Hard work has never been something I chose when it was convenient—it has simply been the way I have lived my life. For the past several years, I have balanced full-time employment in healthcare while pursuing my education, raising my children, and working toward a future where I can make an even greater impact on the lives of others. Those experiences have shaped me into someone who believes that service, resilience, and continuous learning are lifelong responsibilities. Since 2018, I have worked as a Patient Care Technician at VCU Medical Center, caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Healthcare has taught me far more than clinical skills. It has shown me the importance of compassion, patience, and treating every person with dignity, regardless of their circumstances. Every interaction reminds me that small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference in someone’s day. While working full time, I returned to college as a nontraditional student to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Entering college later in life while balancing work and family responsibilities has not always been easy, but it has strengthened my determination. I want to combine my healthcare experience with technology to create solutions that improve patient care, increase accessibility, and help healthcare professionals provide better outcomes. My goal is to build technology that serves people, especially those who are often overlooked. Giving back has always been important to me because I know firsthand how meaningful support can be during difficult seasons of life. Whether volunteering in my community or serving patients through my profession, I have learned that making a positive impact is rarely about grand gestures. It is about showing up consistently, listening, and helping others feel seen and valued. I hope to continue serving my community while using my future career to create tools that benefit both patients and healthcare providers. Outside of school, I have developed a passion for exploring Virginia’s parks, battlefields, and nature preserves. Hiking has become more than a hobby; it has taught me curiosity and appreciation for the world around me. I enjoy identifying native plants, wildlife, and ecosystems because I believe learning should extend far beyond the classroom. Every trail reminds me that growth happens one step at a time, a lesson that mirrors my educational journey. The person who motivates me most is myself—not because I believe I have all the answers, but because I know how far I have already come. Every obstacle I have overcome has reinforced the belief that perseverance creates opportunity. I want my children to see that success is built through discipline, integrity, and refusing to give up when life becomes challenging. Jennifer Kelley’s story reminds us that life is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by how we serve others. I hope to honor those same values by continuing to work hard, lead with compassion, and use both healthcare and technology to improve the lives of the people around me.

Technology has always fascinated me because it has the power to solve problems that once seemed impossible. However, I didn’t choose computer science simply because I enjoy coding. I chose it because I believe technology should improve people’s lives. As a Computer Science major with a minor in Psychology, my goal is to combine technology with an understanding of human behavior to create innovative healthcare solutions that improve patient care, mental health, and accessibility. I want to bridge the gap between technology and people by designing tools that are not only intelligent but also compassionate and centered around the needs of those who use them. My long-term goal is to work in research and innovation, developing technologies that transform healthcare. I am especially interested in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and medical technologies that can assist doctors, improve patient outcomes, and make healthcare more accessible to underserved communities. I want to contribute to research that develops smarter diagnostic tools, personalized mental health technologies, and systems that help individuals live healthier and more independent lives. In the short term, I plan to gain research experience, participate in internships, and continue building the technical skills necessary to become an engineer and researcher capable of leading meaningful innovation. As a first-generation Black American woman pursuing a degree in STEM, I understand the importance of representation. Throughout history, people who look like me have been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. While this reality can be discouraging, I choose to see it as motivation rather than a limitation. Every classroom I enter and every opportunity I pursue reminds me that I have the chance to open doors not only for myself but also for others who may one day see someone like them succeeding in a field they once believed was out of reach. My journey has not been without challenges. As a nontraditional student balancing college with raising two children, financial responsibilities, and personal obstacles, I have learned discipline, perseverance, and resilience. My experiences have shaped my determination to succeed. Rather than allowing adversity to define my future, I have used it as fuel to work harder and remain committed to my education. I want my children to grow up seeing that persistence and education can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. I also hope my story encourages other students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in STEM without allowing fear or self-doubt to hold them back. Receiving the SigalA Education Scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing my degree. Like many students, I face the challenge of balancing tuition, textbooks, technology, and everyday living expenses while remaining focused on my academic goals. This scholarship would allow me to spend less time worrying about financial stress and more time investing in research opportunities, professional development, and building projects that strengthen my skills. It would also help me continue pursuing internships and experiences that prepare me for a career dedicated to innovation in healthcare. I believe the future of healthcare will be shaped by individuals who understand both technology and humanity. My education in computer science and psychology will allow me to contribute to that future by creating solutions that improve lives, reduce healthcare disparities, and make advanced technology accessible to everyone. This scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is an investment in a student who is determined to use education, innovation, and perseverance to make a lasting impact on the world.

