Unconstrained by my current fears, embraced by a supportive community, and successful in anything I set my mind to; all the while still able to know myself and who I am through all-new challenges.

One of the most important things that every student needs are goals. Goals for their future, both connected to their degree and not. As someone pursuing a computer science degree, there are several goals that I hope it is able to help me accomplish. The biggest goal that I want to achieve through my computer science degree is sharing my voice. I come from a farming economy, and the people around me who are also interested in technology are far and few in between; further apart still are the other girls I have met who are interested in technology. Additionally, as a Latina in a rural area, I see even less of that representation around me let alone in the tech field. This has always bothered me because the tech world holds so many possibilities. By pursuing a degree in computer science I hope to serve as a role model for other girls in rule areas as well as Latinas. It is possible to move beyond the geographical confines of the midwest and embrace technology. I am not defined by my perceived limitation of being a woman, being Hispanic, and coming from a rural area. Outside of computer science, my biggest goal in life is to write a book. I know a very different sort of goal but one that stems from the same initial desire of sharing my voice. I am an avid reader but one thing that has always been at the back of my mind when reading is how I have never truly felt represented by the character that I read about. Whenever the story is about Latinos it is always set in the city, whenever it is about high achieving academics overcoming adversity in the tech field it is not Latinos, and even in the genres that deviate outside of contemporary the characters are never given the opportunity to look like me. By writing my own book I feel like I could change this. If no one else will represent me in literature then I will just have to do it myself. On the surface, these goals are both intertwined and vastly different. They share a common core but their methods of delivery appear to be so different. I would however challenge this on several vectors. For one, computer science is a well-paying profession, writing, however, is not. A well-paying computer science job that I love that would then allow me to in my spare time pursue writing would be amazing. It balances the two opposing pillars of academia, arts and sciences, super well and allows for a lot of fulfillment. I would also then point out that some of the best science fiction writers started out their careers as STEM professionals. Andy Weir, author of The Martian and Project Hail Mary worked as a computer programmer and Timothy Zahn, the author of many Star Wars books, has a master's in physics. If they can do it then surely so could I. They are definitely proving that having real-world knowledge of technology does make you a little bit better at coming up with fake technology. So you can then see how while appearing asynchronous these two goals actually come together quite nicely to make for a dream-worthy future.

Throughout my whole life, I have been interested in technology. I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in either being on the computer or on some kind of handheld gaming device. I've always loved the world of possibilities that exist in technology and all of the new advancements that come about every year. In my youth, living in southeast Indiana I have not had a lot of opportunities to explore the tech industry. My main opportunities have come from my high school's coding classes and the 4-H computer project which has only been majorly updated to reflect the state of technology today, in the past few years. I mostly come from a farming economy and the people around me who are also interested in technology are far and few in between, even further apart are the other girls I have met who are interested in technology. Not only this but as a Latina in a rural area, I see even less of that representation around me let alone in the tech field. This has always bothered me because the world of tech holds so much possibility and variety, from VR to web design, hardware to software, and video games to mobile apps. By pursuing a degree in computer science, I hope to serve as a role model for other girls in rule areas as well as Latinas. It is possible to move beyond the geographical confines of the midwest and embrace technology. I am not defined by my perceived limitation of being a woman, being Hispanic, and coming from a rural area. I want to work in the tech field and prove that I am just as capable as anyone else of surviving in one of the hardest and fastest-growing industries in America. I want to design video games because as much as I love playing them I never feel represented by them. I want to create characters who are like me and games that are my speed. There are so many more possibilities in the game design industry that are not being pursued because there is just not enough diversity in the industry. All it takes to create change is for people who represent change going forward and take hold of what they want without backing down. I want to change the face of tech and that is why I am going to get a computer science degree.

