Faith, to me, is the belief that hard work, perseverance, and integrity will guide me toward success. It is the trust that even in moments of doubt, dedication and resilience will lead to growth. This belief has shaped my academic path, leadership roles, and commitment to service. Like Patricia Lindsey Jackson and Eva Mae Jackson, I view education as more than personal achievement—it is a tool to uplift others and make a lasting impact. One of the most significant ways faith has influenced my life is through my dedication to learning. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at the New York Institute of Technology, concentrating in Information Technology and Business Administration. Taking on an interdisciplinary major required confidence in my ability to balance diverse fields and connect them in meaningful ways. At times, juggling coursework in different disciplines has been challenging, but my belief in the value of my education keeps me motivated. Faith has also played a crucial role in how I handle challenges. As a Teaching Aid in the Information Technology Department, I assist professors with classroom operations, including managing attendance, proctoring exams, and resolving technical issues. One of my key responsibilities is ensuring that hybrid classes run smoothly by troubleshooting projector and computer system malfunctions. There have been instances where unexpected technical failures disrupted lessons, but my trust in my problem-solving skills—and my ability to stay composed under pressure—helped me find solutions quickly. Similarly, my experience as a Research Assistant in the Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab strengthened my belief in persistence and analytical thinking. I worked on eye-tracking experiments using MATLAB to analyze perceptual expertise. When errors in data processing arose, I relied on patience and determination to troubleshoot and improve the research process instead of becoming discouraged. Beyond academics, my faith in leadership and service has guided my extracurricular involvement. As President of the Golden Key International Honor Society, I have organized volunteer opportunities, including coordinating food distribution efforts where members prepared and packaged meals for those in need. Seeing the immediate impact of our work reinforced my belief that leadership is about serving others. Additionally, my role in the Marketing Club’s Event Planning Committee has allowed me to organize campus events and develop promotional strategies to boost engagement. These experiences have strengthened my confidence in my ability to lead and collaborate, proving that small actions can create a ripple effect in the community. While faith has been an internal force guiding me forward, my father has been my greatest external source of motivation. He has always emphasized the importance of education, perseverance, and integrity. Whenever I have faced academic or personal obstacles, he has reminded me that setbacks are temporary, and that success comes from continuous effort. His encouragement has given me the confidence to take on new challenges and remain committed to my goals. Whenever I have faced academic or personal obstacles, he has been my unwavering support system. Whether it was struggling with a complex programming concept, balancing multiple leadership roles, or feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, he reminded me that setbacks are temporary, and that true success comes from continuous effort. His words are “Every challenge is a lesson in disguise”—have stuck with me, shaping how I approach difficulties. Faith has not only guided me through challenges but has also inspired me to be an advocate for growth—both for myself and for those around me. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it aligns with the values that have shaped my journey. With faith in my abilities, the guidance of my father, and a commitment to lifelong learning and service, I am determined to make a meaningful impact in both my academic career and beyond.

Love Island has captivated millions of viewers with its blend of romance, drama, and thrilling challenges. Introducing the "Heartstrings Heist" challenge—a high-stakes game that tests Islanders’ physical agility, emotional intelligence, and ability to navigate relationships in a dynamic way. The Heartstrings Heist challenge consists of two parts: the physical challenge, "Heartstrings Heist," and the mental challenge, "Heartfelt Confessions." The first part focuses on teamwork, agility, and strategy, while the second tests emotional depth and communication. The first part, Heartstrings Heist, begins with the Islanders split into two teams. Each team protects a heart-shaped structure adorned with glowing heartstrings, representing emotional bonds formed throughout the competition. The goal is to collect as many heartstrings as possible while stealing them from the opposing team. The arena features both teams’ heart structures at the center, and the Islanders race to retrieve heartstrings. They can steal strings from the other team but must avoid being tagged by the opposing team. If tagged, they freeze for ten seconds before continuing. This creates a balance of risk and strategy, where teams must decide between playing aggressively or cautiously. After the physical portion concludes, the challenge shifts to the emotional and mental aspect with the "Heartfelt Confessions" round. Each Islander writes a heartfelt message about another member of the opposing team—ranging from compliments to confessions or playful jabs. The Islanders are encouraged to be sincere and authentic, revealing deeper connections formed with others. Once the messages are written, the Islanders take turns reading them aloud, without revealing the author. The opposing team must guess who wrote each message. Correct guesses earn points toward their score, adding a layer of emotional intelligence and communication. This round showcases vulnerability and emotional awareness, as Islanders connect with one another under pressure. The Heartstrings Heist challenge combines physical agility and emotional insight, allowing Islanders to demonstrate a broader range of skills. The fast-paced physical portion and reflective emotional round provide both excitement and intimacy. This multifaceted challenge highlights the complexity of relationships on Love Island, testing physical strength, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. By blending these elements, the challenge guarantees dramatic moments that keep fans engaged while offering a deeper understanding of the relationships forming on the island. In conclusion, the Heartstrings Heist challenge brings a new level of excitement and connection to Love Island, balancing thrilling competition with emotional exploration. It gives fans more reasons to tune in and cheer for their favorite Islanders.

