I am a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics as a double major at the University of Florida. It has not been an ordinary experience, and my path has been influenced by many ups and downs. Among the major turning points that occurred in my life was the passing of my mentor at a time when I was also diagnosed with a physical disability. Both events hit simultaneously, and I had to work through bereavement and the truth of a disability that I had not yet realized was going to permanently alter my approach to education and my life. My initial plan was simple. Before these challenges, I was expected to graduate in 2024, and then I would hopefully enter into a master's program. Life does not always go by the script that we plan it to. My health challenges meant I needed to make a step back and take some time off school, which felt like my world was ending at the time, and the passing of my mentor made me feel so lost. My graduation date extended to 2027, and so did my uncertainty. Being a person who has always challenged myself to succeed, the three-year extension to graduate was a bitter blow. However, I found out that even in rest, we can grow. To keep myself aligned with my interests, I accepted some teaching roles with high school students, teaching them how to code, and I started volunteering with TechGirlz, a nonprofit that empowers middle school girls to learn about technology, and Girls Who Code, another nonprofit that provides the same resources and experiences for high school students. The initial teaching was merely a means to stay active in computer science as I worked out what to do next. But it soon was so, so much more. When I was present in front of a group of students who were writing their very first lines of code, I felt full of energy and excitement, which made me recall the reason why I decided to pursue computer science in the first place. I began to discover my passion for problem-solving and creativity once again. I saw the same passion in my students, and in helping them feel their way through these experiences, I felt alive again. When I first started, many of my students did not believe in themselves because they thought the content was either too hard or that they were personally not the type of people who could code. It was one of the most fulfilling moments in my life to see them overcome those barriers and celebrate small achievements. Through my experience in teaching young students who had little or no previous experience with technology prior to our workshops, I was able to see the power of representation, ambition, and the smallest push of encouragement in the classroom. It made me remember how powerful mentorship can be. In that case, I was a participant with my students, and I realized that I had the same power that had been offered to me by my own mentor, the same power I felt I had lost once they passed away. These experiences helped redefine my view of challenges. What was initially perceived as a stop to my path turned out to be a trigger point in reforming my goals. I learned that "failure" does not wipe your trail off. Instead, it reinvents it. The passing of my mentor and the experience of being physically disabled allowed me to become more resilient and adaptable. I also came to understand that I can not only help build technology, but I can also help others see that they, too, can flourish in STEM, even though their life journey may be different than mine. Today, with my extended education ending in 2027, my scope of planning my future is much broader. I hope to make technology accessible, inclusive, and empowering to others, particularly those who might feel as if the odds are stacked against them. I also hope to create solutions and communities: solutions that solve actual problems, and communities that make no one feel isolated in their attempts to do so. These challenges have made me realize that strength is gauged by stamina, adaptability, and the act of continuing to show up. The fact that I am continuing to pursue my education in two STEM majors while searching and applying for opportunities to financially afford it is my very own symbol of perseverance.