Throughout my whole life, I have been interested in technology. I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in either being on the computer or on some kind of handheld gaming device. I've always loved the world of possibilities that exist in technology and all of the new advancements that come about every year. In my youth, living in southeast Indiana I have not had a lot of opportunities to explore the tech industry. My main opportunities have come from my high school's coding classes and the 4-H computer project which has only been majorly updated to reflect the state of technology today, in the past few years. I mostly come from a farming economy and the people around me who are also interested in technology are far and few in between, even further apart are the other girls I have met who are interested in technology. Not only this but as a Latina in a rural area, I see even less of that representation around me let alone in the tech field. This has always bothered me because the world of tech holds so much possibility and variety, from VR to web design, hardware to software, and video games to mobile apps. By pursuing a degree in computer science, I hope to serve as a role model for other girls in rule areas as well as Latinas. It is possible to move beyond the geographical confines of the midwest and embrace technology. I am not defined by my perceived limitation of being a woman, being Hispanic, and coming from a rural area. I want to work in the tech field and prove that I am just as capable as anyone else of surviving in one of the hardest and fastest-growing industries in America. I want to design video games because as much as I love playing them I never feel represented by them. I want to create characters who are like me and games that are my speed. There are so many more possibilities in the game design industry that are not being pursued because there is just not enough diversity in the industry. All it takes to create change is for people who represent change going forward and take hold of what they want without backing down. I want to change the face of tech and that is why I am going to get a computer science degree.

Hello, I’m Emma. Growing up in an age of mediated citizenry, I find it hard to think of a time when technology was not part of my life. I remember my mother showing me how the computer worked from a young age and letting me mess around with programs like word or paint. This early introduction to technology probably planted the seed of computing in my brain. From that seed, my mother suggested that I take a computer science class offered by my high school. I was initially skeptical, but soon, I became hooked. This class opened my eyes to so much more I could do with computers. I then took every computer science course offered by my high school. In these classes, I was given many opportunities including exploring different languages, while learning how to think like a computer scientist. It was these opportunities that have driven me to get a computer science degree. With my computer science degree, I want to open people's minds to what technology can make possible. Computing and technology will be foundational to my career with my ultimate goal being to work in game development to create beautiful stories and experiences that I can share with others. The world of video games is one based entirely on some of the latest and greatest innovations in the world of technology, whether that be faster processing capabilities or virtual reality. I want to be a part of that world and add my creativity to the wave of innovation and evolution that comes with expanding technology fields. I see the world of gaming as one of the best ways to tell stories that grab people and challenge them to evaluate the world around them. It does all of this while pioneering new paths for technology. I come from a farming economy, and the people around me who are also interested in technology are far and few in between; further apart still are the other girls I have met who are interested in technology. Additionally, as a Latina in a rural area, I see even less of that representation around me let alone in the tech field. This has always bothered me because the tech world holds so many possibilities. By pursuing a degree in computer science I hope to serve as a role model for other girls in rule areas as well as Latinas. It is possible to move beyond the geographical confines of the midwest and embrace technology. I am not defined by my perceived limitation of being a woman, being Hispanic, and coming from a rural area. I want to design video games because I never feel represented by them. I want to create characters who are like me. There are so many more possibilities in the game design industry that are not being pursued because there is not enough diversity. I want to change the face of tech, and that is why I feel deserving of this scholarship.

Influence is a word that has taken on many meanings over the years. To me the most applicable meaning of the word is as follows, to influence is to be in a position where you are able to change people's minds about a certain subject and guide them in decision-making. I like to think that there are two main ways that I influence those around me. I like to think that I influence my classmates into working harder on assignments and seeking to get better grades through my own hard work and determination. I also like to think that I am able to influence people to read more books through my social media presence. On social media, I share what I am reading and what books I have enjoyed so that others may find something new and great to read. Over the years I have been faced with adversity as all people are. I think most notably, growing up as one of the only Latinas in a rural midwestern area, I was faced with a lot of pushback concerning a generalization of all Hispanic culture into my own Puerto Rican culture. It never felt very good to be presented with something that was generally thought of by my peers as a part of Hispanic culture only to know that it was not really my culture. Over time as people got to know me better, and especially once we were given the opportunity to study the Spanish language and the cultures of that language did it truly go away. In time my peer's knowledge grew and I was able to share more of what my culture was and be free from that cage of generalizations. I am currently studying computer science as an undergrad. I choose this as my field of study because I love computers. I find them to be fascinating, both in what they can accomplish and how they can connect people. I want to take the field of computer science forward and innovate new ways for people like me to be represented in an industry that affects everyone. There are not enough Latina voices in tech and I want to change that. Receiving this scholarship would mean so much to me. I love learning so much and am so thankful to be in a position where I am allowed to continue my education in a subject that I am passionate about. There are many in other parts of the world who aren’t afforded this opportunity so I will strive to honor the opportunity I am given and do right by my course of study. By receiving this scholarship I hope to continue my education in a way that is not financially draining on me and my family so that I am able to take that education once I complete it and put it towards a job I am passionate about and not just one that will pay off my debt the fastest.

