Living in rural Michigan as I grew up really taught me the importance of working hard and being part of a community where everyone knows each other and helps one another. I also learned to be strong during challenging times.I love going up north where the air smells like pine trees, and it feels so fresh that it gives me a deep sense of peace. I enjoy a quiet walk on a forest path surrounded by nature. Michigan feels like an essential part of my identity and holds a big place in my heart. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always be a proud Michigander. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, paying for college has always been a source of stress. With tuition continuing to rise, I’ve had to make hard choices in my life, like stepping away from school to care for family, giving up steady income due to federal funding cuts, and figuring out every financial aid form on my own. I recently lost my job because of the administration’s cuts to community programs like Healthy Start. My job wasn’t just a paycheck. I was helping vulnerable families, and when it disappeared, I realized how important it is to have a career that can’t be erased by politics. That’s why I’m pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity at the University of Michigan-Flint. I want to protect nonprofits and community organizations that do essential work with limited resources. Too often, these groups are vulnerable to cyberattacks simply because they can’t afford proper digital security. I want to change that. I want to help the helpers. Cybersecurity is a career largely dominated by men. I know I'll bring something valuable to the industry, my personal life experiences. I've been in situations where I've felt ignored or like I didn't belong, and I've learned to be resourceful and think outside the box to succeed. Those experiences drive my ambition and my desire to be a voice for people often left out of tech spaces. This scholarship would be a huge change in my life. It would ease my financial stress and give me the freedom to concentrate more on my learning and what lies ahead in my future. I’ve spent over fifteen years volunteering in my local school district, helping teachers and students with whatever they need. That work always taught me that real change starts with consistent action. That’s what I want to bring to cybersecurity and to the communities I want to serve. By awarding me this scholarship, you're doing more than helping with my education. You're backing someone deeply connected to Michigan, who is eager to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of the wonderful people who make this state special. Your support helps me work toward a future where I can protect and uplift our community, honoring all the things that make Michigan truly unique.

In 2017, my life changed when my grandfather, whom I call Poppy, was diagnosed with colon cancer. After surgery, while he was recovering in the hospital, my uncle, along with the help of my cousin who is a lawyer, had him sign over rights from my mom to them under duress. They then sold my grandparents’ house and belongings without telling us. My little sister benefited from it and received their car for free. For months, my grandparents were forced to live in my uncle’s home. At my niece’s birthday party, Poppy pulled me aside and told me he was being abused and starved. He had already told my sister, but she stayed silent because she was benefiting financially. When I found out, I contacted a lawyer and the police. My family and I had to physically go and remove my grandparents from my uncle’s house. We sued and got the money back through garnished wages. Around the same time, Poppy was diagnosed with melanoma and Mamma was entering the mid-stages of dementia. My parents worked full time, so I left work and put school on hold to become their full-time caregiver. Caregiving became my entire world. I changed Poppy’s colostomy bags, helped manage their medications, made their meals, cleaned, and made sure they got to every appointment. But it wasn’t just the hard things, I also made sure they still enjoyed life. They loved Taco Bell, so we’d go on little outings. Poppy and I would go fishing together. Mamma and I would bake pies. Even when she didn’t always remember me, we laughed. One day, my friend’s toddler, who calls me “Aunt Cha Cha”, asked her what her name was. She smiled and said, “I don’t know, but that’s ok.” I told her, “Shirley,” and she burst out laughing. These moments meant everything. I cared for Poppy until he passed in 2019. I was the one who found him that morning. It was the hardest moment of my life. But I kept going, caring for Mamma 24/7 until she passed in 2023 after breaking her leg falling from her bed. I miss them both terribly. Poppy always got me, and Mamma was my best friend. That chapter of my life shaped who I am. Caregiving taught me strength, patience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. It showed me how fragile life is, how systems fail, and how important it is to protect those who can’t protect themselves. I used to want to be an art teacher, but after seeing firsthand how easy it is for vulnerable people to be taken advantage of, I changed my path. I’m now studying cybersecurity at the University of Michigan-Flint. I want to use my skills to work for the government or nonprofits, organizations that often lack the protection they need. Just like I protected my grandparents, I want to protect others. Receiving this scholarship would be a huge help. I’ve poured years into caregiving, and now I’m trying to rebuild my future. I’m a first-generation college student, and every bit of support helps me stay in school and focus on my goals. I want to build a life that honors the love and strength my grandparents gave me. They showed me how important it is to stand up, even when it’s hard, and to care, even when it hurts. That’s what I carry with me every day.

