In today's time, our world is heavily revolved around the realm of science. From foundations just starting up, classifying organisms, collecting data, all the way down to basic human interaction, technology has proved sporadically that it affects every segment there is in life. Thus, my long-term goal as a young woman seeking a degree in technology, I aim to not just discover innovative ways to protect digital assets and analyze the root of vulnerable systems, but by doing so through the voice of the people, and strive to make the world of cutting-edge technology more securer and overall safer. My journey into STEM began at the age of 7, sitting in front of an old desktop computer that was tucked away in my parents' room collecting dust. Among all the encounters with malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts, I found determination in looking through these digital threats and even seeking the challenge of outsmarting them, all at such a young age. These experiences I had gone through at such an early time in my life would bring a strong, fiery passion for technology and cybersecurity that continues to drive me today and will continue to for years to come. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the heavy impact of cyber threats on individuals of all ages around me as well. From phishing scams targeting those who didn't suspect it at all to even more attacks that would abuse the vulnerability in our digital structure, the need for safeguarding our presence online became more and more clear to me. As a woman planning to major in STEM, I am committed to honing my skills and knowledge to create a safer digital environment for everyone, especially vulnerable populations such as women. In my community, many are unfamiliar with the significance of cybersecurity. Thus, I see an opportunity to educate and empower. As a first-generation Hispanic woman coming from an immigrant household, I take note of the barriers that hinder access to technology and digital learning. My goal is not only to clarify the difficulty but also to inspire the next generation to embrace technology safely and securely. One example of cybercrime that motivates me is its crossing with social issues such as human trafficking. Tactics like "vishing" and "smishing" not only compromise personal information but also carry exploitation, with women mostly affected. By advocating for stronger cybersecurity measures and encouraging digital learning, I aim to reduce these risks and provide a sense of security, especially for those who are most vulnerable. In the near future, my aspiration is to contribute and find innovative solutions that address these cyber threats while promoting inclusivity for women within the STEM community. I envision a future where the elderly navigate the internet with confidence, children explore the digital world without fear, and individuals of all backgrounds feel empowered to make use of technology for positive change. I am determined to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. By embracing my identity as a strong, intellectual woman, contributing to the STEM field will help strive to inspire other women to pursue their passions fearlessly, regardless of societal expectations or background. Through advocacy, and hands-on contribution, I would love to leave a lasting impact in this field and pave the way for more safety in technology. In conclusion, my decision to pursue STEM is caused by a strong desire to make a difference in cybersecurity and beyond. While I go through this journey, I am committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity, guaranteeing that technology serves as a force for good in our world.

I am 9 years old. Rollerskating down a hill I rode 15 times that same night, I noticed my father put heavy trash bags inside the car trunk. "Where are you going?" I use the heel brakes on my skates to come to a stop, I'm eyeing my father up and down, though he refuses to turn to meet my gaze. "Volveré pronto, hija," he responds, still not returning any eye contact. Like my naive, young self, I didn't think much of it, nor did I think much of it when it was time to go to bed that night knowing his presence hadn't been there, and would continue to not be there for several days after. It had all turned out well in the end, as me and my mother went to my grandmother's house to pick him up. Still, I never thought much of it. I am 13 years old. Still naive, but wouldn't say oblivious. My father had told me as we were parked outside of my middle school that he had gotten a new job opportunity, and we'll be moving to California and there I'll be taking the 8th grade. As always, I never thought much of it. If anything, I was up for the plane ride. He was the first out of the family to move out, and he told us he would be waiting for us there. The night before our trip to the airport, I had woken up to a very uncomfortable back from having to sleep awkwardly on an air mattress that never been filled up completely. I had finally stepped foot in the walkways of Chaparral Middle School. But I never thought much of it. Really, I just wanted to get it over with. I had walked into math class, my first class of the day, where I was greeted with the eyes of several students who had eyed me like they have never seen someone "like me." And eventually came into near physical contact with a boy whose friend group had pushed him into me as a joke. As the day went on, I could feel eyes digging into the back of head from every classroom I sat in. Even then, I never thought much of it. Being that young, 13 year old girl, all that mattered was the fact that it was finally Christmas. In my family, we always wait until it hits 12 AM to open gifts. It had been 9 PM on the 24th of Christmas. I was sitting next to the small tree alone with a gift just for me, a pair of headphones; Beats. They were able to sound out everything from the outside world, including the ruthless words from my parents that would bang through the thin walls of our apartment. Again, I never thought much of it. At least I got a Christmas gift. Christmas break came to a short end, and I had found myself running laps around the field with 2 girls. A group of boys ran up to me, pinning me down with questions asking about myself. "I'm from Boston," I respond. "In