When I started high school, my GPA was a 2.5. I wasn’t lazy or careless. I was grieving. I had just lost my great-grandmother, Mum Mum, and everything changed. She had always been my peace, my balance, and my reminder to keep going. When she passed, I didn’t know how to process the pain, so I didn’t. I pushed it away, and I ended up pushing school aside too. My focus was gone. My drive was gone. And even though I showed up every day, I wasn’t really present. But something in me refused to let that be the end of my story. Sophomore year, I transferred to Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. I knew I needed to be somewhere that would challenge me and support my goals in STEM. I also went through another loss that year — I had to give up dance after 14 years. It was something I had loved since I was little, something that helped me express everything I didn’t know how to say out loud. Losing it felt like losing another part of myself, and I’ll admit, I started to lose focus again. But I snapped back. I reminded myself what I was working toward. I made the decision that nothing, not even heartbreak, would take me away from my goals again. That year, I took two AP classes and started to build my confidence. I stayed after school for tutoring, kept a planner to stay on track, and finally started asking for help when I needed it. I slowly started to believe in myself again. By junior year, I went all in and took four AP classes. It was hard balancing that with sports and personal responsibilities, but I stayed focused. I reminded myself every day that I was doing this for more than just me. I was doing it for my mom too. She’s a single parent who has given me everything she could, even when she had almost nothing to give. Watching her push through life with strength and grace made me realize I could do the same. Senior year, I took one AP class to lighten my load and focus on building my extracurriculars. I cheered for our school, ran track, and led the media team for our all-girl flag football squad. I built leadership skills and found my voice. Even while doing all that, I never let my grades slip again. My GPA is now a 3.7. I had to learn how to manage my ADHD, stay organized, and accept that progress sometimes looks like small wins. I leaned on prayer, journaling, and the people around me who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I turned my pain into fuel. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve grown from a student who felt stuck to a young woman with a clear purpose. I’m not done fighting yet.

Since 3rd grade, I’ve struggled with ADHD. Back then, I didn’t have the words to explain why I couldn’t focus like other kids, why I forgot things all the time, or why I felt like I was always behind, even when I tried my hardest. It wasn’t just about being “hyper” or “distracted.” It was frustrating and isolating. Over time, I learned how to manage it, but it’s still something I carry with me every day. It’s shaped the way I approach school, relationships, and most importantly, my future. I was raised by a teen single parent, which meant that from early on, I knew what it meant to grow up fast. My mom did the best she could, and I’m proud of her for everything she managed to give me. But there were times when life felt heavier than it should’ve for someone my age. Finances were tight, emotions ran high, and responsibilities stacked up quickly. I’ve battled depression too, especially during middle school and early high school, when it felt like everything I was carrying was just too much. But I kept going—not because I always felt strong, but because I didn’t want to let the weight of my circumstances decide who I’d become. All of these experiences have taught me the importance of resilience. They’ve also given me a sense of purpose that I carry into everything I do. I want to go into computer engineering not just because I love technology, but because I want to build things that help people, especially people who, like me, have had to navigate systems that weren’t always designed for them. Whether it’s creating tools to support students with learning differences, or helping communities that are underserved by tech access basic digital resources, I want my work to have meaning. Furthering my education is my next step toward making that vision real. College will give me the training I need, but it’ll also give me the space to grow emotionally and mentally. It’s a chance to prove to myself that I can take all the chaos I’ve survived and turn it into something powerful. I’ve already started doing that in high school, balancing sports, leadership roles, and academics, even when it’s been tough. In college, I plan to keep pushing, keep showing up, and keep working toward something bigger than just myself. In the future, I want to give back to others who are struggling, to be the person I needed when I was younger. My goal isn’t just to succeed, but to lift others up as I go. My education will give me the skills to do that, but my experiences will give me the heart. And that’s how I plan to make a real impact.

