Technology isn’t just something I use—it’s something I question. Why do some systems empower people, while others fail them? That question has shaped my journey. As a child, I was introduced to computers in the simplest way—watching rhymes play on a screen while my mom fed me. But curiosity quickly replaced routine. I began asking how computers worked, often turning to my father, a software engineer, for answers. Over time, I stopped seeing technology as something to consume and started seeing it as something to understand and build. A moment that expanded this perspective came when our air conditioner broke. Instead of calling a technician, my dad fixed it himself. Watching him made me realize that technology isn’t limited to screens—it exists in the systems that power everyday life. That moment showed me that engineering is about solving real-world problems, not just writing code. As I grew older, I began studying programming languages like Java and Python and applying my skills through robotics and independent projects. My interest deepened further through my cybersecurity research at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I worked with honeypot systems to analyze real-world cyber threats. This experience showed me how technology can protect systems at scale and reinforced the importance of building secure, reliable infrastructure. At the same time, my community experiences shaped my purpose. I organized and led a robotics outreach event at Cody Library that brought together over 70 participants. Through hands-on activities, I introduced students to robotics and made technology more approachable. Seeing their curiosity grow reminded me that access to technology—and understanding it—can change someone’s confidence and future. However, one experience challenged me in a different way. During a school club election, I saw how bias and lack of accountability led to ineffective leadership. Students voted based on friendships rather than merit, resulting in poor organization and declining participation. That moment made me realize that even simple systems can fail without fairness and structure. Instead of just recognizing the problem, I began thinking about solutions. I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science followed by a master’s in artificial intelligence, where I can develop the technical foundation to design smarter, data-driven systems. As a starting point, I aim to create a web-based platform that uses AI to support fair decision-making in student organizations—incorporating features like anonymized voting, participation tracking, and data-driven insights to reduce bias and improve accountability. By combining my interests in cybersecurity and AI, I want to ensure these systems are both fair and secure. The biggest challenge I’ve faced is navigating this path without always having clear guidance. At times, the gap between my current knowledge and my goals feels overwhelming. But those moments have pushed me to become more self-driven—seeking opportunities, learning independently, and growing through leadership and outreach. What excites me most about the future of technology is its potential to not just innovate, but to improve systems that impact everyday life. I want to be part of that future—building technology that is not only advanced, but also equitable and meaningful. Ultimately, my goal is to use technology as a bridge—connecting people to opportunities, improving the systems they rely on, and creating solutions that make a lasting difference.

Do I agree that a normal person cannot work without technology? Absolutely. In today’s world, almost nothing is possible without technology—whether it’s using search engines to gather information, sending messages online, programming with coding languages, designing games, or developing hardware and software. My journey with computers started at the age of three. While my mom fed me, she would turn on our computer and play rhymes. I remember sitting there and thinking that was such a wow moment. As days passed, my interest grew, and my father, a software engineer, encouraged me to explore how computers worked. I would watch movies about technology, ask questions, and try to understand the mechanisms behind everything I saw. One memory that shaped me was when our air conditioner broke. Instead of calling a technician, my dad grabbed a screwdriver and fixed it himself. I was amazed that technology wasn’t just computers; it was everywhere, helping people solve problems in practical ways. That experience showed me that engineering is about thinking creatively, solving problems, and improving life. From that point on, I knew I wanted to understand how technology works and how I could use it to make a difference. As I grew older, I took computer science courses like AP Computer Science Principles and AP CS A, learning programming languages such as Java and Python. I also developed several mobile apps that solved small problems for my peers and community, applying my coding skills to real projects. These experiences, combined with earning certifications as a Python Developer and in AI Proficiency, gave me confidence in my abilities and deepened my interest in technology. Whether building robots in my FTC robotics team, experimenting with apps, or working on projects, I discovered how much I enjoy problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. Technology has been a part of my life from the very beginning, and it continues to shape my future. My fascination with computers and engineering motivates me to major in computer science at UTSA, where I can explore AI, robotics, and cybersecurity while gaining hands-on experience through research and projects. My activities and achievements reflect my dedication to this path. During my internship at UTSA, I worked on a Raspberry Pi honeypot deployment project, collecting and analyzing real cyberattack data. It taught me how curiosity, attention to detail, and perseverance can create real-world impact. In our FTC robotics team, I led outreach events at Cody Library, teaching younger students coding and problem-solving skills. Volunteering with the San Antonio Tamil Sangam and library earned me the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, but more importantly, it taught me that giving back requires empathy, consistency, and effort. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that computer science is not just about code—it’s about leading, teaching, and using technology to help people. Moving to the United States was exciting but challenging. Everything was new—the schools, the expectations, even the way people worked. I struggled at first, but staying honest with myself, working hard, and keeping a positive attitude helped me succeed. Integrity, responsibility, and perseverance became the values that guide me in school, volunteering, and leadership. Receiving the Kelly Smith Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible milestone. Because of my residency status, many scholarships are unavailable to me. This award would allow me to focus fully on my studies at UTSA, continue gaining experience in computer science research, AI, and cybersecurity, and keep building the skills I need to create technological solutions that make a difference in the world.