Massachusetts." "Boston massacrist!" They all laughed. I was later met with other insults those following weeks. I guess here I looked more like a man than a lady, I only had one singular eyebrow and my nose appeared more larger. I began to think much of it. I began to think so much of it that I was running to stall after stall in bathrooms cupping my face in my hands and yearning to just stop thinking about it. The thoughts had caught up to me, though. Surprisingly enough, I couldn't make sense of these thoughts until I was scribbling it all down in science class, ideas of putting an end to my life which the teacher would eventually get a hold of that same page and bring it to the guidance office. To this day, I never knew what made us come back to Massachusetts, had it been the suicidal note I wrote down on that paper, my parents planning to get a divorce, or both. Regardless, we moved back, which would then be hit with a very huge financial setback, and I thought a lot of it. My world had once been a sanctuary that was eventually torn apart by external conflicts. When my parents divorced, I grew overwhelmed when I was met with the constant presence of social workers and therapists who would later fail to notice my silent plea for help. Now realizing at the age of 18, my younger sister Seraphina, who has Autism and can't express herself, had been my only source of comfort due to her bright presence alone. We both share a love for technology, and instead of using verbal communication we spoke to each other with warm embraces and expressing our passion for video games. A heartwarming spot in my life. In my community, many don’t understand the importance of cybersecurity. As a first-generation Hispanic woman coming from an immigrant and broken family, I see how barriers limit access to technology and finding ways to just escape reality. My goal is to educate and empower others about safe and secure practices. Through technology, I found a diverse, inclusive space that helped me escape reality and connect with others who’ve faced similar challenges. I aim to contribute to online safety and promote inclusivity in STEM--especially for women. I dream of a world where children are safe, and people from all backgrounds unite to create secure, accepting environments. Though my love for technology became a fiery passion of mines, it is a passion I share with my younger sister, who won't have the same privilege as I do. I make a promise to both me and her that we will share this degree so that we can sound out the noisy world and just embrace each other lovingly as we show the video game we were able to develop together.

In today's time, our world is heavily revolved around the realm of science. From foundations just starting up, classifying organisms, collecting data, all the way down to basic human interaction, technology has proved sporadically that it affects every segment there is in life. Thus, my long-term goal as a young woman seeking a degree in technology, I aim to not just discover innovative ways to protect digital assets and analyze the root of vulnerable systems, but by doing so through the voice of the people, and strive to make the world of cutting-edge technology more securer and overall safer. My journey into STEM began at the age of 7, sitting in front of an old desktop computer that was tucked away in my parents' room collecting dust. Among all the encounters with malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts, I found determination in looking through these digital threats and even seeking the challenge of outsmarting them, all at such a young age. These experiences I had gone through at such an early time in my life would bring a strong, fiery passion for technology and cybersecurity that continues to drive me today and will continue to for years to come. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the heavy impact of cyber threats on individuals of all ages around me as well. From phishing scams targeting those who didn't suspect it at all to even more attacks that would abuse the vulnerability in our digital structure, the need for safeguarding our presence online became more and more clear to me. As a woman planning to major in STEM, I am committed to honing my skills and knowledge to create a safer digital environment for everyone, especially vulnerable populations such as women. In my community, many are unfamiliar with the significance of cybersecurity. Thus, I see an opportunity to educate and empower. As a first-generation Hispanic woman coming from an immigrant household, I take note of the barriers that hinder access to technology and digital learning. My goal is not only to clarify the difficulty but also to inspire the next generation to embrace technology safely and securely. One example of cybercrime that motivates me is its crossing with social issues such as human trafficking. Tactics like "vishing" and "smishing" not only compromise personal information but also carry exploitation, with women mostly affected. By advocating for stronger cybersecurity measures and encouraging digital learning, I aim to reduce these risks and provide a sense of security, especially for those who are most vulnerable. In the near future, my aspiration is to contribute and find innovative solutions that address these cyber threats while promoting inclusivity for women within the STEM community. I envision a future where the elderly navigate the internet with confidence, children explore the digital world without fear, and individuals of all backgrounds feel empowered to make use of technology for positive change. I am determined to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. By embracing my identity as a strong, intellectual woman, contributing to the STEM field will help strive to inspire other women to pursue their passions fearlessly, regardless of societal expectations or background. Through advocacy, and hands-on contribution, I would love to leave a lasting impact in this field and pave the way for more safety in technology. In conclusion, my decision to pursue STEM is caused by a strong desire to make a difference in cybersecurity and beyond. While I go through this journey, I am committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity, guaranteeing that technology serves as a force for good in our world.

