Before I ever thought about building technology for first responders, I was one. I served as a Detroit police officer and later became a firefighter in Georgia. Both careers taught me that service is not always comfortable or convenient. Sometimes it means stepping into difficult situations because someone needs you there. Although my path has changed, that desire to serve has not. Today, I am a first-generation college student pursuing Robotics Engineering, learning how I can turn problems I once witnessed firsthand into solutions. My drive comes largely from the way I was raised. I am the youngest of four daughters raised by a single father who worked constantly to provide for us. I watched him make sacrifices so his daughters could have opportunities he did not. That example stayed with me when I moved to Georgia to become a firefighter. A month after moving, I suddenly found myself without a place to stay. For two months, I lived out of my car while attending the fire academy. I studied beneath a battery-powered lamp, sometimes went without a meal and returned to training the next morning. Eventually, I secured my first apartment on my own and graduated from the academy. That experience taught me that circumstances can make a goal harder without making it impossible. Service has followed me through every stage of my life. While policing in Detroit, I participated in community outreach that allowed me to interact with families outside of emergency calls. We hosted community BBQs and organized backpack and coat giveaways for children preparing to return to school. Those experiences showed me another side of service. Helping a community is not only about being there during a crisis. It is also about showing up before one happens, building relationships and using whatever position you have to make someone's life a little easier. Later, firefighting strengthened that sense of responsibility and taught me how much people depend on one another when conditions become difficult. Now I want to carry that responsibility into engineering. As a firefighter, I experienced environments where smoke could make it difficult to see directly in front of you. My long-term goal is to develop a heat-resistant search-and-rescue rover that could enter hazardous environments before firefighters, using sensors, cameras and intelligent software to help locate victims and provide responders with information about the conditions ahead. Robotics Engineering will give me the foundation in programming, electronics, mechanical systems and automation needed to turn ideas like this into working technology. My goals also extend beyond emergency response. Watching my grandmother struggle with mobility has made assistive robotics personal to me. Eventually, I want to establish a robotics company that develops affordable, reliable technology for first responders and people with mobility challenges. I also want the opportunities created by that company to extend beyond the products we build. I want to create youth robotics competitions, mentorship programs and scholarships that give young people opportunities to explore STEM regardless of their financial circumstances. As a Black, first-generation engineering student, I understand how important it is not only to see someone like you in STEM, but to have a real opportunity to participate in it. My education is not simply about changing my career. It is about expanding the way I serve and eventually creating opportunities for others to build something of their own.

1. I am a first-generation college student pursuing Robotics Engineering, but engineering was not where my journey began. I first served as a Detroit police officer and later became a firefighter in Georgia. Both careers allowed me to serve people during some of their most difficult moments, but over time, I realized I wanted to contribute in a different way: by creating solutions to problems I had witnessed firsthand. That realization eventually led me back to college and into Robotics Engineering. My motivation also comes from home. I am the youngest of four daughters raised by a single father who worked constantly to provide for us. I watched him sacrifice his time, energy and wants to make sure his daughters had what we needed. I want the life I build to make those sacrifices mean something, not only by creating stability for my family, but by giving others opportunities we did not always have. If I could do anything with my life, I would establish a robotics company that develops affordable, reliable technology for first responders and people with mobility challenges. I envision search-and-rescue robots capable of entering hazardous environments and assistive devices that help older adults maintain their independence, a goal made personal by watching my grandmother struggle with mobility. Eventually, I want that company to reach beyond the technology it creates. Through youth robotics competitions, mentorship and scholarships, I hope to help young people see engineering as a possibility for their own futures, especially those from backgrounds like mine. 2. What excites me about STEM is that an idea does not have to remain an idea. A problem can become a question, that question can become a design and eventually that design can become something capable of helping someone. That process is what draws me to Robotics Engineering. As a firefighter, I experienced environments where smoke could make it difficult to see even directly in front of you. Those experiences gave me an idea I hope to someday turn into reality: a heat-resistant search-and-rescue rover capable of entering hazardous environments before firefighters do. Using sensors, cameras and intelligent software, it could gather information, help locate victims and give responders a better understanding of the conditions they are entering. I do not want technology to replace first responders; I want it to become another tool they can depend on. Information technology would play an essential role in making systems like this possible. I want to learn how robots process sensor data, navigate changing environments and communicate useful information back to the people operating them. My interests also extend beyond emergency response. Watching my grandmother experience mobility challenges has made me interested in assistive robotics that could help older adults remain independent in their own homes. Whether I am developing technology for a firefighter entering a burning building or an older adult trying to move safely through their home, what truly excites me about STEM is the same: taking a difficult human problem and asking, “How can I build something that helps?” 3. The greatest challenge I have overcome was homelessness while attending the fire academy in Georgia. A month after moving, I suddenly found myself without a place to stay. I knew no one there, and for two months, my car became my home. It was winter. After demanding days of training, I returned to my car instead of a warm apartment. Some nights I could not afford a meal. I washed up at a nearby gas station and studied my firefighter textbooks beneath a battery-powered lamp, preparing for the next day while my body ached from the last. I was the only woman in my academy class, determined to prove to myself that I belonged. Returning to Michigan was an option, but I had come to Georgia with a mission: to become a firefighter. I decided I would exhaust every resource before giving up on that goal. After two months, I secured my first apartment on my own, continued through the academy and graduated. Those months changed how I understand strength and taught me never to take the little things for granted: a warm bath after a hard day's work, a hot meal fresh off the stove or having a safe place to sleep. I learned that I could be uncertain, exhausted and afraid while still taking the next step toward something important. Today, as I pursue Robotics Engineering, I carry that same commitment into my education. Difficult circumstances may change my path, but they do not have to end it.

