Over the last ten years, my curiosity has grown about computers. When the Information Technology Department checked the Health Information Department computers, they always asked for the problem computer's IP address. I wanted to know more about IP addresses. At school, a virus shut down a group of computers. I questioned how viruses, worms, and malware affect computers. From desktop computers to laptops and cell phones, data processors have become ubiquitous. Computer knowledge and skills have become crucial in today's computerized world. Not knowing about cell phones or computers is no longer an option. Knowledge is empowering. Having an understanding of computer technology topics for yourself, no one can fool you. I can educate others on various computer technology topics. I want to set up computers, configure them, and fix my data processing devices. On May 7, 2019, Baltimore City business transactions stopped. Residents could not pay water bills, property taxes, and tickets. Hackers took control of 10,000 Baltimore City computers using ransomware called Robinhood. They asked for a ransom of approximately one hundred thousand dollars. While listening to the news, I recalled a cyber-attack 15 months earlier. The previous cyber-attack shut down the Baltimore 911 system for a day! After the second cyber-attack in Baltimore City, I enrolled in computer courses. I wanted to shield myself and others from cyber threats. These educational courses were overdue. I felt relieved to learn about routers, cell phones, and computers. I have found computer technology courses engaging, practical, and life-changing. Most security threats come via email. They are from phishing and email attachments. I was happy to learn how to configure a router and the Wi-Fi SSID (network). I tried to set up my router before my networking class but missed some steps. In the spring of 2024, I earned a Computer Technology Security Certificate. A Bachelor of Science is the standard I have noticed for many titles in Computer Technology. By taking advanced computer technology courses, I will continue to learn skills to keep businesses safe. I will be a cyber security consultant for non-profit companies. I have excellent network security skills that will help defend against internal and external security threats. I will also increase technology and digital accessibility for people with disabilities. My empathy and sincere desire to help will uplift millions in tech's under served and underrepresented groups. I will participate in non-profit organizations helping to advance technology for people with disabilities. Engaging with non-profit companies will help diversify tech for future generations. Meeting regularly with other women will create programs to teach, mentor, encourage, and support underrepresented youth, women, and minorities.

Despite all Mo Gaba went through in his short life, he had a spirit of joy. At nine months old, doctors diagnosed Mo Gaba with retinoblastoma. He went blind shortly after that. At the age of six, doctors diagnosed Mo with osteosarcoma. In his fourteen-year life, he battled four cancer diagnoses and spent seventy-five percent of his life in the hospital. Despite these facts, Mo was happy all the time. He liked to laugh and make others giggle. Mo loved the Baltimore Ravens and the Baltimore Orioles. Mo became well known for his calls to Sports Talk radio. He had surprising knowledge about the games. The Baltimore Orioles organization inducted Mo Gabba into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame with the Bill Hagy Award. Mo's life circumstances were challenging, but he had an upbeat personality. He inspired Maryland. If Mo could be happy despite all his adversities and disabilities, I can. Mo Gabba's legacy has motivated me. If I have a healthy mental state, tasks are stress-free to accomplish. I commit to being a "joyous warrior" with a positive outlook on life, being a lifelong learner, and blessing others to enable me to have a better life in the future. I have endured difficulties. Why do I have more than one disability? As hard as it is for me to move forward with chronic conditions, why am I knocked down when I try to climb up the steps? Resilient soldiers fight tough battles. I am an overcomer of disabilities, homelessness, and physical abuse. These circumstances do not define me. I will be a happy soldier because that is the best version of myself. I cannot flourish as a person or support others depressed with self-pity. The Democrats went from having no chance of winning the November election to having a chance of victory within twenty-four hours. President Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. He remarked he would not run for president. The next twenty hours, the Democrat base was excited, receiving a record eighty-one million from grassroots donations. Vice President Harris had 1976 delegates to win the Democratic nomination for president within thirty-two hours. My arduous situation can change in twenty hours. A cheerful outlook will enable me to be an outstanding lifelong learner. I will earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. I will discover various computer skills, including website design and networking. I will keep my grandmother's legacy of continuous learning and education alive. With a good mood, I can focus on excellence in my courses and stay ahead. I am grateful for educational opportunities. Enslavers forbade my ancestors from receiving an education. Knowledge is power and empowerment.  A piece of wisdom that journalist Lestor Holt imparts at the end of every broadcast is, "Take care of yourself and each other." We are here on earth to look out for and support each other. Encouragement could be a smile, a prayer, a kind word, a needed deed, a visit to a hospital or nursing home, or a homeless shelter. A higher power will always uplift those who look out for and are concerned about others. If the scholarship committee and donors select me for this BIPOC STEM scholarship, I will be ecstatic! This scholarship will help me to reach my goal of serving people with disabilities and improving the diversification of underrepresented groups in technology. If I am the winner, I will help another woman.

