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Catherine Roe

1x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Dance
  • Computer Science
  • Tennis
  • Orchestra
  • Violin
  • Spanish
  • American Sign Language (ASL)

Reading

  • Academic
  • Adult Fiction
  • Classics
  • Contemporary
  • Education
  • Fantasy
  • Literary Fiction
  • Literature
  • Realistic Fiction
  • Young Adult

I read books daily.

Bio

I am a Software Engineering Major at Rochester Institute of Technology, on track to graduate with my Bachelor's Degree in Spring of 2026 and graduate with my Master's Degree in Software Engineering in Spring of 2027. I earned my Associate of Science in Computer Science from the College of Southern Maryland in December 2024. At RIT, I am an active member of multiple groups and organizations while maintaining a 3.7 GPA and working for the United States Department of the Navy within the Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Research Branch. Scholarships that I am awarded will go toward my tuition and other expenses at Rochester Institute of Technology. My plans for the future include continuing to work with the United States Department of the Navy and encouraging those in my field of work to be more inclusive and proactive.

Education

Rochester Institute of Technology

Bachelor's degree program

2022 – 2026

Majors:
  • Computer Software and Media Applications
Minors:
  • American Sign Language

College of Southern Maryland

Associate's degree program

2020 – 2024

Majors:
  • Computer Science

Calvert High School

High School

2018 – 2022

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Majors of interest:
Computer Software and Media Applications, Computer Science, Computer Engineering
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Student Trainee - Engineering

