“Labour for learning before you grow old, for learning is better than silver and gold. Silver and gold will vanish away, but a good education will never decay.” This memory gem, deeply rooted in Jamaican culture was recited daily by many, if not all, Jamaican children throughout our early school years. Although it has been nearly two decades since I last recited it, its impactful message remained with me even after formal studies. My name is Dahnia Thomas, and my journey has been shaped by grit, intention, a passion for learning, and a natural inclination for problem-solving. Although I did not grow up in an environment of abundance, that has never deterred me from striving for excellence and remaining focused. I have used every opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally, which has now brought me to this point of pursuing a master's in analytics and systems. What started as simple curiosity grew into something greater. In my role as a management trainee, I contributed to organisational assessments and process improvement initiatives by designing change management frameworks that streamlined workflows, reduced inefficiencies, and assisted with a data migration project. During the project, I became curious about the systems behind the work I was doing, especially since I studied finance and was clueless in the information technology world. As a result, I went on a self-paced journey of learning analytics and systems. As a result, those self-taught skills opened doors I could have never imagined. It led me to the role of data and compliance analyst at KPMG, but most importantly, it expanded my sense of the possibilities of life. In this role, I collaborated with global teams across various cultures and backgrounds. This experience strengthened my adaptability and reinforced my belief in the value of diverse perspectives. I also helped develop and implement auditing, compliance, and data management processes that improved accuracy and operational efficiency. However, I have encountered limitations to advancement in the job market, as many employers emphasised the need for formal graduate qualifications. Nonetheless, as an immigrant, these achievements hold a deeper meaning for me. Studying abroad was a dream I always had, but as someone from a humble background, it seemed far-fetched. However, that experience of being curious and taking the initiative to learn more showed me that education and perseverance can transform your life. Studying in the United States comes with uncertainties such as financial burdens and cultural adjustments, but having come this far makes me feel even more inspired than before. Despite having parents who tried their best but could not provide support or guidance when it comes to career paths or college choices, I am still grateful for my experiences because that is the reason I am here today, writing this as a first-generation graduate student in the United States. As an underrepresented minority who struggles with PCOS and recognises how often women are dismissed in healthcare spaces, I hope to create data-driven guides, digital dashboards, and ultimately a mobile app that enables women to track symptoms, understand their bodies, and make informed decisions about their health. My goal is to create tools that simplify complex information and make women feel informed rather than confused, and to empower those who are often underrepresented. This scholarship will not only support my academic path, but it will also enhance my ability to build tools that make a positive impact on the lives of others. Furthermore, it amplifies the truth of my childhood memory gem, that a good education will never decay, and depicts that when used to uplift others, its value is magnified.