Pursuing higher education has been one of the most challenging and defining journeys of my life. As a Latino student in STEM, I have often felt like I was navigating a system that was not built with people like me in mind. While I have been fortunate to earn strong grades, that success has not come with a strong support system behind it. Instead, it has come from persistence, self discipline, and a deep belief that education is my path forward. One of the biggest obstacles I have faced is the lack of guidance and representation. I did not grow up surrounded by people who could explain how college works, how to navigate STEM pathways, or what opportunities existed beyond the classroom. Many things that others take for granted, such as academic advising, career planning, or encouragement to pursue advanced fields, I had to learn on my own. There were moments when the pressure of figuring everything out independently felt overwhelming, especially while managing demanding coursework. Financial and emotional challenges also played a role in my journey. Balancing school responsibilities with personal obligations required constant sacrifice. There were times when I questioned whether the effort was worth it, especially when support was limited and expectations felt heavy. However, those moments became turning points. Instead of allowing doubt to slow me down, I used it as motivation. I committed myself to my studies, knowing that strong academic performance was one of the few tools I had to open doors. Earning high grades was not just about achievement, but about proving to myself that I belonged in these spaces. Being a Latino student in STEM has also meant confronting stereotypes and internal pressure. There is an unspoken weight that comes with wanting to succeed not only for yourself, but for those who come from similar backgrounds. That responsibility pushed me to work harder, stay focused, and take pride in my accomplishments even when recognition was limited. Looking forward, I plan to use my education to give back to my community by becoming a visible example of what is possible. I want to mentor younger students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and help them navigate the academic paths I had to figure out alone. Whether through mentorship programs, outreach, or simply sharing my experiences, I want to be the support I once needed. My goal is to use my STEM education not only to build a successful career, but to create access, encouragement, and opportunity for others. I believe that education has the power to break cycles and expand possibilities, and I am committed to using mine to uplift my community and open doors for the next generation.

I am a fan of Wicked because it tells a deeply personal story about identity, perception, and the cost of being different. At its core, Wicked is not just a spectacle or a retelling of a familiar tale. It is a story about how people are labeled, misunderstood, and shaped by the narratives others choose for them. That theme resonated with me in a way few productions ever have. What first drew me to Wicked was its refusal to present the world in simple terms of good and evil. Elphaba is not a villain by nature. She is someone who challenges authority, asks questions, and refuses to conform. Watching her story unfold made me reflect on times in my own life when standing by my values meant being misunderstood or judged. Her journey reminded me that doing the right thing does not always come with approval, and that integrity often comes at a cost. The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is another reason Wicked feels personal to me. Their friendship is complicated, imperfect, and deeply human. It evolves through jealousy, admiration, conflict, and loyalty. Seeing two characters grow together and apart felt honest. It mirrored how real relationships change over time and how love can exist even when paths diverge. Their bond reinforced the idea that growth does not always mean staying the same, but learning when to hold on and when to let go. Music plays a huge role in why Wicked has stayed with me. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” capture emotions that are difficult to articulate. “Defying Gravity” represents the moment of choosing yourself, even when the world pushes back. “For Good” reflects gratitude for people who shape you, even if they are not meant to stay forever. Those songs have felt like companions during moments of transition and self reflection in my own life. Ultimately, I am a fan of Wicked because it validates complexity. It celebrates individuality, questions power, and honors the quiet courage it takes to be true to oneself. Each time I revisit it, I find new meaning in its message. Wicked reminds me that being different is not something to hide, and that sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin when you dare to defy expectations.