For this application to the Connections Fan Scholarship, I’ve created a puzzle inspired by the classic game featured in The New York Times. The objective of the puzzle is to organize a 4x4 grid of sixteen words into four groups of four, where each group shares a unique connection. I have chosen four distinct categories that test general knowledge, logical thinking, and the ability to spot relationships between seemingly unrelated words. In the first category, I focused on fruits and vegetables. The words apple, banana, carrot, and spinach all belong to this category, as they represent common items found in most grocery stores. Apple and banana are popular fruits enjoyed worldwide, while carrot and spinach are both vegetables, commonly used in cooking and salads. This grouping is simple but effective in testing basic knowledge of food categories, offering a straightforward connection based on common grocery store staples. The second category is devoted to famous scientists, and the words Einstein, Newton, Curie, and Tesla are grouped together. Each of these individuals made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields of science. Einstein is famous for his theory of relativity, Newton is known for his laws of motion and gravitation, Curie is celebrated for her pioneering work on radioactivity, and Tesla is renowned for his inventions in electrical engineering. This category serves to connect four influential figures in the history of science, each of whom revolutionized our understanding of the world in unique ways. In the third category, I brought together some of the greatest literary minds of all time: Shakespeare, Hemingway, Austen, and Dickens. These four authors have left an indelible mark on literature. Shakespeare, the legendary playwright, is known for his profound influence on the English language. Hemingway brought a unique writing style that was celebrated for its conciseness and emotional depth. Austen, whose works offer insight into social class and relationships in the early 19th century, remains a beloved figure in English literature. Dickens, with his keen social commentary and unforgettable characters, captures the essence of Victorian society. This category highlights some of the most respected figures in literary history whose works continue to be studied and celebrated today. Finally, the fourth category focuses on major technology companies, and the words Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft fit this group. These are some of the most influential and recognizable names in the modern world. Amazon revolutionized e-commerce and cloud computing, Google transformed how we access information through its search engine, Facebook (now Meta) reshaped social networking, and Microsoft has been a dominant force in software development. This category explores the companies that have dramatically changed the way we live, work, and connect with each other in the digital age. The puzzle I have created reflects my appreciation for the game while showcasing my ability to make connections across various fields. The four categories—fruits and vegetables, famous scientists, authors, and technology companies—cover a broad range of topics, offering both challenge and enjoyment to anyone attempting to solve it.

“The Bear” has been a whirlwind of emotions, tension, and growth for its characters, making it a captivating experience for fans. As the show progresses, each character has faced their own struggles, and a perfect ending would be one where they all find a sense of peace, success, and fulfillment, having come a long way from where they started. For Carmy, the journey has always been about healing and finding a way to balance his past trauma with his passion for cooking. The perfect ending for him would be him stepping into his own as a chef and leader, finally able to reconcile with his family. Carmy would open his own restaurant, one that embodies his creative vision while also being a place of healing for him. His restaurant would thrive, and he would no longer be burdened by the guilt of his past, creating a fresh path forward for himself and his team. Sydney, who has been fighting for her place in the culinary world, would find the recognition she deserves. The perfect ending for her would be her running her own kitchen, gaining the confidence to trust her instincts. She would have the opportunity to mentor younger chefs and even start her own restaurant, where she would innovate and inspire the next generation of culinary talent. Sydney’s success would feel especially rewarding because it would be a culmination of all the hard work and challenges she has faced. Marcus’s journey has been quieter but no less significant. As a pastry chef, his growth has been steady, and the perfect ending for him would be to see him open his own bakery or patisserie, showcasing the artistry and passion he’s developed over the years. Marcus’s creativity would be celebrated, and he would finally receive the recognition he’s always deserved. Richie, who has been a source of both chaos and comic relief, would have a satisfying ending where he finds a sense of purpose. Whether it’s managing a restaurant, working in food education, or mentoring others, Richie’s path would take him to a place where he feels valued and proud of his contributions, marking a huge personal transformation. Finally, the restaurant itself, which has served as the heart of the show, would come into its own. It would not only be successful but also a reflection of the characters’ growth. The chaos would have subsided, and the restaurant would stand as a testament to their shared journey, a place where their hard work and passion have come together in harmony. In the end, the perfect conclusion to “The Bear” would be one where each character finds peace, success, and fulfillment, having overcome their struggles and evolved into versions of themselves they can be proud of. This ending would be satisfying because it reflects the raw and real nature of the show while providing hope for the characters' futures.

Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things worked. Whether it was disassembling household gadgets to understand their mechanics or experimenting with code to build small programs, I was driven by curiosity and a desire to solve problems. My passion for technology and business grew alongside my academic journey, shaping my path toward a career where I could integrate both fields to create impactful solutions. However, my journey has been anything but straightforward—it has been defined by perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to growth. As a first-generation college student, I have always understood the value of education and hard work. My academic dedication has earned me recognition on the Presidential Honor List and Dean’s Honor List, but my learning has extended far beyond the classroom. Serving as President of the Golden Key International Honor Society has been one of my most transformative experiences. In this role, I have led initiatives that connect students with academic and professional growth opportunities, including a mentorship program that pairs students with industry professionals. I have also organized volunteer events, allowing students to give back to their communities while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Leading a team of high-achieving individuals has taught me the power of collaboration, strategic planning, and inspiring others to achieve their full potential. Beyond Golden Key, I have embraced opportunities to broaden my skills. As a Teaching Aid in the Information Technology Department, I have provided technical assistance to students and faculty, ensuring seamless learning experiences. My role as a Research Assistant in the Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab has deepened my analytical skills, particularly in data processing and experimental design. Additionally, my involvement in event planning for the Marketing Club has strengthened my ability to organize large-scale initiatives and bring people together. These experiences have reinforced my ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and effectively communicate with diverse groups of people. My experiences have solidified my passion for technology and business strategy. I aspire to work in a field where I can leverage data-driven insights, innovation, and leadership to improve business operations and drive meaningful change. Whether through technology consulting, entrepreneurship, or corporate strategy, I want to create solutions that optimize efficiency and enhance accessibility. This scholarship will allow me to continue pursuing my education and professional development without the financial burden that often comes with higher education. It will provide me with the freedom to focus on my studies, explore new opportunities, and contribute to initiatives that align with my long-term vision. I am committed to making a difference—not just for myself, but for the communities and industries I hope to serve in the future.

Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about shaping economies, businesses, and people’s lives. As a woman pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Information Technology and Business Administration, I’m passionate about using finance to drive meaningful change. I want to help foster economic growth, create opportunities for underrepresented communities, and bridge the gap between finance and technology to make financial systems more efficient, transparent, and accessible. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve built a strong foundation in finance, data analysis, and business strategy. As a Research Assistant at the Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, I worked with MATLAB to analyze data—an essential skill for market research, risk assessment, and investment strategies. Teaching in NYIT’s Information Technology Department has strengthened my communication and leadership skills, both of which are crucial in finance. My involvement in the Marketing Club and as President of the Golden Key International Honor Society has given me experience in planning, coordinating, and executing initiatives that drive engagement and professional development. Despite progress, finance remains a male-dominated field, and one of the biggest challenges is the lack of mentorship and representation. I believe real change starts with stronger mentorship programs that connect aspiring female professionals with experienced women in finance. Having role models and guidance early on can make all the difference in retention and career growth. Another major barrier is financial literacy. Too many people—especially women—lack access to quality financial education, limiting their opportunities. I want to develop technology-driven financial education platforms that make learning about investments, budgeting, and wealth management engaging and accessible. By merging finance and technology, we can create innovative solutions that empower individuals to take control of their financial futures. I’m particularly interested in the role of financial technology (FinTech) in expanding access to financial services. Tools like blockchain and AI-driven finance solutions can make financial systems more secure, efficient, and transparent. By integrating these technologies into mainstream finance, we can break down traditional barriers and create new opportunities for women and marginalized communities. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education and pursue these goals. With my background in finance, technology, and leadership, I’m committed to making the finance industry more inclusive and accessible. By closing gaps in mentorship, financial literacy, and technology, I hope to help build a future where more women thrive in finance and shape the industry in meaningful ways by being an inspiration and leader.

I want to build a commitment for personal growth and supporting my community. I am hoping to build my future by continuously finding ways to combine technology and business. On the technology side, I want to develop solutions for individuals to have accessibility to obtain resources. On the business side, I can understand the economic aspects of a project. With my Interdisciplinary Studies degree concentrating in Information Technology and Business, I can gain the necessary skills and experience to build my future to achieve my educational and career goals. This has been demonstrated by my previous and current experience. This is why education is important, where as a role model, I can inspire others for personal growth. Personal growth means that I am obtaining skills and experience inside and outside college to obtain managerial roles, such as a Business Operations Manager to lead software development and manage all business operations as well as developing budgets for various projects. I understand that it takes skills and experience to obtain this role, but I can start by contributing to projects, joining extracurriculars and gaining work experience specifically in the fields of technology and business. This has been demonstrated by my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I completed in depth analysis of the results of eye-tracking experiments to make decisions for quality control. This experience demonstrates that I have to ensure processes are reliable in any field which promotes a safer society. I want to create a space where people feel seen and are heard. I want to address complex problems that impact my community. Whether it's mentoring someone through a tough class or helping my neighbors with tasks such as carrying their groceries, these actions can create a significant impact on others. Acting as a leader means that I am providing clarity and direction to others by offering guidance. Understanding the needs of people and developing solutions based on their impact ties in with pursuing a career in Business Operations.

My goals include my future career, pursuing high education, such as attending graduate school to obtain my Master's in Business Administration in Finance. My short-term goal for my career is to secure an internship or entry-level role in IT support to provide support for all devices to all staff and troubleshoot all types of technical issues or a Finance and Operations Intern to keep investors engaged and create reports that support the flow of the finance team. I understand that it takes skills and experience to obtain these types of roles, but with my previous and current experience, I am strengthening my skills in IT systems and financial data analysis. Also, I can expand my professional network by engaging in organizations and extracurriculars. My goal during college is to obtain certifications for Information Technology and business, such as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional or a Certified Financial Analyst. I want to develop proficiency in operating systems, cloud management, and improve my programming skills in languages, such as SQL, Swift, and JavaScript. This is for me to be proficient in cleaning and analyzing data from various sources. My long-term goal is to obtain managerial roles, such as an Information Technology Project Manager or a Business Operations Manager to lead software development and lead Information Technology projects by developing budgets. My past and current experience is helping me achieve these goals as my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I completed an analysis of the results from eye-tracking experiments to make decisions for quality control. Also, I currently serve a position as a Teaching Aid at the New York Institute of Technology Information Technology Department, where I coordinated logistics for events, including scheduling, and resource allocation. It's important to plan a budget for an overview on how to spread my finances towards my goals. I will use $200 once a year for conferences and networking events. I will use $300 to cover the costs of textbooks, software licenses, and school supplies. Also, I plan to use $200 for joining memberships for academic and professional organizations to add more people to my network and create meaningful connections, such as honor societies. I plan to save $200 annually for graduate school expenses, such as preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test. With this budget, I intend to track my expenses to see how my money is being used.

