1. Tell us about yourself. I’m a first-generation college student, a woman of color, and someone who has learned to navigate life by leaning into curiosity, creativity, and quiet determination. I’m currently majoring in Business Analytics, where I combine my love for data, tech, and meaningful storytelling. What drives me is the idea that knowledge—especially when it’s shared with intention—can change lives. Whether it’s supporting other students, helping families navigate complex systems, or just learning something new that I can pass along, I want to use what I know to make things better for the people around me. 2. What’s a real-world issue you feel deeply connected to, and why? Access. Access to education, resources, opportunities. I’ve seen how many talented, hardworking people get left behind—not because they lack drive or potential, but because they don’t have access to the tools or support they need. This hits especially hard in communities of color, where systemic barriers have been in place for generations. It frustrates me, but it also fuels me. I want to be part of the solution that makes access more equitable and education more empowering. 3. If you had the power to make change in that area, what would you do? I would build platforms—both digital and physical—where students from underserved communities can access mentorship, tools, and training without gatekeeping. Think LinkedIn, but for students who don’t have connections. Think Khan Academy, but culturally relevant and personalized. I’d also advocate for policy changes in higher education that remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for low-income students. It’s not enough to open the door; we have to make the path walkable. 4. How did you choose your area of study, and what do you hope to do with it? I chose Business Analytics because it’s where data meets people. It’s not just numbers—it’s the why behind what we do and how we make change. I want to use data to inform smarter solutions in education, community development, and digital marketing—especially for organizations that uplift marginalized voices. I also love the creative side of this field—using storytelling and design thinking to solve real-world problems. 5. What’s one goal you’ve set for yourself in the next 5 years—and how do you plan to get there? I want to launch my own platform that helps artists and creators showcase their work, collaborate, and get paid fairly. I’m currently building the foundation—researching needs, developing a concept, and learning more about tech and entrepreneurship. I’m also connecting with others in the creative and tech space who share this vision. Step by step, I’m laying the groundwork for something that blends purpose and innovation. 6. How has education helped you better understand yourself and your purpose? Education has helped me see that I’m not limited to what I’ve known. It’s opened my eyes to systems, possibilities, and inner strengths I didn’t realize I had. I’ve also come to realize that learning isn’t just about me—it’s something I want to share. The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve felt responsible for using that knowledge to make a difference. That’s where I find purpose. 7. How has your identity as a woman influenced the way you move through the world? Being a woman, especially a woman of color, means I’ve had to fight to be heard in rooms where I was underestimated. But it also means I carry strength, empathy, and intuition that guide how I work with others. I’ve learned to trust my voice even when it shakes. I’ve learned to uplift other women because I know how powerful we are when we move together. My identity is my strength. 8. What does leadership mean to you—and how have you embodied it? Leadership means creating space for others, not just taking up space. It means asking, listening, and acting with integrity. I’ve embodied leadership through mentorship, peer support, and helping others navigate their own educational journeys. It’s not about titles for me—it’s about presence, consistency, and making sure people feel seen. 9. Describe a time you had to be resourceful or resilient. What did you learn from it? When I committed to college, I had very little support navigating financial aid, housing, or even class schedules. I taught myself everything—spent hours researching, made endless phone calls, and figured it out step by step. That experience taught me I’m far more capable than I thought, but it also reminded me how important it is not to gatekeep knowledge. That’s why I now help others through the same process whenever I can. 10. If awarded this scholarship, how would it help you pursue your dreams? This scholarship would relieve a huge financial burden and allow me to focus more on building, creating, and connecting. It would also validate the vision I’m working toward—of a future where young women like me aren’t just included, but empowered. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to be considered, and I promise to pay this opportunity forward in every way I can.