My Love Island challenge is called “Truth or Temptation”, a high stakes game designed to test honesty, loyalty, and how well Islanders truly know each other. The challenge is built to create tension without being cruel, spark conversations that carry into the villa, and expose unspoken feelings in a way that feels organic rather than forced. The challenge takes place at night around the fire pit to heighten the atmosphere. Each Islander is dressed in formal evening wear rather than swimwear, signaling that this is a more serious emotional test. At the center of the pit is a glowing podium with two buttons labeled “Truth” and “Temptation.” One by one, Islanders step forward and are asked a question related to their couple or another Islander. The questions are specific and revealing, such as “Who in the villa do you find more emotionally compatible with than your current partner?” or “If you were single tonight, who would you pull for a chat first?” The Islander must privately select either Truth or Temptation using a hidden switch behind the podium. If they choose Truth, they must answer the question honestly out loud in front of everyone. There is no option to soften or reframe their answer. What they say is final, and the host reads the question again before the Islander responds to prevent dodging. Choosing Truth earns their couple a small reward later, such as a private date or hideaway access, reinforcing the value of honesty. If they choose Temptation, they avoid answering the question, but there is a cost. A short video clip plays on the screen showing a confessional moment from earlier in the season where the Islander said something related to the question. It could be a comment about attraction, doubts, or curiosity about another Islander. The clip is real and unedited, chosen to reveal a truth they tried to avoid. After every Islander has taken a turn, couples are given ten minutes to talk privately while the rest of the villa watches silently from a distance. This forces real time emotional processing and raw conversations rather than delayed reactions later in the episode. The challenge ends with the Islanders voting anonymously for the couple they believe is the least honest. That couple is not dumped immediately, but they lose the ability to choose in the next recoupling, placing their fate in the hands of others. “Truth or Temptation” works because there is no completely safe option. Islanders must choose between vulnerability now or consequences later, ensuring drama that feels earned, emotionally revealing, and true to the social experiment at the heart of Love Island.

The Taylor Swift performance I find most moving is her 2019 American Music Awards Artist of the Decade medley. While many of her performances are technically flawless and emotionally resonant, this one stands apart because it felt like a reflection of her entire career rather than a single moment in it. Watching that performance felt like watching an artist stand in her history, reclaim her voice, and celebrate endurance in an industry that often tries to outgrow the people who built it. What made the performance so powerful was the context behind it. At the time, Taylor was publicly navigating the struggle for ownership of her music and the right to perform songs that defined her career. Knowing that background transformed the medley from a celebratory set into something deeply personal. Each song was not just a hit, but a chapter of her life. Hearing them stitched together felt like a reminder that her story could not be separated from her work, no matter who tried to control it. The visual elements amplified that emotion. Taylor wearing a shirt listing the names of her albums felt intentional and symbolic. It was not flashy or dramatic, but it was defiant in a quiet, confident way. She was not asking for permission to honor her past. She was simply doing it. That sense of ownership over her narrative made the performance feel honest rather than performative. What moved me most was her composure. There was no bitterness in the way she performed, only pride and resolve. She smiled, connected with the audience, and delivered each song with clarity and purpose. It showed emotional maturity and strength. Instead of being consumed by conflict, she used the stage to reaffirm who she was and why her work mattered. That performance impacted me because it reframed how I think about success. It showed that longevity is not just about staying relevant, but about staying true to yourself through change, criticism, and resistance. Taylor did not erase her earlier eras to prove growth. She honored them as essential steps in becoming who she is now. In the context of an album like “The Life of A Showgirl,” which reflects on life lived under constant visibility, that AMA performance feels like the emotional core of her career. It captures what it means to stand under the spotlight not just as a performer, but as a person who refuses to let her story be told by anyone else.

I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because her career reflects growth, resilience, and authenticity in a way that feels genuine rather than manufactured. Watching her evolve from a young actress into a confident and respected musician has been both inspiring and relatable. Her journey shows that success does not have to be immediate or loud to be meaningful. It can be built patiently through persistence, self belief, and creative courage. What first drew me to Sabrina Carpenter was her ability to tell honest stories through her music. Her songs capture emotions that feel personal but universal at the same time. Whether she is writing about heartbreak, self reflection, or independence, there is a sense of self awareness in her lyrics that resonates deeply. She does not present herself as perfect. Instead, she embraces vulnerability and growth, which makes her music feel human and sincere. Her career has also impacted me because of the way she handled being underestimated. For years, she was often viewed only through the lens of her early acting career or compared to others in the industry. Rather than allowing that to limit her, she continued to refine her sound and assert her artistic identity. Seeing her take creative control and earn recognition on her own terms has been motivating. It reinforced the idea that patience and consistency matter, especially when progress feels slow or overlooked. Sabrina Carpenter’s confidence has grown visibly over time, and that evolution has encouraged me to trust my own process. Her willingness to experiment musically and stylistically reminds me that growth requires risk. Not every step will be universally praised, but staying true to oneself is more important than immediate approval. That mindset has influenced how I approach my own goals, pushing me to be more comfortable with change and self expression. Beyond music, Sabrina Carpenter represents the importance of self definition. She has shown that it is possible to outgrow expectations placed on you and redefine who you are without abandoning where you came from. Her career has been a reminder that identity is not fixed and that success often comes from embracing evolution rather than resisting it. For these reasons, I am a fan not just of her music, but of the example her career sets. Her journey has encouraged me to believe in steady growth, creative authenticity, and the power of perseverance.

