There is so much beauty in the struggle, and much to be learned. I was born in a small town within Savannah, Georgia and I was raised by a single mom of three, who did a great job of hiding struggle from us, poverty was normalized in my household, so much so that I thought everyone lived as we did. My father was an alcoholic, and didn't provide much support to my mom, but was rather an added stress. This story is all too common in the African American community, and now as a single-dad, I want to change the narrative while raising my son. I learned what is was to be a man from both my mom and my grandpa. I am want to teach my son and others about financial literacy, mental-endurance, and humility; hard lessons that I learned a bit later in life. My dream is to be a computer scientists, and to create an app to connect underserved youth with free financial literacy courses to better equip them for the future. Tools that myself and my mother did not have access too. My mom worked 60-70 hours a week, and oftentimes leaned on neighbors to baby-sit us, teaching me the power of community. She made every effort to attend all my football games, despite extreme fatigue from work, while juggling economic burdens; is where I learned resilience. She picked up a knitting hobby, further teaching me to find a healthy coping strategy to combat stress. A series of bad choices, taught my family these lessons over and over, of which I try not too repeat in adulthood. We almost lost our home, which made me humble as a man, teaching those around me to cherish family, and the limited time we have on earth.

Rediscovering Joy: My Co-op Adventure with Nintendo As a lifelong Nintendo fan, I often encounter the stereotype that my gaming preferences are confined to mere nostalgia. The reality is more nuanced. For me, Nintendo represents not just a company but a source of unadulterated joy and shared experiences. This passion is rooted in the unforgettable moments I've had playing their games, especially in co-op mode. One game that stands out is Snipperclips, a cooperative puzzle game that exemplifies everything I cherish about Nintendo's approach to multiplayer gaming. My journey with Nintendo dates back to the fierce Console Wars of the 16-bit era. Growing up, I owned both Sega Genesis and Nintendo systems. Sega’s sleek, fast-paced Sonic the Hedgehog captivated my friends and me, while Nintendo’s beloved characters seemed less appealing in comparison. Despite owning a Nintendo 64 alongside a Sega Saturn, my allegiance leaned towards Sega, and it wasn’t until the decline of the Dreamcast that I fully embraced Nintendo again. This shift was cemented during the GameCube era, where, despite its reputation for family-friendly games, Nintendo’s commitment to local multiplayer shone through. The Wii era was a revelation, with Wii Sports becoming a social phenomenon. I vividly recall hosting game nights where we competed in virtual bowling and tennis, and the sheer joy of those experiences proved that Nintendo's focus on local multiplayer had merit. The Wii's success demonstrated that Nintendo could redefine gaming fun, even in a world that was increasingly leaning towards online play. However, it was the Switch’s release that truly rekindled my love for Nintendo. Among its array of games, Snipperclips quickly became a favorite. The premise is simple: you and a partner control pieces of paper, cutting each other into different shapes to solve puzzles. It sounds straightforward, but the magic lies in its execution. The game’s charm is in its cooperative nature; you’re not just solving puzzles, but doing so with a friend, sharing laughter, and celebrating small victories together. One particular session of Snipperclips remains etched in my memory. My partner and I were tackling a particularly challenging level that required precise cuts and coordination. We laughed, strategized, and occasionally stumbled, but our collective effort led to a triumphant breakthrough. The joy we felt in that moment was palpable and transcended the game itself. It wasn’t just about completing a level; it was about the camaraderie and shared satisfaction of overcoming a challenge together. This experience reinforced why Nintendo holds a special place in my heart. While other consoles may offer more graphically intense or narrative-driven games, Nintendo’s strength lies in its ability to craft experiences that foster connection and fun. Games like Snipperclips emphasize cooperation over competition, creating a space where players can engage in joyful interactions, regardless of skill level. Moreover, as someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, Nintendo’s games offer more than just entertainment. They provide a respite from daily challenges and a means to connect with others in a meaningful way. The simplicity and joy inherent in Nintendo games, especially in co-op modes, offer a form of therapy that’s both enjoyable and healing. Attending a Nintendo Switch Preview Event in Chicago, surrounded by fellow fans, reinforced this sentiment. The excitement in the room, the shared passion for Nintendo’s games, and the sense of community were reminiscent of the joy I felt while playing Snipperclips. It was a celebration of what Nintendo represents: a commitment to fun, inclusivity, and shared experiences.

