If there's one book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to everyone in the world, it would undoubtedly be "Vaclav and Lena" by Haley Tanner. This captivating novel weaves a spellbinding tale of young love, resilience, and the enduring power of dreams. "Vaclav and Lena" is a beautifully written story that delves into the minds of young children, capturing their innocent yet profound thought processes. Set against the backdrop of immigrants striving to find their place in a new country, the book embraces the awkwardness of non-English speakers, presenting a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience. What sets this book apart is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in its readers. With moments of joy and laughter, as well as tear-jerking lows, the novel takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. It delves into themes of unconditional love, separation, and reunion, while also exploring the concepts of trauma and healing. One of the most remarkable aspects of "Vaclav and Lena" is its narrative style. The book is narrated from multiple perspectives, shifting seamlessly between Vaclav, Lena, and Vaclav's mother. This technique allows the story to be presented through the unique voices and idiosyncrasies of each character, making them feel three-dimensional and deeply relatable. Through this lens, the author skillfully sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of each character, leaving readers with a profound sense of understanding and empathy. Additionally, the book's enchanting element of magic, fueled by Vaclav's fascination with becoming a magician, adds an air of old-fashioned charm to the story. It reminds us that in a world full of challenges, anything is possible when we dare to dream and hold onto our passions.

My journey as a Jamaican American born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, has been shaped by a deep sense of gratitude for the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with opportunities. Their unwavering support and encouragement have cultivated a drive in me to excel in academics, leading me to pursue a career as a successful software engineer. Through my journey, I aspire not only to build generational wealth for my family but also to positively impact the world by creating inclusive and accessible virtual reality experiences for individuals with motor difficulties. From a young age, I was a curious and indecisive child, constantly pondering what I wanted to be when I grew up. My range of aspirations varied from a fashion designer to a marine biologist, but each time I shared my dreams with my parents, I saw a mixture of pride and concern in their eyes. They knew that regardless of the path I chose, they would support and encourage me to pursue my passions fully. It was during my elementary school years that I stumbled upon the Japanese anime, Sword Art Online, which sparked an ambitious desire within me to craft immersive virtual reality video games. The idea of creating entire worlds that others could explore and experience excited the inner child in me, and I knew I had found my true passion in game development. Now, as I embark on my journey as a software engineer, my dreams have expanded beyond personal success. I envision a future where virtual reality games are not only thrilling but also accessible to all, including those with motor difficulties. I am passionate about leveraging technology to break barriers and create experiences that enhance the lives of individuals with physical challenges, allowing them to explore and enjoy virtual worlds in ways they may have never thought possible. My heritage as a Jamaican American has instilled in me a sense of community and a deep appreciation for inclusivity. I firmly believe that technology can be a powerful force for positive change in the world, and my goal is to use my skills as a software engineer to design virtual games that are inclusive and cater to diverse needs. Throughout my career, I will aim to collaborate with experts in accessibility and assistive technology, ensuring that my creations are designed with a focus on universal design principles. I want to build virtual reality experiences that go beyond entertainment and provide therapeutic benefits, fostering cognitive development and emotional well-being for all users, regardless of their physical abilities. By pursuing a career in software engineering and specializing in accessible virtual reality, I aim to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with motor difficulties. I hope to inspire others in the tech industry to embrace inclusivity and develop technologies that break down barriers, fostering a world where everyone can participate in and benefit from digital experiences.

My family's journey to the United States is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of the American Dream. I proudly identify as Jamaican American, as my roots trace back to Jamaica, but my life began in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NY. From a young age, I was instilled with a deep appreciation for my heritage, and the stories of my family's journey have profoundly impacted my academic journey. There were constant reminders of the sacrifices they made to provide me with the opportunities I have today. Their unwavering support and determination to give me a better life fueled my drive to succeed in academics from an early age. Throughout my academic journey, the lessons from my heritage have played a significant role in shaping my mindset. I approach every challenge with the same grit and perseverance that my parents exhibited while navigating their path to success in a foreign land. Their journey has taught me that education is a powerful tool, one that can break barriers and create a pathway to a brighter future. Now, as I stand at the threshold of my college education, my goals have evolved. I aspire to become a successful software engineer, not just to fulfill my personal ambitions but also to honor my family's sacrifices. I believe that by excelling in my chosen field, I can pave the way for generational wealth and opportunities that will uplift my family and future generations. As I delve into my studies, I draw inspiration from my heritage to maintain focus and dedication.