Over the last ten years, my curiosity has grown about computers. When the Information Technology Department checked the Health Information Department computers, they always asked for the IP address of the problem computer. I wanted to know more about IP addresses. At the college's open computer lab, a virus shuts down groups of computers. I questioned how viruses, worms, and malware affect computers. Data processors have become ubiquitous. There are desktop computers, laptops, and cell phones. Computer knowledge and skills have become crucial in a computerized world. Not knowing about cell phones or computers was no longer an option. I wanted to set them up, configure them, and fix my data processing devices. On May 7, 2019, Baltimore City business came to a halt. Residents could not pay water bills, property taxes, or tickets. Hackers took control of 10,000 Baltimore City computers using ransomware called Robinhood. They asked for a ransom of approximately one hundred thousand dollars. Listening to the information, I remembered a different cyber-attack fifteen months earlier. The previous cyber-attack shut down the Baltimore 911 system for a day! Determined to protect the city, myself, and others from cyber threats, I enrolled in computer courses after the second cyber-attack in Baltimore City. This educational journey was overdue, and I felt relieved to learn about routers, modems, and computers. Computer technology courses were engaging, practical, and life-changing. A Bachelor of Science degree is the standard for most computer technology positions. Taking advanced courses in computer technology, I will continue to absorb skills that will keep businesses protected. I will be a cybersecurity consultant for non-profit organizations using my excellent network security knowledge and mastery. I will help defend against internal and external security threats. By helping to develop innovative technologies for people with disabilities, people's lives will improve. I will also help improve digital accessibility. One in ten websites is fully ADA digitally accessible. There is a strong need for computer professionals with digital design skills. People with disabilities are three times less likely to go online. If more sites are digitally accessible, more people with chronic conditions will go online.   Knowledge is power and empowerment. An education can lift a person out of poverty. Some women do not know about the mechanics of male-dominated fields such as computers. As a result, male technicians take advantage of them. There is nothing like having insight and understanding of computer technology topics. No technician will be able to fool a woman. My empathy, concern, and genuine desire to help will uplift millions of underserved and underrepresented populations in technology. By meeting regularly with other women, we can help each other with new skills and information, create scholarships, mentor, and inspire other women. I will actively participate with non-profit organizations that help to advance technology for people with disabilities, women, and other minorities. By creating programs for future generations of underrepresented women and minorities, diversity will be the future of technology.

My educational journey began with faith, believing the knowledge and skills I learn will change my life and help others. One day, I was browsing the internet and came across a nonprofit technology company helping millions of people with disabilities by providing digitally accessible reading materials. I know I have found my passion! Having multiple disabilities my entire life, I have a deep empathy and genuine desire to help others with disabilities. I will uplift and bless others with chronic medical and mental diseases by helping to advance digital accessibility. I will be involved with nonprofit technology companies that help people with disabilities.  Nine in ten websites are not fully ADA digitally accessible. Online inaccessibility is a factor in people with disabilities not going online. Ten percent of websites are fully ADA accessible. People with disabilities are three times less likely to go online. If more websites are digitally accessible, more people with chronic conditions will go online. It makes reading and moving around the website possible for people with various disabilities. Online digital accessibility creates a different world. Being able to go online means a person can shop, attend school online, attend meetings and gatherings, do research, do entertainment, and pay bills without leaving home. My course platforms were digitally accessible, and I would like to continue to improve this digital accessibility with my computer skills for various disabilities. I was amazed at the accessibility features in Microsoft Word. Features include read-aloud, alt text, and the accessibility checker. I will learn more in-depth digital accessibility skills in the future. I will make an impact by sharing skills I have learned with technology nonprofit organizations that help people with disabilities. In addition to helping advance digital accessibility, I would like to help advance technology for people with chronic physical and mental diseases. People with chronic medical conditions lives are changing for the better with groundbreaking technologies. Scientists are studying innovative technologies that offer new hope. Lou Gehrig disease patients are using augmentative alternative (AAC) technology. The patient activates a letter or phrase on a computer screen with eye movement. Next, a computer articulates a letter or group of words. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients bank their voices for later use with text-to-speech apps. Scientists are studying Computer Brain Interfaces (CBIs). Surgeons are implanting CBIs in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease patients. Then, patients move the computer cursor by thought. Scientists hope to use this technology for paralysis and muscle atrophy. I have a heart for underserved people with disabilities. With your help, I can achieve my goal of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. I will share my knowledge and skills with technology nonprofit organizations. I will continue to help uplift millions with disabilities. The biggest obstacle I face is financial. Barriers include the cost of tuition and books. Thank you for creating this scholarship for students with disabilities. Dwight "The Professor" Baldwin's legacy will live through me. The impact of this scholarship will be priceless.

When I started my educational journey at a local community college, I had faith that the skills I learned would change my life and the lives of others. I took computer courses due to my disabilities. I was not working. Although I am past forty, I have much to contribute to my community. My courses have been fun, engaging, and challenging. I remember my first course being apprehensive and meditating: I do not know what I got myself involved in. Thoughts of submitting a withdrawal slip to the registration office came to my mind. I did not know much about computers. I stayed in the class. Consequently, the course turned out to be fun! I have done well in my courses despite having disabilities. I will use my computer skills to uplift others with disabilities.  I have deep empathy and a genuine desire to help people with chronic physical and mental conditions. I was browsing the internet and came across the website of a nonprofit technology company that has helped millions of people with disabilities by making reading materials digitally accessible. I knew I found my passion! I want to help improve technology and digital accessibility for people with disabilities. People with disabilities' lives are changing for the better with groundbreaking technologies. Scientists are studying innovative technologies that offer new hope. Lou Gehrig's disease patients are using augmentative alternative (AAC) technology. The patient activates a letter or phrase on a computer screen with eye movement. Next, a computer articulates a letter or group of words. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients bank their voices for later use with text-to-speech apps. Scientists are studying Computer Brain Interfaces (CBIs). Surgeons are implanting CBIs in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease patients. Then, the person moves the computer cursor by thought. Scientists hope to use this technology for paralysis and muscle atrophy. In addition to helping advance technology for people with chronic medical conditions, I would like to help improve digital accessibility. Only one in ten websites are digitally accessible. My course platforms are accessible, and I would like to improve this digital accessibility with my computer skills. I was amazed at the accessibility features in Microsoft Word. Features include read-aloud, alt text, and the accessibility checker. I want to create a digitally accessible website like the Lakers website. I will learn more in-depth digital accessibility skills in the future. Most Computer technology positions require a bachelor of science degree. I will be involved with nonprofit organizations that serve people with disabilities. Due to prior coursework, I am twenty-five percent away from earning a bachelor's degree. The New Horizons scholarship will help me complete the remaining coursework.

