My name is Gabriel Blanco, and I am a freshman at Florida International University. I come from a family that values hard work, education, and service to others, principles instilled in me by my mother, who earned her master’s degree through perseverance and dedication. Watching her achieve her academic goals showed me the power of education to transform lives and inspired me to set high expectations for my own future. My mother is my biggest inspiration for pursuing a higher education and embracing the love of learning new things every day. From an early age, I developed a curiosity for technology and a fascination with how systems work. That curiosity deepened in my sophomore year when I took my first computer science class. Writing my first working program was a turning point; it sparked my passion for problem-solving and innovation. As I learned more about the growing field of cybersecurity, I became motivated to use my skills to protect individuals, organizations, and communities in our increasingly digital world. My goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in cybersecurity, using my knowledge to create ethical, effective solutions that defend against cyber threats. My passions extend beyond academics. I believe in the importance of giving back, and much of my high school experience has been dedicated to service. As an active member of Key Club and the Science National Honor Society, I’ve taken part in a variety of volunteer initiatives, from tutoring students in math and science to organizing environmental clean-ups and community drives. Tutoring, in particular, has been one of my proudest achievements. Helping my peers grow in confidence and understanding has strengthened my communication, patience, and leadership skills, while also reminding me that small actions can create lasting change. These experiences have shaped me into someone who values collaboration, perseverance, and integrity. They have also inspired me to think about the broader impact I can make. In the future, I aim to initiate outreach programs that inspire students to explore STEM fields, demonstrating how these skills can unlock opportunities in any career. Everything I have experienced, from my family’s example, my academic interests, and my community service, has led me to pursue a path where I can combine my love for technology with my commitment to helping others. I am eager to take the next step in my education, confident that the lessons I’ve learned and the values I hold will guide me toward making meaningful contributions in both my field and my community.

My interest in STEM began with a simple curiosity: how do things work? That curiosity evolved into a deeper desire to solve real-world problems, especially those rooted in our digital world. As I explored computer science and cybersecurity, I began to see technology not just as a tool for innovation but as a force for protection and empowerment. Cybersecurity stood out to me as a field where technical skills meet social responsibility. I learned that coding is only part of the equation; what truly makes an impact is designing ethical, secure systems that protect people. What inspired me most was realizing just how vulnerable our digital infrastructure can be and how crucial it is to safeguard privacy and data in an increasingly connected world. STEM education has transformed the way I approach challenges, helping me think critically and creatively while collaborating with others toward meaningful solutions. I’ve seen how it can open doors, especially for students from under-resourced communities. That’s why I’m passionate about mentoring and encouraging others to explore STEM fields, helping them discover opportunities they might not have known existed. I’m particularly interested in building cybersecurity solutions that are accessible and inclusive. In a world facing growing cyber threats, digital safety should not be a luxury; it should be a priority. Last year, I helped organize a cybersecurity workshop for middle schoolers, teaching them how to recognize online threats. That experience reminded me that even small interventions can have a lasting impact. In college, I plan to deepen my focus on computer science and cybersecurity. My goal is to design systems that not only protect but also promote equity and trust in digital spaces. By combining innovation with service, I hope to help build a more secure, inclusive future where technology works to protect everyone, not just a privileged few. STEM education is the future for our students. It equips us with critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career. Whether someone wants to be an engineer, a teacher, a doctor, or even a business leader, STEM builds a strong foundation. In the future, I want to start outreach programs to encourage other students to explore STEM fields and help them see how these skills can open doors and empower entire communities. Building on the foundation I developed in high school and through the program at Florida International University, I’m ready to take on greater challenges in cybersecurity and STEM.

One of the personal achievements I’m most proud of is leading a school-wide volunteer initiative through Key Club and the Science National Honor Society to support a local environmental cleanup project. I helped organize student volunteers, coordinate with local organizations, and promote the event across campus. Seeing more than 50 students come together to clean up our local park and surrounding areas was incredibly rewarding—not just because of the visible impact we made, but because it brought students together with a shared purpose. That experience strengthened my leadership skills and taught me how to manage responsibilities effectively, communicate clearly, and inspire teamwork. More importantly, it showed me how community service can create real, lasting change. It also fueled my passion for using my skills to help others, which is why I’m pursuing a degree in computer science with a focus on cybersecurity. I want to continue being part of solutions, whether it's cleaning up our environment or protecting people’s digital safety. That sense of responsibility and service now guides everything I do. Another personal achievement that I did was providing peer tutoring through Key Club and the Science National Honor Society. I’ve had the opportunity to help students who were struggling in subjects like math and science, and over time, I saw their confidence grow along with their grades. Knowing that I was able to support my classmates and help them believe in their abilities was incredibly fulfilling. Tutoring taught me how to be patient, communicate effectively, and adjust my approach to accommodate different learning styles. It also showed me the importance of sharing knowledge and lifting others, a value that has shaped both my academic goals and my future career path. This experience strengthened my desire to pursue computer science and cybersecurity, not just to build systems, but to protect and support people in a world that depends on technology. Helping others succeed has reminded me that leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about making a difference in someone else's journey. Looking ahead, I plan to continue offering tutoring and work closely with the organizations I’m part of to create even more community service opportunities for students. When we empower each other through education and service, we build a stronger, more connected community. Whether it’s through academic support or future work in cybersecurity, my goal is to make a lasting impact, helping others grow, stay safe, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

