From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the intersection of creativity and technology, a fascination that has shaped my decision to pursue a career in computer science. I was introduced to programming through Scratch, where I first learned how to create games and animations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I used this platform to stay connected with my family. I designed interactive games to bring us together virtually and created personalized birthday cards for relatives, using my newfound skills to bring a little bit of joy to our isolated lives. This experience showed me how technology can be a powerful tool to foster connection and creativity. As I continued to grow, I realized that computer science wasn’t just about coding—it was a way to empower others to discover their own creativity. This became especially clear when I worked as a nanny over the summer. I taught the kids I cared for how to use Scratch to make their own games and animations, encouraging them to explore the possibilities of coding and expressing themselves in new ways. Watching their eyes light up as they created something from scratch (pun intended) was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief that technology, when taught and used thoughtfully, can inspire creativity and spark new ways of thinking. My experiences with technology also extended beyond coding. I spent time helping my grandmother digitize old VHS tapes, converting memories into formats that could be shared more easily with our family. This process required problem-solving and patience, as I navigated technical challenges and learned to think creatively to find solutions. The joy of helping my grandma preserve her memories taught me the value of using technology to solve real-world problems and help others. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that I love being challenged and finding solutions that have a meaningful impact on others. Whether it’s through creating games that connect my family, teaching kids to code, or helping preserve memories for my grandmother, I’ve discovered that computer science provides an endless opportunity to tackle challenges and make a difference in people’s lives. It’s this desire to solve problems and help others that drives my passion for technology. I dream of becoming a Disney Imagineer, using my skills as a software engineer to create experiences that inspire children to dream big, just as Disney did for me growing up. I want to contribute to the magic that fosters creativity and imagination in others. I plan to combine my technical skills with my passion for community service as I continue my studies in computer science. My ultimate goal is to use technology to create solutions that improve accessibility, connect people, and make the world a more inclusive place. This scholarship will allow me to pursue that vision by enabling me to further my education, deepen my technical knowledge, and continue developing the skills necessary to create a meaningful impact.