I was born and raised in Georgia, and I’ve seen firsthand how strong communities can be built through care, education, and small, consistent acts of giving back. That’s a value I carry with me every day, and it’s something I want to continue investing in—not just now, but especially after college. Right now, I’m an undergraduate student working in higher education admissions, which has given me a close-up view of how difficult it can be for students—especially first-generation or low-income students—to navigate the college process. I help students through confusing paperwork, offer encouragement when they’re overwhelmed, and sometimes just listen when they need to vent. Even though it’s part of my job, it feels personal. I know what it’s like to worry about costs, deadlines, and whether you belong. So I try to be the kind of support I wish I had when I was applying to college. After graduation, I want to take this even further. My goal is to work at a university in a role that continues helping students, particularly those who are overlooked, under-supported, or just need someone in their corner. I believe access to education should never be determined by income, zip code, or background. And while I might not be able to change the whole system, I know I can make a difference for the students who come across my path. Outside of work and school, I’m also passionate about supporting my community in everyday ways. Whether that’s helping neighbors navigate tech tools, translating for non-English speaking families at local events, or volunteering with food distribution, I try to stay involved in small but consistent ways. I believe the most powerful kind of change starts right where you are—one person, one action at a time. College is expensive, and I’m doing everything I can to make it work—juggling work, responsibilities at home, and saving where I can. A scholarship like this would help ease the financial pressure and give me the room to keep focusing on what matters most to me: learning, growing, and giving back. The Trees for Tuition scholarship’s mission deeply aligns with what I already believe—that education can lift people up, and that we all have a responsibility to help each other get there. I don’t want to just succeed for myself. I want my success to be something I can pour back into others, especially the next generation of students trying to find their way. I hope to continue planting seeds of hope and support in every space I’m in—whether that’s a college campus, a community center, or even just a one-on-one conversation. That’s how I plan to make my community better. And I’m just getting started.

I’m the kind of person who loves figuring out how things work—not just for the sake of fixing them, but because I believe there’s always a better, smarter, or more creative way to do something. My tinkering doesn’t always look like building robots or rewriting code from scratch. Sometimes, it’s about putting tools together in a way people hadn’t thought of before—and that’s where I’ve found the most joy. One moment that stands out was during a high school club project. We had a community outreach event where we wanted to get students excited about tech. Most people were preparing slide decks and handing out flyers. But I wanted to create something interactive—something that would make people stop, play, and actually engage. So I decided to build a real-time data visualization wall using a cheap projector, Google Sheets, and a combination of live form inputs and a Python script I found and tweaked online. It lets people answer fun questions on their phones and immediately see their answers pop up on the wall as colorful graphs and motion-based visuals. What made this fun wasn’t just the tech part—it was seeing people light up when they realized they were part of the wall. Kids kept running back to submit more answers just to watch the shapes change and move. One teacher told me afterward, “That’s the first time I’ve seen our students interested in data.” And that honestly felt like the best reward. I didn’t build anything groundbreaking that day, but I got to see how a little curiosity and creativity can change how people experience something. Since then, I’ve kept exploring ways to combine data, design, and interactivity—whether that’s through dashboards, short-form videos, or marketing tools. I’m now studying Business Analytics, and even though I’m not a computer science major, I’m always looking for ways to build smarter workflows, automate tasks, and create digital content that connects with real people. I love experimenting with new platforms and APIs, and I’m usually the one who says, “Wait—I think I have an idea for that.” Financially, it hasn’t always been easy to keep up with the tech I’d love to work with. I save up for tools and software when I can, but a scholarship like this would be a game-changer. Not only would it help me keep pursuing what I love, it would also honor Kyle Lam’s spirit of generosity and creativity. I may not be the loudest person in the room, but like Kyle, I hope my ideas and curiosity can bring delight, solve problems, and quietly make things better.

I’ve always been drawn to creative storytelling, especially when it comes to using digital media to express ideas and connect with people. I’m currently studying Business Analytics, but my heart is in the space where technology and creativity meet. My long-term goal is to build a career in digital marketing and videography, and eventually create a platform where others—especially young people—can share their voices too. I didn’t grow up with the best equipment or all the resources, but I learned how to work with what I had. Whether it was filming clips on my phone or playing around with editing apps, I found myself getting lost in the process of creating something meaningful. Over time, I started to see how digital media could be used not just for fun or trends, but for real connection and positive change. What I love about digital marketing is how it brings strategy and creativity together. It’s not just about making things look good—it’s about understanding people. I’m learning to combine data with storytelling, and I’m excited to grow in both areas. I plan to continue building my skills through classes, internships, and hands-on projects, and I hope to eventually work in a space where I can help others grow their ideas and brands, especially those who may not always have access to the necessary tools or support. Money is tight for me. I work hard and try to stretch every dollar, but balancing school, living expenses, and the cost of creative tools like software or gear isn’t easy. Receiving this scholarship would mean I could worry a little less about how to pay for what I need and focus more on building something real. Even something as simple as a new camera or editing program could make a huge difference in the kind of work I can do. Brandon’s story touched me. His passion, his drive, and his belief in making a difference remind me of why I’m doing what I’m doing. He wanted to inspire youth to go after their dreams, and that’s something I want to live out too—by showing up, staying curious, and putting in the work. I may not know exactly where this path will lead yet, but I know I want to keep learning, keep creating, and hopefully one day help others believe they can do the same. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but it would also remind me that people believe in students like me. That support goes a long way, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to apply.