As a child, I was constantly asked about my future aspirations, and my answers were as diverse as the imagination of a young mind could be. However, my journey of self-discovery truly began in elementary school when I stumbled upon the Japanese anime, Sword Art Online. This captivating series, set in a virtual reality world, ignited a passion within me for creating immersive video games. As I look ahead to my career aspirations, it is clear that game development is my true calling. The enchanting world depicted in Sword Art Online left me awestruck, and from that moment, my fascination with the possibilities of virtual reality and interactive storytelling blossomed. The idea of designing and building entire worlds that others could venture into and explore, just like I did in the anime, was exhilarating. It was at this moment that I realized my future lay in crafting digital experiences that could captivate and immerse players, just as I had been captivated myself. The path to my desired career has been shaped by a series of experiences that contributed significantly to my growth and passion for game development. Throughout my education, I gravitated toward subjects that fed my creativity and logical thinking, such as computer science, mathematics, and art. These subjects became the foundation of my understanding of technology and design, and I found myself continuously seeking opportunities to blend my skills in unique and imaginative ways. In addition to technical skills, my encounters with different cultures and art forms have also played a pivotal role in shaping my creativity as a game developer. I immersed myself in diverse forms of storytelling, from classic literature to manhwa, drawing inspiration from their narratives, characters, and world-building techniques. This exposure instilled in me a desire to create games that not only provide entertainment but also leave a lasting impact on players through compelling storytelling and emotional depth. As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the support and encouragement of my parents, who nurtured my curiosity and allowed me the freedom to explore various interests. Their unwavering belief in me, despite my initial indecisiveness, has been a driving force behind my determination to pursue a career in game development. They taught me the value of passion, dedication, and perseverance, qualities that I carry with me as I venture into the world of game development. Looking ahead, my career aspirations are clear – I want to be a skilled and innovative game developer, dedicated to creating experiences that transport players into magical and immersive worlds. I envision myself working with diverse teams, where we collaborate to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment and bring unique ideas to life. Ultimately, I hope that my creations will resonate with players, just as Sword Art Online captivated my imagination years ago. Whether it's inspiring joy, evoking emotion, or sparking curiosity, I aspire to create games that make a positive impact on the lives of players and contribute to the growth of the gaming industry.

1. The unknown motivates me. Reading, writing and just overall immersing myself into concepts beyond my sphere of understanding is thrilling. For example, after discovering the painting, the Unequal Marriage by Vasili Pukirev, I was so enthralled by the intense somber emotion that I dreamt of it - specifically of the sad young bride surrounded by leering, expectant eyes. I, later, wrote a fictional narrative from her perspective, fashioning a story of the events that could have led and followed such a sad moment in her life. So with the infinite prospect of being able to do ANYTHING, I would continue to delve into the unknown. Perhaps the unknown of a future with the humanity’s greatest stressors conquered. With the National Academy’s Grand Challenges as a basis for reference, I would solve issues spanning from advancing health informatics that enhance the quality and efficiency of medical care while lessen the racial gap in care and research. Or working towards advanced technologies that provide access to affordable, clean drinking water in communities that are without. Likewise, of the 14 Grand Challenges, I resonate most with the challenge to enhance virtual reality. This challenge is one that I see myself trying to solve as I develop game software, specifically virtual reality game software in the near future. 2. A reason behind my interest in virtual reality games comes from my realization of the privilege I carry as someone without physical disabilities. I never had to worry if a pair of scissors would be suited for me, a right-handed person, since most if not all handheld instruments are designed with the right hand in mind. Similarly, online and console games are designed without the consideration of people who might experience motor function in their hands. As the better alternative, virtual reality gaming allows physically disabled individuals to fully participate in gaming with minimal limitations. This is where virtual reality gaming comes in by allowing physically disabled individuals to fully participate in gaming with minimal limitations. Evidently, this accommodating aspect for physically disabled persons in virtual reality extends beyond gaming, as virtual reality technology creates an opportunity to experience the illusion of actually being somewhere. On that same note, virtual reality attempts to recreate the actual experience, combining vision, sound, touch, and feelings of motion engineered to give the brain, a realistic set of sensations. As a future software engineer in gaming, being able to recreate the experience of winning illegal street races or leading a raid with a team of warriors, mages, and paladins is the ultimate goal for me to reach the peak of my craft while helping an underserved community. 3. I have always struggled with expressing my emotions. Every time I tried to explain myself I’d get tongue-tied as if my elementary stutter would return at the thought of being vulnerable. This gut-wrenching feeling makes me wish I could just turn back time and become the simple, little girl I used to be. To me, the road to regaining the carefree courage I had as a child is not the same as refinding my inner child. She is not a ten-dollar bill that I lost in my coat pocket. And by that same extent, I too, am not lost. ‘Finding myself’ - or rather, healing my inner child - seems to be more of simply returning to myself. An unlearning, an excavation, a remembering of who I was before the world got its hands on me. Seeing as though this is uncharted territory for me, I will be taking inspiration from Rocky Balboa’s character to fulfill my newfound desire to do great for myself and my inner child. Rocky was the protagonist and underdog in the first movie of the Rocky franchise. Although he did not win the World Heavyweight Championship, he was proud knowing that he fought till the bitter end. I want to be the person that might not win every fight but will always keep fighting. I acknowledge that my future might not see me fighting in boxing championships, but I will continue to fight for myself. I will continue to suppress internalized beliefs of my time being less than the next person imposter syndrome is death to progress. With this belief in mind I have begun to regard myself as someone deserving of others’ time and attention despite my amateur level and technicals skill. This has been an excellent confident boost when networking with corporate personnel since I am able to more efficiently maintain an appearance as someone in tech that is here to stay and learn rather than a mere placeholder.

