In Indonesia, the poorest of the poor are women. I stumbled upon this truth when collaborating with the army to distribute vaccines to the most impoverished corners during the pandemic. Most beggars on the streets, maids in rich people’s houses, and migrant workers in neighboring nations are women. Passionate about math and coding, I experienced the same discrimination. In every STEM course I registered for, my parents questioned, Why? In every competition, I was often the only girl. Yet, these only bolster my determination to transcend socioeconomic barriers and shatter the glass ceiling I have three strikes against me. Nobody in my extended family works in tech, none graduated from a university outside Indonesia, and few Indonesian girls pursue STEM courses. To broaden my global perspective, I decide to pursue higher education in a developed country with superior academic resources, a conducive learning environment, and diverse connections. My vision is to create a woman-led startup building an online marketplace for women to offer their products and services globally. With my desire to empower women, I launched a one-on-one consultation program, as the Vice President for Women in Computer Science. This allows members to connect intimately with officers and get their advice on the right courses, insights, or available opportunities. Similarly, as the VP of Operations in Code the Change, I helped three non-profits showcase their works, leverage their narratives, and equip them with donation tools. This spirit of empowering others will be a tool to enable others, girls or non-profits, to progress. From a middle-class family in a developing country with two siblings, every expense is calculated. Aware of my parents’ sacrifices to fund my education abroad, I sought employment, from cafeteria work to tutoring. However, as an international student, I’m restricted to working on-campus with limited hours, barely covering my living expenses, let alone my educational needs. There is no plan B when I chose to fly 8,005 miles to the United States. I adopted the principle that I will only get out of life as much as I put into it. Beyond excelling in my academic courses, I embraced challenges by participating in the DVC's Google Developers Hackathon. Our team earned the Best Project Award for developing software that balances tree preservation with profitability. The experience of solving problems, working collaboratively, and adapting tech solutions to real-world complexities fosters my entrepreneurial mindset for success in ventures. In hopes to acquire skills necessary to build a startup, I interned as a software engineer at TypeDream, a US-based startup. Participating in every stage of developing the all-new web enabled me to be part of solid project management, cross-functional collaborations, and team spirit, crucial for success as a CS student and techpreneur. Receiving this scholarship would significantly support me in achieving my goals. It would relieve financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and initiatives aimed at empowering women in STEM. With this support, I can pursue my vision of creating a woman-led startup and continue contributing to initiatives like Women in Computer Science and Code the Change. This scholarship would not only facilitate my personal and academic growth but also enable me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women in Indonesia and beyond. True, the poorest individuals in Indonesia consists of women, but I aim to change that. Catalyst for change must come from female leaders who combine CS, entrepreneurship, and innovation to transcend social limitations and gender stereotyping. I intend to leverage my experiences to take part in this change.

In Indonesia, the poorest of the poor are women. I discovered this truth while distributing vaccines with the army in impoverished areas during the pandemic. Most beggars on the streets, maids in rich people’s houses, and migrant workers in neighboring nations are women. Passionate about math and coding, I experienced the same discrimination. In every STEM course I registered for, my parents questioned, Why? In every competition, I was often the only girl. And from successful tech titans, I found no female role model. Yet, these only bolster my determination to transcend socioeconomic barriers and shatter the glass ceiling for us. My vision to create a woman-led startup building an online marketplace for women, offering their products and services globally, has led me to CS. I have three strikes against me. Nobody in my extended family works in tech, none graduated from a university outside Indonesia, and few Indonesian girls pursue STEM courses. Coming from a middle-class family with two siblings means every expense is calculated. There is no plan B when I chose to fly 8,005 miles to the Unites States. I adopted the principle that I will only get out of life as much as I put into it. Challenging myself beyond acing my academic courses, I threw myself to opportunities. I partook in the DVC’s Google Developers’ Hackathon with friends, creating software software to balance tree conservation with profitability. Despite getting the Best Project Award, I find more fulfilment harnessing my programming skills, working with different perspectives, and cultivating a can-do attitude and business mindset necessary for a thriving venture. As Vice President of Women in Computer Science, I initiated a one-on-one consultation program to empower women by facilitating personal interactions with officers for guidance on courses, insights, and opportunities in the field of CS. Similarly, as the VP of Operations in Code the Change, I helped three non-profits showcase their works, leverage their narratives, and equip them with the donation tools. This spirit of empowering others will be a tool to enable others, girls or non-profits, to progress. In hopes to acquire skills necessary to build a startup, I interned as a software engineer at TypeDream, a US-based startup. Participating in every stage of developing the all-new web enabled me to be part of solid project management, cross-functional collaborations, and team spirit, crucial for success as a CS student and techpreneur. True, the poorest individuals in Indonesia consists of women, but I aim to change that. Catalyst for change must come from female leaders who combine CS, entrepreneurship, and innovation to transcend social limitations and gender stereotyping. Aspiring to create an online platform for women to break into the national and global market, I intend to be one of these leaders.

