I have chosen to pursue STEM because it allows me to combine my love of problem-solving with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world. From a young age, I have been drawn to mathematics and data science because they provide tools to analyze complex problems, identify patterns, and develop solutions. I enjoy the clarity and logic of STEM; unlike other subjects where the “right answer” can feel subjective, STEM allows me to approach challenges step by step and arrive at measurable solutions. This sense of structure and accomplishment motivates me to push myself academically and strive toward my goals. Being a young Black woman in STEM comes with unique challenges, but it has also given me a strong sense of purpose. I am aware that women, and particularly Black women, are underrepresented in fields like mathematics and data science. This reality has motivated me not only to excel academically but also to serve as a role model for others. I want to demonstrate that women of color can succeed in STEM, break stereotypes, and contribute innovative solutions to complex problems. Pursuing this path is not just about personal achievement—it is about opening doors for others and showing that identity does not define capability. My own experiences growing up have strengthened my commitment to this goal. Because my family moved frequently, I often had to adapt to new schools and cultures, learning quickly how to connect with people from different backgrounds. At times, I faced bullying and missed opportunities because of my skin color. These challenges tested my confidence and perseverance, but they also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of community. My family, faith, and mentors supported me through these difficult times, reminding me of my worth and encouraging me to pursue my dreams despite setbacks. I hope to use my education in data science to make a tangible difference in underserved communities. By analyzing data and identifying patterns, I aim to develop solutions that empower communities to grow, thrive, and make informed decisions. STEM gives me the tools to turn ideas into actionable results that can improve quality of life and create equitable opportunities for others. Ultimately, pursuing STEM is about more than a career—it is about purpose. It is about using my skills, experiences, and perspective as a Black woman to challenge norms, inspire others, and contribute positively to the world. I want to show young women, particularly those who look like me, that they can succeed in STEM, pursue their passions, and use their knowledge to make a meaningful impact. My journey has not been easy, but it has prepared me to embrace challenges, lead with resilience, and use STEM as a platform for change.

One of the most significant obstacles I have faced in pursuit of higher education has been navigating the challenges of constantly moving and trying to fit into different cultures. Growing up, my family relocated multiple times, and each move meant starting over—new schools, new classmates, new expectations. At times, it felt like I was a stranger in my own life, constantly having to adapt while trying to hold onto who I truly am. The uncertainty and pressure to belong weighed heavily on me, and there were moments when I felt invisible, overlooked, or dismissed. On top of this, being a young Black woman meant I sometimes faced bullying and missed opportunities simply because of my skin color. Words and actions that questioned my worth left lasting marks, and there were moments when I doubted whether I could succeed or even belong in spaces that didn’t seem built for someone like me. Despite these struggles, I discovered strength I didn’t know I had. Moving and assimilating forced me to learn quickly how to connect with others, how to adapt without losing myself, and how to keep moving forward even when it felt lonely. Over time, I realized that my experiences were shaping me into someone resilient, resourceful, and compassionate. I began to understand that my worth was not determined by others’ judgments, and that I had the power to create my own path. My family has been my anchor through these challenges. Their unwavering support reminded me that I am valued and capable, even when the world seemed to suggest otherwise. My faith gave me hope and courage, teaching me that hardships do not define me—they refine me. Mentors and teachers played an equally important role, encouraging me when I doubted myself and guiding me toward opportunities I might not have seen otherwise. Their belief in me helped me embrace my love for mathematics, a subject that gives me a sense of control and purpose. Solving problems and finding solutions reminded me that I can navigate any challenge with patience, logic, and determination. These experiences have shaped not only who I am but also what I hope to achieve. They inspired my dream of becoming a data scientist and using my skills to help underserved communities thrive. I want to take the lessons I have learned about resilience, adaptation, and perseverance and apply them to creating solutions that improve lives. I hope to use data to help communities grow, to empower those who feel overlooked, and to show that with support, faith, and determination, it is possible to overcome even the toughest obstacles. The obstacles I have faced were painful, and the journey was not easy. Yet they have strengthened my resolve, deepened my empathy, and inspired me to make a difference. I have learned that setbacks do not define my story—how I respond to them does. With the guidance of my family, mentors, and faith, I am confident in my ability to pursue higher education, embrace my identity, and use my education to create meaningful change. My struggles have taught me that even in the face of hardship, hope, resilience, and purpose can guide the way forward.