“But why?” It was my sixth time asking my mother why I had to eat my vegetables. She sighed her signature sigh and said, “Because I said so.” At the time, I thought it was about carrots and broccoli. What I didn’t understand then was that sigh carried the weight of skipped meals so I could eat, nights spent worrying about bills, and sacrifices she made so I could have opportunities she never did. I grew up in a low-income, single-parent household. My mother, raising three children alone, stretched every dollar to cover essentials. There was rarely anything left over for herself. If my school needed a field trip fee or I spotted a book in the store window, she would quietly find a way to make it happen, often without me realizing what she had to give up in the process. Her sacrifices weren’t dramatic or flashy. Instead, they were steady, daily acts of love. From an early age, I helped care for my siblings while navigating schoolwork. Living with disabilities added another challenge to an already demanding environment. There were days I felt behind before I even started. But the more I watched my mother push through adversity, the more I learned to turn obstacles into motivation. Her perseverance became my blueprint. When I reached high school, I found a passion for problem-solving and technology, but I didn’t yet see a place for myself in those fields, specifically, STEM. That changed in 2019 when I was accepted into the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program. There, I learned programming in Python, HTML, and JavaScript, but most importantly, I discovered a sense of belonging in tech. Surrounded by girls from various backgrounds, united by curiosity and sisterhood, I began to believe that I could pursue this path and thrive in it. We didn’t just learn to code; we tackled ethical questions, brainstormed ways to address real-world problems like poverty and lack of education, and discussed the responsibility that comes with creating technology. That experience gave me my first glimpse of how I could make a difference. When I enrolled at the University of Florida, I chose to double major in Mathematics and Computer Science. I wanted a strong foundation not only in coding and network systems, but also in critical thinking, logic, and problem solving skills I could apply to my dream field: cybersecurity. My journey has been shaped by financial strain. Even after earning scholarships and working part-time, the rising cost of tuition and living expenses is a constant challenge. I’ve had to make difficult choices about how to budget, what opportunities to pursue, and how to keep my education on track. The reality is that without continued financial support, my path forward would be at risk. But that risk also drives me to excel in every opportunity I’m given. In the past two years, I have completed competitive internships that deepened my expertise and showed me the kind of impact I want to make. At the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), I conducted research on the cybersecurity implications of electric vehicles and extreme fast charging (XFC) technology. This work required me to analyze emerging threats and collaborate with MITRE employees. At Bank of America, I served as a Cyber Security Analyst Intern in two different summers, working first in Identity and Access Management and later in Cyber Security Technology. My projects ranged from developing and maintaining APIs to creating internal services used across the organization and presenting my work and findings to stakeholders. These experiences not only strengthened my technical skills, but also gave me insight into how cybersecurity intersects with industry, government, and the public. Mentorship and education have remained central to my journey. As a Lead Teaching Assistant with Girls Who Code, I supported over 120 high school students during a summer program, helping them debug code, troubleshoot websites and games, and overcome the kind of uncertainty I once felt myself. I hosted office hours, led activities, and worked with sponsors like Raytheon Technologies and CNA Insurance to give students a real-world view of technology careers. Watching those students gain confidence reminded me why I’m committed to advocating for women and underrepresented groups in STEM. Looking forward, my goal is to advance research in cybersecurity and data privacy, focusing on eliminating systemic biases in technology and ensuring individuals have control over their personal data. I believe that privacy and equity are not just technical challenges, but that they are human rights. I want to work at the intersection of security, ethics, and policy, using both my technical expertise and my lived experience to shape a more equitable digital future. My path has not been easy. Financial hardship, disability, and the responsibilities of a first-generation student have each presented their own hurdles. But I see these not as limitations, but as strengths and sources of resilience, empathy, and adaptability. The same perseverance my mother showed when she put her children’s needs before her own is what drives me to push forward just like her, no matter how steep the climb gets. Every opportunity I’ve had, from my first coding lesson to my latest cybersecurity project, has been made possible by the sacrifices of others and the support of programs that believe in students with dreams like me. Scholarships are more than financial aid; they are an investment in the work I will go on to do, the communities I will serve, and the barriers I will help dismantle. I want to show, especially to other young women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, that where you start does not define where you can go.

If we were having a cup of coffee together, I’d share that my goal is to use my background in computer science, mathematics, cryptography, and cybersecurity to protect and uplift my local community. My experience as a cybersecurity student trainee at NIST and as a Girls Who Code instructor has shown me how powerful knowledge-sharing can be. Even after the loss of my scholarship due to health problems, I am committed to studying and researching in these fields to not only create digital environments safer, but to help people navigate our digital spaces more confidently. I would like to provide hands-on cybersecurity awareness and expertise to individuals and smaller organizations to prevent attacks before they ever happen. By bridging technical know-how with community service, I hope to be able to make an impact for those who most need it.

