My name is Katrina Gumerov, and I am a proud first-generation student. Ever since I applied Autodesk Inventor to design and 3D print a model Lego set for the first time, I have come to understand that technology is not just an instrument but a gateway to change. All those late nights spent crying, failures, and efforts I went through on that project were worth it with an indescribable sense of victory and pride once my masterpiece took shape. It was at that moment that I became interested in STEM and set out on a journey of discovery and innovation. Being one of the few girls in my high school STEM program, I was often left out of group projects and benched. Instead of letting these disappointments get me down, I let them fuel me to prove everyone wrong and demonstrate that I belonged in this challenging field. Those early setbacks did not just make me tough but also instilled in me a strong desire to create a more inclusive space for women in STEM. I realized that each failure was an opportunity to rewrite the story for myself and generations of future women innovators. Today, I have the honor of being a STEM ambassador at the Center for Initiatives in STEM at UCF, where I introduce K -12 students to fascinating STEM topics and inspire them to dream big. Being part of the Women in STEM mentorship program solidified my commitment to building a safe environment where every girl can envision a technology career. These roles not only allowed me to give back to society but also prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead in my career life. I chose to pursue Computer Science because I am convinced that technology can transform lives and reshape our world. My dream is to apply the skills I acquire in college to extend the most advanced technological advancements to everyone, especially those who have been historically underrepresented. I envision a world where advances in software, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure dismantle obstacles and advance equality, empowering all with the tools to prosper in a more digital world. This scholarship would be a turning point in my life, not only by alleviating financial pressures but also by enabling me to further my work of empowerment and inclusivity through technology. With additional resources, I plan to expand outreach programs, develop projects that address real issues, and further mentor the future generation of technology enthusiasts. Every line of code that I produce and every project that I complete will be a step closer to building a more connected, accessible, and innovative future. In essence, my STEM path is one of individual challenges to be an agent for positive change. I am committed to using my Computer Science professional life as a platform for shattering obstacles, enabling marginalized populations, and showing that determination, creativity, and diversity can not only transform individuals but the globe at large.

To be the first generation in my family to attend college is to carry the legacy of sacrifice and perseverance that my parents had when they left everything behind after the Soviet Union collapsed. It is a duty and a privilege to convert their hardships into a beacon of hope for our future and to pave the way for future generations. At a college orientation early in my life, I remember being the only person in the room with an American birth certificate while my family's background spanned continents. I carried both the pride of being a second-generation immigrant and the responsibility of trailblazing as a first-generation college student at that time. It was that epiphany that provided the backdrop for my academic pursuits, as I made it my mission to repay my family's investment of time and effort and show them that they had not misplaced their belief in me. I am pursuing a Computer Science degree at college because I am persuaded by the potential of technology to transform lives. I am looking forward to a course that emphasizes innovation, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. My dream is to use technology to go beyond limitations and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to whatever tools and information they need. Every project I do and every line of code I write brings us closer to a more inclusive, accessible technology that is within reach of everyone, ultimately leading to a better, more connected world. My life has not been without its challenges. Being half-Russian, half-Ukrainian, I often found myself in the middle of cultural controversy, a misfit among classmates who saw my heritage as a matter of contention. These events, although difficult, have given me the strength to continue and have driven me to become an outstanding student and person. I have prepared for college in a positive sense by seeking out mentors, providing community service, and building leadership skills—primarily through service as a senate seat representative in student government. Through this role, I represent individuals who are unable to represent themselves, and I am the voice for individuals who have been made to feel silenced, much like how I once felt. In the long run, I see myself applying my leadership experience and education to empower marginalized communities and provide opportunities to others. I am committed to dismantling systemic barriers, bridging cultural divides, and serving as a change agent. By turning my hardships into stepping stones, I aim to become a leader who not only repays my family's sacrifices but also inspires others to believe that persistence and determination can lead the way to lasting success.

