My name is Gregory Brown, and I am a rising college freshman at Tennessee State University. I am majoring in Computer Science/Programming and Computer Engineering. I am excited to share my hands-on experience with AI and machine learning, and how I plan to make an impact in this field. During high school, I developed a strong interest in coding and technology. I spent countless hours learning different programming languages like Python and Java. My curiosity led me to explore AI and machine learning. I took online courses and attended workshops to deepen my understanding. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in a summer coding camp, where I worked on a project involving AI. In the camp, I was part of a team that developed a simple chatbot using natural language processing (NLP). We used Python and various machine learning libraries like TensorFlow and NLTK. The project was challenging, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned how to train the bot to understand and respond to user queries. This hands-on experience taught me the basics of machine learning algorithms and the importance of data preprocessing. Another significant experience was my high school senior project. I decided to create a mobile app that used machine learning to help students with their homework. The app could recognize handwritten math problems and provide step-by-step solutions. I used a combination of Python for the backend and Java for the Android app development. Training the model to recognize different handwriting styles was tough, but I enjoyed every moment of it. This project not only improved my coding skills but also showed me the potential of AI in solving real-world problems. As I begin my college journey, I am eager to dive deeper into AI and machine learning. I plan to join clubs and participate in research projects to gain more hands-on experience. I am particularly interested in the ethical implications of AI and how we can create fair and unbiased algorithms. I believe that as a Black man in tech, I bring a unique perspective that is often underrepresented in this field. In the future, I imagine myself working on AI projects that benefit underprivileged communities. For example, I would like to develop educational tools that use AI to provide personalized learning experiences for students in low-income areas. I also want to work on healthcare applications that use machine learning to improve diagnosis and treatment for diseases that disproportionately affect African Americans. In conclusion, my hands-on experience with AI and machine learning has been both challenging and rewarding. It has solidified my passion for this field and my desire to make a positive impact. As I continue my studies at Tennessee State University, I am committed to using my skills to create innovative solutions that benefit society.

When I was about 9 or 10 years old, my grandmother passed away. This was a significant challenge for me, but I found ways to cope with the loss. I distracted myself and accepted the reality of what happens in life. Losing her was hard because she was a big part of my life. She took care of me when my parents were at work, and we spent a lot of time together. Her passing left a void that was not easy to fill. To overcome this, I threw myself into my studies and hobbies. School became a place where I could focus my energy and forget about my sadness for a while. I developed a keen interest in computers and technology. I spent hours learning how to code and understanding how computers work. This not only distracted me but also gave me a sense of purpose and direction. As I grew older, my passion for technology deepened. I decided to pursue a major in Computer Science/Programming and Computer Engineering at Tennessee State University. I want to create solutions that can make a difference in people's lives. My grandmother always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and I feel that continuing my education in this field is a way to honor her memory. Balancing my studies with the emotional challenge of losing someone close was not easy. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, but I learned to push through. My high school GPA of 3.6 is a testament to my hard work and determination. I believe that my ability to overcome personal challenges will help me succeed in college and beyond. Being a Black man in the tech field, I know there will be additional obstacles to face. However, I am determined to break barriers and set an example for others who look like me. I want to show that with dedication and resilience, we can achieve great things. In conclusion, the loss of my grandmother was a significant challenge, but it taught me valuable lessons about resilience and determination. It pushed me to find my passion and work hard towards my goals. I am confident that these qualities will help me succeed in my studies at Tennessee State University and in my future career. My advice would be to not let what's going on in your life whether its good or bad dictate your future. I believe that your failures help you learn and better shape who you are as a person. Bad things are meant to happen for a reason but don't let that destroy you because everyone is destined for greatness but its up to you to have the mindset to uphold and desire that greatness.