My passion for cybersecurity started from my interests in STEM. As a student at the University of Florida, I've had the opportunity to learn how cybersecurity protects data, infrastructure, and privacy in our only increasingly connected world. My journey into this field is not only a reflection of my academic interests, but also a personal commitment to overcoming challenges thrown my way. Growing up in a single-parent household, I took on in helping care for my siblings while keeping a heavy focus on my education, which was not always easy with my disabilities. However, these experiences have shaped my resilience, determination, and drive to succeed, pushing me to pursue a career in STEM, particularly cybersecurity. I am motivated to contribute to a safer digital experience for the people, and I am committed to overcoming the challenges in order to do so. My work experience has been important in shaping my understanding of cybersecurity. In 2023, I had the opportunity to work as a Cybersecurity Student Trainee at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Here, I was involved in research around electric vehicle cybersecurity and the security risks associated with extreme fast charging (XFC) infrastructure. Collaborating with a variety of teams, including MITRE experts in IoT and 5G, I gained experience with cybersecurity risks with real-world applications. I felt a passion that I hadn't quite yet felt with other fields. I furthered my work as a Security Risk Analyst Intern at the University of Florida Information Technology Department (UFIT). During this internship, I worked closely with the UFIT team on risk assessments, vulnerability analyses, and audit log monitoring. I shadowed colleagues in the security sector, learning the ins and outs of risk management and security protocols. Additionally, I was exposed to phishing emails, penetration testing, and incident response processes. This experience helped in building my understanding of the complexities of information security. In 2024, I was fortunate to secure a Cybersecurity Analyst Internship with Bank of America where I collaborated with teams in Global Information Security, focusing on developing internal services and applications used to protect sensitive data. I was part of an Agile team where I contributed to application development workflows, working with quality assurance analysts and software developers. I had the privilege of understanding the inner workings of cybersecurity in a major financial institution. In addition to my technical work, I am passionate about education and empowering others, especially young women, to enter the tech field. I’ve worked as a Mathematics Teacher on Outschool for people of all ages, and I’ve also had the privilege of working as a Teaching Research Assistant at UF, helping students prepare for technical interviews and providing coding solutions for computer science courses. As a prior student of Girls Who Code, I now give back by teaching computer science to middle and high school girls, helping them to build their technical skills and confidence. Throughout my life, I’ve faced many obstacles. My disabilities have taught me perseverance and how to manage resources effectively. These experiences have shaped my approach to cybersecurity—understanding that the key to success lies in resilience. My diverse background, combined with my passion for technology, allows me to contribute to information technology and security. As I continue to advance in life, I hope to address the growing security challenges posed by all sorts of new technologies. The key to security is to adapt. I aim to pursue further research in cybersecurity while empowering others through education. This scholarship would enable me to continue my academic journey and make significant steps in both my technical and educational pursuits.

"But why?" I stared intently at my mother, who seemed to be slowly losing her patience. It was my sixth time questioning why I had to eat my vegetables. The only response she ever seemed to give me was "because I said so," which always ended the conversation rather quickly. I would sit at the dinner table for hours until my mother would give up, sigh with frustration, and send me away to my room. As a child, I could not yet feel the stress and concern that she felt. My mother constantly sighed. It was her trademark. I had rarely seen my mother spend a penny within her budget on herself. Instead, she devoted her time and energy to be able to afford groceries for the week, encourage me to do well in school, and continuously check up on what I needed-school supplies, novels, the sundress we spotted in the store display. Growing up, my mother never ended her streak. She continued looking over me, trudging onwards and thriving on her own despite the difficulties of single motherhood. Every morning, I was faced with yet another sacrifice that she made. The breakfast placed in front of me, the clothes in my closet, and the backpack I used for school would not have been within my sight if it weren't for my mother. Every night, my mother ensured that I had eaten enough food before she took so much as a glance at hers. Given everything that my mother has done, it became important to be able to show appreciation and gratefulness towards her unquestionable love for me. On Mother's Day, I tippy-toed and reached for the necessary ingredients in the refrigerator, attempting to surprise my mother with the largest, tastiest ham and cheese sandwich, as I had seen Shaggy and Scooby enjoy on Scooby-Doo. A few years later, I wrote long letters of appreciation and created coupons with deals that read "Free Hugs for a Month" and "Two Free Drawings." Fast forward to now, I continue writing letters or playing her requested piano pieces, both of which I can only do because of her, who made it possible to afford weekly music lessons and enough paper to spare for creativity. My mother taught me about the importance of appreciation, and of showing it. I volunteer to help people in need, who, like me, may not have dinner without the help of another person. Making sure that I do well in school to ensure that my mother's efforts do not go to waste is another way in which I try to show that I owe her everything. Oftentimes, I offer tutoring to friends and family to try and earn a little extra money to help the bills on our dinner table disappear. When I'm older, I hope to graduate college with a quality education and show my mother that her efforts and sacrifices were worth her time. I hope to be able to care for her as she did for me. I hope to continue showing appreciation for others, making sure to give back in the end. I hope to have the bravery and diligence as my mother did. I hope to make my mother proud.

