Part III of Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand - "I swear—by my life and my love of it—that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine. This is the code of the creator, the trader, the thinker, the man who knows that his life is his own and that no other being can or should dictate its purpose. The world you desire—the world of reason, justice, freedom, and production—can be achieved only by those who recognize that ‘A is A,’ that reality is absolute, and that the only moral law is the law of cause and effect. To the looters who cling to the myth that existence is negotiable, I say: Check your premises. You cannot eat your cake and have it, you cannot enslave the mind and yet demand its fruits, you cannot build a paradise out of chains and lies. The universe will not bend to your contradictions." Why Self-Ownership Matters in Atlas Shrugged In Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand shows a world where people are forced to surrender their earned things for the benefit of others. Ayn Rand argues that such a system does not function in the real world and is morally wrong. The most significant passage in the book occurs when John Galt declares “I swear—by my life and my love of it—that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.” At first glance this statement seems harsh yet it delivers an essential truth about freedom. Galt fights for the idea that human life belongs solely to each person and no authority claims ownership including the government and society as well as family members. The main point Rand expresses here is that people should not be obligated to dedicate their lives to serving others. The choice to help someone must always remain voluntary since no one should be obligated to provide assistance. Galt defines this way of thinking as "the code of the creator, the trader, the thinker." These individuals take full responsibility for their existence while making their decisions independently without demanding anything in return. According to their principles success results from personal effort instead of receiving it from others or surrendering it to others. Galt presents his vision of an ideal society which includes "reason, justice, freedom, and production" in this section. Rand believes a society built on acceptance of factual reality called "A is A" will produce such a world. Facts remain unchanged because we desire them to be otherwise. The law states that people who do not work should not receive any benefits. People who work diligently to produce valuable things deserve the right to maintain what they have earned. Rand uses "law of cause and effect" to explain that people receive what they earn through their efforts. People cannot force others to give away their life's work simply because they require their achievements. The looters according to Galt represent individuals who maintain that existence can be altered through negotiations. Such individuals attempt to defy natural laws in hopes of achieving their goals. Rand reveals the fundamental flaw in this argument. Forcing someone to think and create under pressure does not prevent their mind from becoming enslaved even though we cannot enslave minds. The establishment of a good society requires that we do not penalize successful individuals. According to Galt it is impossible to build a paradise through the use of chains and lies thus indicating that force and dishonesty and guilt cannot create a better world. Galt instructs looters to "check your premises" which means examining their beliefs to determine if they hold any truth. When you force people to sacrifice themselves for others do you create a fair society or build a false system that will eventually collapse? According to Rand a successful real society requires the respect of individual rights for everyone. People should be free to decide their path while creating value and trading with others based on agreement rather than forced by guilt or fear or coercion. The main message of Atlas Shrugged extends beyond its narrative to provide guidance about life. According to this message we must maintain honesty about ourselves and take charge of our actions while refusing to force others to serve our needs. We need to stop pretending about reality and burden others because a truly fair and free world requires this approach. The universe refuses to adjust its natural course when confronted with your conflicting statements. Neither should we.

You’ve probably heard about racism in things like unfair police stops or job discrimination, but did you know it’s also hiding in the technology we use every day? From social media to job applications, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms often treat people differently based on race—and not in a good way. As a student passionate about tech, I believe we can use coding and creativity to fight back against these digital injustices. Here’s how racial bias shows up in tech, why it matters, and what I plan to do about it. One of the biggest problems is facial recognition software. In one test, a popular AI misidentified Black women 34% of the time but almost never made mistakes with white men. Imagine being accused of a crime just because a glitchy computer confused you with someone else. Then there’s hiring discrimination. Big companies like Amazon tried using AI to pick job applicants, rejecting resumes with words like "women’s basketball" or names that sounded Black. Even worse, hospitals use AI to decide which patients need extra care, but the algorithms often ignore Black patients because they were trained on flawed data about healthcare spending. These life-changing mistakes. AI controls what ads you see, what news pops up on your feed, even who gets approved for loans. If the code is racist, the results will be too. And since most tech teams are still overwhelmingly white and male, they often don’t notice these problems until it’s too late. That’s why we need more diverse voices in tech—people who can spot these biases before they hurt communities. I want to use the skills to fight algorithmic racism. First, I’d push for AI systems to be tested on all skin tones and backgrounds before they’re released—no more excuses like "we didn’t have enough data." Second, I’d team up with activists and lawmakers to demand transparency, so companies can’t hide behind "secret algorithms" when their tech discriminates. And third, I’d teach workshops at schools like mine to show other teens how to spot biased tech and demand better. But it’s not just about fixing broken code—it’s about fixing the system. Right now, only 5% of AI researchers are Black, and most tech companies don’t have enough minorities in leadership to challenge bad decisions. I want to help change that by mentoring younger students of color in STEM and proving that our perspectives matter. After all, if a self-driving car can’t recognize dark skin, maybe the real problem isn’t the car… it’s the people who built it. Some people act like technology is neutral, but it’s not—it reflects the biases of the humans who create it. The good news? That means we can change it. We don’t have to accept racist algorithms or unfair AI. By learning to code, speaking up, and demanding accountability, my generation can build a tech future that’s fair for everyone. So next time you hear about a "glitch" that only seems to affect people of color, ask yourself: Was it really an accident? Or was it just another case of tech ignoring marginalized voices? I’m choosing to do more than just wonder. I’m choosing to act—one line of code, one conversation, and one reform at a time. Because in the end, technology shouldn’t decide who gets opportunities… people should. And we’re the people who’ll make sure of it.

