When I first heard about STEM, I wondered, 'What is it?' Now looking back, I realize I should've asked, 'What isn't it?' STEM offers endless opportunities, and that excites me. I'm especially drawn to computer science because it aligns with things I enjoy. I like being creative, innovative, and having the ability to make an impact. Computer science is a way I can channel my creativity and build something great, and that's what I look forward to doing. I grew up with exposure to various cultures. My parents aren't originally from the United States but came here to seek better opportunities not only for themselves but for their kids. I was born here, but my daily life felt like a blend of my culture. I've had the opportunity to travel to the places where my parents used to live, and I'm thankful for that because it's opened my eyes to how every country differs in technological advancement. These experiences deepened my connection to technology, and that's partly why computer science is a field where I feel I can make a significant impact. Whether it's through the development of software or being part of something completely new, I can tackle problems globally. Reading has never been my strong suit. But I've come to appreciate the valuable lessons that books can offer. One book that really stuck with me is 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower.' It's about a kid facing tough challenges during his first years in high school, and there's one line at the end that I just love: 'We are infinite.' That line really sums up the message of the book for me. It's about how, no matter what life throws at you, there's always a way through. This really resonated with me because I had an initial rough start in high school. I went into high school during a pandemic. I spent half of my freshman year doing virtual learning, which wasn't easy for me at all. Being stuck at home all day with little social interaction made it hard to stay motivated for schoolwork and made me feel isolated. But thankfully, I managed to push through. I've come to learn that even when things seem impossible, there's always a way forward. 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' taught me that no matter what obstacles come your way, you can still find a way to keep moving forward. Attending college is something important to me as I believe it will provide me with valuable opportunities to further develop the skills I have been learning during my high school years. College will offer me the chance to connect with like-minded individuals in the field and provide a platform for gaining hands-on experience. College serves as a pathway for me to start on my journey towards becoming a software developer. Receiving this scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial stress. My parents are always supportive of my goals, and if I can help them in the slightest, then I'll try to do that.

I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science. I was born in an age where technology is constantly evolving, and I was also raised by a Mexican family that exposed me to diverse cultures and showed me the differing levels of access to technology. These experiences broadened my perspective and gave me a deeper connection with technology. However, for a while, I didn't know what I truly wanted to pursue. I had interests in drawing, gaming, robots, and technology, but computer science never really crossed my mind because I simply didn't understand what it truly meant. It wasn't until my freshman year of high school when I took an introductory class in computer science, that I finally understood its concepts and became completely captivated. In that class, there was a board on the wall with numerous digitally designed artworks from students, and below all of them, there was a quote that went along the lines of, 'Computer Science is deeply creative work.' This resonated with me because it almost felt like a calling. Creativity is significant for me, and having limitless opportunities is too, and computer science fills that area for me. Pursuing this pathway not only allows me to work creatively but also offers me the opportunity to explore various fields that utilize computer science. But what's most important is that, in one way, shape, or form, through computer science, I can positively impact people's lives, and that is what excites me.