My computer science goals are centered around building a strong foundation in cybersecurity and cyber engineering while developing the technical skills needed to succeed in the field. I want to gain hands-on experience with network security, ethical hacking, cloud security, and system protection so I can better understand how to identify vulnerabilities and prevent cyberattacks. Technology continues to grow every day, and I know the cybersecurity field is always changing, which is why I want to continue learning throughout my career. Earning my degree is an important step, but I also plan to pursue industry certifications, internships, and real-world experience that will help me stay competitive and knowledgeable. My long-term goal is to work in a role where I can help protect organizations, secure sensitive data, and contribute to building safer digital systems. I am especially interested in working in industries where security is critical, such as healthcare, finance, education, or government systems. Another important computer science goal of mine is to grow into a leadership position in the future. I would like to eventually manage security teams, lead projects, or help create security policies that make organizations stronger and safer. I also want to stay updated on new threats, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies so I can continue adapting to the future of cybersecurity. My goal is not only to find success in the field, but to become someone others can depend on for knowledge, guidance, and problem-solving. In addition to my computer science goals, I also have personal and non-computer science goals that are just as important to me. One of my biggest goals is to build a stable and successful future for myself and my family. I want to create opportunities that provide financial security and long-term growth. I also value personal development, health, and resilience. After going through challenges such as open heart surgery, I developed a deeper appreciation for life, determination, and perseverance. That experience taught me how important it is to stay strong during difficult times and continue moving forward no matter the obstacles. I also want to give back to others and make a positive difference in my community. Whether through mentoring students, volunteering, or encouraging others who may be struggling, I hope to use my experiences to help people stay motivated. I know that many students doubt themselves or feel limited by personal challenges, and I want to be an example that success is still possible through hard work and persistence. In the future, I plan to combine my computer science goals with my personal goals by using my career to make a meaningful impact. I want to work in cybersecurity not just as a job, but as a way to help protect people and organizations from harm. Cybersecurity affects everyone, and being able to defend important systems can make a real difference in people’s lives. At the same time, I hope to use my success to support my family, mentor others, and continue learning throughout my life. By combining technical skills with compassion, resilience, and determination, I hope to build a career that is both successful and meaningful.

My name is Maria Lizarraga, and I am a dedicated and hardworking student currently pursuing a degree in cybersecurity and cyber engineering. I chose this field because technology has become such an important part of everyday life, and with that growth comes the need for stronger security. People depend on computers, phones, networks, and online systems for communication, education, banking, healthcare, and business. Because of this, protecting sensitive information and preventing cyberattacks has become more important than ever. I want to be part of the solution by learning the skills needed to defend systems, solve technical problems, and help organizations stay secure. Education means a great deal to me because it represents opportunity, growth, and the chance to create a better future. Earning a college degree is one of my biggest goals because it will open doors to a stable and rewarding career. It is also important to me because I want to make my family proud and show that hard work and determination can lead to success. Throughout my academic journey, I have learned that success does not come easily. It requires dedication, patience, and the willingness to keep going even when challenges arise. One of the biggest challenges I have faced was going through open heart surgery while trying to continue my education. Recovering from such a major procedure was physically and emotionally difficult, and it tested my strength in many ways. There were times when balancing my health, recovery, and school responsibilities felt overwhelming. However, that experience taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of never giving up on my goals. It made me even more determined to continue my education and build a successful future despite obstacles. I believe I should be awarded this scholarship because I am committed to making the most of my education and building a meaningful future. I take my studies seriously and understand the value of every opportunity I receive. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of tuition, books, and other school-related expenses. With less financial stress, I would be able to focus more of my energy on academics, career preparation, and gaining additional certifications that are valuable in the cybersecurity field. It would also allow me to spend more time developing practical skills through projects, internships, and hands-on learning experiences. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education, but it would also be an investment in someone who is determined to give back. My long-term goal is to build a successful career where I can help protect businesses, communities, and individuals from cyber threats. I also hope to encourage other students who face challenges to keep pursuing their dreams. I am motivated to succeed, ready to work hard, and grateful for any support that helps me move closer to achieving my goals.

