As an astrophysics student with a passion for engineering, I envision a future where my discoveries and innovations propel humanity's understanding and exploration of space to new heights. My name is Koi McLeod, and my journey in the realm of astrophysics is not merely about academic pursuit but a quest to make tangible contributions that reshape our relationship with the cosmos. From a young age, I have been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. Gazing up at the stars sparked a curiosity that has driven me to delve deeper into understanding the complexities of celestial bodies and the vast expanses of space. This curiosity has evolved into a steadfast commitment to contribute meaningfully to the field of astrophysics, particularly through the lens of engineering. As an aspiring engineer within astrophysics, I see immense potential in harnessing the power of computer software to advance space exploration. The synergy between astrophysical discoveries and cutting-edge engineering techniques is pivotal in shaping the future of space exploration. Through my studies and research, I aim to bridge the gap between theory and application, translating astronomical insights into practical innovations that propel us further into the cosmos. One of my primary goals is to develop sophisticated computational models that simulate the behavior of celestial objects and phenomena. These models not only deepen our understanding of astronomical processes but also serve as invaluable tools for designing spacecraft and instruments optimized for specific space missions. By integrating advanced software solutions with astrophysical data, we can enhance the precision, efficiency, and safety of space exploration missions, thereby pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and capability. Moreover, I am keenly interested in developing technologies that enable us to explore and exploit resources beyond Earth. Asteroid mining, for instance, holds immense potential for accessing rare minerals and elements crucial for future space missions and sustaining life beyond our planet. My vision includes pioneering engineering solutions that make asteroid mining economically viable and environmentally sustainable, thereby opening new frontiers in space exploration and resource utilization. In addition to technical innovation, I am passionate about fostering international collaboration and interdisciplinary research in the field of astrophysics and engineering. By working alongside experts from diverse backgrounds, we can leverage collective expertise to tackle complex challenges and accelerate progress in space exploration. Collaboration not only enriches our scientific endeavors but also fosters a global perspective that transcends national boundaries, inspiring a shared vision for humanity's future in space. Beyond technological advancements, I am committed to advocating for the importance of space exploration in addressing fundamental questions about our origins, our place in the universe, and our future as a species. By engaging with the public and policymakers, I strive to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of astrophysics and engineering on our society and the world at large. In conclusion, my journey as an astrophysics student aspiring to be an engineer is driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and exploration. Through my discoveries in space and the application of computer software, I aim to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos and propel humanity towards a future where space exploration is not just a dream but a tangible reality. Together, we can chart new frontiers, expand our horizons, and change the world for generations to come.

The lady in the kitchen, is the cook, the cleaner, the driver, my rugby cheerleader, my advocate when I need help, my motivation when I am not sure I got this, my biggest critic, and yet my biggest support. She is my mom, but sometimes she has to be my dad because he is not in the kitchen or in the car, or anywhere that I have known since I was 3. My mom has been my one and only constant and I am so grateful for this. In fact, she was breathing down my back reminding me to get my scholarships done today. She "reminds" me of something every day, my homework, to walk the dog, to take out the trash. She literally stood at my shoulder when I was applying for colleges and cheered each time I hit apply. It was a good feeling because it was her way of showing that she believes in me. Even when I doubt myself, I know she has great hopes for my future and who I want to be. I have always been fascinated by science, and as I was growing up, she encouraged this even though she did not know much about science and did not have the money to buy any real science equipment. So I was always making some science project from some stuff that I would find around the house. I built a solar oven, made long rockets, built my own computer, and constructed a telescope. I was always taking stuff apart and making a mess, but she never got mad at this. She always encouraged me and let me have free reign every time I declared I was starting some new project. We would also watch lots of science shows on tv together. It was after watching Neil de Grass Tyson hosting the series "Cosmos" that I found my true calling. I put together my first serious science project about Black Holes, I wanted this project to engage the viewer so I added the sounds of a black hole with flashing lights and movements. This fully interactive project was the first time that I won a science project and I would go on to win every science award thereafter from elementary to high school. I was once even selected to present an Outerspace BioTechnology project to a panel of NASA scientists. One of my best experiences was winning a scholarship to Space Camp. Going to Space Camp was a life changer, as I was able to engage with other people who also had a deep interest in space and the cosmos. For the first time, I felt like I had found my tribe. My mother has supported me and encouraged me as my love for science has evolved into what will be my career. Now I am a senior in high school, and I have been accepted into the Astrophysics program at Arizona State University. Not only is this my dream, but her dream too. I will continue to pursue a field that I genuinely love and can't wait to discover the mysteries of our cosmos. Next week, I will be graduating from high school, and even though she will probably be the loudest most embarrassing parent in the room, I will be overcome with pride because she has been there rooting for me since day ONE.