For most of my life, I believed I knew how to succeed in school. Concepts came naturally to me, and I rarely had to study for long periods to perform well. Because of that, I developed study habits that matched the level of challenge I had experienced. When I returned to college as a first-generation student pursuing robotics engineering, I assumed those same habits would carry me through. Engineering quickly proved me wrong. The first real obstacle I encountered was not a lack of motivation or effort—it was understanding. My early chemistry courses demanded more than memorization. They required me to understand why concepts worked and apply them to unfamiliar problems. At the same time, I was balancing multiple demanding STEM courses, each requiring significant time and attention. The volume of information became overwhelming, and for the first time in my academic life, I found myself working hard without seeing the results I expected. My first instinct was simply to work longer. I reread notes, reviewed textbook chapters repeatedly, and spent more hours studying. Yet my performance barely changed because I was solving the wrong problem. I kept asking myself why more effort was not producing better results. Eventually, I realized I was not struggling with intelligence—I was struggling with system design. The methods that had helped me succeed for years were no longer designed for the complexity of engineering coursework. Once I recognized that, I stopped trying to force my old approach to work and started building a new one. Asking for tutoring was surprisingly difficult because I had never needed it before. It required admitting that determination alone was not enough. During tutoring sessions, I focused less on finding the right answers and more on understanding the reasoning behind them. Instead of passively reviewing information, I practiced problems repeatedly until I could explain each step without relying on my notes. I also rebuilt how I managed my time. Every hour of my day was intentionally scheduled around classes, assignments, tutoring sessions, and independent practice, often stretching late into the night and early morning. While the schedule was demanding, it taught me consistency rather than urgency. Instead of cramming before exams, I created a routine that allowed me to build understanding one concept at a time. Looking back, I unknowingly approached my education the same way an engineer approaches a design problem. I identified where the process was failing, tested new approaches, kept what worked, and discarded what did not. The experience taught me that success is rarely about working harder alone; it is about having the humility to recognize when a system no longer works and the discipline to redesign it. If I faced the same challenge again, I would seek help much earlier. I have learned that asking questions is not a sign of weakness but an investment in growth. Engineering has taught me far more than chemistry, calculus, or physics. It has taught me that every difficult problem is an opportunity to improve the system that created it. That lesson has changed the way I study, the way I solve problems, and ultimately, the way I see myself. The first system I ever learned to redesign was not a robot or a machine. It was myself.

I lost my older brother when I was six years old. I do not remember every conversation with him. What I remember is the space he left behind. I remember how certain topics quieted when his name came up, and how my father carried himself differently in the years that followed. Even as a child, I understood that something in our home had permanently changed, even if I did not yet have the language to explain it. My brother was my father’s oldest child and only son. He was remembered as strong, disciplined, and capable of achieving anything he set his mind to. He had enlisted in the Air Force and passed the ASVAB, working toward becoming a pilot. In our home, his life was spoken about in fragments—accomplishments, expectations, and what might have come next. Over time, I came to understand that my father was not only grieving who my brother was, but also the future he would never get to live. That changed my father’s life. Watching that change shaped mine. As I grew older, I began to understand what it meant to grow up in the space his story left unfinished. I was not compared to him directly, but I was aware of the standard his life had set. There was an unspoken expectation tied to our family name, and I began to understand that I was growing into a story that had been interrupted too early. That understanding became less about pressure and more about responsibility. Because my brother could not continue the family legacy, I felt a responsibility to carry it forward—not because anyone asked me to, but because I wanted to. That choice shaped the direction of my life. I became a police officer, later a firefighter, and now I am pursuing robotics engineering. Each path reflected a desire to build a life grounded in discipline, service, and purpose. I cannot become the son my father lost. But I can become someone my brother would have been proud to call family. What has stayed with me most is not only the loss itself, but the meaning my family has made from it. My brother’s life represents potential that was never fully realized, and that awareness has shaped how I view my own time. It is why I do not take opportunity for granted, and why I move through life with urgency and intention. Time is not guaranteed, and I have learned to treat it as something that must be used with purpose. That perspective is what led me toward robotics engineering. Engineering allows me to turn discipline and problem-solving into something tangible. My goal is to design technology that improves safety and reduces risk in environments where people should not always have to be vulnerable. In that way, my work is not separate from my brother’s memory—it is connected to the values his life represented: courage, determination, and service. I carry his memory forward not as something that holds me in the past, but as something that shapes how I move into the future. His story reminds me that while life can be unexpectedly short, it can still leave behind meaning that continues through the lives of others. I am still discovering who I am as I grow into my education and future in engineering, but I move forward with a name that carries both loss and legacy. That awareness does not define my path, but it grounds it in purpose. It is what I try to honor through the way I learn, the way I work, and the future I am building.

