As a passionate math enthusiast, I love using STEM to integrate my love for math by using computer science, specifically machine learning or data science, to fuse these interests. In a world that is constantly trying to automate processes, my ultimate computer science goal would be to build or program a tool that combats an environmental issue such as deforestation. Currently, to tackle this measure, I have developed a student service learning app designed to decrease the number of trees cut down for student service learning forms while making the process easier for students in Prince George's County, Maryland. Although I am not an environmentalist, it is vital to utilize and take advantage of the technology we have designed and enhanced over the years instead of destroying our environment with tools that we can transfer into a digital platform or application. Another computer science goal I plan to accomplish is to develop and build free software that teaches mathematics to everyone using music and visual graphics that are pleasing to look at. As someone who cherishes and enjoys mathematics, everyone needs to understand one of the most challenging and beautiful languages of the universe, which is mathematics, because it is expressed using any and everything. A recent study showed that if you can not comprehend Algebra I, you are far less likely to graduate when compared to your peers. When considering this statistic, as a computer scientist or problem solver, it's crucial to tackle this issue when children are young, and one of the best ways to remember something is through music since it is scientifically proven to increase memory, alertness, and mood. However, my non-computer science goal is to open my own nonprofit organization that will allow students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to experience hands-on STEM activities to increase or inspire their academic passions. Children need to get their feet wet and experience different career and passion-based projects that will spark their curiosity and interest in STEM by completing multiple projects or experiments. As a minority in STEM, sharing and providing an experience for people who look like me and who may not have someone to look up to in some career fields is crucial to breaking the monolith and increasing diversity in these areas. Providing these services using all areas of STEM and STEAM by creating a nonprofit organization that inspires everyone, but mainly minorities, to further their studies in STEM would mean the world to me during my STEM career. To fuse these goals, I would create an online, easy, accessible program anywhere with an internet connection inside schools for students to gain insight into what they are interested in pursuing by creating a mock-internship style platform. For example, if the user aspires to be an architect, they would learn the basic math needed for architecture, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. After they had completed their math lessons, they would engage in the designing process, allowing them to build blueprints and computer-aided design models. In essence, this scholarship would serve as a catalyst for realizing my aspirations on a larger scale. It would provide me with the resources and support necessary to further develop and implement initiatives that merge my passions for mathematics, computer science, environmental conservation, and STEM education. Ultimately, it would empower me to make a tangible difference in addressing societal challenges while nurturing future generations of STEM enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. By bridging the gap between my academic pursuits and my commitment to social impact, this scholarship represents not only a personal milestone but also a significant step towards effecting meaningful change.

As a curious math enthusiast who loves to create different things such as rugs, digital products, or 3D-printed items, my personal journey probably started when I was two years old at my grandmother's house. At grandma's house, whether it was writing on the walls, struggling to complete math word problems, or reading Copycat, the book I despised, I was always learning. However, my favorite thing to learn today is math because whenever she would teach me math, she would always use her creative expression to problem solve and artistically answer equations that would catch my attention every time. After spending almost every weekend with my grandmother sparked my interest in math because of its captivating and global articulation. As an illustration, when baking sourdough bread, you can describe yeast fermentation as exponential growth. The amount of creativity it involves to teach math and make it interesting for everyone is intriguing because there are different methods for everyone whether it is music, visuals, or hands-on manipulations. Its expression is very creative. Due to my passion for creativity and mathematics, I will get my doctorate in mathematics, because I will be fortunate enough to adventure into multiple roles while doing what I love most: problem-solving and building different artifacts. Not to mention, my parents have allowed me to experience and engage in multiple STEM activities and extracurriculars that helped span my interest in math and other STEM fields like technology. Whether its Bowie State University Biomedical Competitions, Microsoft workshops, or seminars with Debbie Gary Callier, the first woman to fly in a formation aerobatic team, have helped gained a deeper interpretation of the current obstacles and the future of STEM. For instance, over the summer, I was invited to an aerospace and engineering camp at Rice University that allowed me to plan and launch a weather balloon with Orbeez inside of it to the stratosphere and experience life as an aerospace engineer at NASA's Houston Space Center. To begin with, I was the only African-American female in my class with over a hundred students from multiple backgrounds, with the majority of men dominating the field. Another eye-opening test I overcame was staying away from home for two weeks without seeing any family and living in a dorm room with a roommate. This experience prepared me for the college experience and helped me come outside my shell since I have always been introverted, not shy. I remember vividly one of my classmates from Montana telling me that her dog hates people with curly hair. In other words, always being in the hot seat since Texas is a heat dome or people are constantly questioning your abilities due to appearance can be discouraging for some, but inspiring to me. That comment, well the entire experience, has inspired me to break the monolith and showcase diversity in STEM fields that may not have a lot of people that look like me. Although I have been grateful enough to receive these experiences, I plan to impact the world through my STEM career by opening my own nonprofit organization that will allow students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to experience these STEM activities. Children need to get their feet wet and experience different career and passion-based projects that will spark their curiosity and interest in the STEM field by completing multiple projects or experiments. As a minority in STEM, sharing and providing an experience for people who look like me who may not have someone to look up to in some career fields, it is important to break the monolith and increase diversity in these areas.

