Technology has always represented possibility to me—the possibility to solve problems, connect people, and create products that improve everyday life. As a Computer Engineering student at the University of South Carolina, I am building the knowledge necessary to turn that possibility into a career. However, my journey has required more than academic ability. It has demanded resilience, service, discipline, and the determination to continue even when financial pressures make college more difficult. My passion for computer engineering grew from my interest in how technology works beneath the surface. I am especially fascinated by computer hardware, chips, and display technology. The screens used in phones, vehicles, televisions, laptops, and watches may appear simple to consumers, but they depend on complex systems working together. I want to contribute to the development of faster, more efficient, and more accessible technology that improves how people communicate, learn, work, and travel. My professional experiences have strengthened that passion. As a student IT service desk worker, I answer calls from students, faculty, and staff, create technical-support tickets, troubleshoot account and software problems, and help resolve hardware and connectivity concerns. Before entering this role, I worked as a student IT technician assistant, supporting computer labs, installing software, and troubleshooting university technology. These positions have taught me that technical knowledge is most meaningful when it is used to help someone else. Service is one of the values that has shaped who I am. Through Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, I participate in initiatives involving education, health awareness, youth development, and community service. I have also served as a camp counselor with Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science. In that role, I helped encourage minority students to consider postsecondary education and careers in engineering and computer science. Seeing young students become more confident in their technical abilities reminded me how important representation and mentorship are. Students are more likely to imagine themselves in STEM when they are supported by people who recognize their potential. Financial challenges have also shaped my work ethic. I currently balance my engineering coursework with two jobs: as a university IT Technician and at Starbucks. My income helps me pay rent, afford necessities, and reduce outstanding debts. Working while completing a demanding STEM degree requires careful time management and personal sacrifice. Although these responsibilities sometimes limit the time I can devote to studying, projects, and professional opportunities, they have strengthened my independence and determination. Earning my Computer Engineering degree will allow me to pursue a career in hardware engineering and contribute to industries such as consumer electronics and automotive technology. Beyond developing innovative products, I want to use my education to create opportunities for students who may not initially see themselves represented in STEM. I hope to mentor young Black students, participate in outreach programs, and support organizations that make engineering education more accessible. My goal is not simply to enter the technology industry. I want to help shape it into a field where innovation is strengthened by diverse experiences and perspectives. With my education, technical experience, and commitment to service, I plan to build technology that improves lives while encouraging the next generation of students to recognize that they also belong in STEM.

My name is Jalecia Baker, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of South Carolina. Technology has always fascinated me because of its ability to solve problems, connect people, and improve everyday life. Beyond academics, I’ve always been driven by a passion for service, using my skills and time to uplift my community, create access to opportunities, and inspire others to believe in their potential. My experiences through leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism have shaped my personal mission to merge innovation and service for greater progress. One of the most impactful experiences that reflects this mission was my time as a Camp Counselor for the Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science (PMECS) program. The initiative’s goal was to motivate and prepare minority students to pursue higher education in STEM fields. During the summer program, I led technical workshops designed to make complex engineering concepts approachable and engaging for high school students. My role wasn’t just about teaching; it was about creating a supportive environment where students felt seen, capable, and encouraged to explore their potential. Throughout the camp, I noticed that many students doubted their abilities or felt that careers in engineering weren’t meant for them. Recognizing this, I began incorporating personal stories about overcoming academic challenges and finding belonging in STEM. I encouraged them to ask questions, collaborate on projects, and take pride in their creativity. By the end of the program, I witnessed a transformation, students who were once hesitant became confident in sharing their designs, problem-solving strategies, and aspirations. That moment reaffirmed my belief that service is not just about providing help; it’s about empowering others to recognize the strength they already possess. My commitment to servitude continued through my membership in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where I actively participate in initiatives centered on education, youth development, and health awareness. Through the sorority’s community service programs, I’ve helped organize donation drives, educational workshops, and campus events that bring people together for a greater purpose. Working with my sorority sisters has taught me the value of collective action—how small contributions from many individuals can create significant and lasting impact. Additionally, my role as a Student IT Technician Assistant at the University of South Carolina has allowed me to extend that same spirit of service into my professional work. Whether I’m troubleshooting technical issues for faculty or setting up equipment for classrooms, I understand that every task contributes to a larger goal: helping others succeed through reliable access to technology. Making a positive impact on my community through service has taught me that leadership begins with empathy. It’s not about recognition, but about being willing to meet people where they are and provide the support they need to move forward. Each experience, whether mentoring students, serving through Sigma Gamma Rho, or providing IT support, has reinforced my desire to use both my technical skills and compassion to make a difference. Ultimately, my journey is guided by the belief that progress happens when we combine purpose with action. Servitude, to me, means creating pathways for others to thrive and ensuring that the work I do leaves a lasting, uplifting impact on my community.

Pursuing higher education as a first-generation student in a demanding STEM field has come with a series of financial, emotional, and logistical challenges. While I am proud to attend the University of South Carolina as a Computer Engineering major, maintaining a 3.5 GPA and actively participating in leadership and service roles, the path here has not been easy. One of the most significant challenges I face is balancing financial responsibilities with academic and professional development. I currently work as a Student IT Technician Assistant and a Starbucks barista. These roles not only help cover basic expenses but also support my pursuit of independence. While I value the work experience and the skills I’ve gained—such as customer service, time management, and technical troubleshooting—it can be difficult to juggle these jobs with a full-time course load. Late-night study sessions and early-morning shifts are a regular part of my week, and sometimes, the strain affects my ability to focus fully on my coursework or participate in enrichment opportunities. Additionally, being a woman of color in a predominantly white and male-dominated field like computer engineering brings its own set of pressures. Imposter syndrome is real, and at times I’ve struggled with feeling isolated or underrepresented. To combat this, I’ve committed myself to organizations that empower minorities in STEM, such as Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science, where I served as a camp counselor mentoring future students. I also joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where I contribute to initiatives focused on education, youth development, and community service—causes that align with my values and aspirations. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to reduce my work hours, giving me more time to focus on my academics and professional growth. It would relieve some of the financial burden that requires me to stretch myself thin between multiple responsibilities. Most importantly, it would give me space to seek out internships, certifications, and research opportunities that can prepare me for a successful career in computer engineering—opportunities I often have to pass up due to financial constraints. This scholarship is more than financial aid; it’s a vote of confidence. It reaffirms that the hard work I’ve poured into overcoming barriers is recognized and valued. With this support, I can continue pushing forward not only for myself but also for those who will come after me—especially young minority students in STEM who need someone to prove that their dreams are possible too.