From an early age, I’ve loved challenges and problem solving activities, such as working on Sudoku puzzles, solving Rubik’s cubes, and assembling jigsaw puzzles with my grandparents. I would receive monthly STEM kits in the mail that further piqued my curiosity, introducing me to hands-on projects and understanding how things work. As I explored other STEM activities, I discovered a passion for computer programming. Coding classes at school and an Intro to Game Design program at a pre-college program confirmed my career aspirations. Inspired by what I learned, I developed an app idea to help my volleyball coach strategize during practices and games. My web design class increased this passion, teaching me CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. The freedom to create a personalized website for my final project allowed me to merge logic and creativity, bringing my ideas to life. Over the summer, I expanded my skills by learning Unity, exploring the parallels between web design and game development. Both fields allow me to combine my creativity and technical skills, which fuels my drive to innovate. Computer science will allow me to pursue this passion and continue to make more apps and websites. Although I have only been crocheting for a little over a year, it is the love of my life, the one thing I’ve been missing, my purpose. This all may sound hyperbolic, but I genuinely feel my happiest when I crochet. The hours fly by, and before I know it, I have been crocheting for 6 hours straight and missed lunch. The best parts about crochet are the versatility and diversity. Many people have made crochet their living, selling patterns and creations, and you can make virtually anything from clothes to stuffed animals. Additionally, there is so much to learn! New stitches are always developing, and there will always be more as long as people are crocheting. Not only have I learned stitches, but I even went so far to start a crochet club at my high school to share my love of crochet with others. Crochet is not only a fun creative hobby, it's a great stress reliever and I learned it's great for you mental health!

I have loved challenges and problem-solving activities from as early as I can remember, such as solving Rubik’s cubes, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and working on Sudoku puzzles with my grandparents. I would receive monthly STEM kits in the mail that further piqued my curiosity, introducing me to hands-on projects. Exploring other STEM activities, I discovered a passion for computer programming. Coding classes at school and an Introduction to Game Design pre-college program confirmed my career aspirations. Inspired by what I learned, I developed an app to help my volleyball coach strategize during practices and games. While I cannot claim full credit, our team made it to the State Championship. My web design class increased this passion, teaching me CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. The freedom to create a personalized website for my final project allowed me to merge logic and creativity, bringing my ideas to life. Over the summer, I expanded my skills by learning Unity and exploring the parallels between web design and game development. Both fields allow me to combine my creativity and technical skills, which fuels my drive to innovate. Whether building a website or designing an app, I thrive on turning ideas into impactful solutions. Computer science will allow me to pursue this passion and continue to make more apps and websites. As you can imagine, only a few faces look like mine in the field of STEM. I want to change that. Today's world is a different generation with access to much more. Since affirmative action and diversity programs are on the decline, I realize how important it is to be an example for young black girls from Mississippi and other underrepresented states. I realized this when I had the opportunity to participate in the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science Semester program, where I made many connections with people nationwide. For the first time in a while, I could be around like-minded individuals with similar interests. There is something incredible about being in the presence of people who are also curious, creative, and open to new ideas just like me. Being around others who share these values motivates me to push my own boundaries. Together, we can share ideas, challenge each other, and grow in ways we might not be able to on our own. I hope to continue surrounding myself with individuals who help me branch out and learn more. My diversity should not limit or define me, it's what drives me.

I have loved challenges and problem-solving activities from as early as I can remember, such as solving Rubik’s cubes, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and working on Sudoku puzzles with my grandparents. I would receive monthly STEM kits in the mail that further piqued my curiosity, introducing me to hands-on projects. Exploring other STEM activities, I discovered a passion for computer programming. Coding classes at school and an Introduction to Game Design pre-college program confirmed my career aspirations. Inspired by what I learned, I developed an app to help my volleyball coach strategize during practices and games. While I cannot claim full credit, our team made it to the State Championship. My web design class increased this passion, teaching me CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. The freedom to create a personalized website for my final project allowed me to merge logic and creativity, bringing my ideas to life. Over the summer, I expanded my skills by learning Unity and exploring the parallels between web design and game development. Both fields allow me to combine my creativity and technical skills, which fuels my drive to innovate. Whether building a website or designing an app, I thrive on turning ideas into impactful solutions. Computer science will allow me to pursue this passion and continue to make more apps and websites. As you can imagine, only a few faces look like mine in the field of STEM. I want to change that. Today's world is a different generation with access to much more. Since affirmative action and diversity programs are on the decline, I realize how important it is to be an example for young black girls from Mississippi and other underrepresented states. I realized this when I had the opportunity to participate in the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science Semester program, where I made many connections with people nationwide. For the first time in a while, I could be around like-minded individuals with similar interests. There is something incredible about being in the presence of people who are also curious, creative, and open to new ideas just like me. Being around others who share these values motivates me to push my own boundaries. Together, we can share ideas, challenge each other, and grow in ways we might not be able to on our own. I hope to continue surrounding myself with individuals who help me branch out and learn more. My diversity should not limit or define me, it's what drives me.

Dear Future Self First, congratulations on graduating from high school at the top of your class. As you get ready to explore the next phase of your education, I want to remind you of the values that have shaped who you are today: discipline, being true to yourself, and being selfless. These principles have guided me through every challenge and victory, and I hope that, no matter where life takes you, you continue to hold onto them tightly. First and foremost, discipline has been the backbone of my journey. It has meant pushing myself to stay committed to my schedule and my goals, whether good or bad. Whether it’s been getting up everyday for school at 4:25 AM, sticking to a strict practice schedule for volleyball, or setting aside time for community service, discipline was the driving force that helped me achieve some of my greatest achievements. In the future, there will undoubtedly be new challenges that will test your abilities. Always remember that discipline is not about perfection; it's about consistent effort. Keep pushing yourself, stay dedicated to your goals, and remember that every small step you take will eventually lead to bigger achievements. While staying disciplined, don't be afraid to be different. High school has taught me the importance of being myself, whether through my quirky interests of computer programming, crocheting or simply having different interests. One thing I’ve learned, the world needs people who are not only diverse on the outside, but also on the inside. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Remember that being different is not about changing yourself for others, but about celebrating the qualities that make you unique. It’s about being confident in who you are and using that confidence to inspire others to do the same. Continue to embrace your quirks and passions, and don’t be afraid to pursue what genuinely excites you. Most importantly, never forget how blessed you are and be a blessing to others. My high school and community have taught me that we are all interconnected, and the way we support and empower those around us can make a lasting impact. I’ve learned that even small acts, like tutoring my classmates or encouraging friends to join my crochet club, can spark positive change. As you grow older, you will gain more knowledge and experience that can benefit others. Don’t keep this to yourself. Share what you know, mentor those who are just starting their journeys, and always create spaces where others feel valued. As you move forward in life, remember the values of discipline, being true to yourself and selflessness that have helped you in high school will continue to serve and enrich you well throughout your life. Keep pushing yourself, stay true to who you are, and always strive to make a positive impact on those around you. Lastly, With the rising cost of tuition, room and board, and other college-related expenses, I could greatly benefit from this scholarship. Despite having a family with a steady income, I also have a brother in college. My family won’t qualify for significant financial aid and having a brother in college, this scholarship would not only help bridge the gap, it would also help reduce student loan debt, and allow me to focus on my academics.