1. I deserve this scholarship because I am a Capricorn. With that being said Capricorns are arguably one of the most underappreciated zodiac signs. With my sun in capricorn and rising in virgo, it is natural that I am a perfectionist, over-achiever deserving of any and every opportunity that can support my career. 2. My career goals explicitly entail a path in tech as a software engineer or game programmer. Implicitly, my career goals are to pull an UNO reverse card on life and all things damned. Meaning that a new girl bossing chapter in my life will commence. 3. It was a cold, desolate morning. The sun did not even seem like it wanted to rise, so why should I? Here lies the issue: I did not want to go to school but lacked a justifiable reason not to. After careful consideration of which parent would issue more leeway and what BS story I could conjure, I successfully managed to convince my father to let me stay home. One of my proudest moments, truly.

I oftentimes find myself coveting the freedom of open self-expression that comes so easily to others since I have always struggled with expressing my emotions. The reasons vary from me not wanting to be a burden to others around me to not knowing how to. I never know what words to use to express my sudden somber moods. In those instances, my mother would tell me “to put a smile on my face because pretty girls smile,” but the simple effort it would take to recline my face upwards feels foreign in ways I can’t explain. Every time I tried to explain myself I’d get tongue-tied as if my elementary stutter would return at the thought of being vulnerable. An instance that has allowed me to reflect on my emotional barriers is rather mundane, being that it is a rollercoaster ride. Not one particular ride on one particular day, but an accumulation of rides with the same damned results. Riding rollercoasters is such a conflicting experience for me, as I am internally rivaling between what I want to do and what I can do. At those times I thought it was out of fear that I was unable to scream because it was already in my nature to suppress my feelings. It was like as soon as the ride climaxed, I wanted to experience what others were experiencing around me as their voices escalated in such a way that was socially acceptable. But I couldn’t. Every time I opened my mouth to scream, a shattered gasp came out in its stead. This gut-wrenching feeling makes me wish I could just turn back time and become the simple, little girl I used to be. The little girl that could scream proudly on rollercoasters with a joyous smile on her face. To me, the road to regaining the carefree courage I had as a child is not the same as refinding my inner child. She is not a ten-dollar bill that I lost in my coat pocket. And by that same extent, I too, am not lost. I am right here, buried under cultural conditioning and other people’s opinions. ‘Finding myself’ - or rather, healing my inner child - seems to be more of simply returning to myself. An unlearning, an excavation, a remembering of who I was before the world got its hands on me. Seeing as though this is uncharted territory for me, I will be taking inspiration from Rocky Balboa’s character to fulfill my newfound desire to do great for myself and my inner child. Rocky was the protagonist and designated underdog in the first movie of the Rocky franchise. In the final bout of the World Heavyweight Championship, Rocky was kneeled over in the corner of the ring badly injured, with every single soul in the stadium anticipating him to surrender. Although Rocky Balboa did not win this championship, he walked away winning something much greater. For Rocky, he was proud knowing that he fought till the bitter end. I want to be the person that might not win every fight but will always keep fighting. I acknowledge that my future might not see me fighting in boxing championships, but I will continue to fight my own internal battles. By changing my mindset, I changed my narrative to a fighter with the task to mold myself into the person I want to be with the expectations of the person I once was. In this sense, I turned it up to 11 and will continue to do so because I now realize how precious my voice is.