This opportunity is meaningful to me because it represents far more than financial assistance. It represents validation of perseverance, faith, and determination. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education but also acknowledge the journey that shaped who I am today. My path has not been defined by ease or certainty. Like many students, I have faced moments of doubt, pressure, and obstacles that made my goals feel distant. There were times when progress felt slow and the future unclear. During those moments, my faith became my foundation. It gave me strength when motivation faded and reminded me that growth often happens quietly, long before results are visible. Faith taught me to approach challenges with patience rather than fear. When academic responsibilities became demanding and personal obligations competed for my time, I learned the value of discipline and trust. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, I learned to view them as lessons that refined my character. This mindset allowed me to stay focused and resilient, even when outcomes did not immediately reflect my effort. One of the most important lessons my faith has given me is resilience. I learned that setbacks do not define my potential. My response to them does. Each obstacle strengthened my work ethic and reinforced my belief that consistent effort, guided by purpose, leads to meaningful progress. Over time, these experiences built confidence and a deeper sense of responsibility for my future. The achievements I have reached so far, whether academic improvement or personal growth, are accomplishments I attribute to both hard work and faith. Faith grounded me in moments of success and reminded me to remain humble and grateful. It kept me focused on long term goals rather than short term validation. As I look toward the future, I plan to continue using my faith as a guiding force in reaching greater heights. It will shape how I approach my education, my career, and the way I serve others. Success, to me, is not defined solely by status or income, but by integrity, impact, and the ability to remain grounded through every season. This scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and personal development. More importantly, it would affirm that perseverance guided by faith has purpose. I am committed to honoring this opportunity by continuing to grow, overcome challenges, and pursue excellence with faith at the center of my journey.

Coming from a single-parent, low-income household has taught me the true meaning of perseverance. I watched my parent work long hours and still find the strength to be there for me, and that showed me what resilience really looks like. There were times when money was tight and things felt uncertain, but those challenges pushed me to stay focused on my goals instead of giving up. I learned how to work hard, stay humble, and find motivation in the struggle. Because of those experiences, I want to give back to others who are facing the same uphill battles. I plan to use my education to build a stable career in technology and help others by mentoring students and supporting programs that open doors for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Every step I take now, from studying to working hard, is part of building a life that lifts others up too.

Growing up, college always felt like something far away and out of reach. My family worked hard, but money was always tight, and I knew that if I wanted to further my education, I’d have to find a way to make it happen on my own. That’s one of the biggest reasons I chose to start at a community college. It gave me the chance to pursue my goals without putting myself under a mountain of debt, while still getting a strong education and personal support from teachers who truly care about their students. Another big influence was the environment I grew up in. I’ve seen people settle for less than what they’re capable of, not because they lacked potential, but because they didn’t have guidance or affordable opportunities. I didn’t want to follow that same path. I wanted to challenge myself and prove that your background doesn’t define how far you can go. Community college has given me that chance. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together, each trying to better themselves, and that’s something I find motivating and inspiring every day. Through my time in community college, I’ve learned the value of hard work, discipline, and community. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me perseverance and time management. I’ve also discovered my passion for technology and problem-solving, which has shaped my goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or information systems. I want to build a career where I can protect organizations and people from digital threats while continuing to grow and learn in a constantly evolving field. In the end, community college isn’t just my starting point, it’s the foundation of who I’m becoming. It’s shown me that success doesn’t come from where you start, but from how determined you are to keep moving forward.

