What inspires me the most about technology is its ability to create meaningful change. While creativity exists in all STEM fields, coding offers a unique approach to problems from countless perspectives. Even a few lines of code can lead to millions of outcomes. In middle school, I discovered coding almost by accident. I had no interest in the 10-week coding class, but since it was the only available option, I was left with no choice. At first, I was frustrated. I didn’t think coding had anything to do with the change I wanted to make in the world. However, as I attended the class each day, I realized I was quite a natural at picking up coding. Part of me began to enjoy building games, programs, and websites. My passion for coding changed during my Sophomore year Intro to Computer Science class, where we learned how coding models and algorithms shape our daily lives. One example that fascinated me was COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanction), an algorithm used to assess the likelihood of rehabilitation after incarceration. But in reality, it was found to be biased and often targeted Black defendants as high-risk more often than white ones. It was eye-opening to see how biases in code could affect the outcome of real people's lives. One might assume computers would be neutral, unlike an individual making decisions that could be based on personal impressions. However, it's important to remember that when humans are behind the programs, the biases can still seep into the system. In high school, I had some hands-on experience with these issues during my first summer internship. During this time, I was often the only person of color in the room. It was an isolating feeling at times, but it also opened my eyes to the lack of representation that's still present in professional spaces. Rather than discouraging me, those experiences are a big part of why I’m pursuing my degree in Computer Science. I’ve seen how technology shapes the world we live in, and I want to play a role in building a future that includes and uplifts people who look like me. I'd like to focus on ethical algorithmic development. I want to diversify the tech industry and build systems that work for all people. My ambition to become a leader in tech development comes from knowing what’s at stake when biased systems go unchallenged. College isn’t just a path to a better job for me. It’s the foundation for a lifelong fight for change. More than anything, I want to be a role model for my younger sisters. I hope seeing me chase my dreams inspires my sisters to do the same. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey to find my purpose through education.

The weight of the moment hit me when I handed over the cash for my first car. This accomplishment feels particularly significant because of the lessons I learned along the way. Because I grew up in a family where financial literacy wasn't a priority, the idea of saving thousands of dollars had felt overwhelming. I was raised by a single mother who did her best to manage finances and keep the family afloat, but I had no blueprint for building financial independence. Furthermore, I lived in an area that isn't very walkable and lacks reliable public transportation, which made having a car pivotal. Being without one hinders opportunities–not just for fun outings but also educational activities, such as joining clubs or sports. Without the means to get to these activities independently meant coordinating with a busy mother who was already doing her best to keep everything on track. I decided to take on the challenge of buying a car by using outside resources, mainly the internet. Through YouTube videos, podcasts, and financial forums, I learned saving tactics and financial discipline. Implementing these strategies meant cutting out leisurely expenses that once seemed important, such as dining out with friends or shopping. Watching others enjoy these pleasures made the process difficult, but one thought kept me focused: imagining owning a car. Every time a small purchase was tempting, I'd think, “It would be nice to buy this now, but imagine driving to pick it up in your car. That will feel even better.” This motto was a powerful motivator when obstacles felt overwhelming. After two years of making sacrifices, the day finally arrived when my goal became a reality. All of the hard work and relentless doubt in my capabilities had paid off. The car, a 2009 Chevy Malibu symbolized more than just transportation. It represented my self-development. It was a transformative moment not just to my life, but also that of my family. The pride I feel being able to help out by running errands and picking up my siblings is remarkable. This not only eased the load on my mother, but also created more opportunities to spend quality time with my sisters. While enjoying the newly-found independence of driving my own car, I also discovered a new part of myself– the ability to achieve the “impossible”. Previously, money seemed to disappear as quickly as it came in, which is sometimes a common theme of low-income households. Resilience and discipline led to me resisting the impulse of instant gratification and instead focusing on the bigger picture. The ability to expand my mindset has helped me in all other aspects of my life. Moreover, holding myself accountable without anyone else checking in was demanding, but it proved itself possible. The newfound confidence I have in my ability to push through difficult moments has become a foundation for my future. As I look ahead, I can realize that purchasing a car is only the beginning. I hope to continue breaking the generational financial cycles that have shaped my family, and I remember that any limits I once saw around me don't have to define my future. There will inevitably be more financial obstacles, but I know they will be a stepping stone to success. So, while I may not be riding in the nicest car on the road, every drive I take is a reminder of what my perseverance and discipline achieved. I'm proud of how far I've come, and I'm even more excited about how far I'll go.

