The first person who inspired me to become a teacher was my mom. For more than twenty years, she has owned and run a kindergarten, and I grew up watching what real teaching looks like when no one is applauding and the work still has to get done. At home, I saw her preparing lessons late at night, worrying about a child who was struggling, and celebrating small moments that other people might overlook, like a shy student finally raising their hand or a child learning to share without being reminded. She taught me, without ever giving a formal lecture, that teaching is not simply delivering content. It is building trust, protecting a child’s confidence, and guiding them toward independence. Watching her also showed me that a teacher’s influence can stretch far beyond the classroom. Parents trusted her with their children’s first experiences of school, and that responsibility shaped the way she spoke, listened, and led. She did not treat kids like problems to be managed. She treated them like people who were still learning how to be people. That mindset stayed with me. It made me want to become the kind of educator who notices students early, before they decide they are “not good at school” or “not a math person” or “not the type to speak up.” I want to help students build an identity grounded in courage and curiosity. A second inspiration came when I saw how powerful math education can be when it is taught as thinking instead of memorization. In summer 2025, I worked as a counselor and floater at MathPath, a residential summer program where middle school students explore advanced problem solving and mathematical thinking in a supportive community. What struck me was the culture. Students were encouraged to wrestle with problems, to discuss ideas respectfully, and to treat being stuck as a normal part of learning. That environment transformed kids who were hesitant into students willing to share half-formed ideas, revise their thinking, and try again. I watched students light up when they realized that math could be creative and collaborative. At MathPath, I supervised a group of about eight to ten students and supported the camp through daily check-ins, activity help, and weekly evaluations. The real teaching often happened in the in-between moments. A student who looked confident in class might struggle at night with homesickness. Another might be brilliant but afraid of being wrong in front of peers. I learned to listen first, then respond in a way that helped them regain confidence without dismissing their feelings. I also learned that inspiration is not always a big speech. Sometimes inspiration is consistency. It is showing up calmly, holding clear expectations, and making students feel worth the effort. Alongside my family background and MathPath experience, I have also accumulated teaching experience through three years as a teaching assistant and grader in college. That work refined my ability to explain complex ideas clearly and patiently. I have learned how to spot misconceptions, how to break down a concept into steps, and how to give feedback that challenges students without discouraging them. It also taught me that teaching is not about showing how much you know. It is about figuring out what someone else needs in order to understand. These experiences shape how I plan to inspire others as a future teacher. First, I will build a classroom culture where students feel safe taking intellectual risks. Many students shut down not because they lack ability, but because they fear embarrassment. I want mistakes to be treated as part of thinking, while still keeping standards high. From MathPath, I learned that students rise when challenge feels like an invitation rather than a threat. Second, I will inspire students by helping them feel seen and included. Motivation is not separate from academics. It is what keeps students willing to try. I will use routines, community-building, and collaborative problem solving to help students belong. When students trust their classroom community, they participate more, ask better questions, and support each other through difficulty. Finally, I want to model the mindset I hope students develop. Strong learners ask questions, revise ideas, and keep going after setbacks. Math teaches perseverance and precision, but those skills belong to every part of life. If my students leave my class believing “I can figure this out if I keep working,” they will carry that confidence far beyond school. My mom inspired me by showing that teaching changes lives through small acts of care repeated every day. MathPath inspired me by showing how joyful and rigorous learning can coexist. My years as a teaching assistant inspired me by proving that patient explanation and steady support can open doors for students who thought those doors were closed. When I become a teacher, I want my students to feel that they are not alone in the struggle, that their ideas matter, and that growth is always possible.

