Being a first-generation student means a lot to me because nothing about this process has been handed to me. I’ve had to figure everything out on my own from financial aid, to registering for classes, to trying to balance school and work at the same time. I don’t have anyone at home who can tell me what the next step is, so I’ve learned through trial and error. To me, being first-gen means pushing forward even when you feel lost, and wanting to create a better future not only for myself, but for the people who come after me. I’ve gone through a lot of challenges that have slowed me down but never stopped me. Financial struggles have been the biggest obstacle. There were semesters where I couldn’t register because of a balance I couldn’t pay, and moments where life at home got tough and I had to put school aside just to get through the day. I’ve worked full-time jobs, dealt with unexpected responsibilities, and had to act like an adult long before I really felt ready. But every time things got rough, I reminded myself why I started in the first place. I kept going, even if it meant moving slower than I wanted. My dream is to build a career in cybersecurity. I’ve always been interested in technology, but what motivates me is the idea of having a stable career that is in demand and something I can grow in for years. I want to earn the certifications, get the experience, and eventually reach a point where I’m financially secure and proud of what I’ve built. Coming from where I come from, that kind of stability would be life changing. What drives me is knowing I’m trying to change my whole story. I want to be the first in my family to graduate, to have a career I love, and to break the cycle of always struggling just to stay afloat. I want to look back and say I didn’t give up on myself, even when things felt too heavy. I also want to inspire my younger family members and show them that they don’t have to settle there’s always another level to reach. This scholarship would help me move closer to all of that. It would take away some of the financial stress that constantly gets in the way and make it easier for me to focus on school instead of worrying about how I’m going to pay for it. It would give me breathing room, confidence, and a real chance to keep going without falling behind. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s mine. I’m determined to keep moving forward, and this scholarship would truly help me stay on track and continue building the future I know I’m capable of achieving.

Growing up in the NYC public school system taught me early on what it means to adapt, to keep going, and to believe in a future I couldn’t always see yet. My journey was never the smoothest, but it shaped me into someone who refuses to settle and who understands the power of education, opportunity, and resilience. In school, I didn’t always have the perfect environment or the most stable circumstances at home. There were times when money was tight, when responsibilities piled up, and when I had to balance school with helping my family. Even now, as I work to support myself, deal with housing issues, and try to keep up with bills, I’m still pushing forward with my education because I know it’s the key to changing my life. These challenges taught me to be resourceful, patient, and stronger than I ever realized. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced recently was trying to continue college while dealing with financial struggles. At one point, my balance with CUNY held me back from registering for classes. I felt stuck wanting to move forward, but unable to because of something out of my control. But instead of giving up, I started doing everything I could to find scholarships, reach out for support, and keep myself focused on the long-term goal. That experience showed me that asking for help is not weakness it’s part of climbing higher. What motivates me to keep going is the life I’m building for myself. I want to start a career in cybersecurity, a field where I can combine my interest in technology with the drive to solve problems and protect people. Coming from where I did, there weren’t many role models in tech around me, but I’ve learned to become the example I never had. I want to show that you can come from a public school in NYC, face setbacks, hit walls, and still break through. This scholarship would do much more than help me pay for classes. It would give me the chance to finally move to the next step without constantly worrying about falling behind because of money. It would allow me to focus on school, earn the degree I’ve been working toward, and move closer to a career that will change my future. It would lift a weight off my shoulders and open a door I’ve been trying to push open for a long time. My story is still being written, but everything I’ve been through has made me determined, grounded, and hungry for success. I’ve learned that even when things feel impossible, I can push forward. I’m proud of where I come from, and I’m even more proud of where I’m heading.