My name is Jileah English, I am a sophomore Computer Information Systems major attending Howard University. My passion for science was first sparked by my teachers in primary and high school. For these reasons, I have decided to major in CIS and hope to later on become a Product Manager. This scholarship will aid in my ability to continue my education at Howard University. At the very minimum, it will cover the costs for books for the spring semester. My mother, who has been teaching for almost 30 years now, would bring home math and science workbooks for me to do at the beginning of summer. While I hated having to do homework during vacation, it taught me to allow myself to intently learn different subjects, even if they did not initially pique my interest. In primary and high school, I had always been afraid of science-based classes. I would fill my mind with negative thoughts about why science was not for me, “ It is too hard”, “ I am not smart enough”, or “ Science is not my strength”. While I had that negative mindset originally, I took the classes of Mr. Bradley (Anatomy), Mrs. Perkins (Environmental Science), and Mrs. Sunni (Biology) with the goal of learning the subjects intently. This goal derived from my mother, and the compassion provided by these teachers allowed me to excel in their classes.  As a second-year Computer Information Systems (CIS) major, I am learning about the intersection of business and technology. In my curriculum, I will take classes, such as Biology, Programming, and Software Design.  My favorite part of science has always been the ability to build and create solutions to real-world problems. By studying CIS, I will learn not only that but also how to communicate these solutions efficiently to businesses in my career. After I graduate college, I will pursue a career in product management. In this role I will oversee a product from development to market, getting to work as the middleman between the engineering team, the finance team, and the marketing/sales team. For this role, science plays a big part, as I will need to have an immense understanding of what everyone, especially the engineers, is doing about the product.  I am currently an active member of Volunteer et Veritas, an organization at Howard University dedicated to volunteering in the D.C. area. Through this club, I have volunteered at events in D.C., such as my most recent experience, packaging and giving groceries to D.C. residents residing in Section 8 housing. I am also an intern for EMILYs List a non-profit that serves as the largest resource in the United States for democratic pro-choice women. In these opportunities, I strengthen my communication skills and help to build a better community and future.  I have applied for this scholarship, to continue my education at Howard University. My mother is my only financial support, but she is seeking retirement shortly. The education afforded to me by Howard University has truly been amazing, but it poses a threat to my mother’s financial future. I already work part-time and am an active student on Howard’s campus, so I am hoping that this scholarship will help alleviate the financial stress brought on by tuition for my mother and me. Thank you for your time and consideration!