    Computer Software · United States Department of the Navy

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Teacher

    Education · Margaret's House

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Tutor

    Education · Tutor.com

    Jan 2023 – Present

  • Substitute Teacher

    Education · Little Proteges

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

  • Kitchen Aid

    Food & Beverages · Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2022

  • Camp Counselor

    Education · Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2022

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Computer Software
Dream career goals:
Project Manager
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Redefining Victory Scholarship
For me, success is about using my knowledge and skills to help others. As a software engineering student, that means I strive to create and update software in a way that is accessible and useful for those with barriers, such as physical and mental disabilities. I also plan on using my knowledge to help people who may have a language barrier. I am currently learning Spanish, Portuguese, and American Sign Language, and I plan on being fluent by the time I graduate from college. In the future, I would love to have a career where I could be part of a team that creates technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect how they live. One project that I have worked on was a website that shows the locations of the wheelchair-accessible entrances, paths, and elevators on my college campus. This project was done with some of my classmates and I was able to learn some software development processes while completing this project. A project I would like to work on in the near future is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product and that it would greatly reduce the stress I have when going to a new place. Projects like these are the reason I got into software engineering in the first place, and I would love to continue to use my knowledge to contribute to my community throughout and after college. Contributing to my community using my knowledge of technology is my main goal in life, and achieving this goal would mean success for me. This scholarship would help me achieve my goals by allowing me to continue to attend Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), which is a top college for my field of study. At RIT, the Software Engineering program focuses on the people surrounding the creation and use of software, rather than the software itself. Of course, we are taught the basic skills of software developers, such as coding languages and system design. However, we are quickly taught to use those skills in relation to the people who ask for and use the software. My favorite course so far is called Software Process and Project Management. I like this course because we are taught how to manage software projects and deal with customers, product owners, software developers, and other stakeholders throughout the project's lifetime. My goals after college include becoming a software project manager. This would allow me to help bridge the gap between the customer, who would have knowledge of the needs of the project, and the software developers, who would have the knowledge of what is attainable and how long it would take. I enjoy the planning and communication part of software engineering and I plan on working in that sector of software development in the future. As you can see, attending RIT will help me achieve my goals and reach my definition of success, which is to use my knowledge to help others. Thank you for your consideration.
Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
Growing up, I watched my dad work hard to do his part in the Air Force. He put his blood, sweat, and tears into his job and moved up in the ranks throughout the years. As a kid, I would delight in going to the hangar he worked in and seeing the planes he was working on. My father works hard in everything that he does, and I have always wanted to be able to work as hard as he does. My dad also taught me a lot about sacrifice. When I was a child, he was often deployed to places halfway across the world. He would miss holidays, birthdays, and milestones, but I knew that he was doing it for my mom, my sister, and me. He spent time away from us so we could live in a safer world, and so we could afford a better life. When I was younger, money was extremely tight. But I wouldn’t have ever known it because my parents always made sure I had what I needed to be happy, healthy, and safe. Both of my parents have continued to work hard and exceed expectations in their workplaces to move up in the ranks and make sure we have everything we need. Because of the values I learned from my parents, I have always wanted to have a career where I can help people and excel based on the quality of work that I produce. Software engineering gives me the opportunity to do both. In the future, I would love to have a career where I create technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect how they live. One project I would like to work on in the near future is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. For example, if describing a restaurant, it could say, “First, you will stand in line next to the coffee maker. Then, the cashier will call ‘next’ when they are ready, and you will walk up to them and order. Then, you will get your order number and stand to the right of the cash registers. If you ordered a drink, it will be to the left.” Basic information like this would make a person with anxiety feel much better about going to the place because there are fewer unknowns when they get there. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship.
William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship
I love school! - That’s not something you hear from a lot of people. However, in my case, it’s the truth. I have always been a very school-oriented person because I love learning new things. As a result of my love of learning, I wanted to attend a top university. I am almost through my second year of school at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and I would cherish the opportunity to continue to attend RIT. However, top universities have higher tuition, and without scholarships like this one, I may not be able to stay at RIT. As a software engineering student at RIT, I am constantly learning new languages, concepts, and processes to help me excel in the software engineering field. Each course I complete opens my eyes to a new way to create and update software to keep up with the industry’s constant expansion. This scholarship would allow me to continue to attend RIT and receive the education I need to succeed in the software industry. I wish to continue my education at RIT because the professors there have the resources and the knowledge to help the students grow as people and as software engineers. My goal as a student is to learn as much as I can and get experience with the work that I will be doing after graduation. I intend to use my education to propel myself into the software engineering world. My goal is to eventually become a software project manager. This would allow me to help bridge the gap between the customer, which would have knowledge of the needs of the project, and the software developers, which would have the knowledge of what is attainable and how long it would take. I enjoy the planning and communication part of software engineering and I plan on working in that sector of software development in the future. I am currently taking a course at RIT that teaches me how to plan for, create, and communicate schedules and software requirements to developers and customers in a way that they will be able to understand and have a full view of what the project will look like from their end. This is currently my favorite course, as I am able to learn about the part of software development that I love. Additionally, I appreciate that I can learn new things every day while working in the software industry. It is imperative to continue learning while working in software development because the industry is steadily expanding with new technology, coding languages, and procedures each day. Thank you for your consideration.