I vividly remember the moment I first realized that my path in education would be uniquely challenging. At a college orientation, I was the only person in the room who could claim an American birth certificate, with family roots spanning continents. In that moment, I felt the pride of being a second-generation immigrant and the weight of breaking new ground as a first-generation college student. I knew that pursuing higher education was not just a personal success but also a testament to the sacrifices of my family. My pursuit of higher education is driven by a necessity to convert the difficulties of my past into opportunities for the future. My parents sacrificed everything they knew in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse to build a better life in America. Their stories of perseverance, grit, and optimism inspired me to strive for achievement in a system with no family blueprint to follow. In preparation for college, I relied on my resourcefulness—seeking out mentors, engaging in community activities, and intensely researching every opportunity that would help me navigate this new world of academics. It has not been easy getting to college. The escalation of the war between Ukraine and Russia added challenges to my life as a half-Russian, half-Ukrainian individual. Sometimes, my culture would be a subject of debate at school, and I would feel like an outcast among both groups of individuals. These hardships, though they have been difficult, have hardened my determination to persevere and show that I deserve higher learning despite the cultural complexities that I will need to navigate. Apart from academic preparation, I have taken an active effort to prepare myself for life beyond the college classroom. I am now serving as a senate seat representative to student government, where I champion the voice for those who cannot speak out for themselves—providing a voice to those who, like me, have felt silenced at times. This experience has given me the strength to turn personal struggles into rallying cries and has armed me with leadership skills that I know will stand me in excellent stead in college. Ultimately, I am pursuing higher education for myself as well as to honor the sacrifices of my family and pave the way for generations yet to come. I am committed to dismantling barriers and bridging cultural divides, showing that through determination, perseverance, and the right guidance, a first-generation student's dreams can become an enduring triumph.

I still recall the day I realized just how much my path was going to differ and be tough. At college orientation, I was the only individual in the room who could say that I held an American birth certificate and whose family members had resided on other continents. I felt both the pride of being a second-generation immigrant and the burden of being different. I realized that I had a lot to prove, not just to the system but to myself as well. My entire educational journey has been difficult and special, as I am the only family member born in America. My parents, who lost everything when the Soviet Union fell and had to leave behind everything they knew and loved, sacrificed so much so that I could do things they never had the chance to. Their stories of struggle, determination, and hope have been an inspiration to me, even in those years when I struggled through an unfamiliar and sometimes cruel system of higher education. Having no family model to emulate, I had to depend on my instincts and pure willpower to guide me through the intricacies of college life. The road was not easy. The escalation of the war between Russia and Ukraine made my inner turmoil worse. Being half Russian, half Ukrainian, I existed in an uncomfortable limbo. My teachers would sometimes use my heritage as a matter of debate within school, and I was rejected by both cultures. The Russian students resented my presence, and the Ukrainian students were not more welcoming. They made me feel isolated and not understood, and they urged me to put in extra effort to establish myself and remain dedicated to school. Despite all these challenges, I never lost sight of my dreams, not just for myself but for my entire family. Every obstacle reminds me of the sacrifices that my parents had to suffer and the belief they had in me. I want to be that individual of success who justifies their sacrifices in migrating to America and establishing a new life. College is not merely my achievement; it is one of purpose, an act to celebrate my heritage and one that will establish a precedent for generations to come. Outside of the classroom, I am also a student government representative for the senate, passing my days advocating for those unable to advocate for themselves – providing them with a voice that I never had. This has given me the authority to turn my struggles into opportunities to be an activist and to offer an even more open platform for all those outsiders. As I continue my education, I am committed to filling in the gaps in cultures. My desire stems from a call to do justice for my family, shatter the ceiling of being an immigrant, and encourage others to believe that constant striving and perseverance will ultimately prevail.

