The United States Department of Defense is a large and long-lasting government agency that has grown and evolved over time. Originally handling cannons and muskets, today its focus has shifted in part to cyberspace. Despite this, its mission remains the same: to provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security. It is my goal to work in government cybersecurity. This can look like a lot of things, a cyber strategy planner, a security team manager, a systems engineer, a malware analyst, an information technician, and more. These titles may all be obtained through a cybersecurity degree. Of these paths, I would most prefer to be a cyber strategy planner. Strategy planners are the policy makers advocating for positive change in accordance with the law and current security standards. As a government cyber strategy planner and policy maker I will have a noble goal: protect the critical infrastructure and information essential to the function of our country. By this avenue I will diligently serve the general public. I wish to pursue this endeavor because I truly believe cyberspace is the frontier of the future. To illustrate the power of cyberspace even now, I should note that presently wars are conducted, won or lost, by use of it. I believe the way to make the most lasting impact on the America of tomorrow is to protect the area of cyberspace today. I find enjoyment in leaving the world a better place than I found it and believe a career in cybersecurity will be an impactful method of accomplishing that. Considering the complexity and rapid advancement present in cybersecurity, I know obtaining expertise and, furthermore, a career in cybersecurity policy will be difficult, but I certainly believe I can do it. I have a passion for learning, evidenced by my attainment of a National Merit Scholar Commendation, 35 Superscore ACT, 4.0 high school GPA (unweighted), participation of six years in scholar bowl, and a history of success in math competitions. I have proven a determination to bring my goals to fruition through vigorous training in cross country and track, resulting in numerous state level awards. I care for my community and the greater public. This is seen through one hundred thirty-seven community service hours acquired through organizations including Kansas Association for Youth, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, National Honors Society, and more. From these past successes I believe it can be reasonably inferred that I will have similar success to come, especially regarding my passion, cybersecurity. In summation, I aspire to a cybersecurity career as a cyber strategist and policy maker at the United State Department of Defense providing public service by protection of critical infrastructure and information. I view this path as an effective means of evoking lasting impacts for the betterment of my country. I believe that I have what it takes to do this because of my love of learning, determination, and care for the public good. Thank you for your consideration.

The United States Department of Defense is a large and long-lasting government agency that has grown and evolved over time. Originally handling cannons and muskets, today its focus has shifted in part to cyberspace. Despite this, its mission remains the same: to provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security. It is my goal to work in government cybersecurity. This can look like a lot of things, a cyber strategy planner, a security team manager, a systems engineer, a malware analyst, an information technician, and more. These titles may all be obtained through a cybersecurity degree. Of these paths, I would most prefer to be a cyber strategy planner. Strategy planners are the policy makers advocating for positive change in accordance with the law and current security standards. As a government cyber strategy planner and policy maker I will have a noble goal: protect the critical infrastructure and information essential to the function of our country. By this avenue I will diligently serve the general public. I wish to pursue this endeavor because I truly believe cyberspace is the frontier of the future. To illustrate the power of cyberspace even now, I should note that presently wars are conducted, won or lost, by use of it. I believe the way to make the most lasting impact on the America of tomorrow is to protect the area of cyberspace today. I find enjoyment in leaving the world a better place than I found it and believe a career in cybersecurity will be an impactful method of accomplishing that. Considering the complexity and rapid advancement present in cybersecurity, I know obtaining expertise and, furthermore, a career in cybersecurity policy will be difficult, but I certainly believe I can do it. I find traits in myself conducive to this end. I have a passion for learning, evidenced by my attainment of a National Merit Scholar Commendation, 35 Superscore ACT, 4.0 high school GPA (unweighted), participation of six years in scholar bowl, and a history of success in math competitions. I have proven a determination to bring my goals to fruition through vigorous training in cross country and track, resulting in numerous state level awards. I care for my community and the greater public. This is seen through one hundred thirty-five community service hours acquired as a high school senior through organizations including Kansas Association for Youth, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, National Honors Society, and more. From these past successes I believe it can be reasonably inferred that I will have similar success to come, especially regarding my passion, cybersecurity. This scholarship would help me reach my educational and career goals. It is no secret that college is both difficult and expensive. Through the finances provided by this scholarship I will be able to focus more of my attention on my study and less of my attention worrying about payments. As a Hispanic woman people like me have historically been underrepresented in both higher education and STEM fields. This scholarship would also help decrease this gap in representation. In summation, I aspire to a cybersecurity career as a cyber strategist and policy maker at the United State Department of Defense providing public service by protection of critical infrastructure and information. I view this path as an effective means of evoking lasting impacts for the betterment of my country. I believe that I have what it takes to do this because of my love of learning, determination, and care for the public good. This scholarship would help me out immensely. Thank you for your consideration.

