Forging a New Path: My Journey as a First-Generation College Student Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree is both a tremendous honor and a significant responsibility. My father never attended college, and my mother completed only two years before stepping away to help support our family. I’ve witnessed firsthand the obstacles they faced, including a tough year when we had to live in a homeless shelter due to financial struggles. That experience was eye-opening for me; it made me realize how important education is—not just for personal success but for lifting my family out of challenging circumstances. Earning a college degree represents not only my own dreams but also the hopes of my parents, who sacrificed so much for me. For me, being a first-generation college student means breaking cycles of educational disadvantage. It’s about showing my family—and others—that higher education is within reach. I know there are unique hurdles we face, like financial challenges and feelings of unpreparedness for college life. But instead of letting those hurdles hold me back, they push me forward. I’m determined to succeed and demonstrate to others in my community that they can pursue their dreams too. At Georgia Southern University, I am studying Software Engineering with a minor in Finance. I am enthusiastic about combining these fields to create innovative solutions that can positively impact my community. My long-term goal is to work in the tech industry, focusing on developing educational technology that enhances learning experiences for students like myself. I envision a future in which technology bridges educational gaps, providing underserved communities access to valuable resources. Beyond academics, I am committed to being a role model for other first-generation college students. I actively participate in organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery and the First-Generation College Student Organization, where I strive to create a supportive network for peers navigating similar challenges. Through mentorship and community service, I aim to inspire and empower those who may feel daunted by the journey ahead. My experience as a first-generation college student has equipped me with resilience, empathy, and a profound understanding of the importance of representation in education. Receiving the Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship would provide crucial financial support and validate my commitment to educational equity. It would empower me to continue my journey, enriching both my educational community and the lives of those around me. I am determined to overcome any obstacles in my path, not just for myself but for my family and future generations. Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future in education.

Revolutionizing Education Through Virtual Reality In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, one area that stands to gain significantly is education. Personally, as a visual learner, I've often found traditional online learning to be a bit limiting and disconnected. The lack of hands-on interaction and engagement made it challenging for me to connect deeply with the material. That's why I am convinced that virtual reality (VR) has the power to transform the educational experience, creating a more immersive and effective environment for students around the world. Imagine walking into a virtual classroom where you feel as if you are physically present, no matter where you are. With VR, students can actively explore interactive environments, manipulate 3D objects, and engage with content that feels real. For visual learners like myself, this immersive experience can make complex concepts more tangible. Picture studying ancient civilizations by wandering through a reconstructed site or learning biology through virtual models of the human body. Such experiences can ignite curiosity and passion for learning. The impact of VR goes beyond just catering to individual learning styles; it holds the potential to democratize education, particularly for students in under-resourced communities. A report from the World Economic Forum highlighted that 1.5 billion students were affected by school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions. VR can provide access to experiences like virtual field trips to museums or interactive science labs, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, can access high-quality educational opportunities. In Spring 2026, I’m excited to begin a research project that explores how virtual reality can revolutionize education for visual learners. I will investigate how VR and augmented reality (AR) can be combined to create truly interactive experiences. My goal is to lead this shift, as I believe VR is essential for making education more inclusive and personalized for future generations. By embracing cutting-edge technology, we can reshape the way students learn and ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive. As a future woman leader in tech, I am dedicated to harnessing VR to transform education and inspire the next generation of learners and innovators.