As a passionate math enthusiast, I love using STEM to integrate my love for math by using computer science, specifically machine learning or data science, to fuse these interests. In a world that is constantly trying to automate processes, my ultimate computer science goal would be to build or program a tool that combats an environmental issue such as deforestation. Currently, to tackle this measure, I have developed a student service learning app designed to decrease the number of trees cut down for student service learning forms while making the process easier for students in Prince George's County, Maryland. Although I am not an environmentalist, it is vital to utilize and take advantage of the technology we have designed and enhanced over the years instead of destroying our environment with tools that we can transfer into a digital platform or application. Another computer science goal I plan to accomplish is to develop and build free software that teaches mathematics to everyone using music and visual graphics that are pleasing to look at. As someone who cherishes and enjoys mathematics, everyone needs to understand one of the most challenging and beautiful languages of the universe, which is mathematics, because it is expressed using any and everything. A recent study showed that if you can not comprehend Algebra I, you are far less likely to graduate when compared to your peers. When considering this statistic, as a computer scientist or problem solver, it's crucial to tackle this issue when children are young, and one of the best ways to remember something is through music since it is scientifically proven to increase memory, alertness, and mood. However, my non-computer science goal is to open my own nonprofit organization that will allow students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to experience hands-on STEM activities to increase or inspire their academic passions. Children need to get their feet wet and experience different career and passion-based projects that will spark their curiosity and interest in STEM by completing multiple projects or experiments. As a minority in STEM, sharing and providing an experience for people who look like me and who may not have someone to look up to in some career fields is crucial to breaking the monolith and increasing diversity in these areas. Providing these services using all areas of STEM and STEAM by creating a nonprofit organization that inspires everyone, but mainly minorities, to further their studies in STEM would mean the world to me during my STEM career. To fuse these goals, I would create an online, easy, accessible program anywhere with an internet connection inside schools for students to gain insight into what they are interested in pursuing by creating a mock-internship style platform. For example, if the user aspires to be an architect, they would learn the basic math needed for architecture, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. After they had completed their math lessons, they would engage in the designing process, allowing them to build blueprints and computer-aided design models. This interactive platform combines both my non-computer science and computer science goals by allowing students to learn mathematics and different skills through the software while decreasing the amount of deforestation through a paperless process.