My educational goal is to earn a degree in computer engineering. I’m not just interested in how machines work. I care about what they’re used for, who they serve, and how they can make life better for people who are often overlooked. I didn’t grow up around engineers or coders. I didn’t attend robotics camps or private tech schools. What I had was a borrowed laptop, public Wi-Fi, and questions I couldn’t stop asking. That curiosity turned into direction and, eventually, a calling. Computer engineering gives me the structure and tools to build real-world solutions. But my passion doesn’t lie in coding for the sake of it. I want to develop technology that actually serves people, especially those from underserved communities like mine. I want to design accessible tools that translate complex systems into resources everyday people can use. That means building tech that supports education, mental health, and access to opportunity. I believe that when technology is rooted in empathy, it has the power to change lives. My personal experiences have deeply shaped that mission. Being raised by a single teen mom taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of working with what you have. Living with ADHD and mental health struggles forced me to learn how to advocate for myself, stay organized in chaos, and push forward even when it felt impossible. I know what it means to feel unseen, unheard, and underestimated. That’s why my work in STEM will never be just about innovation. It will be about impact and inclusion. That same mindset has guided my commitment to civic and public service. I don’t believe you have to be in office or lead a nonprofit to serve your community. Sometimes service looks like showing up every day, ready to do the work no one else wants to do. I’ve been a cheerleader, a track athlete, a media lead for our all-girl flag football team, and a student-athlete representative for my entire district. In each of those roles, I’ve learned to listen, to lead, and to lift up others around me. I’ve mentored younger students, helped bring attention to girls' athletics, and used my voice to speak on issues others tried to ignore. These experiences have taught me how to navigate pressure, how to speak with purpose, and how to keep going even when it feels like no one’s watching. Public service, to me, is about presence. It’s about being there for people when it matters most and using what you’ve learned to open doors for others who haven’t had the same chances. Long-term, I want to become a computer engineer who uses their platform to inspire and support others, especially Black girls and students who come from working-class families. I want to prove that you can come from humble beginnings and still build something powerful. Education is my way forward. Service is my foundation. My professional goal is to use what I learn to build systems, tools, and opportunities that create change where it's needed most.

My name is Jadyn Bennett, and I’m a student, athlete, and creative who’s passionate about using my skills and experiences to bring visibility, opportunity, and support to others especially those who don’t always feel like they belong. From leading on the cheer team and expressing myself through dance, to documenting stories with my camera and representing student-athletes as president of Berry SAAC, I’ve always looked for ways to lead with purpose. Each of these roles has helped me grow not only as an individual but as someone who understands the importance of community and advocacy. What motivates me most is the lack of representation I’ve seen whether in tech, leadership spaces, or even in the classroom. As a young Black woman, I’ve often had to push through doubt, stereotypes, and the feeling of being the only one in the room. But instead of letting that hold me back, it’s pushed me to work harder and to be intentional about the impact I want to make. I don’t want to just succeed, I want to make sure the path behind me is clearer and more accessible for others. That’s a big part of why I’m pursuing computer science. I was introduced to the world of tech through programs like Black Girls Code and Blacks at Microsoft, and they completely shifted my perspective. I realized that technology isn’t just about programming, it’s about solving real problems, creating tools that matter, and opening doors for people who’ve been shut out for too long. I plan to use my degree to develop platforms that support mental health and emotional wellness, particularly for students and athletes. I know firsthand how easy it is to put on a strong face while struggling behind the scenes, and I believe tech can be a powerful tool in making support more approachable and accessible. This scholarship would give me the freedom to stay focused on my goals without being overwhelmed by the financial side of college. It would also be a vote of confidence in the work I’m trying to do, both now and in the future. I’m not promising to change the entire world overnight, but I am committed to doing the work: showing up, staying grounded, and creating impact where I can. I want to be the kind of person who not only earns success but shares it. Whether that means mentoring younger students, building safe spaces for expression, or designing tools that address real needs, I plan to use my education and experiences to give back in ways that are authentic and lasting. I’ve seen what happens when people are supported, believed in, and given the chance to lead, and I’m ready to be one of those people who helps make that happen.

