I have chosen to pursue a degree in STEM because I am drawn to problem-solving, critical thinking, and the opportunity to create solutions that have real-world impact. STEM fields, especially cybersecurity, sit at the intersection of technology and responsibility. As our world becomes more digitally connected, protecting information, systems, and people is more important than ever. I am motivated by the idea that my work can help keep individuals, businesses, and communities safe in an increasingly complex digital landscape. My interest in STEM also grew from recognizing how powerful knowledge can be. Coming from a background where higher education was unfamiliar and resources were limited, learning how systems work—whether technical or societal—felt empowering. STEM gives me the tools to understand problems deeply and approach them with logic, creativity, and discipline. It challenges me to keep learning and adapting, which is something I value both academically and personally. As a person of color pursuing a STEM degree, I am aware that representation in these fields is still limited. Growing up in a predominantly white community, I rarely saw people who looked like me working in technical or scientific roles. That absence made me question at times whether I belonged in STEM spaces. Instead of allowing that doubt to stop me, it became motivation. I want to be part of the change that increases diversity in STEM and helps redefine what these fields look like. I hope to have an impact in STEM by bringing not only technical skill, but also perspective. Diversity in STEM matters because different backgrounds lead to different ways of thinking, identifying problems, and creating solutions. As a person of color, my experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and empathy—qualities that are just as important as technical knowledge. In cybersecurity especially, understanding human behavior, communication, and trust is critical, and my background allows me to approach these challenges with a broader and more inclusive mindset. In the future, I also hope to serve as an example and a resource for others who may feel underrepresented or uncertain about pursuing STEM. Whether through mentorship, community outreach, or simply being visible in the field, I want others to see that STEM is not limited to one type of person or background. My goal is to contribute to a field that is not only innovative and secure, but also inclusive and forward-thinking. Ultimately, I chose STEM because it allows me to combine my interest in technology with my desire to make a meaningful impact. As a person of color, I hope my presence, work, and leadership will help open doors, challenge assumptions, and inspire future generations to see themselves in STEM as well.

My identity as an African American student from a predominantly white community has played a significant role in shaping who I am and the path I am pursuing. Growing up, I was often one of very few people who looked like me in my school and community. That experience made me aware, at an early age, of what it means to be underrepresented. While it sometimes felt isolating, it also became a powerful source of growth, resilience, and motivation. In many spaces, I felt pressure to represent more than just myself. I was aware that my actions, words, and achievements were often viewed through a broader lens. At times, this made me feel as though I had to work harder to prove my abilities or overcome assumptions made about me before people truly knew me. Those moments were challenging, but they taught me perseverance and confidence. I learned how to advocate for myself, how to remain grounded in my identity, and how to keep pushing forward even when I felt unseen or underestimated. Being part of an underrepresented minority in my community also shaped how I view opportunity. I did not grow up seeing many people of color in professional, academic, or leadership roles, especially in higher education or technical fields. That lack of representation could have discouraged me, but instead it inspired me. It made me want to pursue a path that breaks barriers—not just for myself, but for others who may feel unsure of where they belong. I want to show that success is possible, even when you do not see many examples ahead of you. My background has also strengthened my sense of empathy and responsibility. Navigating environments where I stood out taught me how important inclusion, understanding, and support truly are. These experiences have shaped how I interact with others and how I want to move through future academic and professional spaces. I strive to be someone who uplifts others, creates space for different voices, and leads with integrity and respect. Looking ahead, my identity will continue to impact my path in meaningful ways. As I pursue higher education and my future career, I carry with me the lessons learned from being underrepresented: resilience, adaptability, and determination. I know there may still be moments where I am the only one or one of few, but I am prepared to face those spaces with confidence rather than fear. I view my identity not as a limitation, but as a strength that brings perspective, diversity, and depth to everything I do. Ultimately, being an African American student from a predominantly white community has shaped my goals, my values, and my sense of purpose. It has motivated me to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach and to walk a path that opens doors for others. I am proud of where I come from, and I am committed to using my experiences to build a future defined by growth, impact, and representation.