My first instinct would be to say, the honorable President Barack Obama, whose dignity and honesty as our 45th President shines a beacon of inspiration to every young black male as he tries to navigate in our society and aspire to be the best. I am also greatly inspired by Neil De Grass Tyson. As a young child Dr. Tyson was inspired by the universe and wanted to understand the dynamics of space and the cosmos. He grew up to be a highly intelligent and successful Astrophysicist. I also have the same dream and aspire to be an Astrophysicist or Cosmologist. I share the same passion for wanting to understand the underpinnings of our existence, and the matter and physics as to how our universe exists and the mechanics behind, black holes, dark matter, and more using string theory, particle physics and quantum entanglement. Neil de Grasse Tyson, came from humble beginnings and did not look like the typical astrophysicist, by using his knowledge and love for this field to make his way to the top. Mr. Tyson is a black male, and also being a black male in this field, I feel it is important to follow in his footsteps, as he paves a way for a whole generation of black men in Astrophysics. I have always loved science but it was after watching Neil de Grass Tyson hosting the series "Cosmos" that I put together my first serious science project about Black Holes, I wanted this project to engage the viewer so I added the sounds of a black hole with flashing lights and movements. This fully interactive project was the first time that I won a science project and I would go onto win every science award thereafter from elementary to high school. I was once even selected to present an Outerspace BioTecnology project to a panel of NASA scientist. One of my best experiences, was winning a scholarship to Space Camp. Going to Space Camp was a great experience, and I was able to engage with other people who also had a deep interest in space and the cosmos. For the first time I felt like I had found my tribe. Now I am a senior in high school, and I have been accepted into the Astrophysics program at Arizona State University. This is my dream school, and I faced many challenges to get this point. Right now the biggest one, is financial, and I am working to save up as much as I can. But I am dedicated and motivated to make sure that this dream becomes a reality. Another major reason I have also decided to pursue this career is because I feel there is a need for more African American students and scientists to enter this industry. There are thousands of brilliant minds in minority communities and I believe that the STEM fields, astrophysics, and space technology would be a great way for us to make an impact. If there was a more diverse stem field, more people of color would have a chance to become future Einsteins or Newtons. Names that will forever be taught and remembered because of the impact of their discoveries. Just imagine what these new faces would look like in our science books if everyone had an opportunity to discover. I would like to open a space incubator, for young people of color to design and start space technology businesses. To provide them with the resources needed to what will become a 7 trillion dollar industry. So that African Americans can be the norm in the space industry.

Ever since I was a young child I had always desired a pursuit of knowledge in the STEM field. Whenever a STEM book or documentary fell onto my lap it was as if Christmas had come months early. One of the only desires I have for my future is to one day have my face on the book helping describe reality’s mysteries and advance human knowledge to the next level. So I turned my head towards the field of astrophysics. The major I have chosen for my future career is astrophysics. I believe that this area of study is most in line with my ideals of advancing human knowledge. I remember as a young kid when teachers would say we were advancing to the space portion of our curriculum, I would become excited with the utmost attentive spirit towards the new topic. Even today I experience the same form of excitement whenever I get the chance to learn about the sheer unknown amount of information that resides in the field of space exploration technologies. Even in my daily life I yearn for more knowledge in the field of astrophysics. I often form theories on topics in which I become curious; I even challenge myself to calculate mathematical equations even in unnecessary situations. Venturing to college is a major aspect of acquiring this knowledge. Especially going to a college out of state to pursue astrophysics and not having the financial aid to afford it scholarship is extremely important. In addition my family does not have the finances to afford college, being that I live with a single mother and my sister will attend college the next year. For this reason it is necessary for me to obtain this scholarship. I’m always searching for the next conversation with anyone who is willing to engage on the topics that I so heavily enjoy contemplating. I continuously prod my friends and family to discuss these topics so that I can gather more definite opinions and information in this area of study. I’m also always finding myself searching for mentors to broaden my experience and knowledge. In a way I sometimes see it is even an obligation for me to engage with other persons to fulfill this yearning for education. One vital goal in life is to have a lasting effect on human society and the universe itself. My philosophy is that if you can create a piece of information that is necessary for the creation of new information in the future; you have made a lasting effect on the universe. Think of Einstein or Newton; These are names that will forever be taught and remembered in society. And for this reason it is necessary for me to study and create information to aid in the growth of knowledge and human society. This scholarship would help me finally fulfill my dreams of becoming an astrophysicist. With it I would be able to reach for the highest stars and uncover the world's mysteries. One of the major issues with fulfilling my dream is the financial aspect. I would be able to afford college and not worry whether my family will be ok.This scholarship would be a major key increment in eliminating that problem. For these reasons I have a definite understanding that the field of astrophysics is the best to continue my yearning for knowledge. And I hope that through my pursuit of education with the help of this scholarship I will be able to fulfill that drive one day.