When choosing a book that I am going to recommend to someone, a lot of thought goes into that decision. What kind of reader is this person, what types of things do they enjoy both in and outside of books, did I like this book, and how do I think of that book even years later? These are all factors I take into consideration when giving a book recommendation. However, in this scenario, a more broad thought process is required. If everyone in the world had to read one book that I suggested it would have to be a good one, one that really meant something to me and could mean something to others. For that reason, the book I would pick would be Pumpkin Scissors by Ryōtarō Iwanaga. Pumpkin Scissors takes place three years into a cease-fire after a devastating war between the Empire and the Republic of Frost. In this setting, the reader is exposed to all the tragedies that civilians are faced with in the aftermath of war, from starvation, crime, disease, and corruption. The story itself follows the members of the Imperial Army State Section III, aka Pumpkin Scissors as they do their jobs to help the everyday citizens of the Empire recover from the war. Notably, the two main characters include a former soldier from the poorest part of the county and a member of the country's aristocracy who has herself never actually seen war. It is through these two opposing perspectives that we receive our narrative and are shown this now broken, but trying to rebuild, society. One of the main things I love about this story is that it has the ability to be both brutally honest in its depictions of wartime tragedies, never shying away from showing how terrible people can be when they have power and righteous feelings, while also showing the resilience of people to overcome those tragedies and build back better from it. The narrative is very serious but it also displays levity through good people trying to help others. This story reflects back at the reader the best and worst of humanity at a time when we could all stand to remember that war is not the solution to differences. It reminds us that while battles can be fought and a victor decided, it is the everyday people that suffer the most from war.

Technology has always been inspiring to me. Throughout the years technological advances have brought humankind forward and ever closer to possibilities once only thought possible in science fiction novels. Even in my lifetime, we have seen the rise of automation and the internet as ways to push the world forward. But one technology that stands out to me and inspires me to see technology as truly making the world a better place is e-readers. I am an avid reader and promoter of lifelong reading. By continuing to read through your life you improve your writing ability, learn new things, and expand your vocabulary. Studies have shown that as many as 33% of high school graduates never read a book again after high school. In my mind, much of this has to do with the inaccessibility of books. Many people do not have the money to purchase books at full retail price or they do not live within easy reach of the library. Which is why I think e-readers are amazing. By purchasing an e-reader which you can find frequently on sale, books become so much more accessible. E-book prices are often lower than their physical counterparts and if you are willing to wait, many go on sale for just $0.99 often. Not only are you able to buy books cheaper but your local library probably has a digital catalog of ebooks that you can borrow completely for free. Additionally, e-readers can also bring new ways to read. Some e-readers are equipped with text-to-speech capabilities so people with visual impairments are also able to enjoy reading. It is this accessibility of reading that inspires me. If one type of technology makes reading more accessible then what other types of technology can be created to make other parts of life more accessible? I believe that the best way forward for our society is to make more opportunities accessible to a greater amount of people so that everyone is able to operate at their full potential. Today it is greater literacy in our society, tomorrow who knows?