Growing up, I often felt like I was standing between two worlds. As a member of an underrepresented minority, I learned early on that opportunity does not always come equally. My family worked hard for everything we had, and there were times when we had to make tough choices between bills and groceries, or between working extra hours and spending time together. Those experiences shaped me into someone who does not take anything for granted and who understands the value of perseverance. Being part of a minority community means more than just statistics or labels. It means constantly having to prove that you belong in spaces that were not built for you. In school, I noticed how few students looked like me or came from similar backgrounds, especially in technology and cybersecurity. There were moments when I felt invisible or underestimated, but instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as fuel. I wanted to show that people from humble beginnings can excel in technical fields, not just because of raw skill but because of resilience. My identity has taught me empathy and adaptability, two things that have guided me on my path in education and life. I have seen firsthand how many talented people never get the chance to reach their potential simply because they lack access or representation. That realization has made me passionate about mentorship and outreach. I want to use my future career in cybersecurity not only to protect data but also to open doors for others. I want to help minority students see that this field belongs to them too. When I look ahead, I see my identity not as a barrier but as a source of strength. It has grounded me in humility while giving me a powerful sense of purpose. Every challenge I have faced has prepared me to enter spaces where diversity is needed most, where new voices, new perspectives, and new stories can spark innovation and change. I plan to be one of those voices. This scholarship would not only help relieve financial pressures but also serve as recognition that stories like mine matter. It would be an investment in someone determined to make technology more inclusive, education more accessible, and success more representative. My background may have set obstacles in front of me, but it also built the foundation for my drive. I am proud of where I come from and even prouder of where I am going.

here was a time in my life when everything seemed to fall apart at once. My family was struggling financially, my grades began to slip, and I felt the heavy pressure of responsibilities that no teenager should have to carry alone. During that time, I learned that faith is not just something you practice in good moments. It becomes real when you have nowhere else to turn, when all you have left is belief that things will somehow get better. Growing up, my family always taught me to trust in God, but my understanding of faith was simple back then. I believed that if I was a good person, everything would work out. When hardship came, that belief was tested in ways I never expected. We faced housing insecurity, and there were nights when we did not know where we would sleep the next week. I tried to stay strong for my younger siblings, even though I was scared myself. I felt powerless, but faith became my anchor. Every night, I prayed not just for a miracle, but for the strength to keep going. At first, it felt like nothing changed. But over time, I noticed that my prayers gave me peace even when my situation had not improved. Faith reminded me that no season lasts forever. I started to take small steps forward, studying harder and applying for any opportunity that could help my family. I found part-time work, got involved with community programs, and slowly things began to improve. My faith gave me endurance when logic told me to give up. Looking back, that period shaped the person I am today. Faith did not make my challenges disappear, but it gave me the courage to face them without fear. It taught me that true strength is not found in control, but in surrendering what you cannot change and trusting that God has a plan greater than your understanding. Whenever I face new challenges, I remember that lesson. I remind myself that obstacles are not meant to destroy me, but to refine me. Today, I continue to hold onto that same faith as I pursue higher education. There are still moments when I doubt myself, when I feel overwhelmed by the cost of school or the weight of my dreams. But I no longer see those feelings as signs of weakness. They remind me that faith begins where certainty ends. My goal is to build a future where I can help others who feel hopeless, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I want to show them that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, no obstacle is permanent. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden, it would also represent another answered prayer. It would help me move one step closer to becoming the person I once needed during my hardest times. My story began with struggle, but faith continues to write the rest.

Growing up, money was always tight. My parents came to this country with nothing but a dream, working long hours and sometimes two jobs just to keep our family going. I watched them sacrifice so much, and it taught me what hard work really means. Even when life was stressful, I learned to stay focused on my goals and make the most of every opportunity I could. I’m currently studying cybersecurity, and my dream is to become a penetration tester. I love figuring out how systems work and finding ways to make them safer. Lately, I’ve been building home labs, tackling online challenges, and even helping my friends understand basic cybersecurity concepts. Teaching others has been one of my favorite parts of this journey because it shows me that the skills I’m learning can actually make a difference. Giving back to my community is really important to me too. I volunteer when I can, help classmates with tech questions, and mentor younger students who are curious about STEM. Being able to lift others up while I work toward my own goals reminds me why I push through the hard times. This scholarship would take a huge weight off my shoulders. It would let me focus more on learning, building skills, and continuing to help others without worrying so much about money. It would help me take real steps toward my dream career while still staying grounded in my values and my community. Life hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has taught me resilience and perseverance. With this scholarship, I would have the support I need to keep moving forward, chasing my dreams, and hopefully inspiring others to believe that they can too.