Championing Accessibility Through Lived Experience: My Journey in STEM The motto "Nothing about us without us," championed by the disability rights movement since the 1990s, underscores a crucial principle: for policies, products, and services to be genuinely effective, people with disabilities must be actively involved in their creation. This message resonates deeply with me as a computer science student with multiple sclerosis (MS) from a low-socioeconomic background. My personal experience with digital accessibility has profoundly shaped my academic and professional aspirations, driving me to pursue a career where I can contribute to creating inclusive technology. Living with MS has presented me with a unique set of challenges, including fluctuating physical and cognitive symptoms that impact my interaction with digital tools. The struggle to find accessible software and platforms that accommodate my needs has been a constant reminder of the gaps in current technology. For instance, navigating websites with poor contrast, non-intuitive layouts, or inaccessible forms can turn a simple task into a frustrating ordeal. These experiences have not only highlighted the critical need for inclusive design but have also fueled my determination to make a difference. My journey began with an interest in technology and its potential to solve real-world problems. However, as I faced increasing challenges due to MS, I recognized that my personal experiences could offer valuable insights into the design of digital products. This realization shifted my academic focus toward computer science and web development, fields where I could leverage my understanding of accessibility issues to drive meaningful change. Despite the hurdles of coming from a low-socioeconomic background, I have persevered in my academic pursuits. Limited access to resources, such as advanced technology and educational support, has made my journey more challenging, but it has also strengthened my resolve. I have sought out every opportunity to learn and grow, from free online courses to community resources, and have worked tirelessly to develop my skills in programming and user experience design. These efforts have been driven by my commitment to creating technology that is not only functional but also inclusive. One pivotal moment in my journey was a project during my undergraduate studies where I designed a web application intended to assist users with various disabilities. The project involved extensive research into accessibility standards and user testing with individuals who had different needs. The feedback I received from users with disabilities was invaluable and reinforced my belief that those who experience accessibility barriers firsthand can offer the most pertinent insights into creating effective solutions. My goal is to become a computer scientist who specializes in digital accessibility, ensuring that technology serves everyone, regardless of their abilities. I am particularly interested in developing tools that enhance the digital experience for people with disabilities, from improving screen reader compatibility to creating adaptive interfaces that respond to diverse needs. By combining my technical skills with my lived experience, I aim to advocate for and implement changes that make digital environments more inclusive. The scholarship's support would not only provide me with the financial resources to further my education but also empower me to continue advocating for digital accessibility. It would enable me to access additional learning opportunities, collaborate with experts in the field, and contribute to research and development efforts that prioritize inclusive design. By pursuing a career in computer science with a focus on digital accessibility, I aspire to bridge the gap between technology and users with disabilities. I am committed to using my unique perspective and skills to create a more inclusive digital world.

Embracing the Legacy of Kindness: My Journey of Transformation and Giving Kindness is often seen as a simple act, yet its effects can be profound and far-reaching. I have always believed that even the smallest gestures of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life. This conviction inspired me to undertake a 24-hour mission of random acts of kindness, an experience that turned out to be deeply transformative for both those around me and myself. The day began with a modest act in the university cafeteria: I paid for the meal of the person behind me in line. The genuine surprise and gratitude in their eyes filled me with an unexpected warmth, setting a positive tone for the rest of my day. This small act was a powerful reminder of how even brief moments of kindness can bring joy and create ripples of goodwill. As I walked through the university grounds, I noticed litter scattered around. With the growing awareness of plastic pollution, I felt compelled to act. I gathered the discarded wrappers, contributing to a cleaner environment and setting an example for others. This simple act of picking up trash not only improved the surroundings but also inspired those who saw me to consider their own impact on the environment. Throughout the day, I focused on spreading positivity through sincere compliments. Whether it was praising a colleague’s insightful presentation or acknowledging a stranger’s beautiful smile, each kind word seemed to light up their faces and uplift my own spirits. This experience taught me the importance of recognizing and appreciating others' strengths, and how even a few words of encouragement can foster a sense of connection and happiness. In the evening, I turned my attention to the online world. Inspired by a friend’s recent achievement, I wrote a heartfelt comment on their social media post, celebrating their success and offering encouragement. I also participated in a positive online forum, where I offered support and cheer to members. This demonstrated