It was coding day at school! That day, we had the chance to use Code.org to play fun games that taught us the very basics of coding. Even after class, I could not stop! I continued to play around with the code on the different puzzles for hours. But then that evening, I discovered Scratch, where I could use what I learned to start building my own apps and games with blocks and JavaScript. I was obsessed! My dad saw me playing around with Scratch at the dinner table and he told me, “I think you’d be really good at coding.” I took him seriously and applied my new skills. A year later, I started Dareshift LLC: a marketplace for games that cater to disabled gamers to emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in the gaming community. Since founding Dareshift in 2017, in support of its mission, I have grown the community to over 100 members and partnered with major gaming corporations and nonprofits by publishing their games on the Dareshift marketplace. Based on my experiences and passion for coding, I decided to pursue computer science as a college major and career. My academic goal for college is to find interdisciplinary opportunities. Though my main field of study is software engineering and computer science, I hope to blend what I learn within these fields with entrepreneurship and business. To do so, I will explore opportunities such as dual-degree programs, extra certifications, and even studying through other institutions that have partnerships with the university such as the Swarthmore Tri-College Consortium. A scholarship will enable me to go to a university with these kinds of programs along with gaining access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, and alumni networks. I will take advantage of these opportunities by getting advice from professionals in my industry along with gaining knowledge of a diverse range of skills needed for my industry as well. My professional goals are to pursue one of two possible pathways for computer science. I plan to either begin working at a Fortune 500 company, such as Apple or Google, and work my way up the corporate ladder or work for a federal agency. Working for a Fortune 500 company would be a dream because I want to work for a substantial entity that is established and will have opportunities to climb the ranks while still being able to run my side hustle to establish multiple streams of income. My future plans may also include graduate school. My personal goals are to live comfortably in an environment where I am happy and establish many relationships. I prefer to have lots of friends and family around or live with them when I am older or have a girlfriend. I hope to live on a beach, as it makes me feel tranquil and I can continue surfing. Or, I might live in a large city where there is always something to do. Regardless of where I live, I plan to give back to my community through donations or even through integrating volunteering programs with others. I have also contemplated starting a nonprofit organization after I retire. Though my hopes for work are ambitious, I hope to try to live a balanced life by ensuring that when I do have fun at and after work, I still fulfill my responsibilities to those I care about, have a relationship with, and to myself. In summation, I believe I am a worthy candidate for this academic scholarship. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals and provide the financial freedom to graduate debt-free.

At eight years old, I was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called craniopharyngioma, terrifying me and my family and forever changing my life. Post-surgery, I now take several medications and daily injections, and I started a healthy meal plan. While my health maintenance regime has challenged me, it's helped me develop responsibility and perseverance. Have you ever met someone who takes who takes nine shots per week, and a dozen pills daily? Due to my medical issues, I've had to develop a sense of responsibility, as I gain independence from my support system. After my neurosurgery, my parents did everything for me; they set alarms to administer pills and tracked my diet. We had to journal everything I consumed! Once I entered middle school, however, I took more accountability for my health. I’ll never forget the time I was dropped off at my favorite gaming hub. As I entered, I turned to see my ride leaving with my medicine and water bottle! I felt panic and disappointment at once. Although my gaming experience was shortened, I learned how fragile my mobility is in life. Developing my autonomy, especially at a very young age, has helped me learn to balance health with academics and extracurriculars. I've applied the planning and time management skills I've dedicated to managing my health to the rest of my life. I'm glad I learned how to take charge of my well-being and self-advocate, so I can pursue things I enjoy. For example, building a business from scratch or attaining a Computer Science bachelor's degree away from home. Living with multiple chronic conditions due to the tumor has also instilled in me an unwavering sense of perseverance, driving my pursuit of academic excellence and commitment to business success. Soon after the surgery, I suffered short-term memory loss for over three