When I was little, I loved solving puzzles and figuring out how things worked. I also cared a lot about protecting my loved ones. These interests pushed me to study cybersecurity. The road has been difficult, but every challenge has only strengthened my passion and commitment to this field. I initially studied art education, thinking I would become an art teacher. But after over fifteen years of volunteering at an elementary school and helping raise the next generation, I realized I wanted to protect more than just ideas, I wanted to safeguard people. That calling became clearer after I stepped away from college during COVID to care for my grandparents. Life showed me how important resilience, adaptability, and service are. And now, as I return to school as a first-generation college student, I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity with the goal of working for the government or nonprofits that often lack the protection they deserve. My ultimate goal is to work in cybersecurity for organizations that assist the public but don't have enough money to protect themselves from online threats. I want to help secure systems that protect people's rights, health, and life opportunities. For me, working in cybersecurity is more than just a job, it's about making a difference in society. I want to be the person to create safer computer systems that help people who are often ignored and don't get the assistance they need. By doing this, I hope to contribute to making the digital world safer for everyone. I think I am a good candidate for this scholarship because of all the challenges I've faced and kept moving forward. I've had money problems, dealt with health issues like Hashimoto’s and PCOS, and went back to school after many years away. Throughout all this, I supported my family and volunteered in my community. I believe in making connections, being honest, and using my time to make a real difference. If I get this scholarship, I will continue my education, honor a legacy, and keep working to help and protect others.

For years, I felt like my future wasn’t mine to shape. From 16 to 25, I was in an emotionally abusive relationship that drained me of my confidence and made me believe I had no way out. But when I finally broke free, I had to face a new challenge, rebuilding a life I had put on hold for a decade. In 2016, I reconnected with Donny, my first love from high school. He reminded me of the person I used to be before the abuse and gave me the support I needed to start dreaming again. I went back to school, first at Oakland Community College, then at Oakland University, studying Art Education because I wanted to help kids. Then everything changed. In 2019, my grandparents were being abused and had to be rescued by my mother and I along with the police. They had always been there for me, and I couldn’t walk away when they needed help. I dropped out of college to care for them. My grandfather, Poppy, passed away from melanoma before the pandemic. My grandmother, Mamma, had dementia and Alzheimer’s, and I took care of her until she passed in 2023. Those years were filled with loss and exhaustion, but also love. I held her hand through every stage, just as she had once done for me. After she passed, I knew I needed to find myself again. In 2024, I got a job with the Health Department’s Healthy Start program, helping families in need. It felt like I was finally back on track, making a difference. But in January 2025, I lost that job. At first, I felt defeated. Then, I realized it was my moment to start fresh, not just with any job, but with a career that could truly change lives. That is why I enrolled at the University of Michigan to study Cybersecurity. I want to protect people, especially those in underserved communities, from digital threats they don’t even know exist. The world is more connected than ever, and I want to make sure that connection is safe for everyone. This journey has taught me resilience and the power of starting over. I have learned that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can still stand back up. Winning this scholarship would lift some of the financial burden of school and bring me one step closer to helping others on a global scale. More than anything, I want to show that no matter where you come from or how many obstacles stand in your way, you can always rebuild and create a future worth fighting for.

As a first-generation college student, I am forging a new path in my family, one that leads to education, opportunity, and a future in cybersecurity. My journey is about more than just earning a degree. It is about breaking barriers and creating a legacy of knowledge and financial stability that my family has never had before. I graduated high school in 2007 but didn’t have the opportunity to attend college right away. Instead, I spent years working, volunteering, and caring for my grandparents in their final years. Helping them through illness and the end of their lives was a profound experience that shaped my resilience and sense of responsibility. It taught me patience, problem-solving, and the importance of protecting those who are vulnerable, values that now drive my passion for cybersecurity. I have dedicated over a decade to volunteering, including assisting in elementary school classrooms and supporting children on field trips. Now, at 35 years old, I am finally pursuing my degree in cybersecurity at the University of Michigan-Flint, a STEM field where I can make a meaningful impact. Cybersecurity is a field where I can use my skills to protect nonprofits and government organizations that lack adequate security. Too often, these entities dedicated to serving others fall victim to cyber threats due to limited resources. I want to change that. My own experiences overcoming obstacles, learning independently, and navigating challenges as a first-generation student have strengthened my problem-solving abilities, which are crucial in cybersecurity. Returning to school has been a financial challenge, but I am determined to succeed. This scholarship would help relieve some of that burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and future career. My goal is not just to secure systems but to create a safer digital world while proving that where you start does not define where you end up.

