During my last semester, I had the opportunity to help design an AI-powered search system for a web project. This experience was pivotal in deepening my understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly in how these technologies can enhance user experience and accessibility. The project’s goal was to create a search tool that could direct users to whatever they typed into the search bar and answer questions like, “Do we have this or that on the site?” This meant that we needed to develop a system that could understand user queries in natural language, interpret their intent, and return relevant results quickly and efficiently. My role in the project involved working with both the front-end and back-end elements of the system. On the front-end, I helped design the user interface to make the search feature intuitive and user-friendly. We integrated AI in such a way that users could ask simple, human-like questions and receive accurate responses. On the back-end, I contributed to the logic that processed these queries, using machine learning algorithms to refine search results based on past user behavior. This allowed us to offer personalized results, improving accuracy over time. One of the most challenging but rewarding aspects of this project was training the system to understand different ways users might phrase the same question. For example, a user might ask, “Is product X available?” or “Do you sell product X?” Although these questions have the same intent, they are structured differently. To address this, I worked on implementing natural language processing (NLP) techniques, which enabled the system to recognize and interpret various linguistic structures. Beyond this, I learned about the importance of data preparation in machine learning. Collecting and cleaning the right data was essential for training the system effectively. We used historical search data and user interaction patterns to train the model, ensuring that it became more accurate and efficient over time. This taught me how vital good data is in machine learning and the iterative process of refining algorithms based on feedback. Looking forward, I foresee my contributions in AI and machine learning continuing to grow, especially in making these technologies more accessible and user-centric. I am particularly interested in using AI to solve problems in areas like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability. For example, I can see myself working on AI systems that assist doctors in diagnosing diseases or creating personalized learning platforms for students. My experience with the AI search tool showed me the power of AI in making complex information easier to access, and I believe that applying this principle in other fields can have a significant impact on society. In the future, I aim to explore reinforcement learning and more advanced NLP techniques to create even more interactive and intuitive AI systems. By combining my skills in coding, AI, and machine learning, I hope to develop applications that not only solve technical problems but also improve lives by making technology more human-centered.

Mark Henderson Jr How I Overcame Dealing with the Expectations from others Going into my final year of college, I have had a lot of time to look back and reflect on my long journey of my academic progression. One of the greatest challenges I’ve had to face throughout is the pressure from others to succeed. It feels strange to balance the desire to better yourself with the pressure to meet the high expectations of others. A lot of people think highly of me and my abilities and to be honest I didn’t see it within myself sometimes. I would always question why do they think so highly of me, why do they expect so much, what if I fail, how would they feel? It took me a while to understand why they think of me like that and helped me develop confidence in myself. I am eternally grateful for them and their continue support, it just took me time to understand that this is my life. I can ultimately choose which direction I want it to go in and not the direction of others. Yes they can influence which has also been a major help but doing something for the sake of others is completely different than doing it for yourself. The way I’ve dealt with overcoming these high expectations was through deep introspection throughout the years. Through introspection, I realized that I often took on the weight of expectations by trying to solve everything myself. In my efforts to prove that I was capable, to try and maintain an image I had, I avoided asking for help, even when it was needed. This mindset not only added to the pressure I felt, but also limited my growth. Once I realized this I began to see that asking for help wasn't a sign of weakness, but a strength. The people around me, those who believed in me, weren't there to judge my failures but to support my success. At first, I saw these expectations as something that limited my freedom, as if others were trying to control my path. It felt restrictive, and my initial reaction was to reject their guidance. I wanted to carve my own path, free from what felt like outside interference. However, over time, I began to realize that these expectations were not meant to stifle me, but to push me towards reaching my full potential. The people around me wanted me to succeed not for their sake, but because they believed in my ability to thrive. Once I recognized this, I stopped resisting and started embracing their support. In overcoming the expectations of others, I learned that while external pressures can be challenging, they often stem from a place of belief in my abilities. What matters most, however, is that I now have the confidence to pursue my own goals on my own terms. This journey of self-discovery has given me a stronger sense of who I am. I’m ready to face my future, supported by those who care about me, but guided by my own aspirations.

Mark Henderson How Technology Inspires Me In the spring semester of 2024, I embarked on a journey that began as a class assignment but quickly grew into something more personal. Tasked with developing a mental health website for my software engineering course, what started as a technical challenge soon became a meaningful endeavor, especially when I connected it to my own experiences. The inspiration for the website came from a close friend struggling with anxiety and depression. Watching them navigate the complexities of mental health and the difficulties in finding timely support was eye-opening. It made me aware of the gaps in the current system and how technology could play a crucial role in bridging those gaps. The idea of creating a virtual space where individuals could find support, resources, and a sense of community became the driving force behind my efforts. As I worked on the project, I realized this wasn't just about coding a functional website—it was about understanding the needs of those who would use it. I had to move beyond a purely technical mindset to one that prioritized empathy and understanding. This shift was essential in creating a platform that was efficient, user-friendly, and sensitive to its users' needs. Collaboration was key. Working with classmates who shared my passion for mental health advocacy added depth to our efforts. We brainstormed ideas, discussed potential features, and debated the best ways to make the website accessible and inclusive. Each decision, from the layout of the user interface to the inclusion of anonymous forums and crisis helplines, was made with the users in mind. One of the most challenging aspects was ensuring that the website maintained a high standard of data privacy and security. We were dealing with sensitive information, and it was crucial that users felt safe and protected while using the platform. This added complexity, but it also reinforced the importance of ethical considerations in technology development. As the project progressed, I became more invested in its success. It was no longer just a class assignment; it was a personal mission. The website became a symbol of hope, a way to use my skills in technology to create something that could genuinely help people. This experience taught me that technology, when applied thoughtfully and with empathy, has the power to transform lives. When the website was completed, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Seeing it come to life, knowing it could reach individuals in need, was incredibly fulfilling. It reaffirmed my belief that technology is more than just a career for me; it is a way to make a real difference in the world. This project reminded me why I pursued software engineering and inspired me to continue exploring how technology can be used to solve real-world problems. In the end, the mental health website was more than just a project; it was a journey of personal and professional growth. It reinforced my passion for technology and my belief in its potential to improve lives. Moving forward, I am committed to using my skills to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also compassionate and impactful.