but to help others. I want to develop tools, applications, or systems that give people in underserved communities access to resources, education, and opportunities they may not otherwise have. To me, technology is more than a career—it is a way to bridge gaps and create equity for people who share my background. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in technology where I can design innovative solutions that improve lives. Whether it is through software development, cybersecurity, or emerging fields like artificial intelligence, I want to contribute to advancements that push society forward while also opening doors for others. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education in technology is not just about personal growth—it is about breaking cycles and proving that someone from a low-income household in Greenville can compete, succeed, and lead in the tech industry. Growing up in financial hardship has made me resilient, resourceful, and driven. It has instilled in me the values of hard work, service, and innovation. These values guide me today as I pursue my education in technology and strive toward a future where I can use my skills not just to achieve success but to uplift others.

In the future, I want to build a career that allows me to combine leadership, innovation, and service to my community. My goal is to use my education to create opportunities not only for myself but also for others who face similar challenges. I hope to work in a field where I can make an impact by addressing real problems, mentoring future generations, and helping to close the gap between potential and access. To me, a successful career is not just about personal achievement but about lifting others along the way, creating change that reaches beyond myself. Being Black means carrying a legacy of strength, resilience, and excellence. It means understanding the sacrifices of those who came before me and using their struggles as motivation to keep moving forward. To me, being Black also represents pride — pride in my culture, in my identity, and in the unique perspective that I bring to every space I enter. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we continue to achieve, create, and inspire. I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to learn and grow in an environment that celebrates and uplifts that identity. HBCUs represent a place where history, culture, and education come together to empower students to achieve more than they thought possible. Being part of that community means surrounding myself with people who understand my journey, share my values, and inspire me to keep striving for excellence.

One of the greatest obstacles I have faced in pursuit of higher education has been balancing financial challenges with my academic responsibilities. Growing up in a family with limited resources, I quickly learned the importance of responsibility and sacrifice. I often had to work part-time jobs to help with expenses, which meant long hours, late nights, and little time to rest before returning to class the next morning. There were moments when I felt pulled in two different directions — one toward supporting my family in the present and the other toward investing in my education for the future. It was difficult to watch some of my peers dedicate their time solely to studying while I had to split mine between school and work. At times, this created feelings of doubt and frustration, as I wondered if I could truly compete or keep up academically while carrying such a heavy load outside the classroom. The thought of pursuing higher education seemed daunting when the immediate pressures of life were so demanding. Yet, even in those moments of discouragement, I reminded myself that my education was not only for me, but also for the people I cared about most. It represented the opportunity to break cycles of hardship, create new possibilities for my future, and set an example for those who looked up to me. Holding on to that perspective gave me the strength to keep going, even when it would have been easier to give up. I was able to overcome this obstacle largely because of the support and encouragement I received from both my family and my mentors. My parents instilled in me the value of education and perseverance, reminding me that short-term sacrifices would lead to long-term rewards. Their words motivated me to stay disciplined and focused, even during the times when I felt overwhelmed or exhausted. In addition, my teachers and mentors played a key role in guiding me through difficult moments. They encouraged me when I doubted myself, helped me apply for scholarships and programs that lessened the financial burden, and provided resources that made my goals more attainable. Their belief in me made a tremendous difference, because it reminded me that I was not facing these challenges alone. Through their guidance, I learned to manage my time effectively, seek help when needed, and view obstacles as opportunities to build strength and resilience. This experience taught me patience, discipline, and determination — qualities that have shaped who I am today and who I strive to become. More importantly, it gave me an understanding of the value of community and mentorship, and how the support of others can empower someone to achieve what once felt impossible. As I move forward in my academic journey, I carry these lessons with me, determined not only to reach my own goals but also to one day provide the same encouragement and support to others facing similar challenges. Overcoming this obstacle has not only prepared me for higher education but also shaped me into a person who is driven, resilient, and ready to succeed no matter the difficulties ahead.