Growing up, I never had to guess what a life in education looked like. For the past twenty years, my mom has owned and run a kindergarten, and I grew up around the daily reality of caring for young learners. I saw how much thought went into what many people assume is “just babysitting.” It was building routines, noticing quiet students who needed a gentle invitation to join, calming big emotions, and celebrating small victories like sharing, speaking up, or finishing a task independently. Watching my mom lead with patience and consistency taught me that K–12 education is not only about academics. It is about helping children feel safe, capable, and proud of who they are becoming. Because I had that close view of early childhood education, I also learned how much a strong foundation matters. Some children walked in confident, ready to try anything. Others arrived carrying anxiety, language barriers, or fear of being wrong. The difference often came down to whether an adult created trust first. Over time, I started paying attention to the moments that shape a student’s identity as a learner, especially in math, where confidence can disappear quickly if a student feels judged for making mistakes. In summer 2024, I worked as a counselor and floater at MathPath, a residential summer program where middle school students explore advanced problem solving and mathematical thinking in a supportive community. I supervised a group of about eight to ten students while also helping across the broader camp. My responsibilities went beyond logistics. I monitored daily habits, supported students during activities, enforced policies fairly, and submitted weekly evaluations. Most importantly, I learned how to build relationships in the small in-between moments. MathPath also showed me what engaging math culture looks like when it is done well. I observed creative mathematics teaching from professors and saw students become willing to wrestle with hard ideas because the environment made challenge feel exciting instead of threatening. When students struggled socially or emotionally, I learned to balance authority with approachability. I practiced active listening, conflict resolution, and empathy so students could regain focus and feel supported. Those experiences taught me that strong instruction and strong mentoring are inseparable in K–12 settings. Alongside these experiences, I have been building my teaching skills consistently for the past three years as a teaching assistant and grader in college. Supporting students week after week has trained me to explain concepts in multiple ways, recognize common misconceptions early, and respond with patience when someone feels stuck. I have learned how to break down complex ideas into clear steps without taking away a student’s chance to think for themselves. Just as importantly, I have seen how confidence changes performance. When a student realizes they can learn something hard, their whole attitude shifts. This long-term experience has helped me develop the habits of a teacher, including preparation, communication, and steady encouragement, not just in one program or one summer, but across multiple semesters. My aspiration is to pursue a career in K–12 education because I want to build that kind of environment every day. I want to be the teacher who protects a student’s confidence while also raising their expectations. My mom’s kindergarten taught me that care is the starting point. MathPath taught me how powerful learning becomes when students feel seen, supported, and challenged. My college teaching experience has strengthened my ability to guide learners consistently and meet students where they are. Together, these experiences made education feel less like a path I am choosing and more like a calling I have been preparing for my whole life.

Computer science pulled me in because it is one of the few fields where ideas can become infrastructure. A single well-designed program can help someone learn, communicate, work, or stay safe. Yet the systems that shape daily life are often built by groups that do not reflect the full diversity of our communities. I want to be the kind of computer scientist who expands both the people and the perspectives behind the code. My computer science goals center on secure, human-centered software. I’m drawn to cryptography, systems, and applied machine learning because they sit at the boundary between “it works” and “it can be trusted.” I have worked on projects where correctness matters under real constraints, such as privacy-preserving image processing and networked logic that must behave reliably. Long term, I plan to pursue graduate study in secure computing and cryptography, then build tools that make privacy and safety practical for everyday users, not just experts. My most important non-computer goal is to teach computer science to the next generation. I want to reach students who don’t already see themselves as “the type” who belongs in tech. As a queer person, I understand how isolating it can feel to enter spaces where you’re unsure if you’ll be respected, supported, or taken seriously, and I know that sense of belonging directly affects whether students stay in the field. I’ve seen talented people step away from computing not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked guidance, confidence, or an environment where questions felt safe. I want to help change that by becoming a teacher who explains fundamentals clearly, teaches with patience, and makes learning feel