My passion for cybersecurity began with a natural curiosity about how technology works and how information can be both protected and exploited. Growing up, I was always interested in computers, but it wasn’t until I started learning more about cyber threats, data breaches, and ethical hacking that I truly became fascinated with the field. I realized that cybersecurity is not just about technology—it is about protecting people, their identities, their privacy, and their trust. That understanding inspired me to pursue cybersecurity as a career, where I can make a meaningful impact in an increasingly digital world. As I continued my education, my interest in cybersecurity grew stronger. I became especially interested in how attackers think and the strategies used to prevent and respond to threats. This field constantly challenges individuals to think critically, solve problems, and stay one step ahead of potential risks. I enjoy that cybersecurity is always evolving, which means there is always something new to learn. This motivates me to stay dedicated and continue building my skills. However, my journey has not been without challenges. One of the most significant obstacles I faced was undergoing open-heart surgery last year. This experience was both physically and emotionally difficult, and it temporarily disrupted my education and daily life. Despite this, I remained determined to continue pursuing my goals. The recovery process required patience, strength, and resilience, but it also gave me a new perspective on life. I learned not to take opportunities for granted and to push forward even when circumstances are difficult. In addition to personal challenges, I have also faced academic obstacles while learning cybersecurity concepts. Some topics can be complex and require a great deal of time and effort to fully understand. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but I worked to overcome these challenges by staying consistent, seeking help from instructors and peers, and dedicating extra time to studying and practicing. I have learned that persistence is key, and that growth comes from pushing through difficulties rather than avoiding them. These experiences have shaped my approach to cybersecurity in meaningful ways. They have taught me the importance of resilience, discipline, and continuous learning. Cybersecurity is a field where challenges are constant, and my personal journey has prepared me to handle them with determination and a problem-solving mindset. I now approach obstacles as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than setbacks. Looking ahead, my goal is to build a successful career in cybersecurity where I can help protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats. I want to continue expanding my knowledge, gaining hands-on experience, and possibly specializing in areas such as network security or ethical hacking. I am committed to staying current with emerging technologies and threats, and to always striving for growth both personally and professionally. Overall, my passion for cybersecurity is driven by my curiosity, my desire to protect others, and the challenges I have overcome along the way. My journey has shaped me into a determined and motivated individual, and I am excited to continue pursuing a future in this field.

I am a cybersecurity student who is passionate about technology and protecting people in an increasingly digital world. I have always been interested in how systems work and how to keep information safe, and that curiosity has grown into a clear career goal. I want to be part of a field that helps prevent cyberattacks and protects individuals, businesses, and communities. At the same time, my personal experiences have played a major role in shaping who I am today. Growing up with ADHD and autism has influenced how I learn, think, and interact with others. There were times when school felt overwhelming, especially when I struggled to stay focused or process information in the same way as my peers. Despite this, I have always been determined to succeed and prove to myself that I am capable of reaching my goals. One of the biggest obstacles I have faced was not only managing my ADHD and autism in an academic environment, but also going through open-heart surgery last year. That experience challenged me both physically and mentally in ways I had never experienced before. Recovering from surgery while trying to stay on track with school and responsibilities was incredibly difficult. I had to deal with pain, fatigue, and emotional stress, all while trying to keep up with assignments and expectations. There were moments where I felt exhausted, discouraged, and unsure of how I would keep moving forward. However, I reminded myself why I started and what I wanted for my future, and I refused to give up. To overcome these challenges, I developed strategies that worked for me. I learned how to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps so I would not feel overwhelmed. I created structured routines to help me stay organized and focused, even on difficult days. I also learned the importance of asking for help and advocating for myself when I needed support. These habits not only helped me recover and stay on track, but they also improved my overall approach to learning and problem-solving. Through these experiences, I discovered a level of resilience and strength that I did not know I had. I learned patience, discipline, and how to adapt to difficult situations. I also realized that the way I think, which once felt like a challenge, is actually one of my greatest strengths. In cybersecurity, being detail-oriented, persistent, and able to think differently are valuable skills, and my experiences have helped me develop them. While these obstacles were difficult and sometimes discouraging, they have ultimately had a positive impact on my life. They have made me stronger, more independent, and more focused on my goals. I now approach challenges with a mindset of growth rather than fear. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is determined, resilient, and ready to succeed. As I continue my education and pursue a career in cybersecurity, I am confident that I can overcome future challenges and make a meaningful impact in my field.