A meaningful experience that influenced my decision to pursue a college education comes from growing up in a community where opportunities were limited and higher education was not something most people around me experienced. In my family, no one has ever gone to college. Because of that, college often felt distant and unfamiliar—something talked about, but not something we truly understood or felt prepared for. There was no clear roadmap to follow, and for a long time, I questioned whether pursuing college was realistic for me. Living in a small community, I saw firsthand how hard people worked to provide for their families, often without the chance to advance or explore careers they were truly passionate about. Many adults I looked up to were intelligent, capable, and dedicated, yet their options were limited simply because they did not have access to higher education. Watching this shaped my perspective early on. I began to understand that education could be a powerful tool—not just for personal success, but for creating new possibilities. One particularly meaningful experience was becoming more involved in school and community activities and realizing how much I enjoyed learning and problem-solving. Teachers and mentors encouraged me and helped me see potential in myself that I had not recognized before. Their support made me realize that even though college was unfamiliar territory for my family, it did not mean it was out of reach. Instead of seeing my background as a disadvantage, I began to view it as motivation. I wanted to be the one to take that first step. My faith also played an important role in this decision. As a Christian, I believe God places dreams in our hearts for a reason, even when the path to reach them feels uncertain. Prayer helped me overcome fear and self-doubt, especially knowing I would be navigating college without family experience to guide me. My faith gave me confidence to trust that I was capable of more than what I had seen growing up. Ultimately, the combination of my community experiences, encouragement from mentors, and my family’s history of not attending college influenced my decision to pursue higher education. I want to honor where I come from while creating a new path forward—not only for myself, but for those who may come after me. Pursuing a college education represents growth, opportunity, and the chance to turn hard work into lasting impact.

My computer science goals are centered around earning a degree in cybersecurity and gaining the skills needed to protect people, organizations, and communities in an increasingly digital world. Technology is involved in nearly every part of our lives, and with that comes the responsibility to keep information safe. I am especially interested in learning how to identify vulnerabilities, prevent cyber threats, and respond effectively when systems are compromised. My goal is not only to understand how technology works, but also how to use that knowledge ethically and responsibly. I want to be someone who can be trusted to protect sensitive information and help create safer digital environments. Beyond computer science, my non-technical goals focus on service, leadership, and personal growth. I value helping others and making a positive impact, whether that is through community involvement, mentoring, or simply being someone others can rely on. I also want to continue growing in my faith and character, using integrity and compassion as guiding principles in everything I do. Communication and teamwork are also important goals for me. Technology does not exist in isolation, and being able to explain complex ideas clearly and work well with others is just as important as technical skill. In the future, I hope to combine my computer science and non-computer science goals in a meaningful way. Cybersecurity is not only about code and systems—it is about people. Many cyber incidents happen because individuals lack awareness or guidance, so I would like to use my technical knowledge to educate and protect others. This could include working with organizations to improve security practices, helping small businesses or nonprofits protect their data, or even mentoring students who are interested in technology but don’t know where to start. My leadership and communication goals will allow me to bridge the gap between technical experts and everyday users. I also see my faith playing a role in how I combine these goals. Cybersecurity requires a strong ethical foundation, as professionals are trusted with access to sensitive systems and information. My Christian values encourage honesty, accountability, and respect for others, which are essential in this field. I want to approach my career not just as a job, but as a form of service—using my skills to protect others and contribute positively to society. Ultimately, my goal is to build a future where my technical abilities in cybersecurity and my personal commitment to service work together. By combining these goals, I hope to make a difference both in the digital world and in the lives of the people I serve.

My personal journey and my service to others have played a major role in shaping my goal of pursuing higher education. Growing up in a small community and attending a very small school, I learned early on how closely connected people’s lives are. When someone struggles, everyone feels it—and when someone succeeds, the whole community benefits. Being part of that environment showed me the value of service and responsibility, and it helped me understand that education is not just about personal advancement, but about being equipped to give back. Through serving others—whether by helping classmates, supporting teammates, or participating in community and school activities—I discovered how meaningful it is to make a difference in someone else’s life. Small acts of service, like encouraging someone who felt overlooked or stepping up when help was needed, taught me leadership, patience, and empathy. These experiences helped me realize that I want a future where I can continue serving others in a more impactful and informed way. Pursuing higher education feels like a natural next step in preparing myself to do that. My personal journey has not been without challenges. There have been moments of self-doubt, pressure, and uncertainty about the future, especially coming from a small school where opportunities can feel limited. However, those challenges pushed me to work harder and to believe in the value of perseverance. They taught me that growth often comes from stepping outside of what feels familiar or comfortable. Higher education represents an opportunity for me to grow academically, personally, and spiritually, while still holding onto the values that shaped me. My faith has also influenced this goal. As a Christian, I believe that God calls us to use our gifts wisely and to continue learning so we can better serve others. Education is a tool that allows us to develop those gifts. I see higher education not just as a personal achievement, but as a way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive difference in my community and beyond. I want to be someone who leads with compassion, integrity, and purpose. Ultimately, my journey and my service experiences have shown me that education has the power to open doors—not just for myself, but for the people I hope to serve in the future. Pursuing higher education is my way of honoring where I come from, investing in who I am becoming, and preparing to give back with intention and heart.