My name is Julia, and I’m a first-generation college student majoring in Business Analytics and Computer Science. I’ve always been someone who asks “why” and “how”—not just out of curiosity, but out of a deep desire to solve problems and make things better. For a long time, I didn’t realize that mindset was what made me a STEM thinker. I just knew I liked understanding systems, spotting patterns, and finding creative solutions to real-world challenges. One of the personal experiences that really shaped my interest in STEM was founding Room 4 Hope, a student-led project I created in high school to support children in need. What started as a simple idea to collect and donate toys turned into something much bigger. I had to figure out how to organize volunteers, manage donations, create a delivery system, and most importantly, reach people. I started building spreadsheets to track inventory, using surveys to understand community needs, and designing flyers to get the word out. Without even realizing it, I was blending data, logistics, and strategy—foundational elements of STEM. But what truly sparked my interest in technology was hitting a limitation. I realized that if I wanted to scale Room 4 Hope beyond my school or city, I needed better tools. That’s when I started exploring coding and learning more about how digital platforms worked. The idea that I could build something—an app, a dashboard, or even a simple website—that could reach people across different communities lit a fire in me. It wasn’t just exciting; it felt empowering. STEM wasn’t just about solving math problems—it was about building real things that made a real impact. As I’ve continued learning more about business analytics and computer science, I’ve fallen in love with the intersection of technology and human behavior. I love that STEM can help us ask better questions: How can we reduce waste through better data? How do we make products more accessible? What can we build to support underserved communities? These are the kinds of problems I want to work on—and I know that STEM gives me the tools to do that. Beyond the technical side, I’ve also grown confident in leading projects and working on teams. Through organizations like DECA, I’ve competed in entrepreneurship and marketing events, which helped me develop my communication and critical thinking skills. I’ve learned that being a STEM student isn’t just about numbers or code—it’s about using those tools to create value, connect people, and solve meaningful problems. In the future, I hope to use my education to create tech platforms that support young creatives, especially student artists who may not have traditional access to resources. I want to make sure they’re seen, supported, and celebrated. Looking back, I see that it was the blend of community service, curiosity, and creative problem-solving that brought me into STEM—and I couldn’t be more excited to keep growing in this field.

In the next five years, I plan to create a positive environmental impact by combining technology, wellness, and marketing to promote more conscious living, both locally and globally. I believe that lasting change doesn’t always start with big actions; it often begins with small shifts in awareness, behavior, and access. Through smart, intentional tech and thoughtful communication, I want to help make sustainability a daily, accessible choice, not just an ideal. As a Business Analytics and Computer Science student, I see endless potential in using data and technology to help people live better while reducing their environmental impact. My goal is to build or contribute to platforms that encourage mindful habits, like reducing waste, tracking energy or water use, or choosing sustainable products. I envision creating apps or digital tools that empower individuals to make greener decisions through personalized tips, real-time data, and community challenges. For example, a tool that tracks household waste and offers tailored recommendations based on local resources could drive real impact at the community level. On a larger scale, I plan to work with brands—either as a marketing strategist or founder of my own startup—to shift the conversation around sustainability. Too often, sustainability is either overcomplicated or reduced to a marketing trend. I want to help companies tell more honest, helpful stories about how their products support wellness for both people and the planet. That means clear, educational campaigns that don’t just sell, but inform, inspire, and move people to act. I’m especially passionate about supporting young creators and student artists, and I believe we can build digital spaces where creativity and sustainability intersect. Whether that’s through eco-conscious product sourcing, digital galleries that reduce the need for print materials, or platforms that promote art with a purpose, I want to center both expression and environmental care. By combining storytelling, design, and tech, I hope to make sustainability feel less like a sacrifice and more like a form of empowerment. At the local level, I plan to stay active in community-based sustainability initiatives, whether that’s helping schools and nonprofits launch green campaigns, mentoring other students in eco-conscious tech development, or partnering with local businesses to improve their environmental strategies using analytics. Even volunteering my time to teach younger students how to code with sustainability in mind is something I’m excited to do. Globally, I hope to scale any tools I create so they can be accessed and localized in other communities, especially underserved ones. Technology should not only be innovative—it should be inclusive. At the heart of it all, I believe that when people feel better—mentally, physically, emotionally—they are more likely to care for their surroundings. That’s why wellness is such an important part of my vision. I want to build systems, tools, and messages that support both human health and environmental health at the same time. In the next five years, I plan to be someone who helps bridge that gap between intention and action, between innovation and responsibility. Because a healthier world starts with better choices, and better choices start with better tools.