My name is Jayla Haskins, and I am a math enthusiast, creator, and learner from Maryland. Since I was two years old, my grandmother has taught me math, which has drawn me to math due to its captivating, diverse, creative expression. Math has allowed me to combine and fuse my creative abilities with my passion for STEM. For example, when designing a 3D model in Blender, I can use geometry concepts such as symmetry and calculus to understand the 3D models I have created. I draw inspiration from Schoolhouse Rock's ability to transform elementary mathematical concepts into engaging, memorable songs. I also find the visual and graphic elements essential in mathematics fascinating due to their puzzle-like nature because every time I solve an equation, it feels like a sudoku puzzle. However, I am using STEM to positively impact the world by increasing automation and access to tools or software that might be difficult to understand while decreasing an environmental issue. Currently, I have designed an app for Prince George's County Schools system to increase student service engagement and decrease the number of trees cut down for student service learning forms. With STEM, I identified a painless issue that attacks two different issues: increasing student engagement in community service and decreasing education deforestation by making an online application that advertises and allows students to complete service projects swiftly. Additionally, my app will positively impact the world using STEM by building community engagement by allowing users to access community service projects in their area that will help them enhance their community. On the other hand, I have experienced STEM experiences at NASA, Rice University, and Occidental College that have allowed me to explore and learn about my passions for STEM, including launching a weather balloon, building habitats for Mars, and creating mission patches. Although I have been grateful enough to receive these experiences, I plan to impact the world through my STEM career by opening my own nonprofit organization that will allow students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to experience these STEM activities. Children need to get their feet wet and experience different career and passion-based projects that will spark their curiosity and interest in the STEM field by completing multiple projects or experiments. As a minority in STEM, sharing and providing an experience for people who look like me who may not have someone to look up to in some career fields, it is important to break the monolith and increase diversity in these areas. Providing these services using all areas of STEM and STEAM by creating a nonprofit organization that inspires everyone, but mostly, minorities to further their studies in STEM would mean the world to me during my STEM career.

As a passionate math enthusiast, I love using STEM to integrate my love for math by using computer science, specifically machine learning or data science, to fuse these interests. In a world that is constantly trying to automate processes, my ultimate computer science goal would be to build or program a tool that combats an environmental issue such as deforestation. Currently, to tackle this measure, I have developed a student service learning app designed to decrease the number of trees cut down for student service learning forms while making the process easier for students in Prince George's County, Maryland. Although I am not an environmentalist, it is vital to utilize and take advantage of the technology we have designed and enhanced over the years instead of destroying our environment with tools that we can transfer into a digital platform or application. Another computer science goal I plan to accomplish is to develop and build free software that teaches mathematics to everyone using music and visual graphics that are pleasing to look at. As someone who cherishes and enjoys mathematics, everyone needs to understand one of the most challenging and beautiful languages of the universe, which is mathematics, because it is expressed using any and everything. A recent study showed that if you can not comprehend Algebra I, you are far less likely to graduate when compared to your peers. When considering this statistic, as a computer scientist or problem solver, it's crucial to tackle this issue when children are young, and one of the best ways to remember something is through music since it is scientifically proven to increase memory, alertness, and mood. However, my non-computer science goal is to open my own nonprofit organization that will allow students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to experience hands-on STEM activities to increase or inspire their academic passions. Children need to get their feet wet and experience different career and passion-based projects that will spark their curiosity and interest in STEM by completing multiple projects or experiments. As a minority in STEM, sharing and providing an experience for people who look like me and who may not have someone to look up to in some career fields is crucial to breaking the monolith and increasing diversity in these areas. Providing these services using all areas of STEM and STEAM by creating a nonprofit organization that inspires everyone, but mainly minorities, to further their studies in STEM would mean the world to me during my STEM career. To fuse these goals, I would create an online, easy, accessible program that can be accessed anywhere with internet connection inside schools for students to gain insight into what they are interested in pursuing by creating a mock-internship style platform. For example, if the user aspires to be an architect, they would learn the basic math needed for architecture, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. After they had completed their math lessons, they would engage in the designing process, allowing them to build blueprints and computer-aided design models. This interactive platform combines both my non-computer science and computer science goals by allowing students to learn mathematics and different skills through the software while decreasing the amount of deforestation through a paperless process.