"But why?" I stared intently at my mother, who seemed to be slowly losing her patience. It was my sixth time questioning why I had to eat my vegetables. The only response she ever seemed to give me was "because I said so," which always ended the conversation rather quickly. I would sit at the dinner table for hours until my mother would give up, sigh with frustration, and send me away to my room. As a child, I could not yet feel the stress and concern that she felt. My mother constantly sighed. It was her trademark. I had rarely seen my mother spend a penny within her budget on herself. Instead, she devoted her time and energy to be able to afford groceries for the week, encourage me to do well in school, and continuously check up on what I needed-school supplies, novels, the sundress we spotted in the store display. Growing up, my mother never ended her streak. She continued looking over me, trudging onwards and thriving on her own despite the difficulties of single motherhood. Every morning, I was faced with yet another sacrifice that she made. The breakfast placed in front of me, the clothes in my closet, and the backpack I used for school would not have been within my sight if it weren't for my mother. Every night, my mother ensured that I had eaten enough food before she took so much as a glance at hers. Given everything that my mother has done, it became important to be able to show appreciation and gratefulness towards her unquestionable love for me. On Mother's Day, I tippy-toed and reached for the necessary ingredients in the refrigerator, attempting to surprise my mother with the largest, tastiest ham and cheese sandwich, as I had seen Shaggy and Scooby enjoy on Scooby-Doo. A few years later, I wrote long letters of appreciation and created coupons with deals that read "Free Hugs for a Month" and "Two Free Drawings." Fast forward to now, I continue writing letters or playing her requested piano pieces, both of which I can only do because of her, who made it possible to afford weekly music lessons and enough paper to spare for creativity. My mother taught me about the importance of appreciation, and of showing it. I volunteer to help people in need, who, like me, may not have dinner without the help of another person. Making sure that I do well in school to ensure that my mother's efforts do not go to waste is another way in which I try to show that I owe her everything. Oftentimes, I offer tutoring to friends and family to try and earn a little extra money to help the bills on our dinner table disappear. When I'm older, I hope to graduate college with a quality education and show my mother that her efforts and sacrifices were worth her time. I hope to be able to care for her as she did for me. I hope to continue showing appreciation for others, making sure to give back in the end. I hope to have the bravery and diligence as my mother did. I hope to make my mother proud.

Reshma Saujani is the founder of an organization called Girls Who Code. She is a leader who inspires and encourages females all over the world to pursue science and technology with strong-willed intent. Given my interests in technology, learning about Reshma Saujani's philosophy of embracing failure in order to embark on a journey of bravery is the same exact philosophy that further inspired me to give everything in life a try — in order to be brave and not only prove to myself, but to my mother, that anything is possible. Observing my mother encounter the hardships and limited flexibility of single motherhood absolutely encouraged me to help as best as I could. Through learning from my independent and hard-working mother, I realized that the most important quality of leadership is diligence and patience in times of hardship.

