The covid-19 pandemic was a difficult time for everyone that was forced to experience its effects. For me and the people that I knew, the pandemic served as a massive sinkhole of motivation. Aside from some other things that affected me, the main hardship that I faced throughout the pandemic was the lack of motivation to do things. However, despite this massive block that I'd found in my life, I was able to create something that I am endlessly proud of and honestly think is one of the best things I've ever made. I made 3 highly edited youtube videos that were a commentary/summary of my favorite show. While this may seem like a very strange thing to be this proud of, I can explain. Up until that point, I had been nothing but a wishing consumer. Someone that always watched and enjoyed videos and other things while also wishing that I could be like those people making the content. I had always looked up to them but never did anything with that admiration. However, with these videos, I was able to prove to myself that I could achieve things that I admired others for. In my opinion, the most impressive part of my videos was the fact that I had very very limited experience in making videos. Going into things as a novice didn't scare me though, I simply had the mindset that I could figure everything out and I eventually did. I first rewatched the parts of the series I wanted to review and made a script in google docs that had what to say and a few notes on how to say things or what edits would be there. After this, I did a lot of work to figure out and find a website that I could download the episodes from so that I could show them in my video. After this, I found the audio software Audacity which allowed me to semi-professionally record my script and edit it to a point where it sounded nice and up to my standards. I was finally at the hard part. After a lot of research, I found the video editor Shotcut. This is where I was able to combine my voiceover and episode footage into a cohesive video. However, I wouldn't be content at doing just that. I decided to heavily edit the video to add humor and more of an entertainment factor to the video. This consisted of me cutting out bits of footage that I either didn't talk about or weren't necessary to my commentary. This includes scene transitions and long sections of dialogue. In addition to this, I also made several of the sections dubs that required insane amounts of cutting and repeating of footage to make the characters' mouths match with what I was saying. Each of these sections easily required 100+ cuts to make function properly. After I was done trimming and editing everything, I went back and manually added subtitles in the form of text boxes at the bottom of the video. Also, I had to find music that I thought fit the video well and added to the atmosphere. I was able to download this off of YouTube and easily add it in as another audio track. Finally, I learned a very simple form of photoshop called Image Warp to create an eye-catching thumbnail for my video. With ALL of this work and about 1 month, I was able to finally create something that I was incredibly proud of and truly proved to myself that I could make something amazing.

I'm pursuing a career path as a mechanical engineer. I'm doing this for two reasons. One is because I've always been interested in the robotics field and I honestly feel at home doing things related to this field. Another reason is because I truly believe that this field is the way of the future. I believe that the way that society and humanity as a whole will evolve is through the production of robots and other similar machines to assist us. As a mechanical engineer, I believe that there are many ways that I could make a positive impact on the world. One of the areas that I am most passionate about is sustainability and renewable energy. I believe that the world is facing a critical need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and protect the environment, and I am determined to play a role in finding solutions to these problems. One way that I could make a positive impact in this area as a mechanical engineer is by working on projects that focus on developing and implementing renewable energy technologies. This could involve designing and building wind turbines, solar panels, and other technologies that harness the power of the sun, wind, or other natural resources to generate electricity. I could also work on projects that focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing energy waste, such as designing more efficient appliances or developing systems that capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost. In addition to sustainability, I am also interested in healthcare and medical technology. As a mechanical engineer, I could work on projects that involve designing and building medical devices that can help diagnose and treat diseases, or creating assistive devices to help people with disabilities live more independently. For example, I could work on projects that involve designing and building prosthetics, orthotics, or other devices that can help people with mobility impairments to live more active and independent lives. I could also work on projects that involve developing medical technologies that can help to diagnose diseases more accurately and earlier, such as devices that can detect cancer or other diseases in their early stages. Overall, as a mechanical engineer, I believe that I could make a positive impact on the world by using my skills and knowledge to create solutions that address important global issues, such as sustainability and healthcare. I am determined to use my skills and knowledge to create solutions that improve people's lives and make a positive difference in the world, and I am excited to be part of a field that has such a great potential to do good.