It took my a while to realize, sometimes it ok to be " That Guy". Sometimes it's ok, to be that guy who doesn't quiet fit in, or thinks a little bit different, or has ideas that are literally just out of this world. Being that guy, would often get you teased, or laughed at or maybe even beat up. But being that guy, just meant that you were unique and there is nothing wrong with that. It is ok to be you. Ever since I was a young child I had always desired a pursuit of knowledge in the STEM field. I would daydream about the newest scientific theories, about black hole paradoxes or calculate quadratic solutions in my head. Once, while watching a movie in my astronomy class about quasars, I was so fascinated with the peculiarity of these objects that I decided to do more research, and ended up writing a hypothetical theory on how they emit light. My theory stated: light was essentially a phenomenon that occurred when trace amounts of atomic particles are stripped from an object's surface as temperature increases. My greatest hope was to one day have my face on a book describing reality’s mysteries and advance human knowledge to the next level. Not only that, I aspired to also be able to help integrate more minorities like myself into the STEM field. Being able to help influence that change, was a goal I needed to achieve. I am going to become an Astrophysicist, because nothing is more thrilling to me than learning about dark matter, string theory, particle physics and quantum entanglement, and the newest space technologies. In the fall, I will be attending Arizona State University as an Astrophysics major, working to advance human knowledge while breaking the conventional standards of the field. Another major reason I have also decided to pursue this career is because I feel there is a need for more African American students and scientists to enter the industry. There are thousands of brilliant minds in minority communities around the world and I believe that the STEM field or even astrophysics would be a great way for us to make an impact. If there was a more diverse stem field, more people of color would have a chance to become future Einsteins or Newton's. Names that will forever be taught and remembered because of the impact of their discoveries. Just imagine what these new faces would look like in our science books if everyone had an opportunity to discover. I would also like to start two business involving space. One is to develop automated systems that will collect the many millions of pieces of space junk and recycle it off planet, for either raw materials, or to be used in 3D printable applications for construction or supplies in outer space. Additionally, I would also like to start a "Space Incubator" which is to help young people develop and open space oriented businesses and to assist them by connecting them with micro-funding and technical experts, to ensure that their ideas can be realized. Young people have many extraordinary ideas, and these ideas for new ways of seeing and doing things is often overlooked. Astrophysics is an amazing field, one in which I hope to make scientific advancements but also to break barriers and help introduce more people like myself to science. STEM isn't just a way to advance society's knowledge but to integrate and advance opportunities for everyone.

When we are given fair opportunities we rise to the top in many fields, from Oprah in Media, to Serena in Tennis, to Tiger in Golf, to Beyoncé in Music, to Simone in Gymnastics, and the multitude of amazing basketball and football phenoms. And given a fair playing field in STEM, the amount of cream that will rise to the top is innumerable. Given more opportunities in STEM, there is no doubt that we will see more African Americans doing phenomenal things in their respective field. Ever since I was a young child I had always desired a pursuit of knowledge in the STEM field. I would daydream about the newest scientific theories, about black hole paradoxes or calculate quadratic solutions in my head. Once, while watching a movie in my astronomy class about quasars, I was so fascinated with the peculiarity of these objects that I decided to do more research, and ended up writing a hypothetical theory on how they emit light. My theory stated: light was essentially a phenomenon that occurred when trace amounts of atomic particles are stripped from an object's surface as temperature increases. My greatest hope was to one day have my face on a book describing reality’s mysteries and advance human knowledge to the next level. Not only that, I aspired to also be able to help integrate more minorities like myself into the STEM field. Being able to help influence that change, was a goal I needed to achieve. I am going to become an Astrophysicist, because nothing is more thrilling to me than learning about dark matter, string theory, particle physics and quantum entanglement, and the newest space technologies. In the fall, I will be attending Arizona State University as an Astrophysics major, working to advance human knowledge while breaking the conventional standards of the field. Another major reason I have also decided to pursue this career is because I feel there is a need for more African American students and scientists to enter the industry. There are thousands of brilliant minds in minority communities around the world and I believe that the STEM field or even astrophysics would be a great way for us to make an impact. One major variable that has always led to innovation, in any field, is integration and diversity. Diversity in academics and the workplace leads to productivity, connections, and overall success. History has proven this time and time again, and I truly believe, that if this field were exposed to more people like myself, advancements would sky rocket. If there was a more diverse stem field, more people of color would have a chance to become future Einsteins or Newton's. Names that will forever be taught and remembered because of the impact of their discoveries. Just imagine what these new faces would look like in our science books if everyone had an opportunity to discover. One day I intend to open a space incubator, for young people of color to design and start space technology businesses, to provide them with the resources needed to what will become a 7 trillion dollar industry. So that African Americans can be the norm in the space industry. Astrophysics is an amazing field, one in which I hope to make scientific advancements but also to break barriers and help introduce more people like myself to science. STEM isn't just a way to advance society's knowledge but to integrate and advance opportunities for everyone.