Growing up, I learned that empathy is more than being kind—it is about understanding people’s experiences and creating solutions that make their lives better. As a first-generation Black American and first-generation college student, I have experienced the uncertainty that comes with navigating higher education without family guidance. Balancing college, a full-time job, and raising two young children has required resilience, discipline, and determination. These experiences have shaped not only who I am, but also the kind of impact I hope to make on the world. I am majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology because I believe technology should serve humanity, not replace it. While many people view computer science as writing code, I see it as a powerful tool for solving real human problems. Psychology helps me understand how people think, communicate, and respond to challenges, while computer science gives me the ability to build solutions that improve lives. Together, these fields allow me to approach innovation with both logic and compassion. My long-term goal is to work in healthcare research and innovation, developing technologies that make healthcare more accessible, personalized, and equitable. I want to help create artificial intelligence systems that assist physicians in diagnosing diseases earlier, software that improves mental health care, and tools that reduce barriers for underserved communities. Technology should never widen the gap between people who have access to quality care and those who do not. Instead, it should bring us closer together by ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to receive the care they deserve. Beyond my career, I hope to inspire others who come from backgrounds similar to mine. Being a first-generation student often means becoming the example for younger siblings, your children, and your community. I want my journey to show that circumstances do not define potential. By mentoring students interested in STEM, especially young women and underrepresented minorities, I hope to encourage the next generation of innovators to pursue careers where their voices and perspectives are desperately needed. Empathy begins with listening, but it grows through action. My greatest strength is my ability to combine analytical thinking with genuine compassion for others. Every line of code I write, every research project I contribute to, and every person I mentor will reflect that belief. I do not simply want to build better technology—I want to build technology that understands people, respects their differences, and improves their quality of life. Through education, innovation, and service, I hope to help create a global community where everyone has the opportunity to be seen, understood, and cared for.

For most of my life, I knew I experienced the world differently, but I did not know why. As a Black American woman, many of my struggles with sensory overload, social communication, and emotional exhaustion were misunderstood by others and often dismissed as personality flaws. I spent years wondering why everyday interactions felt so difficult and why I constantly felt out of step with the people around me. It was not until adulthood that I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a diagnosis that finally gave language to experiences I had carried alone for years. Receiving a late diagnosis was both validating and heartbreaking. It helped me understand that I was not broken or failing; I had simply been navigating a world that was not designed for minds like mine. At the same time, I reflected on how many years I spent masking my struggles, blaming myself, and feeling isolated. My experience revealed how mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions are often overlooked, especially among Black women, whose challenges are frequently misunderstood or ignored. These experiences have profoundly shaped my beliefs. I believe that mental health should be discussed openly, compassionately, and without stigma. Understanding my own neurodivergence taught me that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It also showed me the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, understood, and accepted for who they are. My Journey has also influenced my friendships. Learning about autism helped me communicate my needs more effectively and develop deeper empathy for others facing invisible challenges. I have come to recognize that many people carry struggles that are not immediately visible, and this awareness has strengthened my commitment to kindness and understanding. As a first-generation college student majoring in Physics and Psychology, I hope to build a career in cognitive science. I am fascinated by how the brain processes information, perception, and social behavior. By combining scientific research with personal experience, I want to contribute to a better understanding of neurodiversity and help develop more inclusive approaches to mental health care and education. My goal is to ensure that future generations, especially those from underrepresented communities, receive the understanding and support that I lacked growing up. My mental health journey has been challenging, but it has also given me purpose. It has taught me resilience, self-advocacy, and compassion. Most importantly, it has inspired me to help create a world where conversations about mental health are met not with judgement, but with understanding and hope.

