I got into computer science because, to be honest, computers were just really cool to me as a kid. Like a lot of gamers, I spent hours on them every day, whether it was playing games, fixing problems, or just exploring. That time made me feel comfortable around technology, and I started to get curious about how everything worked behind the scenes. At one point, I thought I wanted to be a hacker. I’d see them on TV doing crazy things with just a keyboard, and it looked exciting. But once I actually started learning about it, I realized how tough it was. That didn’t push me away, though. Instead, I shifted gears and got interested in the people who defend systems from hackers. That’s what led me to cybersecurity. I liked the idea of using technical skills to protect people, systems, and data from real threats. Now I’m working toward a computer science degree with a focus on cybersecurity. My goal is to become either a penetration tester or a cybersecurity analyst. I want to be the person who helps find weaknesses before someone else does, or who investigates how an attack happened so it can be prevented next time. Whether I end up working for a government agency, a private company, or a nonprofit, I want to play a part that keeps our digital spaces secure. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because I’ve stayed committed to this path even when it’s been challenging. I currently have a 4.0 GPA and I’m focused on making the most out of my education. I didn’t grow up with a lot of resources, so being able to study computer science in college already means a lot to me. Getting this scholarship would take some of the pressure off financially and help me stay focused on my goals. More than anything, I just want to take this passion I’ve had since I was a kid and turn it into something meaningful.

My name is Marshall, and I’m a cybersecurity student at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA while working part-time at H-E-B to support myself through college. Balancing a full-time academic schedule with work and extracurriculars has pushed me to become more disciplined, adaptable, and committed to building a future I can be proud of. What draws me to cybersecurity isn’t just the growing demand for it, but the responsibility that comes with it. It’s a field centered around protection—whether that means safeguarding a hospital’s patient records, keeping small businesses secure, or helping prevent identity theft. As our world becomes more connected through digital platforms and technologies, it also becomes more vulnerable. I want to be part of the solution by helping build systems that are secure and reliable. My long-term career goal is to either become a cybersecurity analyst like my brother or specialize in penetration testing. I’m drawn to both paths because they allow me to actively defend systems and identify weaknesses before they can be exploited. Whether I’m analyzing threats, responding to incidents, or ethically testing an organization’s defenses, I just want to do interesting work while keeping people safe. I’m especially interested in working with government agencies or private companies where the impact is wide-reaching. Over time, I also hope to contribute to broader cybersecurity initiatives that promote stronger digital protection and greater awareness across communities. While I’m focused on building my career, I’m equally committed to giving back. One way I plan to make a difference in my community is by making cybersecurity education more approachable. When I first got interested in tech, it was overwhelming. Most of the resources were highly technical, and there weren’t many mentors or programs that made it easy to get started, especially for students who didn’t have access to introductory classes or technologies. As someone who has learning deficiencies, I also understand how hard it can be to stay engaged in traditional learning environments. That’s why I want to create hands-on workshops and mentoring opportunities for young people who might not learn in conventional ways. I believe real change happens when people feel seen, understood, and supported not just taught in a one-size-fits-all model. I want to help others discover the same passion I found, especially students who feel like they don’t fit the typical mold of a tech professional. Working at H-E-B has also taught me a lot about community. It’s more than just a job; it’s where I see firsthand how important it is to support people with empathy, reliability, and consistency. Whether it’s helping someone at every opportunity or showing up with a positive mindset because positivity starts somewhere and spreads. I’ve learned that impact starts with the little things. That same mindset drives how I approach both my studies and my future. In the end, my goal isn’t just to succeed for myself. It’s to take what I’ve learned and use it to uplift others. I'd imagine that’s by protecting people online, mentoring students who are just starting their journey, or helping bridge the gap between technology and underserved communities, I want to be someone who leads with purpose and makes every opportunity count.