From a young age, I was captivated by technology's transformative impact on society. I marveled at the evolution of smartphones to the rise of Google. Just like a lot of young people, I too wanted to create “the next Google.” However, as a woman, I was often told that my dreams were too bold. Undeterred, others’ underestimation only fueled my determination. It sparked a dream: to create a tech startup that empowers women. This burning ambition led me to pursue a computer science degree. I realized how code can bridge the gap between imagination and reality, which made my dreams possible. With the belief that successful tech entrepreneurs lie in a robust understanding of computer science, I mastered programming languages, gained familiarity with the software development life cycle, and acquired technical skills to create scalable and efficient software applications. By pursuing this degree, I am immersing myself in an environment that nurtures innovative thinking and problem-solving, meeting with like-minded individuals who share the same goals and aspirations. Being in a stimulating environment will broaden my perspectives in the technology sector and open doors of opportunities for collaboration, making me a step closer to my dream. My long-term ambition involves creating an innovative digital platform dedicated to empowering women. This platform will serve as a vibrant hub where women from diverse backgrounds can connect, share their unique stories, and find inspiration through a variety of multimedia content, such as images, videos, and podcasts. My ultimate goal is to nurture a supportive community that not only strengthens the bonds among women but also instills them with the confidence and resources they need to pursue their dreams and goals. I envision this platform as a catalyst for change, inspiring women to break barriers and achieve their full potential. Additionally, intertwining my passion for fashion, I plan to leverage my degree to create an eco-friendly online marketplace exclusively featuring products made by women. It would prioritize locally produced fashion items by women in third-world countries. I aspire to integrate AI for personalized recommendations and blockchain technology for secure trading practices. This endeavor not only aligns with my academic pursuits but also reflects my commitment to sustainable and inclusive technological advancements. In essence, a degree in computer science is not just a means to a career for me; it's a gateway to making a meaningful difference in society, particularly in empowering women and fostering sustainable practices through technology.

It is Monday morning, a coffee sits beside my laptop as I attend my daily meeting with the executive board to plan out the goals for the week. The youngest female executive manager on the board, with the ability to work from anywhere, contributing to making a change in society. My goal. I took the bold step of traveling thousands of miles from my hometown to chase this goal. Juggling a challenging course load of 15 to 20 credits per semester while seeking supplementary income sources is not easy, especially as an international student with limited job opportunities. My passion for technology was sparked in 9th grade through a robotics competition. Despite initially joining for a friend, I was soon captivated by the challenge of coding a robot to sort garbage. Seeing how easily technology could solve real-world problems made me realize the immense power it holds and inspired me to explore ways to harness it for social good. This competition was the catalyst that sparked my interest in the field and set me on the path to pursue a career in technology. Through my participation in the robotics competition, I sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The rigorous training taught me about common programming pitfalls and how to overcome them. I would stay after school until the sun was down perfecting my code, and gaining a newfound appreciation for consistency and perseverance. When my hard work paid off and we were named runners-up, I felt a sense of elation and fulfillment. I realized I had fallen in love with the process, the power of technology, and what it could accomplish. Fueled by my passion for technology, I chose to study computer science, recognizing the vast opportunities it presents. Not only will it equip me with a broad range of technical knowledge and skills, but also offer a multitude of career paths to choose from upon graduation. I am excited about the possibility of not just joining, but potentially creating a startup in the technology industry and making a lasting impact. I made the conscious decision to enroll at DVC and have plans to transfer to UC Berkeley for its renowned computer science program, offering skill development and practical experience. My goal became clearer as I got involved with different organizations throughout high school. These include serving in the student council, tutoring underprivileged children, organizing a community service project to send care packages to those affected by the pandemic, and volunteering as a kid's mentor at church camps. Through these roles, I discovered a common thread that kept me motivated and inspired - the opportunity to innovate and bring new and creative ideas to life within these organizations. My vision for a socially-minded tech startup took shape when I realized my efforts made a difference in people's lives. This scholarship will allow me to concentrate on education, acquire needed skills and knowledge, and transfer to a four-year university without financial strain. I am confident that with quality education, I will attain the skills to launch a successful tech startup that makes a positive impact.