As a curious math enthusiast who loves to create different artifacts such as rugs, digital products, or 3D-printed items, my personal journey probably started when I was two years old at my grandmother's house. At grandma's house, whether it was writing on the walls, struggling to complete math word problems, or reading Copycat, the book I despised, I was always learning. Spending almost every weekend with my grandmother sparked my interest in math because of its captivating and global articulation. As an illustration, when baking sourdough bread, you can describe yeast fermentation as exponential growth. The amount of creativity it involves to teach math and make it interesting for everyone is intriguing because there are different methods for everyone whether it is music, visuals, or hands-on manipulations. Its expression is very creative. Due to my passion for creativity and mathematics, I will get my doctorate in mathematics, because I will be fortunate enough to adventure into multiple roles while doing what I love most: problem-solving and building different artifacts. Not to mention, my parents have allowed me to experience and engage in multiple STEM activities and extracurriculars that helped span my interest in math and other STEM fields like technology. Whether its Bowie State University Biomedical Competitions, Microsoft workshops, or seminars with Debbie Gary Callier, the first woman to fly in a formation aerobatic team, have helped gained a deeper interpretation of the current obstacles and the future of STEM. For instance, over the summer, I was invited to an aerospace and engineering camp at Rice University that allowed me to plan and launch a weather balloon with Orbeez inside of it to the stratosphere and experience life as an aerospace engineer at NASA's Houston Space Center. This experience was probably one of the most eye-opening things I have ever done for multiple reasons. To begin with, I was the only African-American female in my class with over a hundred students from multiple backgrounds, with the majority of men dominating the field. Another eye-opening test I overcame was staying away from home for two weeks without seeing any family and living in a dorm room with a roommate. This experience prepared me for the college experience and helped me come outside my shell since I have always been introverted, not shy. In other words, always being in the hot seat since Texas is a heat dome or people are constantly questioning your abilities due to appearance can be discouraging for some, but inspiring to me. The entire experience has inspired me to break the monolith and showcase diversity in STEM fields that may not have a lot of people that look like me. Although I have been grateful enough to receive these experiences, I plan to impact the world through my STEM career by opening my own nonprofit organization that will allow students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to experience these STEM activities. Children need to get their feet wet and experience different career and passion-based projects that will spark their curiosity and interest in the STEM field by completing multiple projects or experiments. As a minority in STEM, sharing and providing an experience for people who look like me who may not have someone to look up to in some career fields, it is important to break the monolith and increase diversity in these areas. Providing these services using all areas of STEM and STEAM by creating a nonprofit organization that inspires everyone, but mostly, minorities to further their studies in STEM would mean the world to me during my STEM career.

My name is Jayla Haskins, and I am a math enthusiast, creator, and learner from Maryland. Since I was two years old, my grandmother has taught me math, which has drawn me to math due to its captivating, diverse, creative expression. Math has allowed me to combine and fuse my creative abilities with my passion for STEM. For example, when designing a 3D model in Blender, I can use geometry concepts such as symmetry and calculus to understand the 3D models I have created. I draw inspiration from Schoolhouse Rock's ability to transform elementary mathematical concepts into engaging, memorable songs. I also find the visual and graphic elements essential in mathematics fascinating due to their puzzle-like nature because every time I solve an equation, it feels like a sudoku puzzle. However, I am using STEM to positively impact the world by increasing automation and access to tools or software that might be difficult to understand while decreasing an environmental issue. Currently, I have designed an app for Prince George's County Schools system to increase student service engagement and decrease the number of trees cut down for student service learning forms. With STEM, I identified a painless issue that attacks two different issues: increasing student engagement in community service and decreasing education deforestation by making an online application that advertises and allows students to complete service projects swiftly. Additionally, my app will positively impact the world using STEM by building community engagement by allowing users to access community service projects in their area that will help them enhance their community. On the other hand, I have experienced STEM experiences at NASA, Rice University, and Occidental College that have allowed me to explore and learn about my passions for STEM, including launching a weather balloon, building habitats for Mars, and creating mission patches. Although I have been grateful enough to receive these experiences, I plan to impact the world through my STEM career by opening my own nonprofit organization that will allow students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to experience these STEM activities. Children need to get their feet wet and experience different career and passion-based projects that will spark their curiosity and interest in the STEM field by completing multiple projects or experiments. As a minority in STEM, sharing and providing an experience for people who look like me who may not have someone to look up to in some career fields, it is important to break the monolith and increase diversity in these areas. Providing these services using all areas of STEM and STEAM by creating a nonprofit organization that inspires everyone, but mostly minorities, to further their studies in STEM would mean the world to me during my STEM career.