In today's time, our world is heavily revolved around the realm of science. From foundations just starting up, classifying organisms, collecting data, all the way down to basic human interaction, technology has proved sporadically that it affects every segment there is in life. Thus, my long-term goal as a young woman seeking a degree in cybersecurity, I aim to not just discover innovative ways to protect digital assets and analyze the root of vulnerable systems, but by doing so through the voice of the people, and strive to make the world of cutting-edge technology more securer and overall safer. My journey into cybersecurity began at the age of 7, sitting in front of an old desktop computer that was tucked away in my parents' room collecting dust. Among all the encounters with malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts, I found determination in looking through these digital threats and even seeking the challenge of outsmarting them, all at such a young age. These experiences I had gone through at such an early time in my life would bring a strong, fiery passion for technology and cybersecurity that continues to drive me today and will continue to for years to come. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the heavy impact of cyber threats on individuals of all ages around me as well. From phishing scams targeting those who didn't suspect it at all to even more attacks that would abuse the vulnerability in our digital structure, the need for safeguarding our presence online became more and more clear to me. As a woman planning to major in STEM, I am committed to honing my skills and knowledge to create a safer digital environment for everyone, especially vulnerable populations such as women. In my community, many are unfamiliar with the significance of cybersecurity. Thus, I see an opportunity to educate and empower. As a first-generation Hispanic woman coming from an immigrant household, I take note of the barriers that hinder access to technology and digital learning. My goal is not only to clarify the difficulty but also to inspire the next generation to embrace technology safely and securely. One example of cybercrime that motivates me is its crossing with social issues such as human trafficking. Tactics like "vishing" and "smishing" not only compromise personal information but also carry exploitation, with women mostly affected. By advocating for stronger cybersecurity measures and encouraging digital learning, I aim to reduce these risks and provide a sense of security, especially for those who are most vulnerable. In the near future, my aspiration is to contribute and find innovative solutions that address these cyber threats while promoting inclusivity for women within the STEM community. I envision a future where the elderly navigate the internet with confidence, children explore the digital world without fear, and individuals of all backgrounds feel empowered to make use of technology for positive change. I am determined to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. By embracing my identity as a strong, intellectual woman, contributing to the STEM field will help strive to inspire other women to pursue their passions fearlessly, regardless of societal expectations or background. Through advocacy, and hands-on contribution, I would love to leave a lasting impact in this field and pave the way for more safety in technology. In conclusion, my decision to pursue STEM is caused by a strong desire to make a difference in cybersecurity and beyond. While I go through this journey, I am committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity, guaranteeing that technology serves as a force for good in our world.