Selected Paragraph (from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho): "People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being. Perhaps that's why they give up on it so early, too. But that's the way it is. The mysterious force that convinces them to give up on their Personal Legend does exist." Growing up, I believed purpose was something people discovered early in life. I admired people who seemed to know exactly who they wanted to become and followed a straight path toward it. When I first read Paulo Coelho's words, I assumed they were simply encouraging readers to chase their dreams. After sitting with the passage and reflecting on my own journey, I realized I had misunderstood it. I don't believe Coelho is saying that dreams are easy to pursue or that everyone recognizes them immediately. Instead, I believe he is revealing how life's responsibilities, setbacks, and unexpected turns can make us lose sight of who we were meant to become—even as those very experiences prepare us for that purpose. When Coelho writes about a "mysterious force," I do not think he is referring to fate or some supernatural power. I believe that force is life itself. It is the pressure to choose security over passion, responsibility over curiosity, and practicality over possibility. Those choices are not failures; they are often necessary. Yet over time, they can convince us that the dreams we once held are no longer realistic. For years, I believed I had taken the wrong path. I became a police officer, then later a firefighter. Neither career resembled the future I imagined for myself as a robotics engineering student and, ultimately, an inventor. If someone had looked at my life then, they probably would not have guessed that engineering was still waiting for me. Looking back, however, I no longer see those years as detours. Responding to emergencies taught me to remain calm under pressure. Working with people on their worst days taught me empathy. Solving unpredictable problems taught me to think critically when no perfect solution existed. Those experiences did not pull me away from my Personal Legend; they quietly prepared me for it. That realization changed the way I understood both Coelho's words and my own life. Returning to college as a first-generation student did not feel like abandoning everything I had built. Instead, it felt like finally recognizing why each chapter had unfolded the way it did. Robotics engineering allows me to combine the discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills I developed through public service with my passion for creating technology that improves lives. My ultimate goal is to become an inventor whose work makes dangerous professions safer and expands what technology can do for people facing real-world challenges. What I find most meaningful about this passage is that Coelho never says the mysterious force wins. It may delay a person's purpose. It may disguise it beneath responsibility or uncertainty. But it cannot erase it. A Personal Legend does not disappear simply because life takes an unexpected direction. Sometimes it waits patiently until experience gives us the wisdom to recognize it. Today, I no longer measure my life by how early I found my purpose. I measure it by how every experience—even the ones I once questioned—prepared me to fulfill it. That, to me, is the underlying meaning of Coelho's words. Our greatest obstacle is not that we are incapable of achieving our dreams. It is believing that the road we have already traveled has somehow disqualified us from pursuing them. My journey has taught me the opposite: every step prepared me to become exactly who I was meant to be.

Higher education represents an opportunity to completely change the trajectory of my life and my family’s future. I grew up in Ferndale, Michigan as the youngest of four girls raised by a single father. Financially, life was difficult at times. My father worked constantly to provide for us, but despite his efforts, there were moments when our water or electricity would be shut off because money was tight. Even through those hardships, he always found ways to protect us emotionally and make difficult situations feel less heavy. Watching my father sacrifice for our family motivated me to pursue a future where I can create financial stability not only for myself, but for the people who sacrificed so much for me. As a first-generation college student studying robotics engineering, I initially underestimated how demanding college would be. High school came naturally to me, so adjusting to the workload and expectations during my first year was challenging. However, that experience forced me to grow. I learned how to study strategically, apply myself consistently, and develop discipline in ways I never had before. Higher education is helping me develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue my long-term goal of creating technology that protects lives and improves accessibility for others. My experiences in firefighting significantly shaped this vision. During search-and-rescue operations, firefighters often enter smoke-filled structures with little to no visibility while facing collapsing floors, collapsing ceilings, and limited oxygen supplies. In some fires, firefighters cannot even see their own hands in front of their masks while searching for victims inside collapsing buildings. Witnessing those dangers inspired me to pursue the development of advanced rescue robotics capable of locating victims and assessing dangerous environments before firefighters fully enter unstable structures. I want to create technology that makes emergency response safer and more efficient while helping reduce firefighter injuries and fatalities. In addition to emergency-response robotics, I also hope to develop assistive technologies for people living with physical disabilities and chronic pain. Watching my grandmother struggle with arthritis and leg pain has shown me how meaningful mobility and independence truly are. I believe education gives people the ability to create lasting positive change. For me, higher education is not only a path toward personal stability, but also a pathway toward service, innovation, and impact. My ultimate goal is to use my education to build technologies that improve people’s lives while creating opportunities and stability for my family and future generations.