In a futuristic society dominated by the advancements of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), I am compelled to pursue STEM fields as a means to defy conventional norms and create a unique narrative. My choice is not merely a response to the evolving technological landscape but a deliberate effort to contribute to positive change while breaking gender stereotypes in the field. The allure of STEM lies in its potential to break away from mindless automation and societal expectations. STEM, in my perspective, is not just about technological advancements but an avenue to influence and reshape societal perceptions. I see it as an opportunity to modernize the conventional notion of peer pressure into positive influence, inspiring individuals to partake in STEM trends and chart their distinctive paths. Being a woman in STEM means navigating challenges and overcoming stereotypes. I have chosen to immerse myself in the intricate world of data science programming and computer-aided design (CAD), spending countless hours mastering tools like NumPy and Blender to develop hands-on experience. In this pursuit, I often find myself opting for physics over unnecessary teacher education classes, challenging the prevailing notion that completion holds more weight than the practical application of knowledge. To showcase my commitment and skills, I actively engage with extracurricular activities such as the math club, the National Society of Black Engineers, and TechGirlz. These platforms not only allow me to highlight my lifelong skills but also serve as an opportunity to inspire and encourage diversity within the STEM community. I am breaking the monolith, challenging preconceived notions about who belongs in STEM, and advocating for a more inclusive representation. In the prevailing narrative where STEM money is equated with drug money, I am motivated to reshape this perception. My vision extends beyond personal success; it encompasses making a tangible difference as a woman in the field. I aspire to redefine success in STEM, moving away from the stereotypes depicted in the media. Instead of a narrative of fighting on TV, I aim to celebrate individuals with Ph.Ds, contributing to a more accurate and positive portrayal of STEM professionals. Looking forward, I envision myself as a catalyst for change—a quadrillionaire not just in financial terms but in the impact I hope to make. Through my journey in STEM, I aim to inspire others, particularly women, to join the field and challenge the status quo. Whether through pioneering developments in data science or contributing to space exploration, my goal is to foster a future where STEM is accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, and serves as a beacon for innovation and inclusivity.

My passion for mathematics is deeply rooted in its captivating and global articulation, connecting seamlessly with various aspects of my life. From the intricate art of baking and the complexities of orbital mechanics to the nostalgic melodies of my childhood favorite, Schoolhouse Rock, math has become the thread that weaves through my major. One of the most enchanting aspects of mathematics, for me, lies in its ability to articulate real-world phenomena. Take, for instance, the art of baking sourdough bread, where yeast fermentation can be beautifully described as exponential growth. This practical application not only showcases the versatility of mathematical concepts but also adds a layer of creativity to an everyday activity. The influence of Schoolhouse Rock further underscores my love for mathematics. Watching elementary mathematical concepts being transformed into engaging, memorable songs was not only educational but also a testament to the universal and timeless nature of math. This blend of entertainment and education left an indelible mark, reinforcing my belief in the power of math to transcend barriers and make learning an enjoyable experience. Moreover, the visual and graphic elements intrinsic to mathematics have always fascinated me. Solving equations feels akin to unraveling a sudoku puzzle—each step a calculated move toward the final solution. This puzzle-like nature adds an element of challenge and excitement to the problem-solving process, turning each mathematical endeavor into a mentally stimulating experience. During my elements of numbers and operations class, my professor further heightened my appreciation for the real-world applications of mathematics, often using cakes as tangible examples. This hands-on approach not only made complex mathematical concepts more accessible but also emphasized the practical relevance of math in our daily lives. The fusion of visual, auditory, and real-world applications within mathematics not only resonates with me deeply but also fuels my desire to pursue advanced studies in this ever-evolving field. In essence, my love for mathematics is not confined to abstract theories; it is a dynamic and immersive experience that intersects with my passions, interests, and daily life. As I embark on my journey to delve deeper into the world of mathematics, I am driven by the belief that its universal language has the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

My name is Jayla Haskins, and my journey as a dedicated leader with a passion for mathematics, graphic design, orbital mechanics, and baking has been shaped by a profound commitment to community building, leadership, and service. In this essay, I will delve into the various extracurricular activities that have defined my high school experience and discuss how this scholarship will play a pivotal role in furthering my academic and community-oriented aspirations. As a natural-born leader, I actively engage in extracurricular activities that reflect my dedication to inspiring others and contributing to the greater good. Serving as the president of the National Honor Society (NHS) and as a co-captain and data manager for PeerForward, my roles allow me to actively build and nurture a sense of community while creating impactful interactions that enhance the skills of everyone involved. These experiences, along with my participation in Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the Class of 2024 Student Council, have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of