I have researched robots and the police and have noticed more robots on television and in the news. The New York Police Department uses robots as of April 2023. Los Angeles Police Department is using robots as of June 2023. Cable viewers have seen Robot Spot on the tennis channel demonstrating how useful it has become in transporting tennis balls. Robot uses are innovative and varied, changing the world for the better. This technology has been around for a long time. The United States uses robots in wars for combat, bomb disposal, and reconnaissance (Iraq). Job descriptions will change in the future. Humans and robots will collaborate on tasks that they cannot perform alone. Uses include killing dangerous suspects. Search and rescue teams use robotic technology in building collapses. In addition, they prove helpful in natural disasters such as earthquakes by searching through rubble and obstacles. This technology would be an addition to search and rescue teams. Law enforcement uses robots in bomb situations to make sure the crime scene is safe for first responders and communities protected. The New York Police Department uses Robot Spot for hostage situations. Farmers use robots to weed, fertilize, and detect diseased fruits and vegetables. In addition, robot technology is collecting overall data on farms. Surgeons use robots for their precision. With Artificial Intelligence, robots may eventually perform surgeries independently. Merck HTS lab in Pennsylvania is making discoveries by using robot technology. Around the world, Robotics technology is versatile. In the Netherlands, plumbers use robots to inspect, cut, and unclog sewer pipes. The city of Pompei, Italy, is using the Robot Spot. It does security patrols and underground inspections. In Europe, six-legged robots loosen and tighten wind turbine bolts instead of technicians. In Zurich, Switzerland, four-wheeled robots deliver assorted items. China is developing a custard-like robot. Electricians will use this custard-like robot to fix circuits. Police departments are using robotics technology to kill dangerous suspects, captive situations, and bomb situations to keep first responders and communities from danger. From keeping security, performing plumbing, assisting with surgeries, and making discoveries in the lab, robotics technology use is expanding. This technology will continue to make the world an improved place.

The lesson that I have learned from poverty is that all things are possible if a person believes. To help me persevere over disabilities, homelessness, poverty, mental abuse, and physical abuse, I have clung to my faith. I have taken steps with the steps and staircase invisible. I completed a certificate in Computer Technology in the spring of 2024. I will complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Technology. Only ten percent of websites are digitally accessible. I will uplift and bless others with disabilities by helping to improve digital accessibility and technology for people with disabilities. I will be involved in technology non-profit organizations that help people with disabilities and other non-profit organizations that help minority youth. I will also plant seeds for future minority generations to learn computer technology through encouragement, mentorship, and scholarships. I will participate in programs that help eliminate the digital divide and teach young minority students about technology. I would also like to help start a women’s night shelter in Baltimore City. There is a tremendous need. If a woman has a physical or mental disability or is enduring physical abuse by anyone, I want the shelter to be a haven. I am studying for computer certifications and looking for internships so that my dreams of uplifting the underserved and underrepresented communities will be a reality.

My educational journey began with faith, believing the knowledge and skills I learn will change my life and help others. One day, I was browsing the internet and came across a non-profit technology company helping millions of people with disabilities by providing digitally accessible reading materials. I know I have found my passion! Having multiple disabilities my entire life, I have a deep empathy and genuine desire to help others with disabilities. I will uplift and bless others with chronic medical and mental diseases by helping to advance digital accessibility. I will be involved with non-profit technology companies that help people with disabilities. Nine of ten websites are not fully ADA digitally accessible. Online inaccessibility is a factor in people with disabilities not going online. Ten percent of websites are fully ADA accessible. People with disabilities are three times less likely to go online. If more websites are digitally accessible, more people with chronic conditions will go online. It makes reading and moving around the website possible for people with various disabilities. Being able to go online means a person can shop, attend school online, attend gatherings, do research, do entertainment, and pay bills without leaving home. An ADA-compliant digitally accessible website that makes me smile and is a winner is the Los Angeles Lakers website. When I go to the Lakers website and click on the disability symbol, an accessibility profile includes various disabilities such as blindness, motor skill disorders, color blindness, visual impairment, epilepsy, ADHD, and learning disability. The navigation panel has a screen reader adjustment. In addition, the panel has keyboard navigation that enables users to navigate by keyboard without a mouse and smart -navigation that allows users to navigate websites by numeric keys. The navigation panel has a text reader that reads words on the site aloud. Voice commands use a microphone. There is a color adjustment that changes the uniform resource locator (URL) colors and a content adjustment that changes the font size, line spacing, word spacing, and letter spacing. I viewed five random toy websites for digital accessibility. Toywiz.com, toysrus.com, and worldofmirth.com. have digital accessibility features. I like disability profiles for different conditions on toywiz.com. The digital designer of the website accessibility area organized sections by content, color adjustment, and orientation. Worldofmirth.com has limited digital accessibility features. The company is continuously improving digital accessibility. Two of five websites have no accessibility features. My digital accessibility is good with my online coursework. I will use my skills to help others with chronic diseases. The possibility of expanding digital accessibility for various chronic conditions exists. Accessibility profiles for different diseases and adapting platforms for specific mental and physical disabilities could improve digital accessibility. On a networking platform, I wish there were various selections to increase the size of fonts when typing in commands. In Microsoft Word, writers can choose various sized fonts, distinctive style fonts, diverse color fonts, and bold lettering. More accessibility features include line spacing options, word spacing options, different contrasts, zoom to five hundred percent, reading aloud, alt text, and an accessibility assistant. Creating documents that everyone can read is a breeze with the accessibility assistant. It checks the whole document for accessibility issues. Characteristics include color, contrast, media illustrations, tables, and document structure. With my digitally accessible and user-friendly experiences with the Lakers’ website and Microsoft Word, I realize companies can do more to make their websites and applications ADA-compliant digitally accessible. I am ready, willing, and able to learn skills to assist! With ten percent fully ADA digital accessibility of websites, there is progress to make.