What inspires me the most about technology is its ability to create meaningful change. While creativity exists in all STEM fields, coding offers a unique approach to problems from countless perspectives. Even a few lines of code can lead to millions of outcomes. In middle school, I discovered coding almost by accident. I had no interest in the 10-week coding class, but since it was the only available option, I was left with no choice. At first, I was frustrated. I didn’t think coding had anything to do with the change I wanted to make in the world. However, as I attended the class each day, I realized I was quite a natural at picking up coding. Part of me began to enjoy building games, programs, and websites. My passion for coding changed during my Sophomore year Intro to Computer Science class, where we learned how coding models and algorithms shape our daily lives. One example that fascinated me was COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanction), an algorithm used to assess the likelihood of rehabilitation after incarceration. But in reality, it was found to be biased and often targeted Black defendants as high-risk more often than white ones. It was eye-opening to see how biases in code could affect the outcome of real people's lives. One might assume computers would be neutral, unlike an individual making decisions that could be based on personal impressions. However, it's important to remember that when humans are behind the programs, the biases can still seep into the system. In high school, I had some hands-on experience with these issues during my first summer internship. During this time, I was often the only person of color in the room. It was an isolating feeling at times, but it also opened my eyes to the lack of representation that's still present in professional spaces. Rather than discouraging me, those experiences are a big part of why I’m pursuing my degree in Computer Science. I’ve seen how technology shapes the world we live in, and I want to play a role in building a future that includes and uplifts people who look like me. I'd like to focus on ethical algorithmic development. I want to diversify the tech industry and build systems that work for all people. My ambition to become a leader in tech development comes from knowing what’s at stake when biased systems go unchallenged. College isn’t just a path to a better job for me. It’s the foundation for a lifelong fight for change. More than anything, I want to be a role model for my younger sisters. I hope seeing me chase my dreams inspires my sisters to do the same. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey to find my purpose through education.

As a first-generation college student, being able to attend college is about more than a degree. Through my education, I’ll be able to open doors not just for myself, but for my family. College serves as a symbol of pride, for all of the sacrifices me and my family have made. I plan to carry their legacy with me as I prepare to begin this new chapter of my life. This fall, I will be attending Howard University, a Historically Black University with an environment I intentionally chose because of its rich cultural history and commitment to student success. I knew I wanted to attend a school like Howard University because I could grow both academically and personally. While also being surrounded by people who understand what it means to push forward despite the odds. A key moment in my college path was in high school when I had the opportunity to complete my first summer internship. During my time at Saint Luke's Hospilats IT Department, I was often the only person of color in the room. It was an isolating feeling at times, but it also opened my eyes to the lack of representation that's still present in professional spaces. Rather than discouraging me, those experiences are a big part of why I’m pursuing my degree in Computer Science. I’ve seen how technology shapes the world we live in, and I want to play a role in building a future that includes and uplifts people who look like me. College is important to me because it is the foundation for everything I want to achieve professionally. It’s where I’ll grow as a leader by joining student organizations that will refine my soft skills. A place where I can connect with mentors and network to build a strong professional community. I hope college will help me find mentors who will not only guide me academically but also inspire me to think bigger and reach further than I ever imagined. I look forward to building a strong professional network, developing my voice, and growing into someone who makes a meaningful impact in both the tech industry and my community. I hope college also provides me with a sense of purpose in myself and my career. More than anything, I want to be a role model for my younger sisters. I hope seeing me chase my dreams inspires my sisters to do the same. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey and find my purpose through education.

What inspires me the most about technology is its ability to create meaningful change. While creativity exists in all STEM fields, coding offers a unique approach to problems from countless perspectives. Even a few lines of code can lead to millions of outcomes. In middle school, I discovered coding almost by accident. I had no interest in the 10-week coding class, but since it was the only available option, I was left with no choice. At first, I was frustrated. I didn’t think coding had anything to do with the change I wanted to make in the world. However, as I attended the class each day, I realized I was quite a natural at picking up coding. Part of me began to enjoy building games, programs, and websites. My passion for coding changed during my Sophomore year Intro to Computer Science class, where we learned how coding models and algorithms shape our daily lives. One example that fascinated me was COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanction), an algorithm used to assess the likelihood of rehabilitation after incarceration. But in reality, it was found to be biased and often targeted Black defendants as high-risk more often than white ones. It was eye-opening to see how biases in code could affect the outcome of real people's lives. One might assume computers would be neutral, unlike an individual making decisions that could be based on personal impressions. However, it's important to remember that when humans are behind the programs, the biases can still seep into the system. In high school, I had some hands-on experience with these issues during my first summer internship. During this time, I was often the only person of color in the room. It was an isolating feeling at times, but it also opened my eyes to the lack of representation that's still present in professional spaces. Rather than discouraging me, those experiences are a big part of why I’m pursuing my degree in Computer Science. I’ve seen how technology shapes the world we live in, and I want to play a role in building a future that includes and uplifts people who look like me. I'd like to focus on ethical algorithmic development. I want to diversify the tech industry and build systems that work for all people. My ambition to become a leader in tech development comes from knowing what’s at stake when biased systems go unchallenged. College isn’t just a path to a better job for me. It’s the foundation for a lifelong fight for change. More than anything, I want to be a role model for my younger sisters. I hope seeing me chase my dreams inspires my sisters to do the same. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey to find my purpose through education.