years. During that time, I realized I couldn’t do everything myself and learned how to advocate more by seeking help from tutors, and figuring out what I can do better with support from teachers. These resources benefit me with all that I do such as taking AP and Dual-Enrollment courses, running the school store’s website team, managing my business, and managing my after-school clubs. My condition inspired me to create Dareshift LLC in an effort to open up the world of gaming to others who are disabled or struggle with different conditions by assessing and resolving common barriers, by programming, launching, and actualizing solutions. Through Dareshift, I code and sell different types of combat and strategy-based games for teens. Over the years, I have achieved a large user base, published a plethora of games, and created blogs for my audience. Despite the obstacles my condition presents, I am determined to reach my business goals of creating fun computer games that are both accessible and inclusive. My goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their experience, background, or obstacles, can enjoy these gaming experiences and live on their own terms. My medical condition has helped me develop personally and academically, and I've worked hard so I can live a full life. Though my condition has made my life more difficult in many ways, I will always focus on how it's helped me grow into a more accountable, conscientious, level-headed, determined individual. As I embark on my college career, the independence I've developed will help me achieve my goals in computer science and scale Dareshift. By blending my academic endeavors with my entrepreneurial vision, I aspire to drive innovation, lead impactful initiatives, and mentor peers, while I make a lasting impact on my college community and beyond

It was coding day at school! That day, we had the chance to use Code.org to play fun games that taught us the very basics of coding. Even after class, I could not stop! I continued to play around with the code on the different puzzles for hours. But then that evening, I discovered Scratch, where I could use what I learned to start building my own apps and games with blocks and JavaScript. I was obsessed! My dad saw me playing around with Scratch at the dinner table and he told me, “I think you’d be really good at coding.” I took him seriously and applied my new skills. A year later, I started Dareshift LLC: a marketplace for games that cater to disabled gamers to emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in the gaming community. Since founding Dareshift in 2017, in support of its mission, I have grown the community to over 100 members and partnered with major gaming corporations and nonprofits by publishing their games on the Dareshift marketplace. Based on my experiences and passion for coding, I decided to pursue computer science as a college major and career. My academic goal for college is to find interdisciplinary opportunities. Though my main field of study is software engineering and computer science, I hope to blend what I learn within these fields with entrepreneurship and business. To do so, I will explore opportunities such as dual-degree programs, extra certifications, and even studying through other institutions that have partnerships with the university such as the Swarthmore Tri-College Consortium. A scholarship will enable me to go to a university with these kinds of programs along with gaining access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, and alumni networks. I will take advantage of these opportunities by getting advice from professionals in my industry along with gaining knowledge of a diverse range of skills needed for my industry as well. My professional goals are to pursue one of two possible pathways for computer science. I plan to either begin working at a Fortune 500 company, such as Apple or Google, and work my way up the corporate ladder or work for a federal agency. Working for a Fortune 500 company would be a dream because I want to work for a substantial entity that is established and will have opportunities to climb the ranks while still being able to run my side hustle to establish multiple streams of income. My future plans may also include graduate school. My personal goals are to live comfortably in an environment where I am happy and establish many relationships. I prefer to have lots of friends and family around or live with them when I am older or have a girlfriend. I hope to live on a beach, as it makes me feel tranquil and I can continue surfing. Or, I might live in a large city where there is always something to do. Regardless of where I live, I plan to give back to my community through donations or even through integrating volunteering programs with others. I have also contemplated starting a nonprofit organization after I retire. Though my hopes for work are ambitious, I hope to try to live a balanced life by ensuring that when I do have fun at and after work, I still fulfill my responsibilities to those I care about, have a relationship with, and to myself. In summation, I believe I am a worthy candidate for this academic scholarship. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals and provide the financial freedom to graduate debt-free.