When I started my educational journey at Baltimore County Community College, I had faith that my quest for skills and knowledge would not only change my life but the lives of others. I took computer courses due to my disabilities. My courses have been fun, engaging, and challenging. I remember my first course being apprehensive and meditating: I do not know what I got myself involved in. Thoughts of submitting a withdrawal slip to the registration office came to my mind. I did not know much about the mechanics or parts of a computer. I stayed in the class. Consequently, the course turned out to be fun!  I have done well in my courses despite having disabilities. I will use my skills to bless and uplift others with disabilities. "No matter what happens to us in life, we have an opportunity to respond by helping others". (Brigance) I have a deep empathy, profound compassion, and an ardent desire to help people with disabilities. I was browsing the internet and came across the website of a non-profit technology company that has helped thousands of people with disabilities by making reading materials accessible. I knew I found my passion! I want to help improve technology and accessibility for people with disabilities. People who have disabilities' lives are changing for the better with groundbreaking technologies. Scientists are studying innovative technologies that offer new hope. Lou Gehrig disease patients are using augmentative alternative (AAC) technology. The patient activates a letter or phrase on a computer screen with eye movement. Next, a computer articulates a letter or group of words. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients bank their voices for later use with text-to-speech apps. Scientists are studying Computer Brain Interfaces (CBIs). Surgeons are implanting CBIs in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease patients. Then, patients move the computer cursor by thought. Scientists hope to use this technology for paralysis and muscle atrophy. In addition to helping advance technology for people with disabilities, I would like to help improve digital accessibility. Only ten percent of websites are fully accessible. My course platforms were accessible, and I would like to emulate this accessibility with my computer skills. I was amazed at the accessibility features in Microsoft Word. Features include read-aloud, alt text, and the accessibility checker. I used to dream about the features programs now have. I will learn more in-depth digital accessibility skills in the future. When I earn a baccalaureate degree, it will be the beginning of making an impact by sharing new skills with technology non-profit organizations and other non-profit organizations to help the less fortunate. The lives of the people who the non-profit organizations serve will change for the better! To get experience, I will intern. “It is for today that we fit ourselves for greater usefulness for tomorrow. Today is seed time, now are the hours of hard work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and playtime." (W.E.B Dubois) I dream of a successful career like John Young. His legacy will live through me.

I, Latosha Bolden, found myself homeless. I went down due to multiple disabilities. My mind and body dealt with relentless physical attacks. I have endured years of mental and physical abuse. I have dealt with adversity after adversity. I was knocked down whenever I tried to climb back up the steps. I tried to find a job, but I was blocked. I enrolled in school but encountered obstructions. I prayed to God. Lord, I do not want to be a beggar. You give me your strength and wisdom. I fought back with pit-bull ferocity and relentlessness. I enrolled at Baltimore County Community College. I took an introductory computer course. Next, I progressed to computer courses with labs. I could learn the parts of a computer, take apart the desktop, and put the data processor back together again. That was scary for me because I never did that before. I earned an A in the course. I then took the second computer sequence course with a lab in which I learned beginner networking skills. I got an A in that class as well. When I transferred to Anne Arundel Community College, I had a 3.7 grade point average. Blessed at Anne Arundel Community College, I had gifted and responsive instructors. In my first course at the college, I did better than some of the younger students. The college helped me with a laptop as I had persistent desktop trouble. I took advantage of various support services for students. The college asked me to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Anne Arundel College scholarship committee awarded me a scholarship. It moved me to tears that I qualified for a scholarship. I earned a certificate in Computer Technology before transferring to Bowie State University. I will always cherish my accomplishments at Baltimore County Community College and Anne Arundel Community College. These accomplishments will always have special meaning because I earned these academic achievements in my darkest hours. I was “Blessed in The Darkness.” I will use my computer skills to bless people with disabilities. I will major in Computer Technology at Bowie State University starting in the fall of 2024. Although I have disabilities, I was able to have positive learning experiences. I will help people with physical and mental disabilities to have positive learning experiences and digital accessibility. I will also help advance technology in other areas for people living with disabilities. I will help and support non-profit technology organizations and other non-profit organizations. It would be a blessing if I were one of the selected candidates for a Sloane Stephens Doc and Glo Scholarship. I will pave the way forward by helping another woman. I will help open a women’s night shelter in Baltimore City. There is a tremendous need. If a woman has a mental or physical disability or is a victim of physical abuse or mental abuse, I want the shelter to be a haven. Other non-profit organizations that I will support are organizations that help women who have been physically and mentally abused and non-profit organizations that support people with disabilities. By awarding me a Sloan Stephens Doc and Glo Scholarship, it will change not only my life but the lives of others. The Doc and Glo legacy will live through me. I am grateful for your support of students. I have taken a licking, but the beat goes on. I will continue to show resiliency. I will earn a Bachelor of Science degree. I will change the world with the skills that I learn.