Pursuing a degree in STEM—specifically in Business Analytics and Computer Science—has been one of the most exciting and ambitious decisions I’ve made, but it’s also come with real challenges. As a first-generation college student, the path to higher education has never felt guaranteed. I’ve had to navigate everything from college applications to scholarship essays and financial aid on my own, and now that I’m entering a professional program, I’m facing the financial realities of preparing for the next stage. Even before stepping into my first college class, the costs were already building up. Admissions tests, prep materials, and application fees added up quickly. As I look ahead toward internships, certification programs, and possibly grad school, I know those expenses will grow. Whether it’s enrolling in specialized courses, getting access to tools like data analytics software, or simply affording the time to study without having to take on multiple jobs, the financial burden is real—and it has a direct impact on how far I can go and how fast I can move. Receiving this scholarship would lift a significant weight off my shoulders. It would allow me to stay focused on learning and growing, rather than constantly worrying about how I’ll afford my next course, certification, or opportunity. It would give me the freedom to dive deeper into my field, take part in internships, attend professional development events, and build the skills I need to not only succeed, but to lead. It would also make it possible for me to give back right now, through volunteer work, mentorship, and community-based projects that I might otherwise have to put on hold. My goals are clear. I want to become the founder and CEO of a tech startup that uses computer science and data to uplift young creatives, especially student artists who may not have traditional support. I’ve seen how many young people struggle to find platforms that truly support their growth, and I want to change that. I plan to create digital spaces that give them tools, visibility, and connection, and sustainability and ethical design will be at the heart of it all. But I don’t just want to succeed for myself. I want to use my future platform to support others pursuing similar paths through mentorship, educational resources, and financial support. I want to offer scholarships and workshops for students from underserved communities, especially those who are just starting their journey in tech and business but don’t know where to begin. I’ve been in their shoes, and I understand how much of a difference even one opportunity can make. This scholarship isn’t just financial support—it’s an investment in someone who is determined to turn their knowledge into real-world impact. With your help, I’ll not only continue on my path with more confidence and stability, but I’ll also make sure I open doors for others along the way. Thank you for considering my story and for believing in students like me who dream big and work hard to build a future that benefits more than just ourselves.

Sustainability should be a priority in every field, but especially in business and technology, because these industries are shaping the future. The decisions we make now about how we produce, consume, and build will determine the world we live in for generations. As someone entering the fields of business analytics and computer science, I believe we have a responsibility to lead with intention and design solutions that not only solve problems but also protect our planet. Data drives decisions. Whether it’s reducing waste in a supply chain, improving energy efficiency in a company, or forecasting the long-term impact of environmental policies, business analytics plays a key role. With the right tools, we can uncover insights that help organizations cut their environmental footprint while also becoming more efficient and cost-effective. That’s why I’m passionate about using data for good—because numbers aren’t just about profits; they can also point us toward smarter, greener choices. I’m also excited by the role technology can play in sustainability. From smart systems that regulate energy use in buildings to platforms that connect people with eco-friendly options, tech has the power to scale solutions in a way that wasn’t possible before. Even the smallest apps can influence people’s behaviors and shift habits. As I grow in my field, I hope to help design digital tools that nudge people and businesses toward more conscious decisions. In the future, I see myself working in a company or building one that puts sustainability at the center of its mission. Whether that’s through helping businesses reduce waste with data-driven insights or developing platforms that promote ethical consumption, I want my work to align with long-term impact. I believe that sustainability shouldn’t be treated as a bonus or a PR move—it should be built into the foundation of how we operate, innovate, and grow. I’m especially interested in supporting young creatives and student artists through technology, and I believe sustainability can be woven into that mission, too. From sourcing eco-conscious materials to reducing the digital carbon footprint of online platforms, there are endless ways to keep sustainability top of mind while still promoting expression and creativity. It’s all about balance and intention. More than anything, I see sustainability as a mindset. It’s about asking the right questions: Is this solution lasting? Who is it affecting? What impact will it have five, ten, or twenty years from now? As I continue my education and begin my career, I want to keep asking those questions and using my skills to build things that matter—not just for today, but for the future. We only get one planet. And in a world where business and tech hold so much power, we can’t afford to treat sustainability like an afterthought. I’m committed to being part of a generation that does better—because we know better, and because we care enough to act.

