I really loved reading about Mr. Stuart, “Bill”. What an inspiration to return to school at age 60 and follow his passion. Mr. Stuart embodied the characteristics of a lifelong learner. Attending college has been a part of my post high-school plans from my very earliest memories. As I got older and realized that Minnie Mouse didn’t need someone to design her clothes; I started to look at my future career interests with a little more maturity and thought. My passion for technology, science, and math was fostered by my parents and amazing teachers from an early age. As I continued to grow serving others is something that I also enjoyed and wanted to pursue. I began to explore careers that would encompass passion for math and science as well as serving others. I began working with computers when I attended a coding camp. Through these opportunities, I found my passion for computers. Coding on the computer used problem solving, analytical skills, and math. As I continued to practice, I developed some skills in working on penetration testing. Being an ethical hacker would provide businesses, individuals, and systems a safeguard. I understood that this type of career would allow me to help others on a broader scale. I am currently completing my second semester of my freshman year in college. My plan is to complete my undergraduate degree in computer science with a minor in cybersecurity and possibly double minor in psychology. Once I complete my degree, I plan to pursue a career in cyber security with a current focus in penetration tester. My hope is that as I continue to show my skills and abilities in my major, I will have an opportunity to get an internship. I joined my university’s cybersecurity club and have been working with some incredibly talented computer engineers and professors. There are a lot of opportunities to practice and work directly with mentors in this club. If I were awarded this scholarship, it would provide needed assistance for tuition in order to continue my education. I lost scholarship monies that I had planned and budgeted for at the beginning of my first semester at college. I suffered a severe head injury (for which I am almost completely recovered, thankfully) that resulted in having to drop most of my classes that first semester and subsequently lost scholarship eligibility. I appreciate your time in reviewing my application and consideration for this wonderful scholarship opportunity of honoring Mr. William Stuart.

My first exposure to the concept of digital footprint came in middle school. Several students were sent things that they shouldn’t have been. It was a pretty big event for a middle schooler. Although we weren't given a lot of details as to who the individual was that sent those images, there was an investigation that resulted in the individual that was responsible for sending those items being identified and charged with a crime. One thing I learned as I put safeguards in place to protect myself; there are constant and ever-changing threats to be aware of. Throughout the years I learned that these threats are everywhere, and it affects individuals, businesses, systems, and countries. I have always been incredibly passionate about science and math.  Some of my earliest memories were of me performing science experiments in the kitchen.  It was a fantastic feeling to wait and observe what combining this, or how adding this would affect that. Science and math are and have always been my favorite classes in school. In addition to classes in school, my parents provided me with opportunities to attend summer coding camps and clinics; I believe that is probably how I first learned about different career pathways you can take within Information Technology; digital forensics being one of them. Although I am still in the beginning phases of exploring my career path. The area that captures my interest the most in digital forensics, is network forensics. What stood out the most to me was that network forensics is a continually evolving field. As threats are constantly changing; the way that people use networks to commit their crimes changes. Safeguards and security systems have to evolve to try to prevent these crimes, but I believe our techniques have to change so that we can successfully identify and investigate those crimes. Living in a suburb of Seattle, many family and friends work in computer and technology fields. Some of the knowledge that I have gained about cyber security and digital forensics has come from these individuals. In addition to the mentoring that I have received, I have also taken classes as well as completing my own research on different career paths. Lastly, I see digital forensics as a career where my passion for math, science, and technology can be used to also help others. I have always had an inquisitive nature and like to understand how something works, so the concept of being a digital detective is exciting.