If I could build one thing to impact both my community and the world around me, it would be advanced search-and-rescue robotics designed specifically for emergency response situations. My inspiration for this goal comes directly from my experiences in firefighting and emergency situations. Search-and-rescue operations are among the most dangerous responsibilities firefighters face. In many fires, thick black smoke destroys visibility completely. At times, firefighters cannot even see their own hands in front of their masks. Because of this, crews often rely on what is known as the “wall method,” staying close to walls and using long poles to search rooms while trying not to become lost inside the structure. At the same time, there are dangers firefighters cannot immediately see. Floors weakened by fire can collapse without warning. Ceilings can cave in overhead, and oxygen supplies are limited. If firefighters lose air while trapped inside a structure, they can quickly become victims themselves. Witnessing these dangers firsthand changed the way I think about engineering. I began imagining robotic systems capable of entering dangerous environments before firefighters fully commit to a search. Specifically, I envision spider-like rescue robots that could move through smoke-filled buildings while remaining low to the ground, where visibility is often better because smoke rises higher in the structure. These robots could provide firefighters with thermal imaging, structural mapping, environmental sensors, live communication feeds, and the exact location of trapped victims before crews enter unstable conditions blindly. Instead of wasting valuable time searching room by room, firefighters could move more efficiently while reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities. As a first-generation college student pursuing robotics engineering, my education represents more than personal success. Growing up in a financially struggling household in Ferndale, Michigan, I witnessed how difficult life can become without stability and opportunity. My father worked tirelessly to raise four daughters on his own while trying to shield us from hardships such as our utilities being shut off. Those experiences motivated me to pursue a future where I can create both financial stability for my family and meaningful innovations that protect others. Beyond emergency-response technology, I also hope to create robotics that improve quality of life for individuals suffering from mobility limitations and chronic pain. Watching my grandmother struggle with severe arthritis and leg pain has inspired me to think about how technology can restore comfort and independence to people who need it most. What I want to build is not simply a product or business. I want to build solutions that save lives, reduce suffering, and improve the safety of both first responders and everyday people. Engineering, to me, is not just about creating machines. It is about creating hope, protection, and possibility for others.

Growing up in Ferndale, Michigan, I learned early what it meant to survive through instability while still finding ways to hold onto hope. I was raised in a household of five as the youngest of four girls by a single father who worked constantly to provide for us. There were times when our water and electricity were shut off, and although we struggled financially, my father always tried to shield us from the full weight of those hardships. Watching him sacrifice for our family shaped the way I view success, responsibility, and legacy. As a first-generation college student pursuing robotics engineering, my goal extends far beyond personal achievement. I want to create a legacy rooted in service, innovation, and protection. One day, I hope to build a company focused on developing search-and-rescue robotics and assistive technology for first responders and people living with physical disabilities. My vision for this business comes directly from my experiences in firefighting. Search-and-rescue operations are some of the most dangerous situations firefighters face. In many fires, thick black smoke completely removes visibility. Firefighters are forced to use what is called the “wall method,” where we stay close to walls and use long poles to search for victims while trying not to become lost ourselves. Meanwhile, floors can collapse beneath us, ceilings can cave in above us, and our oxygen supply is limited. Every second matters. Witnessing those dangers inspired me to think differently about how technology could save lives. I want to create spider-like rescue robots capable of maneuvering through smoke-filled structures while providing firefighters with thermal imaging, structural information, and the exact location of victims before crews fully enter the building. Instead of wasting critical time searching rooms blindly, responders could move with better awareness and efficiency while reducing the risk of firefighter fatalities. In addition to emergency-response technology, I also hope to develop robotics that improve mobility and quality of life for people suffering from physical ailments and disabilities. My grandmother struggles with severe leg pain and arthritis, and seeing her daily discomfort motivates me to pursue inventions that can restore independence and comfort to people who need it most. The way I “shine my light” is through compassion, determination, and creativity. Whether it is through helping someone in crisis, supporting my family, or pursuing solutions to dangerous real-world problems, I try to approach life with empathy and purpose. One experience that deeply impacted me involved a call I responded to while working as a police officer involving a young woman threatening to take her own life. Instead of treating her as a problem to solve, I sat outside the door and simply listened to her story. After nearly thirty minutes of conversation, she opened the door, hugged me, and willingly accepted help. That moment taught me that compassion can save lives just as much as action can. Although I am no longer a police officer, that experience continues to influence the way I approach people, leadership, and service. My dream is not simply to become financially successful. I want to create stability for my family, build technology that protects others, and leave behind work that genuinely improves people’s lives. If I can build technology that protects lives while giving my family the stability they sacrificed so much for, then I will know I created something meaningful.

Being a “You Got It Girl” means being strong enough to keep moving forward even after setbacks, pressure, and self-doubt. Throughout my life, I have learned that strength is not about pretending things are easy. It is about continuing to work toward your goals despite difficult circumstances. I grew up in Ferndale, Michigan as the youngest of four girls in a single-parent household. Financially, things were not always stable. There were times when our electricity and water were shut off, and my father worked tirelessly to keep our family afloat. Watching him sacrifice for us taught me toughness, responsibility, and the importance of continuing forward even when situations feel uncertain. As a first-generation college student pursuing robotics engineering, I quickly learned that college required a completely different level of application and focus than high school. School had always come naturally to me, so adjusting to the workload and expectations during my first year was difficult. Instead of allowing those struggles to discourage me, I learned how to study strategically, manage my time more effectively, and approach challenges with humility and consistency. Outside of academics, boxing has become one of the most important parts of my life. I have been boxing for over two years and plan to have my first amateur fight in August 2026 before competing in Golden Gloves the following year. Boxing is deeply connected to my family history. My grandmother boxed, my father boxed, and fighting has always been something that brought my family together. Growing up, we spent nights watching fights together and supporting one another. Boxing has taught me lessons far beyond physical strength. I have experienced hard sparring sessions, black eyes, busted lips, bruised confidence, and moments where I questioned myself. Yet every single time, I got back in the ring. Boxing taught me that setbacks are temporary if you are willing to learn from them and continue improving. One of the biggest challenges I faced came during my first real sparring session. The moment I started getting hit, all of my training seemed to disappear. Instead of thinking strategically, I operated purely on survival instinct and emotion. I stopped boxing mentally and started fighting recklessly. Between rounds, my coach reminded me to trust the work we had already put in and not just fight physically, but mentally and strategically as well. That moment completely reshaped my mindset. It reminded me that boxing is not only about toughness or aggression. It requires composure, adaptability, and confidence in your preparation even under pressure. Since then, boxing has changed the way I handle difficult situations both inside and outside the ring. It taught me how to stay calm when things stop going according to plan, accept criticism without letting ego interfere, and keep improving even when progress feels frustrating or uncomfortable. This scholarship would support my journey tremendously as I continue balancing academics, athletics, and my long-term goal of becoming an inventor focused on emergency-response robotics. Training, equipment, travel expenses, and educational costs all add up quickly, especially as a first-generation college student from a low-income household. More importantly, this scholarship would serve as encouragement that young women like me belong in competitive spaces, whether that is inside the boxing ring, the engineering field, or leadership positions traditionally dominated by men. Being a student-athlete means proving to myself daily that I am capable of more than my circumstances. No matter how many times life knocks me down, I will continue getting back up and fighting for the future I want to create.

