Growing up as a first-generation Colombian American in the United States, I quickly realized that my family’s traditions set me apart from many of my peers. Our celebrations, greetings, and daily rituals—like sharing fresh coffee and bread or addressing others with “sí señora” and “sí señor”—were rooted in the vibrant culture my parents brought from Colombia. These customs, along with the values of respect, gratitude, and community, became the foundation of my character. My parents’ journey to the U.S. was marked by sacrifice. They left behind loved ones and everything familiar to give my sister and me opportunities they never had. Their resilience and work ethic taught me to appreciate the simple things and to persevere through challenges. My mother’s constant reminder to treat others as I would like to be treated, the golden rule, shaped how I interact with everyone around me. Faith and responsibility were also central to my upbringing. My parents taught me to do what is right for my family and community, not just for myself. Inspired by their example, I became involved with nonprofit organizations in Nevada, such as PLAN Nevada, Project 150, and Make the Road Nevada. Through advocacy and service, I found a way to honor my heritage and support those facing challenges similar to those my family experienced. My Hispanic background has given me a unique perspective on social justice, immigration, and the importance of diversity. I have seen firsthand the contributions immigrants make and the barriers they face. These experiences have motivated me to stand up for those whose voices are not heard and to advocate for equal opportunities, especially in education and housing. As an immigrant and first-generation college student myself, I am committed to breaking down barriers for others. This August, I will begin my senior year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, pursuing a degree in Information Systems. My goal is to continue my studies in a Master’s program and become the first in my family to earn a graduate degree. I hope to use my skills in technology and data science to support the nonprofit organizations I care about and to continue advocating for my community. In every aspect of my life, my Hispanic family background is a source of strength and motivation. It reminds me to stay grounded, honor my roots, and work for a more just and inclusive world. I am grateful for the values my parents have given me, and I am determined to use my education and experiences to help others grow and succeed.

As a first-year student, I have a lot of things in my mind I would like to accomplish in the future, one of them is to get my bachelor's degree in computer science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and eventually continue my studies by getting my master's and Ph.D. To achieve this, I have been trying to become more proficient in a variety of programming languages and software development tools, as well as having a strong understanding of computer science concepts such as algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. I am also aiming to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, which are essential for my success in the field. After completing my degree in computer science, I know there will be a wide range of available job options, but my dream job is to work at the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft is best known for its software products such as the Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, the Internet Explorer, and Edge web browsers. I have been using Microsoft's software all my life, and with my love for computer science and software development, I believe that I could be a good fit for Microsoft and work there and bring good things to the company. Education has always been important to me because as Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. All my scholar years have been full of effort and dedication to be the best in my class. The support my parents, teachers, and friends have given me is my motivation to continue my education at a higher level. The support they have given me has helped improve my knowledge as well as enhance my attitude and skills. Their support has given me the resources necessary to help me achieve my dream of becoming a STEM student and one day getting my degree in computer science. My life goal is to make the world better than it is nowadays, by making a difference and demonstrating to people that with effort, passion, and education everything can be done. I do not have all the money necessary for college, therefore I have been applying for a lot of scholarships and hopefully, get some financial aid. Receiving this scholarship would not only assist in covering my tuition and book expenses but also enable me to focus on my family and studies without the added stress of financial burdens during my college years and I will be forever grateful for that.

I have been interested in Computer science all my life. My first experience with computers was when I was 4 years old and my dad borrowed his old laptop, I did not know how to use it and that intrigued me to start learning more about computers and how they work. There are many reasons why I want to study computer science. For one, the field is constantly evolving and there is always something new to learn. This is very rewarding for me because I enjoy learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies. In addition, computer science is a highly practical field that allows me to use my skills to create tangible solutions to real-world problems. From developing new software to creating innovative technologies, computer science can allow me to make a meaningful impact on society. Another reason why I want computer science as my major is because of the job prospects. The demand for skilled computer scientists is high and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. This means that those who study computer science are likely to have a wide range of job opportunities available to them upon graduation. My computer science dream job would be to work at Google as a software Engineer, helping to design, develop, and maintain software systems. I would like to bring good things and innovations to the company and users around the world. I would like to work on a wide range of projects, from building mobile apps to developing large-scale enterprise systems. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship. I am someone who has a strong academic record, demonstrates financial need, is actively involved in their school and community, and has specific goals and plans for his future. I would like to receive this scholarship to help pay my college tuition. I am passionate about computer science and I think that my dedication, effort, and the help of this scholarship will help me to achieve my dreams.