leadership and community service. My involvement in NHS and PeerForward has led to tangible impacts on the community. As the president of NHS, I've mobilized peer support, leading successful initiatives like the Thanksgiving canned food drive, where we raised an impressive 500 pounds of food in just four days. Similarly, as a co-captain and data manager for PeerForward, I've witnessed the transformative power of education in the lives of my peers, closing educational gaps for those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Our initiatives have contributed to significant milestones, such as more than 75% of our college seniors applying to three or more institutions. Looking forward, my academic goals involve pursuing a doctoral degree in mathematics, with a concentration in aerospace engineering. I aspire to work with SpaceX or NASA, contributing to the launch and construction of commercial space flights. Additionally, I plan to develop an app challenging hidden narratives and encouraging interest in problem-solving career fields, especially among minority women. This scholarship is a game-changer in my pursuit of higher education and community impact. It will provide the financial support necessary to purchase materials, fund online certification courses, and focus on academic goals without the burden of extensive work-study commitments. Strengthening my academic vocabulary and knowledge through books and courses will prepare me for various situations, whether communicating complex ideas or engaging in the intricate field of rocket science. Beyond academic pursuits, my commitment to civic engagement is ongoing. I am developing a community service hour app to encourage youth to give back and preserve the environment. This project, proposed to the Maryland State Board of Education, reflects my dedication to making a lasting impact on the community and empowering others to contribute meaningfully. In conclusion, I am Jayla Haskins, a dedicated and passionate individual committed to leadership, community service, and academic excellence. This scholarship is not only a financial support system for my educational pursuits but a catalyst for furthering my community-oriented initiatives. With this assistance, I am confident that I can continue making significant contributions to both my academic and local communities, leaving a positive and lasting impact.

What inspires me to get involved in my community is an unwavering passion for leadership, service, and community building. As Jayla Haskins, my journey is characterized by a selfless, self-motivated spirit, a love for mathematics and problem-solving, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around me. The following narrative details how I have actively worked to influence change in my community through various extracurricular activities, such as my roles as the president of the National Honor Society (NHS), co-captain and data manager for PeerForward, and involvement in Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the Class of 2024 Student Council. My inspiration to get involved in the community stems from a natural-born leadership inclination and the desire to contribute to the greater good. As the president of NHS, I am motivated by the opportunity to leverage my organizational and planning skills to mobilize peer support and increase resources for our community. The Thanksgiving canned food drive, where we raised an impressive 500 pounds of food in just four days, is a testament to the tangible impact of our collective efforts. Witnessing the positive change and the sense of community that resulted from these endeavors fuels my passion for service and motivates me to continue making a difference. Similarly, my dedication to PeerForward as a co-captain and data manager is grounded in the belief that education can be a transformative force. We work tirelessly to motivate peers to pursue their post-secondary goals, closing educational gaps for those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Our initiatives, such as resume and application building for underclassmen, exemplify the commitment to influencing positive change by providing information and resources that empower individuals to reach their full potential. Both PeerForward and NHS play pivotal roles in influencing change by raising awareness of current challenges in the community. PeerForward, with its focus on informing students about post-secondary educational opportunities, aims to bridge educational gaps for those who might not have access to such information. More than 75% of our college seniors applying to three or more institutions is a direct result of our efforts. Similarly, NHS, featured in a news article by NAASP, has brought well-deserved recognition to our community through impactful service projects, fostering a compassionate and supportive atmosphere. My academic and professional goals serve as catalysts for influencing change in my community. Pursuing a doctoral degree in mathematics, with a focus on aerospace engineering, aligns with my commitment to problem-solving and contributing to innovative fields. Working with SpaceX or NASA and developing an app challenging hidden narratives are not just personal ambitions but avenues through which I plan to inspire interest in problem-solving careers, especially among minority women. My contributions to the community are ongoing and evolving. Beyond my current involvements, the development of a community service hour app is a testament to my commitment to encouraging youth to give back and preserving the environment. The proposal to the Maryland State Board of Education showcases my dedication to civic engagement and my belief in the power of awareness to drive positive change. In conclusion, what inspires me to get involved in my community is the genuine desire to make a positive impact. Through my roles in extracurricular activities, academic pursuits, and professional ambitions, I actively work to influence change by raising awareness, providing resources, and inspiring others to reach their full potential. The scholarship serves as a crucial enabler in this journey, empowering me to continue making meaningful contributions to the community that go beyond the classroom and into the fabric of positive change.