Through the glass one can see A million worlds of possibilities. The opportunities and places that travel creates Are all right there just waiting. That is the view of the laman traveler. That is not the view of the veteran pilot. What a pilot sees is the true reality. Through the window, there is just the void. The void The void The void Vast and all-encompassing, Keeper of all, A mercurial thing. The pilot knows that there are planets, stars, and galaxies. There is dust, and rocks, and vast amounts of chemicals through the window. All of these things pale in comparison to the void. The pilots' job is to traverse the void. They are the most aware of its dangers. They embrace the void most closely. They experience hyperspace. While the layman traveler too will go through hyperspace on a journey no one experiences it as the pilot does. The clicking of keys, the flipping of switches, the preparation for flight. The changing of lights to indicate the readiness of the ship. The push of the thruster control as the pilot initiates the jump. Then a pause. There is always a pause that the pilot can feel. The briefest moment before the jump. The moment the pilot surrenders to the void That it would not see fit to destroy them. Then, all is flashing lights. The ship flies past all in the universe. All that the traveler sees as possibilities. It all stretches out into a blur as the ship enters into the trueness of the void. The void hides itself here to the layman traveler. They would believe that they are not out in the vast expanse that is the void as they cannot see it as they normally do. This is wrong. Hyperspace travel is the void. You experience more of the void than at any other time. That is what makes it dangerous.

From some of my earliest memories of childhood to the present, I can say that without a doubt my favorite Disney character is Winnie the Pooh. There has always been something about him and his group of friends that drew me into his world and helped me make sense of my own. One of my favorite things to watch when I was younger was The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Pooh was always such a comforting character. He was funny and never let the difficult things the world threw his way get him down too much. He would at one moment be faced with a serious problem of his house flooding and then at the next instant be trying to fight off dreams about Heffalumps and Woozles. He attacked all of these problems the same way, with a determination to solve them even if they seemed insurmountable. He often didn’t just try to face these problems alone either. He would always ask his friends for their help and they would always be there to lend a helping hand. And in return Pooh would always be willing to help them out, like the time Eeyore lost his tale. Through all of these adventures, Pooh taught me about the impotence of friendship and the impact that a positive attitude can have on your outlook on life. As I have grown older I still look back on the character of Winnie the Pooh fondly. I have somehow added ‘Oh Bother!’ into my vocabulary thanks to one silly old bear. I have also done some research into the character's history from the stories written by A. A. Milne to the animated shorts produced by the Walt Disney Company. Did you know that The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh was the last Disney film that Walt Disney personally worked on? Each new fact I learn just reinforces my love of the character. I have found that the lessons Pooh taught me continue to shape my view of the world and my attitude towards each new day. I am always ready and willing to lend a friend a helping hand and tackle whatever problems they throw my way. I also face the world head-on with determination even if some days I would rather just hide away eating some honey. You are never too old for Pooh and Pooh is never too old for you.

Hello, my name is Emma. Throughout my whole life, I have been interested in technology. I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in either being on the computer or on some kind of handheld gaming device. I've always loved the world of possibilities that exist in technology and all of the new advancements that come about every year. In my youth, living in southeast Indiana I have not had a lot of opportunities to explore the tech industry. My main opportunities have come from my high school's coding classes and the 4-H computer project which has only been majorly updated to reflect the state of technology today, in the past few years. I mostly come from a farming economy and the people around me who are also interested in technology are far and few in between, even further apart are the other girls I have met who are interested in technology. Not only this but as a Latina in a rural area, I see even less of that representation around me let alone in the tech field. This has always bothered me because the world of tech holds so much possibility and variety, from VR to web design, hardware to software, and video games to mobile apps. By pursuing a degree in computer science, my personal favorite STEM field, I hope to serve as a role model for other girls in rule areas as well as Latinas. It is possible to move beyond the geographical confines of the midwest and embrace technology. I am not defined by my perceived limitation of being a woman, being Hispanic, and coming from a rural area. I want to work in the tech field and prove that I am just as capable as anyone else of surviving in one of the hardest and fastest-growing industries in America. I want to design video games because as much as I love playing them I never feel represented by them. I want to create characters who are like me and games that are my speed. There are so many more possibilities in the game design industry that are not being pursued because there is just not enough diversity in the industry. A lot of this includes the types of characters being designed as well as the stories being created as well as just the way that things are designed. Did you know that most gaming hardware, like controllers, are designed with male gamers in mind so it can be uncomfortable for female gamers to use those items because they just don't work right? All it takes to create change is for people who represent change going forward and take hold of what they want. I want to change the face of tech and that is why I am going to get a computer science degree. I want to be the voice of change within the industry.