My name is Masa Otovcevic. I am a second-year undergraduate student at New York Institute of Technology majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies, concentrating in Business and Information Technology. I am passionate about technology and business. My long-term goals are to utilize technology to create tools that improve efficiency, and my business skills are to understand the economic aspects of a project. I can implement solutions that create a positive impact on the community. I have received the Presidential Honor List and Dean's Honor List. I am also the president of the Golden Key International Honor Society, where I received membership for being a high achieving student in an academic major and being recognized for outstanding academic excellence. In my current role as a Teaching Aid at the New York Institute of Technology Information Technology Department, I facilitated efficient classroom operations by managing attendance, addressing technical issues, ensuring minimal disruption and prompt resolution. These experiences demonstrate a strong foundation in leadership, academic excellence, technical skills, and problem-solving qualities. I will make a positive impact on the world through my career by gaining more experience and skills in the field of technology and business to address real-world challenges. With my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, it gives me a foundation in technical skills and business aspects. This is demonstrated in my previous role as a Research Assistant, where I ensured accuracy in research data by analyzing experimental results, identifying discrepancies, and implementing quality control measures in the MATLAB program. This can tie into my future career goal to become a Financial Analyst to specialize in investment management. I aim to leverage my skills in data analysis, risk assessment, and market forecasting to help individuals with their financial portfolios. In my future career I aim to focus on initiatives for greater accessibility to resources and efficiency to create systems that benefit the world. I plan to use my education to impact my community by utilizing technology to develop tools that address local challenges in education and healthcare. This is why education is important, where as a role model, I can inspire others for personal growth. With my previous and current experience, it has taught me that I have to ensure processes are reliable in any field which promotes a safer society. With the ability to analyze results and correct errors demonstrates strong analytic skills which can be applied in educational settings, where accurate data is essential.

I am enrolled in my current program is because the career path I decide to go into can make me create a positive impact on the community. At first, I didn't know what program I wanted to enroll in because I have been interested in technology and business, but I didn't know how I can incorporate that into one program. I had the option to major in Computer Science or major in Interdisciplinary Studies to concentrate in Information Technology and Business. I had to think about what I can do with this major. After doing research, talking with career counselors and connecting with others online through LinkedIn and students in my college, I decided to pursue something I am passionate about. I continuously seek to develop solutions that bridge technology and business opportunities. I have always wanted to utilize technology to create tools that improve efficiency and my business skills to understand the economic aspects of a project. I can implement solutions that create an impact in the community. I want to be involved in understanding market needs and working with development teams to make sure the product is efficient. So, I decided majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies would be the best option. I will use the acquired knowledge to benefit society by addressing pressing challenges and contributing to meaningful advancements. I can obtain the knowledge and skills for innovation and productivity. I can contribute to solving local issues, which can improve access to resources, which can aid in economic growth. With my Interdisciplinary Studies degree concentrating in Information Technology and Business, I will gain technical and analytical skills that can drive efficiency. An example that demonstrates this is my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I completed an analysis of experimental results from eye tracking experiments from correcting the MATLAB scripts to included updated lines of code into the new script. From the skills I have gained through this experience, I can contribute to advancements in healthcare or technology. Also, I currently serve a leadership role as President of the Golden Key International Honor Society to organize and coordinate events for my chapter and served as the Committee for Event Planning for the Marketing Club, where I coordinated logistics for events, such as scheduling and resource allocation. Working while being a college student has shaped my personal and academic growth. Balancing work responsibilities with coursework has pushed me to develop strong organizational skills and remain focused on my long-term goals. For instance, as my current position as a Teaching Aid in New York Institute of Technology Information Technology Department, I facilitated combined zoom classes by troubleshooting and repairing the computer system and communicated clearly with the professor of the course to resolve any technical issues in a smooth manner improving the learning process. So, all my work experiences can tie in with my future career as a financial analyst specializing in investment management. I aim to leverage my skills in data analysis, risk assessment, and market forecasting to help individuals with their financial reports.