In my journey as a selfless, self-motivated leader with a passion for mathematics, graphic design, orbital mechanics, and baking, I've found profound fulfillment in actively contributing to my community through various extracurricular activities. As Jayla Haskins, my commitment to community building, leadership, and service has driven my involvement in leadership positions such as president of the National Honor Society (NHS), co-captain and data manager for PeerForward, and roles in Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the Class of 2024 Student Council. In my role as the president of NHS, I utilize my organizational and planning skills to mobilize peer support and increase resources for our community. For instance, our Thanksgiving canned food drive successfully raised 500 pounds of food in just four days, showcasing the tangible impact of our collective efforts. Similarly, as a co-captain and data manager for PeerForward, my dedication is deeply rooted in motivating peers to pursue their post-secondary goals, bridging educational gaps for students from low socio-economic backgrounds. More than 75% of our college seniors have applied to three or more institutions, and we've initiated programs to guide underclassmen in resume and application building. Both PeerForward and NHS play crucial roles in benefiting the community by raising awareness of current challenges. PeerForward, particularly, aims to inform students about post-secondary educational opportunities they might not have access to otherwise. Witnessing the transformative power of education and self-belief in the lives of my peers brings immense joy and reinforces my commitment to civic engagement. Academy of Health Sciences NHS, featured in a news article by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, has created a positive atmosphere through service projects like food drives, blood drives, and words of encouragement initiatives, fostering a compassionate and supportive community. Looking forward, my academic goals involve pursuing a doctoral degree in mathematics with a concentration in aerospace engineering, aligning with my love for problem-solving. I aspire to work with SpaceX or NASA, contributing to the launch and construction of commercial space flights. Additionally, I plan to develop an app challenging hidden narratives and encouraging interest in intensive problem-solving career fields, especially among minority women. This scholarship is a pivotal stepping stone in achieving my academic goals and positively impacting my community. With financial assistance, I can purchase necessary materials, fund online certification courses, and reduce the need for extensive work-study, allowing me to focus on my academic pursuits and contribute meaningfully to society. My contributions to the community are just beginning. Beyond my current involvements, I am developing a community service hour app to encourage youth to give back and preserve the environment. This project, proposed to the Maryland State Board of Education, exemplifies my dedication to civic engagement and my commitment to making a lasting impact on my community. In conclusion, my journey is defined by a genuine passion for community building, leadership, and service, all fueled by the desire to positively impact the world around me. Through academic pursuits and civic engagement, I aim to inspire others, break societal norms, and contribute meaningfully to the greater good.

