My name is Laken Hamby, and I am a first-generation, non-traditional computer science student studying at East Carolina University. My life has been defined by rebuilding, by turning survival into purpose and adversity into innovation. Today, I’m pursuing a path at the intersection of technology, ethics, and environmental justice. As we barrel headfirst toward the accelerating climate crisis, my goal is to apply my knowledge to disaster-response technology, developing smarter, more reliable systems that protect people when the stakes are highest. At eighteen, I left home and moved to another state, only to find myself trapped in an abusive relationship that stripped away my autonomy. Physical, emotional, and financial control became my constraints; isolation made leaving seem impossible. To endure, I began drinking, and it didn't take long for that small comfort to become an all-consuming substance dependency. By the age of twenty, I was overwhelmed by hopelessness, convinced I had no future, no path forward. My breaking point came with a suicide attempt that left me hospitalized for more than a month. It was in that cold, sterile room, surrounded by beeping monitors, that I realized survival is not the same as living. Following my hospitalization, I entered a 90-day treatment program and began the difficult process of healing. That program became my lifeline, the start of a slow return from the pits of despair. Recovery taught me many lessons, but there is one that stands tall above the rest, one that I carry with me every single day: resilience requires more than just endurance alone. It is the active, courageous process of rebuilding a life centered on purpose, community, and empathy. I am now nearly seven years sober, an accomplishment that serves as the foundation for all of my subsequent achievements. In the classroom, I found a sense of direction. During my time in the early-college program at St. Petersburg College, I earned my associate’s degree while serving as Student Government President. That role introduced me to advocacy, the power of standing up for others whose voices often go unheard. I led initiatives focused on equitable resources and access to basic needs, always prioritizing the voices of fellow students. I further honed these skills as Social Media Coordinator for the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions, promoting student civic engagement, and as Treasurer for the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization, where I managed finances with transparency. These experiences reinforced a core principle: effective leadership is not authority, but stewardship, the act of guiding others toward shared growth. Outside of academics, I found meaning in community engagement. I have organized several local charity events, participated in a book club that explored literature through the lens of justice, and founded a chess club that became a space for connection, mentorship, and strategy. When I transferred to ECU to pursue computer science, I brought that same “people-first” approach to technology. My coursework in cybersecurity, data systems, and network design has given me a foundation for understanding how fragile modern infrastructure can be, and how profoundly it shapes human safety. That understanding became painfully real when Hurricane Helene struck in 2024. During that time, I was living in Boone, North Carolina, a quaint town nestled in the sprawling Appalachian Mountains. To say that we were sorely unprepared for the onslaught that was to come would be an egregious understatement. Overnight, the community I loved became entirely unrecognizable. Roads collapsed. Rivers overflowed. Homes flooded. Power grids failed. Communication networks went down, cutting off residents from updates and first responders. Watching my community struggle in the dark, I realized just how fragile our systems truly are, both physically and digitally. That experience solidified my purpose: to build technologies that predict risk, strengthen energy infrastructure, and deliver life-saving resources. My dream is to specialize in climate-modeling and disaster-resilience technologies, combining data science with sustainable design to anticipate climate migration, improve emergency response, and reduce preventable loss of life. To me, code is more than a string of logic; it is a language for protection, a way to translate empathy into function. What gives me an advantage is not ease, but my endurance and drive. I have lived at the intersection of vulnerability and resolve, and it has made me a sharper thinker and a steadier leader. I know how to rebuild when systems fail because I have had to rebuild myself. My recovery taught me the value of ethical design: the idea that the systems we build inherit the values of their creators. I believe technology must be guided by conscience rather than convenience. The same empathy that once saved my life now informs how I write code and manage projects. I do not separate my humanity from my technical work; I integrate it. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a master’s in sustainable technologies, focusing on renewable energy systems and environmental data modeling. My dream career lies in the renewable-energy and climate-risk sectors, developing predictive tools that strengthen infrastructure and protect communities. I want to ensure that the future we build is sustainable for both people and planet alike. I am particularly passionate about climate equity, the understanding that those who contribute least to environmental degradation are often those who suffer most. Through data-driven design, I aim to help close that gap. This determination is also shaped by financial hardship. I’ve worked consistently since the age of fourteen, often balancing full-time coursework alongside a full-time job. There have been semesters I couldn’t afford, times when I was forced to pause my studies as a result. But quitting has never been an option. Every obstacle reinforced the same lesson: perseverance is a skillset as valuable as any technical certification. I deserve this scholarship because I have managed to transform profound hardship into a driving force for change. I do not view my past as something to escape or shy away from; it is the very foundation of my impact and empathy. Financially, this scholarship would relieve the significant monetary burden of tuition, materials, and living expenses, allowing me to continue my studies without interruption. It would affirm the belief that hard work, integrity, and compassion are values worthy of support. My journey has taught me that progress is rarely linear. It bends. It breaks. It begins again. But I’ve learned how to build in the aftermath, how to turn failure into framework and pain into principle. That is the perspective I bring to my education, work, and community. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

When I was eight years old, my dad took me to see Wicked on Broadway in New York City. The trip was a celebration--only a few months earlier, I had undergone major heart surgery for a condition called Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). It was my first real health battle, and my dad wanted to give me something magical to hold onto after so much fear. I remember sitting in that velvet seat--small, excited, still healing--and watching Elphaba rise into the air during “Defying Gravity.” I was unaware at the time, but that moment would shape how I understood courage, individuality, and strength for the rest of my life. As I grew older, Wicked became a philosophy to me. Elphaba’s defiance in the face of misunderstanding mirrored how I’d felt navigating my own invisible challenges. Her resolve to stay true to herself, even when the world called her “wicked,” taught me that integrity is more important than approval. Glinda’s transformation from superficial charm to genuine compassion reminded me that growth itself is its own kind of bravery. My favorite quote by Walt Whitman captures the heart of both life and Wicked: “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.” Like Whitman’s words, Elphaba and Glinda show that people can hold contradictions--flaws and strengths, selfishness and kindness, fear and courage--and yet, they can still be worthy of love and redemption. Together, their story reminds me that people aren’t simplistic; we can rarely be defined as purely good or bad. True empathy begins with recognizing the nuances that shape us, and in the end, we’re defined by the choices we make when the world misunderstands who we are. Inspired by that message, I joined musical theatre in high school. I wanted to help others feel what I felt that night in the theater: the spark of adolescent empathy and the belief that we can all defy gravity in our own way. Performing gave me that same sense of connection and empowerment that Wicked embodies. Whether I was onstage or behind the curtain, I learned that storytelling is an act of resistance and healing, and that art challenges how we see others as well as ourselves. Even now, Wicked remains my moral compass. Its lessons on standing tall against injustice, embracing what sets you apart, and letting friendship change you “for good” continue to guide how I move through the world. What started as a trip to celebrate survival became the spark that taught me how to live with purpose, compassion, and courage. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

As a first-generation and non-traditional computer science student from North Carolina, my commitment is twofold: I aim to use technology to strengthen climate resilience while also ensuring environmental justice is at the forefront of solutions--starting in the very same communities that raised me. My major gives me the tools to understand how data, algorithms, and digital systems shape our world. Connecting us. Educating us. Empowering us. Conversely, my studies have also highlighted how technological failures can put real lives at risk, particularly in marginalized communities where access to resources and quality infrastructure are limited. As we barrel headfirst toward the looming climate crisis, my goal is to apply that knowledge directly to disaster-response technology--designing smarter, more reliable systems that protect people when the stakes are highest. My personal motivations became visceral when Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina. During that time, I was living in Boone--a quaint town nestled in the sprawling Appalachian Mountains. To say that we were sorely unprepared for the onslaught that was to come, would be an egregious understatement. Overnight, the community I loved became unrecognizable. Roads collapsed as rivers overflowed. Homes flooded and power grids failed. Communication networks went down, cutting off residents from updates and first responders. Watching my community struggle in the dark, I realized just how fragile our systems truly are, both physically and digitally. That was the moment I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to building technology that could prevent that kind of chaos: software that strengthens energy infrastructure, improves disaster mapping, and ensures vital information and resources reach the people who need it most. My path to this point was anything but linear. By the age of 20, I had survived both domestic violence and addiction, two experiences that forced me to rebuild my life from the ground up. Today, I am proud to say that I’m nearly seven years into recovery. I now view those challenges as the very foundation of my persistence and empathy. Recovery taught me accountability, patience, and profound resilience, all values that continue to shape how I live and approach problem-solving in STEM. I