Johanna Acosta I am Johanna, a Lee Early College Student ready to embark on her next journey at NC State to become a biomedical engineer. In my school, I dedicated the majority of my free time to volunteering. I participated events from in the Rise For Hunger event in my county’s rotary club, as I represent being the first Lee Early College Representative at my school and one of the National Honors Society office position members, to volunteering in events from local high schools. My motto has always been to never let go of any opportunity, big or small. If I see an opportunity, then I will take it as fast as I can and make the most out of it.I hope to create a better future for my family and the people who surround me. I grew up in a family that migrated to the United States without any advanced education, only a high school diploma. My parents have shown me how they made the best of what they had, I make it my goal to expand on their accomplishments and create a better path for my little sister. My passion revolves around learning, I believe we have access to many resources to expand our knowledge. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity there is today and I am ready to make the most of it. My education is important to me. I envision expanding my education as much as I can, resulting in a master's degree. With my education completed, I will be able to release my biomedical designs. I hope to have a career in engineering where I can create medically needed equipment for the world. I strive to not only create beneficial objects but to make them accessible. In many countries, medical needs are a luxury, they are viewed as not necessary. The world will not feel guilty about getting necessities if we make medical equipment affordable. It will be my job and many future biomedical engineers’ jobs to make sure we create objects using affordable materials. I am an advocate for learning, I will enjoy learning about topics that will lead to me helping many. I will use my education and everything I collect from my journey to benefit those around me. I am optimistic, regardless of my financial situation I will make sure I get my education. With this scholarship, I can make plans to continue my education and let go of the worry of juggling school and work. For this upcoming school year, I plan on working. My course schedule can run from eight in the morning to seven in the afternoon. The scholarship can help me reduce hours of work, I will not have to think much about meal plans and book costs. I am grateful for everything that I have, I am honored to have a reliable job during this school year. Thank you for considering me, your help is greatly appreciated by students everywhere.

As a high school senior, I find myself at a crossroads, contemplating the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. One path that I am ready to embark on is the field of engineering. Choosing to engineer is not just about pursuing a career; it's a decision deeply rooted in the opportunities I have that my parents didn't. Growing up, I witnessed my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family. Their determination and hard work inspired me, but I also saw their challenges due to limited educational opportunities. Although they both got their high school diplomas in their country, the choice to continue education in the United States was not as easy as I have it. My parents didn't have the chance to pursue higher education, and I realized how blessed I am to be in my position to attend a university. Furthering my education in a College of Engineering is more than just a personal goal; it's a chance to honor my family's sacrifices. Engineering appeals to me because it is a field that combines creativity with problem-solving. Since a young age, I had a fascination with learning an array of subjects. Engineering allows me to face challenges and expand my knowledge. My father has been a construction worker for the longest of times and my mother is a team lead in the company she works at. Both of my parents show gratitude for the positions they have, but at times I can sense that they wish to further their education. The chance to do that wasn't there, money and learning English were a huge factor. I have the chance to represent my parents and myself. Going to university is not just about personal gain; it's about using the opportunities available to me to uplift my family and community. As an older sister, I want to be an inspiration for those who come after me. Even if my little sister does not choose to level up in education, she can witness that with determination, it is possible to make dreams into a reality. . In conclusion, my decision to further my education at an university is a testament to the opportunities I have been given and the desire to make a positive impact on the world. I am excited about the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the field of engineering, all while honoring the sacrifices of my parents. As I stand on the brink of this new journey, I am eager to grab the opportunities that my parents didn't have and pave a path toward a brighter future for myself and those around me.

Johanna Acosta If I were to look at myself now as a freshman at Lee Early College, I would not believe we are looking at the same person. I am Johanna Acosta, a Lee Early College graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate in Science degree. Throughout my high school journey, I focused on changing myself, grabbing every opportunity that I could reach. I became a National Honors Secretary, the first Lee Early College Representative to serve on a college’s Student Government Association Board, and a Student Orientation Leader. In freshman year, I made sure to make myself unknown. I had a secret profile, I did not want anyone to know my name or who I was. It was better for me to be a follower than a leader. As days in class went by, there were countless times when the teachers would have to wait more than five minutes to pick on a student to answer a question on the board, read first, or introduce themselves. I found it awkward to sit in silence and instead decided to make it my mission to be first. This was different for me, completely out of my comfort zone but for some reason, it felt right. I found it creating a new feeling for me when I stepped up in a situation. This kept me going, I couldn’t stop. I now want to lead people, want to be someone reliable. I knew that there would be situations where people needed someone who was confident, open-minded, and trustworthy. I did not know the qualities I held until I became the Site Coordinator for an after-school program in town. I gained the trust of parents and the kids I took care of. I saw myself taking charge and assure the kids that they are in good hands, no matter what. Soon came summer camp, approximately 100 kids a day attending. I worked with people my age, some younger or older but the majority new to the kids care program. A leader was needed, someone to start the opening summer camp songs, lead a dance, and most importantly, someone who you could go for help. Becoming that person was crucial for me, there were experiences in the past where I needed someone to rely on. With the skills developing, I applied to a job at the college campus that my school is associated with. After a nerve-recking interview, I got the job! I was not sure what this position would hold for me, or how I was going to evolve as a leader. During this time, there was a volunteer opportunity for a college student orientation, a student speaker was needed but not many felt comfortable. I didn’t feel comfortable speaking, but I decided to disregard that feeling: a speaker was needed and this could open new doors for me.Speaking in front of kids was more embarrassing than speaking to adults, which also supported my decision in taking this opportunity . Speaking rose as my newest passion. I grew to enjoy the sound of my voice as it met the microphone. It was fascinating to lead powerpoints and powerful conversations. In my new job, I could express my voice. Instead of wanting to hide my name, I wanted to ensure people that with my name, comes confidence. When I saw myself being the leader I wanted to be, I “toned it down” a little. I give those around me a chance to step up before I do. I want to give those around me the chance that I got to become a leader.