Being a first-generation college student means carrying the hopes and dreams of my entire family on my shoulders. It means taking the path my parents never had the chance to walk and proving that their sacrifices were worth it. My parents came to this country with little more than a dream for a better life. They worked long hours, often holding more than one job, just to keep our family afloat. Watching their strength and dedication taught me that hard work and faith can overcome almost anything. Every class I take and every goal I chase is a reflection of their courage and love. My journey has not been easy. Growing up, I often had to figure out things on my own. There was no one at home who could explain how to apply for college or fill out financial aid forms. I made mistakes and had to learn through trial and error, but every challenge made me stronger. There were times when I doubted myself, wondering if I truly belonged in college or if I was smart enough to succeed. Through prayer, persistence, and support from mentors, I reminded myself that my background does not define my limits. Instead, it gives me the determination to push past them. Faith has played a big role in keeping me grounded. My belief in God reminds me that every obstacle has a purpose. When I feel uncertain about my future, I trust that He is guiding me toward the right path. My parents’ faith gave them the strength to start a new life in a new country, and that same faith gives me the strength to keep moving forward, even when things get hard. It keeps me humble and grateful for every opportunity I receive. I am currently pursuing a degree in cybersecurity because I want to protect others in the digital world. My dream is to become a penetration tester, helping companies strengthen their defenses and prevent cyberattacks. I love learning how systems work and finding ways to make them safer. Technology is always changing, and I want to be part of that change, using my skills to make a real difference. This scholarship would help me stay focused on my studies without worrying so much about financial pressure. It would mean more time learning, less time stressing, and more chances to grow into the professional I want to become. To me, being a first-generation student is about breaking barriers and building new foundations. It is about turning sacrifice into success and showing my younger siblings and others like me that they can do it too. My parents’ story started with a dream. My goal is to make that dream real, one step at a time. With faith, hard work, and support from opportunities like this scholarship, I know I can continue my journey toward a future that honors where I come from and where I am going.

Being a first-generation Salvadoran-American college student is more than just a personal milestone for me. It is the fulfillment of a dream that began long before I was born. My parents came to this country with little more than faith, determination, and the hope of building a better future for their children. They sacrificed their comfort, worked multiple jobs, and faced countless challenges so that I could have the opportunities they never had. My passion for becoming a college graduate comes from wanting to honor those sacrifices and prove that their struggles were not in vain. Growing up, I witnessed the reality of what it means to start from nothing. My parents often came home exhausted, their hands rough from work, yet they always carried hope in their hearts. They taught me that education is the key to changing the cycle of hardship and that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Their belief in me became my motivation to keep going, even when life felt difficult. I see earning my degree as a way to thank them for every sleepless night, every prayer, and every sacrifice they made so that I could dream without limits. Being a first-generation student also means carrying my culture with pride. My Mexican heritage has shaped my values such as family, respect, faith, and community. These values remind me where I come from and guide me in where I am going. I am proud of my roots, my language, and my traditions, and I want to represent my community in spaces where we are often underrepresented. Every step I take in higher education is not just for me but for my family, my culture, and every young Latino student who doubts whether they belong in college. I want them to see that they do belong and that our culture is a source of strength, not limitation. I am pursuing a degree in cybersecurity because I want to build a career that reflects both intelligence and integrity. I want to protect people, help organizations stay secure, and use technology to make a difference in the world. As a first-generation student, I see my education as a bridge between my parents’ sacrifices and the future I want to create for myself and my community. I am passionate about showing that success is possible regardless of where you come from or what you start with. Graduating from college will be more than a personal achievement. It will be a family celebration. My parents may not have the words to describe what that moment will mean, but I know their hearts will be full of pride. To me, that is what this journey is all about: transforming sacrifice into success, turning struggle into opportunity, and showing the next generation that dreams can come true through faith and hard work. Being a first-generation Mexican-American college student is not just my identity. It is my mission. It represents resilience, faith, and the power of never giving up. I carry my family’s story with me every day, and I am passionate about turning that story into a legacy.