understand what it means to fight for stability; I've lived it. That is exactly what I want to create through my work. This drive extends to my leadership experience. Before transferring to East Carolina University, I attended St. Petersburg College through an early college program where I served as Student Government President and worked as the Social Media Coordinator for the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions. I also managed finances as the Treasurer for the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization. These roles were a crash course in leadership, collaboration, and advocating for equity. They are skills that now help me navigate technical spaces where women are still severely underrepresented. Outside of academics, I’ve balanced my work by organizing charity events and starting a local chess club, bringing people together through compassion, shared strategies, and simple joy. Receiving the Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship would help me continue my studies full-time, easing the financial burden of tuition and materials. My dream career is to work in climate risk technologies, whether that’s environmental modeling, disaster mitigation technology, or even renewable-energy security. I want to develop the data systems and analytical tools that help North Carolina and global communities withstand and recover from unprecedented natural disasters like Helene. Ultimately, my goal is to leverage computer science so that when the next storm hits, families don’t lose connection, power, or hope. Technology should protect people, and I intend to make sure it does exactly that. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Computer science has always been an integral part of my life. My dad is a technical consultant, so I grew up immersed in conversations about systems, code, and problem-solving. Despite that early exposure, I initially chose a different path rooted in my passion for environmental justice. I began studying sustainable development with the goal of combating climate change through policy and community work. As I looked for ways to expand my contribution, I started exploring career paths that could create deeper, more scalable change. That’s when I discovered climate modeling and disaster resilience—fields that use data to predict and respond to environmental risks. Through my research, I quickly recognized that the kind of impact I wanted to make would require a stronger technical foundation. Fortunately, my childhood background made the transition feel not only possible but aligned with my long-term ambitions. Now, I’m working toward a computer science degree with the intention of building tools that support climate migration, disaster planning, and resource distribution. I want to use data and technology to ensure that people—especially those most vulnerable—aren’t left behind as the climate crisis accelerates. Getting to this point wasn’t easy. When I was eighteen years old, I found myself in a physically, emotionally, and financially abusive relationship that left me isolated and unsure of how to move forward. Escaping that relationship and rebuilding my life required an immense amount of strength. In the process, I also confronted a growing issue with substance dependency. This year marks six years of sobriety—something I am deeply proud of. Recovery taught me resilience, accountability, and the value of community support, all of which continue to shape how I show up in school, work, and life. Earlier in my academic journey, I served as student government president of my college, where I advocated for equity-focused initiatives and led student organizing efforts around access to basic needs. That experience helped shape my belief that leadership begins with listening—and that meaningful change always starts with centering people first. Like Chris Jackson, I’ve faced persistent financial barriers throughout my educational journey. I’ve worked consistently since the age of fourteen and continue to support myself while attending school. In the past, I’ve had to pause my studies—not for lack of motivation, but because covering both tuition and basic living expenses at the same time simply wasn’t possible. Because of these challenges, I’ve come to value education as both a privilege and a tool for service. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus fully on what matters most: learning and using my education to serve others. As a first-generation and non-traditional student, I’ve learned to be resourceful, determined, and deeply grateful for every opportunity to keep moving forward. This support would bring me one step closer to a purpose-driven career—one that reflects the same compassion, persistence, and impact Chris brought to the world. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

Survival once felt like my only purpose. During that time of my life, I couldn’t imagine ever having the opportunity to return to school, form meaningful friendships, or give back to my community. Today, I’m grateful to say that I am no longer in a place where I have to live in constant fear for my safety. While intimate partner violence is something that I would never wish on anyone, it ultimately shaped me into a more resilient person with a strong commitment to creating lasting, positive social change. As a computer science student with a background in sustainable development, I’m on a mission to use my skills and experiences to help build a better world for everyone. When I was eighteen years old, I moved to a new state to be with someone I believed I loved. Over the course of the next two years, my life became a perpetual cycle of physical, emotional, and financial abuse. I felt trapped—not because I didn’t want to leave, but because I saw no safe path toward independence. He controlled our housing, transportation, and finances, which made