Growing up, I was always a pretty shy kid. This was something I wanted to change going into my senior year of high school as well as college. I tried to open myself up to more of what the world had to offer and not be scared of chasing my dreams. My first step in practicing bravery was to get less shy around new people. I started an Instagram account talking about one of my favorite things in the world, books. This has given me an excellent opportunity to connect with people from around the globe. These are now people I regularly interact with and who appreciate me for me. This has also made me less nervous about interacting with people I see as influential in my life, such as authors I have now worked with to provide reviews. Moving away from the online world, I have been striving to say yes to new opportunities this year. One of the best ways to exemplify bravery is to do things that scare you. By doing them, they become less scary. Notably, this year I took the plunge and attended and competed at the National FCCLA conference, which was hosted in San Diego, California. This was a huge endeavor for me. It involved tackling all sorts of new challenges. I had to fly to get there, which is scary if you’ve never done it before. Then I was in a tally new place and a completely different culture to the one I am generally in. In addition to all the bold events just getting there, I competed in my project with 7,000 other students from across the nation once I was there. It was super nerve-racking, but I feel all the braver for doing it.

Hello, I’m Emma. Growing up in an age of mediated citizenry, I find it hard to think of a time when technology was not part of my life. I remember my mother showing me how the computer worked from a young age and letting me mess around with programs. This early introduction to technology probably planted the seed of computing in my brain. From that seed, my mother suggested that I take a computer science class offered by my high school. I was initially skeptical, but soon, I became hooked. This class opened my eyes to so much more I could do with computers. Since then, I have taken every computer science course offered in high school. In these classes, I was given many opportunities, including exploring different languages while learning how to think like a computer scientist. These opportunities have driven me to get a computer science degree. With my computer science degree, I want to open their minds to what technology can make possible. I want computing and technology to be the foundation of my career. My ultimate goal is to work in game development and create beautiful stories and experiences that I can share with others. The world of video games is one based entirely on some of the latest and greatest innovations in the world of technology, whether that be faster processing power or virtual reality. I want to be a part of that world and add my creativity to the wave of innovation and evolution that comes with expanding technology fields. I see the world of gaming as one of the best ways to tell stories that grab people and challenge them to evaluate the world around them. It does all of this while pioneering new paths for technology. I come from a farming economy, and the people around me who are also interested in technology are far and few in between; further apart still are the other girls I have met who are interested in technology. Additionally, as a Latina in a rural area, I see even less of that representation around me, let alone in the tech field. This has always bothered me because the tech world holds so many possibilities. By pursuing a degree in computer science, I hope to serve as a role model for other girls in rule areas as well as Latinas. It is possible to move beyond the geographical confines of the midwest and embrace technology. I am not defined by my perceived limitation of being a woman, being Hispanic, and coming from a rural area. I want to design video games because I never feel represented by them. I want to create characters who are like me. There are so many more possibilities in the game design industry that are not being pursued because of insufficient diversity. I want to change the face of tech, and that is why I feel deserving of this scholarship.

Throughout my whole life, I have gravitated toward computers. I grew up playing with and typing on my family computer and was so excited when we got Chromebooks during middle school. For all my love of computers, I wasn’t interested in working with them until high school. In my freshman year, I took a web design class and was immediately hooked on coding. Since then I have taken a coding class every year and even several IT-based classes as well. It has been this newfound love of coding that has led me to desire a degree in computer science. I am also empowered to follow my fellow female classmates, many of which will also be entering STEM fields. I look up to many of my classmates and have grown close to them over the years and I am excited to be among the young women entering into STEM fields. Despite the overwhelming support I receive from my peers in regard to my future pursuits I recognize that I will face many obstacles on the way to achieving my dreams. I know that there is a disparaging percentage of women in STEM fields and that they are tough industries. There are high levels of antagonism against women studying computer science but despite this, I feel confident that I can persevere because I love learning and I have a very tough skin. I know that this attitude is not representative of the entire education system around computer science because I grew up learning all I know about computers from my mother, who works in IT, as well as a female computer science teacher. In addition to the challenges associated with gaining a computer science education, I know that there is also a non-woman-friendly industry awaiting me. In recent years there have been increasing reports of harassment towards females in the tech industry and specifically in the games design industry. I am hopeful that the increased awareness and actions taken in regard to this knowledge will help to make the industry more inclusive by the time I am able to enter into the workforce. I know that these are big barriers to my success but I am confident that my determination and the support of my peers will be able to push me through the tough times. I am determined to be a member of change in STEM careers. I am willing to push myself through the worst so that those who follow me are able to easily enter into a field that I truly love.

