The field of computer science, as it stands today, is a land of boundless promise—a wide-open prairie where dreams of progress roam free. Now, it seems to me that there’s no better use for these untamed wonders than to hitch them to a cause worth fighting for: the safety and dignity of the elderly. It is my aim to marry my passion for cybersecurity with my fondness for the older generation, and in so doing, pave a road where they can tread securely in the digital age without fear or trepidation. I have always held my grandparents in the highest esteem—they were wise in the ways of life, but when it came to technology, well, that was a horse of a different color. My parents, bless their hearts, are no better off. Watching them tussle with securing routers or decoding dubious emails has been enough to light a fire in me. I mean to bridge this chasm between the elderly and the world of technology, so they can traverse it with confidence rather than dread. Now, the notion I’ve set my sights on is a device—simple as a plow but mighty in its purpose. Picture a contraption that latches onto a router, speaking not in the gobbledygook of tech folk but in plain, honest language. Its interface would be as clear as a summer’s day, with fonts large enough for eyes that have seen many decades and instructions straightforward enough for minds unaccustomed to digital jargon. It would stand as a sentinel against online mischief, a trusty companion for those who’ve weathered life’s storms. To bring this idea to life, I aim to harness the full measure of my education in cybersecurity and computer science. I’ll delve into the depths of network security and user experience design, wrangling the complexity of these fields into something that serves rather than confounds. Along the way, I’ll seek out the wisdom of organizations devoted to the elderly, letting their insight shape the practical usefulness of my endeavors. As I cast my gaze to the horizon, I see a future where the digital divide narrows, and the elderly stride confidently into the technological frontier. This vision isn’t just about gadgets and gizmos; it’s about dignity, inclusion, and the simple yet profound belief that technology ought to serve us all equally. With this mission, I hope to weave together my technical skills and my care for humanity into something lasting and meaningful. Receiving the Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship would be a mighty boon, indeed. It would grant me the resources to sharpen my skills and the time to put them to use for the betterment of others. Together, we can chart a course where technology becomes a bridge rather than a barrier, ensuring the world’s advancements leave no one behind—not even those who were here long before it all began.

As a traveler on the road of life, soon to set my feet upon the fertile ground of California State University Fullerton in the spring of 2025, I reckon I’ve a duty to lend my hand where it’s needed most. A proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), my story is a testament to the redemptive power of human grit and compassion. You see, my road has been long and winding, and a pivotal milestone on it has been my recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). That journey has lit a fire within me to help others. Life in recovery has taught me a few things: the strength of community, the beauty of empathy, and the weight of leadership. When I take my place at CSUF, I aim to bring these lessons to life by planting the seeds of campus AA meetings. These gatherings, like an old oak tree offering shade, would be a sanctuary for students seeking solace—those wrestling with their own recovery or lending a shoulder to a friend. Such spaces matter because the burdens of addiction and mental health, like a storm cloud, can shadow anyone. Through these meetings, my aim is simple but noble: to level the playing field and ensure every student, no matter their story, has a fair shot at success. Recovery, you see, doesn’t stop to ask about your race or your riches; it’s a universal struggle. By fostering honest conversation, I hope to break down walls and build bridges, one brick at a time. Looking to the horizon, I see opportunity. I’ll join forces with campus organizations, counseling services, and student leaders to grow this vision. My dream is a campus where acceptance and empowerment bloom like wildflowers, where every student feels seen, heard, and cherished. This scholarship, if granted, would be the wind in my sails, propelling me toward this mission. My hope is to leave behind not just a footprint, but a legacy of compassion and equity at CSUF. Together, we can shape a campus where every student’s dreams have room to soar.

Recovery, for me, is more than simply abstaining from substances; it is a journey of transformation, accountability, and growth. It means taking ownership of my past, learning from my struggles, and embracing the opportunity to rebuild my life with integrity and purpose. Sobriety, which I achieved on July 1, 2023, has become the foundation upon which I am creating a life of meaning and fulfillment. Through the 12-step program, my sponsor Matthew A., and the support of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have found a community where I can be vulnerable, honest, and supported. Recovery is about showing up—not just for myself, but for others who are navigating the same challenges. It’s about giving back, as I do by mentoring my first sponsee and volunteering to help others begin their own paths toward sobriety! Recovery is also about rediscovering my passions and using them constructively. By pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, I’ve transformed my love for technology from harmful misuse during addiction to ethical and productive applications. This shift represents not just a career change but a fundamental change in who I am. Ultimately, recovery means hope. It is a daily commitment to becoming the best version of myself while uplifting those around me. It is proof that no matter how far we fall, there is always a way back to light and purpose!