1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and what specifically motivates you. If you could do anything with your life, what do you imagine you’d do? I am a passionate, curious person driven by a desire to help others and make a difference in the world. I have always been drawn to technology, culture, and advocacy, and I strive to use my knowledge and experiences to uplift those around me. Having been diagnosed with ADHD in seventh grade and later realizing I likely have autism as well, I understand the importance of mental health advocacy. I often find myself supporting and guiding others through their struggles, even strangers who open up to me in conversation. If I could do anything with my life, I would travel the world, helping people and communities in need. I would build schools and libraries, ensuring that educators are well-paid and that education is accessible to all. I firmly believe that knowledge is the key to progress, and I dream of creating opportunities for learning, no matter where someone comes from. My love for exploration was shaped by Star Trek, a vision of a united world where technology and knowledge uplift humanity. I long for that kind of future—one where people work together to solve problems instead of being divided by greed. That’s why I study cybersecurity: to protect people and create a safer, more connected world. My motivation comes from wanting to be a part of something bigger than myself, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than exploits it. 2. What excites you about STEM? How do you feel you could make a positive impact on the world through a job in information technology? STEM excites me because it is the foundation of progress. Science and technology have the power to improve lives, connect people, and solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.The idea that technology could be used not just for profit, but for the betterment of all, shaped my perspective on the world. I chose to study cybersecurity because, in today’s digital age, security is one of the biggest challenges we face. As technology advances, so do threats to privacy, safety, and stability. Cybersecurity is about more than just protecting data, it’s about protecting people. I want to use my skills to safeguard communities, ensuring that individuals, businesses, and governments are protected from digital threats. Technology can also be a force for good when used ethically. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, freeing people to focus on creativity, art, and scientific discovery. However, without ethical oversight, AI and other advancements can lead to mass job loss and further economic inequality. As someone deeply concerned about the intersection of technology and society, I want to advocate for responsible innovation. By pursuing a career in information technology, I hope to contribute to a future where technology is used ethically and inclusively, where advancements serve humanity, not just the wealthy few. I want to ensure that the digital world remains a place of opportunity and safety for all. 3. Please describe the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome and how you managed to get past it. One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced was rebuilding my life after leaving a long-term abusive relationship. For ten years, I was in a situation that eroded my confidence and left me with PTSD. When my ex left, I was at my lowest, struggling with mental health, self-doubt, and uncertainty about my future. Although I found love and unwavering support in my first love from high school, my challenges were far from over. Not long after, I discovered that my grandparents were being abused by my uncle. We had to involve the police to rescue them, and once they were safe, I dropped out of college to take care of them full-time. This left me with an outstanding balance at my university, preventing me from returning. My grandmother had dementia, and my grandfather was dying from cancer, so I stayed home to care for them. I was there when my grandfather passed, and then later, when my grandmother passed as well. Watching them suffer and eventually lose them took a huge toll on my mental health, adding to the depression, anxiety, and PTSD I was already battling. Despite everything, I refused to let these struggles define me. I decided to go back to school and fought to obtain my transcripts from Oakland University, which had been illegally holding them due to my unpaid balance. After a long battle, I was finally able to enroll at the University of Michigan-Flint to pursue my cybersecurity degree. Even with the weight of past trauma, I have pushed forward, determined to build a future where I can use technology to protect and help others. My experiences have shaped me into someone who refuses to give up, no matter how difficult the road may be. I know my journey is far from over, but I am proud of how far I have come. Every step I take forward is proof that resilience can carry us through even the hardest times.