If I were homeless, would someone help me? If I were dying would someone help me? My environment is suffering does anyone care? Community service has helped me gain perspective in my life. It has helped me to understand how each individual contributes to the well being of their community. I also feel that community service has helped me to develop into a better person and be a better steward in my community. Before I would see homeless people and just walk past and try to avert my eyes. But after working to help feed homeless people, I can empathize with them and understand the extreme difficulties they face, and the challenges the deal with daily. I hear their stories. Now I see them. Before working on a blood drive and giving blood. I was terrified by the thought of giving blood or being stuck by needles. But after working on a blood drive, I understand the extreme importance of hospitals needing blood to save lives. And that by giving blood you might be the lifeline someone needs after an accident, or for surgery, or to save a life. While giving blood, I pushed back the fear, took the needle, and ate a cookie. It wasn’t so bad in the end. Someone may live an extra day. Before working on an Alzheimer’s drive, I thought this issue is just too big and I am not a doctor, there is nothing I can do to help. But after working on a Campaign to end Alzheimer’s, I realized the impact of Alzheimer’s on our elderly community, the devastation of their memory loss, and the impact of those who love them. I love my grandparent’s, I can’t even imagine them having to deal with such a dabilitating disease or them not knowing me and the love that I have for them. I felt that working on the campaign, my contribution was small, but we were able to fundraise and earn tens of thousands towards Alzheimer’s research. Perhaps my contribution was not so small, perhaps it can help to discover a cure. Before being involved in numerous environmental projects, I would watch tv shows about the environment and think that my generation was doomed and that no one was doing anything to stop the devastation of our planet. It was a hopeless feeling and I secretly blamed the generations that came before us. But then I got involved in a beach cleanup project, and a turtle habitat projects, and an invasive species project, and a clean water installation project in small town in Costa Rica (after getting an award to do international community outreach), I realized that there were loads of people out there who made it their life’s goal to help the environment, and who are fully committed to helping the environment. That people, young and old are dedicated in this fight as a collective worldwide. Working together with my community and others to help our planet gives me hope for the future. The real significance is that this journey has changed me. How I see my community, how I interact with my community, and my love for my community.....I am so hopeful now! As a high school senior, I have recently been accepted to Arizona State for Astrophysics. I am deeply passionate about astrophysics, I believe that it is a key into uncovering reality's mysteries. Certainly, there are some challenges ahead, mostly financial. And having a parent who suffers from the long term affects from PTSD after several tours in Iraq, things in our household have always fallen to my mom.

The study of Cosmology is changing everyday. New information is being discovered and our understanding of the universe is changing daily. With all of the new deep space telescopes and incredible technological advances, we have thousands of new discoveries, all of which have generated thousands more questions and mysteries. I want to become an Astrophysicist and Cosmologist, to be a the forefront of these new discoveries. To be able to answer the questions that every society posed as they looked up into the sky and questioned “What is out there? I would like to be part of the team that can bring insight to these deep questions, and can help to advance our society and inspire the future of our understanding of space on a higher level. I am deeply passionate about astrophysics because I believe that it is a key gateway into uncovering reality's mysteries. I am a high school senior and have been accepted to attend my dream school in the fall in the Astrophysics Program at Arizona Statue University. I value education it is an important part of my life, (post pandemic, I had straight A's for every term) I believe that it is a key aspect in the success that I one day hope to reach. I share the same passion for wanting to understand the underpinnings of our existence, and the matter and physics as to how our universe exists and the mechanics behind, black holes, dark matter, and more using string theory, particle physics and quantum entanglement. I come from humble beginnings and I understand that the typical Astrophysicist does not look like me and the challenges that I may face, but I have been committed to this dream since I was 8 when I won my first science project, to when I was able to do a presentation to NASA scientist while completing my Biotech Certification. I would also like to start two business involving space. One is to develop automated systems that will collect the many millionns of pieces of space junk and recycle it off planet, for either raw materials, or to be used in 3D printable applications for construction or supplies in outer space. Additionally, I would also like to start a "Space Incubator" which is to help young people develop and open space oriented business, and to assist them by connecting them with micro-funding and technical experts, to ensure that their ideas can be realized. Young people have many extraordinary ideas, and these ideas for new ways of seeing and doing things is often overlooked. The North Star Dreamers Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible opportunity to make the dream of looking further into the stars, to help a budding Astrophysicist shine brighter, and the potential for a younger generation to make gains in space. With this scholarship, I will use all my skill sets, positive drive, and hunger to challenge myself to dream EVEN BIGGER!