Calculus is a cornerstone in the STEM field because it allows us to describe and measure movement and change. This is especially essential to fields like mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and civil engineering. Calculus helps engineers design everything from bridges to airplanes by providing the tools to model and predict how these structures will behave under different conditions. But the importance of calculus extends beyond these fields too. Even STEM disciplines that do not use calculus in their everyday work can benefit from learning it. This is because calculus teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are useful in every aspect of life. I have always been interested in how mathematical concepts can be applied to solve real-world problems. My high school GPA of 4.0 reflects my dedication to my studies and my ability to comprehend complex subjects. As I am going into computer science, I understand that a strong foundation in mathematics, especially calculus, will be invaluable in my future career. Calculus is not just about solving equations; it is also about understanding the principles that govern the world around us. In cybersecurity, a field I am interested in through computer science, calculus can play a role in developing algorithms and understanding data patterns. Cybersecurity professionals need to think critically and solve problems quickly, and the skills learned through studying calculus are directly applicable to these tasks. For example, understanding how to model and predict the behavior of systems can help in identifying potential security threats and developing countermeasures. Moreover, calculus teaches us to approach problems methodically. This mindset is crucial in any STEM field, including cybersecurity. By breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, we can develop solutions that are both efficient and effective. This approach is not only useful in technical fields but also in everyday life. Whether I am managing a system update project, analyzing suspicious data, or developing a new defense strategy, the problem-solving skills I will have gained from studying calculus will help me succeed. Being Hispanic, I am proud to bring a diverse perspective to the STEM field. As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field, I am committed to breaking down barriers and encouraging other young women to pursue careers in STEM. By excelling in my studies and applying my knowledge of calculus to real-world problems, I hope to make a positive impact in my field. In conclusion, calculus is important in the STEM field because it provides the tools to understand and model the world around us. It teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any discipline. As I pursue my studies in Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Kansas State University, I am confident that my knowledge of calculus will be a key asset in my future career in cybersecurity.

Anyone who has spent time around me would confirm that my passion lies in learning about and understanding the world around me. I have always been curious and logical by nature. I find comfort in taking large topics and breaking them down into small comprehensible pieces through critical thinking and reasoning. My chosen career path of computer science aligns with this passion excellently. Computers are comprised of various small parts, all of which serve a specific important function. To me, this is a puzzle just waiting to be solved. It is very exciting to me, and thankfully there is great demand for computer professionals so I can chase this passion. I feel grateful that I will be able to do what I love as a career. This scholarship provides a means of attaining this goal. With less stress of financial burdens, I can focus more of my energy on reasoning through and solving the puzzling and exciting enigma that is the computer, just like Alan Turing, the father of computer science. I have always strived for excellence in my academics and extracurricular activities. I am proud to have a 4.0 GPA and a 35 ACT score. My dedication to my studies has been recognized through awards such as the National Merit Scholar Commended, National Rural and Small Towns Recognition Program, and National Hispanic Recognition Program. These achievements reflect my commitment to learning and my ability to thrive in challenging environments. Both values will be put to good use in the computer science field that elicits life-long learning. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am actively involved in various extracurricular activities. I participate in Cross Country, Track and Field, Tennis, Pep Club, Scholar Bowl, FCA, FCCLA, and Kansas Association for Youth. These activities have taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I am especially proud of placing 1st in the 4x800m State Track competition. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team and me. These are more useful traits in the computer science field as you must persevere through difficulties. Community service is another area where I am deeply involved. I have completed 133 hours of community volunteering. I believe that being an active member of the community is essential, and I am committed to continuing this involvement in the future. Giving back to my community has been a rewarding experience, and it has helped me develop a sense of responsibility and empathy. These ethics are essential as computer science holds the responsibility of shaping the future as the world becomes more digital. Receiving the One Chance Scholarship would be a big step towards achieving my career goals. It would lift some of the financial stress associated with college, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial burdens. This would enable me to fully immerse myself in my computer science studies and take advantage of all the opportunities that college offers. In conclusion, I am passionate about learning and understanding the world around me, and I am excited about the prospect of a career in computer science. My academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and community service demonstrate my commitment and my readiness to take on the challenges of college. This scholarship would be a valuable step in helping me achieve my goals and make a positive impact in the field of computer science. Thank you for considering my application.