Being a good teammate means showing up for others even when it’s hard, uncomfortable, or inconvenient. At a very small school, you quickly learn that being a teammate goes far beyond the game itself. You don’t just play alongside the same people—you grow up with them. A good teammate encourages others, listens, and puts the team’s success above personal recognition. It means celebrating wins together, owning mistakes, and refusing to give up on each other when things don’t go as planned. In a small school setting, being a good teammate also means understanding that every person matters. There is no one to replace you, and no one is “just another player.” Everyone’s effort counts. The most important team I have ever been on is my school team. Because our school is so small, we often faced challenges that larger schools didn’t—limited resources, smaller rosters, and sometimes feeling overlooked or underestimated. But those challenges brought us closer together. We relied on each other not only during games or practices, but also in the classroom and in daily life. We shared victories that felt earned and losses that hurt deeply, but through it all, we stayed united. Being part of that team taught me responsibility, humility, and perseverance. It showed me that success isn’t always measured by the scoreboard, but by the character you build and the relationships you form. My faith has played a huge role in supporting me through hard times, both on and off the field or court. As a Christian, I believe that God places people in our lives for a reason, including teammates and coaches. When I felt discouraged—whether from a tough loss, an injury, or personal struggles—my faith reminded me that my worth is not defined by performance. Verses like Colossians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” helped me focus on giving my best effort rather than chasing approval or success. This mindset allowed me to play with purpose and peace, even when things didn’t go my way. Off the field, my faith gave me strength during moments of doubt, stress, and uncertainty. At a small school, pressure can feel more personal because everyone knows you and expects you to contribute. Prayer became a way for me to release that pressure and trust that God was guiding me, even when the path wasn’t clear. My faith also encouraged me to be a better teammate—to show grace, forgive quickly, and support others when they were struggling. I tried to lead not by being the loudest or the most talented, but by being dependable and kind. In the end, being a good teammate means loving others the way Christ calls us to—selflessly and faithfully. My experiences on a small-school team, supported by my Christian faith, have shaped who I am today and taught me lessons that will stay with me far beyond the game.

Growing up in a low-income African American family in a small West Virginia town has shaped my goals, my work ethic, and my determination to pursue an IT degree. In many ways, my environment presented challenges that could have held me back. Such as lack of educational resources. Opportunities in my community were limited, resources were often stretched thin, and role models who looked like me in technical fields were rare. But instead of discouraging me, these experiences motivated me to work even harder. I spent two years take an hour plus bus ride to a technical school to learn more in depth the trade I wanted to pursue. My background helped me understand the importance of representation in technology. I want younger students who share my experiences to see that they belong in this field too. My identity and circumstances have not been obstacles—they have been sources of strength, pushing me to break barriers and set new expectations for what someone from my community can achieve. Financial challenges also made me more focused and resourceful. I worked hard in school, pursued every opportunity available to me, and learned the value of persistence. We didn’t have much, but my family gave me 100% love and support. Earning an IT degree will allow me to build a career that can support my family and contribute to my community. Overall, my upbringing did more than shape who I am—it fueled my ambition. It inspired me to set high goals, pursue higher education, and continue striving for a future where I can use my skills to make a meaningful impact.

My name is Dreden James Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college, both maternal and paternal sides. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and my loved ones, as it represents not only a personal achievement, but also a symbol of progress for my entire family.As the oldest of four siblings, I am to inspired them to follow me. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am truly passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my long-term goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.

My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college.. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impacts in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Family is at the core of everything I do. Their support has fueled my ambition and kept me grounded throughout my journey. I strive to be a role model for my younger siblings and cousins, showing them that with hard work and persistence, anything is possible. I also value learning—especially when it comes to technology. I constantly seek out new advancements in cybersecurity, whether it’s through, reading tech blogs, or engaging with peers in the field. I find joy in understanding how systems work and how they can be improved to serve and protect people. Cybersecurity is essential in today’s world because it protects the systems, networks, and data that individuals, businesses, and governments rely on every day. With the increasing use of technology in nearly every aspect of life—from banking and healthcare to education and communication—sensitive information is constantly being transmitted and stored online. Without cybersecurity measures, this information becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft. These threats can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and even national security risks. Cybersecurity is also crucial in maintaining trust between users and organizations, ensuring that digital services remain safe and reliable. As technology continues to advance, the demand for professionals who can defend against these threats becomes even more important to our society’s safety and progress. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.

