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Steven Nguyen

1x

Finalist

Bio

I'm a high school senior in Virginia planning to major in Computer Engineering. As a first-generation student, I've learned that success comes from showing up every day, whether it's coding late at night, completing extra problem sets, or pushing through tough soccer practices. My family's work ethic drives me to push past average and make every opportunity count. I'm fascinated by technology and robotics because I love figuring out how systems interact to solve real-world problems. Recently, I tried to build small coding projects, and it made me realize I want to create tools that shape the future, not just use them. Soccer has shaped who I am just as much as school has. The sport has taught me resilience, teamwork, especially when I was cut from Varsity and had to push harder to come back stronger. Whether I'm training on the field or solving a complex problem, I bring the same mindset: improve every day and compete at a higher level than yesterday. I aim to excel in Computer Engineering while pursuing soccer with the same intensity, even in the face of setbacks. As a first-generation student, I want to prove that where you start does not define how far you can go, and I plan to open doors for others from similar backgrounds by showing that discipline, vision, and action can change the trajectory of a family in one generation.

Education

James Wood High

High School
2022 - 2026
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Engineering, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Hardware

    • Dream career goals:

      I aim to build a career in Computer Engineering, specializing in robotics and AI, while pursuing soccer competitively. I want to contribute to innovations that shape industries and demonstrate that hard work can drive success in multiple arenas.

      Sports

      Track & Field

      Junior Varsity
      2024 – 20262 years

      Soccer

      Junior Varsity
      2022 – 20242 years

      Research

      • Computer Science

        Independent/James Wood High School AP Computer Science Class — Researcher and Developer
        2024 – 2025

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Local Buddhist Temple — Volunteer
        2018 – Present
      • Volunteering

        Local Youth Soccer Camp (Friend's Camp) — Camp Volunteer/Assistant
        2025 – 2025
      • Volunteering

        Key Club — Active Member
        2025 – Present
      • Volunteering

        National Honors Society — Contributing Member
        2024 – Present

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Entrepreneurship

      Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship
      I'll never forget the day one of the new younger players on my soccer team froze after being teased. I stepped in, guided him through a drill, and encouraged him to trust himself again. Seeing his confidence return in that moment taught me that leadership isn't just about skill, but about standing up for others and helping them grow. It made me realize that even small acts of guidance can ripple outward, shaping not just one moment, but a child's sense of self and confidence for years to come. Moments like this have shaped how I approach academics, athletics, and community service, and they continue to guide me as I prepare to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering. As a first-generation student, I've learned that success comes from discipline, consistency, and caring for others along the way. Volunteering at my local Buddhist temple since 2018, I've assisted with events, mentored younger attendees, and contributed to programs that support families in our community. Through Key Club and National Honor Society, I've organized service projects, provided guidance to younger students, and learned the power of teamwork in creating lasting impact. Last Summer, I helped at a local youth soccer camp, designing short lessons on teamwork and respect that gave kids practical strategies to handle conflicts both on and off the field. Watching shy kids transform into confident, collaborative teammates reminded me that guidance, patience, and encouragement can change lives. Entering higher education comes with financial challenges. Tuition, textbooks, and living expenses add up quickly, and as a first-generation, low-income student, my family can only do so much. A scholarship like this would allow me to focus fully on my studies and community impact rather than immediate financial stress, giving me the freedom to continue mentoring youth and exploring ways to make technology safer and more accessible. Preventing bullying, both in-person and online, is a cause I take seriously. On the field, I step in when teammates are targeted, promoting communication, inclusion, and respect. Online, I emphasize safe practice in my own digital life and teach younger students about responsible behavior on social media and gaming platforms. Cyberbullying isn't isolated; it's systemic, and I aim to address it through mentorship, education, and innovation. As a future Computer Engineer, I hope to develop tools and programs that protect children online and empower them to navigate digital spaces responsibly. Through these experiences, I've learned that leadership is more than taking initiative; it's about creating environments where others feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. With this support, I can continue mentoring youth, contribute to my community, and demonstrating that one person's commitment and responsibility can influence both peers and future generations. I want every child I encounter to feel seen, supported, and capable of overcoming obstacles, because no one should feel alone in their challenges.