Moving to the United States as an international student has been one of the bravest things I have ever done. Like Malgorzata "Maggie" Kwiecien, I came here by myself, without my family's support, seeking education and opportunity. I learned that while this opens doors, it also has its share of challenges loneliness, financial difficulty, culture shock, and having to prove oneself in a new land. This however made me stronger rather than weaker. I see my story in Maggie's, and I want to live with the same courage and determination that marked her life. One way that I identify strongly with Maggie is in her courage in venturing into the unknown. Moving away from home to study abroad isn’t merely a matter of changing place; it is a matter of moving away from comfort, familiarity, and immediate family support. I too have had to learn to deal with a new educational system, figure out how to work and attend school, and construct a friend and mentor network from the ground up. There have been moments when the weight of these responsibilities has been overwhelming, but I remind myself why I started down this path to learn, to open doors for myself and others, and to positively affect the world through the use of technology. That determination sustains me. I also relate to Maggie's passion for learning and intellectual fearlessness. She was never afraid of a debate nor of challenging herself to learn anything new. Similarly, I have taken up the challenge of studying computer science and working with complex technologies like C#, XML, and Python. STEM, for me, is not just a question of technical problem-solving; it’s a question of using knowledge to empower people. Whether I'm debugging financial software for accuracy, making predictive models, or helping other students understand difficult concepts, I push myself to keep learning until I am confident enough to teach or apply that knowledge. Maggie's dedication to achieving expertise echoes my own desire to become a proficient professional woman in technology. Beyond the classroom, Maggie wasn’t afraid to engage in physical and personal challenges whether mountains to be climbed or new experiences in which to immerse herself. I recognize that same spirit within my own sporting background. I played sports as a kid and those experiences taught me resilience, teamwork, and discipline. This taught me how I approach life: tenaciously, and with a willingness to push myself beyond what I had previously believed I was capable of. I believe that challenges whether physical, intellectual, or personal are not obstacles but stepping stones like her. What motivates me most, is the desire to vindicate the sacrifices of my family and community and to succeed in the future. As an international student, I not only bring my own dreams but also the dreams of those who remained behind and have faith in me. This inspires me to be courageous in decision-making, entrepreneurial in pursuing goals, and resilient in the face of adversity. Her story instructs me that strength is not merely an issue of success but also of having the courage to hold on despite tragedy. In many ways, I am like Maggie: driven, fearless, and not willing to back down from a challenge in my pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Her narrative dares me to continue pushing forward in my own life to become proficient in STEM, to embrace difficulty as an opportunity to grow and learn, and to leave a lasting impact through education and hard work. Like her, I want to live a life defined by bravery, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

Growing up in a low-income household raised by a single mother has shaped not only my values but also my outlook on life and what I believe is possible. From a young age, I watched my mother work tirelessly sometimes balancing two jobs to make ends meet. There were days when bills had to wait, and nights when lights were dimmed not just to conserve electricity, but because we couldn’t afford more. Yet despite these challenges, my home was filled with love, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Financial hardship taught me responsibility early. I became the second adult in the house, helping raise my younger siblings, managing household chores, and even translating documents or making calls on my mom’s behalf when language barriers got in the way. These experiences shaped my core values: responsibility, compassion, and perseverance. While many kids my age focused solely on school and friends, I learned to juggle school with adult responsibilities. It wasn't easy, but it gave me a drive that I now carry into everything I do. Coming from a marginalized background also gave me firsthand exposure to how systems of inequality can affect entire families. I witnessed how lack of access to resources can limit opportunities—not because of a lack of talent or intelligence, but because of systemic barriers. This made me passionate about giving back. I’ve volunteered with local nonprofits that support food distribution, youth mentorship, and college readiness. I want to be the person who helps others find opportunities they didn’t even know existed because someone once did that for me. My love for technology and business stems from this same desire to create impact. I see technology as a tool that can level the playing field and help communities thrive. I dream of starting a business one day that not only employs people from low-income neighborhoods but also trains and mentors them to build careers in tech. I believe true success isn’t just about personal gain it’s about lifting others as you climb. Being BIPOC in America adds another layer to this journey. I’ve experienced the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that people of color are underestimated, overlooked, or excluded. But instead of letting this discourage me, it fuels me. I want to be a leader who proves that success is not defined by the ZIP code you were born into or the color of your skin, but by your ability to rise despite the odds. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus more on my education, skill development, and volunteer efforts. More importantly, it would be a validation not just for me, but for every kid who comes from a background like mine that our dreams are worth pursuing. I am not defined by what I lack, but by what I can give, create, and become.