A time when I demonstrated exceptional leadership skills is during my professional journey as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab. I was responsible for completing an analysis of experimental results to rectify any discrepancies in the programs, ensuring precision in all procedures. Midway through the project, I had a task to update a MATLAB program with an existing program, so that I was able to analyze the data from the eye tracking experiments, but I discovered inconsistencies in the dataset, which could also be from not double checking two same scripts, where one of them had to be updated, since the updated one was the program that was being used when experiments were running. Also, I couldn't cause any delay because experiments were running all the time. I figured out the cause of the inconsistences by reviewing the steps and identifying where the errors started from. With leveraging my expertise in MATLAB, I created a custom script to correct the errors and automate portions of the data cleanup process. This solution resolved the issue and made the process of data analysis more efficient. Also, experiments can be run more smoothly without the program crashing during or after the eye-tracking experiments that were being conducted. I could be able to focus on interpreting the results and with learning my mistakes from that experience, I could try to reduce future errors in other experiments that being ran from the MATLAB scripts. I explained to my team the updates I have made with the MATLAB script, so this is why communication is important to be a leader. The results of the project were more accurate to these changes, and I became more confident to address complex problems. This experience represents the importance of communication, collaboration and problem solving in the workplace and using my technical skills in coding, data analysis and research to obtain a solution. This is where I was able to present human factors and neuroscience research to understand how perceptual expertise affects eye movements. I plan to apply my skills to my future career by doing research on different careers to see which roles align with my skills to specialize in investment management. I can utilize my skills in data analysis, risk assessment, and market forecasting to help individuals with their financial reports. I understand that it takes time and experience, but with gaining skills and experience through coursework, projects and work experience, I can start out with internships and entry level roles such as a business analyst and a product analyst to make a positive difference to develop tools that deliver solutions to individuals.

My name is Masa Otovcevic and I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I am a daughter of two hardworking parents, and I am grateful for everything they have done to support me. I have maintained a strong academic record, and I am interested on how technology can improve the efficiency of businesses processes. I am proud of my accomplishments, such as currently serving as the president of the Golden Key International Honor Society, where I coordinate all chapter meetings and act as a primary representative for the chapter. I am also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, where I joined based on academic excellence and leadership potential through a selective process. This scholarship will help me achieve my educational goals to be able to focus on my coursework, extracurriculars, and organizations, which will help me gain experience and skills for the fields I intend to go into. Obtaining this scholarship will take a lot of burden off me for covering the costs of college. Eventually, this scholarship can build a foundation for a career to specialize in investment management. Also, this scholarship can motivate me to continue pursuing my studies. My academic goals are to gain more skills in my field of study. I aim to leverage my skills in data analysis, risk assessment, financial planning and management. Also, I want to focus on projects on stock price trends to predict future performance to make stock market decisions. This will prepare me for a career as a financial analyst to gather and organize data. With the data, I can analyze past information. With gaining the necessary experience and skills, I can be prepared to attend graduate school to pursue my master's degree in business concentrating in finance. I have contributed to my community by helping my neighbors with various tasks, such as carrying groceries and carrying heavy items. Also, I shovel snow during the winter or rake leaves during the fall. This fosters a sense of connection and care within the neighborhood. I always try to help my neighbors with various tasks because it encourages a sense of community, I have learned the value of building strong relationships and making a positive impact in my community. A time that I have failed was during my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Humans Factors and Neuroscience Lab, I was responsible for ensuring the precision of results from the eye tracking experiments that were conducted. Early in the project, I encountered errors in the data, which affected the accuracy of the data analysis, so I produced incorrect interpretations of the data, which I presented to the team. This failure taught me the importance of checking every step in the data processing phase. Also, it taught me that I could ask for help if I had any concerns for any step. My greatest strengths are data analysis, coding, problem-solving, communication, collaboration and leadership. An example that demonstrates this is my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Humans Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I programmed all eye tracking experiments in MATLAB, by the reviewing the analysis to correct any errors in the program. I communicated with my team to address any issues that could affect the analysis and address any discrepancies. Other examples that demonstrate this is taking courses, relating to various topics and engaging in extracurriculars where I served as Committee for Event Planning for the Marketing Club and currently serve as the president for the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Education holds a significant value to me, since it is a way of achieving my long-term goals related to my future career, pursuing a master's degree and building a better life for myself. As a daughter of 2 hardworking immigrant parents who arrived in America from Croatia due to hardships they were facing in their homeland, they have made sacrifices for me, such as working late night shifts, and my mother taking care of me and my younger sister. Being the first in my family to attend college, means there are many opportunities for me because I know that to achieve opportunities, I need resources, such as scholarships to continue with my education, focus on my studies, joining organizations, clubs, gaining work experience. With gaining experience and skills, after graduating with my bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, I intend to enter the field of Finance, to specialize in data analysis for risk assessment to forecast different markets to help individuals with their financial portfolios and reports. Working diligently is really important for me as a woman, since the fields of technology and finance have historically had gender imbalances, so I want to make a mark to leave a significant impact and take on leadership roles by starting now, where that has been demonstrated by my current and past experiences. The legacy I want to leave is for women who are underrepresented in all fields to feel empowered because I want to be a role model to inspire future generations in the future and for more women to take opportunities that will benefit them by receiving an education. By advocating for gender equity and addressing issues that women have faced in education, workplace, in their own homes and much more complex issues, I can ensure that these issues are being heard. I am proud to maintain a 3.6 GPA and currently serve as the president of the Golden Key International Honor Society for achieving outstanding academic excellence and demonstrating leadership. I organize and coordinate all chapter meetings and events by acting as the primary representative for the chapter. Also, I am proud of making meaningful contributions to the Computer Science Expertise project that I previously worked on in the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I utilized MATLAB to execute an analysis of results from eye tracking experiments that were conducted to resolve an errors in the program to eventually complete an analysis and provide important interpretations on how individuals perceive what is around them. Achieving these accomplishments are important to me because the more experience I gain inside and outside of college, will be beneficial for future opportunities that I have worked hard for. In the future, I can build more confidence to take on leadership roles in companies, such as a Product Manager to bridge the gap between Technology and Business to develop solutions that simplify complex problems in my community, which can leave a legacy for women and first-generation students.