While volunteering in my high school’s library, I have to organize and display books. This system can be based on relevance to current events (i.e. Hispanic heritage or black history month) or by genre. Vaclav and Lena by Haley Tanner is my favorite book, deserving of the placement as a ‘page-turner,’ ‘tear-jerker,’ or even ‘short and sweet.’ This novel does a beautiful job of capturing the slow, methodical thought processes of young children, the awkward diction of non-English speaking immigrants, and the hearts of its readers with a tale of unconditional love, separation, and reunion; and of trauma and healing. The trauma and healing aspect is especially prevalent as it takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster with teary-eyed lows and laughing highs. It is important to note one of the most appealing aspects of the novel is the voice of the narrator. As the narrator switches point of view from Vaclav to Lena to Vaclav’s mom, the narration takes on the individual idiosyncrasies of the English language depending on each character’s fluency with English. Each point of view creates a clear voice for the respective character, which helps make each character more three-dimensional and fully developed than just the dialogue alone. By contextualizing the plot through the lens of each character, Haley Tanner left me on a thought-provoking binge. For instance, reading about Lena’s small frame due to malnutrition and parental neglect becomes so much more somber through the eyes of Vaclav’s mother where there is no child-like rose-tinted - just harsh reality. Lastly, I will forever be in love with this book and, by extension the author, for its use of Vaclav’s fixation with magic and his dreams of being a magician as an air of old-fashioned charm to the overall story, one in which anything is possible.

1. The unknown motivates me. Reading, writing and just overall immersing myself into concepts beyond my sphere of understanding is thrilling. For example, after discovering the painting, the Unequal Marriage by Vasili Pukirev, I was so enthralled by the intense somber emotion that I dreamt of it - specifically of the sad young bride surrounded by leering, expectant eyes. I, later, wrote a fictional narrative from her perspective, fashioning a story of the events that could have led and followed such a sad moment in her life. So with the infinite prospect of being able to do ANYTHING, I would continue to delve into the unknown. Perhaps the unknown of a future with the humanity’s greatest stressors conquered. With the National Academy’s Grand Challenges as a basis for reference, I would solve issues spanning from advancing health informatics that enhance the quality and efficiency of medical care while lessen the racial gap in care and research. Or working towards advanced technologies that provide access to affordable, clean drinking water in communities that are without. Likewise, of the 14 Grand Challenges, I resonate most with the challenge to enhance virtual reality. This challenge is one that I see myself trying to solve as I develop game software, specifically virtual reality game software in the near future. 2. A reason behind my interest in virtual reality games comes from my realization of the privilege I carry as someone without physical disabilities. I never had to worry if a pair of scissors would be suited for me, a right-handed person, since most if not all handheld instruments are designed with the right hand in mind. Similarly, online and console games are designed without the consideration of people who might experience motor function in their hands. As the better alternative, virtual reality gaming allows physically disabled individuals to fully participate in gaming with minimal limitations. This is where virtual reality gaming comes in by allowing physically disabled individuals to fully participate in gaming with minimal limitations. Evidently, this accommodating aspect for physically disabled persons in virtual reality extends beyond gaming, as virtual reality technology creates an opportunity to experience the illusion of actually being somewhere. On that same note, virtual reality attempts to recreate the actual experience, combining vision, sound, touch, and feelings of motion engineered to give the brain, a realistic set of sensations. As a future software engineer in gaming, being able to recreate the experience of winning illegal street races or leading a raid with a team of warriors, mages, and paladins is the ultimate goal for me to reach the peak of my craft while helping an underserved community. 3. I have always struggled with expressing my emotions. Every time I tried to explain myself I’d get tongue-tied as if my elementary stutter would return at the thought of being vulnerable. This gut-wrenching feeling makes me wish I could just turn back time and become the simple, little girl I used to be. To me, the road to regaining the carefree courage I had as a child is not the same as refinding my inner child. She is not a ten-dollar bill that I lost in my coat pocket. And by that same extent, I too, am not lost. ‘Finding myself’ - or rather, healing my inner child - seems to be more of simply returning to myself. An unlearning, an excavation, a remembering of who I was before the world got its hands on me. Seeing as though this is uncharted territory for me, I will be taking inspiration from Rocky Balboa’s character to fulfill my newfound desire to do great for myself and my inner child. Rocky was the protagonist and underdog in the first movie of the Rocky franchise. Although he did not win the World Heavyweight Championship, he was proud knowing that he fought till the bitter end. I want to be the person that might not win every fight but will always keep fighting. I acknowledge that my future might not see me fighting in boxing championships, but I will continue to fight my own internal battles.