My journey toward a computer science degree began with a simple curiosity: How do the apps and websites we use every day work? That curiosity turned into passion the day I fixed my phone not by replacing the screen, which I’d done before but by identifying and rewriting a small piece of buggy code in a settings file. From that moment on, I was hooked. I realized that technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a way to solve real problems, empower people, and change the world. Since then, I’ve pursued every opportunity to expand my skills and knowledge. During my internship at Finastra, I worked on XML and C# code to test financial applications that thousands of people rely on for their daily banking needs. That experience taught me how powerful and precise technology needs to be and how rewarding it feels to play even a small part in making someone’s financial life easier. I also participated in the Benedict College SURI Program, where I used Python and data analysis techniques to make next-point predictions in a dataset, contributing to research that can be applied to everything from public health to climate science. After receiving my degree, my dream is to build technology that supports underrepresented communities especially students like me who may face financial and social challenges while pursuing their education. I want to create an all-in-one mobile app for college students that connects them with on-campus events, student-run businesses, tutoring resources, and more. My goal is to help students feel seen, supported, and successful, no matter where they come from. I believe I’m a strong candidate for the Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship because I share Chris’s spirit of being present, helpful, and driven. Like Chris, I’ve faced financial struggles while trying to build my future. I know what it feels like to have big dreams and limited resources. But I also know how powerful support can be especially when it comes from people who believe in your potential. This scholarship would help lighten my financial load and give me the freedom to keep growing as a student, developer, and leader. Most importantly, it would allow me to carry on a legacy of kindness, resilience, and innovation just like Chris Jackson.

Technology has always been more than just a field of study for me, it's a way to turn ideas into solutions that can positively impact others. One project that deeply fueled my passion was during my internship at Finastra, where I was tasked with writing and testing XML and C# code to verify the integrity of banking software. At first, I saw it as a simple job, but as I dove into the technical details, I realized how much these systems shaped real people's lives controlling how they access loans, manage deposits, and secure their finances. Ensuring that the logic and data were correct wasn’t just a technical task it was a matter of trust. That experience helped me understand that precision and responsibility are critical in tech, especially when you’re building tools that people depend on every day. Another project inspired me from participating in the Benedict College SURI (STEM Undergraduate Research Initiative) Program. Using Python and topological data analysis, I developed algorithms that could predict the next point in a data set. These predictions had real applications in fields like weather forecasting, disease tracking, and finance. I presented this work to IT professionals and received valuable feedback that helped me grow not just as a programmer, but as a communicator and researcher. That experience showed me the power of using data and algorithms to uncover hidden patterns and make informed decisions something that motivates me to keep learning. What excites me most about working in technology is the limitless potential for growth, impact, and innovation. Every new tool I learn or line of code I write is a step toward solving problems that matter whether it's improving access to education, creating platforms for small businesses, or protecting user data. As a Black woman in tech, I also feel a sense of responsibility to be a trailblazer, to inspire others who might not always see themselves represented in this field. Like Chadwick D. McNab, I believe in lifting others as I climb. I aim to use my career not just to build software, but to build community, opportunity, and change. My ambition is to combine my technical skills with my values, developing apps that provide resources for underserved communities, especially students. One of my goals is to build a one-stop mobile platform that connects college students with campus events, student businesses, ticket sales, and tutoring services, helping them thrive socially and academically. Technology gives me the tools to dream big and act boldly, and I am determined to use those tools to make a difference. Receiving the Chadwick D. McNab Scholarship would allow me to continue pushing forward in my academic journey without being slowed down by financial challenges. It would also serve as a reminder that I’m not alone that there are people and legacies, like Mr. McNab’s, that believe in the power of growth, ambition, and community. I am committed to honoring that legacy, not just in what I build, but in who I become.