To tell a bit about myself, I’m Jaci Shanae' Ennis, a Black woman studying Software Engineering with a minor in Finance at Georgia Southern University. I’m currently the Vice President of both the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the First-Generation College Student Organization (F1GEN). These roles have allowed me to make a real difference on campus by fostering collaboration, networking, and personal growth for both my peers and myself. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in a low-income household and being the first in my family to attend college has taught me the importance of accountability, resilience, and self-discipline in achieving success. Moving to Statesboro, Georgia, for college on my own was a huge leap, and being a first-generation college student added even more responsibility to my plate. With no family guidance to lean on, I had to hold myself accountable for every part of this journey, from figuring out financial aid to balancing a full academic schedule while seeking out leadership opportunities. This experience has shown me the importance of setting clear goals, sticking to them, and being flexible enough to adapt when challenges arise. For me, accountability means owning both my successes and my setbacks. I understand that no one else can manage my time, focus, or effort—it’s up to me to ensure I’m putting in the work to achieve my goals. This sense of responsibility is key in my leadership roles. As Vice President of ACM, I’m responsible for organizing events, managing projects, and helping the organization grow. I make sure to keep my word and stay proactive in tackling challenges before they become problems. Holding myself accountable to my peers has helped me build trust and credibility, which are crucial in any leadership role. One of the areas where accountability has had the greatest impact is in my research project on the combination of virtual reality (VR) and education. I’m passionate about using these technologies to create immersive, engaging learning experiences, and my goal is to work at Facebook Meta to help integrate VR into school systems. This research project requires a lot of discipline and self-accountability. I set realistic milestones, check in regularly with advisors, and take full responsibility for every step. By holding myself accountable, I’m able to ensure that my work is high-quality while still managing the demands of my other academic and extracurricular responsibilities. As Vice President of F1GEN, I also help provide a support system for first-generation students like me. I know how important it is to have a community that understands what you’re going through, so I take my role seriously in making sure our organization offers the resources, mentorship, and space for students to connect and share their experiences. This position has deepened my commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in everything I do, and it’s given me a sense of responsibility toward helping others succeed. In everything I do, accountability has been the foundation of my success. It drives me to set high standards for myself, follow through on commitments, and constantly seek ways to grow both personally and professionally. Whether I’m managing my workload, leading student organizations, or conducting research, accountability keeps me focused and motivated. It’s not just a tool for achieving my goals, but a mindset that empowers me to make a positive impact in the communities I’m a part of—especially in the fields of technology and education.

As a Black woman studying Software Engineering with a Finance minor at Georgia Southern University, my path has been anything but typical. Coming from a low-income household in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moving to Statesboro for college, I’ve faced many obstacles that have only made me stronger. Being a first-generation college student, I’ve had to learn a lot on my own. Still, my unique background has given me the resilience and determination to make a real difference—not just for myself, but for those who are quietly watching. Being unapologetically myself is the foundation of how I lead and support others on campus. In my roles as Vice President of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the First-Generation College Student Organization at Georgia Southern (F1Gen), I work hard to build spaces where everyone can feel empowered to pursue their goals. As a Black woman in tech, I’m often in spaces where diversity is lacking, but I don’t shy away from it. Instead, I use my position to show others that they can break barriers too, no matter what the world expects. I encourage students to embrace who they are and carve their paths because our differences are what make us stronger. One of the most rewarding parts of my college experience has been serving as a trip leader with Serve912, a community service organization on campus. Leading these service trips has allowed me to give back to the local community while helping other students grow in the process. As a leader, I know that my actions—whether big or small—can inspire others, even if they don’t say it out loud. Whether I’m guiding students on a trip or working with community members, I lead with kindness and authenticity, understanding that people are often watching and learning from what they see. By being true to myself, I hope to leave a positive and lasting impact. My experience as a first-generation college student from a low-income background has given me a deep understanding of the importance of representation. The challenges I’ve faced—like financial hardships and navigating college without family experience—have only made me more determined to succeed. I’m always open about my story, especially with other first-generation students, because I believe that sharing my journey can help others realize that their starting point doesn’t define their future. Where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go. Beyond leadership and community service, I understand the importance of visibility in spaces such as tech, where minorities are often underrepresented. As a Black woman in STEM, I know that my presence can inspire others who see themselves in me. Whether it’s young girls of color thinking about careers in tech or first-generation students unsure of their next steps, I want to show them that their uniqueness isn’t something to hide—it’s something to celebrate. By being myself, I hope to make it easier for others to follow their paths. In the end, my individuality is my greatest strength. Through leadership, service, and staying true to who I am, I’ve learned that being unapologetically myself is the most powerful way to inspire and uplift others. Whether or not I know who’s watching, I live in a way that encourages others to embrace their journeys and make an impact.

The quote from the movie "Finding Nemo" where a character named Dory, a fish responded to a difficult situation with the words "Just Keep Swimming". This quote is special to me for a multitude of reasons but one main one was due to the fact of how I realized I can use this quote. I feel that the quote means no matter what obstacle you face in life its best to keep your head up high, keep moving forward, and never look back. I thought it was funny when the creator used the word "swimming" to signify how fish of course swim, instead of using a more human based word like "walking". When I'm feeling overwhelmed with work for school I say this quote in my head to help remind myself to take a step back and keep going with what I'm doing.