that even virtual interactions could make a meaningful impact, reinforcing the idea that kindness knows no boundaries. The day of kindness was not merely about performing acts of goodwill; it was a journey of self-discovery. It deepened my sense of empathy, compassion, and connection with the world. I realized that true fulfillment comes from giving rather than seeking, and that the transformative power of kindness is as much about the giver’s growth as it is about the recipient’s joy. Another significant moment in my journey of kindness came in 2020, when Vogue Knitting Live invited me to give a lecture on medKNITation—a blend of traditional meditation techniques and knitting—at their conference in New York City. Expecting a modest audience, I was surprised to learn that over 160 people would be attending. Wanting to offer something special to those who attended, I decided to create a small, meaningful gift: yarn hearts. I had recently become fascinated by yarn bombing, a form of street art using knitting and crochet. While I admired large-scale projects by artists like London Kaye, I chose to focus on something smaller. The teenage girl in me who used to draw hearts found a tutorial for crocheting tiny yarn hearts, which I decided to use as a thank-you gift for my lecture attendees. Each heart was accompanied by a craft tag with a message of kindness. My goal was not to instruct people to be kind but to remind them of their inherent goodness. Creating 400 hearts and writing messages was both a labor of love and a meditation on kindness. When I distributed these Kindness Hearts, the reactions varied. Some recipients wept upon reading their messages, others expressed delight, and a few even wore the hearts on their badges or tied them to their knitting bags. Although not everyone was receptive—such as a four-year-old who regarded the heart as unappealing—the overwhelming majority responded with joy. The following January, after a challenging period when my mother was hospitalized twice in two weeks, I returned to Vogue Knitting Live, not as a speaker but as a giver of Kindness Hearts. My mother’s recovery and the kindness we received during that time inspired me to bring a bit of comfort and recognition to others. This act of giving was a way to share the warmth and support that had helped me through a difficult period. Each Kindness Heart I distributed was more than just a small token; it was a heartfelt gesture meant to spread joy and affirmation. The smiles and gratitude I received were rewards far greater than I had anticipated. Each act of kindness—whether through personal interaction or creative expression—served as a reminder of the profound impact small gestures can have on the world. In conclusion, my journey of kindness has been a powerful testament to its transformative effects. Inspired by the legacy of individuals like Jennifer and Rob Tower, who embodied kindness and generosity, I am committed to continuing this path of compassion. The scholarship in their honor represents a call to action for all of us to embrace the power of kindness and make a positive impact in our communities. Through every act of giving, I have learned that kindness not only enriches the lives of others but also brings immense fulfillment to the giver.

Mathematics is often seen as a challenging and unpopular subject, yet it holds an extraordinary significance in our lives and in society. When people ask me why math is my favorite subject, I often encounter a range of reactions, from skepticism to enthusiastic agreement. Despite its reputation, I believe mathematics is both inspiring and invaluable, far beyond its stereotype of being merely difficult or dull. Mathematics is foundational to numerous fields, including technology, business, and economics. It fosters critical skills like problem-solving and logical thinking, which are crucial in everyday life and professional settings. For instance, technological advancements and economic forecasting rely heavily on mathematical principles. The complexity of space travel, as depicted in "Hidden Figures," showcases how mathematical prowess has been instrumental in achieving remarkable feats like landing on the moon. These examples highlight the practical applications of math, revealing its profound impact on our world. Moreover, math is not just a tool but a form of art and intuition. Through it, we uncover truths about our universe—from the size of the Earth to the structure of atoms. It allows us to explore uncharted territories of knowledge and answer previously unthinkable questions. Randall Munroe’s book, "What If," illustrates how math can transform simple queries into surprising revelations, underscoring its role in expanding our understanding. Beyond its utility, math encourages a unique perspective on empathy. Roger Antonsen's observation about the equal sign illustrates how math involves viewing the same concept from different angles, which parallels the human ability to empathize by seeing the world through others' perspectives. This connection between math and empathy emphasizes its broader value beyond numbers and symbols. Despite its critical importance, math often suffers from a lack of appreciation due to traditional teaching methods that emphasize rote problem-solving over deeper understanding. To truly value mathematics, education must shift towards fostering curiosity and reasoning. By embracing math as a beautiful and insightful discipline, we can better appreciate its role in explaining the universe and enhancing our daily lives. In conclusion, mathematics is more than just a subject; it is a gateway to understanding our world and connecting with others. Its significance extends beyond academic boundaries, influencing technology, economic trends, and our capacity for empathy. I hope this perspective encourages a greater appreciation for the beauty and importance of mathematics in shaping our world and enriching our lives.