If I were homeless, would someone help me? If I were dying would someone help me? My environment is suffering does anyone care? Community service has helped me gain perspective in my life. It has helped me to understand how each individual contributes to the well being of their community. I also feel that community service has helped me to develop into a better person and be a better steward in my community. Before I would see homeless people and just walk past and try to avert my eyes. But after working to help feed homeless people, I can empathize with them and understand the extreme difficulties they face, and the challenges the deal with daily. I hear their stories. Now I see them. Before working on a blood drive and giving blood. I was terrified by the thought of giving blood or being stuck by needles. But after working on a blood drive, I understand the extreme importance of hospitals needing blood to save lives. And that by giving blood you might be the lifeline someone needs after an accident, or for surgery, or to save a life. While giving blood, I pushed back the fear, took the needle, and ate a cookie. It wasn’t so bad in the end. Someone may live an extra day. Before working on an Alzheimer’s drive, I thought this issue is just too big and I am not a doctor, there is nothing I can do to help. But after working on a Campaign to end Alzheimer’s, I realized the impact of Alzheimer’s on our elderly community, the devastation of their memory loss, and the impact of those who love them. I love my grandparent’s, and my grandaunts and uncles, I can’t even imagine them having to deal with such a dabilitating disease or them not knowing me and the love that I have for them. I felt that working on the campaign, my contribution was small, but we were able to fundraise and earn tens of thousands towards Alzheimer’s research. Perhaps my contribution was not so small, perhaps it can help to discover a cure. Before being involved in numerous environmental projects, I would watch tv shows about the environment and think that my generation was doomed and that no one was doing anything to stop the devastation of our planet. It was a hopeless feeling and I secretly blamed the generations that came before us. But then I got involved in a beach cleanup project, and a turtle habitat projects, and an invasive species project, and a clean water installation project in small town in Costa Rica (after getting an award to do international community outreach), I realized that there were loads of people out there who made it their life’s goal to help the environment, and who are fully committed to helping the environment. That people, young and old are dedicated in this fight as a collective worldwide. Working together with my community and others to help our planet gives me hope for the future. Although I have amassed approximately 300 hours in community service on dozens of different projects, the number seems meaningless compared to my journey. The real significance is that it has changed me. How I see my community, how I interact with my community, and my love for my community.....I am so hopeful now!

If I were homeless, would someone help me? If I were dying would someone help me? My environment is suffering does anyone care? Community service has helped me gain perspective in my life. It has helped me to understand how each individual contributes to the well being of their community. I also feel that community service has helped me to develop into a better person and be a better steward in my community. Before I would see homeless people and just walk past and try to avert my eyes. But after working to help feed homeless people, I can empathize with them and understand the extreme difficulties they face, and the challenges the deal with daily. I hear their stories. Now I see them. Before working on a blood drive and giving blood. I was terrified by the thought of giving blood or being stuck by needles. But after working on a blood drive, I understand the extreme importance of hospitals needing blood to save lives. And that by giving blood you might be the lifeline someone needs after an accident, or for surgery, or to save a life. While giving blood, I pushed back the fear, took the needle, and ate a cookie. It wasn’t so bad in the end. Someone may live an extra day. Before working on an Alzheimer’s drive, I thought this issue is just too big and I am not a doctor, there is nothing I can do to help. But after working on a Campaign to end Alzheimer’s, I realized the impact of Alzheimer’s on our elderly community, the devastation of their memory loss, and the impact of those who love them. I love my grandparent’s, and my grandaunts and uncles, I can’t even imagine them having to deal with such a dabilitating disease or them not knowing me and the love that I have for them. I felt that working on the campaign, my contribution was small, but we were able to fundraise and earn tens of thousands towards Alzheimer’s research. Perhaps my contribution was not so small, perhaps it can help to discover a cure. Before being involved in numerous environmental projects, I would watch tv shows about the environment and think that my generation was doomed and that no one was doing anything to stop the devastation of our planet. It was a hopeless feeling and I secretly blamed the generations that came before us. But then I got involved in a beach cleanup project, and a turtle habitat projects, and an invasive species project, and a clean water installation project in small town in Costa Rica (after getting an award to do international community outreach), I realized that there were loads of people out there who made it their life’s goal to help the environment, and who are fully committed to helping the environment. That people, young and old are dedicated in this fight as a collective worldwide. Working together with my community and others to help our planet gives me hope for the future. Although I have amassed approximately 300 hours in community service on dozens of different projects, the number seems meaningless compared to my journey. The real significance is that it has changed me. How I see my community, how I interact with my community, and my love for my community.....I am so hopeful now!

