In my early school years, I developed a deep passion for math and numbers. I became proficient at what teachers would call “mental math.” As I became older, my interests also included playing the trumpet for 5 years with the school band and playing even more years of club basketball, of which I still play. In addition, I spend time volunteering at local after-school and summer programs, providing young kids with homework assistance and leading basketball skills and drills. Throughout high school, I have been an honor roll student-athlete with a cumulative GPA of 3.58. As I enter higher education, I plan to major in Computer Science at an HBCU in Maryland. I desire to work in a field that allows me to continue my interests in both mathematics and computers. While in school, I will be searching for internships to expose me to various positions and to help me narrow down the path I will ultimately choose. After graduating from college, I want to pursue a career as a data analyst or data scientist. My work ethic and dedication towards learning are a few reasons why I am a deserving candidate for this scholarship. My willingness to never give up or give in is an attribute that I can say I have carried throughout my entire life. I am an organized, flexible, patient, hardworking, and cooperative individual. I choose to be kind and respectful to others to receive the same in return. These character traits shape who I am in the classroom, the workplace, and in my interactions with family and friends.