My experience with mental health has shaped nearly every part of who I am today. It has changed the way I see myself, how I approach others, and what I hope to accomplish in my career. For me, mental health is not just a topic of discussion; it is a journey that has taught me patience, empathy, and purpose. There was a time when I struggled to balance school, family expectations, and my own sense of identity. The pressure to succeed often felt overwhelming, and I began to understand how mental strain can quietly affect every aspect of life. Through prayer, self-reflection, and seeking support, I learned that acknowledging those struggles was not a sign of weakness but of strength. It taught me that mental health is as important as physical health, and that caring for our minds allows us to be our best selves for others. This experience has deeply influenced my beliefs. I have come to believe that everyone is fighting battles that may not be visible, and that kindness and understanding can make a bigger difference than we realize. I no longer see vulnerability as something to hide, but as something that connects us. My faith has also grown stronger because of this. I have learned to rely on God for guidance and peace, especially in moments when anxiety or self-doubt tried to take over. My relationship with Him reminds me that I am never alone and that healing is possible through grace and perseverance. My mental health journey has also changed how I interact with others. It has made me more patient, more willing to listen, and more aware of what someone might be going through behind their smile. I now prioritize open and honest conversations with friends and family. I want the people around me to feel safe expressing how they truly feel. Supporting others emotionally has brought me a sense of fulfillment and has strengthened many of my relationships. These experiences have also shaped my career aspirations. I am pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, a field that requires focus, resilience, and problem-solving. At first, the connection between mental health and cybersecurity may not seem clear, but for me, it is about balance and protection. Just as I aim to protect systems from harm, I have learned the importance of protecting my own mind from stress and burnout. I want to bring that same awareness to my work by promoting mental wellness within the technology field, where long hours and high pressure are common. Mental health has taught me that success is not only about achievement but also about balance and purpose. It has reminded me that true strength comes from recognizing our limits, seeking help when needed, and extending compassion to others. My journey has not been easy, but it has made me stronger, more empathetic, and more determined to use my skills to help others in meaningful ways. Because of these experiences, I no longer see my struggles as obstacles. I see them as the foundation of my growth, shaping my beliefs, my relationships, and the career path I am called to pursue.

Ever since I first learned that “hacking” could be used for good, I’ve been fascinated by how technology works—and how it can be protected. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for cybersecurity and ethical hacking. To me, hacking isn’t about breaking things; it’s about understanding how things work, finding weaknesses, and using that knowledge to strengthen systems that others rely on every day. One of the first times I truly delighted others with my tinkering skills was during a school project where we were asked to design a small network and demonstrate how to keep it secure. While most students focused on setting up passwords and firewalls, I decided to go a step further. I simulated a phishing attack in a safe, educational way to show how easily people could be tricked into giving up information. Afterward, I walked my classmates through how I did it, how to recognize similar attacks in the real world, and how to prevent them. What started as a small demonstration turned into a full discussion about cybersecurity, online safety, and the importance of ethical hacking. My teacher even asked me to repeat the presentation for another class. That was the first time I realized that my skills could not only impress people but also help educate and protect them. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours learning about network vulnerabilities, ethical hacking tools, and digital forensics. I love the challenge of solving problems that require both creativity and logic. Cybersecurity is never static—there’s always something new to learn, and that constant evolution keeps me excited. I’ve built small home labs using virtual machines to safely test attacks and defenses. Whether it’s setting up a firewall, experimenting with penetration testing tools like Metasploit, or learning how encryption works, I’m always exploring new ways to understand the digital world on a deeper level. What motivates me most is the idea of helping others feel safe online. Many people don’t realize how vulnerable they are to cyberattacks until it’s too late. As someone who has seen how much of our personal information and identity is stored online, I want to be part of the solution. My goal is to become a penetration tester, also known as an ethical hacker. Pen testers think like attackers but act as defenders, finding weaknesses before real criminals can exploit them. It’s a career that combines technical skill, creativity, and responsibility—all things I value deeply. In the future, I hope to work with both private companies and government organizations to strengthen their security systems and train others on cybersecurity awareness. My long-term goal is to not only identify vulnerabilities but to mentor others who want to enter this field. I believe cybersecurity professionals have a duty to educate as well as protect, and I want to use my knowledge to make the digital world safer for everyone. Every time I’ve helped someone secure their account, fix a vulnerability, or understand a cyber threat, I’ve felt the same sense of joy and purpose I did during that first classroom demonstration. It’s not about showing off what I know—it’s about making a difference through knowledge and integrity. Cybersecurity isn’t just my career path; it’s my calling. I believe that by continuing to learn, staying humble, and using my skills for good, I can keep delighting others—not just by demonstrating clever hacks, but by protecting what matters most in an increasingly digital world.