If I were homeless, would someone help me? If I were dying would someone help me? My environment is suffering does anyone care? Community service has helped me gain perspective in my life. It has helped me to understand how each individual contributes to the well being of their community. I also feel that community service has helped me to develop into a better person and be a better steward in my community. Before I would see homeless people and just walk past and try to avert my eyes. But after working to help feed homeless people, I can empathize with them and understand the extreme difficulties they face, and the challenges the deal with daily. I hear their stories. Now I see them. Before working on a blood drive and giving blood. I was terrified by the thought of giving blood or being stuck by needles. But after working on a blood drive, I understand the extreme importance of hospitals needing blood to save lives. And that by giving blood you might be the lifeline someone needs after an accident, or for surgery, or to save a life. While giving blood, I pushed back the fear, took the needle, and ate a cookie. It wasn’t so bad in the end. Someone may live an extra day. Before working on an Alzheimer’s drive, I thought this issue is just too big and I am not a doctor, there is nothing I can do to help. But after working on a Campaign to end Alzheimer’s, I realized the impact of Alzheimer’s on our elderly community, the devastation of their memory loss, and the impact of those who love them. I love my grandparent’s, and my grandaunts and uncles, I can’t even imagine them having to deal with such a dabilitating disease or them not knowing me and the love that I have for them. I felt that working on the campaign, my contribution was small, but we were able to fundraise and earn tens of thousands towards Alzheimer’s research. Perhaps my contribution was not so small, perhaps it can help to discover a cure. Before being involved in numerous environmental projects, I would watch tv shows about the environment and think that my generation was doomed and that no one was doing anything to stop the devastation of our planet. It was a hopeless feeling and I secretly blamed the generations that came before us. But then I got involved in a beach cleanup project, and a turtle habitat projects, and an invasive species project, and a clean water installation project in small town in Costa Rica (after getting an award to do international community outreach), I realized that there were loads of people out there who made it their life’s goal to help the environment, and who are fully committed to helping the environment. That people, young and old are dedicated in this fight as a collective worldwide. Working together with my community and others to help our planet gives me hope for the future. Although I have amassed approximately 300 hours in community service on dozens of different projects, the number seems meaningless compared to my journey. The real significance is that it has changed me. How I see my community, how I interact with my community, and my love for my community.....I am so hopeful now!

The greatest gift that we are given as humans is our ability to learn. Without this, where would our society be? We wouldn't have infrastructure, politics, technology, or anything for that matter. For me, learning isn't something I'm forced to do at school, it's something that I cherish and use to discover the world’s mysteries. When I'm learning, it's as if I'm on a roller coaster but I don't need to pay a $200 fare to get the same rush. I pick up a book or search whatever I want on the internet. Learning is great, but it's not that simple for me. A young black teen with a ball will light up Friday nights and have a marching band and cheerleaders. A young black teen who raps will have an entourage of followers and groupies. But a black kid who wants to learn can expect weekly beatings and relentless teasing on the playground. While I was growing up, I found that everyone around me didn't experience the same joy that I did when it came to learning. At times, I would try to converse with a friend on a topic that I had recently learned, but they would be reluctant to respond and shun me as if I were insignificant. I remember, excitedly approaching one of my friends to talk about how I wanted to be an astrophysicist when I grew up. As I started to talk about the new discoveries from Hubble, and one of my role models Neil deGrasse Tyson, he annoyingly responded, “that’s lame bro, can we talk about something cooler”. I sighed, and brushed it off as if I didn’t care, but I felt betrayed. I was baffled how something that I loved so much could be so easily dismissed by my good friend. Afterwards, I realized that these topics were of little interest to other kids around me. This happened over and over again, I realized that most people just wouldn't accept me this way. So I changed, instead I became the 'funny guy", suppressing anything that could be considered "smart or lame", I found myself hesitant to converse in social settings about complex information and stuck to talking about the latest trends on the internet. Certainly, being socially accepted felt much more liberating but, I also felt a part of my personality was missing. In my free-time, I would daydream about the newest scientific theories about black hole paradoxes or calculate quadratic solutions in my head. Teachers would sometimes ask how my personality and my grades didn't seem to match. One day, we were assigned to watch a movie in my astronomy class about quasars; I was so fascinated with the peculiarity of these objects that I decided to do more research, and ended up writing a hypothetical theory on how they emit light. My theory stated: light was essentially a phenomenon that occurred when trace amounts of atomic particles are stripped from an object's surface as temperature increases. However, I never disclosed it, fearful that my friends wouldn’t accept me for it. On a particularly gloomy morning ,I decided to go into class and begin a discussion about the recent Space X launch, and talk about facts that I had learned about the company's new rocket design. To my surprise, the class loved the discussion! They talked for hours until the bell rang. After this I was relieved, I was finally accepted for who I am, and was able to express myself authentically. Now I realize it is up to me to role model this for other black youth in my community.