It was coding day at school! That day, we had the chance to use Code.org to play fun games that taught us the very basics of coding. Even after class, I could not stop! I continued to play around with the code on the different puzzles for hours. But then that evening, I discovered Scratch, where I could use what I learned to start building my own apps and games with blocks and JavaScript. I was obsessed! My dad saw me playing around with Scratch at the dinner table and he told me, “I think you’d be really good at coding.” I took him seriously and applied my new skills. A year later, I started Dareshift LLC: a marketplace for games that cater to disabled gamers to emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in the gaming community. Since founding Dareshift in 2017, in support of its mission, I have grown the community to over 100 members and partnered with major gaming corporations and nonprofits by publishing their games on the Dareshift marketplace. Based on my experiences and passion for coding, I decided to pursue computer science as a college major and career. My academic goal for college is to find interdisciplinary opportunities. Though my main field of study is software engineering and computer science, I hope to blend what I learn within these fields with entrepreneurship and business. To do so, I will explore opportunities such as dual-degree programs, extra certifications, and even studying through other institutions that have partnerships with the university such as the Swarthmore Tri-College Consortium. A scholarship will enable me to go to a university with these kinds of programs along with gaining access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, and alumni networks. I will take advantage of these opportunities by getting advice from professionals in my industry along with gaining knowledge of a diverse range of skills needed for my industry as well. My professional goals are to pursue one of two possible pathways for computer science. I plan to either begin working at a Fortune 500 company, such as Apple or Google, and work my way up the corporate ladder or work for a federal agency. Working for a Fortune 500 company would be a dream because I want to work for a substantial entity that is established and will have opportunities to climb the ranks while still being able to run my side hustle to establish multiple streams of income. My future plans may also include graduate school. My personal goals are to live comfortably in an environment where I am happy and establish many relationships. I prefer to have lots of friends and family around or live with them when I am older or have a girlfriend. I hope to live on a beach, as it makes me feel tranquil and I can continue surfing. Or, I might live in a large city where there is always something to do. Regardless of where I live, I plan to give back to my community through donations or even through integrating volunteering programs with others. I have also contemplated starting a nonprofit organization after I retire. Though my hopes for work are ambitious, I hope to try to live a balanced life by ensuring that when I do have fun at and after work, I still fulfill my responsibilities to those I care about, have a relationship with, and to myself. In summation, I believe I am a worthy candidate for this academic scholarship. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals and provide the financial freedom to graduate debt-free.

It was coding day at school! That day, we had the chance to use Code.org to play fun games that taught us the very basics of coding. Even after class, I could not stop! I continued to play around with the code on the different puzzles for hours. But then that evening, I discovered Scratch, where I could use what I learned to start building my own apps and games with blocks and JavaScript. I was obsessed! My dad saw me playing around with Scratch at the dinner table and he told me, “I think you’d be really good at coding.” I took him seriously and applied my new skills. A year later, I started Dareshift LLC: a marketplace for games that cater to disabled gamers to emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in the gaming community. Since founding Dareshift in 2017, in support of its mission, I have grown the community to over 100 members and partnered with major gaming corporations and nonprofits by publishing their games on the Dareshift marketplace. Based on my experiences and passion for coding, I decided to pursue computer science as a college major and career. My academic goal for college is to find interdisciplinary opportunities. Though my main field of study is software engineering and computer science, I hope to blend what I learn within these fields with entrepreneurship and business. To do so, I will explore opportunities such as dual-degree programs, extra certifications, and even studying through other institutions that have partnerships with the university such as the Swarthmore Tri-College Consortium. A scholarship will enable me to go to a university with these kinds of programs along with gaining access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, and alumni networks. I will take advantage of these opportunities by getting advice from professionals in my industry along with gaining knowledge of a diverse range of skills needed for my industry as well. My professional goals are to pursue one of two possible pathways for computer science. I plan to either begin working at a Fortune 500 company, such as Apple or Google, and work my way up the corporate ladder or work for a federal agency. Working for a Fortune 500 company would be a dream because I want to work for a substantial entity that is established and will have opportunities to climb the ranks while still being able to run my side hustle to establish multiple streams of income. My future plans may also include graduate school. My personal goals are to live comfortably in an environment where I am happy and establish many relationships. I prefer to have lots of friends and family around or live with them when I am older or have a girlfriend. I hope to live on a beach, as it makes me feel tranquil and I can continue surfing. Or, I might live in a large city where there is always something to do. Regardless of where I live, I plan to give back to my community through donations or even through integrating volunteering programs with others. I have also contemplated starting a nonprofit organization after I retire. Though my hopes for work are ambitious, I hope to try to live a balanced life by ensuring that when I do have fun at and after work, I still fulfill my responsibilities to those I care about, have a relationship with, and to myself. In summation, I believe I am a worthy candidate for an academic scholarship. A scholarship will help me achieve my goals and provide the financial freedom to graduate debt-free.