achievable. Teaching strengthens my technical work. When I explain to beginners, I’m forced to understand the ideas deeply and communicate them simply. Beginners are also the most honest “users”: if an explanation, interface, or assignment is confusing, they show it immediately. That feedback loop pushes me to write cleaner code, better documentation, and more thoughtful designs. It also reminds me that good software is not only correct; it is understandable. In the future, I want to combine my software goals with my teaching goal by building tools that make security learnable. I imagine interactive, open-source modules where students can experiment with encryption, authentication, and threat models in a safe sandbox and see what changes when an attacker gains access. I also want to create beginner-friendly project templates that connect code to real life: a secure chat prototype, or a privacy-preserving image filter. These projects can be both empowering and practical, and they teach students how to protect themselves in a digital world. I’m already taking concrete steps toward this goal through my teaching assistant experience at my university. I lead weekly lab sections where I guide students through programming fundamentals, help them debug code line-by-line, and show them how to break big assignments into smaller, testable steps. I’ve learned how much structured support matters: quick check-ins, short explanations, hands-on exercises, and feedback that focuses on building confidence instead of just pointing out mistakes. Over time, I hope to continue teaching at the university level, mentor student researchers, and design curriculum that is inclusive, rigorous, and relevant to real-world software development. This scholarship fits the path I’m building: a coder whose “plus” is education and access. With support, I can invest more time in research, building, and teaching, and less time choosing between ambition and financial constraints. My aim is to write software that is trustworthy in adversarial environments and approachable for first-time learners, and to use that combination to widen the pipeline of future computer scientists.

As a first-generation college student and the child of Vietnamese immigrants, I have spent my life learning how to translate between worlds—between languages, cultures, generations, and now, between technology and humanity. My journey has taught me that empathy isn’t just about kindness—it’s about connection, and the commitment to help others feel seen, heard, and empowered. I believe I can use my talents in computer science, digital media, and community organizing to build a more empathetic and understanding global community, one project at a time. Growing up, I saw my parents navigate immense challenges without the privilege of higher education. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, my mother lost both her early childhood education business and real estate investments. Shortly after, my parents divorced, and my mom and I were left to rebuild with limited resources. We were emotionally and financially stretched, yet my mother insisted on supporting my education, even if it meant using her savings. This experience deepened my sense of purpose and inspired me to turn hardship into service. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve done that is through my leadership of the Vietnamese Youth Alliance (VNYA)—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Vietnamese youth through cultural education and storytelling. As its Director, I’ve organized cultural events, led digital media campaigns, and created safe spaces for young Vietnamese Americans to embrace their identity and share their voices. This work isn’t just about cultural pride—it’s about helping people feel less alone, and more connected to something bigger than themselves. At the same time, I’m pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at the University of Utah. With a 3.98 GPA, I’ve been fortunate to apply my academic skills toward community service. As a teaching assistant and tutor, I help fellow students—many of them also first-gen—navigate difficult material with patience and encouragement. I believe that when people feel supported in their learning, they develop not just knowledge, but confidence and compassion. Looking ahead, I want to use technology to amplify empathy across cultures and borders. Whether it’s building educational tools, designing inclusive platforms, or using artificial intelligence for ethical storytelling, I hope to create technology that brings people together rather than pushing them apart. I’ve already started building toward that goal—through projects like a blockchain simulator, a privacy-preserving image processor, and interactive algorithm visualizations. But I believe the real innovation lies in human-centered design: using code not just to solve problems, but to heal divisions. As a first-generation student, I know the power of opportunity—and how easily it can be lost without the right support. I’ve worked multiple jobs, applied for every scholarship I could, and leaned on resilience more times than I can count. But I’ve also learned that I am not alone. There are communities out there—like this scholarship foundation—investing in students like me, who want to change the world not just with skill, but with heart. With your support, I will continue using my talents to build bridges between people, cultures, and disciplines—creating a future where empathy is not an afterthought, but the foundation.