I’ve always loved technology.it’s what drives my curiosity. In 11th and 12th grade, I attended a technical high school where I focused on IT and hands-on tech skills. That experience confirmed my interest and set the foundation for my future. Now, I’m continuing my journey in college, studying cybersecurity and expanding my knowledge every day. Technology is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to be part of a field where I can grow, solve problems, and make a real impact. Cybersecurity is more than just a field of study it’s my passion. I love the challenge it brings, the constant evolution of threats, and the sense of purpose in protecting systems, data, and people. Every day in cybersecurity feels like solving a new puzzle, whether it's analyzing a potential breach, hardening a network, or exploring new ways to stop attacks before they happen. The blend of technology, problem-solving, and real-world impact makes this field incredibly rewarding. But behind the scenes, many of the tools and techniques we use are grounded in advanced mathematics, especially calculus. While cybersecurity is often seen as a field dominated by networking, programming, and ethical hacking, calculus plays a foundational role in many of the advanced techniques used to secure systems. Understanding calculus can give you deeper insight into the tools, algorithms, and systems you’ll encounter in the field. Calculus is fundamental to the development and analysis of cryptographic algorithms. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC): ECC, used in modern encryption (including SSL/TLS), is based on complex mathematical structures that involve calculus and algebraic geometry. Machine learning algorithms often rely on optimization techniques and gradient descent, which are built on differential calculus. If you're working on or analyzing AI-driven cybersecurity tools, calculus helps you understand how models learn from data and how to adjust weights in neural networks. Even in network analysis, calculus helps model data flow, identify patterns, and simulate attacks, which is vital for building stronger defenses. Having a solid grasp of the concepts will give you an edge, especially if you’re interested in, security research,advanced threat detection, and AI in cybersecurity. Even if you don’t directly use calculus every day, the logical thinking and problem-solving skills you gain from studying it are directly transferable to cybersecurity tasks. Loving cybersecurity means being curious, and calculus feeds that curiosity. It allows us to go beyond just using tools — to understand and even improve them. Whether designing secure systems, building smarter algorithms, or analyzing threats, calculus provides a deeper layer of insight.

My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college.I was born and partially raised in Harrisburg, Pa and then relocated to Paw Paw, WV at the age of 10. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and my loved ones, as it represents not only a personal achievement, but also a symbol of progress for my entire family. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am truly passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my long-term goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.

My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and my loved ones, as it represents not only a personal achievement, but also a symbol of progress for my entire family. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impacts in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Family is at the core of everything I do. Their support has fueled my ambition and kept me grounded throughout my journey. I strive to be a role model for my younger siblings and cousins, showing them that with hard work and persistence, anything is possible. I also value learning—especially when it comes to technology. I constantly seek out new advancements in cybersecurity, whether it’s through, reading tech blogs, or engaging with peers in the field. I find joy in understanding how systems work and how they can be improved to serve and protect people. Cybersecurity is essential in today’s world because it protects the systems, networks, and data that individuals, businesses, and governments rely on every day. With the increasing use of technology in nearly every aspect of life—from banking and healthcare to education and communication—sensitive information is constantly being transmitted and stored online. Without cybersecurity measures, this information becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft. These threats can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and even national security risks. Cybersecurity is also crucial in maintaining trust between users and organizations, ensuring that digital services remain safe and reliable. As technology continues to advance, the demand for professionals who can defend against these threats becomes even more important to our society’s safety and progress. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.

My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and my loved ones, as it represents not only a personal achievement, but also a symbol of progress for my entire family. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity.my instructor, Mr.Odom was dedicated in seeing us each succeed not just in his class but in the future. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am truly passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my long-term goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.