Growing up watching Star Trek, I was captivated by its vision of a unified Earth, where technology serves humanity rather than dividing it. The idea that we could boldly go where no one has gone before, using science and innovation to uplift everyone, has stayed with me throughout my life. That dream of a better future—one where knowledge and security allow for exploration and unity—led me to pursue a career in cybersecurity. While my path has been filled with obstacles, I have never wavered in my desire to make a difference. My journey into STEM was unconventional. I initially studied art education, but in 2019, I had to drop out of school to care for my dying grandparents. At the same time, I was also struggling with mental health challenges and the aftermath of a 10-year abusive relationship. Despite these hardships, I refused to give up on my dreams. After finally finding the right therapist, I was able to rebuild my confidence, and by chance, I reconnected with my first love from high school, who has now been my greatest support system for the past nine years. With his encouragement and my own determination, I returned to university to study cybersecurity—a field that allows me to protect others and help build a better world. Cybersecurity is an essential part of the future. Just as engineers like William Griggs helped propel humanity to the stars, cybersecurity professionals must ensure that technology remains safe, ethical, and accessible. The digital world is full of threats, from data breaches to AI misuse, and we must secure the future before we can explore it. I also have a deep personal connection to the intersection of technology and healthcare, as my grandmother suffered from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Advancements like brain organoids offer hope, but only if we approach them with strong ethical guidelines and cybersecurity protections. Beyond my technical aspirations, I want to inspire and uplift other women in STEM, especially my four nieces. I want them to see that no dream is too big and that women belong in the spaces where innovation and change happen. Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM, but as more of us enter these fields, we bring new perspectives and transform industries for the better. I dream of a world like Star Trek, where humanity overcomes its divisions and unites in pursuit of knowledge and exploration. That future won’t happen overnight, but by securing and shaping the digital landscape, I hope to play a role in moving us toward it. Cybersecurity is more than just protecting data—it’s about protecting the future, so we can boldly go where no one has gone before.

From a young age, I have been inspired by stories of people standing up to injustice, protecting those who need it most. Star Trek, along with the books and movies I loved as a child, shaped my belief that technology should be used to uplift, not oppress. That belief has led me to study cybersecurity, where I hope to make a real difference in the world by ensuring that digital spaces are safe and inclusive, especially for women. No matter where I end up, my mission is to protect those who are most vulnerable, using technology as a force for good. Women around the world face unique challenges in both physical and digital spaces. From online harassment to privacy violations, cybersecurity is no longer just about corporations and governments, it is about individual safety. Women’s voices are silenced through cyber threats, and in many places, technology is weaponized against them rather than used to protect them. I want to fight back against these injustices by working in cybersecurity, advocating for stronger protections, and helping to create safer online environments. Breaking into the field of technology is difficult for women. Cybersecurity, like many STEM fields, is still male-dominated, and women are often discouraged from pursuing careers in it. I refuse to accept that. I want to be part of the movement that breaks barriers, ensuring that women have equal representation and opportunities in tech. My four nieces are growing up in a world that still tries to limit women, and I want them to see that they can achieve anything, no matter the field. My passions go beyond cybersecurity. I am fascinated by language and culture, having taught myself Japanese and, more recently, Mandarin. I plan to study abroad in Asia, immersing myself in new perspectives and broadening my understanding of global cybersecurity challenges. True security isn’t just about preventing threats; it’s about building a world where people are free to connect, express themselves, and grow without fear. Technology has the potential to create a more just and equitable world, but only if the people building it prioritize those values. Too often, technological advancements serve the interests of the powerful rather than protecting those at risk. I want to change that. By combining my cybersecurity skills with my passion for advocacy, I aim to ensure that the digital future is built with inclusivity, safety, and justice at its core. I refuse to, and will not accept a future where women’s safety and success are treated as secondary concerns. I plan to dedicate my career to protecting women worldwide, ensuring that digital spaces are not just safe but empowering. Whether through ethical hacking, cybersecurity policy, or advocacy, I will fight for a world where technology works for everyone, especially those who need it most.

Technology has always fascinated me, not just for what it can do but for how it can shape the world. As a cybersecurity student, my primary goal is to use my skills to protect individuals and organizations from digital threats, ensuring that technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation. The internet has connected us in ways we never imagined, but it has also introduced new vulnerabilities. I want to be at the forefront of securing these digital spaces, helping people feel safe in an increasingly online world. However, my interests extend far beyond cybersecurity. I have a deep love for art, storytelling, and cultural exploration. I originally pursued art education but had to step away to care for my dying grandparents. Though my academic path shifted, my passion for creativity remains. I am also deeply fascinated by language and culture, having taught myself basic Japanese and, more recently, began learning Mandarin. My dream is to study abroad in Asia, immersing myself in new perspectives and possibly building a life there. While these interests may seem unrelated, I see them as deeply connected. Cybersecurity is about protecting people, and art and storytelling are about connecting people. In the future, I hope to combine my technical skills with my creative passions to make technology more accessible, inclusive, and culturally aware. One of my long-term goals is to work in international cybersecurity, helping protect global organizations while fostering cross-cultural collaboration in the tech industry. I also want to use my skills to make technology safer for marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, and BIPOC groups. The internet should be a place of opportunity, but for many, it is filled with harassment, privacy violations, and digital discrimination. By working in cybersecurity, I can help build safer online spaces where everyone, regardless of background, can express themselves freely without fear. Through my education, I am taking concrete steps toward these goals. I am studying coding, security protocols, and ethical hacking while continuing to develop my artistic and linguistic skills. I hope to one day merge these interests, whether through designing secure and inclusive digital spaces, working on international cybersecurity initiatives, or using technology to preserve and share diverse cultural narratives. Ultimately, I believe that technology and creativity are not opposing forces—they are complementary tools that can bring people together. My goal is to bridge the gap between them, using cybersecurity to protect and art to connect, ensuring a future where everyone has the freedom to explore, create, and thrive.