In emergency situations where every second mattered, I saw firsthand how much people depend on reliable equipment and technology to remain safe. As both a Detroit police officer and a firefighter in Georgia, I experienced moments where quick thinking and improvisation became just as important as the tools we carried. Those experiences changed the way I viewed engineering. Instead of simply wanting to understand how systems operated, I became motivated to design technology that could solve meaningful problems and better protect the people who rely on it most. From a young age, I was naturally curious about how mechanical systems came together. I spent a great deal of time building things from whatever materials I had available, taking objects apart, and trying to reassemble them to better understand their design and functionality. Even when I was unsuccessful, I enjoyed the process of problem-solving and understanding how different components interacted. Over time, that curiosity developed into a passion for engineering and innovation. My experiences in law enforcement and firefighting strengthened that passion even more. I witnessed how limitations in existing equipment could make dangerous situations more difficult for both responders and victims. There were moments when we had to improvise solutions on the spot, such as constructing pulley systems, building temporary structures to assist trapped victims, or safely removing bedridden citizens from difficult environments while preserving their dignity and safety. Those experiences motivated me to think beyond simply using equipment and toward designing technology that could improve safety, communication, and efficiency during critical situations. My hands-on experience has continued to strengthen my interest in engineering. One project that confirmed my passion was building a pneumatic robotic arm using syringes, tubing, and wooden materials to simulate mechanical movement and control. I also built an underwater rover, which challenged me to think critically about design and functionality in different environments. Outside of structured projects, I have spent time taking apart electronics, gaming controllers, and small mechanical devices to better understand how they work. These experiences taught me how to troubleshoot problems, adapt to challenges, and approach situations from multiple perspectives. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that engineering is not about getting everything right the first time. It requires persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to continue improving after failure. That mindset has helped me grow into someone who is confident in taking on challenges and finding solutions under pressure. I am especially interested in robotics engineering because it combines creativity, technical skill, and innovation into one field. My goal is to create technology that is not only effective but also accessible and affordable for the people who need it most. Whether developing systems that improve safety for first responders or creating innovations that make everyday tasks easier and more efficient, I want my work to address practical challenges in meaningful ways. Through robotics engineering, I hope to create technology that improves quality of life while also encouraging other Black students, especially young women, to pursue careers in STEM and recognize that they belong in spaces where innovation and leadership shape the future.

Calculus is one of the most important foundations in STEM because it allows us to understand how systems change and interact over time. In fields like robotics engineering, calculus plays a key role in designing movement, controlling systems, and predicting how machines will behave in real-world environments. Without calculus, it would be extremely difficult to create systems that are precise, efficient, and reliable. In robotics, movement is not just about direction; it is about how that movement changes. Calculus allows engineers to calculate velocity, acceleration, and force, which are essential when designing machines that need to operate smoothly and safely. For example, when creating a robotic system that needs to navigate through an environment or interact with objects, calculus helps determine how that system should move in a controlled and predictable way. It allows engineers to model real-world conditions and adjust designs based on those models, rather than relying on trial and error alone. Beyond robotics, calculus is important because it provides a way to analyze and solve complex problems. It teaches you how to break down a problem into smaller parts, understand how those parts interact, and find solutions based on that understanding. This type of thinking is essential in STEM because real-world problems are rarely simple. They often involve multiple variables that are constantly changing, and calculus provides the tools needed to make sense of those changes. My interest in calculus connects directly to my approach to learning and problem-solving. I have always been someone who learns by doing, experimenting, and figuring things out step by step. When I build or take apart systems, I am constantly trying to understand how different parts influence each other. Calculus reflects that same mindset. It requires patience, practice, and the ability to think through problems carefully. Even when a concept is difficult at first, working through it helps build a deeper understanding. As someone pursuing robotics engineering, I see calculus as more than just a math requirement. It is a tool that allows ideas to become real, functional systems. It provides the precision needed to design machines that can operate safely and effectively in environments where accuracy matters. Whether it is controlling the movement of a robotic arm or designing a system that can navigate unpredictable spaces, calculus plays a role in making those systems possible. Ultimately, calculus is important in STEM because it connects theory to real-world applications. It allows engineers and scientists to design, predict, and improve systems in a meaningful way. For me, it is not just a subject I need to learn; it is a critical part of building the kind of technology I want to create in the future.

