As a child, I struggled with math and often felt frustrated with my inability to solve math problems. My father saw my struggles, and he spent hours showing me the beauty of math. I remember him picking me up from school, and when he got home, the first thing we would do was do my homework. He would help me with my math homework, and as time passed, I began to understand and love math. Even in high school, my passion for math grew when I took Algebra II and Computer Science. During my junior year of high school, I took Algebra II, and through this course, my love for math grew. Also, while exploring classes to take during my senior year, I saw Computer Science. The AP Computer Science course caught my eye, and I dove into research, exploring the different areas of computer science. I decided to take the class, which opened up a new realm of technology. I learned about different programming languages, such as Java, Python, and C. In that class, it was mainly focused on Java. It was very difficult because I did not have any prior coding experience. But, even though I struggled, I enjoyed the class, coding in Java became much easier, and I discovered my passion for computer science. My passion for computer science increased when I discovered I could create applications and websites. I have always wanted to make a positive impact on the world, and I knew that computer science would help me achieve that goal. I am from Sierra Leone, a third-world country in Africa. When I visit Sierra Leone, I see school-aged children working hard on the streets, selling goods under the blazing sun. One moment that stood out was when I saw a young boy selling brooms. His clothes had holes, and he had a look of pain on his face. This visit to Sierra Leone reminded me of the privilege of receiving an education in the United States. In Sierra Leone, many children lack access to quality education due to a lack of government funding and infrastructure. My goal in the future is to create a charity organization to help children in Sierra Leone obtain an education. Also, another goal is to create educational software for schools in Sierra Leone. This software will help children learn how to read and write and will have many features, such as videos, games, and quizzes. Of course, this journey has obstacles, such as learning different programming languages, such as Python and C#, to help build my software. Another obstacle is finding translators for the many different languages spoken in Sierra Leone. The language barrier presents another challenge but I won’t let that deter me from achieving my goal. Recently, I have been learning how to code in Python through a game called The Legend of Python through Codedex. This is a recent step towards my goal of being proficient in Python and C# by the end of the year. Achieving this goal brings me closer to helping children in Sierra Leone. My love for mathematics and interest in computer science has led me to pursue a degree in computer science. Also, my experiences in Sierra Leone have inspired me to create a charity organization and software to help children access quality education. I am aware of the obstacles I may face, but I remain determined to make a positive difference in the lives of these children.

I'm from Sierra Leone, where the illiteracy rate is 50%, and since I was a child, my dream has been to make a difference in people's lives, so I plan to get a computer science degree, learn how to build apps, and create an app that will teach people in Sierra Leone to read and write.

As a child, I struggled to grasp mathematical concepts, often feeling defeated and frustrated due to my inability to understand. I often found myself in tears, frustrated by my inability to understand the concepts taught in class. However, my father saw my struggles and took it upon himself to help me understand the subject. He spent countless hours breaking down mathematical problems and showing me the beauty of mathematics. Through his guidance and patience, I began to understand and love math, eventually winning an award for my skills in 5th grade. Even in high school, my passion for math grew, and I helped others appreciate and understand math. I would often leave my seat to help explain concepts to them, even though it sometimes got me in trouble. During my junior year of high school, I discovered my interest in computer science while exploring classes to take during my senior year. The AP Computer Science course caught my eye and explored the different aspects of computer science through Khan Academy. I am taking this class, which exposed me to a new realm of mathematics. My goals are to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science and become a computer programmer, which will allow me to use technology to make a positive impact on society. When I visited Sierra Leone in 2018, I saw school-aged children working hard on the streets, selling goods under the blazing sun. One moment that stood out was when I saw a young boy selling African brooms. His appearance was unkempt; his clothes had holes, and he was barefoot, with exhaustion and pain on his face. This experience reminded me of the privilege of receiving an education in the United States. It inspired me to start a campaign to help children in Sierra Leone obtain an education. In Sierra Leone, children lack access to quality education due to limited resources such as textbooks, qualified teachers, basic learning materials such as pencils and notebooks, and inadequate government funding. I plan to use my skills as a computer programmer to create educational software for schools, giving children access to 21st-century learning opportunities and skills. Children will learn how to read and write and gain 21st-century skills through this software. The software will have many features, such as quizzes, games, videos, and animations, that make learning fun. The software will feature multi-language support that allows children to learn in their native language. Of course, this journey will not be without obstacles, such as the rigorous coursework required for a computer science degree and constantly evolving technology. I may encounter challenges in establishing an educational campaign in Sierra Leone due to cultural barriers. I am determined to make a positive impact on the lives of children in Sierra Leone, and investing in them is crucial. If awarded the Kathryn Graham "Keyport's Mom" Scholarship, it would assist me in further pursuing my academic and career endeavors with less concern about financing my education. The less I have to worry about money, the more time I have on my hands to dedicate to learning, creating, and seeking opportunities to polish my skills and set myself up for success. Also, as I mentioned before, my love for mathematics and interest in computer science has led me to pursue a degree in computer science. My experiences in Sierra Leone have inspired me to start a campaign to help children access quality education. I am aware of the obstacles I may face, but I remain determined to make a positive difference in the lives of these children.