Due to multiple disabilities, I am sidelined from the workforce. All my life, I have struggled with disabilities, but I refuse to use my disabilities as a crutch. I have always chosen to work. I have always had my own apartment or house and have always had transportation. I am a fiercely independent person and would like to continue to live independently. I am not looking for handouts nor do I want to be a beggar. I am reminded of the proverb,” If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” Today, I am homeless. I refuse to be helpless and without hope. I want to help myself and others. I am an optimist. I am looking at the glass as half full. All things are possible! I dare to have big dreams! At forty-eight, I enrolled at Baltimore County Community College to learn about computers due to my disability. On this journey I learned about computer repair, software, security, and networking. I transferred to Anne Arundel Community College to continue to learn about computers. The classes were remarkably interesting and challenging. I earned a certificate in Computer Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. In the fall, I will continue learning about technology majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University. I will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Technology. Learning about technology is fascinating since technology is always changing. I am excited about the possibility that technology can change peoples' lives for the better! I would like to be involved with various technology non-profit organizations and other non-profit organizations. that help people and communities. I would like to major in Computer Technology to help improve peoples' lives. I would like to be involved with technologies that help people with disabilities. I am inspired by a former football player’s story. In 2007, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He eventually lost strength in the muscles of his extremities. He uses a wheelchair. He lost his voice due to ALS. He uses an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) device to communicate that is controlled with eye movement. The eye movement activates a letter or a phrase on a computer screen that is articulated by the computer. ALS patients can bank their voices to be used later with text to speech apps. He continues to hold a position as a senior advisor of player development for an organization. He and his wife formed a foundation to help other ALS patients. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. He has authored a book. The Lord has let him defy the odds. He is a seventeen-year ALS survivor. Most patients live two to five years.’” I pray that others can take from my legacy the spirit of resiliency!” he wrote. ‘"No matter what happens to us in life we have an opportunity to respond by helping others. When all is said and done, know that we are stronger than ALS and anything else that we may face." What a woman! Debra S Jackson inspires me. I can relate to her. I want to emulate her. I want to use my knowledge, skills, and resources to help people. Her legacy will live through me. I would like to help open a woman’s night shelter in Baltimore City. There is a tremendous need. The Debra S, Jackson New Horizons Scholarship will help me with much needed funding to complete my bachelor’s degree. Thank-you for creating this much needed scholarship. God bless you.

At forty-eight years of age, I found myself homeless. I went down due to multiple disabilities. My mind and body dealt with relentless physical attacks. I have dealt with adversity after adversity. Every time I tried to climb back up the steps, I was pushed down. I tried to find a job, but I was blocked. I decided to go back to school but was met with obstruction. I prayed to God. Lord, I do not want to be a beggar. You give me your strength and wisdom. I fought back with pit-bull ferocity and relentlessness. I enrolled at Baltimore County Community College. I took an introductory computer course. Then I took computer courses with labs. I was able to learn the parts of a computer, take apart the computer, and put the computer back together again. That was scary for me because I never did that before. I earned an A in the course. I then took the second computer course where I learned beginner networking skills. I got an A in that class as well. When I transferred to Anne Arundel Community College, I had a 3.7 grade point average. At Anne Arundel Community College, I was blessed with gifted and responsive instructors. In my first course at the college, I did better than some of the younger students. The college helped me with a computer as I was always having computer trouble. I took advantage of various support services for students. The college asked me to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Anne Arundel Community College scholarship committee awarded me a scholarship. It moved me to tears that I was able to qualify for a scholarship. I earned a certificate in Computer Technology prior to transferring to Bowie State University. I will always cherish my accomplishments at Baltimore County Community College and Anne Arundel Community College. These accomplishments will always have special meaning because I earned these academic achievements in my darkest hours. I was “Blessed in The Darkness.” I would like to use my computer skills to be a blessing to other people with disabilities. I will be majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University starting in the fall of 2024. Although I have disabilities, I was able to have positive learning experiences. I decided that I want to help people with physical and mental disabilities to have positive learning experiences and accessibility. I also want to help advance technology in other areas for people living with disabilities. I would like to be involved with non-profit technology organizations and other non-profit organizations. It will be a blessing to have a WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. I will pave the way forward by helping another woman. I would like to help open a women’s night shelter in Baltimore City. There is a tremendous need. If a woman has a mental disability, physical disability, is a victim of mental abuse, or physical abuse, I want the shelter to be a temporary safe place that they can go to. Other non-profit organizations that I will support are organizations that help woman that have been physically and mentally abused and non-profit organizations that support people with disabilities. By awarding me a WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship, it will change not only my life but the lives of others. The WCEJ Thorton Foundation legacy will live through me. I am grateful for your support of low-income students. God Bless You! I have taken a licking, but the beat goes on. I will continue to show resiliency. This experience has taught me that with the Lord all things are possible. The Lord will give a person wisdom and help a person where needed. It is not too late for me to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. I will help change the world with the skills that I learn.