It was coding day at school! That day, we had the chance to use Code.org to play fun games that taught us the very basics of coding. Even after class, I could not stop! I continued to play around with the code on the different puzzles for hours. But then that evening, I discovered Scratch, where I could use what I learned to start building my own apps and games with blocks and JavaScript. I was obsessed! My dad saw me playing around with Scratch at the dinner table and he told me, “I think you’d be really good at coding.” I took him seriously and applied my new skills. A year later, I started Dareshift LLC: a marketplace for games that cater to disabled gamers to emphasize accessibility and inclusivity in the gaming community. Since founding Dareshift in 2017, in support of its mission, I have grown the community to over 100 members and partnered with major gaming corporations and nonprofits by publishing their games on the Dareshift marketplace. Based on my experiences and passion for coding, I decided to pursue computer science as a college major and career. My academic goal for college is to find interdisciplinary opportunities. Though my main field of study is software engineering and computer science, I hope to blend what I learn within these fields with entrepreneurship and business. To do so, I will explore opportunities such as dual-degree programs, extra certifications, and even studying through other institutions that have partnerships with the university such as the Swarthmore Tri-College Consortium. A scholarship will enable me to go to a university with these kinds of programs along with gaining access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, and alumni networks. I will take advantage of these opportunities by getting advice from professionals in my industry along with gaining knowledge of a diverse range of skills needed for my industry as well. My professional goals are to pursue one of two possible pathways for computer science. I plan to either begin working at a Fortune 500 company, such as Apple or Google, and work my way up the corporate ladder or work for a federal agency. Working for a Fortune 500 company would be a dream because I want to work for a substantial entity that is established and will have opportunities to climb the ranks while still being able to run my side hustle to establish multiple streams of income. My future plans may also include graduate school. My personal goals are to live comfortably in an environment where I am happy and establish many relationships. I prefer to have lots of friends and family around or live with them when I am older or have a girlfriend. I hope to live on a beach, as it makes me feel tranquil and I can continue surfing. Or, I might live in a large city where there is always something to do. Regardless of where I live, I plan to give back to my community through donations or even through integrating volunteering programs with others. I have also contemplated starting a nonprofit organization after I retire. Though my hopes for work are ambitious, I hope to try to live a balanced life by ensuring that when I do have fun at and after work, I still fulfill my responsibilities to those I care about, have a relationship with, and to myself. In summation, I believe I am a worthy candidate for an academic scholarship. A scholarship will help me achieve my goals and provide the financial freedom to graduate debt-free.

