I am a first generation college student pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, and my journey into higher education has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep desire to create opportunities not only for myself but for others who come from similar backgrounds. Growing up, college was always talked about as a goal, but there was very little guidance on how to actually navigate applications, financial aid, or the day to day realities of campus life. Without a roadmap from family members who had already experienced college, I quickly learned that success would require self motivation, asking questions, and learning through experience. Being both a first generation student and a member of an underrepresented community has influenced how I view education. I understand firsthand how overwhelming college can feel when you are figuring everything out on your own. From understanding academic expectations to managing finances and building professional connections, many of the “unspoken rules” of higher education are not always obvious. Instead of allowing that uncertainty to discourage me, I chose to see it as an opportunity to grow. Each challenge taught me how to advocate for myself, seek mentorship, and develop confidence in spaces that initially felt unfamiliar. Academically, I am driven by a passion for technology and problem solving. Cybersecurity is a field that requires continuous learning, discipline, and attention to detail, and these qualities have strengthened my work ethic. As a student, I strive to approach every class and opportunity with determination, knowing that my success represents more than just personal achievement. It represents progress for those who may one day look at my journey and believe that they can achieve similar goals. I want my presence in this field to reflect the importance of diversity and representation, especially in areas where students from African American and Latinx communities are often underrepresented. Inspiring other first generation students starts with visibility and honesty. I plan to motivate others by openly sharing my experiences, including both my successes and the challenges I have faced along the way. Many students hesitate to pursue college because they feel they do not belong or because they lack guidance. By connecting with younger students, mentoring peers, and participating in organizations that support underrepresented groups in technology, I hope to show that higher education is achievable even when the path is not clear from the beginning. Sometimes inspiration comes simply from seeing someone who shares your background pursuing goals you once thought were out of reach. I also believe in leading by example. Maintaining dedication to my studies, pursuing professional development opportunities, and continuing to build my skills allows me to demonstrate what persistence looks like in action. My goal is not only to earn my degree but to use my experiences to encourage others to ask questions, seek support, and believe in their potential. Education has the power to transform lives, and when one first generation student succeeds, it can inspire an entire community to reimagine what is possible. Through ambition, drive, and a commitment to creating impact, I hope to continue growing as a student while uplifting others who are just beginning their own college journeys. This scholarship would support my educational goals while also reinforcing my mission to motivate and inspire future first generation students to pursue higher education with confidence.

Pursuing higher education has always been one of the most meaningful goals in my life, but it has also come with significant financial challenges. As a college student working toward a future in technology and cybersecurity, I have learned that success requires more than just academic ability. It requires resilience, dedication, and the willingness to continue moving forward even when the path feels uncertain. The rising costs associated with tuition, course materials, and everyday living expenses have made my journey more demanding, but they have also strengthened my determination to succeed. This scholarship would not only provide financial support, it would allow me to focus more fully on my education and continue developing the skills necessary to make a lasting impact in my field. Throughout my academic career, I have remained committed to learning and personal growth. I take pride in being a fast learner who approaches every challenge with focus and determination. My coursework has required me to develop strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem solving abilities, especially through hands on technical labs and assignments. Each class has given me the opportunity to expand my understanding of technology while also reinforcing the importance of persistence. I do not see education as a series of obstacles to overcome, but as a continuous process of improvement. Even when material becomes difficult, I stay motivated by reminding myself of the long term goals I am working toward. Beyond academics, I have made an effort to seek out experiences that help me grow professionally and personally. I believe that education extends beyond the classroom, and I actively look for opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests and ambitions. Engaging in technology focused environments has allowed me to learn from peers, collaborate on ideas, and gain a clearer understanding of how my education applies to real world challenges. These experiences have helped me build confidence, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for teamwork. They have also shown me that success is not achieved alone, but through collaboration and shared learning. One of the most significant aspects of my journey has been learning how to balance financial responsibilities with academic expectations. Like many students, I have experienced moments where the cost of education felt overwhelming. From textbooks to housing and daily expenses, the reality of paying for college can create stress that extends far beyond the classroom. Instead of allowing these pressures to discourage me, I have used them as motivation to stay disciplined and focused on my goals. Each challenge has reinforced my belief that education is worth the effort, even when the path forward feels difficult. My experiences have taught me resilience and adaptability. There have been times when I needed to adjust my plans, manage competing priorities, or push through self doubt. These moments have shaped my character and strengthened my work ethic. I have learned how to stay organized, manage my time effectively, and maintain a positive mindset even during demanding periods of my academic journey. The ability to overcome challenges has not only improved my academic performance, it has also prepared me for the professional world where adaptability and perseverance are essential. In addition to my academic growth, I value personal development and self reflection. I strive to approach every opportunity with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Whether it is developing new technical skills, improving my communication abilities, or learning how to work more effectively with others, I view every experience as a chance to grow. This mindset has helped me stay motivated and focused on my long term vision of building a meaningful career in technology. I want to contribute to a field that continues to evolve and shape the future, and I am committed to developing the knowledge and integrity necessary to do so responsibly. Receiving this scholarship would have a profound impact on my ability to continue my education. Financial support would allow me to dedicate more time and energy to academic and professional development rather than worrying about how to cover essential expenses. It would also reinforce the belief that hard work and perseverance are recognized and valued. Knowing that others believe in my potential would inspire me to continue striving for excellence and to give back to the community that has supported my journey. I believe I should be considered for this scholarship because of my dedication to learning, my strong work ethic, and my determination to overcome financial barriers. My academic accomplishments reflect not only my ability to succeed in challenging environments, but also my commitment to continuous growth. I am motivated by the belief that education has the power to transform lives, and I am determined to use my knowledge and skills to create positive change in the future. This scholarship would not simply be financial assistance, it would be an investment in a student who is committed to working hard, learning continuously, and contributing meaningfully to the world.