During the Summer of 2019, I was accepted into the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program. Not only did I learn how to code in various languages, such as Python, HTML, and Javascript, but I also met amazing people that I will never forget. Everyone attending the program came from extremely different backgrounds, but we unified through a sense of newly-found sisterhood, and, most importantly, similar interests in problem-solving and technology. This program helped me to realize my new interests in technology and computer science. Not only did we focus on programming and problem-solving, but we also discussed ethical dilemmas in technological advancement, which combined my love of philosophy and computer science in one. I had the privilege to meet with inspiring and innovative women in technology along with girls my age that worked with me to create amazing projects focused on solving real-world issues, such as poverty, homelessness, lack of education, and more. To be able to break existing gender barriers in science and technology, to be able to show to women across the world that anything is possible, and to be able to prove to minorities and people originating from low-income and single-parent households is a dream that is more than worth achieving. Once I graduate from college, my goal is to encourage women to not walk, but run after their interests with bravery and courage, just as Girls Who Code did for me. In the long run, I hope to find my footing in security, data privacy, or research concerning those topics. I have learned so much about ethics and morals in technology that I have gained an interest in learning how to combat racial bias in technology as well as issues with the average person's data privacy. I believe everyone should be in control of their data and their privacy, which motivates me to continue pursuing computer science to the best of my ability. After graduating from college, I would like to find my way into furthering my education through a graduate program, pursuing research in my passions and interests revolving around technology and software, and try my best to responsibly plan my pathway financially, which is why I believe I am a strong applicant for this scholarship. Link to web design project and the applications of programming below.

"But why?" I stared intently at my mother, who seemed to be slowly losing her patience. It was my sixth time questioning why I had to eat my vegetables. The only response she ever seemed to give me was "because I said so," which always ended the conversation rather quickly. I would sit at the dinner table for hours until my mother would give up, sigh with frustration, and send me away to my room. As a child, I could not yet feel the stress and concern that she felt. My mother constantly sighed. It was her trademark. I had rarely seen my mother spend a penny within her budget on herself. Instead, she devoted her time and energy to be able to afford groceries for the week, encourage me to do well in school, and continuously check up on what I needed-school supplies, novels, the sundress we spotted in the store display. Growing up, my mother never ended her streak. She continued looking over me, trudging onwards and thriving on her own despite the difficulties of single motherhood. Every morning, I was faced with yet another sacrifice that she made. The breakfast placed in front of me, the clothes in my closet, and the backpack I used for school would not have been within my sight if it weren't for my mother. Every night, my mother ensured that I had eaten enough food before she took so much as a glance at hers. Given everything that my mother has done, it became important to be able to show appreciation and gratefulness towards her unquestionable love for me. On Mother's Day, I tippy-toed and reached for the necessary ingredients in the refrigerator, attempting to surprise my mother with the largest, tastiest ham and cheese sandwich, as I had seen Shaggy and Scooby enjoy on Scooby-Doo. A few years later, I wrote long letters of appreciation and created coupons with deals that read "Free Hugs for a Month" and "Two Free Drawings." Fast forward to now, I continue writing letters or playing her requested piano pieces, both of which I can only do because of her, who made it possible to afford weekly music lessons and enough paper to spare for creativity. My mother taught me about the importance of appreciation, and of showing it. I volunteer to help people in need, who, like me, may not have dinner without the help of another person. Making sure that I do well in school to ensure that my mother's efforts do not go to waste is another way in which I try to show that I owe her everything. Oftentimes, I offer tutoring to friends and family to try and earn a little extra money to help the bills on our dinner table disappear. When I'm older, I hope to graduate college with a quality education and show my mother that her efforts and sacrifices were worth her time. I hope to be able to care for her as she did for me. I hope to continue showing appreciation for others, making sure to give back in the end. I hope to have the bravery and diligence as my mother did. I hope to make my mother proud. I hope to be her legacy.