As a black high school male, I have faced many challenges and obstacles in my life. However, I am proud to say that I have overcome adversity and come out stronger on the other side. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is discrimination and racism. Growing up, I have encountered many instances of racism, both overt and subtle. It can be disheartening and frustrating to feel like you are being judged and discriminated against simply because of the color of your skin. However, instead of letting these experiences bring me down, I have used them as motivation to work harder and prove myself. I have learned to not let others' prejudices define me or limit my potential. I have also become an advocate for social justice and equality, using my voice to speak out against racism and discrimination. Another challenge I have faced is the lack of representation and support in my community. As a black male, I often feel like there are few role models or mentors who look like me and can understand my experiences. However, I have found ways to seek out support and guidance from other sources. I have joined organizations and clubs that focus on empowering and supporting black and minority students, and I have also sought out mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Another great challenge that I've been forced to face in my life has been personal insecurity and self-doubt. There were times such as my freshman year in high school when I struggled with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in my abilities and general intelligence. However, I have learned to confront these negative thoughts and work on building my self-esteem. I have found that setting myself obtainable goals and working towards them, as well as surrounding myself with positive, supportive people that are only there to help, has helped me to build my confidence and overcome my insecurities. Overall, I am proud of the progress I have made in overcoming adversity and becoming a stronger and more confident person. Through this adversity, I have learned to not let challenges and obstacles define me or hold me back, but rather to use them as opportunities to grow and learn. As I continue my education and pursue my goals, I am confident that I will be able to overcome any challenges that come my way and succeed in achieving my dreams.

As a black high school student, I have always felt a sense of responsibility to give back to my community and make a positive impact in the world. Throughout my high school career, I have found various ways to do this, both big and small. One of the ways I have given back to my community is through volunteering at local non-profit organizations. For example, I have spent many hours at a local food bank sorting and distributing food to families in need. I have also volunteered at a homeless shelter, helping to serve meals and provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those experiencing homelessness. In addition to volunteering, I have also been involved in various community service projects through my school and other organizations. One of the projects I am most proud of is a beach cleanup event I organized with a group of friends. We spent a day picking up litter and debris from the beach, and we were able to make a significant difference in the appearance and cleanliness of the area. Another way I have given back to my community is by participating in activism and social justice work. I have attended protests and demonstrations, and I have also organized events and fundraisers to raise awareness and support for important issues. As I continue my education and move on to college, I plan on continuing to give back to my community in various ways. I am passionate about social justice and equality, and I plan on using my education to make a positive impact in these areas. For example, I hope to work with organizations that focus on advocating for marginalized communities and fighting against discrimination. I also hope to continue volunteering and participating in community service projects, as I believe that these experiences are not only rewarding for those being helped, but also for myself as an individual. By giving back to my community, I am not only making a difference in the lives of others, but I am also learning valuable skills and gaining a greater understanding of the world around me. Overall, giving back to my community and making a positive impact in the world is an important value to me, and I plan on continuing to do so as I further my education. Whether through volunteering, community service, or activism, I believe that it is important to do what we can to make the world a better place for everyone.

As a black high school student, I have always been fascinated by the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering. From building small machines in my garage to tinkering with electronics, I have always been drawn to the problem-solving and creative aspects of these fields. However, my journey to pursuing a career in these fields has not been without its challenges. Although I enjoyed the clubs that I was in, there was something that always stuck out to me. There weren't many others that were black or even looked close to me. This always made it difficult for me to relate to my peers and even made me feel like I was wrong for being interested in engineering. Because of this, it was difficult for me to envision myself succeeding in a field like engineering. But I didn't let this obstacle hold me back. I was determined to pursue my passion and make a better life for myself. One of the biggest adversities I had to overcome was a lack of access to advanced math and science courses. My high school didn't offer many of the classes that I needed to take in order to prepare for a career in engineering, so I had to get creative. I started taking online courses and seeking out internships and summer programs to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. It was a lot of hard work, but it paid off. I was able to earn top grades in my math and science classes and gain valuable experience in the field. Through these experiences, I have learned how important it is in life to have the values of perseverance and determination. With these two values in my back pocket, I truly believe that I have the capability to succeed not only in the engineering field but in any other endeavor that I embark on in my life. These lessons have helped me grow as an individual and have given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It would be a huge help in achieving my goal of becoming a mechanical or electrical engineer. I am excited to continue learning and growing in these fields, and I am determined to make a positive impact in the world through my work. I believe that with hard work and dedication, I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my goals.