My primary computer science goal is to specialize in cybersecurity and contribute to developing innovative solutions that protect people and businesses from digital threats. I want to deepen my technical skills through hands-on projects, research, and competitions, and use that knowledge to promote digital safety in my community—especially among those who are often left behind in conversations about technology. Outside of computer science, I’m passionate about community empowerment and education. As a Hispanic student, I’ve seen firsthand how access to resources and knowledge can create lasting change. One of my non-CS goals is to mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them build confidence and see technology as a space where they belong and can thrive. In the future, I hope to combine these goals by launching or contributing to initiatives that make cybersecurity education more accessible—particularly in schools and communities that lack tech infrastructure. Whether it’s leading workshops, developing user-friendly security tools, or creating mentorship programs, I want to bridge the gap between advanced technology and real-world impact. To me, success in computer science isn't just about writing secure code—it's about using that code to create safer, more inclusive communities. When a friend confided in me about falling victim to financial scams, I stepped in to help them understand how scammers operate and how to protect their money and personal information. I showed them how to secure their accounts, recognize fake messages, and take proactive steps to stay safe online. That experience opened my eyes to how vital cybersecurity is in our daily lives—and how the right knowledge can empower people to protect themselves and those around them. My interest in cybersecurity grew from moments like this, where small efforts created meaningful change. Later, another friend mentioned they were using the same simple password for multiple accounts. I explained how this made them vulnerable to hackers and walked them through creating stronger passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and spotting signs of a breach. Not only did they feel more confident, but they also helped their family improve their online security. That ripple effect showed me that digital safety can be a community effort—and I want to be part of making that happen. In college, I plan to mentor other students in cybersecurity awareness, participate in digital safety programs, and work on hands-on security projects. I'm excited to join cybersecurity competitions and contribute to research that protects individuals and businesses from online threats. But my goal goes beyond fighting cybercrime. I want to inspire more Hispanic students to explore technology as a powerful tool—not just something they use, but something they can shape and master. Outside of cybersecurity, I’m naturally drawn to improving systems and solving problems. Whether it’s introducing a better way to organize tasks in a club or helping a team adopt new technology for a group project, I enjoy finding creative, practical solutions. In college, I’ll bring this same mindset—always looking for ways to make things more secure, more efficient, and more inclusive. Ultimately, I believe driving change starts with recognizing risks and taking action to address them. By sharing what I learn, leading by example, and supporting others, I hope to build a future where more people—especially those from underrepresented communities—feel empowered to succeed in tech and beyond.

When a friend confided in me about falling victim to financial scams, I stepped in to help them understand how scammers operate and how to protect their money and personal information. I showed them how to secure their accounts, recognize fake messages, and take proactive steps to stay safe online. That experience opened my eyes to how vital cybersecurity is in our daily lives—and how the right knowledge can empower people to protect themselves and those around them. My interest in cybersecurity grew from moments like this, where small efforts created meaningful change. Later, another friend mentioned they were using the same simple password for multiple accounts. I explained how this made them vulnerable to hackers and walked them through creating stronger passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and spotting signs of a breach. Not only did they feel more confident, but they also helped their family improve their online security. That ripple effect showed me that digital safety can be a community effort—and I want to be part of making that happen. In college, I plan to mentor other students in cybersecurity awareness, participate in digital safety programs, and work on hands-on security projects. I'm excited to join cybersecurity competitions and contribute to research that protects individuals and businesses from online threats. But my goal goes beyond fighting cybercrime. I want to inspire more Hispanic students to explore technology as a powerful tool—not just something they use, but something they can shape and master. Outside of cybersecurity, I’m naturally drawn to improving systems and solving problems. Whether it’s introducing a better way to organize tasks in a club or helping a team adopt new technology for a group project, I enjoy finding creative, practical solutions. In college, I’ll bring this same mindset—always looking for ways to make things more secure, more efficient, and more inclusive. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is rapidly growing, with many organizations struggling to find qualified individuals to protect their systems and data. This demand is fueled by the increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks, as well as the growing awareness of the importance of cybersecurity. In conclusion, computer science and cybersecurity are two sides of the same coin, with computer science providing the foundation and cybersecurity ensuring its protection. As technology continues to shape our world, the collaboration and expertise of professionals in both fields will be crucial in building a safe and secure digital future. Ultimately, I believe driving change starts with recognizing risks and taking action to address them. By sharing what I learn, leading by example, and supporting others, I hope to build a future where more people—especially those from underrepresented communities—feel empowered to succeed in tech and beyond.