I am majoring in Computer Science, a field that inspires me because of its power to create, transform, and solve problems that impact people on a global scale. My passion for pursuing this major comes from both personal experience and a deep desire to use technology to open doors for communities that have historically been left out of the tech world—especially Black youth. Growing up in Atlanta, I was surrounded by creativity, innovation, and resilience, yet I saw firsthand how limited access to technology and representation can shape a young person’s understanding of what is possible for them. I did not always see people in computing roles who looked like me, so I made it my mission to become the representation I wished I had. That motivation drove me academically and introduced me to the power of engineering as a tool for opportunity and change. When I began learning to code, I realized I could create things that didn’t exist before—programs, tools, and systems that could make life easier, safer, or more connected for others. That sense of possibility is what made me fall in love with computer science. My passion continued to grow through hands-on experiences such as my Microsoft Discovery and Explore internships. Those opportunities exposed me to different sides of technology, from software engineering to product development to technical problem-solving. I learned how engineers turn ideas into real solutions through design, collaboration, and iteration. Working closely with other interns and mentors helped me understand how impactful technology can be when it is built with purpose and empathy. Leading my project team strengthened my desire to not only build software, but also guide people and ideas toward meaningful outcomes. My field experience expanded even more as a Grady Health Equity Coordinator, where I saw how data, cybersecurity, and technology influence healthcare systems and people’s everyday lives. I worked on outreach projects, analyzed information that revealed disparities, and mentored high school students exploring future careers. That experience showed me that engineering is not just about code—it’s about people. It reinforced my passion for using computer science to solve real problems in real communities. On campus, roles such as President of 4ourYouth, being active in NSBE, and serving as Mr. Georgia Aggies have strengthened my passion for leadership, mentorship, and community-building. These positions helped me see that part of my purpose in pursuing computer science is not only to excel personally, but also to lift others up with me. I want to help create a future where young Black students see themselves in engineering early, feel supported, and have access to opportunities that empower them to innovate. Ultimately, I chose computer science because it combines creativity, logic, problem-solving, and impact. It allows me to build solutions that matter while opening pathways for others to follow. My passion comes from wanting to innovate for my community, uplift the next generation, and play a role in shaping a more accessible, equitable, and technologically advanced future.

If I got the opportunity to create my own Love Island challenge, it wouldn’t be just another game for laughs or drama — I’d make it mean something. Something that reflects who I am, where I’m from, and what I believe love should be about. That’s when I came up with "Code 4 Connection – My Debugging Love Lab." I’m an Atlanta native and a Computer Science major. Most of my time is spent solving problems, working out bugs, and building things from scratch — and I truly believe relationships work the same way. You can’t just plug and go. You have to communicate, test compatibility, and sometimes completely rewire the system. This challenge gets underneath the surface to see if the connection is real… or if you're just running the same old script. The Setup The villa transforms into a futuristic tech lab: Neon signs, glitchy hearts, floating emoji bubbles Laptops turned into digital bulletin boards LED lights pulsing like a heartbeat Couples wear matching “Dev & Dev” gear — blending coder vibes with Atlanta flavor It’s fun, chaotic, and most of all — intentional. Challenge Breakdown: 3 Rounds to Test Heart, Communication & Chemistry 1. Emotional Input/Output Couples answer deep questions styled like coding prompts. Example: python define_love("YourName", "PartnerName") if trust_issues: print("What emotional block is still affecting you?") They write or type their responses, then explain their answers face to face in under 60 seconds. No rehearsed lines — just real talk. 2. The Compatibility Compiler Couples work together to build a relationship “structure” using puzzle blocks labeled: Respect Boundaries Vulnerability Joy Consistency But — some blocks are missing or oddly shaped. And there’s a timer. It’s a test of how they collaborate under pressure, much like debugging broken code. 3. Debug My Heart One partner reads a cheesy, generic love letter out loud. The other rewrites it in real time — honestly, vulnerably. Example: Original: “You’re fun to be around.” Rewritten: “You make me feel like I can be all the way me without getting smaller.” It’s a challenge to go deeper — making sure the words match the energy. Why It Feels Like Me This challenge is personal. It mirrors how I dream, how I love, and how I build. I’m not into fake vibes or surface-level feelings. I care about genuine depth and lasting connections, whether I’m working with tech or with people. Atlanta taught me how powerful it is to be real, be loyal, and speak with intention — and I brought all of that into this challenge. Final Moment: The Source Code Bench At the end, each couple types a message into “The Love Server” and sits on a glowing bench shaped like a laptop keyboard. Their words show up on the villa screen in raw, digital code — honest, unfiltered, and theirs. A final reminder of what they’ve built together.