My experiences have shaped not only my goals, but also the way I understand and connect with others. I believe that empathy comes from experiencing challenges, learning from them, and using that understanding to support others. As a first-generation college student raised in a single-parent household, I grew up understanding the importance of resilience, sacrifice, and hard work. Those experiences taught me to appreciate different perspectives and recognize that everyone is facing challenges that may not be visible. One of the most impactful experiences in shaping my empathy has been my work as both a police officer and a firefighter. In those roles, I encountered people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether responding to emergencies or assisting individuals in crisis, I saw firsthand how important it is to approach situations with patience, understanding, and care. These experiences taught me that helping others is not just about solving a problem, it is about recognizing the human side of every situation. My personal journey has also strengthened my ability to empathize with others. I have faced financial challenges, periods of instability, and moments where I had to make difficult decisions about my future. After moving to Georgia to pursue firefighting, I experienced homelessness but chose to continue pushing forward instead of giving up. That experience changed the way I view obstacles and gave me a deeper understanding of perseverance. It also reinforced my belief that people deserve support and opportunity, regardless of their circumstances. I plan to use my skills in robotics engineering to build a more empathetic and understanding global community by creating technology that addresses real human needs. My goal is to develop systems that improve safety for first responders and provide support for individuals who may be vulnerable, such as the elderly. Watching my grandmother's struggle with mobility has shown me how important it is to create solutions that allow people to maintain independence and dignity. In addition to developing technology, I want to give back by creating opportunities for others. I plan to mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds and create spaces where they can explore STEM through hands-on learning. By encouraging collaboration, creativity, and support, I hope to contribute to a community where people feel seen, valued, and capable. Empathy is not just about understanding others; it is about taking action to improve their lives. Through both my work and my experiences, I am committed to building solutions that reflect that understanding and contribute to a more supportive and connected world.

One project that reflects both my curiosity and creativity is a pneumatic robotic arm that I built using syringes, tubing, water, and wooden materials. I wanted to understand how mechanical movement could be controlled without using complex electronics, so I challenged myself to build a system that relied on pressure and manual input. At first, it didn’t work the way I expected. The movement was inconsistent, and I struggled to get the joints to respond the way I wanted. Instead of giving up, I kept adjusting the design, testing different setups, and learning from each mistake until I was able to create a working model. That experience reflects the way I approach problem-solving. I don’t expect to get things right on the first try. I focus on understanding the problem, testing solutions, and improving step by step. I’ve applied that same mindset to other projects as well, including building an underwater rover and taking apart everyday objects like controllers and electronics to understand how they function. Each project has helped me develop patience, adaptability, and confidence in my ability to figure things out. My approach to problem-solving is very hands-on. I learn best by doing experiments and seeing what works. I also think creatively about how different ideas can come together to form a solution. For me, engineering is not just about technical skills; it is about curiosity and the willingness to try, fail, and try again. This mindset directly shapes how I want to make a positive impact on the world. I am pursuing robotics engineering because I want to create solutions that help people in real and meaningful ways. My experience as a firefighter showed me how dangerous certain situations can be, and it pushed me to think about how technology could improve safety. I want to design systems that can assist first responders in high-risk environments, helping locate victims, and reduce danger. At the same time, my motivation is personal. Watching my grandmother's struggle with mobility has shown me how important independence is. I want to create technology that helps people maintain their ability to move and function safely in their everyday lives. I also believe technology should be more than just functional. I want to bring creativity and character back into the way we design systems. Innovation should feel engaging and thoughtful, not just efficient. By combining creativity with problem-solving, I want to build technology that not only works well but also improves the way people experience it.

As a woman pursuing a career in STEM, I understand both the challenges and the importance of representation in these fields. I am pursuing robotics engineering because it allows me to combine creativity, problem-solving, and innovation to create solutions that have a real impact on people’s lives. From a young age, I have always been drawn to building and understanding how things work. Whether it was working with LEGO, creating contraptions from scrap materials, or taking things apart to figure them out, I was constantly exploring and learning in a hands-on way. Being a woman in male-dominated spaces has shaped my perspective and strengthened my confidence. During my time in the fire academy, I was the only woman in my class. That experience pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and prove to myself that I belong in challenging environments. There were moments where I felt underestimated, but instead of letting that discourage me, it motivated me to work harder and stay focused on my goals. One of the most defining moments during that time came when I was asked to lead a search and rescue training exercise. I was responsible for guiding my team through a low-visibility environment, locating victims, and finding a missing firefighter from a previous team. Even though I was nervous, I stayed calm, trusted my training, and led my team successfully. That experience showed me that leadership is not about fitting a certain expectation; it is about stepping up when it matters and trusting your abilities. My interest in STEM goes beyond personal success. I want to contribute to a future where more women feel empowered to pursue careers in fields like engineering and technology. Representation matters, and I want to be part of that change. I also want to mentor and support other young women who may not see themselves in STEM, showing them that they can achieve their goals. In addition to representation, my motivation is also rooted in impact. I want to use robotics engineering to develop systems that help first responders in dangerous environments and improve safety for communities. I also want to create technology that supports individuals in their daily lives, especially those who face physical limitations. Being a woman in STEM means more than just entering the field. It means contributing, leading, and helping to create space for others to do the same. I am committed to using my skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact and to continue pushing forward in a field where innovation and diversity go hand in hand.