During the Summer of 2019, I was accepted into the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program. Not only did I learn how to code in various languages, such as Python, HTML, and Javascript, but I also met amazing people that I will never forget. Everyone attending the program came from extremely different backgrounds, but we unified through a sense of newly-found sisterhood, and, most importantly, similar interests in problem-solving and technology. This program helped me to realize my new interests in technology and computer science. Not only did we focus on programming and problem-solving, but we also discussed ethical dilemmas in technological advancement, which combined my love of philosophy and computer science in one. I had the privilege to meet with inspiring and innovative women in technology along with girls my age that worked with me to create amazing projects focused on solving real-world issues, such as poverty, homelessness, lack of education, and more. To be able to break existing gender barriers in science and technology, to be able to show to women across the world that anything is possible, and to be able to prove to minorities and people originating from low-income and single-parent households is a dream that is more than worth achieving. Once I graduate from college, my goal is to encourage women to not walk, but run after their interests with bravery and courage, just as Girls Who Code did for me. In the long run, I hope to find my footing in security, data privacy, or research concerning those topics. I have learned so much about ethics and morals in technology that I have gained an interest in learning how to combat racial bias in technology as well as issues with the average person's data privacy. I believe everyone should be in control of their data and their privacy, which motivates me to continue pursuing computer science to the best of my ability. After graduating from college, I would like to find my way into furthering my education through a graduate program, pursuing research in my passions and interests revolving around technology and software, and try my best to responsibly plan my pathway financially.

Reshma Saujani is the founder of an organization called Girls Who Code. She is a leader who inspires and encourages females all over the world to pursue science and technology with strong-willed intent. Given my interests in technology, reading and learning about Reshma Saujani's philosophy of embracing failure in order to embark on a journey of bravery is the same exact philosophy that further inspired me to give everything in life a try — in order to be brave and not only prove to myself, but to my mother, that anything is possible. Observing my mother encounter the hardships and limited flexibility of single motherhood absolutely encouraged me to help as best as I could. Through learning from my independent and hard-working mother, I realized that the most important quality of leadership is diligence and patience in times of hardship. Through my time at the University of Florida as a student pursuing a double major in computer science and mathematics, I can visualize addressing gender inequality and discrimination in technology and science. After discovering my passions in technology and science through Girls Who Code — a female-oriented program — I realized that science and technology are passions that should be encouraged worldwide, for everyone, regardless of gender.

"But why?" I stared intently at my mother, who seemed to be slowly losing her patience. It was my sixth time questioning why I had to eat my vegetables. The only response she ever seemed to give me was "because I said so," which always ended the conversation rather quickly. I would sit at the dinner table for hours until my mother would give up, sigh with frustration, and send me away to my room. As a child, I could not yet feel the stress and concern that she felt. My mother constantly sighed. It was her trademark. I had rarely seen my mother spend a penny within her budget on herself. Instead, she devoted her time and energy to be able to afford groceries for the week, encourage me to do well in school, and continuously check up on what I needed-school supplies, novels, the sundress we spotted in the store display. Growing up, my mother never ended her streak. She continued looking over me, trudging onwards and thriving on her own despite the difficulties of single motherhood. Every morning, I was faced with yet another sacrifice that she made. The breakfast placed in front of me, the clothes in my closet, and the backpack I used for school would not have been within my sight if it weren't for my mother. Every night, my mother ensured that I had eaten enough food before she took so much as a glance at hers. Given everything that my mother has done, it became important to be able to show appreciation and gratefulness towards her unquestionable love for me. On Mother's Day, I tippy-toed and reached for the necessary ingredients in the refrigerator, attempting to surprise my mother with the largest, tastiest ham and cheese sandwich, as I had seen Shaggy and Scooby enjoy on Scooby-Doo. A few years later, I wrote long letters of appreciation and created coupons with deals that read "Free Hugs for a Month" and "Two Free Drawings." Fast forward to now, I continue writing letters or playing her requested piano pieces, both of which I can only do because of her, who made it possible to afford weekly music lessons and enough paper to spare for creativity. My mother taught me about the importance of appreciation, and of showing it. I volunteer to help people in need, who, like me, may not have dinner without the help of another person. Making sure that I do well in school to ensure that my mother's efforts do not go to waste is another way in which I try to show that I owe her everything. Oftentimes, I offer tutoring to friends and family to try and earn a little extra money to help the bills on our dinner table disappear. When I'm older, I hope to graduate college with a quality education and show my mother that her efforts and sacrifices were worth her time. I hope to be able to care for her as she did for me. I hope to continue showing appreciation for others, making sure to give back in the end. I hope to have the bravery and diligence as my mother did. I hope to make my mother proud.