When I enrolled at Savannah State University's computer science degree program in 2020, it devastated me that I would have to withdraw that year. I didn't realize that I'd soon be balancing my academic work with the responsibilities of caring for my ailing grandmother. My grandmother had been living with dementia, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease for a while, but her condition would take a turn for the worse right around the time I attempted to re-enter my degree program. In the beginning, I looked on as my mother upended her life to take on the role of primary caregiver and risked burning out. I could only watch her do so much before I was concerned about her health. I decided to pitch in, splitting caregiving responsibilities with my mom. I took on bathing, feeding. administering medication, and making sure my grandmother got fresh air. Additionally, I assisted my mother with meal planning for the week to alleviate decision fatigue throughout the busy week. I make 21 meals on a Sunday night, and head to work my full time job the next morning, and set breakfast on the table prior to heading out. Cooking took 3-4 hours sometimes, and was very exhausting. The same things I would do for myself every day, are the same things I would do for grandma. I lived in the same building as my grandmother, through a separate apartment, which helped with handling the caregiver tasks. Nonetheless, the tasks started to impact my academic life. The responsibilities sometimes overwhelmed me, and I turned to my professors to request extra flexibility on deadlines or makeup assignments for missed work. I also started meeting with a counselor at Savannah State for mental health support. This gave me a moment to just process everything that was going on. You don't realize you need therapy until you're in it. I felt like an atypical student, because I could not relate to anyone while at school, most older people where taking care of their children, but it's quite different when taking care of an adult, in some ways. On one head I felt guilty from being away from home, and on the other hand I didn't know when to take a break, and caregiver burnout became my reality. On the nights I could sleep for a healthy amount of hours, I slept well knowing that I was caring for my loved one, and hoped that her condition would improve day by day. Some days were easier than others, and it was just awful to see the gradual decline, especially when I could not manage to keep up on my own health. Despite such, I knew I must be strong in order to give the best care to my family. I decided to start dedicating small pockets of time too myself each day, to just reset, and to improve my health. Walking 30 mins a day and journaling did wonders for me. Connecting with caregiver support groups within my community, helped me feel as if I wasn't alone. Caregiving has profoundly shaped my identify, instilling in me a deepened sense of empathy, resilience, and responsibility. I have learned the value of patience and adaptability, of which will be valuable in my future career. My experience has steered me to focus on a career that aligns with a passion for service. My role as a caregiver has fostered a sense of purpose, guiding me toward a path where I can make a meaningful impact on people's lives. We all have a story to share, and this is my story:).

The Path Forward: Overcoming Adversity as a Non-Traditional Student As a 31-year-old single father from Chatham County, Georgia; a rural community within the county of Savannah, the journey to pursue a degree in computer science has been anything but conventional. The path has been marked by significant challenges and personal growth, all of which have deeply influenced my educational experience and shaped my future aspirations as a computer scientist. Growing up in a rural community, opportunities were often limited, particularly for someone with my background. The lack education system struggled to provide adequate resources, and higher education was often seen as an unattainable dream, from a financial standpoint. This reality was further compounded by my responsibilities as a single parent. In my community, it is common for the father not too be in the home, but I wanted to change the narrative. Father first, before anything else. The weight of balancing work, parenting, and academics was at times very overwhelming, too the point where I had to drop out of college on my first attempt. Those challenges that I faced a few years back, were the very challenges that galvanized my resolve and strengthened my determination. My community and was son were relying on me to be the example that I wished to have when I was younger. One of the most profound impacts of being a non-traditional student has been the way it has reshaped my approach to education. As a single father, my time is incredibly precious. Each moment spent studying or attending classes is meticulously planned around my son's needs. The juggling act has taught me to be extraordinarily disciplined and efficient with my time. I have developed strong organizational skills and a dep sense of responsibility, not only for my own education but for my son's future as well. The struggle of returning to school later in life has also provided me with a unique perspective on the value of education. In high school, I was passionate about technology but lacked the resources and support to pursue it. After taking on various jobs to support my family, I realized that the gap in educational opportunities has a ripple effect on my community. Many of