From a young age, I’ve learned to find opportunity in every limitation. As the child of Vietnamese immigrants, I grew up watching my parents work tirelessly to build a better future—not just for themselves, but for me. My mother once ran a thriving kindergarten and real estate business. Her work was a source of pride, independence, and stability for our family. But everything changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Education businesses were forced to shut down indefinitely, and real estate investments froze in place. What once felt like a secure future quickly became fragile. In the years that followed, my parents went through a difficult divorce, and I primarily lived with my mom, watching her try to rebuild what she had lost. Despite her resilience, my mother’s business never fully recovered due to post-COVID economic instability and her own lingering health issues. Tuition payments became heavier with each passing semester. She spent nearly all of her savings to support my education because she believes in my dreams as much as I do. But this semester, the burden became too much. I had no choice but to rely on credit cards and outside loans to cover my summer tuition, leaving me in full debt. While I’ve always tried to minimize financial strain through scholarships and part-time work, the weight of this reality continues to follow me. Still, I’ve never let my circumstances define my limits. One of my proudest achievements—and the clearest reflection of my values—is my leadership role in the Vietnamese Youth Alliance (VNYA), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Vietnamese youth through cultural celebration, education, and digital storytelling. As Director, I’ve led creative media campaigns, organized community programs, and collaborated with other young leaders to ensure our culture has a voice in the digital age. Our events and outreach have reached thousands across Singapore—where I had my high school program, both in-person and online, promoting cultural pride and community resilience. This experience taught me that leadership is not about being in charge—it's about showing up consistently with empathy, creativity, and a willingness to serve. Leading VNYA while being a full-time student pursuing dual degrees in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at the University of Utah (with a 3.98 GPA) has not been easy. But I’ve learned how to balance passion and responsibility, even when time, energy, or money felt scarce. Beyond VNYA, I’ve used my technical and creative skills to serve my campus and broader community. As a teaching assistant for the School of Computing and a tutor in the Department of Mathematics, I’ve supported hundreds of students in mastering programming and math fundamentals. I’ve worked on advanced academic projects—such as a blockchain simulator and a privacy-preserving image processing tool—showcasing my dedication to building useful, ethical technology. My academic excellence has earned me several accolades, including honors in cybersecurity competitions, mathematics contests, and departmental scholarships. But perhaps most importantly, these experiences have given me confidence—not just in my academic abilities, but in my capacity to lead, serve, and innovate despite adversity. Being a low-income student has meant making difficult choices. I’ve worked multiple jobs, applied for every scholarship I could find, and often chosen service over comfort. But I’ve never questioned whether the pursuit was worth it. I believe education is not only my way out of poverty, but my pathway to creating meaningful, inclusive change. Looking forward, I hope to build tools and platforms that make technology more human. Whether it’s developing accessible educational software, designing culturally conscious media platforms, or contributing to ethical AI research, my vision is to bridge the gap between technology and underserved communities. I want to create systems that amplify underrepresented voices, especially those of immigrant youth like myself, who are too often overlooked in the digital world. Receiving this scholarship would provide more than just financial relief—it would offer the stability I need to continue my studies without the constant fear of falling behind because of circumstances beyond my control. It would allow me to invest more fully in my projects, education, and community without compromising my well-being. In a world where only 14% of low-income students earn a bachelor’s degree within eight years, I am determined to be part of that small but growing percentage who not only graduate, but thrive—and help others do the same. With this scholarship, I will continue turning hardship into fuel for action, and I will carry forward the values of resilience, service, and innovation in everything I do.

