I am fully committed to earning a bachelor's degree in computer science and pursuing minors in data science and cybersecurity. My interest in computer programming was later than most, and I have been expanding my programming knowledge and skills by enrolling in an introductory programming dual enrollment course and challenging myself by participating in CyberStart America. I joined a wide range of computer science- and STEM-focused organizations offered at Cal Poly Pomona, like the CPP Game Development Club and sheCodes, to continue improving my programming and collaboration skills by working on team projects with other club members. Now entering my second year of college, I am uncertain what career I want to pursue. Much less than the field I am interested in. To aid in my discovery, I will minor in data science and cybersecurity. Although I am unsure which industry I want to work in, aerospace has caught my attention, and I plan to delve further. Until I find my true passion, I am aiming toward a career in software development. After college, I will enter the industry as an entry-level software engineer working on software applications and computer systems. I want to join a company with goals and ambitions to improve today's world through technology and make discoveries that lead to revolutionary solutions to current problems. Regarding STEM, specifically technology, there is a range of opportunities for growth in all aspects. When I first entered STEM as a pathway in my first year of high school, despite being forced, I was initially interested in creating websites using HTML and learning a bit about Python. Since I was more inclined to design, I was more interested in web development. However, when I took the time to practice Python, I became increasingly intrigued by the idea of developing limitless programs and expanding my programming knowledge to other languages, like Java and C++. It excites me that STEM opens many career opportunities for those passionate about computer science and allows for job promotion if you have a knack for it. Having a well-paying and rejuvenating career in tech promotes personal growth. The less time spent worrying about finances allows individuals to explore parts of themselves and become their ideal selves. Over time, they can spread that positivity and knowledge to others who want to do the same. Becoming a tech professional will allow me to create opportunities for others, benefit them, and encourage ambition and continuous learning for the African American community, LGBTQ+ community, and women in STEM. I believe my work can lead to a legacy of other IT professionals becoming leaders who inspire and improve the world. The projects I manage and execute can lead to new programs and computer systems that work toward various causes and benefit people at a national level. These programs can assist families and citizens in need, minimize homelessness across the United States, and undertake many other projects. Throughout my high school career and first year of college, I struggled with self-confidence issues and had trouble managing my time. As the oldest of two, and neither of my parents earned a college degree, I will be the first in my family to attend a four-year undergraduate degree program in computer science. The process of applying to colleges and figuring out my financial situation has been incredibly stressful, especially with my parents separating during my third year of high school. Despite not getting into my dream school, I remained determined and committed to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. They were one of the few schools I applied to that offered a spot in the computer science program, so I jumped at the opportunity. It was after I accepted the offer at Cal Poly Pomona that one of my most significant challenges occurred. I struggled to maintain a growth mindset and separate failure and moments of learning. My self-esteem took various hits from rejection letters and emails apologizing and encouraging me to continue pursuing my education. I kept many of these negative thoughts to myself, refusing to burden others with my self-pity. But it all fell apart when I received a failing grade on my college math final. Sharing the news with my family, I expected disappointment and degrading comments. However, they expressed their pride in me despite it and that this was only a learning experience to utilize in my college journey. These sentiments and encouragement brought me to retake that test and earn a B in the course. To this day, I am still unlearning this mindset and allowing myself to make mistakes while learning from them rather than beating myself up for them. I can take these moments and let them propel me toward achieving success and leading a healthy and accomplished life. Another struggle I face is my time management. As the end of my senior year of high school neared, I felt burnt out and lost motivation. Doing homework and participating in clubs felt like an unrelenting weight. I developed a bad habit of procrastinating on my work and often canceled plans to go to club meetings. This unhealthy mindset followed me into my first year of college. While I was excited to jump into my first year and did well in the beginning, this energy started to dwindle over time. Instead of doing homework or working on projects, I decided to be productive in other ways, such as cleaning my desk or organizing my files on my laptop. My work ethic took a hit, but I finished the year strong with high grades. I am refining my time management by applying for scholarships. Like assignments, scholarships have deadlines and requirements. It takes a dedicated and organized college student to keep up with various deadlines and frequently write essays, motivated by the goal of continuing their education. Applying for scholarships like this one helps me improve and stop procrastinating. By using this method, I can apply this renewed motivation and skill to my schoolwork, future projects, and internships.

As an incoming college freshman passionate about programming and business, I am fully committed to pursuing a bachelor's in computer science and a minor in business. My interest in computer programming was later than most, and I have done my best to work toward propelling myself concerning my programming knowledge and skills by enrolling in an introductory programming dual enrollment course and challenging myself by participating in CyberStart America. The cybersecurity competition taught me much about various cybersecurity topics, like utilizing browser dev tools and cryptography. I earned the National Cyber Scholar title and have been working toward earning a Google Certificate in Project Management, qualifying me to apply for Certified Associate in Project Management. Entering Cal Poly Pomona, I will join the programs and extracurriculars offered, such as the CPP Game Development Club and sheCodes, to continue improving my programming and collaboration skills by working on team projects with other club members. After college, I will enter my field by starting as a software developer and working on software applications and computer systems. After a few years of working in that position, I want to pursue project management or get into game development. I want to work with companies to set goals and assist in working toward them by managing teams and resources, maintaining budgets and progress, and exercising risk management strategies. I recently became interested in developing video games that offer users an incredible gaming experience. Either pathway allows me to grow in the technology industry. Regarding STEM, specifically technology, there is much opportunity for growth in all aspects. When I first entered STEM as a pathway in my first year of high school, despite being forced into it, I was initially interested in creating websites using HTML and learning a bit about Python. Since I was more inclined to design, I was more interested in web development. However, when I took more time to practice Python, I became increasingly intrigued by developing limitless types of programs and expanding my programming knowledge to other languages like Java and C. It excites me that STEM opens many career opportunities for those passionate about computer science and allows for job promotion if you have a knack for it. Having a well-paying and rejuvenating career in tech promotes personal growth. The less time spent worrying about finances allows individuals to explore parts of themselves and become their ideal selves. Over time, they can spread that positivity and knowledge to others who want to do the same. A job in information technology not only opens doors for me but for other people as well. Becoming a tech professional will propel me toward various career and personal goals. From there, I can open up opportunities for others that can benefit them and encourage ambition and continuous learning in my community. I believe my work can lead to a legacy of other IT professionals becoming leaders who inspire and improve the world. The projects I manage and execute can lead to new programs and computer systems that work toward various causes meant to benefit people at a national level. These can be a program that minimizes homelessness in California or a system that ensures that families in need receive the assistance they need. I have experienced many challenges throughout my high school career, much of it concerning college and time management. Since I am the oldest between myself and my sister, and neither of my parents has earned a college degree, I will be the first in my family to attend a four-year degree program intending to graduate with a bachelor's in computer science. The process of college applications and figuring out my financial situation has been incredibly stressful, especially with my parents separating during my third year of high school. One of my most significant challenges occurred after committing to Cal Poly Pomona. I have trouble separating failure from learning. My self-esteem took various hits from emails filled with fluffy words doused in rejection. I kept many of these negative thoughts to myself to not burden others with my self-pity. But it all fell apart when I received a failing grade on my college math final. Sharing the news with my family, I expected disappointment and degrading comments. However, they expressed their pride in me despite it and that this was only a learning experience to utilize on my college journey. These sentiments and encouragement brought me to retake that test and earn a B in the course. Now, I need to unlearn this mindset and allow myself to make mistakes while learning from them instead of beating myself up for them. I can take these moments and let them push me toward achieving success and leading a healthy and accomplished life.