In today's time, our world is heavily revolved around the realm of science. From foundations just starting up, classifying organisms, collecting data, all the way down to basic human interaction, technology has proved sporadically that it affects every segment there is in life. Thus, my long-term goal as a young woman seeking a degree in business analytics and information systems, I aim to not just discover innovative ways to protect digital assets and analyze the root of vulnerable systems, but by doing so through the voice of the people, and strive to make the world of cutting-edge technology more securer and overall safer. My journey into STEM began at the age of 7, sitting in front of an old desktop computer that was tucked away in my parents' room collecting dust. Among all the encounters with malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts, I found determination in looking through these digital threats and even seeking the challenge of outsmarting them, all at such a young age. These experiences I had gone through at such an early time in my life would bring a strong, fiery passion for technology and cybersecurity that continues to drive me today and will continue to for years to come. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the heavy impact of cyber threats on individuals of all ages around me as well. From phishing scams targeting those who didn't suspect it at all to even more attacks that would abuse the vulnerability in our digital structure, the need for safeguarding our presence online became more and more clear to me. As a woman planning to major in STEM, I am committed to honing my skills and knowledge to create a safer digital environment for everyone, especially vulnerable populations such as women. In my community, many are unfamiliar with the significance of cybersecurity. Thus, I see an opportunity to educate and empower. As a first-generation Hispanic woman coming from an immigrant household, I take note of the barriers that hinder access to technology and digital learning. My goal is not only to clarify the difficulty but also to inspire the next generation to embrace technology safely and securely. One example of cybercrime that motivates me is its crossing with social issues such as human trafficking. Tactics like "vishing" and "smishing" not only compromise personal information but also carry exploitation, with women mostly affected. By advocating for stronger cybersecurity measures and encouraging digital learning, I aim to reduce these risks and provide a sense of security, especially for those who are most vulnerable. In the near future, my aspiration is to contribute and find innovative solutions that address these cyber threats while promoting inclusivity for women within the STEM community. I envision a future where the elderly navigate the internet with confidence, children explore the digital world without fear, and individuals of all backgrounds feel empowered to make use of technology for positive change. I am determined to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers. By embracing my identity as a strong, intellectual woman, contributing to the STEM field will help strive to inspire other women to pursue their passions fearlessly, regardless of societal expectations or background. Through advocacy, and hands-on contribution, I would love to leave a lasting impact in this field and pave the way for more safety in technology. In conclusion, my decision to pursue STEM is caused by a strong desire to make a difference in cybersecurity and beyond. While I go through this journey, I am committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusivity, guaranteeing that technology serves as a force for good in our world.

Since the age of 7, technology has been the absolute core of my life. It all started with writing short stories on Word and coding stories using the website "Episode." By 11, I delved super deep into video editing with After Effects, finding such an incredible world where creativity knew no bounds. Despite the MacBook Pro's occasional overheating, it was my companion through countless of my projects on the software app, which happened to even ignite a fiery spark with Apple products. I even dreamed of creating my own Apple commercials, pondering how future iPhones might look as I worked on my animations. But, like any journey, came with challenges so unbearable to this day I still get that same, similar shive down my spine when wondering how was I able to break through this tough wall? There were moments when self-doubt crept in, making me question if my work would ever measure up. Yet, each setback just further reinforced the truth in the saying, "failure is the key to success." Despite the fears, the discouragement, and the emotional setbacks, I persisted, because I knew my drive for for creativity was more hungry than my greater than the inner voice in my head telling me to give up. Social media became my platform when it came to showcasing my creations. Instagram had all sorts of supportive communities where my skills would be praised, fueling my ambition to pursue UI design, graphic design, and coding even more. Turning 17, I expanded this all the way to TikTok, sharing not just Apple-inspired work but also animations of celebrities. These platforms not only boosted my confidence but also solidified my dream of creating impactful digital experiences. My passion for animating and graphic design brewed a larger aspiration: to develop my own software application similar to Adobe After Effects. This vision inspired me to pursue a major in Computer Science, seeing it as the gateway to realizing my dreams and making a meaningful impact in the tech world. For someone like me, from a low-income immigrant family where higher education was a distant dream, this journey is not just about personal success but also about breaking generational barriers and making my family proud. My background made me realize I grew resilience and determination to defy expectations. Enduring mockery and discrimination in a predominantly white school, I chose to channel those experiences into a positive force for unity and creativity. Technology became my drive for bridging divides and empowering others to express their own talents and stories. I truly believe that technology has the power to transform lives and communities. Without a doubt it has transformed mine. Through my journey, I aspire to inspire a new generation of young creators, showing them the endless possibilities from the digital world and the rewards of perseverance in pursuing your passions. My goal is not only to create innovative software but also to cultivate an environment where creativity and technical expertise thrive. I envision my future app as a platform for aspiring creators to showcase their talents and skills, fostering a community centered on innovation and mutual support. All in all, my passion for technology is not just about tools and techniques but about using them to create meaningful change. It's about crafting stories, animations, and experiences that resonate and inspire, whether it's on Word, or Episode. As I embark on my journey in Computer Science, I carry with me a vision of a future where technology enriches lives and empowers individuals to pursue their dreams, no matter their background or challenges they may face.

