Being the middle child and only girl at home, I often felt like the ham in a sandwich – loved, but stuck. My brothers formed the edges of my world. Davy would pour sand, breadcrumbs, and milk in my hair, daring me to fight back. Enzo, always the gentleman, would lightly kick a football at me, cheering me on to kick back. I would have loved to delight them, but it wasn’t “lady-like”. It was frowned upon as the female figures in my life impressed upon me. To frolic and dirty themselves was for the boys. For the ladies, we had to be composed and poised. This constant reminder to be a proper Rwandan girl instilled fear in me. I grew up confined in a bubble, shielding myself. I did as I was told and maintained my composure. When alone, I completed assignments and read books instead of taking naps or learning new dances, convinced my energy could be put to better use. I decided to find joy in little, slightly “more interesting,” things. I remember arranging my room following Pythagoras Theorem as my petite feet jumped from one end to another, making sure angles between objects were perfect. I also remember creating, discarding, and re-creating ever-changing rankings of my favorite books on a small board on the “a” diagonal of my room. This helped in my academic endeavors as I had no problems understanding concepts and excelling at school. However, my shyness kept me confined to my tiny bubble. I longed for conversations about interesting subjects with my peers, but couldn’t manage to break free, couldn’t tell them about the fascinating world of ideas I lived in. When my mother went away for mandatory courses as an educator and Davy set off for boarding school, I began to step out of my cocoon. I assisted Enzo with his homework and realized how much I could achieve. I felt myself a bud, awaiting its bloom. During the Ordinary-level national examinations, I soared, gaining admission to Maranyundo Girls High School. High school became the nurturing environment I needed, shattering the wall that hindered my personality from taking root. I discovered that I am stubborn and far from timid. When prompted, I could be the loudest person in the room. I realized there was too much at risk to abide by confines that did not benefit me. During a camp as an inaugural member of Isomo Academy, I was exposed to seminars discussing global issues like climate action, ethics, prejudice, limits of altruism, and community building. I was challenged to think about myself as an agent of change in my society, researching topics that interest me like Mathematics, and learning about women pioneers like Mary Jackson. As I step into the world through Minerva University, where I will travel to seven countries during my undergraduate years, starting in the United States, I realize I allowed myself to be the ham sandwiched between bread – my comfort zone. I used it as a crutch out of fear of failing. I have moments of doubt, wanting to run from exposure and fear of failure. At these times, I look to my mother, who continues to achieve more despite going to school at a later age. I seek to be an inspiration to those who follow me. I value the prospect of becoming a global citizen, at which Minerva excels. However, this experience comes with heavy costs that my family and I cannot afford. I aim to use technology to improve Rwanda's education sector and pay it forward.

Technology is not just a tool; it is the North Star guiding my journey. I hunger to understand its inner workings—the algorithms that weave our digital fabric, the circuits that pulse with life through a complex system of Computer Science and Cognitive Science. In this pursuit, I seek not only mastery but also a profound connection between theory and impact. In the heart of Rwanda, I have witnessed the stark contrast between privilege and scarcity. While some students thrive in well-equipped classrooms, others grapple with outdated textbooks and limited resources. The digital divide yawns wide, leaving countless young minds on the margins. As I stepped into my first year at Minerva University, I was not only crossing geographical boundaries but also traversing realms of possibility. To advance this further, I want to learn from luminaries—brilliant minds who have sculpted the digital landscape. Their wisdom will be my compass, guiding me toward solutions that transcend borders. Minerva's global network will be my bridge. I’ll absorb insights from Silicon Valley's tech titans, but my heart will remain rooted in the terraced hills of Rwanda. For every line of code I write, I will envision a brighter future for Rwandan classrooms—a future where STEM is not a luxury but a birthright. Imagine an AI-driven tutor that adjusts its pace for a struggling student or a virtual lab accessible even to those without high-speed internet. These are not mere dreams; they're the blueprints I will sketch within my university’s hallowed halls.