At eight years old, I was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called craniopharyngioma, terrifying me and my family and forever changing my life. Post-surgery, I now take several medications and daily injections, and I started a healthy meal plan. While my health maintenance regime has challenged me, it's helped me develop responsibility and perseverance. Have you ever met someone who takes who takes nine shots per week, and a dozen pills daily? Due to my medical issues, I've had to develop a sense of responsibility, as I gain independence from my support system. After my neurosurgery, my parents did everything for me; they set alarms to administer pills and tracked my diet. We had to journal everything I consumed! Once I entered middle school, however, I took more accountability for my health. I’ll never forget the time I was dropped off at my favorite gaming hub. As I entered, I turned to see my ride leaving with my medicine and water bottle! I felt panic and disappointment at once. Although my gaming experience was shortened, I learned how fragile my mobility is in life. Developing my autonomy, especially at a very young age, has helped me learn to balance health with academics and extracurriculars. I've applied the planning and time management skills I've dedicated to managing my health to the rest of my life. I'm glad I learned how to take charge of my well-being and self-advocate, so I can pursue things I enjoy. For example, building a business from scratch or attaining a Computer Science bachelor's degree away from home. Living with multiple chronic conditions due to the tumor has also instilled in me an unwavering sense of perseverance, driving my pursuit of academic excellence and commitment to business success. Soon after the surgery, I suffered short-term memory loss for over three years. During that time, I realized I couldn’t do everything myself and learned how to advocate more by seeking help from tutors, and figuring out what I can do better with support from teachers. These resources benefit me with all that I do such as taking AP and Dual-Enrollment courses, running the school store’s website team, managing my business, and managing my after-school clubs. My condition inspired me to create Dareshift LLC in an effort to open up the world of gaming to others who are disabled or struggle with different conditions by assessing and resolving common barriers, by programming, launching, and actualizing solutions. Through Dareshift, I code and sell different types of combat and strategy-based games for teens. Over the years, I have achieved a large user base, published a plethora of games, and created blogs for my audience. Despite the obstacles my condition presents, I am determined to reach my business goals of creating fun computer games that are both accessible and inclusive. My goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their experience, background, or obstacles, can enjoy these gaming experiences and live on their own terms. My medical condition has helped me develop personally and academically, and I've worked hard so I can live a full life. Though my condition has made my life more difficult in many ways, I will always focus on how it's helped me grow into a more accountable, conscientious, level-headed, determined individual. As I embark on my college career, the independence I've developed will help me achieve my goals in computer science and scale Dareshift. By blending my academic endeavors with my entrepreneurial vision, I aspire to drive innovation, lead impactful initiatives, and mentor peers, while I make a lasting impact on my college community and beyond.

My name is Evan Khanna, and I am a rising college freshman. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. I plan to major in Computer Science and Business, with the goal of earning an MBA. I am applying to several universities, including Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, University of Maryland College Park, George Mason University, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Villanova University, College of William & Mary, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, James Madison University, and Johns Hopkins University. My future plans involve combining my interests in technology and business. I want to develop innovative software solutions that can help businesses operate more efficiently. I believe that technology is a powerful tool that can transform industries and improve people's lives. By studying Computer Science, I will gain the technical skills needed to create these solutions. By studying Business, I will learn how to manage projects, lead teams, and understand the market needs. This scholarship will help me pay for different essentials in college, such as dorm, supplies, and other living expenses. It will also help me register for some classes and pay for resources needed to help me in my goal for business and computer science. College can be expensive, and this scholarship will ease the financial burden on my family. It will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on worrying about how to pay for everything. I have always been passionate about learning and solving problems. In high school, I maintained a GPA of 3.9, which shows my dedication and hard work. I am proud of this achievement, but I know that college will be more challenging. I am ready to take on these challenges and continue to strive for excellence. Being a student of mixed race, Asian and White, I have learned to appreciate different perspectives and cultures. This background has taught me the importance of diversity in problem-solving and innovation. I believe that my unique perspective will be an asset in my studies and future career. I am excited about the opportunities that college will bring. I look forward to meeting new people, learning from experienced professors, and participating in internships and research projects. I am eager to apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world problems. This scholarship will help me achieve these goals by providing the financial support I need to succeed. In conclusion, my plans for the future involve combining my interests in technology and business to create innovative solutions. This scholarship will help me pay for college essentials and allow me to focus on my studies. I am committed to working hard and making the most of my college experience. Thank you for considering my application for the Bright Lights Scholarship.