1. Scratch has been a major influence in my decision to dive deeper into the tech space. As someone who has always been interested in computer programming and creating digital projects, Scratch provided me with an accessible and user-friendly platform to explore these interests. One of the things that I love about Scratch is how intuitive and easy it is to use. Even as someone with limited programming experience, I was able to quickly get up and running with Scratch, creating simple projects and experimenting with different coding techniques. As I gained more experience and confidence, I was able to take on more complex projects, such as building simple games or creating interactive animations. In addition to the user-friendly interface, I have also been inspired by the community of creators on Scratch. The platform has a vibrant and supportive community of users who share their projects, offer feedback and support, and collaborate on projects together. This has been a great way for me to learn from others and get ideas for my own projects. Overall, Scratch has been a major influence in my decision to dive deeper into the tech space. It has provided me with an accessible and user-friendly platform to explore my interests in computer programming and creating digital projects, and it has introduced me to a vibrant and supportive community of creators. I am excited to see where my interests in tech take me in the future. 2. If I had the opportunity to impact the tech industry, one of the main things that I would focus on is increasing diversity and inclusion within the industry. Despite the significant progress that has been made in recent years, the tech industry still lacks diversity and representation, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women and people of color. To address this issue, I would focus on initiatives that aim to increase diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, such as diversity hiring initiatives, mentorship programs, and educational programs that encourage more diverse groups to pursue careers in tech. I would also work to create a more inclusive and welcoming culture within the tech industry, where people from all backgrounds feel valued and supported. In addition to increasing diversity and inclusion, I would also focus on using technology to address social and environmental issues. The tech industry has the power to make a significant positive impact on the world, and I believe that it is important for companies to consider the social and environmental impacts of their products and services. By focusing on developing technology that addresses pressing issues such as climate change, inequality, and social injustice, I believe that we can make a positive impact on the world and create a more sustainable and equitable future. 3. I think that the tech industry DOES have this obligation. I believe so because, at its core, it's an industry just like any other so that means that it should make an effort to be as fair as possible to everyone. This applies to both the people that they employ and those who their products. Being inclusive is the right thing to do because, through inclusivity, the lives of those around you can be made easier with little inconvenience to you. Also, inclusivity is one of the things that has allowed the tech sphere to expand to the size that it's at right now. By making products easier to use by all, the demand and usefulness of technology are greatly increased. This alone shows how important and frankly, integral inclusivity is to the tech industry.

As a black high school student who is the first in my family to pursue higher education, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a college-bound child of immigrants. Growing up, I saw firsthand the sacrifices and hard work my parents made to provide for our family and give me the opportunity to succeed. Now, as I look towards the future, I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and use my education to make a positive impact on the world. One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a college-bound student of an immigrant family is the financial burden of higher education. My parents have always worked hard to provide for our family, but paying for college is a daunting task that requires a lot of sacrifice. Despite this, I am determined to pursue my education and make the most of the opportunities it will bring. One way I plan on making a positive impact through my education is by becoming a teacher. Growing up, I saw firsthand the importance of education and the transformative power it can have on a person's life. As a teacher, I hope to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders, helping them to reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world. In addition to becoming a teacher, I also hope to use my education to advocate for immigrant rights and support immigrant communities. I understand the unique challenges and struggles that come with being an immigrant, and I want to use my voice and platform to support and uplift those who may not have the same opportunities as I do. Receiving this scholarship would be a major help in achieving these goals. It would provide me with much-needed financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of worrying about how I will pay for my education. It would also serve as a recognition of my dedication to making a positive impact on the world, which would inspire me to continue working towards these goals. In conclusion, as a college-bound student of an immigrant family, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with higher education. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and use my education to make a positive impact on the world. Receiving this scholarship would be a major help in achieving these goals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for it.