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce intimate partner violence. At its core, IPV is rooted in power, control, and a lack of healthy relationship models. When we use education not just to inform, but to transform how people think about themselves and others, we start to change that narrative. By teaching emotional intelligence, consent, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution from a young age, we can help prevent violence before it begins. And for those who have experienced it, education can offer a path to healing, independence, and empowerment. In high school, I saw how silence and shame can keep people trapped. I had friends who stayed in toxic or manipulative relationships because they didn’t know what a healthy one looked like—or they didn’t believe they deserved better. That stuck with me. It made me realize how important it is to talk about these issues openly, to break the stigma, and to create environments where people feel safe asking for help. That’s why I believe education—both formal and community-based—needs to include these conversations, not just as a side topic, but as a core part of preparing people for life. As I pursue my degree in Business Analytics and Computer Science, I plan to use my education not only to build a career but to build tools that create positive change. One of my long-term goals is to start a platform that supports young creatives, especially student artists and underserved youth. But beyond the creative side, I want that platform to also be a space for resources—mental health support, relationship education, and community-building. Sometimes, art is the first way people express pain. I want to make sure there’s support behind that expression. Technology, when used with care and intention, can be a powerful way to reach people who are isolated or afraid to speak up. Whether it’s through digital campaigns, online support networks, or AI tools that connect users with local resources, I believe my skills in tech can help create safer, more informed communities. I also want to use my voice to uplift these issues through public speaking, writing, or partnerships with organizations that work on the ground to support survivors. I’m not an expert yet, but I’m learning. And I know from personal experience that sometimes all it takes is one person, one conversation, or one moment of education to help someone realize they deserve more. I want to be part of that moment for others. Education can prevent violence. It can heal wounds. It can give people the tools to choose better, live freer, and grow stronger. And with the knowledge I gain and the experiences I carry, I hope to help create a world where everyone feels safe in their relationships—and in their own skin.

I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people connect—what draws them in, what makes them trust, and what makes them choose one product, service, or story over another. That natural curiosity is what first drew me to marketing. It’s more than just advertising; it’s understanding people. It’s communication, psychology, creativity, and data all rolled into one. And I knew early on that it was a field where I could thrive—not just professionally, but personally. My inspiration for pursuing marketing came through real-life experiences, not textbooks. In high school, I founded Room 4 Hope, a student-led initiative that donated toys and essentials to children in need. I didn’t just organize drives—I had to pitch the idea, get people on board, create materials, and build partnerships. That was my first real experience “marketing” something I believed in, and it showed me how powerful storytelling and strategic communication can be. We weren’t a big nonprofit, but people believed in our mission because we were able to express it clearly and emotionally. That experience lit a spark in me that never went away. Later on, my involvement in DECA—competing in entrepreneurship and marketing events—helped shape my professional mindset. I loved the challenge of identifying problems, understanding customer needs, and building a full plan to meet them. It taught me that sales and marketing aren’t just about convincing people—it’s about solving problems, creating value, and making sure that the message gets to the right audience in the right way. What truly motivates me is the impact marketing can have. Good marketing changes how people see the world. It can elevate small businesses, drive innovation, and even support social causes. That’s why I plan to combine my interest in marketing with data analytics and tech—so I can create campaigns that are not just creative but smart, targeted, and ethical. In today’s world, marketing shapes culture, and I want to be part of that influence, doing it with purpose and authenticity. I’m also excited by the idea of working in sales, especially in areas where trust and communication are key. I enjoy connecting with people and helping them find solutions that meet their needs. I see sales not as pushing a product, but as building a relationship—listening, advising, and guiding someone to the best outcome. That’s the kind of work I want to do. In the future, I hope to work for a company—or build my own—that believes in people-first marketing. Whether that’s on the creative side or the strategy side, I know I want to use my voice, my skills, and my ideas to help brands connect with their audience in real, meaningful ways. At the end of the day, my passion for marketing comes down to one thing: connection. It’s about understanding people, telling stories that matter, and building trust that lasts. And that’s something I’ll always be excited to be a part of.