As an international student myself I salute Malgorzata "Maggie" Kwiecien’s tenacity, bravery, and dedication to education and knowledge. It serves as a reminder of the incredible things that people can accomplish when they put their minds to it. In many ways, I can identify with Maggie's struggles and see a great deal of myself in her. I, too, moved to the United States on my own, with no support system. A 17-year-old girl miles away from home studying computer science in a foreign country. While I did not face the same physical challenges as she did, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate a new country and culture on your own. There were often when I felt overwhelmed by the experience and longed to go home. It was also difficult to adjust to the academic expectations and thrive in a new environment. Despite these challenges, I have discovered that perseverance and a positive attitude can help you overcome even the most difficult circumstances. I also share Maggie’s passion for education and knowledge. Like her, I am constantly seeking to broaden my knowledge and become an expert in my field. I am constantly looking for opportunities to learn and grow, whether through reading and research, attending conferences and workshops, or simply engaging in conversations with others who are knowledgeable in the same areas. I also strive to participate in a lot of clubs and extracurricular activities that are a part of my major. I am now able to have key officer positions in 3 clubs in my community college. In addition to her passion for education, I also relate to Maggie’s intellectual boldness. She was never afraid of a debate and was always eager to engage in discussions and explore new ideas. Similarly, I've always been drawn to the intellectual challenges that discussions and debates present, and I enjoy exploring new perspectives and ideas. This was one of the reasons why I involved myself in activities such as the debate club, student council and various interschool competitions. Finally, I admire Maggie's bravery and perseverance. Despite physical and mental challenges, she never lost her spirit or drive. She was always up for a challenge and was determined to push herself physically and intellectually to new heights. In my own life, I try to emulate this spirit because I believe it is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals.

Unlike most students, mathematics has always been a subject that I have admired and found fascinating. From a young age, I was drawn to its logical structure and the way that mathematical concepts could be used to explain and solve real-world problems. My enthusiasm for math has grown over the years, and it is now one of my favorite subjects. One of my favorite aspects of math is the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a difficult problem. There's something incredibly satisfying about solving a complex equation or theorem. It is a feeling of pride and confidence that comes from knowing that I have mastered a difficult concept. Math also gives me a sense of structure and order, which I find both comforting and intellectually stimulating. Another reason I enjoy math is its adaptability and breadth of applications in the real world. Math is important in many fields, from engineering and physics to finance and economics. It provides a common language for people from various backgrounds to communicate and collaborate, and it enables us to make sense of the complex systems and processes that exist in our world. Math also tests and pushes me to think critically and creatively. It challenges me to broaden my mind and think in new ways, and it assists me in developing important problem-solving skills that I can apply in a variety of areas of my life. Whether I'm working on a difficult math problem or attempting to solve a real-world problem, I always feel like I'm learning and growing as a person. Finally, I enjoy math because it fosters a sense of community. Whether I'm working on a problem with a classmate or discussing mathematical concepts with other math enthusiasts, I always feel like I'm a part of a larger group of people who share my enthusiasm for this subject. This sense of community and shared passion is extremely motivating, and it makes me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself. In conclusion, my love for math is rooted in its logical structure, versatility, challenge, and sense of community. Math inspires and motivates me whether I am solving a difficult problem, exploring new mathematical concepts, or working with others. I'm looking forward to continuing my studies in this field and discovering everything it has to offer

