Having been part of different afterschool STEM programs and working in tech-related internships, these experiences helped shape my view of a future career in cybersecurity. Having no previous knowledge of computers or anything related to technology, I had to learn on my own from Youtube videos or asking questions at local computer shops or the Geek Squad at BestBuy. It wouldn’t be until my sophomore year of high school I was able to join an enrichment program dedicated to underrepresented members in my community basic and advanced cybersecurity and information technology skills. I developed a skill set in operating systems, especially Linux, python and bash scripting, password security, and network vulnerabilities. These skills helped me pass a technical interview for Avantus, a clean technology consulting firm in Avantus. This was a huge win for me as I felt that I was not good enough to be deserving of this internship, and I learned that an opportunity like this was exactly what I needed to learn more about myself and that I have more potential than what I see in myself. In this internship, I applied my skills in information technology to assist members in computer administration, helped perform cost analysis for solar panel installations, and used data to create a model for pollution in the greater Los Angeles region. Now an undergraduate student at Texas A&M, a scholarship like this would help cover educational expenses, especially the costly computer certification exams. These industry-recognized certifications indicate the needed proficiencies employers seek and having these on my resume would help me enter the industry that I have worked so hard to break into. It would be a step further into my journey of working within technology and being awarded this scholarship would advance my education without the worries of these certification costs. Upon graduation with my degree and my cybersecurity certifications, I intend on working as a cybersecurity engineer or analyst. I plan on obtaining additional cybersecurity certifications to develop computer specialties. I aim to work in management, and am considering a masters in Business Administration or a relevant STEM field for my occupation and retire as a seasoned cybersecurity professional. Ultimately, I would like to mentor young cybersecurity enthusiasts and inspire them after having worked an extensive cybersecurity career. I believe that all of this can start with a solid collegiate education, practical experience within the workfield, and a chance at being the best I can possibly be.

Having been part of different afterschool STEM programs and working in tech-related internships, these experiences helped shape my view of a future career in cybersecurity. Having no previous knowledge of computers or anything related to technology, I had to learn from YouTube videos or asking questions at local computer shops or the Geek Squad at BestBuy. It wouldn’t be until my sophomore year of high school that I was able to join a cybersecurity enrichment program dedicated to underrepresented members in my community with basic and advanced cybersecurity and information technology skills. I developed a skill set in operating systems, especially Linux, python, bash scripting, password security, and network vulnerabilities. These skills helped me pass a technical interview for Avantus, a clean technology consulting firm in Los Angeles. The internship was a tremendous accomplishment as I felt I was not good enough to deserve this internship. I learned that an opportunity like this was what I needed to discover more about myself and that I have more potential than I see in myself. In this internship, I applied my skills in information technology to assist members in computer administration, helped perform cost analysis for solar panel installations, and used data to create a model for pollution in the greater Los Angeles region. In this internship program, I quickly learned that I enjoyed explaining computer issues and problems more than my other skills. Performing help desk functions for other interns and coworkers bolstered a new desire to pivot into a different field of work and self-development. After the internship, I began studying for the CompTIA A+ and Security+ certifications and will take them at the beginning of 2024. Now an undergraduate student, I joined collegiate cybersecurity organizations to meet like-minded cybersecurity enthusiasts, network with industry professionals, and practice together to obtain certifications. I actively develop myself each day by practicing a new skill and taking practice cybersecurity exams. Doing this will increase my technical aptitude and appreciation of my journey. Upon graduating, I see myself working as a system administrator or networking technician. I plan to continue my technical training by obtaining additional cybersecurity certifications like the CISSP (Certified Information Security Systems Professional) and applying this knowledge to projects and advanced problems. After a few years, I want to obtain the CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) certification. After working an extensive cybersecurity career, I intend to mentor young cybersecurity enthusiasts and provide them with the guidance I wish I had.