my peers face similar barriers, and the lack of access to higher education perpetuated a cycle of limited economic mobility. Despite these obstacles, my commitment to learning and self-improvement has never wavered. I enrolled in community college, where I excelled in my coursework and actively sought opportunities to deepened my understanding of computer science. Participating in local tech meetups and online coding communities allowed me to gain practical experience and stay updated with industry trends. Each small victory reinforced my belief that perseverance and hard work could break through barriers. The impact of my journey extends beyond personal achievements; it influences my vision for the future. I aspire to use my computer science degree to develop technology solutions that address the needs of underserved communities like the one I come from. By focusing on areas such as educational technology and community based applications, I hope to create tools that empower individuals and provide them with opportunities for advancement. My goal is to give back to my community and inspire others to pursue their passions, just as I have done. I hope to hope to honor the legacy of Robert "Bob" Lawyer, whose dedication to community and personal growth inspires me all the more. This scholarship would not only support my education journey but also enable me to contribute meaningfully to my community, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Unleashing Potential through Data: My Journey into Community-Driven Insights: In the world of technology. the potential to create meaningful change through data science is boundless. My passion for data science culminated in a unique project that not only enhanced my technical skill but also had a profound impact on my community. This project, which focus on analyzing and optimizing local public transportation routes, perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation and community service championed by the Chadwick McNab Scholarship. The project began with an observation: many residents in my community struggles with inconsistence and inefficiant public transportation options. Lack of transportation within my community, was a large barrier to healthcare access within rural areas. To address this issue, I embarked on a data-driven analysis aimed at improving the local transit system. The goal was to optimize bus routes and schedules to better serve the needs of the community, thereby increasing accessibility and reducing commute times. The data collection phase was extensive. I gathered historical transit data from the local transit authority, which included bus route maps, schedule adherence records, and passenger count logs. Additionally, I conducted surveys to gather qualitative data from commuters about their experiences and pain points. The dataset comprised of over 500,000 records, including timestamped location data from GPS trackers installed on buses, which provided insights into real-time route performance and delays. Using Python and R, I performed a comprehensive analysis of this data. I employed statistical techniques to identity patterns and anomalies, such as peak travel times, frequent delays, and underutilized routes. I then applied machine learning algorithms to predict future demand and optimize routes based on factors like population density, school locations, and commercial hubs. The predictive model used clustering techniques to group similar routes and identify opportunities for consolidation or modification. The findings were both illuminating and actionable. The analysis revealed several key insights: certain routes had excessive delays due to traffic congestion, while others were underutilized and could be repurposed to other areas with higher demand. For instance, a major route connecting downtown Savannah, Georgia to a residential suburb was found to be frequently delayed due to heavy traffic during peak hours. By adjusting the schedule and introducing an express service during peak times, we could significantly improve punctuality and reduce overall travel time. Implementing these changes require collaboration with local transit authorities and community stakeholders. I presented my findings through detailed reports and interactive visualizations, which highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed optimizations. The improved routes and schedules were piloted, and the results were promising: a 15% increase in on-time performance and a 20% rise in passenger satisfaction within the first three months. Working on this project was deeply inspiring. It demonstrated how data science can be leveraged to solve real-world problems and enhance the quality of life in a community. The ability to translate raw data into actionable insights that directly benefit individuals is what drives my passion for technology. This project not only honed my technical skills but also reinforced my commitment to using data science for social good. The experience has solidified my career goal of working in data science within the public sector. Although very novice, I am committed to learning more everyday, and aspire to continue to develop data-driven solutions that address community needs and contribute to societal progress. Receiving the scholarships would enable me to engage in more advanced research projects that align with my passion for community service. Additionally, such an opportunity would foster both personal growth and community advancement in the ever evolving filed of technology. Thank you for the opportunity to diversify STEM.