Balancing the roles of student and single parent is the most challenging and defining experience of my life. As a first-generation college student and a single mother of two, I carry responsibilities that extend far beyond the classroom. While education represents opportunity, growth and stability for my family, pursuing it while raising children alone requires constant sacrifice, resilience, and determination. The most difficult challenge I face is time. My days begin early and end late, often structured around school drop offs, homework help, meals, bedtime routines, and studying after my children fall asleep. Unlike traditional students, I do not have the luxury of uninterrupted study time or the flexibility to prioritize academics above all else. Every assignment must be balanced against childcare needs, illnesses, school events, and emotional availability for my children. There are moments when exhaustion feels overwhelming, yet giving up has never been an option because my children depend on me-not just for survival, but for example. Another significant challenge is financial pressure. As a single parent, I am solely responsible for housing, food, childcare, transportation and educational experiences. Without generational wealth or family financial support , every unexpected cost can feel destabilizing. Tuition, textbooks and fees compete with basic necessities like groceries and utilities. I often have to make difficult choices, stretching limited resources while ensuring my children never feel the weight of those sacrifices. Being a first generation student intensifies this struggle, as I navigate college systems, financial aid, and academic expectations without the guidance of family members who have walked this path before me. Emotionally, the journey is just as demanding. There is guilt that comes with time spent studying instead of playing with my children, and anxiety about whether I am doing enough in every role I hold. Yet there is also profound motivation. My children watch me work tirelessly toward a better future, and I hope they learn that perseverance and education can change the trajectory of their lives. I want them to grow up knowing that their circumstances do not define their limits. This scholarship would be transformational for my family and I . Financial support would ease the burden of tuition and educational expenses, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and less on my constant survival. With reduced stress, I could dedicate more time to academic excellence, participate in learning opportunities beyond the classroom, and graduate sooner-bringing long term stability to my household. More importantly, this scholarship represents belief. As a first generation student, being recognized affirms that my journey matters and that my goals are attainable. It would provide not only financial relief but also encouragement during moments when the roads feels isolating. Knowing that others believe in my potential strengthens my resolve to succeed. The impact of this scholarship extends beyond my own future. By earning my degree, I am building a foundation of stability, opportunity and possibility for my children. I want them to grow up seeing education as achievable, not intimidating. I want to break cycles of limitation and show them that persistence and hard work can overcome even in the most difficult circumstances. My success will open doors for them and redefine what is possible for our family. As a single mother and first-generation college student, I am not pursuing a degree-I am pursuing generational change. This scholarship would help pave the way for that change by allowing me to continue my education with dignity, focus, and hope. I am committed to using my education to provide for my children, contribute meaningfully to my community, and serve as a role model for others who believe their dreams are out of reach. With support, I can transform struggle into strength and ambition into achievements-for myself and for the two lives who depend on me everyday.

Pursuing higher education has not been a straightforward journey for me. One of the biggest obstacles I have faced is learning how to balance academic responsibilities with real life challenges. Like many students, I have had to manage school while handling the responsibilities of being a single mother of two, financial stress and moments of self doubt. There were times when continuing my education felt overwhelming, especially when resources or guidance felt limited. However, these challenges pushed me to develop resilience, discipline and a strong sense of purpose. One particular challenge was learning to stay motivated when the path ahead felt uncertain. Without always having a clear direction or support, I had to teach myself how to advocate for my goals. I sought help when needed, adjusted my study habits and learned to manage my time more effectively. Each obstacle strengthened my determination rather than discouraging me. I came to understand that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to grow and adapt. Through these experiences, I have gained a deep appreciation for education and the doors it can open. Higher education represents more than a degree to me-it represents stability, opportunity, and the ability to create positive change. I am pursuing my education not only to improve my own life, but also to uplift others who may face similar challenges. In the future, I plan to give back to my community by using education to support and empower those around me. Whether through mentoring students, volunteering or contributing my skills professionally, I want to become what others can look up to for guidance and encouragement. I understand how difficult it can be to navigate education without adequate support, and I hope to be part of the solution by sharing knowledge, resources and motivation. Receiving this scholarship would ease financial pressure and allow me to focus fully on my academic goals. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to making a meaningful impact in my community. My journey has taught me perseverance, and I am committed to using my education to create opportunities-not just for myself, but for others as well.