Since the age of 7, technology has been the absolute core of my life. It all started with writing short stories on Word and coding stories using the website "Episode." By 11, I delved super deep into video editing with After Effects, finding such an incredible world where creativity knew no bounds. Despite the MacBook Pro's occasional overheating, it was my companion through countless of my projects on the software app, which happened to even ignite a fiery spark with Apple products. I even dreamed of creating my own Apple commercials, pondering how future iPhones might look as I worked on my animations. But, like any journey, came with challenges so unbearable to this day I still get that same, similar shive down my spine when wondering how was I able to break through this tough wall? There were moments when self-doubt crept in, making me question if my work would ever measure up. Yet, each setback just further reinforced the truth in the saying, "failure is the key to success." Despite the fears, the discouragement, and the emotional setbacks, I persisted, because I knew my drive for for creativity was more hungry than my greater than the inner voice in my head telling me to give up. Social media became my platform when it came to showcasing my creations. Instagram had all sorts of supportive communities where my skills would be praised, fueling my ambition to pursue UI design, graphic design, and coding even more. Turning 17, I expanded this all the way to TikTok, sharing not just Apple-inspired work but also animations of celebrities. These platforms not only boosted my confidence but also solidified my dream of creating impactful digital experiences. My passion for animating and graphic design brewed a larger aspiration: to develop my own software application similar to Adobe After Effects. This vision inspired me to pursue a major in Computer Science, seeing it as the gateway to realizing my dreams and making a meaningful impact in the tech world. For someone like me, from a low-income immigrant family where higher education was a distant dream, this journey is not just about personal success but also about breaking generational barriers and making my family proud. My background made me realize I grew resilience and determination to defy expectations. Enduring mockery and discrimination in a predominantly white school, I chose to channel those experiences into a positive force for unity and creativity. Technology became my drive for bridging divides and empowering others to express their own talents and stories. I truly believe that technology has the power to transform lives and communities. Without a doubt it has transformed mine. Through my journey, I aspire to inspire a new generation of young creators, showing them the endless possibilities from the digital world and the rewards of perseverance in pursuing your passions. My goal is not only to create innovative software but also to cultivate an environment where creativity and technical expertise thrive. I envision my future app as a platform for aspiring creators to showcase their talents and skills, fostering a community centered on innovation and mutual support. All in all, my passion for technology is not just about tools and techniques but about using them to create meaningful change. It's about crafting stories, animations, and experiences that resonate and inspire, whether it's on Word, or Episode. As I embark on my journey in Computer Science, I carry with me a vision of a future where technology enriches lives and empowers individuals to pursue their dreams, no matter their background or challenges they may face.

Since the age of 7, I have centered my entire life around technology. I’ve grown an interest into writing short time stories on Word, animating stories by coding through a website “Episode,” and by the time I hit 11, I was animating and editing videos on a software called After Effects. Through animation and digital editing I felt I could explore my creativity more, gaining inspiration and knowledge about the software made me want to start honing the skills I knew I had deep down. The Macbook Pro from Apple was what truly held me down. I had all sorts of Apple products, from iPhones to iPads, you name it, I had it. I grew such a profound obsession with the company I started wanting to video edit my own Apple commercials. Around the time, I had the iPhone XR, and I always thought as I would edit, what would it be like if we were to have the iPhone 12? The iPhone 11? I pondered on these thoughts so much I started to animate my own versions of newer Apple products to see how this could come to be. There were times where inspiration would rather lead me to times of defeat, believing my work was never enough, or it didn’t look as great as other works did, I was at times left discouraged and wanting to close my laptop. Albeit my hopes were dampened due to the times I chose to give up, I still chose to raise my head high and continue going after what I found true happiness in. Instagram was a great way to promote my work too, there was a sense of community there and it fit where I wanted to showcase my talent. When posting them, I received a plethora of comments praising my skills and abilities, and since then, I believed this hobby can hopefully soon turn me to become a UX designer with a passion of graphic designing and coding. I even uploaded my work of not only Apple but several other things like celebrities on Tiktok. I grew my passion into something that I dream of accomplishing; success, happiness in my career, and change. I grew more confident in my work. My passion for animating and graphic design led me to believing that I can one day dream of making a software app of my own just like Adobe After Effects, and gain enough traction for other creators to be able to implement their knowledge and skills onto it. Thus, I want to devote my time and skill into majoring in Computer Science to fulfill that dream. I want to turn my passion into something that not only helps those in the long-run, but can giving folks a sense of purpose. I feel that my passion for technology will inspire a generation of young people that also want to express their hard work and artistry through digital making, as well as showcase their technical expertise.