In a world full of challenges, I view education as a hope and empowerment. Reflecting on my life and circumstances, I feel compelled to share my story and the reasons why I am applying for this scholarship. Coming from a low-income household and having endured the abandonment of my biological parents, I have not only overcome these adversities but also dedicated myself to supporting those around me and contributing to my community. Despite the hurdles I have faced, my commitment to pursuing higher education has remained steadfast. This scholarship would alleviate the significant financial strain on my family, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about how to afford my education. For me, it represents not just financial assistance but also a lifeline to achieving my dreams and unlocking my potential. From the age of 15, I have taken on work responsibilities to ease the burden on my guardian and help support my family. For over two years, I have held a part-time job, juggling work and school while remaining reliable and committed—I have never missed a day of work or arrived late. This is something I take pride in, as it demonstrates my dedication and responsibility. My income has contributed directly to household expenses, and I have worked diligently to save for college, knowing that my legal guardianship will end when I turn 18 in June. Unfortunately, due to my guardian’s disability, she will be unable to financially assist with my college expenses. This reality has driven me to take ownership of my future by seeking scholarships and other opportunities to fund my education. Receiving this scholarship would not only make attending UNC Charlotte possible but would also give me the chance to focus fully on my academic and personal growth. By investing in my education, you are also investing in the future I aim to build—a future in which I will, in turn, invest in others. It is my goal to use the opportunities I have to uplift those around me and to create a positive ripple effect in my community and beyond. In conclusion, I humbly submit this statement as part of my scholarship application. I am not just asking for financial assistance; I am seeking the opportunity to further cultivate my potential, contribute meaningfully to society, and set an example for others. Thank you for considering my application and supporting students like me who are working tirelessly to turn their dreams into reality.

You’ve probably heard about racism in things like unfair police stops or job discrimination, but did you know it’s also hiding in the technology we use every day? From social media to job applications, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms often treat people differently based on race—and not in a good way. As a student passionate about tech, I believe we can use coding and creativity to fight back against these digital injustices. Here’s how racial bias shows up in tech, why it matters, and what I plan to do about it. One of the biggest problems is facial recognition software. Studies have found that these systems work great for white faces but mess up way more often for people with darker skin. In one test, a popular AI misidentified Black women 34% of the time but almost never made mistakes with white men. Imagine being accused of a crime just because a glitchy computer confused you with someone else. It’s already happened—multiple innocent Black men have been arrested because of faulty facial recognition. That’s not just a tech fail; it’s a civil rights issue. Then there’s hiring discrimination. Big companies like Amazon tried using AI to pick job applicants, but the algorithm learned from old biased data and started rejecting resumes with words like "women’s basketball" or names that sounded Black. Even worse, hospitals use AI to decide which patients need extra care, but the algorithms often ignore Black patients because they were trained on flawed data about healthcare spending. These aren’t small mistakes—they’re life-changing. You might think, "I’m not a programmer, so how does this affect me?" But here’s the thing: AI controls what ads you see, what news pops up on your feed, even who gets approved for loans. If the code is racist, the results will be too. And since most tech teams are still overwhelmingly white and male, they often don’t notice these problems until it’s too late. That’s why we need more diverse voices in tech—people who can spot these biases before they hurt communities. First I’d push for AI systems to be tested on all skin tones and backgrounds before they’re released—no more excuses like "we didn’t have enough data." Second, I’d team up with activists and lawmakers to demand transparency, so companies can’t hide behind "secret algorithms" when their tech discriminates. And third, I’d teach workshops at schools like mine to show other teens how to spot biased tech and demand better. But it’s not just about fixing broken code—it’s about fixing the system. Right now, only 5% of AI researchers are Black, and most tech companies don’t have enough minorities in leadership to challenge bad decisions. I want to help change that by mentoring younger students of color in STEM and proving that our perspectives matter. After all, if a self-driving car can’t recognize dark skin, maybe the real problem isn’t the car… it’s the people who built it. Some people act like technology is neutral, but it’s not—it reflects the biases of the humans who create it. The good news? That means we can change it. By learning to code, speaking up, and demanding accountability, my generation can build a tech future that’s fair for everyone. I’m choosing to do more than just wonder. I’m choosing to act—one line of code, one conversation, and one reform at a time. Because in the end, technology shouldn’t decide who gets opportunities… people should. And we’re the people who’ll make sure of it.