Being a first-generation college student influences my career goals because when my family arrived in America escaping hardships caused by conflict in Croatia, they persevered by working every day to be able to support my dreams. The process of adjusting to a new environment, language and culture can be overwhelming, especially when they are trying to find a job and housing. They always did everything they could for me to advance further in my education, since they believed education was important to build a better life. As I was growing up, watching my family work relentlessly from working late night shifts, taking care of me and my younger sister, ensuring that the home is taken care of and making sacrifices, I have developed a commitment to dedicate myself to achieve my goas. Of course, I need resources, such as winning scholarships, maintaining an outstanding GPA, joining organizations, working on projects and gaining work experience to focus on my long-term goals for my career. With my commitment, I am proud to maintain a 3.6 GPA currently in college. With my outstanding academic excellence and leadership skills, I currently serve as the president of the Golden Key International Honor Society, where I am responsible for coordinating all events and acting as the primary representative for the chapter for developing goals for the chapter. My work experience also aligns with my long-term goals of entering the field of technology and business, where I aim to leverage my skills in data analysis, to assist individuals with their financial portfolio and reports. I aim to achieve this by developing essential financial solutions that can contribute to growth over time. One example of work experience that demonstrates this is previously working as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I utilized MATLAB for a complete data analysis, which provides interpretations to make decisions. I am proud of all my accomplishments that I have achieved. Being the first person in my family to attend college, I have an abundance of opportunities for my career and am gradually working my way up to be a Product Manager. I understand that it takes time and experience to work my way up to a role as a Product Manager, but I can develop essential skills, take on entry roles, such as a Product Analyst, and Business Analyst and make meaningful connections.

I will use my unique talents and skills to build a more empathetic and understanding global community by gaining experience in specific fields that I am interested in, such as technology and business. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and, with the skills and experience I can gain from coursework, projects, and work experience, I can contribute to industries such as healthcare and education. Eventually, I can transform individuals’ curiosity and turn judgment into compassion. On the technical side, I can leverage technology to create tools that simplify processes and improve efficiency that can address local challenges that the global community faces. With my business skills, I can understand the economic aspects of projects, so I can implement solutions that have an impact on the community. In my current role as Teaching Aid at the New York Institute of Technology Information Technology Department, I communicated effectively with professors of the class and resolved any technical issues to facilitate combined zoom classes. I made sure classroom sessions ran smoothly to improve the learning experience. These highlight my contributions to improving the learning process for professors and students. Additionally, I previously served as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I leveraged MATLAB for comprehensive data analysis, providing insightful interpretations to facilitate informed decision-making processes. I was committed to understanding how people perceive the world, which is essential for empathy. With my experience of taking on a leadership role as a President at the Golden Key International Honor Society, where I acted as a primary representative for the chapter. Also, I was responsible for planning, organizing all chapter meanings, which represents my commitment to foster growth and understanding within the community. I understand building a more empathetic and understanding global community takes time, unique talents and skills. With my determination to foster growth, innovation and with my unique talents involving the technical and non-technical side, I am able to commit to roles in the future, combining all my skills and unique talents. Obtaining an education means that I am able to inform myself on societal and complex issues that affect my community, with my main goal being developing tools and solutions, so that there is improved access to resources. I intend to do all of this by contributing to the development of new technologies to societal challenges, which can help find answers that the global community is looking for.

Choosing my field of interest of Interdisciplinary Studies was difficult because I wasn't sure if I wanted to study only one field, especially since I was interested in technology and business. Also, my goal in college was to find a way to combine the fields of business and technology. It was either majoring in Information Technology or Business. Then, I had to think about my career goals and what I can I do with this degree. I have done everything to receive career advice, such as researching, speaking with undergraduate and graduate students in this field and meeting with career counselors. I become interested in becoming a product manager, where I can develop tools that improves efficiency. Additionally, my business skills can help me understand the economic aspects of projects. To me creating an impact means obtaining my education, since it acts as a foundation for collective growth. I plan to utilize my education to benefit my community, since I can obtain the knowledge and skills for innovation and productivity. I can contribute to solving local issues, which can improve access to resources, which can aid in economic growth. With the complex problems that my community faces, my education can help with my critical thinking and innovation. I have demonstrated that I am able to do this with fields I have worked in and projects I have contributed to. An example of demonstrated my skills in critical thinking and innovation is with my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, I leveraged MATLAB for comprehensive data analysis, providing insightful interpretations to facilitate informed decision-making processes. This impacts how decisions are made for the quality of data. This precision in imaging can contribute to advancements in knowledge, which results in better outcomes. Helping my community and professional growth will help me achieve my professional passion, I want to constantly learn every day in different fields, which is one of the main requirements of majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies. I want to take on challenges that my community faces, since I can be informed about societal issues and be active in my community. I am able to make decisions to vote responsibly. I want to take on leadership roles in my community in the future to support important decisions.

Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means that many doors will be open for opportunities that members of my family couldn’t receive. As the daughter of two hard-working immigrants that came to America to escape from hardships that were happening in Croatia, they persevered to make it by working. As I was growing up, I realized everything my parents did, such as making sacrifices and focusing on my education, was for me to get ahead in my education to eventually achieve my long-term goals. They have come in every way to support me and my dreams in the fields of technology, business and product management. I know that I should take an opportunity when there is one, because opportunities can be big for me to achieve my goals. I want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree to concentrate in Information Technology and Business. In college I want to combine the fields of business and technology. I have received the Dean's Honor List and the Presidential Honor List. I served as the Committee for Event Planning for the Marketing Club, where I coordinated logistics for events, including venue selection, scheduling, and resource allocation, ensuring seamless execution. This demonstrates that I am organized and able to manage aspects of events. I am currently the president of the Golden Key International Honor Society, where I ensured the group’s activities aligned with the mission of Golden Key and coordinated with faculty advisors to ensure the society runs smoothly. Also, I am a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, where I joined based on academic excellence and leadership potential through a selective process, and it signifies commitment to academic excellence. One of my long-term goals is to work full time as a product manager. I understand obtaining the role of a product manager takes time and experience. I need to ensure that I have a combination of technical and non-technical skills in different areas. I have developed these skills through my coursework, my work experience and working on projects related to coding, Economics, computer systems and Information Technology. So, after I receive my degree, I will start working in an entry-level role as a Product Analyst for a few years to understand how products are developed and managed. My second long term goal is to help my community with the education that I have obtained, since I have the knowledge on complex issues that affect my community. I can contribute to discussions that form local policies.

My education can be a starting point to inform myself the issues that my community faces. Currently, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrating in Information Technology and Business with a focus on Finance, which are both different fields, but I can still develop solutions that improve access to resources. I have always been interested in technology and Business and my goal in college was a way for me to combine them. An option was majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies, since I can enroll in courses for both of these concentrations. Ever since, I was little, I always dreamed of becoming a product manager for a company, since I want to be involved in understanding market needs and working with development teams to make sure the product is efficient. For my perspective, no matter what field you go in, I think it's important to understand your field and the business side. In my case, this is about bridging the gap between technology and business to make sure that the product is being delivered to the customers. I have always wanted to utilize technology to create tools that improve efficiency and my business skills to understand the economics effects of a project, I can implement solutions that create an impact in the community. I don't do all of my learning in the classroom. I also learn through various projects and through my work experience. An example is in my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab, where I executed an analysis of experimental results to maintain and rectify any discrepancies in imaging, ensuring precision in all procedures. I ensured that the imaging data is trustworthy, where this impacts how decisions were made. These skills can be applied in educational settings where accurate data is essential. This can relate to healthcare because accurate imaging can lead to more precise results which can improve patients' outcomes. Since I have experience working on projects and through my jobs, I want to continue to impact my community by learning every day. I want to understand my fields that I am concentrating in for me to break barriers by implementing solutions that creates a more innovative community. With more job opportunities and financial stability, helping the community become more self-reliant. I am able to connect with my community through civic engagement, such as voting and engaging in community decision making. Critical thinking and innovation are important to solve complex problems that my community faces.

I have chosen to pursue STEM because when I was younger, I was always fascinated by Science and Technology, from getting excited to learning about compounds in my Chemistry class and designing circuit boards in my Physics Lab in High School to working on various coding projects to improve peoples’ routine. I know that all that hard work I have done in high school to make it to this point in majoring in Computer Science in college has paid off. I know that for a long time it was impossible for a woman to enter into the field of STEM, as they have always been unrepresented. To me, making a difference means that I will stand up for myself and continue going for my dreams as a Software Engineer because this is the path I have been working towards. This is what I am focusing on, and I am ensuring my academic journey and my outside life, such as jobs, community service, and networking will equip me with getting ready for the process of being a Software Engineer. I know that it won’t be easy, but once I have started, I need to keep going. I have to make myself stand out and make sure that I get heard. That is where the job application comes in as this is a way to make myself stand out. In my previous role as a Research Assistant, I executed an analysis of experimental results to maintain and rectify any discrepancies in imaging, ensuring precision and quality control in all procedures. Currently, I work in IT to set up the projector in a classroom for combined Zoom classes. I also served on the Board of Committee of Event Planning for the Marketing Club at my college. So, with my different experiences, I feel as if that would make me stand out as a job candidate, As a woman in the field, it’s about not being looked down on. Making a difference means working on a specific task that will benefit for the greater good. Always reaching out for help is beneficial for me because I will always try to improve on a specific task. This help can be from family, friends, college, peers and mentors. Looking back, I have realized the work I have done in the past has enhanced my knowledge to continue working on bigger tasks, which can be done one at a time.