I am a Dominican and Salvadoran bisexual young girl that was born in America by two immigrant parents. My education was taught in Breed Middle school, where I later on went to another middle school in California for the 8th grade. Since then, I am back in Lynn MA graduating from Classical High. That is the basic run-down of what I'd answer with if asked the question, "tell me about yourself," yet, my thoughts are racing at 100 MPH in my head with such bizarre and intriguing facts about myself that I urge to spill. Should we start with my dying love for astrology? Well, I'm a Cancer sun, Gemini moon, and Pisces rising. What does any of this even mean, you might ask? Well, I'm sensitive. My decisions are based off emotions. I take criticism--constructive or not, to the heart, and seeing a video of a family member from the military coming home to surprise visit their loved ones makes my heart churn. I'm also extremely talkative. Tell me about an interest of yours that involves journaling, meditating, reading, or watching films, and we'd be standing in the same exact spot we were in 5 hours ago rambling on and on. I'm imaginative and creative. "What are you thinking about?" says a friend of mines after she's caught me staring into space for the eleventh time. My mind is my harvest and it's full of fresh hibiscus flowers, pixel characters from video games like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star rail, and Indian blankets. Although I consider these my perks, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have any downsides. At times, I can be impulsive. Due to my speedy thoughts, it's hard to keep up with them, so why not just go for it without getting tangled up by another second thought? I'm also impatient. My knees bounce up and down at the thought of having a certain desire fulfilled already! But at times, my mind tends to haunt me; having my most powerful tool used against me by spewing the most anxiety-inducing words can feel like the walls are closing in on me. I'm a person of confusion. A person that doesn't know what she truly wants to do simply because she wants to do everything in the world. A person with an INFP personality that although has a shy demeanor, has the most loudest laugh in the room. A person that still clings onto her childhood-like character because nostalgia can hit her like a ton of bricks. A person who feels a feeling so intensely it carries on within her for years to come. A person who is not "street-smart" nor "book-smart" but "me-smart." So, who am I? I am a bright young girl that was born in this world to do bright things. I am intuitive and prospecting, introverted yet confident, quiet yet loud, and anxious yet carefree. I carry an optimistic and positive attitude despite my fears that whatever path I decide to go down next I assure myself it will be a stepping stone in life for me. The curls from my hair help me find bliss in the strong wind that hits my skin, the gap in between my two front teeth that are now closing helped me smile even bigger rather than the opposite, and the love I carry within to not only myself but to those that cherish me so deeply is sure to bring a positive impact to our lives. I am a bright young girl whose world is her oyster.

You may have heard or come across folks planning to get into the STEM field being a bit bothered by the idea of calculus being included in their major. Maybe math was too hard for them in high school, maybe the concept of it was all too overwhelming, or maybe they just simply don't like math. Even so, breaking into the STEM field is a bold choice, and learning the implements of calculus is even bolder. Let's start with a major that is in high demand: Computer Science. You may want to get a position as a software developer, building and maintaining software, maybe a data scientist, bringing forth action when you collect data, or even an AI engineer, programming networks that contrive of AI so that they'll have a similar brain to us humans. But, what aspect corresponds with these job positions, and what is the main drive that lets the people working in these fields hone their skills even better? You guessed it; calculus. Calculus plays a significant and crucial role when it comes to anything technology. It's needed for deciphering intricate problems, calculating motion such as speed or acceleration, or analyzing and designing functionality. We can think about it this way; imagine you're at the top of the rink at a skate park, you got your foot on the skateboard, you're ready to take off. Before you do, you need to prepare yourself, how steep is this rink? How fast will I go? And that's where calculus comes in. Calculus can determine and dictate the speed at which you'll go, and just how steep the rink is! It sounds pretty cool when you think about it. Calculus plays a vital part in all sorts of things in our lives, from music to sports to even our own favorite video games. For example, game developers must use calculus to be able to forge the visuals and flow in electronic games. It all narrows down to understanding complex situations that we can't solve ourselves if mathematics doesn't lend a hand. Not only that, but we gain a lot of expertise within the STEM field after learning calculus. By learning this mathematical study, we are able to find success in logical thinking, which is needed in analyzing problems, problem-solving skills--to be able to break down problems and determine the main solution, and most of all, mathematical literacy. You'll be faced with a plethora of numbers on several screens that will require you to understand, and by learning calculus, it will be as easy as ABC! With all things considered, math doesn't sound all that bad when you've got the run-down of how it works, doesn't it? Now knowing that the essentials we use in our day-to-day lives also required calculus to come to be, and how playing your favorite sports can be a game-changer when using the power of calculus, you'll begin to see how pivotal the concept of this bold study is.