I have earned a certificate in Computer Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. In the fall, I will continue learning about technology majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University. I am extremely excited about attending a HBCU. This is my first experience. I am excited about the possibility that technology can change peoples' lives for the better! Learning about technology is fascinating since technology is always changing, I would like to be involved with various technology non-profit organizations. I would like to major in Computer Technology to help improve peoples' lives. I would like to be involved with technologies for people with disabilities. To achieve my long-term goal of being involved with technology non-profit organizations that work with the disability population, I will look for summer internships. I will look online and check with Bowie State University. I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology. I need sixty remaining credits. I will take ten credits a semester. I will pray first then aim for excellence. In every class, I will work ahead of schedule. I will investigate the support services the college has. I will join a couple of clubs at Bowie State University to meet people and network. I will remain active in my professional organizations by attending meetings and educational webinars. In contrast, my short-term goals are: I would like to study to take three computer certifications. I would like to take A Plus, Security Plus, and Network Plus. I will check YouTube for study information. I will also order an updated copy of the books I used in class. Since I am an underrepresented minority, I accepted admission to Bowie State University. Bowie State is a top five Maryland University at graduating African Americans with bachelor’s degrees in computer information systems. It is sixty percent woman. It ranks fifth in graduating African Americans with master’s degrees in science, technology, and mathematics. I also accepted admission to Bowie State University because I want to feel accepted. I have faith that Bowie State University will give me the support I need to make it to the finish line. Right now, student loans are paying for tuition and books. I am grateful for the federal student aid program. Being awarded more scholarships would help lessen my student debt and help me reach my goal of ten credits per semester. It will be a blessing to have a Jerzee Foundation scholarship. I will pave the way forward by helping another woman. I would like to start a woman’s night shelter in Baltimore City. There is a tremendous need. If a woman has a mental disability, physical disability, is a victim of mental abuse, or physical abuse, I want the shelter to be a temporary safe place that they can go to. Other non-profit organizations that I will support are organizations that help woman that have been physical and mentally abused and non-profit organizations that support people with disabilities. By awarding me the Jerzee scholarship, it will change not only my life but the lives of others. The Jerzee legacy will continue to live through me. I am grateful for your support of HCBUs. God Bless You!

Being Black means a person that is courageous, full of strength, faith, wisdom, who can endure anything, and change the world for the better. Once we are blessed, we help someone else. After she escaped slavery, Harriet Tubman helped over seventy slaves reach freedom via the Underground Railroad. Tubman said she,” would give every drop of blood in my veins to free them.” She could not read but God gifted her with wisdom. She was guided by the North Star and often used various disguises. She was a woman of faith often having visions. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." ~Harriet Tubman I dare to have big dreams! All things are possible! I am homeless. I refuse to be helpless and without hope. I want to help myself and others. I have earned a certificate in Computer Technology at Anne Arundel Community College. In the fall, I will continue learning about technology majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University. Learning about technology is fascinating since technology is always changing. I am excited about the possibility that technology can change peoples' lives for the better! I would like to be involved with various non-profit organizations that help people and communities. I would like to major in Computer Technology to help improve peoples' lives. My skills will be a blessing to others.

When I enrolled at local community colleges. I did not know where the journey would lead. First, I explored courses. I enrolled at Baltimore County Community College. Then I enrolled at Anne Arundel Community College. I did very well in my courses despite having disabilities. I had a 3.6 average between the two community colleges. I earned a certificate in Computer Technology at Anne Arundel Community College. I did my classes online. About a year prior to transferring to Bowie State University, I realized that there was a passion in my heart to use technology to better the lives of people living with disabilities. I had positive experiences in online learning, and I wanted to help uplift someone else with disabilities. I excelled at platforms such as Test Out and Packet Tracer. I thought that Packet Tracer could be improved with better visual accessibility. With Cengage, there could be improvements in the platform. Most of the people with disabilities in my Microsoft Excell class did not like Cengage platform. With Cengage, there could be multiple ways to answer a question right, but Cengage will mark the right answer wrong. This platform can have better visual accessibility. In addition to technological changes that have transformed education for people with disabilities, technology has improved the lives of people living with disabilities. I am excited about the possibility that technology can change peoples' lives for the better! I would like to be involved with technology non-profit organizations that help people with disabilities. I am inspired by a former football player’s story. In 2007, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He eventually lost strength in the muscles of his extremities. He uses a wheelchair. He lost his voice due to ALS. He uses an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) device to communicate that is controlled with eye movement. The eye movement activates a letter or a phrase on a computer screen that is articulated by the computer. ALS patients can bank their voices to be used later with text to speech apps. Recently on CNN, they showed a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) being implanted by a surgeon in an ALS patient. With the BCL implanted, the patient could move the cursor of the computer by thought. Scientists hope to use this technology to help with paralysis. To achieve my long-term goal of being involved with technology non-profit organizations that work with the disability population, I will look for summer internships. I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology. My short-term goals are: I would like to study to take three computer certifications that include A Plus, Network Plus, and Security Plus. In all of my classes, I will aim for excellence and work ahead of schedule. I will investigate the support services the college has. I will join a couple of clubs at Bowie State University to meet people and network. Since I am an underrepresented minority, I accepted admission to Bowie State University. Bowie State is a top five in Maryland University at graduating African Americans with bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. It is sixty percent woman. It ranks fifth in graduating African Americans with master’s degrees in science, technology, and mathematics. I also accepted admission to Bowie State because I want to feel accepted. I am grateful for the Bold website and the donors. Minorities have a better chance of getting the help that they need. Most of my education has been fund by student loans. If I were awarded the SigaLa Education Scholarship it would help me fund tuition and books this year.