Growing up in a family with African roots, I was raised with a deep sense of community, respect, and responsibility. As a first- or second-generation African immigrant, I was taught the value of hard work and the importance of giving back. These values have guided my actions and motivated me to contribute to my community in meaningful ways. One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had was volunteering to help feed the homeless. Through this work, I saw firsthand how a warm meal and a moment of kindness could restore someone’s hope. I’ve also supported local initiatives, helping out with neighborhood cleanups and assisting families in need. These efforts may seem small on the surface, but I’ve seen how consistent community involvement creates long-term change and builds stronger, more connected neighborhoods. My cultural background has played a major role in shaping who I am today. In African culture, education is highly respected, and it’s often seen as the key to unlocking a better life—not just for yourself, but for your family and community. That belief has stayed with me throughout my educational journey. I’ve learned to never take learning opportunities for granted and to push through challenges with determination. Being part of a culturally rich and resilient community has helped me stay grounded, even when navigating spaces where I may be underrepresented. It has also taught me to take pride in who I am and where I come from, which inspires me to lead by example for younger students who may share similar experiences. Receiving the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship would make a powerful impact on my education and future career in STEM. My goal is to enter the world of finance as a day trader and use my knowledge to promote financial literacy in underrepresented communities. With support from this scholarship, I will be able to pursue my education without the heavy burden of financial stress. It will also help me invest more time into learning and building the skills I need to succeed in the fast-moving world of STEM and finance. More importantly, this scholarship represents more than just funding—it reflects a legacy of perseverance, academic excellence, and community uplift that I hope to carry forward in everything I do. This opportunity would not only bring me closer to my goals but allow me to continue giving back, using my career to educate and empower others just as I’ve been uplifted by those who came before me.

Throughout my life, I’ve always found purpose in helping others. From a young age, I was raised to value kindness, generosity, and the importance of giving back. Whether it was helping out friends and family or volunteering to feed the homeless, I learned that even small acts of service can make a big difference in someone’s life. These experiences shaped the way I view the world and inspired me to keep giving back in whatever way I can. Playing basketball has also been a major part of my life. Beyond being something I love, the game has taught me powerful lessons about discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance—qualities that I know will help me as I move forward in my academic and professional journey. In the future, I plan to become a successful day trader. I’m passionate about finance and the stock market, and I’ve spent time learning about how money works and how it can be used wisely to create opportunities. While some may see day trading as just a way to make money, I view it as a tool for freedom and empowerment—not just for myself, but for others as well. My long-term goal is to use what I learn to help educate people in my community, especially youth, about financial literacy. So many people grow up without being taught how to manage money, save, or invest, and that lack of knowledge can hold them back in life. I want to be someone who changes that by providing the information and support they need to succeed financially. Through my studies, I plan to learn as much as I can about economics, financial markets, and smart investing strategies. I want to turn that knowledge into action by creating programs, workshops, or even online content that teaches others how to build wealth responsibly. I believe that when people understand their finances, they gain confidence and control over their future. That’s how I plan to make a positive impact—by combining my passion for finance with my deep desire to serve others. Whether it’s on the basketball court, in the classroom, or in the world of finance, I want to lead by example and use my experiences to inspire and uplift those around me. This is what I plan to do to in the future and hopefully this scholarship will help me financially in school so I will have the necessary resources to be successful in my future endeavors

South Carolina State University has always been more than just a college to me; it's a symbol of heritage, opportunity, and personal growth. Growing up, I heard countless stories from alumni about the transformative experiences they had on campus. These stories painted a vivid picture of a caring family filled environment where students are not just educated but empowered to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. This legacy deeply resonated with me As I explored my academic interests, business management emerged as the perfect field to combine my passion for problem-solving, strategic thinking, and leadership. I was drawn to the idea of understanding how businesses operate, how to make them more efficient, and how to lead teams to achieve common goals. SC State's business program stood out because it offered a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and a strong emphasis on real-world application through internships and case studies. The opportunity to learn in a supportive, historically black college environment, while gaining practical skills in business, felt like the ideal path for me