escape feel utterly impossible. As the abuse escalated, he also worked to isolate me from my friends and family, convincing me that no one else would understand or support me. While navigating the challenges of an abusive relationship, I found myself quietly fighting a growing battle with substance dependency. My reliance on alcohol deepened, and I began drinking daily to endure the trauma I was living through. With every attempt to dull the pain, the emotional burden became harder to manage; my feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness were exacerbated exponentially. Eventually, the weight of my addiction combined with the abuse I was enduring pushed me to a breaking point, and I tried to take my own life. My suicide attempt left me hospitalized for more than a month, and it was there that I finally received the critical care I desperately needed. During that time, I reconnected with my family, and they helped me move into a 90-day treatment program that allowed me to not only escape the abusive relationship but also build a solid foundation for my recovery. I learned healthy coping mechanisms, began processing my trauma in a safe environment, and gradually built a support system I could rely on. For the first time in years, I finally imagined a future that was worth fighting for—one rooted in resilience instead of survival. My lived experience has shaped the way I view justice, safety, and the role of technology in protecting those most at risk. Being a computer science student with previous experience studying sustainable development, I plan to focus my career on climate modeling and disaster resilience—developing tools that help predict displacement patterns, improve emergency planning, and ensure support systems reach the people who need them most. While environmental disasters and climate-related displacement do not cause intimate partner violence, they do create conditions such as isolation, financial strain, and overwhelmed services that can intensify abuse and severely limit survivors’ access to safety. My goal is to design data-driven solutions that improve access to essential resources, enhance safety, and empower individuals in unstable situations to make informed decisions. I strive to create technology that not only responds to crisis but also prevents harm before it occurs. This isn’t just about building a career—it’s about creating lasting change so that survivors are no longer left behind by the systems designed to keep them safe.

For several years, I was trapped in a destructive cycle of substance abuse and alcoholism. Before addiction took over my life, I was a dedicated student who was fully engaged in academics and extracurricular activities, to the extent that I even become a full-time college student during my junior year of high school. I had clear ambitions, strong relationships, and a promising path ahead. I had no idea that my future was about to take a drastic turn, and not in the direction I had hoped. Grappling with mounting pressure, childhood trauma, and emotional turmoil, I turned to drugs and alcohol to dull the pain. Years into my substance dependency, I found myself trapped in a physically abusive relationship. Despite the fact that my ex-partner was arrested multiple times on domestic violence charges, I stayed in the relationship, convinced that my own issues with substances made me deserving of violence. This was when a bleak realization came to me; I was trapped not only by the abusive relationship but also by my addiction. Deeply ashamed of who I had become, I shut out everyone who wanted to help me. I couldn’t stand the thought of letting my friends and family see how dire my situation had become. Suffocating in guilt and trauma, my self-isolation only fueled my dependency further. When I finally escaped that relationship, the emotional scars ran deep, and my reliance on alcohol and drugs became completely unmanageable. I lost everything—my job, car, apartment, friends, and family—and when I hit rock bottom, I attempted to take my own life. That was my turning point. In the days following my suicide attempt, my parents came to the hospital and offered me the help I had desperately needed but had been too embarrassed to ask for. They enrolled me in a 90-day treatment program, where I received the critical support and care that allowed me to build a solid foundation for my recovery. Although the beginning was not easy, those three months changed my life for the better. I learned how to cope with my trauma, face my addiction, and began the long process of healing. Over time, I’ve been fortunate enough to make amends with my loved ones while rebuilding a network of support. I’m slowly reclaiming the future I once believed was lost. I’ve attempted to return to university several times, but financial challenges have hindered my education. Despite these setbacks, I am more determined than ever to pursue personal growth. Today, when I’m met with adversity, I know I have numerous tools and resources available to help me manage my life without needing to run from it. While my journey may not have been a linear path forward, I remain grateful for every step taken as I’ve been able to learn the importance of resilience and self-compassion along the way. I am no longer just surviving—I am building a life filled with hope and healing. My past experiences continue to inspire me to help others who are struggling, whether that looks like advocating for systemic change, volunteering in community programs, or simply lending a listening ear to someone who needs a friend. I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to write an essay for the Alexander Hipple Recovery Scholarship. With the support of this scholarship, I would be able to continue my educational pursuits while nurturing my recovery—not only for myself, but as an example to others fighting their own battles.