Back in 2022, I had heard a lot about the anime called "NANA." It was pretty popular despite how "heart-wrenching" (as they would call it) it was. I never knew once I hit the play button on Hulu I'd be falling into some sort of alternate universe. The main character, Nana, who is best known as "Hachi" is a character I've not only grew to be annoyed of within my first time watching, but understanding of her character more and more up until my fourth time watching. She was the perfect reflection of me. From her silly quirks, to her bratty tone, her selfishness, to her obsession with wanting to find true love in the real world, the choices she made were so bothersome and nagging I didn't have any time to grasp the fact that it was like I was watching a complete replica of myself. Realistically speaking, I've never had an anime--let alone a TV show, where I felt like I could resonate with any of the characters, up until I started to watch NANA. My new profound obsession with the show resulted in me buying several copies of the manga despite me already watching the show so many times. I even have strawberry cups because of its significance with the show. I put so many posters of the characters on my bedroom wall that you'd think it wasn't a bedroom at all and just a giant shrine of the show. If I were to go back in time and re-watch it all over again, I would, but regardless whether it was my first or gazillionth time watching this anime, I still get that same adrenaline rush. I've watched animes like Demon Slayer, Monster, Blue Period, and Death Note, but with NANA it felt like I was personally a part of the show, which could be why it was so captivating for me. So yes, I would watch this series an endless amount of times, simply because I already do!

Since the tender age of 7, technology has been my constant companion, shaping my entire existence. It began innocently enough, with a fascination for writing short stories on Word and gradually evolved into a passion for coding animations on platforms like "Episode." By the time I hit 11, I was knee-deep in the world of video editing, manipulating pixels and frames on Adobe After Effects. Despite the occasional annoyance of my trusty MacBook Pro's tendency to run hotter than the sun, I was still fueled by my curiosity and creative drive. My devotion to Apple products bordered on obsession; iPhones, iPads, you name it—I had it. Being so enamored with the brand that I found myself daydreaming about creating my own Apple commercials, I envisioned all of these futuristic devices that hadn't even hit the market yet. But like any journey fueled by passion, mine was not without its fair share of obstacles. There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned whether my work would ever measure up to the standards of others. Yet, through it all, I clung to the belief that failure was a stepping stone on the path to success. With each setback, I emerged stronger and more determined than ever to pursue my dreams. Social media became my canvas, a platform to showcase my burgeoning talents to the world. Posting my work on Instagram and TikTok garnered a flood of positive feedback, further fueling my ambition. It wasn't long before I began to envision a future for myself as a UI designer, blending my passion for graphic design with my newfound coding skills. As I approached my 17th birthday, the realization dawned on me: I had the power to turn my passion into a profession. With unwavering determination, I set my sights on a major in Computer Science, eager to delve deeper into the inner workings of the digital industry. But my aspirations extended far beyond personal success; I saw an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty that had plagued my family for generations. Raised in a low-income immigrant household, the prospect of attending college was honestly nothing more than a pipe dream to us. Yet, my parents still had hope for me, telling me that education was the key to a brighter future. Despite facing ridicule and discrimination at a predominantly white school because of my appearance and race, I refused to let it deter me from my goals. Instead, I used it as fuel to ignite my passion for technology and creativity, determined to prove the the doubters wrong. In my journey, I discovered that technology has a remarkable ability to bridge gaps and bring people together. It offers a platform for expression and innovation. With each line of code I write, I hope to inspire a new generation of creators, showing them that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance. My ultimate goal is to create an inclusive environment where creativity flourishes, where individuals from all walks of life can come together to share their passion for technology, no matter the race, gender, or sexuality. With that vision in mind, I dream of developing my own software app—one that empowers others to unleash their creativity and technical expertise into the world.

