My first ten years of life were defined by the uncertainty of civil war and displacement. As a refugee in Germany and later an immigrant in the United States, I quickly recognized the immense power of language, both spoken and digital. Arriving at age ten with knowing only two English words, my drive to adapt was immediate and total. Within six months, I was fluent, and that same determination led me to a life-changing discovery: the computer. ​Seeing a computer for the first time was more than just novel; it offered a world of pure logic and predictable systems, a stark and welcome contrast to the chaos and instability I had known. This immediate spark of curiosity quickly grew into a foundational passion, guiding me to pursue a degree in Computer Science. The pathway to STEM was paved by the very resilience I developed navigating a new world. The discipline required to overcome cultural and language barriers, manage crippling anxiety, and confront a speech impediment caused by trauma perfectly paralleled the relentless problem-solving required in engineering. I learned that every failure is simply a debugging moment, not a stopping point. My early life made me an expert in rapid adaptation and thriving under duress, skills that are foundational for a successful software engineer. ​My choice of STEM is ultimately a choice for real-world impact. As a full-time Software Engineer, I contribute to the safety of the communities that once safeguarded me by developing cloud software for law enforcement and prosecutors. This direct connection between the algorithms I write and the protection of citizens is the ultimate fulfillment of my early resolve. I use my technical skills every day as an engine for civic good. ​As a woman in the field, my commitment to making a difference is rooted in my unique perspective and my capacity for visibility. My perspective is shaped by my journey as a former refugee, an immigrant, and now, a working mother. This lens instills a profound sense of empathy and a commitment to building technology that is secure, equitable, and serves the needs of all vulnerable populations. ​My purpose is deeply tied to ensuring technology, especially in high-stakes fields like public safety, is developed responsibly. I want to demonstrate how diverse life experiences translate directly into better, more ethical solutions. The next step, graduate school at Vanderbilt University, is essential for deepening my technical expertise in systems that support justice and community protection, allowing me to innovate on a systemic level. ​Finally, my visibility matters. I aim to be a visible example of what is possible. Balancing a demanding career, rigorous graduate studies, and raising my one-year-old son is an act of determination that combats the limiting narratives often placed on women in tech. I hope to inspire other women and mothers to pursue ambitious STEM careers by proving that it is possible to be both fiercely dedicated to engineering excellence and deeply committed to family and personal growth. ​My graduate journey is an acceleration of my life’s mission. I approach it with the same curiosity and relentless determination that carried me through my earliest challenges, ready to lead and innovate in the world of technology.