After I graduate with a technology degree, I plan to use my skills to make a positive impact in the world. My journey has been shaped by resilience and a drive to overcome challenges, and I’m excited to take those lessons into my future career. I’ve always had a passion for technology, and I believe it has the power to do a lot of good if used ethically and responsibly. I want to be part of the growing tech field and work on projects that make a difference. I’m especially interested in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and AI. These fields are not only exciting, but they also offer a chance to solve important problems, like protecting people’s privacy and ensuring that new technologies are used safely. I want to focus on creating tech solutions that are ethical and considerate of how they affect individuals and communities. As technology continues to grow and change quickly, I plan to keep learning and adapting to stay on top of new trends and challenges. As a senior in High School I have shared my knowledge of computing, tutoring has been fulfilling also. My goal is to work with companies or projects that focus on making technology accessible and beneficial for everyone, including underrepresented groups. I believe that diversity in tech teams leads to better and more creative solutions. I also want to be involved in projects that tackle real-world issues, like improving accessibility or finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of technology. By working on these types of projects, I can combine my love for tech with my desire to make a positive impact. In addition to my technical skills, I bring a strong sense of discipline and teamwork. Through my experiences in sports and academics, I’ve learned the value of working together with others to achieve a common goal. I know that collaborating with a team can lead to better solutions, and I’m excited to contribute my ideas while learning from others in the process. Ultimately, I want to make sure that the technology I work on isn’t just innovative but also responsible and beneficial to society. I believe that tech has the potential to change the world, and I want to be part of creating solutions that improve people’s lives. With my passion, dedication, and ethical approach to technology, I’m ready to contribute to the future of tech in a meaningful way.

not sure, but I found foster care payment stub My life story may be a little different from most, but I don’t see it as something that holds me back. My brothers and I ended up in the care of a legal guardian when we were young, after our biological parents struggled to take care of us. Although we never stayed in touch with them, I’ve learned a lot about their struggles—my mom grew up in foster care, and my dad was involved in crime. Despite this, I’ve never used my background as an excuse or something to get sympathy. What really sets me apart is my drive to keep moving forward. My legal guardian, who I think of as my mom, didn’t finish college but built a successful career in computers, which made me believe in the power of hard work and curiosity. When I was six, she had me tested for gifted children, and although private school was expensive, I always knew I had the ability to succeed in whatever I chose to do. She showed me that intelligence and determination are key, not necessarily following a traditional path. My mom also raised me with strong religious beliefs, which taught me the importance of making responsible choices and learning from my mistakes. I’m not perfect, but I know it’s okay to seek forgiveness and keep going. These lessons have shaped how I handle challenges and how I look at the future. Being tall (6’4”) meant everyone assumed I’d play basketball, and I did make the varsity team. But what I really love is track and field. There’s something about the individual challenge of pushing myself to new limits that keeps me coming back. Whether in sports or life, I’m always looking for ways to improve myself. Growing up, I was fascinated by technology, video games, crime shows, and anime. These interests led me to explore the world of cyber-security and criminology, where I could use my intelligence to help others and protect them. I want to make the world a safer place, and I’m excited by how technology can be used for good. I’m also interested in art, especially drawing. It’s a way for me to relax and express myself, though I’m not sure I’m ready to show it to the world yet. My mom always encourages me to keep going with it, even suggesting that one day my work could be in a local museum. Recently, I’ve also discovered a love for theatre. Watching movies, I often noticed the lack of Black characters on screen, and it made me think, “Why not me?” That thought inspired me to explore acting and see where it could take me. Whether on the track, in the studio, or on stage, I love finding new ways to express myself. The most important thing I’ve learned from growing up with a single mom is mental strength. She showed me how to handle tough situations and keep pushing forward. I’ve learned to stay focused on the future, no matter what challenges I face. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead—whether that’s in technology, acting, or another field—and I’m determined to keep moving toward my goals and making the most of every opportunity. In the end, my experiences have taught me to take responsibility, push myself, and always look ahead. What makes me different isn’t just where I come from—it’s my drive to make a difference, learn new things, and never give up.