Ever since my first experience in STEM—using Autodesk Inventor to model a Lego set and 3D print it—I felt an irresistible pull toward the field. I cried for weeks on end, suffering through struggles, only for it to pay off in the end. That amazing sense of pride and triumph is one that I will never forget, as it was the moment that I truly understood the power of creativity and determination. It was not just a project but a turning point that resulted in my embracing my passion for STEM and an ongoing process of learning and exploration. I was one of the few girls in my high school STEM program, so I was accustomed to being in the minority. I was belittled and excluded from group assignments throughout high school, and that only fueled my determination to prove that I belonged in this challenging field. The setbacks I faced did not deter me; instead, they motivated me to continue pushing and striving for a more embracing and supportive place for women in STEM. I was determined not only to thrive but also to ensure that future female students would be welcomed and encouraged in their scientific endeavors. At the moment, I am happily a STEM ambassador of the Center for Initiatives in STEM at UCF, where I give engaging STEM topics to K-12 students and also model what they aspire to be. I am involved with the Women in STEM mentorship program, where I spend my time building an environment where women can grow and develop into all that they can. These roles allow me to give back to society through mentoring the next generations and through creating channels where innovation and creativity can fully flourish without limitation. Winning this scholarship would be an experience that would change my life in a profoundly positive way, making my life better. It not only would alleviate the financial burden, but it would also enhance my pursuit of furthering inclusivity and excellence in the STEM fields. With the scholarship's help, I can further my education, expand outreach programs, and develop innovative projects intended to inspire and empower the future generation of women innovators. Every resource would bring me closer to opening more doors for women in STEM, demonstrating that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle. With what I have learned about STEM, I embrace challenges and successes as part of learning and innovation. I am committed to continuing the good work of shattering ceilings and opening doors for women in this promising career so that all problems are confronted with fearlessness and all achievements are commemorated as inspiration.

My mother's entire side of the family is Ukrainian. My father's entire side of the family is Tatarian, who grew up in Russia. The war between Russia and Ukraine has especially affected me because I consider myself to be of both ethnicities. I am the first person in my entire family born in America, however, my family is deeply rooted in Ukrainian and Russian traditions and culture. I have loved being both Ukrainian and Russian. My family does not speak English so I had to learn both languages. When I went to college, I took a Russian class so I could learn to read and write as well. My family enjoys going to Paska and cooking traditional foods. My culture has been a big part of my life. Up until now, being Ukrainian and Russian was never that interesting to other people because they were small countries that no one really cared to learn about. When news of the war broke out, all heads immediately turned toward me. Suddenly everyone started wondering about my opinion or if something they say will set me off. I, myself was confused because the war broke out when I was just eighteen. How can an eighteen-year-old have an opinion on a war? The only thing I could understand was how scared my family was. Only my grandparents and my immediate family is in America. We still have so many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins over in Ukraine. My family has a lot of pride in their culture and it was heartbreaking to see my grandparents so scared for their country. I did not realize how big of an influence the war would have on my personal life as well. When I went back to class during my senior year, I had many Ukrainian friends that I had known for years. When the war broke out, many of them stopped talking to me and even would threaten me because I was half-Russian. It really affected me when I started my first year of college. There was a huge European population at my school and I was so excited to find people who understood me. Sadly, I was cast out of a lot of events and activities. Everywhere I turned, someone was talking about the war and how awful Russia was. I started spiraling into an identity crisis. I loved being Russian but I also loved being Ukrainian and I did not understand how I was supposed to choose. Not only was I finding it hard to even have an opinion, but no one seemed to want to hear it either. Many rallies were gathered at my school and wanted Ukrainian students to talk about how they felt. I was never invited and I am not sure if it is because I am Russian, or maybe because I did not live in Ukraine so I "can not really feel the effects" of the war. All I knew was that my family was scared. My mother crying because her nephew was sent to fight and she can not call him. My aunt escaped to Poland in order to catch a flight to the U.S. So maybe I can not feel the effects of the war to a certain extent, but there is no doubt that this has affected me and my family deeply. I am pursuing a STEM degree because ever since my first engineering class in my freshman year of high school, I have fallen in love with STEM and it is the only career I can see for myself long-term.