I have earned a certificate in Computer Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. In the fall, I will continue learning about technology majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University. I am extremely excited! Learning about technology is fascinating since technology is always changing. I am excited about the possibility that technology can change peoples' lives for the better! I would like to be involved with various technology non-profit organizations and other non-profit organizations. I would like to major in Computer Technology to help improve peoples' lives. I would like to be involved with technologies for people with disabilities. I am inspired by a former football player’s story. In 2007, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He eventually lost strength in the muscles of his extremities. He uses a wheelchair. He lost his voice due to ALS. He uses an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) device to communicate that is controlled with eye movement. The eye movement activates a letter or a phrase on a computer screen that is articulated by the computer. ALS patients can bank their voices to be used later with text to speech apps. He continues to work as a senior advisor of player development for an organization. He and his wife started a foundation to help others with ALS. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. He has authored a book. The Lord has let him defy the odds. He is a seventeen-year ALS survivor. Most patients live two to five years. ’” I pray that others can take from my legacy the spirit of resiliency!” he wrote. ‘"No matter what happens to us in life we have an opportunity to respond by helping others. When all is said and done, know that we are stronger than ALS and anything else that we may face."’ I want to use my computer knowledge and skills to be a blessing to others. I will be able to make an impact as a person of color by being knowledgeable and having sharp skills, being dependable, and keeping good relationships. Then my ideas and suggestions will be taken seriously. I will mentor new minorities in the STEM field. I can make an impact by networking with other minorities. We can make more of an impact together than alone. I will donate money for scholarships to give other minorities help or a lift. Lastly, I will make an impact by sharing my knowledge and skills with technology non-profit organizations and other nonprofit organizations. A big obstacle that I face in returning to school this fall is tuition and books. Thus far tuition, books, and a couple of personal expenses have been financed by student loans. If I am awarded the Innovators of Color scholarship, the award would first go towards tuition and books. Thank you for creating this scholarship for minorities.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” (Harriet Tubman) After being sidelined from the workforce due to multiple disabilities, I returned to school. I want to help myself and others. I earned a certificate in Computer Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. I will be majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University in the fall. I am excited because computer technology can change people’s lives for the better! I would like to be involved with technology and non-technology non-profit organizations. One of the technology areas that I am interested in is technology that improves the lives of people with disabilities. Recently I viewed Cable News Network. (CNN) A computer brain interface (CBI) device was implanted by a surgeon in a Lou Gehrig’s disease patient. With a CBI implanted, the patient could move the computer cursor with thought. Scientists hope to use this technology to help with paralysis and muscle atrophy. Another technology used with Lou Gehrig’s disease patients is augmentative alternative communication (AAC) devices. The patient activates a letter or phrase on a computer screen with eye movement. Next a letter or phrase is articulated by a computer. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients can bank their voices for later use with text to speech apps. My future goals are to be involved with non-profit technology organizations that help people with disabilities and various other non-profit organizations. I have a heart for the less fortunate. In the past, I have been direct with homeless ministries and nursing home ministries but presently I am unable to due to multiple disabilities. When I am able, I financially support a homeless shelter near Richmond, Va. In addition to supporting a homeless shelter near Richmond, I am a part of the Woman in Cybersecurity club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. With the help of a scholarship, I will gain the knowledge and skills to be a part of groundbreaking, innovative, and life changing technology. The worry and burden about money for tuition and books will be lifted by a scholarship. I will be able to focus on my studies. Right now, a student loan is paying for tuition, books, and a couple personal needs. It will be good to have assurance knowing that tuition and books will be paid for by a scholarship. A scholarship is so much more than money for tuition and books. A scholarship will change not only my life but the lives of others. Once I graduate, I can improve the lives of people with and without disabilities. I will impact non-profit organizations because I will use my knowledge and skills to help them. “No matter what happens to us we have the opportunity to respond by helping others.” (Brigance)

I have a lot of experience in the Health Information Management field. Most of my experience is in coding. Some health information technicians work closely with the Information Technology department. A colleague told me that there is a strong need for health information technicians with information technology skills. The Health Information department works closely with the Information Technology department. For instance, there are encoder software coding updates every year, operating system software changes or updates, or the network is slow. With health information becoming electronic, having computer knowledge and skills are essential. Due to the necessity of having computer skills in today’s digital world, I enrolled at Baltimore County Community College to learn about computers. I took one semester at a time. I did not know what I wanted to do from the skills and knowledge learned from these courses. On this journey, I learned about computer repair, software, security, and networking. I transferred to Anne Arundel Community College to continue to learn about computers. The classes were remarkably interesting and challenging! I did well in my classes. I earned a certificate in Computer Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. In the fall, I will continue learning about technology majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University. Learning about technology is fascinating since technology is always changing. I am extremely excited! I am prepared to work hard. Nothing worth having comes easy. There is a variety of interesting coursework. I would like to take the internet technology track. Courses that are a part of this track are edge technology, edge computing, and the Internet of Things. I also would like to take the network enterprise infrastructure track that includes courses such as server administration, internet technology, and cloud computing. There is a digital forensics class that I want to take. I read a book on digital forensics. I would like to get more into the laboratory. I am excited and enthusiastic about the possibility that technology can change peoples' lives for the better! I would like to be involved with various non-profit organizations that improve peoples’ lives and improve the community. I would like to major in Computer Technology to help improve peoples' lives. One of the areas that I am interested enthusiastic, and excited about being involved in is developing technologies that help people with disabilities I am a member of Women in Cybersecurity. Hopefully, there will be clubs that I can join at Bowie State University. I also am a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. An information technology project that I was involved with when I was working involved tracking coder productivity using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. I want to use my computer knowledge and skills to be a blessing to others. A big obstacle that I face in returning to school this fall is tuition and books. Thus far tuition, books, and a couple of personal living expenses have been financed by student loans. If I am awarded the Justin Moeller Memorial Scholarship, the award would first go towards tuition and books. Thank you for creating this scholarship for minority groups.