I chose to pursue a degree in STEM because I believe technology has the power to protect, connect, and transform the world when it is built by diverse voices. As a Brazilian woman studying cybersecurity, I have experienced firsthand how representation in STEM still has room to grow. Being a person of color in a technical field motivates me to challenge expectations and contribute perspectives shaped by my background, culture, and experiences. My interest in STEM developed from a desire to understand how technology works beneath the surface. Cybersecurity, in particular, stood out to me because it combines technical problem-solving with real-world impact. Every day, people rely on digital systems to communicate, learn, and build their futures, yet many do not realize how vulnerable those systems can be. I chose this path because I want to help create safer digital environments and protect individuals and organizations from cyber threats. STEM is more than a career choice for me; it is an opportunity to be part of a field that continuously evolves and challenges me to grow. As a person of color, I understand how powerful representation can be. Growing up, I did not always see people who looked like me represented in technical spaces, and that absence made me realize how important it is for diverse voices to be present in innovation. Diversity in STEM is not only about fairness; it strengthens creativity and leads to better solutions. Different cultural perspectives bring new ideas to the table, helping teams approach problems from angles that might otherwise be overlooked. I hope to contribute to this shift by showing that women of color belong in cybersecurity and by encouraging others to pursue paths that may seem intimidating at first. Beyond academics, my experiences with leadership and community service have shaped how I view my role in STEM. Organizing initiatives that support others and raising awareness for meaningful causes has taught me that technology should ultimately serve people. In the future, I hope to combine my cybersecurity knowledge with outreach efforts that promote digital safety and education within underrepresented communities. Many people lack access to information about online security, and I want to help bridge that gap by sharing knowledge in ways that are accessible and empowering. My long-term goal is to build a career where I can protect digital spaces while also contributing to a more inclusive STEM environment. I want to be part of a generation that changes the narrative around who belongs in technology. By continuing my education and developing my technical skills, I hope to help create systems that are secure, ethical, and built with diverse communities in mind. Choosing STEM means choosing a path that challenges me to grow, think critically, and make a meaningful impact. As a Brazilian student pursuing cybersecurity, I carry with me a unique perspective shaped by culture, resilience, and determination. I hope to use my voice and my skills to inspire others, contribute to innovation, and help shape a future where diversity drives progress in science and technology.