My journey into computer science and cybersecurity began with an insatiable curiosity about problem-solving, encryption, and digital security. Growing up, I was fascinated by puzzles, logic problems, and the intricate mathematical structures behind encryption algorithms. As I delved deeper into Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Utah, I discovered my passion for cybersecurity and applied cryptography—fields that demand both theoretical knowledge and hands-on expertise. I first explored cybersecurity through Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, where I had to think like an attacker—analyzing vulnerabilities, exploiting weaknesses, and defending digital infrastructures. In 2024, my team placed Top 15 in PwnSec’s Capture The Flag (CTF) Cybersecurity Competition and Top 10% in UT Austin’s CTF. These competitions taught me that cybersecurity is not just about defense—it’s about anticipating threats, understanding adversaries, and continuously evolving to stay ahead of attackers. One of the biggest challenges I faced in cybersecurity was bridging the gap between theoretical cryptography and its practical implementation. Many encryption techniques look mathematically sound but fail when deployed due to implementation flaws, side-channel attacks, or computational inefficiencies. This realization led me to embark on a research project in secure computing, where I developed a Fully Homomorphic Image Grayscaler—a system using Microsoft’s TenSEAL encryption scheme (CKKS) to apply grayscale transformations to encrypted images without exposing the underlying data. This project deepened my understanding of privacy-preserving computation and its real-world applications in fields like medical imaging, confidential data processing, and encrypted AI inference. Beyond cybersecurity, I have embraced teaching, mentorship, and academic research as essential parts of my journey. As a Teaching Assistant in the Kahlert School of Computing, I have evaluated over 1,000 student submissions, refining my ability to analyze, explain, and teach complex technical concepts. My work as a grader in the Department of Mathematics, where I assess coursework for thousands of students in Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations, has strengthened my problem-solving skills and mathematical intuition—both of which are crucial for understanding cryptographic security proofs and algorithmic efficiency. While cybersecurity is at the core of my computer science goals, I also have non-computer science aspirations centered around education, mentorship, and legal advocacy for emerging technologies. I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Secure Computing at the University of Utah and eventually become a professor specializing in cybersecurity and applied cryptography. I want to mentor the next generation of security professionals, conduct cutting-edge research, and contribute to policy discussions on digital privacy and security regulations. In the future, I plan to merge my technical and legal aspirations by specializing in cybersecurity patent law. As a professor, I will develop secure computing solutions while educating students on the technical, ethical, and legal aspects of cybersecurity. As an advocate, I will work with policymakers, industry leaders, and legal professionals to create robust frameworks for protecting cryptographic advancements and securing digital infrastructure. Beyond my career, I am committed to giving back to the University of Utah and the broader cybersecurity community. As an alumnus, I will continue mentoring students, guest lecturing, and supporting student-led cybersecurity initiatives. Through academic outreach and public engagement, I want to inspire more students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to pursue careers in cybersecurity, cryptography, and secure computing. By combining my technical expertise, passion for education, and interest in legal advocacy, I aim to make a lasting impact on the fields of cybersecurity and digital privacy. My journey has been shaped by competition, research, mentorship, and perseverance, and I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of secure computing, cryptographic innovation, and technology law.

Cybersecurity has always fascinated me because of its critical role in protecting digital information in an increasingly interconnected world. My passion for this field stems from a deep interest in problem-solving, cryptography, and secure computing, as well as the intellectual challenge of outmaneuvering cyber threats. The ability to safeguard sensitive data and build resilient security systems is what drives me to pursue a career in cybersecurity. My journey into cybersecurity began with my love for mathematics and logical problem-solving. As a student pursuing dual BS degrees in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Utah, I was drawn to cryptographic methods, network security, and privacy-enhancing technologies. My interest solidified when I started participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competitions, where I experienced firsthand the complexity of penetration testing, cryptographic attacks, and exploit development. In 2024, I competed with the UofUCyberSec team, placing Top 15 in PwnSec’s CTF Cybersecurity Competition and Top 10% in UT Austin’s CTF. These competitions deepened my technical expertise, strengthened my critical thinking skills, and provided exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges. One of the biggest obstacles I have faced in cybersecurity is the ever-evolving nature of threats and vulnerabilities. Unlike other technical disciplines with stable foundational knowledge, cybersecurity is a constantly shifting battlefield where attackers continuously develop new tactics. Staying ahead requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical applications. To overcome this