My favorite book would have to be The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. The book features the adventures of a unicorn as she journeys to find out what has happened to the other unicorns, after hearing that they all disappeared. This book is my favorite for several reasons both based on literature and nostalgia. For nostalgia, I first read this book back in middle school and that was after having grown up avidly watching the animated movie based on the book. When I first read it I was astounded by how much fuller the world felt and how much I could still picture the characters I had grown to love. I also just love unicorns. I more recently read this book yet again and it brought back so many positive memories from this time as well as allowed me to evaluate the book from a more experienced lens. This book holds an interesting place within literature. It stands as a modern fantasy classic for good reason. First published in 1968 the book remains in print and is still widely read. The story itself feels eternally relevant with the characters all exploring what it means to be human and to achieve your dreams. The latter half of the story also explores the impact of love upon humanity and how loving something changes you forever. In addition to these topics of literary merit the story also just contains a very interesting way of telling itself. I love the writing style as it feels very indicative of the time it was written in. There is something about it that feels very of the past and that you just don't find in books today. All of these things and more come together to make The Last Unicorn my favorite book.

One personal finance lesson that I have found to be important recently is the importance of balancing what you spend on your hobbies and finding ways to still enjoy them without spending all of your money on them. I am an avid reader with an extensive personal library of books. I read over 100 books a year and would absolutely love to own all of them. However, this would be financially ruinous as books typically cost $15-$25 depending on the genre and format. To combat this I have been finding ways to still get my hands on books without spending so much money on them. The first thing I have been doing is getting more books from my library. The library is free and has so many books, they will even buy books that you recommend from time to time. Not only that but they often have additional resources that can be used to save money in other aspects of your life if they have a ‘Library of Things, which can range from guitars to sewing machines. In addition to this, I have found that there are whole internet marketplaces dedicated to selling used books. Used books are so much better for saving money because you can get a book that originally cost $25 for only $5. It is all a matter of finding ways to enjoy stuff without overspending. It is important to not lose sight of what you enjoy and you can still save up money while doing it.

If I had $1,000 I would build myself a computer. For the past year, I have been researching how to build my own computer and it is a very expensive endeavor. Each individual part costs a lot if you want a reliable piece and for it to all look cohesive in the end. So $1,000 would definitely help put a dent into the task. Now you may be asking why I want to build a computer. I am going into computer science and I think building a computer serves several functions for that goal. For one it provides an experience that helps one to get familiar with the hardware of a computer and know how it all works. By building one myself I would also be more invested in the possibilities of an upgrade and more invested in keeping up with industry changes. In addition to this, it would also allow me to do more computer work as my current home computer is definitely pushing 10+ years. A new computer would be faster and better able to run some programs that I would love to check out like Unity and Synthesizer V. It would also represent the fresh start that I would be getting by going to college. College is a time for fresh starts so what not also have a fresh new computer to build a portfolio on.