My grandfather has always been an inspiration to me. He was a self-made man who grew up in poverty but worked hard to better himself and his family's life. Despite numerous setbacks, he never lost sight of his goals and remained determined to succeed. His unwavering optimism and strong work ethic have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration for me, and they have had a significant impact on my life. My grandfather used to tell me stories about his childhood and the difficulties he faced when he was a kid. Despite his poverty, he was always optimistic and believed that anything was possible with hard work. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade to help support his family, but his passion for learning never faded. He taught himself to read and write, and he became a lifelong learner, always on the lookout for new information and experiences. As I grew older, I realized how significant my grandfather's accomplishments were. Despite numerous challenges, he was able to build a successful career and provide a better life for his family. He became a role model for me, and I have always admired his determination and resilience. My grandfather's influence on my life was especially influential in my decision to further my education. He always stressed the value of education and encouraged me to do my best in school. He believed that education was the key to success, and he instilled in me a passion for learning that has lasted my entire life. His encouragement and support were crucial in my decision to continue my education and pursue a career that will allow me to make a positive difference in the world. In addition to inspiring me to pursue further education, my grandfather has also inspired me to participate in debate. He was a natural communicator who could always express his thoughts and ideas in a clear and persuasive manner. His enthusiasm for public speaking and ability to inspire others had a profound impact on me, and I have always been drawn to these abilities. As a result, I joined my school’s debate club and was given the opportunity to become the social media manager of the club. Participating in the debate club has provided me with an excellent opportunity to hone my public speaking and argumentation skills. It has also enabled me to gain a more in-depth understanding of the issues that are important to me, as well as to learn how to communicate those issues in a persuasive and effective manner. In doing so, I hope to have the same positive impact on the world as my grandfather. Ultimately, throughout my life, my grandfather has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. His unwavering optimism and strong work ethic have served as constant reminders of the value of education and the power of perseverance. His influence on my life has been profound, and I will be eternally grateful for his advice and support. I hope to honor his memory and make a positive impact on the world as I continue my education and pursue my passion for speech and debate or mock trial, just as he did.

"What is your major?" The most common question I get asked as a 17-year-old entering college. The reactions I tell them about computer science vary from person to person. Some would be shocked as to why a girl majors in computer science. Others would respond with, "Ohh, so you like coding!" One thing that is the same is that everyone comes down with the conclusion that I would get a programmer job after graduating. This is nothing like what I had in mind. My purpose in pursuing a computer science degree is not solely from just getting an 8-hour office job in a multimillion company; I aspire to use my knowledge in the computer science field to dive into the technology arena and build a startup. Ever since I was a kid, I saw my parents building a textile company from the bottom up. Through them, I realized the importance of perseverance and responsibility. I will never forget the look on their faces every time they reached a new milestone. I could sense the feeling of accomplishment, pride, and joy radiating from their faces. I wanted to feel the same thing too. This is one of the reasons why I want to build a startup. The field of technology is expanding in all arenas in our world today. I pursued the computer science major since I knew I would need the skills taught in the program to allow me to be competitive in the technology sector. There are still a lot of unsolved issues in the world, starting from the environment, education, social and work spheres. I find joy in searching for solutions to these problems or more effective ways to solve them. This is because, as a person who loves challenges, I could put my critical thinking to the test. I plan to implement the skills and knowledge I learn throughout my major to solve one of these issues and combine my creative side with the business side of making a profit. Thus establishing a startup in the technological sector. Although I am enrolled in a community college, I plan to transfer to a 4-year university. This is because I believe in university, I would be able to expand my network and connect with more people around the globe due to its large size and various activities or programs. Furthermore, I think the resources in a 4-year university will allow me to reach my fullest potential by providing me with more opportunities, qualified professors, and hands-on experiences. Moreover, if I were given the resources and opportunity to pursue a master's degree after completing my bachelor's, I would take a business or financial engineering degree. This is because I want to have a whole rounded set of skills for me to build my startup. By completing a bachelor's in computer science and a master's in business degree, I would be able to grasp both the technology and business world fully. Allowing me to integrate them both into my career life. This scholarship would help bring me one step closer to my goal. It would help smoothen the transition of transferring to a four-year university, with the expense cost increasing almost ten times more compared to a community college. Especially with the considerable cost gap difference between US citizens and international students. In addition, it would also give me the resources I need to pursue my master's degree and expand my network and skills. In the end, to realize my dream of owning a startup.

