I learned that how you talk to yourself in the quiet moments is more important than what others say about you. As a child, I was extremely shy and reserved. Missed opportunities for growth and a lack of meaningful connections with people were not new to me. I was so used to being this way that it felt natural to box myself into what I believed was who I was. I used to think confidence was something you either had or didn't, with absolutely no way of gaining or losing it. I desperately desired to be like my confident peers, but thought it was impossible–after all, confidence was foreign to me, so how could it materialize out of thin air? Eventually, I became so frustrated with my self-fulfilling mindset that I decided I was going to be more–I had to be more. However, during COVID-19, my mental health and dreams of confidence took a nosedive. To say 2020 was a tough year for all of us is a mere understatement; from the countless lives lost to COVID-19 and numerous more to violence against the black community, it was all too much at once. It was devastating that the so-called "prehistoric" racial issues were continuously being brought to light in ways we never could have imagined. As a young tween who was struggling with the brutal reality of the world as well as the newfound isolation due to the pandemic, I knew of nothing other than to stifle my cries alone in the dark hours of the night, not realizing I could express these feelings of frustration and sadness to my family. As time went on, I gained the courage to discuss everything with my family, from my desire to keep my head lifted high without doubting my worth to my aching heart due to the corruption around me. It was freshman year of high school, and I came back stronger. I promised myself that becoming a self-assured woman was not a mere dream, but something I would make into a reality. I spent months scouring YouTube for all the ways I could boost my self-esteem and learn how to break out of the confining mold that I created for myself. I took what I learned and practiced with my peers, even when I couldn’t feel any progress in the slightest. Several more months passed, and surprisingly enough, confidence became more familiar to me. As I continued to keep my promise from freshman year in my heart, I had transformed into a version of myself that I barely recognized. I had true friends whom I opened up to, and I was seizing every opportunity thrown my way without a second thought. You must love yourself first before you can accept it from others–that is what I learned from these experiences. This simple mindset change has helped me pursue the leadership roles I never imagined myself taking. All the tears and pain taught me not to doubt myself. Now a college student, I continue to remind myself that even though I can’t control what others think about me, I can choose how I view myself. Today, I make a new promise: to boldly and unapologetically chase after what I want, because if I believe I can do it, who can stop me?

As a freshman at Purdue University, my parents pushed me to chase my ambitions and challenge myself to find comfort amidst discomfort. They are reminders that nothing prosperous in life comes from staying within your comfort zone. I am grateful that they nurtured my goals; this drives my perseverance. As a result, my love for technology was discovered at a young age. During middle school, most summers were accompanied by an all-girls IT boot camp. I continue to be enamored by the possibility of creating programs and having the ability to influence them to do as I wish. Naturally, I looked into various potential options, and software engineering was particularly alluring. Studying Computer Information Technology now brings me steps closer to my dream career. As a Black Jamaican-American, my goal is to be a top female minority software engineer. I want to devise software that ushers people into various fields such as: protecting the environment, enhancing the medical world, and improving the works of artists and musicians. Eventually, I desire to cater music and art apps to those with disabilities, combining software that utilizes artificial intelligence to allow them to accomplish their artistic vision. My passion for music, especially playing the violin, guitar, and piano along with my love for drawing fuels my overall creativity. Hence, I am adamant about helping others find the same joy and happiness through their unique self-expression. Throughout high school and so far in college, I have been a part of a select few, if not the only black person in my advanced and technology courses. This was particularly frustrating and disheartening to me. All young people need to see themselves being represented in various career fields. It gives a sense of validation to see representation. In addition, it increases self-esteem and improves pride. Kevin Leo Yabut Nadal, Ph.D. states in his 2021 article, “Why Representation Matters and Why It’s Still Not Enough”, that it is “‘hard to be what you can’t see,’”...For example, when women (and women of color specifically) don’t see themselves represented in STEM fields, they may internalize that such careers are not made for them. When people of color don’t see themselves in the arts or in government positions, they likely learn similar messages too.” This led me to pursue a position on the Racial Equity Advisory Committee, Principal’s Student Advisory Board, and Black Student Union spreading the message of diversity. Therefore, while I advance in my career, I want to make a meaningful impact by helping others in their education, personal growth, and professional journey. I envision running with the software engineering baton, being a resource to students and/or professionals needing a career shift, sparking their interest in the technology industry. In addition, I will launch a company that provides technology boot camps that serve as a safe haven for females, and minorities, while offering scholarship opportunities. Lastly, I aim to be a source of inspiration for other individuals of color and women, urging them to pursue opportunities that allow them to stand out and challenge the stereotypes surrounding what women, Black individuals, and people of color can achieve. In doing so, I hope to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry that welcomes and celebrates all talents.