When I first heard TXT’s Blue Hour, I was sitting on the floor of my room, overwhelmed, unsure about my future, and feeling like I had to have it all figured out. But something in the lyrics—something about the way they captured that strange mix of fear and hope—made me pause. That moment was the beginning of something much bigger: it was the moment I started to believe that uncertainty could be part of something beautiful. My name is Julia, and I’m an incoming freshman at the University of San Francisco. I’ll be majoring in Business Analytics with plans to add Computer Science, because I believe in using technology not just to innovate, but to help people. My dream is to become the founder and CEO of a startup that supports young creatives, especially student artists, by giving them platforms to share their work, build their identity, and connect with opportunities. I want to create tech that uplifts people in the same way TXT uplifted me. As a first-generation college student, getting to this point has meant navigating a lot of things on my own—from applying to college to figuring out how I’ll afford it. I’ve worked hard throughout high school, balancing dual enrollment courses, volunteer work, and leadership roles. I even started my own community project called Room 4 Hope, where we collect toys and essentials for kids in need. That experience taught me how to build something from nothing, and how impactful it can be when you do things with heart. Still, the financial side of college is a real challenge. I’m applying for scholarships so I can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and building a future that allows me to give back in meaningful ways. That’s where TXT comes in again—not just as a comfort during hard times, but as a source of real inspiration. What makes them different to me is how vulnerable and real they are. They don’t hide behind perfection. Instead, they talk about fear, identity, loneliness, growth—all the messy parts of becoming who you’re meant to be. It made me realize that success doesn’t have to mean having all the answers. It can mean being brave enough to keep moving forward, even when things are uncertain. If I had to choose a favorite member, it would be Soobin. His quiet leadership and emotional depth remind me a lot of myself. He’s not loud, but he’s steady. He supports others without needing the spotlight. That kind of strength is something I try to bring into my own work and relationships. One of my favorite TXT moments was during their ACT: LOVESICK tour, when they read letters to MOAs. It wasn’t scripted—it was heartfelt. It reminded me how powerful it is to feel seen and appreciated, and it’s the kind of connection I hope to build through the tech I one day create. TXT helped me believe in dreaming big, in using my voice, and in doing work that matters. They helped me realize that I could build something that supports others, especially young artists who might not feel heard yet. They didn’t just shape my music taste—they helped shape my purpose. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

One of the projects I’m most passionate about is Room 4 Hope, a student-led initiative I founded in high school. The idea started simple: collect toys, books, and basic essentials to donate to children in need. At the time, I didn’t have a team, a budget, or any real experience. But I had a strong desire to make a difference and believed that even small acts of kindness could go a long way. As the project grew, so did my passion for building something meaningful. I reached out to nonprofits, recruited volunteers, organized school-wide drives, and created systems to sort and deliver donations efficiently. Seeing the direct impact—like the smile on a child’s face when they received a toy or a handwritten card—was incredibly rewarding. But as things got bigger, I started asking myself: how can I reach even more people? How can I use technology to grow this mission beyond my own community? That curiosity is what led me to computer science. I started learning more about how websites, apps, and digital platforms work, and I realized that technology could multiply the reach and impact of everything I was doing. What excited me wasn’t just the technical side of coding, but the power it gave me to build something from scratch and share it with the world. I saw how software could be used to connect people, solve real-world problems, and create meaningful change. That realization shifted my entire mindset. I wasn’t just passionate about community service—I was passionate about building tools that could support it. Working in tech inspires me because it blends creativity, logic, and purpose. It’s like solving a puzzle, but the solution has real impact. I love that there’s always something new to learn, and that one idea—combined with the right skills and determination—can turn into something that helps thousands of people. That’s the kind of work I want to do. My dream is to become the founder and CEO of a startup that uses computer science to support young creators, especially student artists. I’ve seen how many talented people struggle to share their work or get recognition. I want to create a platform that helps them showcase their art, build portfolios, collaborate, and even earn income. Tech has the power to make those opportunities possible. The experience of building Room 4 Hope taught me that I’m capable of starting something meaningful with limited resources, and computer science gave me a vision of how far I can take it. I’m motivated by the idea of combining purpose with innovation, and I know that pursuing a degree in this field will give me the tools to bring my ideas to life. More than anything, I want to keep creating solutions that help people, and working in technology gives me the chance to do that in a real, lasting way.