Short brown pigtails and gummy smiles, I was a cute little girl. So, when I told mom at six years old that I wanted to wrestle just like my older brother, she was excited, but a little surprised. She was supportive and took me to practice with my brother and the other boys. From then on it was a repeating sound, “She’s such a sweet, cute little thing, I didn’t expect her to go out to the mat and be so strong and mean!” Everyone had an opinion. The boys I would beat would be made fun of by their friends, saying “you got beat by a girl” as if it made him lesser. As if I, as a girl, was lesser. Nonetheless, I loved the sport. The early mornings and long tourney days spent with my brother and parents are fond memories. Pre-match rituals of my mom braiding hair before matches and pep talks in hallways from dad will always be my soft spot. I learned the value of training and fitness. I learned the value of hard work, grit, and perseverance. I learned to win and lose gracefully. I grew up on the road to wrestling meets. Wrestling was a piece of me. Time passed and I got to junior high, where I continued to wrestle (and beat) boys. Girl wrestlers were not yet a dominant presence so wrestling boys was often my only option. Everyone had an opinion then too. “She really is getting more mature, maybe she should try a different sport…” or “It’s not natural for a girl to be wrestling boys,” or even “It’s not natural for a girl to wrestle.” Sadly, these opinions continued to present themselves, even from my coach (the boys coach) and then a (now ex) boyfriend. As these voices got louder, I listened to them. I quit wrestling for three years after the 7th grade and in that time, I began to feel like I’d lost myself. Then everything changed. Near the end of freshman year women’s wrestling was officially sanctioned by my state. Then there was also a change of coaches and we obtained a women’s coach. More girls joined the sport, including my little sister, so I decided on a return to the sport I’d dedicated my youth to. On the mat I found autonomy. I could leave my performance in front of the audience and leave no doubt that I belonged there. During matches my every movement declares “I am here, I am capable, I am strong.” I found other girls like me during the season. What encouraged me the most was the friendship and support I found in the other girls. From inviting me to wrestling camps to teaching me new moves between matches, we were looking out for each other. It was a great sophomore season with great people. All-in-all, I can say a lot of things about wrestling. I cannot fully express how pivotal the sport has been to my life. As a girl it was my dream, then my childhood, then a sore topic, and now it is my community. I hold a great love for wrestling and all that it has been to me. If my future daughter ever told me she wanted to try it, my answer would be “yes” in a heartbeat.

Andrew Carnegie once stated, "Wealth is not to feed our egos but to feed the hungry and to help people help themselves." Money is a tool, and learning how to use it is a skill many spend their entire lives growing and developing. I believe its purpose is to aid those in need of help and to build ideas into realities. Leaving wealth behind for your children, paired with financial education, increases their ability to build ideas and goals into realities and increases the likelihood of their financial success later in life as well. I hope to achieve wealth through the application of learned financial principles such as having money work for me as opposed to working for money, living within my means, investing, and more. Allocating value to financial education is crucial as it teaches how to manage and grow generational wealth. Focusing on financial education is how I plan to achieve generational wealth. Generational wealth is a powerful tool to open doors to opportunities for growth and development for the individual and the greater good. Generational wealth can free a family from poverty, offering the opportunity for growth and for individuals to seek fulfilling and purposeful lives. Through the blessing of generational wealth, families can become a blessing to others. Generational wealth can enable the recipients to be benefactors to charitable causes such as feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, educating the uneducated, and offering shelter to the homeless. Lasting, meaningful impacts can be made from one's own decision of intelligent money management. That is immensely important to me. Certain economic principles have shown over time to be successful, thus it is those that seem most sensible to follow. Such principles include budgeting, building or buying assets instead of liabilities, creating passive income, making smart investments, and building profitable life skills. All of these things are easier said than done, but, with due diligence and dedication, it is possible to attain good finances. When it becomes difficult a way of maintaining dedication and adherence to the plan I've set is to remember why I started, that is to build something and make a lasting, positive impact on future generations to come. Keeping in mind the impact wealth could have on those who need help to get their feet under them, what generational wealth could mean for your future family, and how to attain generational wealth, one can set themselves up for future success by making smart decisions characterized by the mindset it takes to achieve financial security. Generational wealth, a tool to change lives through the many opportunities it serves to offer, is immensely important.

"In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm." Psalm 62:1-2. Through the Bible we learn of the realities of life and death, spirit and flesh, and who controls all these things. We are told of the plan God has for humanity. From this we can make sense of a seemingly confusing world. We learn of our origins, our truths, and our redemption back to God through Christ, the embodiment of love. The book tells of our creation, how we lived with God in completeness and love, but we sinned and fell short of the perfect standard. But God, out of love for us, did not cast us away, rather He offered us a way back to Him to whoever would take it. He came in the body of a man, lived the perfect life no one else could, then died in our place, taking upon Himself the judgement we deserved, this man is Christ, the Messiah. Now anyone who believes can be united back to God, no longer breaking His law. We can have a friendship with the amazing Creator of the mountains, oceans, and everything in between. We receive confidence in knowing through all the hardships that come, there is a promise we have been given. Christ is with us always, even to the end of the age. The Bible is a beautiful story of redeeming love and God's sheer goodness. It is our history and more importantly, it tells us of the wonderful character of our God. I would desperately want everyone in the world to know they are deeply loved, have immense worth to God, and can be secure in Christ, because of this I would have everyone read the Good Book, the Word, the Bible.