Surrounded by science expositions and computers from a young age, I was fascinated by how science could explain how things worked and that by studying it, you could have a clearer understanding of the world. That sparked my curiosity about tinkering from a young age, playing with Legos, and building model kits of cars and planes. I credit my introductory biology teacher, Mrs. Johnson, for igniting my interest in STEM. Since then, I have taken nearly every STEM class at my disposal. Each STEM class has offered a different perspective on how the world works, and each science complements or references the other. After taking classes ranging from biological to physical sciences, seeing the complexity of different systems helps me appreciate the complexity of the world's functions. I felt that science should be more accessible to others who may not have the necessary funding to showcase the wonders and beauty of STEM. I made it a goal to make science more equitable around me and be creative with limited financing and resources. My high school did not have AP science classes or the funding to produce elaborate science experiments. I teamed up with other like-minded students to found my school’s STEM club to fundraise and host our experiments. Some experiments included testing airfoil designs to increase aerodynamic efficiency for aircraft and demonstrating the general forces that affect flight. Outside of school, I spent most of my time with STEM activities. I taught and tutored underrepresented youth in various sciences and STEM skills, from computer science to physics. One of my most exciting experiences in high school was participating in an internship at Avantus, a high-energy technology firm. This internship helped me dive right into the culture of a tech firm and the different possible opportunities and careers there were. That solidified my passion for working in STEM and helped me visualize my future. Some things I did while working at Avantus were helping scientists with pollutant analysis within the greater Los Angeles Area, providing cost analysis for solar power installation, and researching environmental products for customers. I particularly liked using my computer knowledge to help the employees at Avantus and discovered I want to work in Cybersecurity in the future. Upon completing entry-level information technology certifications, I intend on getting a job as a help desk technician while attending college. After gaining experience and graduating, I plan to obtain senior-level cybersecurity certifications and apply this knowledge to project management. I aim to work in leadership and work with cybersecurity engineers to develop and maintain security systems for companies. Ultimately, I want to mentor young cybersecurity enthusiasts and help improve their skill sets and broaden their understanding and appreciation of technology. Having been mentored and had opportunities to work in technology, I possess a unique background based on STEM, practical experience, and a strong desire to apply myself to technology. I am creative with the resources and will find unique solutions to ongoing issues. I have strong communication skills that help me explain problems and solutions carefully. My work ethic reflects my ability to manage my time with multiple commitments while maintaining a rigorous academic course load. My experiences and skill set showcase I can excel in any position, despite the setbacks I may face.

How can I get from one place to another faster? How can I optimize my shopping list to spend the least amount of money? How can I land a man on the moon? These questions can be solved uniquely through mathematics. Applying math to these questions gives us various fields of science to explore like physics, chemistry, and engineering. Every new equation opens up new doors of opportunities which were integral to my choice in pursuing a degree in Applied Mathematics. Making this decision to study math was not an easy one. I tried grouping reasons into circles, but these circles had no point. I even tried to consult an 89 degree angle, but it unfortunately was not right. Jokes aside, math became extremely important to me as a useful subject when I was an intern at an energy consulting firm. Some of the work I did was split between pollutant analysis using different math techniques and data modeling algorithms and providing cost analysis for customers and optimizing their budget to afford the energy systems the company provided. I used to think for the longest time that math was just one of those subjects that I needed to learn just to graduate, but seeing its use in an applied setting sparked a new interest. Seeing math through this new lens inspired me to attend math conferences, contests, and take upper level math courses in high school and now in college. Meeting like minded individuals who love math as well as share different approaches to math problems I found to be extremely entertaining and I wish to share that same excitement with others. I hope to use my math degree and future skills in data analysis to help companies create products and optimize them. I also intend on volunteering my time to STEM education programs and help show the next generation how cool math and science is and the world around them.