During my last 3 years of being in the BookTok community, I was able to find a plethora of recommendations regarding the genres I am mostly interested in; romance. Romance books were like a sight for sore eyes for me, being able to imagine all the drama, the sense of love, and passion two people have for each other. Albeit my love for this genre is still going strong, being in this community helped me expand my interests and now, I love any genre you can think of. From Six of Crows by Henry Holt, Mary Kay Andrew’s ‘The Home Wreckers,’ or even mangas like Witches bu Daisuke Igarashi, the Booktok community was able to give me all sorts of books to read from and grow such a strong liking into. However, what really struck me and holds such a big place in my heart, was a story recommended by the community, about a man and his cat; “The Traveling Cat Chronicals,” written by Hiro Arikawa. The book hit me so deeply, despite having a cat at all. I never realized how a great planned out story written in the perspective of a fellow white cat can leave such a heavy impact on me, as how engaging and delightful it was to read it. Not only do we get a deeper knowledge of the Japanese culture and how things are like over there, but a sense of familiarity when you read about the love a man has for his own cat. Even before finishing the book, I would type out the title of it on tiktok to see the reviews of others, the first video that pops up is a girl going ballistic over it with teardrops coming out. I love how with books similar to these, ones that can be soul-crushing yet more beautiful than ever, can bring such unity and a need to want to continously talk over how great of a piece it was. Being so inspired by this book, my ideal bookshelf centers around friendships, soulmates, and platonic love. Starting off with of course, the Traveling Cat Chronicals, Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados, You Have to Make Your Own Fun Around Here by Frances Macken, and of course, Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton. By far, these are the most books I’ve seen be recommended that center around friendships and unity, and I think it’s the most beautiful thing ever!

Since the age of 7, I have centered my entire life around technology. Yup, since seven. I’ve grown an interest into writing short time stories on Word, animating stories by coding through a website “Episode,” and by the time I hit 11, I was animating and editing videos on a software called After Effects. It was through animation and digital editing that I felt I could explore my creativity more, gaining inspiration and knowledge about the software made me want to start honing the skills I knew I had deep down. The Macbook Pro from Apple was what truly held me down. Albeit the constant heat that blasts through the computer was a bit obnoxious, I still managed. I had all sorts of Apple products, from iPhones to iPads, you name it, I had it. I grew such a profound obsession with the company I started wanting to video edit my own Apple commercials. Around the time, I had the iPhone XR, and I always thought as I would edit, what would it be like if we were to have the iPhone 12? The iPhone 11? I pondered on these thoughts so much I started to animate my own versions of newer Apple products to see how this could come to be. There were times where inspiration would rather lead me to times of defeat, believing my work was never enough, or it didn’t look as great as other works did, I was at times left discouraged and wanting to close my laptop. The saying that “failure is the key to success” has never been more truer than ever, because albeit my hopes were dampened due to the times I chose to give up, I still chose to raise my head high and continue going after what I found true happiness in. Instagram was a great way to promote my work too, there was a sense of community there and it fit where I wanted to showcase my talent. When posting them, I received a plethora of comments praising my skills and abilities, and since then, I believed this hobby can hopefully soon turn me to become a UI designer with a passion of graphic designing and coding. I worked my very best until the age of 17; my age currently. I even uploaded my work of not only Apple but several other things like celebrities on Tiktok. I grew my passion into something where I dream of making—of course not just some coin out of—but an achievement I didn’t know I was aware of accomplishing; success, happiness in my career, and change. I grew more confident in my work. My passion for animating and graphic design led me to believing that I can one day dream of making a software app of my own just like Adobe After Effects, and gain enough traction for other creators to be able to implement their knowledge and skills onto it. Thus, I want to devote my time and skill into majoring in Computer Science to fulfill that dream. I want to turn my passion into something that not only helps those in the long-run, can giving folks a sense of purpose, but can break the generational cycle regarding college and being able to make my family proud. My family comes from a very low-income household, both of my parents are immigrants who never attended college, but they both believed that my will to pursue such a challenging yet bold field will in return bring happiness and overall great abundance. While being mocked and ridiculed for my appearance and birth place at a predominantly white school, I instead decided to turn that into something where I can bring people together instead of ripping them apart, by honing the skills I knew I had and affirming to myself that I can do it no matter the endurance. Thus, I feel that my passion for technology helps in this case as it will inspire a generation of young people that also want to express their hard work and artistry through digital making. I believe that technology has a great way of bringing you closer to the path you are meant to be on, and how successful it is in turning your life around the way you want it to be, whether it’s through writing your short time stories, coding, or animating videos on software apps. I hope that through mutual interest and wanting to delve deeper into the understanding of technology, I can create an environment that is centered around and passionate for creativity and in hopes of creating my own software app for others that take a liking into this to showcase their own talent and technical expertise.