I am excited about Cyber Security because we must feel safe in today's unsecured world. New technologies are required to protect our identity, health information, sensitive data, and intellectual property. How can we live in a world without protection? With the increase in the number of data breaches and information leaks that make the headlines in the news every day, it is to no avail that people and organizations are vulnerable. It is crucial to rely on Cyber Security while at the same time educating people and employees about taking precautions to reduce the chances of cyber risks! Today they are numerous ways to teach individuals to help and guide them in recognizing cyber threats. One very effective way is through technology-based tools that are available today. These tools are very user-friendly and are accessible in many companies and organizations. For example, governmental organizations must prepare for tight Cyber Security measures and solutions through security risk assessment tools, fraud monitoring, and anti-phishing. These tools track for a system's vulnerabilities and can detect threats. Cyber attacks come in many different forms. Another example is when a user's sensitive data is compromised. Some of these cyber scams are designed to access and exploit a person's data to extort money. On a large scale, unfortunately, cybercriminals spare no one. Even with the onset of expanding technologies, the chances for cyber threats and risks have also been rapidly increasing. Cybercriminals have become more advanced in their attempts to deploy cyberattacks that can hamper the evolution of technology. The high costs of the damages created due to cyber-attacks are too expensive for people and organizations to overlook its importance. Being one step ahead of technology and learning as much as possible is the best way to protect oneself. And, this applies to people and organizations!

For me, hope is a feeling of trust that some of the challenges and obstacles in my life will get better. I believe hope is a mighty word because it keeps me optimistic about my prospects despite the challenges. For example, I am presented with financial challenges, and although I want to begin college this Fall 2021, I do not currently have the financial means to go to school. But, I choose to remain hopeful that as long as I continue to apply for scholarships, I will find a way to go to school. The one thing that keeps my hope alive is that I work diligently every day to make my dream to go back to college a reality. I have been applying for scholarships and paying bills on time to avoid debt. Hope is what keeps me grounded and level-headed because I know that circumstances can always change for the better. Since change is always constant, we have to weather the tides when times get tough and take as much action as necessary to get to where we need to! Feeling hopeful is invigorating and keeps our minds refreshed, knowing that each day in passing is a new start to focus on our goals and take action. Contrarily, without hope, we can feel stagnated and overwhelmed by our problems. Hope provides the solution and answer to head us away from "life's storms" and lead us to the right path and direction towards our goals and successes. When one reaches a fork in the road, one can take the "road to hope and wellness" or the "road to stagnation and despair." With that said, every one of us should choose to remain hopeful at all times. The best life to live is a life with no regrets! In summary, that is the power of hope!

In my view, generosity can mean a lot of things. Being generous is not necessarily tied to giving away money. One can also be generous with others in sharing their time, wisdom, and knowledge. For example, while I was applying for the college I wanted, I relied on two colleagues and mentors from work. I entrusted them each to provide a recommendation letter on my behalf. I depended on their knowledge and expertise in the Foreign Service and assessment of who I am to provide the letters that I needed. The deadline for the school application package was in less than two weeks, but I knew I could rely on them. The mentors completed the letters before the deadline as promised, and I was able to submit the completed application package on time. I was thrilled to see from their letters how much they both appreciated me. I have complete reverence for them, but I was also deeply grateful for their generosity. In retrospect, I know that I could not have made it to my dream school without their assistance. These mentors and colleagues have imparted their generosity with their time and valuable expertise. These resources are what I was most grateful for!

The quote by Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, "Do what you can, where you are, with what you have," resonates with me. Sometimes one can feel burdened by life's challenges and not realize the personal power someone has to make things happen. Many challenges always present themselves, whether we like it or not. That is a part of life. Sometimes our emotions get in the way, and the problems seem more significant than they are. The best thing to do is detach oneself from the negative emotions resulting from not knowing what to do to resolve an issue and find time for relaxation. Relaxation is significant because the mind thinks better when one's mind is at ease. Therefore, it is essential to find a way to relax for the mind to be calm and collected. Once you have become settled, then make a to-do list of things that you can do at present to resolve your issue. If you remain consistent in your approach, ultimately, you will be making progress towards your goal. I infer from Teddy's statement that the only person you can control is yourself regardless of the circumstances. No one has the power to prevent things that are beyond their control. So, stay prudent, and most of all, remain calm and do what you can! Doing something is always better than not doing anything at all.