It all started with a moan. “What is this expensive robot for?” The school asked the whole student body to buy a robot to be able to launch their hands-on learning program. I was reluctant to buy the robot due to its illogical price. However, in the end, I had to get my hands on it to get my grade for the practical work component. The teacher asked volunteers from the class to join an inter-school competition called the MakeX competition. Students will program the robot to do specific tasks and be given points according to which tasks they succeed in programming. At that moment, I volunteered just because I did not want my money spent on the robot to go to waste. Since in class, we barely used it. Starting four weeks before the competition, my partner and I started to work on programming the robot for the given tasks in the competition. We went through a series of trials and errors. Sometimes we gave up and would try the next day again. There were times we jumped up and down with joy since the program finally worked. The feeling of accomplishment when the code succeeded piqued my interest in computers. Surprisingly, my first competition was successful, with us winning third place. It was a significant accomplishment keeping in mind that this was our first try. It drove us to join more competitions and participate in such activities. The desire to create concise and compelling code increased as I went from one competition to the next. Besides my interests in the computer science field and its demand in the workforce, my dream transcends more than just an eight-hour job. I wanted to build a start-up in the technology arena. There are still a lot of unsolved issues in the world, starting from the environment, education, social and work spheres. I find joy in searching for solutions to these problems or more effective ways to solve them. This is because, as a person who loves challenges, I could put my critical thinking to the test. For instance, I proposed a garbage sorting program to clean up the ocean using robots in one of the various high school projects. The sense of accomplishment in making these solutions come to life is also gratifying. I want to put my creative side of unique and crazy ideas into the business side of making a profit and living. This scholarship will be a stepping stone for me to get one step closer to the change I want to be able to contribute to society. I believe I am the perfect fit because I am an innovative problem solver that would use the skills learned in school to create start-ups that would tackle a world problem. I proposed many solutions to environmental and societal issues with technology implementation. I would use this as a starting point to grow my ideas and plant them in our real world.

Exactly a month ago, I moved to California. Thousands of miles away from home, a new environment, a new journey. Life has not been easy, especially for the first few weeks after moving in. A little girl who just turned 17 last July, having to move out of home, learn how to live alone in a foreign country, meet new people and adjust to the school’s teaching styles and curriculum. I still could remember the ache I felt in my gut as my parents flew home. The thoughts of fear and doubts clouded my head. How am I supposed to live here alone when I barely know anyone? What happens if I miss home too much? Who am I supposed to go to for help? At that moment, I remembered that I should turn to God for help. I prayed to Him, pouring out what I felt, asking for strength and wisdom. That is when I remembered that God asked me to have faith in Him and stay calm. It suddenly occurred to me what my pastor had said in one of his sermons. He told us that God would not give us obstacles bigger than what we can handle. He added that God knows our potential and would not leave us alone amid hardships. It sparked a little hope inside me; it helped me get out of bed every morning, knowing that God has my life planned out. I switched into a mentality of faith. Even though I do not have everything pulled together and am still figuring out how to adapt to this new environment, I am no longer fearful of change and have joy and peace in my daily life. Gradually, I started to make friends. We would cook dinner together, hang out with each other on the weekends and go to church on Sundays. I did not feel as isolated and lonely as the first few days. College and living alone did not seem all too scary since most of my friends were going through the same process. I realized that this was one of the answers to my prayers. They helped me adjust quickly to the new environment, and we were able to share our burdens. It made me have a second family. I think that faith will serve as an arrow to direct my path in the future. Ever since I was a kid, I always dreamt of creating a startup, giving pitches to investors, and building a headquarter. However, with this dream comes a lot of risk and responsibility. I realized that there would be times I would fail or a plan does not work out. Having faith is the only thing I can hold on to at these moments. When walking in faith, I could stick to my values of integrity and compassion, even though, at times, that would mean taking the longer route. I would be able to work fairly, and the joy of success would taste sweeter. I could chase my dreams and not be afraid to fail since faith would nurture a spirit of not giving up. It would drive me to tap into different opportunities and try new things. That is because I know that I have more than enough potential to get back up when I fall. Most importantly, I know God would open new doors I have never seen before. enough potential to get back up.