I’ve always been drawn to how quickly the world is changing, and the fact that technology is driving so much of that change is exactly what pulled me toward computer science. For me, it’s not just about learning how to code. It’s about understanding how powerful tech can be when it’s used to help others. Computer science has the potential to shape the future, and I want to be someone who helps guide it in the right direction. My dream is to become the founder and CEO of a startup that uses computer science to better people’s lives, especially student artists. I’ve seen how many young creatives struggle to find platforms that support their work or give them real opportunities to grow. I want to build something that not only showcases their talent but also connects them with tools, resources, and even income, whether through AI integration, portfolio support, or digital galleries. Tech shouldn’t be just about efficiency—it should be about expression, connection, and giving voices a place to be heard. This vision didn’t come out of nowhere. I’ve always believed in doing things that help people. In high school, I started Room 4 Hope, a student-led project where we collect and donate toys and essentials to children in need. What started as just an idea turned into a full community effort. That experience showed me that I don’t need to wait to make an impact—I can start now, even with limited resources. It also taught me how to lead, organize, and inspire others. These are skills I plan to carry into my future startup. I’m excited to bring this energy with me to college, especially in a city like San Francisco. Being surrounded by innovation, diversity, and opportunity will motivate me to push my ideas further. I want to learn everything I can about coding, entrepreneurship, design, and user experience—anything that can help me turn my vision into reality. I believe in hard work, consistency, and showing up even when things are tough. That mindset, along with my creativity and purpose, is what keeps me going. This scholarship would make a huge difference in my journey. As a first-generation college student, I’ve worked hard to build my own path. I know how to take initiative, ask questions, and find solutions, even when the odds are stacked against me. I’m not just passionate about computer science—I’m determined to use it for good. In the future, I hope to look back and know that I created something that made people’s lives better. And it all starts now—with the right support, the right mindset, and the belief that anything is possible when you mix purpose with action.

When I was younger, I used to think that helping others was something only adults or big organizations could do. But being part of a community has completely changed how I see my role in the world—and it’s given me a lot of hope for the future. In my junior year, I started a project called Room 4 Hope. It began as a small idea: collecting toys and basic essentials to donate to kids going through hard times. I honestly didn’t expect much at first—just a few bins of donations. But the response was overwhelming. Friends, classmates, and even strangers pitched in, and soon we were partnering with local nonprofits and delivering bags full of toys, hygiene items, and handwritten notes to shelters and hospitals. One day, we dropped off donations at a women's and children’s shelter. A little girl picked out a stuffed unicorn, and the way she hugged it like it was the most special thing in the world—that moment has stayed with me ever since. It was such a small gift, but it clearly meant so much to her. That’s when I realized that even small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. This experience taught me that connection is powerful. It reminded me that we don’t need to have a lot of money or experience to make a difference—just care and consistency. Working with other volunteers and seeing how much people were willing to give showed me the strength of the community. It’s not about one person doing everything; it’s about all of us doing what we can, together. Being part of Room 4 Hope also taught me about resilience. There were times when donations were low, or plans didn’t work out. But the team kept going, reminding me that setbacks are just part of the process. Even when things got tough, the belief that we were doing something meaningful kept us moving forward. That kind of shared purpose is powerful—it keeps people motivated, even when the odds are against them. Most of all, this experience gave me a new kind of hope. The world can feel overwhelming sometimes, especially when you see all the problems out there. But being part of this project showed me that change is possible. Not always in big, dramatic ways—but in real, everyday moments that make people feel seen, safe, and cared for. I expect to continue this work in college, in the big city of San Francisco, where I plan to spread my impact even further. Whether it’s by creating new partnerships, starting campus drives, or volunteering in local neighborhoods, I’m excited to keep building community and making kindness a part of everyday life.