The first step on my journey to becoming a quadrillionaire involves delivering a TED talk. My name is Jayla Haskins, and I am a selfless, self-motivated leader with a passion for mathematics, graphic design, orbital mechanics, and baking. In my spare time, I enjoy creating products, whether it's a spontaneous cover song of Tyla Water or a proposal for an app to submit to the Maryland State Board of Education. Most importantly, my ultimate life goal is to become a quadrillionaire by helping others globally, as my favorite number is four. Following the TED talk and the completion of high school, I intend to pursue a doctoral degree in mathematics, likely focusing on applied mathematics with a concentration in aerospace engineering. This choice aligns with my love for problem-solving, and I believe that math can be applied to any field. Throughout my academic journey, I plan to surround myself with like-minded individuals who will help me grow and enhance our skill sets. During my free time, when not studying or taking a break from my tour, I will obtain online certifications to further expand my experience and overall joy of learning. In addition to my academic pursuits, I aspire to work with SpaceX or NASA, contributing to the launch and construction of commercial space flights to Saturn, where it rains diamonds. Additionally, while in school, I aim to develop an app that automates a process or inspires individuals like me to break the monolith and challenge hidden narratives. In a time where minority women are often portrayed negatively in the media, my goal is to encourage interest in physics, quantum mechanics, and other intensive problem-solving career fields. After touring and participating in multiple press conferences, thanks to the support of this scholarship, I will make a significant impact by furthering my education. This financial assistance will enable me to purchase necessary materials, fund online certification courses, and focus on my academic goals, reducing the need for extensive work-study. Strengthening my academic vocabulary and knowledge through books and courses will prepare me for any situation, whether communicating with others or engaging in rocket science. Although I acknowledge there is much more work ahead, I have already made contributions to my community through active involvement in the organization PeerForward, where I serve as the data manager and co-captain. Our efforts have inspired peers to take educational risks, closing educational gaps for those from low socio-economic backgrounds by providing information about post-secondary opportunities. Over 75% of our college seniors have applied to three or more institutions, and we have initiated resume and application building for underclassmen. This involvement serves as a reminder that building awareness is crucial for achieving goals. In conclusion, my contributions are just beginning. I am currently developing a community service hour app to preserve the environment and encourage youth to give back. I have proposed this project to the Maryland State Board of Education, and I am eager to see what the future holds.

In my role as a natural-born leader, I am passionately engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, driven by my desire to inspire others and contribute to the greater good. My involvement extends across several leadership positions, including serving as the president of my school's National Honor Society (NHS) and as a co-captain and data manager for PeerForward. These roles allow me to actively build and nurture a sense of community while creating impactful interactions that enhance the skills of everyone involved, including my own. As the president of NHS, I leverage my organizational and planning skills to mobilize peer support, ultimately increasing resources for our community. An illustrative example of our impact was during our Thanksgiving canned food drive, where we successfully raised an impressive 500 pounds of food in just four days. Witnessing the tangible results of our efforts fuels my passion for NHS, reinforcing my commitment to using my voice to empower youth in continuous acts of service, making a positive impact on the world around us. Similarly, my dedication to PeerForward as a co-captain and data manager is deeply rooted in my commitment to motivating peers to achieve their post-secondary goals. Our mission is to foster a sense of community and encourage our peers to take risks and believe in themselves, whether pursuing education at a trade school, college, or joining the military. This involvement brings me immense joy, as I witness firsthand the transformative power of education and self-belief in the lives of my peers. While these are just a couple of the extracurricular activities I am involved in, I acknowledge that they make a substantial impact, possibly overshadowing my roles in Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the Class of 2024 Student Council (my sincere apologies to the sponsors). PeerForward and National Honor Society play a vital role in benefiting my community by raising awareness of current challenges. PeerForward, in particular, aims to bridge the education gaps for students from low socio-economic backgrounds by informing them about post-secondary educational opportunities they might not have access to otherwise. My involvement in PeerForward has contributed to a significant milestone, with more than 75% of our college seniors applying to three or more institutions. Additionally, we have initiated programs to guide underclassmen in resume and application building, encouraging them to explore their career interests through passion projects. The impact of NHS is equally noteworthy, as our chapter has been featured in a news article by the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals, bringing well-deserved recognition to our community. Our service projects, including food drives, blood drives, and words of encouragement projects, have not only increased youth participation in community service but have also created a positive atmosphere. The kindness and support shared among peers during these initiatives demonstrate that extending a helping hand, whether through a can or a word of encouragement, is crucial in fostering a compassionate and supportive community. In conclusion, my extracurricular involvements are driven by a genuine passion for community building, leadership, and service. Through NHS and PeerForward, I actively contribute to addressing current community challenges, empowering my peers to pursue their educational goals, and creating a positive environment that ripples through our community, promoting kindness and collective support.