Barbara Cain Literary Scholarship
Many people believe that the most valuable information comes from non-fiction books. However, I believe that the best books to learn from are the ones with stories. Narratives allow us to immerse ourselves in a different world and see it through the eyes of the characters. This experience is invaluable because we can learn many lessons that we may not have been exposed to otherwise and we are able to think about the struggles that other people go through. As an avid reader throughout childhood, I read again and again about how relationships shape people and allow them to become better people. It is because of these views of human connection that I absorbed and the opportunity to see things through someone else’s perspective that I have shaped my goals in life around making the world a better place for everyone. As a software engineering student, I would love to have a career where I could create technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect their lives. I have already worked on many projects that move me closer to this goal of using my skills for good. For example, I assisted in the creation of a website that shows the locations of accessible entrances and elevators in the buildings on my college campus as my first-year project. A project I would like to work on in the near future is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. For example, if describing a restaurant, it could say, “First, you will stand in line next to the coffee maker. Then, the cashier will call ‘next’ when they are ready, and you will walk up to them and order. Then, you will get your order number and stand to the right of the cash registers. If you ordered a drink, it will be to the left.” Basic information like this would make a person with anxiety feel much better about going to the place because there are fewer unknowns when they get there. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product. I continue to read every day to acquire more perspective and learn more lessons that will allow me to help others in new ways and I plan on carrying on with this practice throughout my life. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship.
Ruebenna Greenfield Flack Scholarship
For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. I love to read so much that I have acquired quite a collection of books. At one point, I decided I wanted to track the books I have, which ones I have read, which ones I liked, and other information like that. However, I did not like any of the websites that I looked at. So, I decided to make my own. Of course, at this point, I had no idea how to create a website. I started a new GitHub repository, Googled how to create a website, and started coding. I am extremely proud of this project because I have increased my knowledge in HTML, CSS, Javascript, databasing, and designing the layout of a web page. I am still working on the project, but I am learning new things every day so I can keep making it better. Once it is finished, I plan on making my website accessible to the public so others can use it. My goal as a software engineer is to create websites and apps that are accessible and easy to use for everyone. Working in technology inspires me because it allows me to create something out of nothing that people can use and enjoy. I have always wanted to help people and make the world more accessible for everyone, and technology allows me to do that. I also love learning new things, and in the software industry, it is imperative that I continue to learn new languages and processes throughout my career. Another project that I have worked on was a website that shows the locations of the wheelchair-accessible entrances, paths, and elevators on my college campus. This project was done with some of my colleagues and I was able to learn some software development processes while completing this project. In the future, I would love to have a career where I could create technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect how they live. A project I would like to work on in the near future is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. For example, if describing a restaurant, it could say, “First, you will stand in line next to the coffee maker. Then, the cashier will call ‘next’ when they are ready, and you will walk up to them and order. Then, you will get your order number and stand to the right of the cash registers. If you ordered a drink, it will be to the left.” Basic information like this would make a person with anxiety feel much better about going to the place because there are fewer unknowns when they get there. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship.
Veterans Next Generation Scholarship
Growing up, I watched my dad work hard to do his part in the Air Force. He put his blood, sweat, and tears into his job and moved up in the ranks throughout the years. As a kid, I would delight in going to the hangar he worked in and seeing the planes he was working on. My father works hard in everything that he does, and I have always wanted to be able to work as hard as he does. My dad also taught me a lot about sacrifice. When I was a child, he was often deployed to places halfway across the world. He would miss holidays, birthdays, and milestones, but I knew that he was doing it for my mom, my sister, and me. He spent time away from us so we could live in a safer world, and so we could afford a better life. When I was younger, money was extremely tight. But I wouldn’t have ever known it because my parents always made sure I had what I needed to be happy, healthy, and safe. Both of my parents have continued to work hard and exceed expectations in their workplaces to move up in the ranks and make sure we have everything we need. Because of the values I learned from my parents, I have always wanted to have a career where I can help people and excel based on the quality of work that I produce. Software engineering gives me the opportunity to do both. In the future, I would love to have a career where I create technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect how they live. One project I would like to work on in the near future is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. For example, if describing a restaurant, it could say, “First, you will stand in line next to the coffee maker. Then, the cashier will call ‘next’ when they are ready, and you will walk up to them and order. Then, you will get your order number and stand to the right of the cash registers. If you ordered a drink, it will be to the left.” Basic information like this would make a person with anxiety feel much better about going to the place because there are fewer unknowns when they get there. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship.
Connie Konatsotis Scholarship
