The scent of injera and the melodic cadence of Amharic filled our small apartment, a constant reminder of my Ethiopian heritage. Yet, amidst the familiar comforts, a quiet longing echoed from my parents' stories. They spoke of the boundless opportunities they imagined a U.S. education would have afforded them, a path they were unable to take. It was a wish whispered in their eyes, a dream they entrusted to me. This longing, their yearning for educational access, became the cornerstone of my own aspirations, fueling my determination to not only enter higher education but to excel within it. As a second-generation immigrant, my educational journey has been a delicate dance between two worlds. I navigated a public school system with its own set of unwritten rules, while simultaneously learning the cultural nuances of my parents' homeland. Simple things, like understanding the subtle expectations within classroom interactions, posed unexpected challenges. I often felt like an observer, piecing together the puzzle of American academic culture from the outside. This experience, however, instilled in me a unique resilience and a keen ability to adapt. I learned to bridge cultural gaps, to translate unspoken expectations, skills that have become invaluable in my academic pursuits. My parents' experiences instilled a deep appreciation for the opportunities education provides. I witnessed firsthand how a lack of access could limit potential. This understanding has shaped my future goals significantly. I aspire to not only complete my higher education but to leverage it to create pathways for others who face similar barriers. I envision myself working within communities, particularly those with immigrant populations, to provide educational resources and mentorship. I want to be the bridge that my parents wished they had, helping others navigate the complexities of the system and unlock their full potential. Entering higher education as an outsider presents its own set of concerns. Will I find a sense of belonging? Will I be able to fully integrate into the academic community? Yet, I am confident that the resilience and adaptability I've cultivated will serve me well. I carry with me the dreams of my parents, their unwavering belief in the power of education. I am determined to not only fulfill their wishes but to honor their sacrifices by contributing meaningfully to a society that has offered me so much. I will approach my studies with a deep sense of gratitude, knowing that every opportunity is a testament to their unwavering faith.

My journey toward a cybersecurity degree, aspiring to become a system administrator, is driven by a desire to make a real difference. This ambition stems from a fascination with technology, awareness of cybersecurity's importance, and my cousin's inspiring entrepreneurial success. I see college as the foundation for a career protecting digital assets and contributing to technology through my own business. Cybersecurity isn't just a career; it's a passion. In our interconnected world, digital infrastructure security is paramount. From data protection to system safeguards, cybersecurity professionals are vital. I'm drawn to understanding networks, anticipating vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures. The evolving nature of cyber threats demands constant learning, a challenge I embrace. My focus on system administration stems from a desire to be on the front lines of digital defense. System administrators are guardians of IT infrastructure. They're responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining servers, networks, and critical systems. Their expertise ensures smooth technology operation. Beyond technical skills, they implement security policies, monitor systems, and respond to incidents. This blend of technical proficiency and security awareness appeals to me. I'm eager to develop the skills to protect systems and ensure reliable technology operation. My long-term vision extends beyond system administration. Inspired by my cousin's entrepreneurial success, I aspire to follow his path. I dream of opening a technology business, leveraging my cybersecurity expertise to offer innovative solutions. I believe my cybersecurity understanding will be invaluable, as security is critical for any technology-driven business. My entrepreneurial aspirations are driven by a desire to create something meaningful. I want to build a company that delivers cutting-edge solutions and fosters innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility. I believe technology can transform lives and solve complex problems, and I want to be part of that transformation. My goal is to create a company that makes a positive impact, whether through its offerings or the opportunities it creates. College is the crucial first step. It will provide the technical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities needed for cybersecurity and entrepreneurship. I'm committed to maximizing this opportunity, immersing myself in studies, seeking internships, and building a strong network within the tech industry. Inspired by my cousin, I'll seek his guidance as I pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. My path is clear: mastering cybersecurity, honing system administrator skills, and launching my own technology business. I'm driven by a passion for technology, a commitment to security, and a desire to make a difference. Confident that with hard work, perseverance, and my cousin's inspiring example, I will achieve my goals and create a lasting impact on the technology landscape.