challenge, I have immersed myself in hands-on research projects, one of which is my Fully Homomorphic Image Grayscaler. This project uses Microsoft’s TenSEAL encryption scheme (CKKS) to process images securely without exposing their data, applying principles of secure computation and privacy-preserving cryptography. This experience has strengthened my ability to analyze security vulnerabilities and design robust encryption techniques to mitigate threats. Many encryption techniques look strong in a mathematical sense but fail when deployed due to implementation flaws, side-channel attacks, or computational inefficiencies. My work as a Teaching Assistant in the Kahlert School of Computing has helped me refine my ability to explain complex security concepts to students and analyze cybersecurity applications from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Additionally, my experience as a grader in the Department of Mathematics has strengthened my problem-solving and analytical skills, both of which are critical in assessing security vulnerabilities and designing secure systems. These experiences have shaped my approach to cybersecurity by emphasizing the importance of both offense and defense. By participating in CTF competitions, I have learned to think like an attacker, anticipating how malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities. By working on cryptographic research projects, I have developed a defensive mindset, focusing on how to build security mechanisms that are robust against modern attack vectors. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Secure Computing at the University of Utah, furthering my expertise in applied cryptography, secure system design, and privacy-enhancing technologies. My long-term goal is to become a professor specializing in cybersecurity and applied cryptography, conducting cutting-edge research while mentoring the next generation of security professionals. Additionally, I aim to contribute to the field through patent law, ensuring that novel cryptographic techniques and security innovations are properly protected and legally recognized. Cybersecurity is more than just a career for me—it is a lifelong pursuit of protecting digital assets, securing data, and contributing to the advancement of privacy technologies. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. I am committed to being at the forefront of this evolving field, using my technical expertise, research experience, and passion for security to build a safer and more resilient digital world.

My relationship with Buddhism has been a transformative journey, shaping my identity, values, and aspirations. While I was introduced to Buddhist traditions at an early age, it wasn’t until I actively engaged with its teachings that I began to internalize its principles. Over time, Buddhism has become more than just a cultural influence—it has guided my personal and professional growth, helping me navigate life’s challenges with mindfulness, compassion, and resilience. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from Buddhism is the importance of presence and self-reflection. As a student at the University of Utah and the Director of the Vietnamese Youth Alliance, I have encountered many situations where patience and understanding were essential. Whether managing large-scale events, fostering relationships within my community, or handling academic pressures, I have relied on Buddhist teachings to maintain clarity and purpose. Meditation and mindfulness practices have helped me remain grounded, allowing me to lead with empathy and make thoughtful decisions that align with my values. Beyond personal growth, Buddhism has deepened my commitment to serving others. The principle of selfless service—helping without expectation—has shaped my leadership philosophy. Through my work with the Vietnamese Youth Alliance, I have had the privilege of creating programs that celebrate Vietnamese culture, promote unity, and provide support networks for young individuals navigating their identities. Organizing events, managing outreach efforts, and curating meaningful experiences for my peers has reinforced my belief in the power of community and the role I can play in strengthening it. Looking ahead, my Buddhist values continue to influence my long-term aspirations. I want to expand my efforts in mentorship and cultural preservation, ensuring that Vietnamese youth have the resources and encouragement to embrace their heritage while pursuing their ambitions. Having personally benefited from a strong support system, I recognize the impact that guidance and representation can have on someone’s journey. I hope to create mentorship programs that connect students and professionals, fostering an environment where knowledge, experiences, and cultural pride can be shared across generations. Additionally, I aim to integrate my technical and leadership skills into initiatives that support underrepresented communities. With the increasing role of technology in education and professional development, I want to explore ways to improve digital accessibility and create platforms that bridge cultural and generational gaps. By leveraging my experience in event organizing, community engagement, and media production, I plan to develop innovative solutions that connect people and amplify their voices. Giving back to my community is not just a goal—it is a responsibility I wholeheartedly embrace. I hope to continue building spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Whether through mentorship, cultural initiatives, or technological advancements, I want my contributions to reflect the Buddhist values of compassion, wisdom, and service. Ultimately, Buddhism has taught me that true fulfillment comes from lifting others up. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I will carry these teachings with me, ensuring that my work continues to create a positive impact.