For as long as I can remember I have always been taught how to be a leader. From a young age, my parents have always encouraged me to seek out opportunities to help others succeed and instilled in me the desire to make the world better. Over the years I have involved myself with a wide array of organizations that have given me opportunities to be a leader and improve my leadership skills. Since the 3rd grade, I have been an active 4-H member, doing lots of projects, attending trips, and doing community service activities. One of my projects is being a member of the county's Jr. Leaders, a group designed to help grow leadership with youth from all over the county. In this group, we have led county-wide programs ranging from YQCA training to clover bud events. Additionally, 4-H has allowed me to attend leadership development trips including several Leadership Summits where I have met youth from across the state who are also interested in leadership. Not only have I been involved with Jr.Leaders but I have also served as a club officer in various roles since about the 5th grade. Another organization I have had the privilege of being involved with is FCCLA, which stands for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. I have been in this organization since 8th grade and it has given me so many opportunities to be a leader. Since my Sophomore year of high school, I have served as the VP of State Programs for our chapter and completed the Leadership STAR project. As a chapter officer, it is my responsibility to help our chapter run smoothly throughout the year as well as plan events and guile the members of our chapter when completing activities. My STAR project, which stands for Students Taking Action with Recognition, has also allowed me to identify areas of my leadership that require improvement and take steps to improve them. With this project, I have won two silver medals and one gold medal at the state level and qualified for Nationals several times. From all of these experiences and many others, I have learned what great leadership is. Great leadership is seeing a problem and being the one to step up and fix it. It is taking responsibility for mistakes and working to correct them without letting them weigh you down. I have learned this not only through my own actions but through the actions of all the other leaders I have had the privilege to work with, both adults and students. Being a leader is important to me because it makes me feel better and allows me to help more people. I love serving others and making the world a better place. Leadership had been an important part of my life since such a young age that I cannot imagine the type of person I would be without it.

I have always had a love for learning. Ever since I was small I have loved going to school and going to places like the museum. I have spent many summers learning different skills from upholstery to baking to sewing. I am also an avid reader who is never without a book and a lot of the books I read teach me a lot about the world and different skills I could gain. It is from this foundational love of learning that I am planning on attending college to further my education. I plan to attend Indiana Tech and major in Computer Science. In addition to my lifelong love of learning, I have always been fascinated by computers. I have grown up on computers and they have always intrigued me with what they can accomplish. When I entered high school I started taking coding classes and from day one I was hooked. I truly believe that many of the world's difficulties can be solved through coding and computer science. At Indiana Tech I plan on learning all about computers and programming. I want to learn a variety of industry-standard coding languages as well as some fundamental knowledge of computer hardware. Not only will this major place me on a path to a successful career but it will also foster my critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. From this, I hope to one day break into the video game industry and be a voice of change in the industry. The video game industry is predominantly a male field and more specifically a white male field. As a young Latina, I hope to get into the industry and break down the barriers for others like me. As with all college experiences, my years of study will not be exclusively devoted to computers but will still help me to reach my end goal. I will also take a large variety of classes focused on humanities, social sciences, and lab sciences. Not only this but I am very interested in Study Abroad programs. I want to experience more of the world than just the cornfield that I grew up in as well as develop a deeper understanding of my mother's maiden tongue of Spanish. By the end of my time at college, I hope to have furthered my development into a well-rounded individual ready to tackle the challenges of the world. These challenges are sure to be wide and varied but with an education as well as my determination I am sure that I will be able to face them head-on.

Hello, my name is Emma. Throughout my whole life, I have been interested in technology. I cannot remember a time when I was not interested in either being on the computer or on some kind of handheld gaming device. I've always loved the world of possibilities that exist in technology and all of the new advancements that come about every year. In my youth, living in southeast Indiana I have not had a lot of opportunities to explore the tech industry. My main opportunities have come from my high school's coding classes and the 4-H computer project which has only been majorly updated to reflect the state of technology today, in the past few years. I mostly come from a farming economy and the people around me who are also interested in technology are far and few in between, even further apart are the other girls I have met who are interested in technology. Not only this but as a Latina in a rural area, I see even less of that representation around me let alone in the tech field. This has always bothered me because the world of tech holds so much possibility and variety, from VR to web design, hardware to software, video games to mobile apps. By pursuing a degree in computer science, my personal favorite STEM field, I hope to serve as a role model for other girls in rule areas as well as Latinas. It is possible to move beyond the geographical confines of the midwest and embrace technology. I am not defined by my perceived limitation of being a woman, being Hispanic, and coming from a rural area. I want to work in the tech field and prove that I am just as capable as anyone else of surviving in one of the hardest and fastest-growing industries in America. I want to design video games because as much as I love playing them I never feel represented by them. I want to create characters who are like me and games that are my speed. There are so many more possibilities in the game design industry that are not being pursued because there is just not enough diversity in the industry. All it takes to create change is for people who represent change going forward and take hold of what they want. I want to change the face of tech and that is why I am going to get a computer science degree.