Leadership through service is not about holding a title or receiving recognition; it is about stepping forward when someone needs help and using your actions to bring people together for a meaningful purpose. Serving as a chair and organizer for National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) initiatives, while also coordinating a large-scale fundraiser for a close friend battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, shaped my understanding of servant leadership and showed me the power of compassion in action. When my friend received their diagnosis, I knew I wanted to do more than offer words of support. I helped organize and lead a large-scale fundraiser at Montage Mountain Resorts that brought our community together to provide both emotional encouragement and financial assistance. In this role, I coordinated, along with a small team, planning efforts, solicited donations, managed communications, and oversaw social media outreach to ensure the event reached as many people as possible. There were moments when balancing logistics and emotions felt overwhelming, but seeing our community unite around a shared purpose reminded me why service matters. The experience taught me that leadership is often about creating structure and direction so others can come together to make a difference. At the same time, I served as a chair for TeamEddieK that collaborated with NMDP to host swab site initiatives, where I organized and led multiple donor registration events. I trained volunteers and potential donors on how to properly use the swab kits and helped guide others in running their own swab sites. This experience expanded my perspective on leadership by showing me how one initiative can have a ripple effect beyond a single event. By empowering others with knowledge and confidence, I was able to help grow donor registries and contribute to a cause that has the potential to save lives on a national scale. What made these experiences especially meaningful was that they were entirely voluntary. I chose to give my time because I cared deeply about my friend, my community, and the impact that service can have. Through organizing, training, and leading outreach efforts, I developed stronger communication skills, learned how to adapt when challenges arose, and discovered the importance of collaboration. I realized that leadership often happens behind the scenes, through planning, coordination, and a willingness to take responsibility so others can focus on supporting the cause. I believe leadership through service is essential because it builds stronger communities and inspires empathy. When people choose to give their time freely, they encourage others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Service reminds us that leadership is not defined by authority but by action, by the willingness to step forward and help when it matters most. As I continue my educational journey, I hope to remain involved in service initiatives and continue using leadership as a way to support and uplift others. Being considered for this scholarship would not only help me pursue my academic goals but would also recognize the importance of servant leadership and the lasting impact that voluntary service can have on individuals and communities.

I chose to pursue a STEM career because I believe technology has the power to protect, connect, and create opportunity in a rapidly evolving world. As a female student in a STEM field, I am motivated not only by curiosity and problem solving, but also by the desire to contribute to a space where women have historically been underrepresented. My journey into STEM is rooted in both personal interest and a deeper purpose to help build a more inclusive and innovative future. I am currently pursuing a degree in cybersecurity at Penn State University’s main campus, where I am often one of only a few women in classrooms filled predominantly with men. While this environment can be challenging, it has strengthened my confidence and sense of belonging in STEM. Being in these spaces has pushed me to speak up, trust my abilities, and take ownership of my education. Rather than discouraging me, it has reinforced my determination to succeed and to represent women in technical fields with confidence. From early in my academic career, I became fascinated by how technology operates behind the scenes. I was drawn to the structure, logic, and problem solving involved in securing systems and protecting information people rely on every day. Cybersecurity in particular stood out to me because of its real world impact and its growing importance in a digital society. Through my coursework, I have learned that protecting data and systems is not only a technical responsibility, but also an ethical one. My academic experiences have allowed me to build practical skills in programming, data analysis, and system analysis through hands on projects. I have worked with tools and languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and R, applying them in structured coursework that strengthened both my technical and analytical thinking. These projects have shown me that collaboration, attention to detail, and persistence are essential qualities in STEM, and that diverse perspectives lead to stronger solutions. As a woman in STEM, I hope to make a difference by helping create technology that is accessible, secure, and people centered. I want to contribute to systems that serve diverse communities and reflect ethical decision making. In addition, I hope to serve as a visible example for other young women who may feel uncertain about entering STEM fields. Seeing someone who looks like them succeed can make all the difference. This scholarship represents more than financial support. It represents belief in women who are driven by curiosity and committed to innovation. I am determined to use my education, experiences, and voice to contribute meaningfully to STEM and to help shape a future where women are equally represented and empowered.

Education is important to me because it represents opportunity, sacrifice, and hope. As a first-generation college student and a daughter of two parents who immigrated from Brazil, I have grown up watching hard work and resilience shape my family’s life. My parents sacrificed more than I can fully express so that my sister and I could have opportunities they were never given. Because of them, education is not just a personal goal for me, but a promise to honor everything they have done. My parents came to the United States with dreams of building a better future, even though it meant leaving behind familiarity, stability, and many of their own aspirations. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often putting their needs and dreams aside. While they always emphasized the importance of education, they were unable to offer guidance on navigating college applications, financial aid, or academic expectations. As a result, I learned early on that pursuing higher education would require independence, determination, and courage. Education matters to me because it gives me the ability to create opportunities not only for myself, but for my family as well. Through college, I am gaining knowledge, skills, and confidence that will allow me to build a stable future and give back to the people who gave me everything. I dream of being able to support my parents in the same way they supported me, to provide them with security, comfort, and opportunities they never had the chance to experience for themselves. Being a first-generation student comes with pressure, but it also comes with purpose. I carry the hopes of my family with me, and while that responsibility can feel overwhelming at times, it motivates me to keep going. Each academic milestone I reach represents progress not just for me, but for future generations of my family. I am determined to break cycles of limitation and show that success is possible, even when the path is unfamiliar. The legacy I hope to leave is one rooted in gratitude, perseverance, and care. I want to be someone who transforms sacrifice into opportunity and hardship into growth. I hope my journey encourages others in my family and community to pursue education without fear, knowing that they belong in those spaces. More than anything, I want my parents to see that their sacrifices were not in vain. Education has given me a voice, direction, and the ability to dream beyond what once felt possible. Through my accomplishments, I hope to create a legacy of love, support, and opportunity, ensuring that those who came before me are cared for just as they cared for me. That is the legacy I strive to build every day.