One change that would impact and make education better for future generations is paying higher salaries for teachers and educators! If teachers and educators are considered good at what they do, they devote much of their time and resources to educating. To be an educator and a role model are a huge responsibility! And, this statement applies to educators who have students who are young, middle-aged, or elderly. Educators, teachers, and mentors play an essential role in society because they are knowledgeable, experienced, and resourceful. Many claim it takes a community to instill sound principles, values, ideas, and knowledge in a person. And, that is undoubtedly true! Why is it not the case that most educators, such as scientists, teachers, and doctors, never reach celebrity status or become wealthy? They should become wealthy based on their merit and their valuable contributions to society. Society will benefit tremendously if these educators and innovators receive monetary compensation commensurate with their contributions. For society, it will set new precedences and emphases on the value of education. More and more people will strive to become educated. Many will do whatever is necessary to achieve a better education, especially if there is a significant reward that results in a much better outcome and way of life for those who do. So, yes, I advocate that society reevaluates the importance of teachers and educators. Without them, our future generations would be lost and without the proper guidance. In today's world, many teachers and educators love their professions but yet they are underpaid. I know a friend who has left the teaching profession to become a budget analyst. Although my friend loves teaching, it was unrealistic for him to stay in that profession because it did not make ends meet, and he was drowning in debt. Unfortunately, he may have been a wonderful teacher, but he left the profession. Some many great teachers and educators leave their jobs for the same reason. As a result, our society is left to a detriment. So, let's make the world a better place and focus on what is important. Education is important!

There was a time in my life that I was caring for my three young children while my military husband was away on deployment. At that time, I was attending the College of William and Mary. For three years, I was on my own with my young children while going to college full-time. I recall frequently taking them to Swem Library on campus during the evenings to participate in a study group. While at the study group, I would need to take breaks to change their diapers. I was 30 at the time, while all of my peers were between the ages of 18 to 22. And, here I am with three rambunctious sons ages 8, 3, and 3. At times, they would run around the entire library. Luckily, many of my peers were understanding and helpful. They would help me retrieve them. Sometimes, I would get looks by the other library attendees that did not know me, but I did not care. For me, I was proud to be a mother and a student. I never placed any limitations on myself. I had this intense desire to succeed despite the odds. Also, I recall on Thanksgiving break of 2006, the central heater in my home stopped working. I was desperate because I could not reach a repair person, and I am stuck in a cold house with three young children. In addition, I had two term papers to write. The first thing I did was drive my children to the military base to purchase a premade Thanksgiving meal at the commissary. After we returned to the house, I put several layers of clothes on my children and myself. And, I gave my children blankets while I was looking for the one space heater that I had. I had my children sit together in one corner of the living room with the space heater directed at them. I turned the t.v. on so they could watch children's educational shows. I sat on the other side of the room where the computer was located, placed a blanket on myself, and started working on my term papers. Although I was freezing and gave my children the only space heater that I had, I managed to detach myself from the physical pain I was suffering to accomplish my task. After one hour of intense focus, I got up to warm up their Thanksgiving meal. After my children ate, I would continue my task. At 9 p.m., I would get my children ready for bed and moved a large mattress to the living room. While they were asleep facing the space heater, I would continue writing until dawn the next morning. The day I graduated from William and Mary, I thought of those intense moments, and I started sobbing. Graduation day hit me the hardest because I accomplished what seemed to be impossible. I endured a lot, but my children gave me the motivation and determination to succeed.

Living as an American child in Haiti during the 1980s, I experienced living in the absence of democratic principles. Haiti's dictatorship brought about rampant corruption within the government. Also, I witnessed firsthand the plight and suffering of the misfortunate and poverty-stricken Haitian populous. This experience taught me to value democracy; therefore, I decided to serve in U.S. democratic institutions that promote peace and stability. It is for this reason that I joined the U.S. Navy. Later, I worked in the federal government as a Program Manager at the Defense Contract Management Agency. And currently, I work for the State Department. These experiences helped shape the person I am today. I understand the mission that I am a part of and the importance of teamwork. I value such principles as hard work, persistence, and determination. For two years, I managed going to the university full-time while assuming the sole responsibility and care for my three very young children. My military husband was away on deployment during this time. Despite the difficult circumstances, I succeeded and obtained a bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary. If selected for these scholarship opportunities, this will allow me to utilize the experiences I gained from living abroad and the military, which will broaden my knowledge for a career in the Intelligence field. Since I choose to serve as a role model for my four children to achieve their dreams, I am diligently seeking scholarship opportunities and funds to realize my goals.

Living as an American child in Haiti during the 1980s, I experienced living in the absence of democratic principles. Haiti's dictatorship brought about rampant corruption within the government. Also, I witnessed firsthand the plight and suffering of the misfortunate and poverty-stricken Haitian populous. This experience taught me to value democracy; therefore, I decided to serve in U.S. democratic institutions that promote peace and stability. It is for this reason that I joined the U.S. Navy. Later, I worked in the federal government as a Program Manager at the Defense Contract Management Agency. And currently, I work for the State Department. These experiences helped shape the person I am today. I understand the mission that I am a part of and the importance of teamwork. I value such principles as hard work, persistence, and determination. For two years, I managed going to the university full-time while assuming the sole responsibility and care for my three very young children. My military husband was away on deployment during this time. Despite the difficult circumstances, I succeeded and obtained a bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary. If selected for these scholarship opportunities, this will allow me to utilize the experiences I gained from living abroad and the military, which will broaden my knowledge for a career in the Intelligence field. Since I choose to serve as a role model for my four children to achieve their dreams, I am diligently seeking scholarship opportunities and funds to realize my goals.