Growing up in a single-parent household shaped me but didn’t define me. My brothers and I were raised by our legal guardian, a remarkable woman I consider my mom. Despite not finishing college, she built a successful career in computers, inspiring me to believe in the power of hard work and curiosity. Her values and unwavering support taught me the importance of intelligence, determination, and making responsible choices. Standing tall at 6’4”, I embraced sports, excelling in basketball and finding my passion in track and field. The individual challenges of track mirror my approach to life—always striving to push boundaries and grow. My fascination with technology, crime shows, and anime led me to explore cybersecurity and criminology, where I aim to use my skills to make the world a safer place. I’ve also found joy in creative outlets like drawing and theatre, where I express myself and envision opportunities for representation. Resilience defines my path. My experiences have taught me to embrace challenges, take responsibility, and stay focused on my goals. Whether in technology, art, or acting, I’m determined to seize opportunities, make a difference, and keep moving forward. It’s not just where I come from but my drive to grow, learn, and never give up that sets me apart.

Growing up in a single-parent household has definitely shaped who I am today, but I don’t let it define me. My life story may be a little different from most, but I don’t see it as something that holds me back. My brothers and I ended up in the care of a legal guardian when we were young, after our biological parents struggled to take care of us. Although we never stayed in touch with them, I’ve learned a lot about their struggles—my mom grew up in foster care, and my dad was involved in crime. Despite this, I’ve never used my background as an excuse or something to get sympathy. What really sets me apart is my drive to keep moving forward. My legal guardian, a single woman, who I think of as my mom, didn’t finish college but built a successful career in computers, which made me believe in the power of hard work and curiosity. When I was six, she had me tested for gifted children, and although private school was expensive, I always knew I had the ability to succeed in whatever I chose to do. She showed me that intelligence and determination are key, not necessarily following a traditional path. My mom also raised me with strong religious beliefs, which taught me the importance of making responsible choices and learning from my mistakes. I’m not perfect, but I know it’s okay to seek forgiveness and keep going. These lessons have shaped how I handle challenges and how I look at the future. Being tall (6’4”) meant everyone assumed I’d play basketball, and I did make the varsity team. But what I really love is track and field. There’s something about the individual challenge of pushing myself to new limits that keeps me coming back. Whether in sports or life, I’m always looking for ways to improve myself. Growing up, I was fascinated by technology, video games, crime shows, and anime. These interests led me to explore the world of cyber-security and criminology, where I could use my intelligence to help others and protect them. I want to make the world a safer place, and I’m excited by how technology can be used for good. I’m also interested in art, especially drawing. It’s a way for me to relax and express myself, though I’m not sure I’m ready to show it to the world yet. My mom always encourages me to keep going with it, even suggesting that one day my work could be in a local museum. Recently, I’ve also discovered a love for theatre. Watching movies, I often noticed the lack of Black characters on screen, and it made me think, “Why not me?” That thought inspired me to explore acting and see where it could take me. Whether on the track, in the studio, or on stage, I love finding new ways to express myself. The most important thing I’ve learned from growing up with a single mom is mental strength. She showed me how to handle tough situations and keep pushing forward. I’ve learned to stay focused on the future, no matter what challenges I face. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead—whether that’s in technology, acting, or another field—and I’m determined to keep moving toward my goals and making the most of every opportunity. In the end, my experiences have taught me to take responsibility, push myself, and always look ahead. What makes me different isn’t just where I come from—it’s my drive to make a difference, learn new things, and never give up.