During my sophomore year, I stumbled upon a tech fair that flipped my world upside down. Among the flashy booths of robotics and virtual reality, one demonstration stood out—a live hacking simulation. The cybersecurity expert captivated the crowd as he effortlessly broke into a simulated network, exposing vulnerabilities we didn’t even know existed. I felt a a mix of excitement and fear as I realized how easily our digital lives could be compromised. That moment ignited my passion for technology, steering me toward a future in computer science and cybersecurity, where I could help protect others in this digital age. This experience shaped my goals significantly. I realized that cybersecurity is not just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding the privacy and security of individuals and organizations. I became determined to pursue a career in this field, aiming to be on the frontline of defending against cyber threats. My goal is to develop robust security protocols and educate others about the importance of cybersecurity. I envision a future where I can contribute to creating safer digital environments, helping businesses and individuals protect themselves from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. However, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. As I delved deeper into computer science, I faced the daunting task of mastering programming languages and understanding complex concepts like encryption and network security. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, especially when trying to grasp advanced topics that seemed beyond my reach. I spent countless hours studying, participating in online courses, and seeking help from mentors. So far, I haven't faced any significant social challenges as a woman in tech, but I know that could change in the future. I understand that the industry can be tough, and there are still stereotypes to break down. However, I'm ready to tackle any obstacles that come my way. I've built a strong support network and am committed to advocating for myself and others. I believe that with determination and resilience, I can navigate whatever challenges arise as I pursue my passion in this field. What really excites me about the future of cybersecurity is how fast things are changing and how new technologies keep coming up. As we depend more on digital platforms, cybersecurity is only going to become more important. I'm especially interested in how artificial intelligence and machine learning can help improve security. These technologies can look at huge amounts of data to find patterns and spot unusual activity, which means we can predict and stop cyber threats before they happen. Just thinking about being part of this amazing progress makes me really excited! I’m very eager to help people understand cybersecurity better. A lot of individuals and small businesses don’t realize the risks they face online. In my future career, I hope to teach others about the best ways to stay safe online, so they can protect their information. By encouraging everyone to be more aware of cybersecurity, I believe we can all work together to make the internet a safer place. My journey into technology and cybersecurity began with a moment of revelation at a tech fair. The experience ignited a passion that has shaped my goals and aspirations. While I have faced challenges along the way, the excitement of the field's future and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact continue to drive me forward. I look forward to embracing the challenges ahead and contributing to a safer digital world.

1. Growing up in a household with a teenage mom has significantly shaped my perspective on life and my motivations. My mother, at just 19, made the brave choice to drop out of college to work and support me. This sacrifice was not only financial; but it also meant enduring a difficult living situation with her mentally abusive mother to provide me with a stable home. Witnessing her struggles has greatly influenced my drive to succeed. My father, who remains absent in my life, offers support to his other children, which has been a painful reminder of what I lack. Attending the same school as one of my siblings allowed me to see the support he provides, especially during significant milestones like award ceremonies and recently, high school graduation. This realization has fueled my determination to excel academically and make my mother proud. I want to show her that her sacrifices were not in vain. My aspiration is to become a cybersecurity analyst, a field that has intrigued me since I took various courses in high school. The idea of protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats resonates deeply with me, as I believe in the importance of security in our increasingly digital world. I want to ensure that my mother can look at me with pride, knowing that I am working towards a future that honors her sacrifices. My journey is driven by a desire to give back to the person who has given me so much, proving that her hard work and resilience have laid the foundation for my success. 2. STEM really excites me because it’s all about new ideas and solving important problems. I find it fascinating how science, technology, engineering, and math are always changing and influencing the world around us in various ways. I see a career in information technology as a way to make a positive difference in society. Another thing that excites me is the significant disparity between women and men in these fields, especially in technology. I see this as a huge opportunity for change, and I want to be part of the movement to encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM. It's inspiring to think about how increasing diversity can lead to more innovative solutions and perspectives in technology, ultimately benefiting everyone. I believe that by breaking down barriers and supporting women in these fields, we can create a more inclusive and balanced future in STEM. As a dedicated student, I have built strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which are really important for tackling complex challenges that arise in today’s world. I believe that by working in IT, I can help create safer online spaces, improve user experiences, and promote a better understanding of technology among diverse groups. I’m committed to learning continuously and working with others, which will help me stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in tech. By using my skills in cybersecurity, I want to protect those who are vulnerable to online threats, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of the digital world without fear or hesitation. My passion for STEM, along with my desire to help others, inspires me to imagine a future where technology is a powerful tool for empowerment and positive change. I want to be part of a movement that uses technology to uplift communities and create opportunities for everyone. With the right skills and dedication, I truly believe I can make a real impact and help shape a better, more inclusive digital future for all. 3. The greatest challenge I’ve faced in my life has been navigating the complexities of growing up in a non-traditional family environment. The absence of my father and the struggles my mother endured deeply affected my emotional well-being. I often felt a sense of longing for the support and acknowledgment that I saw other children receive from their fathers. This challenge manifested in feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, especially during pivotal moments in my academic journey. To get through this, I worked hard on building my resilience and motivation. I found comfort in my studies, using education as a way to express my feelings. I surrounded myself with friends and mentors who believed in me and pushed me to follow my dreams. Getting involved in extracurricular activities, especially basketball, also helped boost my confidence and gave me chances to take on leadership roles. By setting personal goals and celebrating small victories, I learned to appreciate my achievements, no matter how minor they seemed. This journey has taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of a positive mindset. I now view my past challenges as stepping stones that have shaped me into a more empathetic and determined individual. I want to use my experiences to inspire others who face similar challenges, showing them that it’s possible to rise above difficult circumstances and emerge stronger. Ready to face future obstacles with courage and resolve, I am committed to making a positive impact in my community and encouraging others to do the same.