For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. I love to read so much that I have acquired quite a collection of books. At one point, I decided I wanted to track the books I have, which ones I have read, which ones I liked, and other information like that. However, I did not like any of the websites that I looked at. So, I decided to make my own. Of course, at this point, I had no idea how to create a website. I started a new GitHub repository, Googled how to create a website, and started coding. I am extremely proud of this project because I have increased my knowledge in HTML, CSS, Javascript, databasing, and designing the layout of a web page. I am still working on the project, but I am learning new things every day so I can keep making it better. Once it is finished, I plan on making my website accessible to the public so others can use it. My goal as a software engineer is to create websites and apps that are accessible and easy to use for everyone. Working in technology inspires me because it allows me to create something out of nothing that people can use and enjoy. I have always wanted to help people and make the world more accessible for everyone, and technology allows me to do that. I also love learning new things, and in the software industry, it is imperative that I continue to learn new languages and processes throughout my career. Another project that I have worked on was a website that shows the locations of the wheelchair-accessible entrances, paths, and elevators on my college campus. This project was done with some of my colleagues and I was able to learn some software development processes while completing this project. In the future, I would love to have a career where I could create technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect how they live. Another project I would like to work on is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. For example, if describing a restaurant, it could say, “First, you will stand in line next to the coffee maker. Then, the cashier will call ‘next’ when they are ready, and you will walk up to them and order. Then, you will get your order number and stand to the right of the cash registers. If you ordered a drink, it will be to the left.” Basic information like this would make a person with anxiety feel much better about going to the place because there are fewer unknowns when they get there. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship.
Iftikhar Kamil Madni Science and Engineering Memorial Scholarship
When I was in high school, I was given the opportunity to take a computer science class for the first time and it changed my life. My computer science teacher taught me in a way that was engaging and fun. After a few days in that class, I decided that I wanted to continue my education in computer science throughout high school and college. By my senior year of high school, I was the president of my school’s chapter of Girls Who Code and I had decided that I wanted to continue my education in the software branch of computer science. Now, I am a software engineering student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and I love continually learning new things about the software engineering field in and out of class. However, because of the caliber of RIT, the tuition is higher than many other universities, creating a need for me to earn scholarships to continue attending RIT. After I receive my degree, I would love to work in web and app design. Because of the way technology is moving, websites are starting to look and function more like apps, and apps are starting to look and function more like websites. This creates a need for software engineers with the knowledge to work with both. I already have experience with web and app design, and I enjoy designing simply styled web pages and apps that still display all the information needed. I am currently working on redesigning websites for some local businesses, as well as a website that I am creating that includes the use of a database and allows the user to keep track of the books they own and some basic information about them. I have also constructed apps, including an app that allows users to keep a virtual business card on their phone and share it with a QR code. Every day I am learning new things through classes and independent study and using them to make these projects better. In the future, I would love to have a career where I could create technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect how they live. Another project I would like to work on is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. For example, if describing a restaurant, it could say, “First, you will stand in line next to the coffee maker. Then, the cashier will call ‘next’ when they are ready, and you will walk up to them and order. Then, you will get your order number and stand to the right of the cash registers. If you ordered a drink, it will be to the left.” Basic information like this would make a person with anxiety feel much better about going to the place because there are fewer unknowns when they get there. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship.
Chadwick D. McNab Memorial Scholarship
For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. I love to read so much that I have acquired quite a collection of books. At one point, I decided I wanted to track the books I have, which ones I have read, which ones I liked, and other information like that. However, I did not like any of the websites that I looked at. So, I decided to make my own. Of course, at this point, I had no idea how to create a website. I started a new GitHub repository, Googled how to create a website, and started coding. I am extremely proud of this project because I have increased my knowledge in HTML, CSS, Javascript, databasing, and designing the layout of a web page. I am still working on the project, but I am learning new things every day so I can keep making it better. Once it is finished, I plan on making my website accessible to the public so others can use it. My goal as a software engineer is to create websites and apps that are accessible and easy to use for everyone. Working in technology inspires me because it allows me to create something out of nothing that people can use and enjoy. I have always wanted to help people and make the world more accessible for everyone, and technology allows me to do that. I also love learning new things, and in the software industry, it is imperative that I continue to learn new languages and processes throughout my career. Another project that I have worked on was a website that shows the locations of the wheelchair-accessible entrances, paths, and elevators on my college campus. This project was done with some of my colleagues and I was able to learn some software development processes while completing this project. In the future, I would love to have a career where I could create technology that makes the world more accessible to people with disabilities and conditions that may affect how they live. Another project I would like to work on is an app or website that allows people with anxiety to review businesses and places based on how overwhelming it is to be there. This app or website would also have a way for people to describe what happens when they go there so people with anxiety can prepare before they go. For example, if describing a restaurant, it could say, “First, you will stand in line next to the coffee maker. Then, the cashier will call ‘next’ when they are ready, and you will walk up to them and order. Then, you will get your order number and stand to the right of the cash registers. If you ordered a drink, it will be to the left.” Basic information like this would make a person with anxiety feel much better about going to the place because there are fewer unknowns when they get there. As a person with anxiety, I know I would use this product. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship.
Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship
When I was in high school, I was given the opportunity to take a computer science class for the first time and it changed my life. My computer science teacher taught me in a way that was engaging and fun. After a few days in that class, I decided that I wanted to continue my education in computer science throughout high school and college. By my senior year of high school, I was the president of my school’s chapter of Girls Who Code and I had decided that I wanted to continue my education in the software branch of computer science. Now, I am a software engineering student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and I love continually learning new things about the software engineering field in and out of class. However, because of the caliber of RIT, the tuition is higher than many other universities, creating a need for me to earn scholarships to continue attending RIT. After I receive my degree, I would love to work in web and app design. Because of the way technology is moving, websites are starting to look and function more like apps, and apps are starting to look and function more like websites. This creates a need for software engineers with the knowledge to work with both. I already have experience with web and app design, and I enjoy designing simply styled web pages and apps that still display all the information needed. I am currently working on redesigning websites for some local businesses, as well as a website that I am creating that includes the use of a database and allows the user to keep track of the books they own and some basic information about them. I have also constructed apps, including an app that allows users to keep a virtual business card on their phone and share it with a QR code. Every day I am learning new things through classes and independent study and using them to make these projects better. I feel that I am the best candidate for this scholarship because I will use the money to continue my education at RIT and receive the knowledge and guidance I need to excel in the software industry. I also want to use my knowledge and experience to help people in the future and I am actively involved in my community.
McDuffie Software Engineering Scholarship
I have always been a very school-oriented person because I love learning new things. As a result of my love of learning, I wanted to attend a top university. I have just completed my first year of school at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and I would cherish the opportunity to continue to attend RIT. However, top universities have higher tuition, and without scholarships like this one I may not be able to stay at RIT. As a software engineering student at RIT, I am constantly learning new languages, concepts, and processes to help me excel in the software engineering field. Each course I complete opens my eyes to a new way to create and update software to keep up with the industry’s constant expansion. This scholarship will allow me to continue to attend RIT and receive the education I need to succeed in the software industry. I wish to continue my education at RIT because the professors there have the resources and the knowledge to help the students grow as people and as software engineers. I enjoy all aspects of software engineering. However, I am most excited to pursue work in web and app design after I graduate from college. I already have experience with web and app design, and I enjoy designing simple web pages and apps that still display all the information needed. I am currently working on redesigning websites for some local businesses, as well as a website that I am creating that includes the use of a database and allows the user to keep track of the books they own and some basic information about them. I have also constructed apps, including an app that allows users to keep a virtual business card on their phone and share it with a QR code. Every day I am learning new things through classes and independent study and using them to make these projects better. While web and app design is my favorite aspect of software engineering, a close second is designing code for system processing. Many projects I have done for my courses at RIT are based on the need to process information and output correct and relevant results to the user. I enjoy the challenge of processing information, and I would love to do work relating to system processing in the future. Most importantly, I appreciate that I can learn new things every day while working in the software industry. It is imperative to continue learning while working in software development because the industry is steadily expanding with new technology, coding languages, and procedures each day. Thank you for your consideration.
Bold Longevity Scholarship
Humans are interdependent, so they can’t live long or healthy lives alone. Most people spend their lives surrounded by social circles full of others who have the same interests as them. Through everyday interactions, they become attached to a certain group of people. These people help each other in tough situations and become a close-knit family. I believe that the best way to live a long and healthy life is by staying close to these other people. Interdependence helps people become healthier physically, emotionally, and mentally. Having someone to talk to makes everything in life a little easier. This interdependence also helps people figure out who they are and who they want to be. If you don’t know who you are or who you want to be, you might live a long life, but it won’t be a happy one. And if you aren’t happy, it becomes exponentially harder to be healthy.
Bold Persistence Scholarship
I was on my third year of Varsity Tennis, an established player on the team, and was headed to the regional tournament. Until I wasn't. One day before the players’ names were submitted for the regional tournament, I was challenged. Unfortunately, I lost the challenge match. Since I lost the match, I lost my spot in the regional tournament and was devastated. All I wanted was to keep playing tennis, but my season was over due to my loss. So, I trained hard for the next season. I joined a league in the summer and in the fall to help improve my skills and strategies against opponents. I also continued to practice on my own. I continue to work hard for the upcoming season, plan to go to the regional tournament, and will have my best season yet.
Bold Listening Scholarship
Throughout the last two years, the class of 2022 has been hoping against everything that we could have a somewhat normal senior year. Missing out on half of high school has jumpstarted feelings of unsatisfaction with our schools and communities. At Calvert High School, I am doing everything I can to listen to others and help them feel like part of a community. On the Student Leader Senior Panel, I must constantly be listening to those around me to get feedback on schoolwide activities. As the President of Girls Who Code, I must listen to ideas and opinions of other officers and members when planning meetings, field trips, activities, and county-wide events. Also, I am on the Student Panel, which is a group of students who meet with the principal of my school every month to discuss changes and events in the school in order to improve the school atmosphere. To me, listening means collaboration and success. When there is teamwork and people listen to others, more is accomplished. For example, instead of a President and a Vice President, the Student Leaders have a Senior Panel. This allows us to collaborate, making each decision a group decision rather than having one person “in charge”. As a group, we come up with many amazing ideas to help the school. I believe listening to others and collaboration are the building blocks of success.
Catherine Roe Student Profile | Bold.org