From an early age, numbers fascinated me. I was the kid who found solace in calculating how many books I could fit into a bag or figuring out patterns in daily routines. It wasn't just about arithmetic; it was about uncovering the hidden structures that governed the world around me. This fascination evolved into a deeper interest when I took a high school statistics course that opened my eyes to the power of data in making informed decisions. My path to data science was unconventional but deeply formative. After high school, I served in the U.S Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, a role that required meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills. My responsibilities included not only maintaining and repairing complex systems but also analyzing performance data to preemptively address potential issues. For example, I implemented a data driven maintenance schedule that improved aircraft reliability by analyzing historical performance data and identifying component failures. This experience demonstrated the profound impact of data on operational efficiency and safety. reinforcing my interest in data science. I also initiated a data collection project to monitor engine performance, which lead to significant improvements in preventive maintenance practices, which enhanced mission readiness. This experience also highlighted the critical role of data in optimizing complex systems. After transitioning out of the military, I decided to pursue a degree in Computer Science with a focus on data analytics. May, I add that I am the first person in my family that will graduate from a STEM field, means the world to me as an African American male. My call to action is to bridge the inequality gap that exists within the world of STEM. My current concentration at Georgia Southern will be to get involved in the world of healthcare informatics, to assist with analyzing patient data to identify trends in treatment outcomes. The thrill of turning rare data into actionable insights will be exhilarating. My goal is to develop a predictive model that can one day help veterans such as myself to improve patient care. Having a tangible impact, further reinforces my desire to use data science in everyday life. As an African American male pursing a career in STEM, I am actually aware of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with breaking barriers in this field. My experiences have taught me the value of resilience and the importance of representation. Serving as a role model in a predominantly underrepresented field, I am committed to inspiring others and advocating for diversity and inclusion. My goal is to use my expertise in data science to address disparities within impoverished areas, aiming to create data-driven solutions that improve healthcare outcome for underserved populations. Receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in achieving my career goals. It would alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and research. Moreover, it would enable me to participate in additional learning opportunities, allow more time to mentor the youth, attend workshops and conferences, which are crucial for staying abreast of the latest developments in data science. This opportunity would also allow me more time to make connections, to assist with overcoming challenges that come with pursuing a science career. To close, this scholarship would enable me to inspire others as a representative of diversity in STEM. Much like Mr. Pegues himself, my unwavering dedication to my community and peers, has inspired me to this point, and I look forward to more opportunities to give back, of which this scholarship will help to do so. Thank you for the opportunity to grow!

VISION and REPRESENTATION MATTER... The first line of my girlfriends graduation speech. She was chosen to represent her class as a speaker, being the only African American student at her college. She was chosen, and I was utterly shocked. So much surprised due to my lack of ability to see that she could be chosen from amongst her peers that looking nothing like her. I didn't think she would be chosen, and told her not too audition, based on my own fear, preconceived notions, and limiting beliefs. I am also an African American male, and a partner too her, and one would think that I would be the most supportive to her, and it still hurts to admit that I was not till this day. After 31 years of living on this earth as a minority, I finally understood what it really meant to be "conditioned". I had limited my partners vision, based on my own inability to see clearly. Living as a minority, we are often conditioned to believe that we can only come so far in this life, and as a result we feel like we are not fit to be in certain rooms, or are undeserving to be in higher positions. I had never seen a African American class speaker, so I did not feel that it was possible to do so. As a child I grew up impoverished, and was mentally ok with merely "surviving", because that was the norm. I did not have the tools the learn about financial literacy till my late 20's, and by that time, I was already in 50K worth of debt. I was repeating the endless cycle from my childhood. My parents both have a high school education, but I never witnessed them seeking higher education, so I wasn't sure if college was a lane for me either. So I put minimal effort into exploring college opportunities, and settled for a grocery store job due to lack of finances to attend college. Although I would late receive financial aid, I ended up dropping out of college my first semester, to help my mom pay bills, because I could not focus on school and work at the same time. I felt like another classic young African American male statistic/ stereotype, and felt as though sports was my only way out. The world of academics felt isolating, anyone who looked like me and was in school, were mostly recruited for sports. I was born and raised in the south, so racial tensions and bias were kind of a way of a life. Sadly to say, almost accepted in one way or another. Growing up around mostly African Americans, the most exposure I had to other races was when I joined the Air Force. It felt very isolating, to see no one of my likeness in positions of power to assist me. My friend group was very small, and I was often afraid to speak out in groups, due to my self perceived lack of grammatical syntax in comparison to my peers. I thought that there was a hierarchy, among those who were not of color, also as if I had again been conditioned to believe that I had too "sound as they do", in order to gain admission to an invisible upper echelon. Fast forward 10 years later, I am still learning how my upbringing and experiences have shaped my thoughts about the world around me and have decided to be apart of the change. Minorities need to SEE other minorities in positions that were once thought to be "impossible".