The day I lost my brother to gun violence marked a profound turning point in my life. Raised in a Jamaican household, I grew up with a strong sense of community and hard work. Losing someone so close to me helped me realize the importance of making an impact, not just for myself but for others. It fueled my passion to create solutions that empower people, particularly in underserved communities. As a Computer Science major with a minor in Cyber Security at Benedict College, I’ve dedicated myself to using technology to make a difference. My journey started with small technical jobs—repairing cell phones and doing hair—which helped me develop a strong work ethic and hands-on problem-solving skills. But I quickly realized my calling was in technology. I wanted to build tools that could change lives, particularly through data and innovation. In May 2024, I took my first major step into the tech world as a Software Engineer Intern at Benedict College’s SURI Program. There, I used Python and Topological Data Analysis (TDA) to develop algorithms for predicting next points in large datasets. This project improved my understanding of machine learning and neural networks, increasing prediction accuracy by 20%. I also had the opportunity to present my findings to IT professionals, an experience that sharpened my communication skills and showed me the importance of making complex data understandable and actionable. During the summer of 2024, I worked as a Software Developer Intern at Finastra, where I focused on developing and validating XML and C# test cases. My role involved conducting comprehensive testing cycles, identifying bugs, and improving system reliability by 15%. This experience helped me refine my skills in code validation, debugging, and ensuring that software is scalable and maintainable. It also reinforced my commitment to building technology that works seamlessly for its users. In addition to my internship experiences, I spent May 2023 – July 2023 as a Software Engineer Intern at Benedict College, where I created adversarial examples for image classification tasks using MATLAB and deep learning techniques. By developing robust image classification networks, I was able to improve their resistance to adversarial attacks by 25%. This experience deepened my interest in the security aspects of software development and reinforced my desire to explore how technology can be used to protect and empower people in a digital world. I am excited about the opportunities that STEM provides to solve complex problems and improve lives. Technology has the power to bring people together, enhance access to education, and create tools that help people overcome obstacles. I’m particularly passionate about how we can use data and machine learning to address real-world challenges—whether it's through predictive models or security solutions. One of my current projects involves developing a mobile app for campus services, which helps students easily access campus activities, student businesses, and event ticketing. By optimizing the app’s backend functionality, I’ve been able to handle high traffic volumes and ensure that students can easily access the resources they need. If I could do anything with my life, it would be to combine my love for technology with my commitment to community service. I aim to start a company that builds tech solutions for underserved populations. I want to develop platforms that help people gain access to opportunities, learn new skills, and connect with mentors who can guide them. My goal is to create a legacy of innovation that goes beyond profit—it’s about building a future where technology is a tool for empowerment and equality. One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced was dealing with the loss of my brother. His passing could have easily derailed my life, but instead, it fueled my determination to succeed. I turned my grief into purpose, channeling it into my education and career. The pain and loss made me more resilient, more focused on creating meaningful solutions, and more committed to making a difference in the lives of others. My journey in athletics has also contributed to my growth. I competed in volleyball, netball, and track in high school, which taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These lessons have been invaluable in my professional journey. Whether it’s working on a team project or pushing through a challenging coding problem, I bring the same commitment to excellence and perseverance that I learned on the field. As I continue my education and career, I remain committed to learning and evolving as both a developer and a person. Technology is not just about writing code—it’s about creating solutions that matter. It’s about finding new ways to help people and make their lives easier, safer, and more fulfilling. I am excited for the future and eager to contribute to a world where technology empowers individuals to achieve their full potential.