Growing up as a Brazilian American female and an underrepresented minority, I learned early on that access to opportunity is not always equal. My family worked hard to provide stability, but navigating higher education and professional pathways, especially in information technology, often felt unfamiliar and intimidating. Despite these challenges, I discovered a strong interest in technology and a determination to build a future in a field that continues to shape the modern world. What first drew me to information technology was its ability to solve real world problems. Technology influences nearly every aspect of daily life, from communication and transportation to healthcare and security. I became especially interested in understanding how systems operate behind the scenes and how technology can be used to protect people, data, and organizations. This curiosity motivated me to pursue an academic path in information technology where I could develop both technical knowledge and practical skills. Throughout my education, I have completed several academic projects that allowed me to apply technology in meaningful ways. One of my projects involved designing and developing a functional website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This project strengthened my understanding of front end development, user experience, and how different technologies work together to create an accessible digital product. Seeing a project come together from planning to execution helped build my confidence and interest in technology development. I have also worked on data focused projects using tools such as R and SQL. In one project, I analyzed datasets to identify trends and patterns, gaining experience with data cleaning, visualization, and interpretation. Another project involved working with databases using SQL to query and manage information efficiently. These experiences taught me how data can be used to support decision making and improve system performance, which further solidified my interest in technology and analytics. In addition to technical skills, many of my projects required teamwork and collaboration. Working in group settings helped me develop strong communication skills and taught me how to explain technical concepts clearly to others. These experiences reinforced my sense of belonging in the technology field, even in environments where female representation is limited. Being a female underrepresented minority in information technology has motivated me rather than discouraged me. I am aware that many students lack access to mentors, resources, and role models in this field, and I understand how isolating that can feel. This awareness fuels my ambition to succeed, not only for my own growth, but also to serve as an example for other young women who may not see themselves represented in technology careers. This scholarship would provide meaningful support as I continue pursuing a career in information technology. It would allow me to focus on expanding my technical skills, gaining hands on experience, and preparing to make a positive impact in an industry that benefits from diversity, innovation, and determination.

For much of my life, I did not fully understand what my potential was or what it could become. As a first-generation college student, higher education often felt like unfamiliar territory, something I aspired to, but did not always feel prepared to navigate. The person who most profoundly helped me realize my potential is my father, whose journey, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in me shaped the path I am on today. My father immigrated from Brazil in search of a better future, leaving behind everything familiar in pursuit of opportunity. He did not have the privilege of higher education or the guidance of others who had already walked that path. Instead, he relied on resilience, discipline, and an unshakable work ethic to build a life for himself and our family. Growing up, I watched him work tirelessly, often putting his own needs aside so that I could have opportunities he never did. Although he could not guide me through college applications, financial aid forms, or academic planning, he guided me in something just as important. The ability to believe that I was capable of more. Whenever I doubted myself, my father reminded me that my background did not define my limits. He taught me that being first-generation is not a disadvantage, but a responsibility to break barriers and create new paths. His confidence in me often exceeded my own, and over time, I began to see myself through his eyes. Thats was that I am capable, determined, and deserving of success. As I pursued higher education, I faced moments of uncertainty and fear, especially when navigating systems my family had never experienced before. During those times, my father encouraged me to keep going, even when the process felt overwhelming. His support helped me understand that potential is not something you are born knowing you have, it is something you discover through persistence and courage. His influence has shaped not only my academic goals, but also my character. I have learned the value of hard work, humility, and perseverance. I approach my education with intention, knowing that each step forward represents more than personal achievement, it represents progress for my family and future generations. Being a first-generation student has made me more resilient, more resourceful, and more motivated to succeed. The story of Sharen and Mila Kohute reflects both the promise of unrealized potential and the strength it takes to pursue education against the odds. Mila represents what could have been, and Sharen represents the determination to keep going despite hardship. My father embodies that same spirit of hard work and belief in possibility. Because of him, I have learned to recognize my own potential and commit fully to achieving it. This scholarship would not only support my education, it would honor the sacrifices that made it possible and reinforce my commitment to turning opportunity into lasting impact.