I refuse to use my disabilities as a crutch. I have always chosen to work. I have always had my own apartment or house and have always had transportation. I am a fiercely independent person and would like to continue to live independently. I am not looking for handouts nor do I want to be a beggar. I am reminded of the proverb,” If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” Today, I am homeless. I refuse to be helpless and without hope. I want to help myself and others. I am an optimist. I am looking at the glass as half full. All things are possible! I dare to dream big! I enrolled at Baltimore County Community College to learn about computers due to my disability. I took one semester at a time. I did not know what I wanted to do from the skills and knowledge learned from these courses. On this journey I learned about computer repair, software, security, and networking. I transferred to Anne Arundel Community College to continue to learn about computers. The classes were remarkably interesting and challenging! I did well in my classes. I earned a certificate in Computer Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. In the fall, I will continue learning about technology majoring in Computer Technology at Bowie State University. I am excited! Learning about technology is fascinating since technology is always changing. I am excited about the possibility that technology can change peoples' lives for the better! I would like to be involved with various non-profit organizations that help people and communities. I would like to major in Computer Technology to help improve peoples' lives. I am interested in being involved with technologies for people with disabilities. I am inspired by a former football player’s story. In 2007, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He eventually lost strength in the muscles of his extremities. He uses a wheelchair. He lost his voice due to ALS. He uses an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) device to communicate that is controlled with eye movement. The eye movement activates a letter or a phrase on a computer screen that is articulated by the computer. ALS patients can bank their voices to be used later with text to speech apps. He continues to hold a position as a senior advisor of player development for an organization. He and his wife formed a foundation to help other ALS patients. The foundation has raised millions of dollars for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. He has authored a book. The Lord has let him defy the odds. He is a seventeen-year ALS survivor. Most patients live two to five years. “I pray that others can take from my legacy the spirit of resiliency!” he wrote. ‘"No matter what happens to us in life we have an opportunity to respond by helping others. When all is said and done, know that we are stronger than ALS and anything else that we may face." I want to use my computer knowledge and skills to be a blessing to others. A big obstacle that I face in returning to school this fall is tuition and books. Thus far tuition, books, and a couple of personal expenses have been financed by student loans. If I am awarded the Robert and Suzi DeGennaro Scholarship for Disabled Students, the award would first go towards tuition and books. The Robert and Suzi DeGennaro legacy will continue to live through me. Thank you for creating this scholarship. God Bless You!

The heavens and the earth testify to the existence of our Creator. What a beautiful, impressive, fascinating, and magnificent universe! The earth and the heavens did come into being on their own. God spoke everything into existence. It takes the same amount of faith to believe that there is not a Creator as it does to believe that there is a Creator. Human beings are the greatest aspect of creation. We are made in God’s image. Thank goodness everyone does not look similar. That would be boring and confusing. Everyone should be appreciated for their own uniqueness. I am an optimist. I choose to believe that there is a Creator because God answers prayers, heals diseases, and signs in the earth hint that the Lord is coming for the people that have accepted Jesus as Savior. I have prayed some far-out prayers and God answered them. The prayers were so far-out, I did not believe the Lord was going to answer. God answered miraculously and mysteriously in the same month. The prayers were blessings to fulfil his will and purpose. Our Creator knows each of us individually down to the number of hairs we have on our head. God chose to use a nobody like me to fulfil his purposes. Sometimes the answer is no and sometimes the Lord answers eventually. The Lord eventually healed me from rheumatoid arthritis. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at twenty-one. I could not walk without being in pain or becoming tired. After I was poisoned, I could not breathe. The Lord healed my lungs. I also had walking instability due to a bone problem in my ankle. The Lord healed me. When Covid -19 started spreading in 2020, I caught an unbelievably bad cold and it was exceedingly difficult for me to breathe. I thought I was going to pass away. I prayed to God to spare my life. Later, I found out that someone in the building where I resided caught Covid-19. Some diseases are terminal. Doctors only give supportive and palliative care. That is when The Lord steps in and heals miraculously. Pastor Joel Osteen gave a testimony about how his mother was healed from terminal liver cancer. Another pastor gave a testimony about how he was healed from stage four bone cancer. Lastly, we know that our Creator lives because the bible has given us signs of Jesus second coming. (Mark 4-26) There will be pestilences in diverse places. Covid-19 started in China but as of April 13,2024 has killed 7,010.681 people around the world. When Covid-19 spread around the world, what was happening seemed surreal. There will be earthquakes around the world. On Sep 8,2023, a rare unusual 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morroco. Two thousand six hundred eighty-one people were killed. There will be changes in the moon, sun, and heavens. There was a total eclipse in the United States on April 8, 2024, and on August 21, 2017. Total solar eclipses are rare and prior to 2017, had not taken place in a hundred years. There was a solar storm on May 10, 2024. There has not been a solar storm in more than twenty years. The last sign that I will mention that precedes the return of our Lord is technological advancement. The gospel will be preached in every nation to give everyone a chance to accept Jesus. The availability of varied translating apps will facilitate spread of the gospel. After the gospel is spread in every nation, Jesus will return for Christians.