When it comes to reaching my educational goals, my family has been my biggest support system. From the very beginning, they have encouraged me to pursue my dreams and have always been there to cheer me on. Whether it's helping me with homework, listening to me when I'm stressed, or celebrating my achievements, my family has been by my side every step of the way. My parents, in particular, have made countless sacrifices to ensure that I have the opportunities I need to succeed. They have worked hard to provide for our family and have always prioritized my education. Their unwavering belief in me has given me the confidence to push myself and strive for excellence in everything I do. In addition to my family, my teachers and mentors have also played a crucial role in supporting me on my educational journey. Their guidance and encouragement have helped me discover my passions and develop my skills. Whether it's staying late to help me understand a difficult concept or writing me a letter of recommendation, they have gone above and beyond to help me succeed. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received from my family, teachers, and mentors. Their belief in me has been a driving force in my academic success, and I know that I would not be where I am today without their help and encouragement. My family has always been my rock, providing me with a stable foundation on which to build my educational aspirations. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of education and the importance of hard work. They encouraged me to dream big and never settle for less than I deserve. Their constant support has given me the strength to overcome challenges and persevere in the face of adversity. One of the ways in which my family has supported me is by creating a nurturing and conducive environment for learning at home. They have always made education a priority, setting aside time for me to study and complete my assignments. My parents have also been my biggest cheerleaders, attending school events, parent-teacher conferences, and award ceremonies to show their support and celebrate my achievements. In addition to providing me with a supportive home environment, my family has also made financial sacrifices to ensure that I have access to quality education. They have always been willing to invest in my future, whether it's paying for tuition, buying school supplies, or funding extracurricular activities. Their willingness to prioritize my education over other expenses has not gone unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for their selflessness and generosity. Furthermore, my family has always been there for me emotionally, offering words of encouragement and motivation when I needed it most. They have been my sounding board, listening to my concerns and offering guidance and advice to help me navigate the challenges of academic life. Their unwavering belief in my abilities has given me the confidence to pursue my goals with determination and resilience. In conclusion, my family has been the cornerstone of my educational journey, providing me with the love, support, and encouragement I need to succeed. Their belief in me has been a source of strength and inspiration, motivating me to work hard and strive for excellence in everything I do. I am truly grateful for their unwavering support and will always cherish the role they have played in helping me reach my educational goals.

Growing up in a single-parent household has shaped my life and my educational journey in many ways. Living with just my mom has given me a unique perspective on life. While it sometimes means having a single perspective and a single scenery, it has also provided a sense of stability. I have not had to adapt to the changing dynamics that might come with a two-parent household. This stability has allowed me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. My mom has been my rock, supporting me through every challenge and celebrating every success. Her dedication and hard work have inspired me to aim high in my own life. I have always been passionate about computer science and programming. I love the way technology can solve problems and create new opportunities. My goal is to attend a four-year college where I can earn a degree in computer science. I am particularly interested in Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland College Park, George Mason University, Cornell University, Carnegie Mellon University, Villanova University, the College of William & Mary, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and James Madison University. With a strong GPA of 3.9, I have worked hard to prepare myself for the challenges of college. I have taken advanced courses in math and science to build a solid foundation for my future studies. I have also participated in extracurricular activities related to technology, such as coding clubs and robotics teams, to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of the field. My future goals include not only earning a degree in computer science but also pursuing an MBA to combine my technical skills with business knowledge. I believe this combination will open many doors for me in the tech industry, allowing me to take on leadership roles and drive innovation. The Dimon A. Williams Memorial Scholarship would be a tremendous help in achieving my goals. College is expensive, and this scholarship would help cover tuition, books, and other expenses. It would also allow me to focus more on my studies and less on financial worries. With this support, I could fully immerse myself in my education and make the most of the opportunities available to me. In conclusion, growing up in a single-parent household has given me a unique perspective and a strong foundation for my educational journey. My goal is to attend a four-year college and earn a degree in computer science, followed by an MBA. The Dimon A. Williams Memorial Scholarship would provide the financial support I need to achieve these goals and make a positive impact in the tech industry. Thank you for considering my application.