I want to pursue a career in STEM, specifically robotics engineering, because it gives me the ability to turn ideas into real solutions that can directly help people. I’ve always been someone who learns by doing. Growing up, I spent a lot of time building things out of whatever I could find, taking objects apart, and figuring out how they worked. That curiosity stayed with me, but over time it turned into something more meaningful. I realized I didn’t just enjoy building; I wanted to create things that could make a difference. That purpose became clear during my experience as a firefighter. In one training exercise, my team was assigned a search and rescue drill where the previous group had lost a firefighter inside the building. My sergeant asked me to lead my team, locate the victims, and find the missing firefighter before we ran out of oxygen. I was caught off guard, especially as the only woman in the academy, but I stepped up. Inside the building, visibility was almost nonexistent, and the pressure was real. I stayed calm, followed my training, and led my team through the search. We were able to find everyone and get out safely. That moment showed me that I can lead, think clearly under pressure, and solve problems in high-risk situations. That experience is exactly why I chose robotics engineering. I want to create systems that can assist first responders in dangerous environments. If we can design technology that can enter unsafe areas, locate victims, and provide real-time information, we can reduce risk and improve outcomes for both responders and the people they are trying to help. Uplifting my community is a major part of my goals. As a Black, first-generation college student, I understand how important access and representation are. I want to create opportunities for young Black boys and girls to explore STEM in a hands-on, engaging way. One of my goals is to develop spaces where they can participate in simple robotics competitions, allowing them to build, collaborate, and strengthen their teamwork skills. These competitions would not only spark interest in STEM, but also reward effort and creativity, with winners receiving scholarships to support their education. I want to create an environment where young students can see themselves in STEM fields and feel encouraged to pursue those paths. My motivation is also personal. Watching my grandmother struggle with walking, lifting, and using her hands has shown me how important independence is. In addition to helping first responders, I want to design technology that supports the elderly, helping them stay mobile and safe for as long as possible. I don’t just want to be successful in STEM. I want to use my success to lift others as I climb, create opportunities, build solutions, and make a lasting impact in my community.

I’m interested in robotics engineering because it allows me to take ideas and turn them into something real that can help people. I’ve always been a hands-on learner. Growing up, I would build things out of whatever I could find, take objects apart, and try to put them back together just to understand how they worked. That curiosity turned into something more over time. I realized I wasn’t just interested in how things worked, I wanted to create things that could solve real problems. That shift really became clear during my experience as a firefighter. During one training exercise, we were split into teams for a search and rescue drill. The team before mine had lost a partner inside the building, and our sergeant came to me and told me he wanted me to lead my team, find the victims, and locate the missing firefighter from the previous group before we ran out of oxygen. I remember being caught off guard. I was the smallest and the only woman in the academy, and I wasn’t expecting to be chosen to lead. Even though I was nervous, I stepped up. Inside the building, visibility was almost nonexistent. The air was thick, and everything depended on staying calm and thinking clearly. I followed my training, gave clear commands, and kept my team together. We were able to locate the missing firefighter and the victims and get everyone out safely. Afterward, the sergeant told me he wanted to see if I could step up and prove that I could not only keep up but outperform. That moment stayed with me. It showed me that I am capable of handling pressure, leading others, and finding solutions even when the situation is uncertain. That experience directly connects to the impact I want to make through robotics engineering. I want to design systems that can assist first responders in dangerous environments, especially in fires and search and rescue situations. Technology that can enter unsafe spaces, locate victims, and provide real-time information could save time and reduce risk. My goal is to build solutions that make these situations safer and more effective. My motivation is also personal. Watching my grandmother struggle with walking, lifting, and using her hands for extended periods of time has shown me how quickly independence can change. That has pushed me to think beyond emergency situations. I want to create technology that helps people maintain their independence and avoid injury. At the same time, I want to bring creativity back to technology. I believe we’ve drifted away from making things that feel engaging and human. I want to build systems that are not only functional, but also thoughtful and innovative in how they serve people. I’ve faced challenges along the way as well. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household, I’ve had to push through financial struggles and uncertainty. At one point, after moving to Georgia to pursue firefighting, I faced homelessness. I had to decide whether to give up or keep going. I chose to stay, completed the fire academy as the only woman in my class, and eventually got back on my feet. That experience proved to me that I can handle anything that comes my way. I’m not just interested in robotics because it’s the future. I’m interested in it because I know it can make a real difference. I want to use my skills to build solutions that protect people, support families, and improve lives in meaningful ways.