As a young Black woman, I have big dreams of becoming a data scientist so that I can use my skills to help low-income communities grow and flourish. Attending Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU, has taught me so much about who I am, both as a student and as a young Black woman. Pursuing a major in mathematics with a minor in data science is often seen as unusual for women—and even more so for Black women—but I have learned to embrace the challenge and recognize the power in breaking stereotypes. Being Black to me means resilience, creativity, and the ability to thrive despite challenges. It means understanding the history and struggles of my community while using that knowledge to make a positive impact. It also means embracing my identity fully, including my culture, my values, and my voice. I chose to attend an HBCU because, throughout my life, I often had to assimilate to different cultures while rarely having the chance to fully embrace my own. That experience shaped how I viewed the world and my place within it. Coming to JCSU gave me the opportunity to explore my culture, connect with others who share similar experiences, and learn more about myself and my community. Here, I am gaining the tools, knowledge, and confidence I need to pursue my career as a data scientist and make meaningful contributions to communities that need support and empowerment.

My experiences with mental health have deeply shaped the way I view the world, how I build relationships, and the goals I’ve set for my future. From a young age, I was forced to face challenges that many people don’t see or understand. One of the most difficult experiences I’ve had was being bullied because of my skin color. People made fun of me for something I could not change, and those words and actions stuck with me. Over time, they affected my confidence, my ability to trust others, and even how I viewed my own worth. Along with the bullying, I also lost opportunities because of my skin color—moments where I should have been celebrated for my potential but instead was overlooked or dismissed. These experiences left emotional scars, but they also pushed me to build inner strength. Another big part of my journey was having to constantly adapt to new environments. Because my family moved around a lot, I often found myself in unfamiliar spaces where I had to learn new cultural norms just to fit in. At first, this made me feel isolated and uncertain about where I belonged. However, over time I began to see that this challenge also gave me a unique skill. I learned how to connect with people from many different backgrounds. I learned how to communicate effectively, build trust, and find common ground even when I felt different. This ability to adapt not only helped me survive those transitions but also gave me the foundation to thrive. Through all of these ups and downs, two things remained constant: my faith and my family. They were my anchor when I felt lost, and they reminded me that I was worthy of love, opportunity, and success. My faith gave me hope during my hardest moments, and my family gave me strength to keep going. They showed me that I didn’t have to face my struggles alone. These experiences with mental health, racism, and change have shaped my beliefs about resilience and community. They taught me that success isn’t just about individual achievement—it’s also about support, connection, and purpose. That’s why my career aspiration is to become a data scientist and use my skills in mathematics and data science to build stronger, more inclusive communities. I want to analyze real-world problems, find solutions, and make sure that people like me—who have been overlooked—have access to opportunities. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has made me stronger, more compassionate, and deeply motivated to make a difference.

When people say, “You must be smart—you’re majoring in mathematics,” I usually smile and agree, but I also take the time to explain why I enjoy it so much. For me, math is more than just numbers on a page. I like math because it gives you straightforward answers. Unlike other subjects where you may be asked to choose the “best” answer, math allows you to work through a problem step by step until you arrive at a clear solution. I find comfort in that kind of structure. It gives me the power to solve problems using logic and critical thinking. One of my favorite parts of math has always been solving word problems. I enjoy carefully interpreting the question, turning it into an equation, and then finding the solution. It’s like translating a real-world situation into something that can be understood and solved through reasoning. This process excites me because it connects directly to my future goals. My dream is to become a data scientist and use what I learn to support communities. I believe analyzing data can solve problems, improve decision-making, and create opportunities for growth. Through mathematics and data science, I want to help communities work more efficiently and grow stronger together. I see math not just as a subject, but as a powerful tool to make real change.