Pursuing higher education has always been one of my biggest dreams, not only for myself but also for my family. My parents came to this country with nothing but faith and a vision of a better future. They worked tirelessly, often holding down two jobs each, just to keep our family afloat. Despite the challenges, they never complained. Instead, they trusted that God had a plan for us, even when the path seemed uncertain. Their sacrifices taught me the value of perseverance, humility, and faith. Watching their determination planted a seed in me, a deep desire to make their struggles worth it and to live a life that honors their effort and God’s guidance. My faith in God has always been the foundation that carries me through every challenge. Growing up in a Christian home, I learned that faith is not just believing but trusting God through every circumstance. When we faced financial hardships, when bills stacked up, or when school felt overwhelming, prayer became my anchor. There were moments when I doubted myself and my future, but God always provided peace and direction. I truly believe that every step I have taken, every opportunity I have received, and every obstacle I have overcome has been part of His plan for me. My faith reminds me that nothing is impossible when I keep God at the center of my life. As a low-income Latinx student, I have faced challenges that sometimes felt too heavy to carry. Balancing school, financial stress, and family responsibilities has not been easy. Yet through every struggle, my faith has taught me to see purpose in the process. I know that God is using these experiences to build strength and character within me. They have shaped my perspective, teaching me that success is not measured by wealth or status but by how faithfully we use the gifts God gives us to help others. My passion for cybersecurity grew from my fascination with technology and my desire to protect people. I plan to complete my degree and then pursue a master’s in cybersecurity. At first glance, this field might seem far removed from ministry or service, but I see a strong connection. Cybersecurity is about protection, safeguarding data, privacy, and trust. In a world that depends so heavily on technology, keeping others safe online is an act of service. I want to use my skills to help organizations, businesses, and communities stay secure. By protecting others from harm, I feel I am living out the values of service and stewardship that my faith teaches. My Christian faith also inspires me to advocate for and uplift my community. Whether it is volunteering, helping classmates, or offering support to others, I try to live each day with purpose and compassion. I use my online platforms to share messages of encouragement, faith, and hope. I believe that even small actions can make a big difference when they come from the heart. Faith teaches us that every act of kindness counts, and I want my life to reflect that truth. Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial support, it would be a blessing and a confirmation that hard work and faith truly pay off. It would relieve some of the financial strain on my family, allowing me to focus on my education and spiritual growth. It would also remind me that God continues to open doors for those who trust Him and remain faithful to their calling. My parents’ sacrifices, my culture, and my faith have shaped me into who I am today. I am deeply grateful for every challenge, because each one has drawn me closer to God and strengthened my resolve to serve others. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education, deepening my faith, and walking in the purpose God has set before me, to serve, protect, and honor Him in everything I do.

Growing up, I learned early what sacrifice and preserve truly mean. My parents came to this country with nothing but twenty seven dollars and a dream, of building a life better than they could ever imagine for themselves. They worked tirelessly, often holding down two jobs each, just to keep our family afloat. Their determination became the foundation of who I am today: someone who refuses to take opportunities for granted and believes deeply in giving back to others. My personal connection to brain cancer began when I learned about the devastating impact it has on families and how it can take away not only health but also hope. Though I have not personally lost a loved one to the disease, the stories I've read and the people I have met through online advocacy have left and lasting impression on me. I have come to understand that awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have. It can lead lead to early detection, stronger research funding, and most importantly, community support for those who are suffering. To do my part. I have used social media as a platform to raise awareness for brain cancer research and share resources that educate others about the disease. I regularly post or repost information from verified foundations, share survivor stories, and encourage others to donate when they can. Through these may seem like small actions, I have seen firsthand how online visibility can spark conversations and motivate others to get involved. Every post, every share, and every donation adds to a collective voice that brings light to an issue too often left in the dark. Academically, I am pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity with plans to earn my master safter completing my undergraduate studies. At first glance, technology and brain cancer may seem unrelated, but to me, they intersect in an important way. Cybersecurity represents protection, trust, and the safe guarding of what matters most. I want to use my skills to protect organizations and healthcare systems that handle sensitive medical research and patient data, including those dedicated to brain cancer treatment and research. In a world where cyber threats can compromise crucial medical information, I hope to contribute to keeping data safe and ensuring researchers can continue their life saving work without disruption. Receiving this scholarship would mean far more than financial support. It would represent faith in the values my parents instilled in me: gratitude, hand work, and compassion. It would allow me to continue pursuing my education without adding to my family's financial burden and remind me why I started: to make a difference, even if it is one person, one message, or one system at a time. My parent's sacrifices built the foundation of my dreams. This scholarship would help me build upon that foundation, not just for myself but for others, for every family who has ever hoped for a brighter, healthier future.