From a young age, I was taught that education is one of the most powerful tools for change. As I pursue a degree in computer science, my ultimate goal is to use that education to increase access to technology and create opportunities for underrepresented communities especially youth. I believe that technology should serve everyone, not just those with privilege, and I want to be part of the movement to make tech more equitable, inclusive, and empowering. My passion for service started with my involvement in community outreach programs and youth mentorship. I’ve volunteered with several non-profits, including Black Girls Code, where I helped young girls of color explore the basics of coding through fun and engaging projects. Watching them light up with excitement as they created animations or built their first websites reminded me how transformational education can be, especially when it’s rooted in representation and encouragement. I also participated in the Road2Hire program, which not only advanced my own tech knowledge but also gave me the opportunity to connect with peers who shared my desire to break barriers in the tech world. My educational journey is about more than earning a degree, it’s about building bridges. I plan to use my computer science education to design tools and platforms that increase access to mental health resources, mentorship networks, and educational content for students who may not otherwise have it. I’ve seen how students struggle with confidence, identity, and access to support, especially in underfunded schools. Through software development, I want to create platforms that allow students to connect with mentors, get career guidance, or even learn coding at their own pace regardless of where they come from. Beyond technology, I want to continue working hands-on with children and non-profits. I plan to mentor high school students, especially girls and students of color, to show them that their dreams in STEM are valid and possible. My experiences have taught me that young people don’t just need resources they need role models who look like them and understand their journeys. I want to be that for someone else. Positive impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures it often comes from showing up, speaking up, and using your voice and skills to lift others. That’s exactly what I plan to do throughout my educational and professional career. Whether it’s writing code or writing curriculum, I’ll always be driven by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed.

Growing up, I always felt drawn to helping people. Whether it was through tutoring classmates or being the friend who listened when others needed to talk, I realized early on that supporting others gave my life purpose. Now, as I prepare to major in computer science, I’m motivated by the idea of using technology to create real change, especially for communities that are often overlooked or underestimated. Technology is everywhere, but access to it, and understanding how to use it, isn’t equal. I’ve seen firsthand how lack of resources and representation can limit opportunities for young people, especially students of color. I was lucky to be part of programs like Black Girls Code and the Road2Hire program, which exposed me to tech careers and gave me a space where I felt seen and encouraged. Not everyone gets that, and that’s exactly why I want to use my degree to create those opportunities for others. My goal is to combine my skills in computer science with my passion for equity to develop tech-based solutions for problems that affect underserved communities. That might look like creating a free app that connects students with mentorship and mental health resources, or helping schools set up coding clubs in areas where tech education is limited. I want to work with organizations that are already doing this kind of work and eventually build my own initiatives that focus on youth empowerment through STEM. But it’s not just about tech. It’s also about sharing my story. I’ve faced setbacks, self-doubt, burnout, and moments where I didn’t feel “good enough” to be in spaces where I was the only one who looked like me. Those moments taught me resilience, but more importantly, they taught me that representation and support matter. I plan to be a mentor and advocate for students who are navigating those same feelings. Whether it’s speaking at events, volunteering, or simply being someone others can reach out to, I want to be a reminder that their goals are valid and within reach. Positive change doesn’t always start big. Sometimes it starts with showing up, listening, and making sure others feel seen. With my degree and personal experiences, I hope to build tools, communities, and relationships that help people feel more empowered, especially young people who are just waiting for someone to believe in them. I don’t want to just succeed for myself, I want to open doors for others, just like others did for me.

My name is Jadyn Bennett, and I’m a senior at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. I plan to pursue a career in computer engineering because I’ve always been interested in how technology works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems. From a young age, I was drawn to devices, software, and the way systems connect and function behind the scenes. That curiosity turned into a deeper interest in engineering as I began to understand the potential it holds, not just for innovation, but for impact. Computer engineering is a field that constantly evolves. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s hardware design, programming, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. That’s one of the things I find most exciting about it. I want to be a part of that environment, where learning never stops and challenges come with the opportunity to create meaningful solutions. I also see this career as a way to be involved in shaping the future of technology while working on projects that can improve how we live and interact with the world around us. Representation is another important part of why I chose this path. As a young Black woman entering a male-dominated industry, I’m aware that there aren’t many people who look like me in tech spaces. That motivates me, not just to succeed, but to help open the door for others. I want younger girls, especially those who come from underrepresented communities to know that they can thrive in STEM careers. It’s not just about making space for myself; it’s about helping build a more inclusive and balanced future in technology. To support that vision, I’ve taken on leadership roles at school that allow me to advocate for others and create supportive environments. I’m a member of the CMS Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and I also lead the all-girl media team for our school’s flag football program. These roles have given me a platform to represent student-athletes, especially young women, and to promote visibility and equality in areas where female voices aren’t always heard. I’ve also found opportunities to encourage and uplift other students, whether through sports, academics, or creative projects like photography and media work. Looking ahead, I plan to stay involved in mentorship and outreach efforts that support women in STEM. I want to help build communities where young women can gain confidence, explore their interests, and access the resources they need to succeed in technology and engineering. Whether it’s through mentoring, internships, or public speaking, I believe in using my experience to help others move forward. My goal isn’t just to become a computer engineer. It’s to do work that matters, to help drive change, and to make sure more voices are included in the conversations that shape the future.