My drive to attend college is deeply personal, fueled by a desire to honor my parents' sacrifices. Coming from a third-world country, they were denied the educational opportunities I now have. Their struggles and belief in education instilled in me a responsibility to maximize this chance, "avenging" their unrealized dreams. This personal motivation intertwines with my passion for cybersecurity and a long-term goal of entrepreneurship. My interest in cybersecurity isn't just a career choice; it's a calling. In our interconnected world, digital protection is crucial. I'm drawn to the challenge of understanding networks, anticipating threats, and implementing security measures. The dynamic nature of cybersecurity, with its evolving threats and defenses, excites me. This fascination solidified my desire to become a system administrator. System administrators are essential, acting as guardians of our digital infrastructure. From server and network operation to security protocol implementation, their role is vital. I'm drawn to the multifaceted nature of this profession, requiring technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and security knowledge. The responsibility of maintaining system integrity and security is something I take seriously. My long-term vision extends beyond working in tech; I aspire to lead and innovate. I dream of owning a technology solutions business. This entrepreneurial spirit stems from a desire to create value and opportunity, giving back to my community and potentially providing opportunities to others, especially those from similar backgrounds. I envision a company delivering cutting-edge solutions while prioritizing ethical practices, social responsibility, and diversity. This ambitious dream fuels my determination. The path ahead has challenges. As a first-generation college student, I'm navigating unfamiliar territory, balancing academics with financial realities. I also need to build a professional network and gain practical experience. However, I'm undeterred. I'm resourceful, resilient, and driven by purpose. I'm committed to seeking mentors, using resources, and engaging in internships to gain necessary skills and experience. This scholarship will help me do just that. My college journey is more than personal; it honors my parents' sacrifices and dreams. It's a commitment to achieving what they couldn't, using my education to make a difference. It's a desire to build a future where I achieve my dreams and create opportunities for others. With hard work, perseverance, and purpose, I'm confident I'll succeed academically and realize my vision of becoming a tech leader and innovator. My journey is beginning, and I'm ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead, driven by family support and a desire to make a difference.

My fascination with cybersecurity stems from an early and enduring interest in video game server hosting. This seemingly niche pursuit sparked a curiosity about the intricate workings of networks, the vulnerabilities that exist within systems, and the constant battle to maintain a secure and stable environment. This initial spark has ignited a passion for cybersecurity, ultimately leading me to pursue a career as a system administrator. This paper will explore the journey from hosting game servers to pursuing a cybersecurity career, highlighting the skills developed, the challenges faced, and the future goals that lie ahead. The world of video game server hosting is a microcosm of the broader IT landscape. Setting up and maintaining a game server requires a diverse skillset, encompassing elements of networking, system administration, and even basic security practices. From configuring network ports and protocols to managing user accounts and permissions, the experience provides a hands-on introduction to the fundamental concepts of IT. For me, it was this hands-on experience that truly captivated my interest. Troubleshooting connectivity issues, optimizing server performance, and implementing basic security measures became a regular part of the process. These challenges, while sometimes frustrating, were ultimately rewarding, fostering a problem-solving mindset and a deep appreciation for the complexities of IT systems. Beyond the technical aspects, game server hosting also exposed me to the importance of security. Dealing with potential threats, such as DDoS attacks, exploits, and cheaters, became a constant concern. This exposure ignited my interest in cybersecurity. I began to research different types of cyber threats, learning about the vulnerabilities that attackers exploit and the methods used to defend against them. This self-directed learning, driven by a genuine curiosity, laid the foundation for my further exploration of the field. I realized that the principles of security I was learning in the context of game servers were applicable to a much broader range of systems and applications. This realization led me to pursue a more formal education in cybersecurity. I sought out online resources, enrolled in relevant courses, and began to build my knowledge base in areas such as network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking. I discovered that cybersecurity is a multifaceted field, encompassing a wide range of disciplines and specializations. From incident response and penetration testing to security auditing and compliance, the possibilities seemed endless. However, my experience with game server hosting had instilled in me a particular interest in system administration, and I recognized the critical role that system administrators play in maintaining a secure IT infrastructure.   They are responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining servers, networks, and other critical infrastructure components. They also play a crucial role in implementing and enforcing security policies, monitoring systems for suspicious activity, and responding to security incidents. The skills required for effective system administration are extensive, ranging from a deep understanding of operating systems and networking protocols to proficiency in scripting and automation. My experience with game server hosting provided a solid foundation in many of these areas, but I knew that I needed to further develop my skills and knowledge to achieve my goal of becoming a system administrator.

My favorite game by far to play was New super mario bros Wii. This game was special in the fact it was the first 4 player mario co op game. Of course with me having 3 siblings, it was simply perfect. From the bubble mechanics, to the power ups, and many more. I recall a specific experience when we were on a difficult level. Me and my sister could not advance. We each picked up a flying mushroom to advance. I, in a panic, pressed “2” on my wiimote to get into the safety and refuge of my bubble. Leaving only my sister to reach the end flag pole. She lept up the platforms and gained enough speed to reach the flag pole and for us to advance in the level. It was extraordinary, through our cooperation we were able to finish the level. Despite my short comings, I was able to count on my sister to finish. It was around the end of world 8, meaning we could enter bowsers castle. We again teamed up, guiding the fire balls in the exact spot to evade the menacing bowser. With the mobility of luigi and my flying mushroom the end path opened. And we activated the big switch to free the princess. A truly magical moment!! Because of these shared experiences, New super Mario bros Wii has a special place in my heart, and in the hearts of many for its superb multiplayer experience.