As a black high school student, I understand the importance of giving back to my community and being an active member of society. That is why I am excited to apply for this scholarship that recognizes students who volunteer and serve in their communities. Not only does volunteering and serving in my community allow me to make a positive impact on those around me, but it also helps me to develop valuable skills and experiences that will benefit me in my future education and career. Through volunteering, I have learned how to work as part of a team, communicate effectively with others, and problem-solve in order to achieve a common goal. These are all skills that will serve me well as I pursue my educational goals. Receiving this scholarship would be a major help in achieving those goals. As a high school student, I am already facing a number of financial challenges that make it difficult for me to afford higher education. The cost of tuition, books, and other necessities can be overwhelming, and I worry that I will not be able to afford to go to college. This scholarship would provide me with much-needed financial support, allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of worrying about how I will pay for my education. In addition to the financial support, receiving this scholarship would also serve as a motivator for me to continue volunteering and serving in my community. It would be a recognition of the hard work and dedication I have put into helping others, and it would inspire me to continue making a positive impact on my community. As I look towards the future, I am excited about the opportunities that higher education will bring. I hope to one day become a leader that others look up to, so that I can inspire and bring expertise the next generation of leaders. This scholarship would not only help me to achieve that goal, but it would also allow me to give back to my community in a meaningful way. In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would not only provide me with financial support, but it would also serve as a motivator and recognition of my dedication to volunteering and serving in my community. These are all crucial components in helping me achieve my educational goals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.

As a black high school student, I have always been driven by a desire to be of service to others and to use my talents and abilities to make a positive difference in the world. This desire has led me to strive for servant leadership in all aspects of my life, whether it be in my academics, my extracurricular activities, or my relationships with others. One of the ways in which I embody the attribute of striving for servant leadership is through my participation in various extracurricular activities. I am the SPL(Senior Patrol Leader) of my Boy Scouts troop, where I work collaboratively with the other members of the leadership team to research and plan activities, events and meetings. Aside from the planning of various things, I also provide leadership to the younger scouts and those outside of leadership while we're on campouts. I always direct them clearly on what to do and help out with those things whenever I can. This part is the most important to me because my goal as a leader is to be someone that people look up to and have a positive view of. All actions that I take as a leader are to achieve this goal. Another that I embody the attribute of servant leadership is through my relationships with others. I'm a compassionate and empathetic person, and I always try to be there for my friends and family when they need support or guidance. I'm also a strong listener, and I make an effort to truly understand the perspective of others and to offer my support in a genuine and caring manner. I believe that it is important to be a good friend and to be there for others in times of need, and I strive to be a positive influence in the lives of those around me. In conclusion, I believe that striving for servant leadership is an essential part of who I am as a person. I am constantly seeking ways to be of service to others and to use my talents and abilities to make a positive difference in the world. Whether it be through my academics, my extracurricular activities, or my relationships with others, I am always looking for opportunities to lead by example and to inspire others to do the same. As a black high school student, I believe that getting things done is the greatest area for improvement in my personal development. While I am generally a responsible and organized person, I sometimes struggle with procrastination and with finding the motivation to complete tasks that I find uninteresting or difficult. This can lead to stress and anxiety, and it can also prevent me from achieving my full potential in both my academic and personal endeavors. To improve in this attribute, I have developed a plan that involves several strategies. First, I will set specific and achievable goals for myself, and I will break these goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks. By setting clear benchmarks for success, I will be able to track my progress and stay motivated. I will also try to identify the root causes of my procrastination, whether it be lack of interest, lack of understanding, or other factors, and I will work to address these issues. Another important aspect of my plan is to develop better time management skills. I will create a schedule that allows me to prioritize my responsibilities and allocate my time effectively. I will also try to eliminate distractions and to create a conducive environment for productivity, whether it be by finding a quiet study space or blocking off certain times of the day for focused work. In addition to these strategies, I will also seek support from others when needed. I will ask for help from my teachers or tutors when I am struggling with a concept, and I will seek guidance from friends or family members when I need motivation or encouragement. I believe that by building a strong support network and by being proactive in seeking assistance when needed, I will be able to overcome any challenges that may arise and to achieve my goals. In conclusion, I believe that getting things done is an essential attribute for success in any endeavor, and I am committed to improving in this area. By setting specific goals, developing better time management skills, and seeking support when needed, I am confident that I can overcome my challenges and achieve my full