What does the world look like for a child born into poverty? How does the this impact a child's vision on what possibilities are available to him or her in the near future? Questions I oftentimes reflect on when thinking about my current position as a 31 year old new college student. Here I am, ten years post military service, having served my country honorable, yet I felt set back in life due to my upbringing. I was born in the inner city of Savanah, Georgia; luckily to a two person household, but it truly looked like a single parent household. As an African American child, I watched my mother work too the bitter end elevate my family, while living in an unlivable (construction-wise) home. My father on the other hand was around, but chose to abuse alcohol, so I learned what it meant to be a man, with the help of my grandfather, instead. So now we had a situation, where I wasn't sure what a healthy marriage looked like, and my mom didn't have the time to teach me how to navigate this life as a young black male. Still love her more than this world. This series of poor decisions that I witnessed as a child, lead me to making poor decisions in my 20's that lead to mountains of debt, a failed marriage, and having a child earlier than I would have liked. I could not reach back to my parents for guidance at this point, because they themselves were also in "survival mode". I would later get advice from my grandfather to join the military too dig myself of such a hole, and would later thank him for that advice. I later understood the value of proper parenting, financial literacy, and proper mentorship for those who are coming after me. While stationed in the military in Hawaii, I learned about the importance of effective leadership and surrounding myself with likeminded people with common goals. I soon discovered after talking with my friends, how much of a leg up they had in life at an early age from being taught the proper tools at a young age. I further learned the importance of vision, and understood that my own vision was limited by what I saw as a child. I didn't know how high I could go, because my family seemed to be ok in "survival mode". I wanted more for myself as a African American male and for my son who would also have to navigate this world too. Looking back to my four years in Hawaii, before I returned back home to Savannah to start school. I knew a couple things had to happen. I would have to start budgeting, which I wasn't taught to do, but rather forced to do to climb out of over 50K worth of debt. I am proud to say that that number is now down to 20K. I am also working while in school to support myself and my son financially to secure a better future for us. I have chosen the field computer science to make myself more marketable in the job sector, and to increase representation in the STEM fields. At the highest points within my military career, it seemed that the closer I got too the top, the fewer representation I saw in technical fields. I wish to help my community by enhancing financial literacy to the younger generations, and to also stimulate interest/confidence in the minority groups to engage in STEM career fields. Sometimes all we need is vision, and that is my mission.

As I take the time to reflect on the life events that have brought me to Georgia, the majority of it was influenced by the military. I often giggle when someone asks me, “Where are you from”. I hardly know how to respond at times. “Military Brats” oftentimes don’t know how to answer that question. The beauty within the struggle of moving every 4 years, is that I felt as if I had mini families, all around the country. Now I can spot military housing and haircuts from a mile away. It's funny to think of it now, military bases are sort of designed so you don’t have to leave. It’s a weird, yet insightful conundrum because I have seen more of the world in comparison to those within my close friend group. The military gives something to not only the service member but also to their families. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany, which was my mother’s favorite duty station. I don’t remember much from that place, other than my mother saying that it was super cold. My mother had met my father while serving in the Army, but unfortunately, things didn’t work out. My mother found out she was having twins and entered into the journey of single motherhood. Without funding from the military, I believe that we would have been impoverished. She had come from poverty growing up, and stated that “she would never let us suffer as she did”. I am forever grateful to the military for allowing my mother to show us what financial stability meant. At the age of 6, we moved to Michigan, where my mother had served at a naval base. I remember making monthly trips to the commissary, which was an hour away from our home. We had a small budget for the family, so I would often be reminded not to “eat all of the snacks at the beginning of the month”. My sister and I were often involved in MWR youth activities after school, most of the kids were military-related. My childhood friends and I would talk about which duty stations we had been to, and cry over whoever was coming next. Unbeknownst to me, I had learned the importance of comradery at a young age. The military gave my family a sense of meaning and purpose, that my mother never experienced growing up. My sister and I were afforded various opportunities that would not have been possible, without military affiliation. At the young age of 17, my sister would go on to join the Marine Corps, while I went away to the Air Force. We would often call each other and discuss our shared experiences from boot camp and lessons learned during deployments. At the age of 31, we have both exited the military, and both serve in the healthcare sector now. Post graduation in May of 2028, I have high hopes of becoming a cybersecurity analysist serving in the federal sector.