As I enter the next chapter of my life in college, I intend on participating in my university’s Air Force ROTC unit and commission as a cyber officer. My background in STEM and computer technology makes me a well rounded candidate for a career in this field and my calling to serve my country led me to join the detachment. I have a steadfast desire to develop myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation and develop the necessary discipline to serve others. Major La-Goge Graham’s life demonstrates his commitment of selfless service and his dedication to help others. His story is inspiring and showcases the type of leader, mentor, and friend that everyone yearns to have. Beyond his service in the military, his devotion to church and the ministry of others are further indications of the kinds of selfless acts he would display regularly. He is the kind of leader that I aspire to be; one that is courageous, selfless, and kind hearted. Whether I am awarded this scholarship or not, I will strive to model his dedication to service and commitment to help others. My interest in military service began when I joined the United States Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol. This cadet program models the structure of the US Air Force and helps mentor young men and women to be future leaders. I have been in the program since 2019 and am currently a cadet captain. I have finished serving a term as my local unit’s cadet commander and am finishing out my term as the California Wing’s Advisory Council Vice Chair. Much of my work has been involved in developing opportunities for cadets all over California such as aviation opportunities, leadership schools, STEM education, and disaster relief training. My efforts have garnered the respect of my peers and recognition from local, county, and state politicians. These experiences have led me to join Texas A&M University’s Corps of Cadets, a Senior Military College, and its Air Force ROTC unit. Upon commissioning, I intend on using my time within the armed services to mentor the enlisted men and women of this country and promote the core values of “integrity, service, and excellence in all we do” as the Air Force values go. The need for strong men and women in a period of time of great uncertainty grows apparent each day, and the need for great people who exhibit these core values grows with it. I want to be an example to those who I am leading and someone who takes great pride in their work and service. After retiring, I would like to be either a JROTC instructor or an adult leader in Civil Air Patrol, continuing to give young cadets an opportunity to practice leadership in a safe place and develop themselves.

Imagine being told you could never fly a plane. The shortage of pilots in the United States is of growing concern, yet there are minimal incentives for flight students to pursue their licenses due to the financial commitments to be made just to go to ground school. Struggling with this myself, I had to give up my dream of being a pilot due to the rising costs of flight school as well as the pandemic. I didn’t think about it for long and moved on until I overheard freshmen at various schools in my community discussing their aspirations for becoming a pilot, but finances posed an issue. I remembered why I stopped and began looking into ways they could do what at the time I couldn’t. After exploring different opportunities, I found through a local airport a chapter of pilots willing to take students on orientation flights. The pilots were willing to do it for free, and the flight costs would be compensated through a deal with the United States Air Force to promote and spark interest in young aviators. This was it. A chance for young teens to experience the thrill of pulling the yoke of a plane and pressing what seems to be the thousands of buttons on the dashboard in a cockpit. I applied to volunteer my time as the orientation flight program’s coordinator and was accepted. I was thrown right into the deep end, where I quickly learned necessary airport operational procedures. Some days were more overwhelming than others, as the amount of information merged, but I knew that succeeding in this role was integral to the participant’s success. I managed and scheduled flights with the pilots and acted as a liaison between parents and airport personnel. Through my short time as the coordinator, approximately 50 flight students were able to pilot a plane for the first time. There is nothing quite like seeing middle schoolers' and young high schoolers’ faces glow with excitement. I watched them run to their parents after their plane was parked and talk at a million miles per hour, that they piloted a plane. It's a unique fun fact someone can say about themselves during icebreakers, that they flew a plane before. In retrospect, had I not been denied the opportunity to pursue my pilot’s license initially, I likely would have had no interest in becoming a coordinator for the program. I started getting involved in other activities towards the end of my high school career, and trained two high schoolers to replace me. These two bright individuals took what I cultivated and expanded upon it greatly. The orientation flight program has matured even further, where some students are pursuing their pilot’s license through flight scholarships, going to college to study airport operations, or becoming certified air traffic controllers. The program has expanded from one airport to two, where not just powered flights in Cessnas occur, but now in gliders. Currently, there is some discussion involving learning about unmanned aerial drones and using them for disaster relief imaging for federal agencies. The Orientation Flight Program is thriving today, and the work I did was the foundation for what is now an opportunity of a lifetime. It is not without mentioning that its current successes are due to coordinators who came after me and that their spins and adaptations to my initial work are now inspiring many more students.