I have always had a strong interest in computer science, but it was only after coming to terms that a career in audio engineering wouldn't be very lucrative that I began pursuing the idea. A few years ago, I found out about online certifications. Being a mother, at that time, who was low-income and on SNAP and WIC, getting a certification was the most affordable option for improving my resume without having attended college. Thankfully, over the years, my husband was promoted in his profession, we were able to rent a home for us and the kids, we became financially self-sufficient, and we were finally able to purchase a computer come July 2022. I had been researching Google certificates, and decided that Data Analytics was the course that best suited my skills and interests. After beginning the course, I decided to look further into pursuing a career in Data Analytics and Data Science, which led me to discover, earning my AS in Computer Science would help me to obtain a career in Data Science. I'm now enrolled full time at Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City, pursuing my AS in Computer Science with Cyber Security. I have dual admission set-up with the University of Central Missouri, to transfer upon completion of my AS, into pursuing a BS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. After receiving my degree (I hope to have pursued an internship or work-study while in college) I hope to begin a career either locally or remotely with a conscientious company, for a year or more, to build up solid work experience. My dream job, for now, is to either work for Google, or work in a data field that involves genetic research or artificial intelligence. I have extreme respect for Google, and for years have desired to work for their company. As for genetics, when I was in high school I was very skilled in Science, and had aspired to be genome-researcher. And, this may sound really cheesy, but I first became obsessed with the idea of artificial intelligence when I was 9, and saw, "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," in theatres... Since then, developing and forwarding the advancement of A.I. has been a dream of mine! The reason I believe I am the best candidate for this scholarship is not only could I use the funding, and use it wisely, but I actually hope to impact and shape the world with it. I have struggled with homelessness, and financial hardships that have put my education on the back-burner for too long. Data is ever expanding, and is a key to resolving problems in our society. I hope to learn, study, and assess data to implement changes for a better future. I don't want my children, or anyone else to have to struggle to work, seek education, afford food and housing, or never get to enjoy life because they're so bogged down by the adversities they've been dealt. My goal is to use Data to create a better world.

Growing up I didn't realize I already possessed the aptitude necessary to thrive in STEM. Being a young kid in the 90's, having a computer in the house was rather uncommon. Let alone, countless days and sleepless nights on the computer was discouraged, and often seen as a fruitless endeavor. Fortunately, I had a father who, despite having no justification for the expense, always stocked up on the latest technology and a plethora of software. So, lo and behold, I lucked out with those endless hours of screen-time, which allowed me to build up countless skills that are now pertinent in the modern workplace. When I entered the work-force, I discovered most employers seemed to anticipate that my capability to use a computer or even type was rudimentary. This was very discouraging, and I eventually adjusted my job pursuits for this reason. For a long time I pursued careers in sales and customer service. Despite my skills, all I ever seemed to earn credit for were my looks, voice, and empathy. I eventually switched my focus onto manual labor; working in warehouses. I figured if I didn't get to use my mind in a useful way, it would at least behoove me to make a living getting paid to be in shape. In the last 5 years, I stepped away from work, and focused on managing my family and rearing my children. I got married to my lover of 11 years. We moved to a new city. My daughter started grade-school. And, our son was born. Throughout this whirlwind of time, filled with self-discovery and empowerment, I set my sights on recognizing who I am as a person; my strengths, my weaknesses, my ambitions, my intolerances. Then, focused on honing my skills and establishing a plan for not only myself, but for my family and shaping the world around us. The recent changes in social climate, also allowed me to do much reflection on the events in my past, and how to overcome them. In my self-discovery, I decided as soon as I could get a computer of my own, I would pursue a certification through Google. I found their study of Data Analytics to be unbelievably applicable to my skillsets and aspirations! I was so excited to get started! Therefore, I built up a plan to focus on improving our finances, and in July of 2022, I was finally able to purchase our family computer. I began studying and working through the certification, and discovered this was certainly the career for me. And, I began researching how to move forward on this path. Now, I'm enrolled full-time as a student at MCCKC, in pursuit of an A.S. in Computer Science with Cyber Security. I am working co-currently with UCM to have those credits transferred and applied to their school to obtain a B.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. I plan to use my career as a Data Scientist and Data Analyst to make the world a better more efficient place for all walks of life. Data is everything! If we applied gap analysis to multiple problems in the world, we could see the opportunities for potential improvement, and work together to implement changes for a better future. I've faced enough adversity in the world from homelessness, to violence, to prejudice, and I am sure the future holds many more to come. Yet, knowing who I am and how I want to shape the world is a powerful weapon. One I intend to wield, so that others will have less adversity arise while in the pursuit of simply living.

I am currently pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science with Cyber Security. After finishing my associate I already have plans in place to transfer to a four year college, and complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The technology that inspires me the most is Data. Data is a collection of facts. It comes from everywhere and everything. Using data, humanity as a whole can benefit from Gap Analysis. Gap Analysis is a method in which one assesses problems in their stakeholder's current systems and infrastructures, collects the data from those sources, and analyzes that data to identify opportunities for improvements in the future. This method can literally be applied to every aspect of your life and the world around you. I wanted a career where I could put my time and energy towards something that would create change and improve the world for future generations. As a mother, and as someone who spent almost a decade struggling with homelessness, all I want is to make things better for others, so they will never have to face the struggles I have in the world. Data Analytics and Data Science are a rapidly growing need in modern society. As more technology is developed, more and more data is created and is desperately in need of safe and structured processing and handling. I hope to graduate and enter this field to help solve big world problems, from environmental research, genetics, artificial intelligence, to work place/educational environments, employee/student satisfaction, and equal opportunities and fair practices for all. This world is in much need of progressive methods to improve survival and quality of life for future generations, and that is what I hope to help create using data as a future Data Scientist. Thank you!