My interest in technology started when I was younger messing around with my grandmother's Blackberry phone. She used to say I would "hack" into it and change things around because I somehow always figured out her password. I didn't realize it then, but something about accomplishing that sparked something bigger in me. I always love a good challenge of figuring out how the phone worked and how I could get past its limits, even if it was just switching her wallpaper or just moving her apps around. As I got older, the interest never went away. I started watching shows like Criminal Minds, and NCIS, and even though it sounds kind of cliche, Penelope Garcia really stood out to me. She was this extremely smart hacker that worked for the FBI, helping solve crimes by breaking into systems and tracking people with it. That's when I started thinking more seriously about working in the FBI or another field that focuses on technical security and fraud prevention. Since then, I've always looked for things I could get into, most of those things got me in trouble, but those were lessons learned. I've been taking different coding/tech classes or programs since elementary school, and they have definitely challenged me in some way. A lot of the resources assume that I already know everything or know nothing at all. So honestly it is a struggle trying to find programs that fit just right or close to just right for me. There's also the pressure from usually being the only black female in these classes or camps. But instead of letting that hold me back, I've used it as motivation to keep going and prove to myself that I belong in this field as much as anyone else. What excites me the most about the future of technology is that it's not going away anytime soon, and it's growing so fast. I want to be a part of this journey. Whether it's stopping cyber-attacks or simply helping a family find peace through a solved case, I hope my work can make a difference. Technology has the power to protect people, and I want to be one of the ones behind the scenes making sure it's being used in the right way. So yes, it all started with a simple phone and some childhood curiosity. Now, it's grown into a real goal to work in cyber security and help people stay safe. I know there's still a lot to learn but I can't wait for this new journey to start.

Being a female athlete in a male-dominated world has taught me how to fight for my voice, my space, and my worth. For 15 years, I’ve been a dancer, and while many don’t consider dance a “real sport,” I know the truth. It takes serious strength, control, discipline, and dedication. I’ve spent years training, performing, and pushing through physical and emotional pain—all while balancing school and life. Dance shaped my work ethic, but it also opened my eyes to how often female athletes, especially Black female athletes, are undervalued. In the dance world, I was often overlooked. I was a muscular Black girl in studios that favored thin, white dancers who fit the “itty bitty ballerina” look. Even when I had stronger technique or cleaner movement, I was picked on or ignored. It felt like no matter how hard I worked, I wasn’t given the same chances as others. That experience taught me early on that talent isn’t always enough when you don’t match the image people want to see. But instead of letting that break me, I used it as motivation to keep improving and to be proud of my body and presence. When I got to high school, I thought attending a predominantly Black school would be different, but new problems showed up. Mental health challenges and favoritism in the program made me start to lose my love for dance. So, I made the choice to explore other sports. I ran track, played tennis, joined flag football, and became a cheerleader. Each of these sports gave me new experiences with gender inequality. I saw how boys’ teams were praised and prioritized while girls’ sports were treated like an afterthought. It was frustrating to train just as hard and still be underestimated. Even in cheer, a sport mostly made up of girls, I saw how our athleticism was downplayed. We weren’t viewed as real athletes compared to the male football or basketball players we supported. But I knew the hours of conditioning, stunting, and performing it took to make it look easy. Over and over, I had to prove that female athletes deserve just as much respect and recognition as male ones. Balancing school with these sports taught me how to manage my time and take care of my mental health. More importantly, it helped me build a strong voice. I learned how to speak up for myself and my teammates, to ask for fairness, and to lead by example. Being a Black female athlete in a male-dominated world isn’t easy, but it has made me tougher, more determined, and proud of who I am. Now, I walk into every room knowing that I deserve to be there. And I carry that strength in everything I do.