The greatest gift that we are given as humans is our ability to learn. Without this, where would our society be? We wouldn't have infrastructure, politics, technology, or anything for that matter. For me, learning isn't something I'm forced to do at school, it's something that I cherish and use to discover the world’s mysteries. When I'm learning, it's as if I'm on a roller coaster but I don't need to pay a $200 fare to get the same rush. I pick up a book or search whatever I want on the internet. Learning is great, but it's not that simple for me. A young black teen with a ball will light up Friday nights and have a marching band and cheerleaders. A young black teen who raps will have an entourage of followers and groupies. But a black kid who wants to learn can expect weekly beatings and relentless teasing on the playground. While I was growing up, I found that everyone around me didn't experience the same joy that I did when it came to learning. At times, I would try to converse with a friend on a topic that I had recently learned, but they would be reluctant to respond and shun me as if I were insignificant. I remember, excitedly approaching one of my friends to talk about how I wanted to be an astrophysicist when I grew up. As I started to talk about the new discoveries from Hubble, and one of my role models Neil deGrasse Tyson, he annoyingly responded, “that’s lame bro, can we talk about something cooler”. I sighed, and brushed it off as if I didn’t care, but I felt betrayed. I was baffled how something that I loved so much could be so easily dismissed by my good friend. Afterwards, I realized that these topics were of little interest to other kids around me. This happened over and over again, I realized that most people just wouldn't accept me this way. So I changed, instead I became the 'funny guy", suppressing anything that could be considered "smart or lame", I found myself hesitant to converse in social settings about complex information and stuck to talking about the latest trends on the internet. Certainly, being socially accepted felt much more liberating but, I also felt a part of my personality was missing. In my free-time, I would daydream about the newest scientific theories about black hole paradoxes or calculate quadratic solutions in my head. Teachers would sometimes ask how my personality and my grades didn't seem to match. One day, we were assigned to watch a movie in my astronomy class about quasars; I was so fascinated with the peculiarity of these objects that I decided to do more research, and ended up writing a hypothetical theory on how they emit light. My theory stated: light was essentially a phenomenon that occurred when trace amounts of atomic particles are stripped from an object's surface as temperature increases. However, I never disclosed it, fearful that my friends wouldn’t accept me for it. On a particularly gloomy morning ,I decided to go into class and begin a discussion about the recent Space X launch, and talk about facts that I had learned about the company's new rocket design. To my surprise, the class loved the discussion! They talked for hours until the bell rang. After this I was relieved, I was finally accepted for who I am, and was able to express myself authentically. Now I realize it is up to me to role model this for other black men in my community.

The greatest gift that we are given as humans is our ability to learn. Without this, where would our society be? We wouldn't have infrastructure, politics, technology, or anything for that matter. For me, learning isn't something I'm forced to do at school, it's something that I cherish and use to discover the world’s mysteries. When I'm learning, it's as if I'm on a roller coaster but I don't need to pay a $200 fare to get the same rush. I pick up a book or search whatever I want on the internet. Learning is great, but it's not that simple for me. A young black teen with a ball will light up Friday nights and have a marching band and cheerleaders. A young black teen who raps will have an entourage of followers and groupies. But a black kid who wants to learn can expect weekly beatings and relentless teasing on the playground. While I was growing up, I found that everyone around me didn't experience the same joy that I did when it came to learning. At times, I would try to converse with a friend on a topic that I had recently learned, but they would be reluctant to respond and shun me as if I were insignificant. I remember, excitedly approaching one of my friends to talk about how I wanted to be an astrophysicist when I grew up. As I started to talk about the new discoveries from Hubble, and one of my role models Neil deGrasse Tyson, he annoyingly responded, “that’s lame bro, can we talk about something cooler”. I sighed, and brushed it off as if I didn’t care, but I felt betrayed. I was baffled how something that I loved so much could be so easily dismissed by my good friend. Afterwards, I realized that these topics were of little interest to other kids around me. This happened over and over again, I realized that most people just wouldn't accept me this way. So I changed, instead I became the 'funny guy", suppressing anything that could be considered "smart or lame", I found myself hesitant to converse in social settings about complex information and stuck to talking about the latest trends on the internet. Certainly, being socially accepted felt much more liberating but, I also felt a part of my personality was missing. In my free-time, I would daydream about the newest scientific theories about black hole paradoxes or calculate quadratic solutions in my head. Teachers would sometimes ask how my personality and my grades didn't seem to match. One day, we were assigned to watch a movie in my astronomy class about quasars; I was so fascinated with the peculiarity of these objects that I decided to do more research, and ended up writing a hypothetical theory on how they emit light. My theory stated: light was essentially a phenomenon that occurred when trace amounts of atomic particles are stripped from an object's surface as temperature increases. However, I never disclosed it, fearful that my friends wouldn’t accept me for it. On a particularly gloomy morning ,I decided to go into class and begin a discussion about the recent Space X launch, and talk about facts that I had learned about the company's new rocket design. To my surprise, the class loved the discussion! They talked for hours until the bell rang. After this I was relieved, I was finally accepted for who I am, and was able to express myself authentically. Now I realize it is up to me to role model this for other black men in my community.