Every night, when I see my parents coming home exhausted from work, I feel a deep ache in my heart. They’ve spent their entire lives sacrificing their dreams so I could have mine. I’ve always told myself, one day, I’ll make it all worth it. For me, the SAT isn’t just an exam—it’s a stepping stone to independence, to easing their burden, and to giving them the happiness they truly deserve. To prepare for the SAT, I’ve been pushing myself harder than ever. I enrolled in multiple tutoring programs across different institutions, each teaching me something valuable. From mastering reading comprehension to solving complex math problems with speed and accuracy, I’ve been building my skills brick by brick. It hasn’t been easy—there have been days I felt like giving up, but every struggle only fuels my determination. Now, I’m taking things even further by joining a dedicated SAT class. This class gives me access to resources I could never afford on my own: online practice tests, detailed reports showing my strengths and weaknesses, and customized study plans tailored to my needs. I’m fully committed to using every single tool to achieve the best results. I know success isn’t luck—it’s hours of effort, discipline, and the refusal to settle for “good enough.” My goal isn’t just to get a high SAT score. My goal is freedom—the freedom to attend my dream university without placing the financial burden on my parents. I want to earn scholarships that will cover my college tuition so I can proudly say, “Mom, Dad, I did this for us.” A strong SAT score will also open doors to internships, placements, and programs that will help me build a career in STEM—a field where I hope to use technology to make life better for others. This scholarship would mean more than words can explain. It’s not just about the money—it’s about believing in someone like me. It’s about giving me the chance to stand on my own and turn years of sacrifice into smiles on my parents’ faces. I’m ready to give my absolute best, not just for me, but for the people who’ve given me everything without ever asking for anything in return. With your support, I know I can achieve the SAT score that changes everything—not just my future, but my family’s too. I’m not just preparing for a test; I’m preparing for a life where I can finally give back.

Selflessness, to me, is about showing up for others, not for recognition or reward, but because it's the right thing to do. It’s about seeing people in their most vulnerable moments and choosing to offer empathy and action, even when no one is watching. One of the most powerful examples of this in my life has been my time volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank. I first signed up to volunteer during a school break. I was looking for something meaningful to do—something more than just staying busy. What I didn’t expect was how much it would teach me about humanity, humility, and what it means to give back. At the Food Bank, I’ve helped pack food boxes, sort fresh produce, and distribute essential groceries to hundreds of families. On paper, it may sound simple. But in reality, every box I packed was a meal someone didn’t have yesterday. Every piece of fruit I sort might be the only fresh food a child eats that week. These moments made me realize how something small to me could mean everything to someone else. There was one moment that truly stuck with me. During a distribution day, I noticed a mother waiting in line with three young children. She looked tired and worried, constantly checking her phone and looking around, probably thinking about bills or rent or whether there’d be enough food that day. When she came to my station, I handed her a box with a smile and asked how she was doing. Her voice cracked as she thanked me. “This helps more than you know,” she said, tears forming in her eyes. Without thinking, I offered to help her carry the box to her car. As we walked, she opened up about losing her job and struggling to make ends meet. That short walk and small conversation reminded me that service isn’t just about food—it’s about people. It's about connection. That experience changed how I saw volunteering. It wasn’t just about tasks—it was about showing up for people when they need it most. I began to look for ways to do more, not just during scheduled shifts but in everyday life—helping classmates, supporting my family, and listening more carefully to those around me. Selflessness isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet—a box of food handed out with care, a conversation with a stranger, or a smile that makes someone feel seen. My time at the San Antonio Food Bank taught me that we all have something to give, no matter how small it may seem. And when we choose to give without expecting anything in return, that’s where true selflessness lives.