As a first-generation college student, being able to attend college is about more than a degree. Through my education, I’ll be able to open doors not just for myself, but for my family. College serves as a symbol of pride, for all of the sacrifices me and my family have made. I plan to carry their legacy with me as I prepare to begin this new chapter of my life. This fall, I will be attending Howard University, a Historically Black University with an environment I intentionally chose because of its rich cultural history and commitment to student success. I knew I wanted to attend a school like Howard University because I could grow both academically and personally. While also being surrounded by people who understand what it means to push forward despite the odds.  A key moment in my college path was in high school when I had the opportunity to complete my first summer internship. During my time at Saint Luke's Hospilats IT Department, I was often the only person of color in the room. It was an isolating feeling at times, but it also opened my eyes to the lack of representation that's still present in professional spaces. Rather than discouraging me, those experiences are a big part of why I’m pursuing my degree in Computer Science. I’ve seen how technology shapes the world we live in, and I want to play a role in building a future that includes and uplifts people who look like me. College is important to me because it is the foundation for everything I want to achieve professionally. It’s where I’ll grow as a leader by joining student organizations that will refine my soft skills. A place where I can connect with mentors and network to build a strong professional community. I hope college will help me find mentors who will not only guide me academically but also inspire me to think bigger and reach further than I ever imagined. I look forward to building a strong professional network, developing my voice, and growing into someone who makes a meaningful impact in both the tech industry and my community. I hope college also provides me with a sense of purpose in myself and my career. More than anything, I want to be a role model for my younger sisters. I hope seeing me chase my dreams inspires my sisters to do the same. I’m ready to take the next step in my journey and find my purpose through education.

I was eight years old, lying next to my grandma watching Fox 2 News, when I saw Michael Brown’s face on the screen. A Black teenager from Ferguson, Missouri, was shot and killed by a police officer. I couldn’t fully grasp what had happened, but I knew it was wrong. That moment planted a seed. I told myself I’d become a lawyer to fight against injustice. As I got older, I began to realize that the legal system wasn’t that simple. In middle school, I discovered coding almost by accident. I had no interest in the 10-week coding class, but since it was the only available option, I was left with no choice. At first, I was frustrated. I didn’t think coding had anything to do with the change I wanted to make in the world. However, as I attended the class each day, I realized I was quite a natural at picking up coding. Part of me began to enjoy building games, programs, and websites. I carried that interest with me into high school. Everything came together when we studied the COMPAS algorithm in my AP Computer Science Principles class. COMPAS is used in the criminal justice system to predict a defendant’s likelihood of reoffending and is supposed to make decisions more objective. But in reality, it was found to be biased and often targeted Black defendants as high-risk more often than white ones. That discovery made everything click. I no longer viewed law and technology as separate. I saw how the problems I once thought could only be solved through law were also embedded in code. Though unlike laws, algorithms often go unquestioned because people assume code is neutral. I realized that behind every decision-making algorithm is a person. And behind every person is perspectives shaped by race, gender, class, and experience. If the people deciding how an algorithm makes its judgments come from a narrow group, then the algorithm itself will reflect that narrowness. This lack of diversity in the technology field motivates me even more to make a difference. That’s why representation in tech matters. That’s why I’m here. Now, I see computer science as a form of modern change-making. Algorithms are more than just video games and websites. They can determine who gets bail, a job interview, or housing just like a judge, lawyer, or policymaker might. I’m pursuing a degree in computer science with a focus on ethical algorithmic development. I want to build systems that work for all people. I hope to diversify the tech industry and ensure future systems are designed by a wider range of voices. My ambition to become a leader in tech development comes from knowing what’s at stake when biased systems go unchallenged. College isn’t just a path to a better job for me. It’s the foundation for a lifelong fight for change. I’m not becoming a lawyer like I imagined at eight however, I’m still fighting for justice, just in a different language.