I'm from Sierra Leone, a third-world country where the gap between the rich and the poor is clear. The poverty and hardship that most of the population faces are a constant reminder of the unequal society of Sierra Leone. When I visited Sierra Leone in 2018, the daily struggles that many people face overwhelmed me. Children working hard on the streets, selling goods under the blazing sun, was a painful sight that stayed with me. One moment that stands out is seeing a young boy selling brooms. His appearance was unkempt; his clothes had holes, and he was barefoot, with a look of exhaustion and pain. Some children I met faced challenges that are unimaginable to most of us. They lacked access to necessities like clean water, healthcare, and education. Even as I talked to some parents and children in the area, I learned many children could not attend school because of financial struggles. My experience showed me how poverty and inequality can limit a child's potential and prevent them from realizing their dreams. This experience also gave me a sense of empathy and determination to change the lives of the children I met there. My empathy allows me to connect with others, understand their struggles, and feel compassion for them. This quality is essential in my journey to effect change in the lives of those who need it most. My passion to effect change inspired me to pursue a career in computer programming to create interactive educational software for schools in Sierra Leone. Through this software, I plan to provide children with access to 21st-century skills and learning opportunities, giving them a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty. My ultimate goal is to make education accessible to every child in Sierra Leone and to enable them to achieve their full potential. My experience in Sierra Leone gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges that people around the world face, which has strengthened my empathy for the less fortunate. It is this quality that I value most in myself, as it allows me to connect with others, understand their struggles, and strive to create solutions that benefit them. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive an education and achieve their full potential, which motivates me to do everything in my power to make this a reality. With my empathy and skills, I am excited to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it the most.

My passion for math started as a child, but it wasn't always easy. I used to struggle, cry, and fuss over how difficult math was. I just couldn't seem to understand it, no matter how hard I tried. But my father saw my struggles and decided to step in and help. He started to tutor me in math, and I remember us sitting at the kitchen table, reciting my schedule and working on division problems. At first, it was frustrating, and I wanted to give up. But my father's patience and encouragement kept me going. Slowly, my math skills started to improve, and I began to love math. I remember the feeling of finally understanding a concept that had been so difficult for me before. It was such a satisfying feeling. Even in the 5th grade, I won an award for my math skills. I was so happy that day, and my parents were proud of me. It was a moment that I will never forget. I realized that I loved to problem-solve, and I knew that I wanted to major in an area that allowed me to solve problems. Fast forward to high school, and I looked into different areas such as business and economics, but they just didn't feel like the right fit for me. I struggled to find an area that I was truly passionate about. It wasn't until my junior year of high school that I found my true passion. I was looking for classes to take my senior year, and AP Computer Science caught my eye. I had always been interested in coding, ever since my after-school program offered a coding class when I was younger. So, I decided to look more into computer science using websites such as Khan Academy. I started browsing through the different concepts and watching videos about algorithms and other notions in computer science; I was fascinated by what I saw. The idea of using math and problem-solving skills to create something new and useful was incredibly appealing to me. That's when I knew I wanted to major in computer science. Computer science is a challenging field, but I am ready to take on the challenge. Also, I would like to major in this field to become a computer programmer. In 2018, when I visited my grandmother in Sierra Leone, I was shocked by the terrible living conditions I saw. The infrastructure was poor, the streets were dirty, corruption was rampant, and poverty was everywhere. I saw countless school-aged children selling items on the side of the road, struggling just to survive. This experience reminded me of the right to receive an education I have in the United States and made me believe that all children should have the same right. This inspired me to start a campaign to help children in Sierra Leone obtain an education. I believe that with the right resources and support, these children can break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their families. Through my campaign, I plan to use my skills as a computer programmer to help children in Sierra Leone obtain an education. I plan to create educational software and programs that can be used in schools. Children's learning will be more interactive and engaging with these programs, increasing their comprehension and retention of the information. Lastly, I plan to establish a scholarship program for children in Sierra Leone to attend school. Financial struggles prevent many children in Sierra Leone from attending school. I will be able to offer these children financial assistance through this scholarship program to allow them to attend school. In conclusion, my passion for math and my desire to help others, particularly children in Sierra Leone, have led me to the decision to major in computer science and pursue a career in this field. I believe that the skills and knowledge that I will acquire as a computer programmer will enable me to make a positive impact on the lives of children in Sierra Leone and help them to live better lives. I am excited about the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world, and I am confident that my campaign will be successful in helping children in Sierra Leone obtain an education.