Taking a person who dreads picking up a book and transforming them into someone with a genuine passion for reading is no easy task—yet this is exactly what #BookTok did for me. The first book on my ideal bookshelf would have to be “Dark Matter” written by Blake Crouch; it is a mind-bending thriller that confronts themes of alternate realities, identity, and sacrifice. With a fast-paced and multifaceted plot, this book is a page-turner that compels readers to immerse themselves in the author’s storytelling. Users within the #BookTok community wasted no time diving into discussions about the ethical dilemmas that Jason, the main character, grapples with. “Dark Matter” raises philosophical questions surrounding reality and the lengths someone would go to reclaim their life, and these have become popular topics for discourse among content creators who have read the book. While I could easily compile an extensive list of reasons why I subjectively love this book, the true testament to its greatness lies in the overwhelming positive engagement it has received from #BookTok users. Next on my imaginary shelf of literature is “The Black Farm” series by Elias Witherow. This series has significantly influenced my reading habits, marking my first encounter with the horror genre. While the writing style greatly deviates from what is typically regarded as classic, I found it to be highly enjoyable, albeit dark. What stands out most in this novel is the visceral nature of Witherow’s writing; it evokes intense emotions from the reader. This book may not top the list of popular recommendations on mainstream #BookTok, but if your algorithm leans towards the eerie and unsettling, then “The Black Farm” might just make its way onto your For You Page. This extreme horror series pushes boundaries and delves into disturbing, yet fascinating, themes of life after death, moral ambiguity, and survival. It has sparked thought-provoking video essays about fear, the allure of exploring the unknown, and grief after loss. Behind the more shocking elements of this book is a subtle reminder that literature can push us out of our comfort zones to confront difficult truths about human nature. Last, but certainly not least, is “The Empyrean” series by Rebecca Yarros. This series has garnered immense popularity within the #BookTok community, and rightfully so. The author seamlessly weaves various genres—including fantasy, romance, and action—forming a remarkable reading experience. The strong character development and vivid world-building have captivated book clubs and #BookTok users alike, transforming this series into a sensation. Violet, one of the main characters, fascinated readers with her growth from a reluctant cadet to a fierce and resilient warrior. #BookTok readers have embraced Violet’s journey, drawing parallels between her challenges and the struggles faced by young adults everywhere. I found Violet’s resilience deeply inspiring, as it highlights the importance of persistence in my own life. Additionally, I’ve come across some creative #BookTok users cosplaying as characters from this series wearing intricate costumes designed for their videos. I find this to be an entertaining and imaginative way to foster a sense of belonging among readers within the community. #BookTok has enriched my bookshelves with a wonderful diversity and depth, and I hope that the books I’ve chosen to discuss reflect even a small portion of that. From boundary-pushing horror to mind-bending science fiction and emotionally charged journeys, each of these books has left a lasting impression on my reading journey. #BookTok showcases the platform’s unique ability to connect readers like never before. I’m endlessly grateful to this niche online community for demonstrating the power literature holds to connect, challenge, and transform us in unexpected ways.