Reflecting on my journey as a STEM student, I see that I haven't faced many big challenges yet, but I know there are some tough times coming. As a Black woman in a professional program, I expect to deal with some unique difficulties that could affect my studies and career. The combination of being a woman and being Black in STEM can create barriers that are hard to deal with, but I'm determined to push through them. One of the biggest challenges I see coming is the cost of higher education. Since I come from a single-parent household, my mom has worked really hard to support me, but we don't have much money, so resources are limited. The expenses for admission tests, study materials, and application fees can add up quickly and put extra pressure on our tight budget. Each test has registration fees, and getting ready for these tests needs good study resources, which can be really expensive. This financial stress might make it hard for me to focus on my studies and could limit my chances to grow. Receiving a scholarship would help reduce some of these money worries and let me focus on my school and career goals without always stressing about paying for the things I need. With this help, I could buy study materials, go to prep courses, and pay for applications to programs that fit my career plans. This financial support would not only lighten my load but also give me the chance to take opportunities that could improve my learning and professional growth. I believe my future success isn't just for me; it's for my community too. I really want to support other young women of color who want to get into STEM fields. Once I'm established in my career, I plan to create mentorship programs to guide and help students who face similar challenges. By sharing my experiences and providing resources, I hope to encourage others to chase their dreams, no matter their background or financial situation. I also want to work with local organizations to offer scholarships and workshops focused on STEM education, helping those who might not have the same opportunities I've had. I want to do more than just succeed for myself; I want to help my field too. I aim to be a role model and support diversity in STEM, working to break down the barriers that keep underrepresented groups from doing well in these areas. By getting involved in community outreach and education programs, I hope to create a space where everyone, no matter their background, feels encouraged to follow their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Making a positive impact on the world is something that many people aspire to do, but not everyone is able to. I have two specific areas where I want to focus my efforts: supporting individuals from single-parent households and advocating for mental health awareness and resources. My personal experiences have shaped these goals, and I believe that by addressing these issues, I can help others who may be facing similar challenges. My experience with having an absent father has helped me understand the challenges that people from single-parent households face. Growing up, I saw my dad being there for his other kids while I felt left out because I had a different mom. I also noticed how hard it was for my single mother, who had to give up a lot when she had me at just 19. She had to drop out of college and get a part-time job to take care of me. This has made me want to help others who might feel alone or unsupported in similar situations. I plan to create programs and support groups where people from single-parent households can come together. These groups would focus on sharing stories, building a community, and providing resources for personal growth. By connecting people who have similar experiences, I hope to create a sense of belonging and support that can help reduce feelings of loneliness and abandonment. I want to make a positive impact on mental health. My own struggles, made worse by my dad not being around and getting hurt in sports, have driven me to support mental health awareness. I know how important it is to have good ways to cope and how mental health affects overall well-being. To help with this, I plan to create programs that teach about mental health and provide resources. This could include workshops, seminars, and outreach efforts that inform people about mental health, give tools for handling stress, and encourage open talks about mental health issues. I believe that by making conversations about mental health normal, we can reduce the stigma that often comes with it, making it easier for people to get help and support. In my plan to make a positive impact, I know that working together with others is really important. Teaming up with local groups, schools, and mental health experts will help us create programs and resources that really work. By joining forces, we can reach more people and offer better support to those who need it. I see us building a support network that helps not just single-parent households and mental health issues, but also encourages people to take control of their lives and futures. My plan to make a positive impact focuses on helping people from single-parent households and raising awareness about mental health. My own experiences have helped me understand these issues, and I want to create programs and resources that can help those who are having a hard time. By building a community, promoting mental health education, and working with others, I believe I can help make the world a more supportive and inclusive place.