Sure! Here's your revised and expanded text, now with **over 409 words** while keeping your voice and message intact: --- My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and my loved ones, as it represents not only a personal achievement, but also a symbol of progress for my entire family. I grew up in a small, low-income community where opportunities were often limited and resources were scarce. Despite these challenges, my determination to succeed and create a better future for myself and those around me has always remained strong. I began my higher education journey by enrolling at James Ramsey Technical Institute, where I spent two years studying cybersecurity. During that time, I built a strong academic and practical foundation in a field I am truly passionate about. I developed key skills in network security, threat detection, and system defense, which further fueled my interest in information technology. Now, I am continuing my education at Fairmont University, where I am working toward a degree in Information Technology. This next step brings me closer to my long-term goal of becoming a cybersecurity expert who can contribute to both the corporate and public sectors by helping protect systems and data from cyber threats. Outside of academics, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community. I believe that true success is not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact one makes in the lives of others. That’s why I volunteer regularly with my local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and support Little League teams in my neighborhood. I’ve learned that mentorship, encouragement, and community involvement can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people, especially those who may be facing the same barriers I once did. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of resilience, hard work, and service to others. These values have shaped me into the person I am today. I carry them with me in everything I do, and I plan to use them as guiding principles throughout my academic and professional career. I’m eager to continue growing, learning, and contributing—both in the tech world and in the communities that helped shape me. I know that by combining education, experience, and heart, I can help build a better, more inclusive future for everyone.

My name is Dreden Heath. I am an African-American student, proud to be the first in my family to attend college. I grew up in a small low income. Community were opportunities were limited that my determination to succeed has always been strong. I spent two years at James Ramsey technical Institute studying cyber security building a strong foundation in a field I’m passionate about. now I am continuing my education at Fairmont University pursuing a degree in information technology.Outside of academics so I’m deeply committed to give them back to my community. I volunteer with the local PTO and Little League teams because I believe in the power of mentorship community support and helping the next generation succeed, my experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, hard work and service to others. I’m eager to continue my education and use my skills to uplift both my community and the tech world. Technology is helping local communities become better places to live by solving common problems and creating new opportunities. Tech has made it easy for people to stay in touch and share ideas. Social media, messaging apps, and online forums help neighbors, families, and friends connect quickly. Imagine sending a message to a whole neighborhood in seconds! That’s how tech brings people together. Homes and public areas are safer with the help of smart security systems. These include cameras, alarms, and apps that monitor neighborhoods. The Internet, telephones, cars, planes, children's toys, and other gadgets are examples of technology. These types of equipment have impacted society greatly. They have made the movement of goods and people easier and faster. The Internet and cellphones have eased the way people communicate and pass information. In conclusion, Technology significantly benefits society by improving communication, advancing healthcare, enhancing education, and driving economic growth. It also facilitates equality by providing access to resources and opportunities for all, regardless of their background. However, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential negative impacts like the digital divide, privacy concerns, and the need for responsible development and regulation. Impact technology is the proactive use of responsible technology to create or multiply positive impact and to facilitate your ability to build community. It can change the world for the better. Fostering online communities is an exponentially scalable way to transform the world. When people with shared values, behaviors, and resources come together in an online impact community, the knowledge each person shares multiplies.

Growing up as a young Black man in a mostly white neighborhood in a small town in West Virginia taught me early on about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Even though I was often one of the few African Americans in my school or community spaces, I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who treated me with kindness and respect. My experiences helped me understand that while race, background, or differences may exist, shared humanity and mutual respect can bring people together in powerful ways. Diversity is important to me because it brings different perspectives, experiences, and talents to the table. When people from various backgrounds come together, they create stronger communities and inspire new ideas. As someone who grew up in a hardworking, lower-class family, I know how important it is for every voice to be heard and valued, no matter where you come from. Diversity not only enriches education, but it also helps prepare students for the real world, where we work and live among people of all backgrounds. At college, I want to help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by being a positive example and an active participant. I plan to join or help organize student groups that celebrate different cultures and encourage open conversations about important issues. I want to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, participating in cultural events, or simply standing up for others when needed, I am committed to making my campus a welcoming place for all. I believe that promoting equity means making sure everyone has the resources and support they need to succeed, not just those who come from privilege. I will advocate for programs that lift up first-generation college students like me, as well as students from underrepresented communities. I will use my story and my voice to remind others that success should be within reach for anyone willing to work for it. Inclusion means making sure everyone feels like they belong, not just that they are allowed to be present. It’s about truly listening, valuing different life experiences, and working to break down barriers. I want to build real relationships with people from all walks of life and help foster a campus environment where differences are celebrated, not overlooked. As the first person in my family to go to college, I carry the hopes of generations before me. I want to use my education not just to better myself, but to lift others up, too. By promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, I hope to help create a future where everyone, no matter their background, feels empowered to chase their dreams just like I am chasing mine.