Choosing to peruse a higher education means a lot to me as a First-Generation student, especially coming from a family that didn't have any opportunities to attend college. So, of course being the older sibling, and having to balance education, having a job, having a social life, there was a lot of pressure on me. At times, I felt as if I was the head of the household. It was difficult for me because I never had that old sibling to explain everything about the process of transiting to college and balance outside life. It was up to me to figure everything out myself. With my family escaping political tension due to war in Croatia, which made them arrive to America 32 years ago, without knowing anything, clueless and not didn't have much to bring with them. My parents didn't know that college or obtaining an education could be an option, since they didn't have anyone to explain it to them. They both started working, where they were living at my uncle's apartment, so they were trying to get by. With the hardships they both persevered through challenges, and overtime they continued to maintain their jobs. Fifteen years passed by, and they still didn't take the opportunity to attend college, but they decided to start a family, so of course that is another responsibility. I understand what my parents and the sacrifices they made for me and my sister to pursue education, but being the older sibling means I always have to take the stick and be in control. My parents didn't want me to live the life they did, and they always told me each school year "start strong". Being born in America, which is known as the country as opportunity, it was obvious for me to start with education for a better life. During my senior year of high school, the whole college application process was daunting. With guidance from school counselors, friends and teachers, little by little I was figuring stuff out. I was preparing as best as I can for college because coming from a family who had nothing, it was up to be to do what I had to do and utilize resources to help me through the process. All that work I did through my years of school lead me to this point from balancing extra circulars of being Vice President of the Key Club, being Vice President of The National Honor Society, helping my neighborhood and top of that I had to focus on my studies to maintain my 3.7 GPA. I knew that work had to be paid off and be prepared for college as a first-generation student. I am grateful to have a family that supports me and my future dream of being a Product Manager and obtaining my degree in Computer Science at New York Institute of Technology.

My name is Masa. I am an undergraduate second year college student majoring in Computer Science. As a Computer Science student with a keen interest in software engineering and Product Management, I am driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and business. Currently, I am actively engaged in various projects utilizing Java, Python, and JavaScript, where I continuously seek to innovate and develop solutions that bridge technology and business opportunities. This scholarship will make a difference for me because I can utilize and benefit from the support to continue with pursuing my education. I have always believed that education is a powerful tool to get ahead. With education, sheds light as there are endless possibilities on the specific path I decide to take. I know that the journey won’t be easy or smooth, but continuous support in any way will keep pushing me to shape my academic journey. Although Business and Computer Science are different fields, they can both be compliments that many companies look for in candidates. In the future of my academic journey, I plan to take Business and Computer Science classes, since I can take Business classes as my electives. With that, I believe it can make a stronger candidate for future job opportunities. One example is my dream career of being a Product Manager, where I can have a strong sense on why this product is important and it’s always about improving. The creation of products involving technology requires teamwork in multiple departments, such as IT, Engineering, Marketing and sales. One of my Computer Science professors suggested that I can become a Business Analyst to product data-driven solutions for improvements, but I had to work my way up to become a Business Analyst. A time that I have experienced emotional weakness is at my previous role as a Research Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab. There was one task assigned by my supervisor to me to update and save the file name of each experimental trial, where these trials had to do with comparing eye movements across images from novices to experts in the field of Radiology. I was only a first-year undergraduate student when I had this job, and I was still learning about coding. This caused me emotional weakness because I didn't want to let my supervisor know that I didn't understand what to do, since it I was on my 7th month of working there. I did ask a few questions, but I was still stuck. At this point, I even considered telling my supervisor I quit. I have watched countless YouTube tutorials, had MATLAB training, where I have received certificates in MATLAB. I have read a plethora of research papers and gone over similar experiments that have been conducted in the past in previous colleges. This means that if I did all that, then I care about my job too much to just quit. So, 2 weeks later after I got assigned the task, I asked my supervisor if I can speak with him and me and him sat in the lab together and I explained to him the issue. We decided that the programmer who has worked on the experiments can make a video explaining the programs. I could send the programmer specific question if I had any doubts or concerns, so I did that. Of course, it took time for me to get the task done. Since this was a hybrid job, I could work at home and do each part little by little. It was like a puzzle, where everything seemed to fit.

One project that I was really passionate about that I worked on was the Computer Science Expertise project as a Reseach Assistant at the New York Institute of Technology Human Factors and Neuroscience Lab. It equipped with the skills and experience needed for future career opportunities. I particularly enjoyed working on that project because it combined two different fields of study, which was Psychology and Computer Science to track the eye movements and compare them with novices from experts in Radiology. I updated the files which contained the experimental code to fix any discrepancies and errors. At that moment, I realized that coding was a long-time career for me. I knew from a young age, that being invested into technology would be the right path. I got inspired by other women in technology to break through barriers and open myself to different horizons. Working in technology is much more than sitting in front of a computer. It's about utilizing new technological developments for the greater good because at a point, it can help humanity. Working in technology has advanced and is continuing to advance me to the text parts closer to my dream career, which is working with Computer Software or Software Engineering. I couldn't let anyone, or anything stop me from achieving my dream because I knew that I couldn't go back. I had to continue as younger me would've known this the right career path. When people ask me for help with an issue with their computer and I help them, it puts a smile on my face. I know to most people it might not seem like a big deal, but specializing in computers has made me happy. With my experience in working in a project for my job as a Research Assistant, it has given me a foundation when I go search for future jobs because it's as if I have a base on the knowledge companies are looking for to hire the right candidate. Also, attending a technical college, where an abundance of students is in a program related to technology, it gives me an opportunity to connect with others and learn their stories. I can understand what brought them here and why they choose the path that they did because not all of our stories are the same. We didn't come from the same place, but we attend the same college, and we can help each other.