As a 17-year-old black woman who graduated high school early after skipping a grade, I’ve had the chance to reflect on the importance of diverse representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. Diversity in these fields is crucial not just for the individuals involved but for society as a whole. When we talk about representation, we mean having people from different backgrounds, races, and experiences contributing to these industries. This diversity leads to innovation, creativity, and solutions that can benefit everyone. Diverse representation in STEM careers means having people from different backgrounds working together. This is important because they bring different ideas and ways to solve problems. For example, many tech improvements come from understanding what different communities need. If only a few types of people are on the teams creating technology, they might miss the needs of others, leading to products that don't work for everyone. When we include more voices in these discussions, we can develop better solutions that serve a larger group of people. Additionally, representation is important for inspiration and role models. Since you're planning to major in Computer Science with a focus on cybersecurity, you probably understand how seeing people who look like you succeed in these fields can really matter. There are only about 3% of cybersecurity professionals who are black women, which shows there's a big gap in representation. When minority students see others like them doing well in STEM, it motivates them to follow similar paths. It helps them realize they can achieve great things, no matter what stereotypes or challenges they face. This kind of representation can also get more young people interested in STEM careers they might not have thought about before. On the other hand, not having enough representation can hurt minorities. When there aren't enough role models, it can make people feel alone and unsure of their abilities. Many young people might think that STEM careers aren't for them or that they won't belong. This can stop talented individuals from following their dreams and reduce the number of skilled people in these important fields. It's sad to think about how many great minds could be lost just because they don't see people like them in the industry. Also, having fewer minorities in STEM can keep problems going. When the people making decisions in these fields aren't diverse, they might accidentally create rules or products that don't think about everyone's needs. This can cause a situation where some groups keep getting pushed aside, and their voices aren't heard. It's really important to break this cycle by encouraging diversity and inclusion in STEM. Having diverse representation in STEM careers is really important for new ideas, inspiration, and fairness. It brings different viewpoints that help create better solutions, encourages young people from all backgrounds to chase their dreams, and helps break down barriers. As a young black woman who has gone through high school and plans to go into cybersecurity, I get how important it is to see diversity in fields that shape our world. We need to push for more inclusive environments in STEM so that everyone, no matter their background, can contribute and succeed. By doing this, we not only help individuals but also improve society as a whole.

If given the opportunity, I would focus on improving gun violence among youth in my city, Belle Glade, Florida. Gun violence has become a significant issue, particularly related to gang activity, and it has led to the tragic loss of many young lives. This issue resonates deeply with me, especially after losing a former classmate who was only 15 years old. His death was a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for change in our community. To tackle this issue, I would create a complete program focused on teaching and involving young people. The first step would involve creating awareness about the dangers of gun violence and the impact it has on individuals and families. This could be done through workshops in schools, community centers, and local organizations. By educating young people about the consequences of their actions, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility and encourage them to make better choices. In addition to education, I would work to establish mentorship programs that connect at-risk youth with positive role models. These mentors could be community leaders, teachers, or even older students who have successfully navigated similar challenges. By giving advice and support, we can help young people feel better about themselves and learn skills that encourage them to make positive choices instead of turning to violence. Furthermore, I believe that creating safe spaces for youth to engage in recreational activities is crucial. I would advocate for the development of community centers that offer sports, arts, and various programs to keep young people occupied in positive ways. These centers could serve as safe havens where youth can come together, build friendships, and participate in constructive activities instead of being drawn into gangs or violent behavior. Collaboration with local law enforcement is also essential in addressing gun violence. I would encourage community policing initiatives that foster trust and communication between police officers and residents. By building relationships, we can create a safer environment where young people feel comfortable reporting crimes or seeking help when needed. This partnership can help reduce gang influence and promote a sense of security within the community. Improving gun violence in Belle Glade is important to me because I believe that every young person deserves a chance to thrive without the fear of violence. The loss of my classmate is a painful reminder of what can happen when we do not take action. There are also two more teenagers that I know of who have died because of being in one of the gangs in my community. It’s extremely sad to think that these kids will never get to experience things like graduating high school or getting married. By working to create a safer community, we can honor his memory and the memories of others who have been affected by gun violence. Ultimately, my goal is to create a culture of peace and resilience in Belle Glade. I want to inspire young people to believe in themselves and their potential, encouraging them to choose paths that lead to success rather than violence. By investing in our youth and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, we can build a brighter future for our community. It is crucial to take action now, as every life lost to gun violence is a tragedy that affects us all. Together, we can work towards a safer, more supportive environment for the next generation.