I've felt attached to the STEM world ever since I was a young boy. I know this may sound like an exaggeration because what kind of child even knows what STEM is? However, even though I didn't know what STEM was, I was engrossed in it. I would always play with Legos and often make some complicated creations like an aircraft that would drop down an arm to pick up a motorcycle on the move or a miniaturized transformer that was made exclusively from parts taken from other lego sets. Alongside this innate creativity and interest in building things, I was also crazily interested in coding and other similar aspects of technology. Both of these aspects combined when my parents got me a Lego Mindstorm. My creativity and creations went wild. This ultimately flowered into my current interest in having STEM as my major and as the lifelong career that I hope to pursue. My interest and pursuit of STEM isn't unfounded either. I have always excelled in STEM subjects and have found a particular passion for computer science and engineering. These classes always allow me to make the things that I want while also allowing me to learn about things that I could make and it's this aspect of endless possibility that really captivates me about the STEM world. It's also with this power of endless possibility that I plan to go into the future and change the world for the better. First and foremost, I plan to use my STEM skills to address pressing global issues, such as climate change, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. With the growing population and increasing demand for resources, it is more important than ever to find sustainable solutions to these problems. I believe that by using my knowledge of technology, I can contribute to the development of innovative technologies and practices that will help to preserve our planet for future generations. In addition to addressing global issues, I also hope to use my STEM degree to make a positive impact in my community. For example, I envision using my skills to develop educational programs and resources for underprivileged youth, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. I also hope to work with local organizations and businesses to develop solutions to problems specific to my community, such as improving access to clean water or developing more efficient energy systems. Finally, I believe that by becoming a successful STEM professional, I can serve as a role model and mentor to other young people who are interested in pursuing careers in science and technology. I hope to use my experiences and knowledge to inspire and encourage others to follow their passions and make a difference in the world. Overall, I am confident that with a STEM degree, I have the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on the world. Whether it's addressing global issues or working to improve my community, I am excited to use my skills to make a difference and create a better future for all of us.

Disappointment and difficulty in life are as inevitable as the sun going down. They serve as setbacks that can easily dissuade a person from reaching their maximum potential or from doing the things that they like doing. The ease at which disappointment and difficulty can hurt people is what makes me value my most powerful characteristic: determination. As stated earlier, things don't always go perfectly for everyone, however, for me, it seems to be on a different level. Almost every time that I need to do something that should be easy such as switching the batteries out of a remote, I always find dozens of dead batteries before I find one pair that actually works. Small things like this aren't much of a big deal but when it comes to bigger things such as my passions and aspirations, this becomes a much bigger problem. As you can see from my bio(which you should totally go read), I really enjoy video editing. Making videos about any topic is always really fun for me because I get to use my creativity and create things that people enjoy. However, there are always problems. For example, with my latest project where I made two 8-minute videos, there was a slew of problems at nearly every point. Here are just a few. I updated to a newer version of the video editor and it wasn't working so I had to continue using an older version. The site I use to download video clips stopped working, so I had to spend 2 hours finding another that worked. I had to spend 3 hours downloading the episodes that I would commentate over because there was an issue with computer compatibility. And finally, I discovered a 67 GIGABYTE FOLDER on my laptop that my mom had put there that was significantly slowing down my laptop. The folder took up so much memory that I didn't have enough to open a browser tab, which I didn't even know was possible. However, despite all of this stuff that made me work harder than I initially thought I worked out every single problem and was able to complete production on both of the videos and will be releasing them soon. I'm proud of the videos and extremely happy with how they turned out and they showed me the amazing results that come from having determination. The power of determination is great and I'm glad that I was able to learn it at a (relatively) young age. Knowing that I have the ability to keep pushing through anything makes me feel confident in not just my future career but also any future endeavors that I embark on. This headstrongness will pave the way for my life and allow me to continue making things that I, and other people, can enjoy.