I plan to use my degree in robotics engineering to directly improve safety and outcomes for people in my community, particularly first responders and those in high-risk situations. During my time as a firefighter, I experienced firsthand how dangerous emergency environments can be. In training and real scenarios, entering burning structures with limited visibility and extreme heat made me realize how unpredictable and life-threatening these situations are. I remember crawling through thick smoke during a live fire exercise, barely able to see, feeling the heat through my gear, and understanding how quickly conditions could change. In that moment, I wasn’t just focused on completing the task; I was thinking about how there had to be a safer way to protect both victims and responders. That experience shaped my goal of developing robotic systems that can enter hazardous environments, locate victims, and provide critical information before firefighters are required to go inside. Technology like this could reduce injuries, save valuable time, and allow first responders to make more informed decisions. By combining my experience in emergency services with my education in robotics, I want to create solutions that directly improve how communities are protected in moments of crisis. My motivation to help others is also deeply personal. Watching my grandmother lose her mobility due to arthritis and age has shown me how quickly independence can be taken away from you. Seeing her struggle with everyday tasks made me realize how important it is to create technology that supports people beyond emergency situations. In addition to helping first responders, I want to design systems that assist the elderly, technology that helps maintain mobility, prevent injuries, and allow individuals to live with greater independence and dignity. Beyond developing technology, I am committed to giving back to my community by increasing access to STEM opportunities for underrepresented students. As a Black, first-generation college student, I understand how important exposure, mentorship, and support are. I want to encourage others, especially those from backgrounds similar to mine, to pursue careers in STEM and realize that they are capable of achieving their goals. Through both innovation and mentorship, I plan to use my degree not just to build technology, but to create long lasting, meaningful change in my community. I want my work to directly impact the same communities I come from, ensuring that people have access to both safety, opportunity, and the support they need to thrive.

I chose to pursue robotics engineering because it allows me to combine creativity, problem-solving, and innovation to create solutions that have a real impact on people’s lives. From a young age, I have always enjoyed building and understanding how things work, whether through LEGO, creating contraptions from scrap materials, or taking apart everyday objects and putting them back together. I remember being excited not just by the idea of building something, but by the process of figuring out how and why it worked, even when it meant taking things apart and starting over. Over time, that curiosity developed into a passion for engineering and a desire to turn ideas into functional systems that can solve real-world problems. My short-term goal is to successfully complete my degree while continuing to strengthen my technical knowledge and hands-on engineering skills. I plan to gain experience through projects, internships, and continued experimentation so that I can become confident in designing and building effective systems. Long-term, I aim to design and develop robotic systems that assist first responders, particularly in dangerous environments such as fires or search-and-rescue situations. During a live fire training exercise, I remember crawling through thick smoke with almost no visibility, feeling the heat through my gear, and realizing how quickly a situation could become life-threatening. In that moment, I wasn’t just focused on completing the task; I was thinking about how there had to be a safer, more efficient way to do this. That experience solidified my desire to use robotics to reduce risk and improve outcomes in emergency situations. In addition to my work with first responders, my passion for helping others is deeply personal. Watching my grandmother lose her mobility due to arthritis and age has been difficult. Seeing someone I love to become more limited in her independence made me realize how important it is to create technology that supports people in their everyday lives. I want to design systems that assist the elderly, technology that help maintain mobility, prevent injuries, and allow individuals to live with greater independence and dignity. As an underrepresented minority in STEM—a Black woman, I understand the importance of representation and resilience. Being in spaces where I was often the only one who looked like me taught me early on how to stay confident in my abilities, even when I felt overlooked. These experiences pushed me to work harder, advocate for myself, and prove that I belong in challenging environments. They also motivate me to become someone others can look to as representation in a field where diversity is still growing. As a first-generation college student, I also understand the financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education. This scholarship would significantly reduce that burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies, growth, and future career. I don’t just want to be part of the future of technology, I want to help shape it in a way that protects lives, supports families, and creates lasting, meaningful impact.

The first unexpected influences on my decision to pursue a career in STEM were the characters from the TV show Phineas and Ferb. While they may seem like an unusual source of inspiration, watching them create imaginative inventions day after day sparked something in me at a young age. I remember feeling excited every time a new episode started, wondering what they would build next and how they would bring their ideas to life. From a young age, I’ve always wanted to be an inventor. At first, that dream felt unrealistic, but Phineas and Ferb made it feel possible. They showed me that invention isn’t just about building something complicated—it’s about creativity, curiosity, and the confidence to try. I started to mirror that mindset in my own life. I would build with LEGO sets, use cardboard and scraps to create my own contraptions, and even take things apart just to understand how they worked and teach myself how to put them back together. Sometimes that curiosity got me into trouble, but it also helped me learn how things function and how they can be reimagined into something new. One moment that always stood out to me was when they were questioned about taking on something too ambitious, like building a rollercoaster. Instead of doubting themselves, they responded with confidence and built it anyway. That mindset stayed with me. It taught me not to let others minimize my ideas or abilities, and to push beyond limits that people assume are there. As I grew older, that early curiosity developed into a clear goal: pursuing robotics engineering. My interest in building and problem-solving became more purposeful through my experiences as a firefighter and police officer. In those roles, I saw firsthand how dangerous emergency situations can be, especially during fires or search-and-rescue operations. These experiences shaped my desire to use robotics to help others. I want to develop technology that can enter hazardous environments, assist in locating victims, and reduce the immediate risk faced by first responders. Looking back, I see how much of that mindset started with something as simple as a childhood show. I saw myself in Phineas and Ferb—a young person full of ideas, wanting to create and explore. What seemed like entertainment at the time became a lasting influence on my path. It showed me that innovation can come from anywhere, and that even the most unexpected sources can inspire a future dedicated to creating solutions that make a real difference.