Ever since I was a young child I had always desired a pursuit of knowledge in the STEM field. Whenever a STEM book or documentary fell onto my lap it was as if Christmas had come months early. One of the only desires I had in my future as a young kid was to one day have my face on the book helping describe reality’s mysteries and advance human knowledge to the next level. So I turned my head towards the field of astrophysics. The major I have chosen for my future career is astrophysics. I believe that this area of study is most in line with my ideals of advancing human knowledge. I remember as a young kid when teachers would say we were advancing to the space portion of our curriculum, I would become excited with the utmost attentive spirit towards the new topic. Even today I experience the same form of excitement whenever I get the chance to learn about the sheer unknown amount of information that resides in the field of space exploration technologies. Even in my daily life I can see myself yearning for more knowledge in the field of astrophysics. I often see myself forming theories on topics in which I become curious; I even challenge myself to calculate mathematical equations even in unnecessary situations. I’m always searching for the next conversation with anyone who is willing to engage on the topics that I so heavily enjoy contemplating. I continuously prod my friends and family to discuss these topics so that I can gather more definite opinions and information in this area of study. I’m also always finding myself searching for mentors to broaden my experience and knowledge. In a way I sometimes see it is even an obligation for me to engage with other persons to fulfill this yearning for education. If I lose or ignore an opportunity for the possibility of an increase of my knowledge of astrophysics, I feel as if I have broken a law. One vital goal in life is to have a lasting effect on human society and the universe itself. My philosophy is that if you can create a piece of information that is necessary for the creation of new information in the future; you have made a lasting effect on the universe. Think of Einstein or Newton; These are names that will forever be taught and remembered in society. And for this reason it is necessary for me to study and create information to aid in the growth of knowledge and human society. For these reasons I have a definite understanding that the field of astrophysics is the best to continue my yearning for knowledge. And I hope that through my pursuit of education I will be able to fulfill that drive one day.

Ever since I was a young child I had always desired a pursuit of knowledge in the STEM field. Whenever a STEM book or documentary fell onto my lap it was as if Christmas had come months early. One of the only desires I had in my future as a young kid was to one day have my face on the book helping describe reality’s mysteries and advance human knowledge to the next level. So I turned my head towards the field of astrophysics.

Ever since I was a young Child I had always desired a pursuit of knowledge in the STEM field. Whenever a STEM book or documentary fell onto my lap it was as if Christmas had come months early. One of the only desires I had in my future as a young kid was to one day have my face on the book helping describe reality’s mysteries and advance human knowledge to the next level. So I turned my head towards the field of astrophysics. The major I have chosen for my future career is astrophysics. I believe that this area of study is most in line with my ideals of advancing human knowledge. I remember as a young kid when teachers would say we were advancing to the space portion of our curriculum, I would become excited with the utmost attentive spirit towards the new topic. Even today I experience the same form of excitement whenever I get the chance to learn about the sheer unknown amount of information that resides in the field of space exploration technologies. Even in my daily life I can see myself yearning for more knowledge in the field of astrophysics. I often see myself forming theories on topics in which I become curious; I even challenge myself to calculate mathematical equations even in unnecessary situations. I’m always searching for the next conversation with anyone who is willing to engage on the topics that I so heavily enjoy contemplating. I continuously prod my friends and family to discuss these topics so that I can gather more definite opinions and information in this area of study. I’m also always finding myself searching for mentors to broaden my experience and knowledge. In a way I sometimes see it is even an obligation for me to engage with other persons to fulfill this yearning for education. If I lose or ignore an opportunity for the possibility of an increase of my knowledge of astrophysics, I feel as if I have broken a law. One vital goal in life is to have a lasting effect on human society and the universe itself. My philosophy is that if you can create a piece of information that is necessary for the creation of new information in the future; you have made a lasting effect on the universe. Think of Einstein or Newton; These are names that will forever be taught and remembered in society. And for this reason it is necessary for me to study and create information to aid in the growth of knowledge and human society. For these reasons I have a definite understanding that the field of astrophysics is the best to continue my yearning for knowledge. And I hope that through my pursuit of education I will be able to fulfill that drive one day.

I am deeply passionate about astrophysics because I believe that it is a key gateway into uncovering reality's mysteries. I value education as the key component to attaining the goals in one's life and I believe that it is the most important factor to help me to become an Astrophysicist in a field where new discoveries are being made every week.