I was born in the Bronx, a world of loud noises and bright lights. Growing up in the Bronx was not easy, as it was filled with many challenges such as violence and poverty. Due to the unstable situation in my neighborhood, my mother decided to move out of the Bronx and to New Jersey. My parents had immigrated from Sierra Leone, seeking a better life and greater opportunities. Despite the challenges they faced, they were determined to build a future for themselves and me in this new and unfamiliar land. In 2018, when I visited my grandmother in Sierra Leone, I was shocked by the terrible living conditions I saw. The infrastructure was poor, the streets were dirty, corruption was rampant, and poverty was everywhere. I saw countless school-aged children selling items on the side of the road, struggling just to survive. This experience reminded me of the right to receive an education I have in the United States and made me believe that all children should have the same right. This inspired me to start a campaign to help children in Sierra Leone obtain an education. I believe that with the right resources and support, these children can break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their families. I have always had a passion for math and have found that it is my strongest subject. I have enjoyed learning about different math concepts and have found satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment when solving difficult problems. In my junior year of high school, I became interested in computer science as a way to apply my math skills in a practical setting. I began exploring websites such as Khan Academy and watched short videos explaining concepts such as algorithms, cryptography, and other notions in computer science. I discovered that computer science is a rapidly growing field with many opportunities, and I believe that my strong background in math will be an asset in this field. I am also drawn to the problem-solving nature of computer science, as it allows me to use my logical skills to design and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Unfortunately, there is a lack of representation for women in computer science, particularly for women of color. According to data from the National Science Foundation, only about one-quarter of computer science degrees in the United States are earned by women. This lack of diversity can make it intimidating for women, especially women of color, to enter the field and succeed. I want to inspire more women, especially women of color, to enter the field so we can help create a more diverse and inclusive computer science community. Some ways that I can inspire women to join the field and succeed include mentoring or tutoring women who are interested in computer science, encouraging women to pursue education and training in the field, and supporting organizations that promote diversity in computer science. In addition to starting my campaign, I would love to become a computer programmer and use my skills to help children in Sierra Leone. Whether it's building websites or creating educational software, I am committed to doing what I can to give these children the chance to learn and grow. Overall, I am excited about pursuing a STEM degree in computer science because it allows me to combine my love of math with my interest in problem-solving and technology. I am confident that a STEM degree will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Math used to be difficult for me, and I detested math. However, my father began to tutor me in math, which helped me develop a love for the subject. Subsequently, I began to do very well in math in elementary school. Also, I received a medal for my excellent math abilities in the fifth grade. But by the moment I reached high school, I was aware of my intense interest in math. I realized that, in the future, I must major in a field that allows me to display my math skills. I began searching for careers in math-related fields, such as accounting, business, economics, and more. But I discovered my passion for computer science in my junior year of high school. I took Algebra 2 in my junior year of high school. In Algebra 2, we identify the problem, find the solution, and check the answer. A similar procedure is used in computer science. My mother and Algebra 2 teacher encouraged me to enroll in a computer science course after I informed them about my interest in mathematical problem-solving. Knowing that I had some algebraic knowledge, which is a crucial component in understanding and absorbing the knowledge of programming languages and structures, made me realize that I wanted to learn more about computer science. I decided to enroll in AP Computer Science later that year. However, not long after that, I read an article explaining math courses that help individuals understand programming languages and data structures. My interest in computer science began to grow exponentially. I went to websites such as Khan Academy and watched short videos explaining concepts such as algorithms, cryptography, and other notions in computer science. I realized that computer science allows me to pursue my interest in problem-solving and creating solutions. My decision to pursue computer science was influenced by this experience. I am eager to start my career in this field and utilize the opportunities presented to me. However, I'm aware that there aren't many women or women of color working in the field of computer science, and even though that is intimidating, I am determined to succeed. I hope that I can be one of many women of color who begin to move into the field. Although I am a beginner in computer science, I know that I have the potential to excel. As I venture into this realm of possibilities coming my way, I am ready to give everything I have.

I am from a third-world country in West Africa, Sierra Leone. Girls in Sierra Leone are denied an education due to insufficient funds or because they are perceived as inferior. But, I want to change this and launch a campaign to help girls receive an education and empower them to believe they are unstoppable.