I've always wanted to help people, and that’s exactly why I chose to pursue a career in STEM—specifically in cybersecurity. In today’s digital world, where technology is woven into every part of our lives, people need protection from cyber threats, data breaches, and digital exploitation. I want to be part of the movement that not only secures our information but ensures that technology is used for the good of all. Cybersecurity isn’t just about defense; it’s about empowerment. By making the online world safer, I can help individuals, businesses, and entire communities thrive without fear. As a woman entering a field where we are still underrepresented, I know that my journey matters. Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches that strengthen STEM fields, yet we are often overlooked or discouraged from pursuing careers in technology. I refuse to accept that. I want to prove that women belong in cybersecurity and in every corner of STEM. More importantly, I want to show my four nieces that they can do anything they set their minds to. When they see me succeeding in a field dominated by men, I hope they understand that no dream is out of reach, no goal too ambitious. I want to be the role model that tells them: “You are capable, you are intelligent, and you belong here.” My dreams go beyond just having a successful career—I want to use my skills to make a real difference. I want to travel the world and help people, whether that means securing critical infrastructure, protecting personal data, or working with global organizations to create ethical cybersecurity policies. Technology should be a tool for progress, not a means of exploitation, and I want to be part of the fight to ensure it’s used responsibly. At the same time, I recognize that technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and with that comes both opportunities and risks. AI, automation, and cybersecurity will shape the future in ways we can’t yet fully predict. That’s why I am committed to lifelong learning—staying ahead of emerging threats, adapting to new innovations, and using my knowledge to protect those who may not have the means to protect themselves. The world is changing, and I want to be on the front lines, ensuring that change benefits everyone, not just the privileged few. The future of STEM depends on diversity, ethical leadership, and a commitment to using technology for the good of humanity. I am determined to be part of that future. Through my work in cybersecurity, I hope to inspire others—especially young women—to step into STEM fields with confidence and know that they, too, can shape the world for the better.

Technology has always been a driving force for change, and one of the most inspiring advancements is artificial intelligence or AI. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work, not by simply replacing human labor, but by freeing us to pursue more meaningful endeavors like art, science, and exploration. Unfortunately, instead of using AI to create a world where people can thrive, many corporations and billionaires prioritize profit over progress, leaving workers displaced without a safety net. AI could help us build a future like the one imagined in Star Trek—a world where technology eliminates mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on creativity, and discovery. Where AI handles dangerous and tedious jobs, while humans are encouraged to innovate, learn, and create. This shift could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, space exploration, and the arts, unlocking humanity’s true potential. This vision of the future is why I am pursuing my degree in cybersecurity. I want to be part of the movement that ensures technology is used for the good of all, not just for the wealthiest few. Cybersecurity is at the heart of protecting individuals, organizations, and even entire nations from digital threats. But beyond that, it can also be a tool to fight for the fair and ethical use of AI—so that automation empowers people rather than exploits them. However, the reality today is much different. AI is being used to cut costs, replace workers, and maximize profits for a select few, rather than improving society as a whole. Many people lose their jobs to automation without anything to fall back on, trapped in an economic system that values profit over people. Instead of AI being a tool for liberation, it’s being used to concentrate wealth and power at the top. The billionaires in charge fight to maintain the status quo, fearing a world where automation benefits everyone instead of just their bank accounts. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We have the power to shape AI’s future, pushing for policies that ensure automation benefits all of humanity. By demanding universal basic income, expanded education, and economic reforms, we can transition to a future where AI works for us, not against us. My goal is to use my cybersecurity expertise to help usher in that future—to fight for a Star Trek future, where technology serves humanity, not just the wealthy elite.