The tragic deaths of Rebecca and Richard Whiddon deeply moved me. Though I never knew them personally, their legacy of resilience and brilliance in the face of adversity resonates with me, particularly as I reflect on my own struggles and aspirations. I am a first-generation college student majoring in Computer Science and Economics, driven by a passion for technology, social justice, and global development. Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed firsthand the barriers that economic disparities create. Overcoming adversity has been a significant part of my journey, shaping who I am and fueling my passion for STEM. Diagnosed with bipolar depression, I have experienced the extreme highs and lows that come with it, making everyday life a struggle. At my lowest point, I contemplated ending my life, but the sudden and unexplained death of my close cousin jolted me into realizing the preciousness and unpredictability of life. This tragic loss forced me to confront the realities of life and death in a way I never had before, helping me to see what truly matters and igniting a determination to honor my cousin's memory by living a life filled with purpose, connection, and resilience. Seeking help and support was the first step in managing my bipolar depression rather than letting it control me. Through therapy and building a strong support network, I learned coping strategies and began to navigate the turbulent emotions that came with my diagnosis. I immersed myself in activities that brought me joy and fulfillment, such as working at my school's Center for Restorative Practices and joining organizations focused on digital equity. These efforts allowed me to give back to my community and use my passion for STEM and technology as a force for good, addressing the digital divide that disproportionately affects low-income communities and developing regions. Addressing educational inequity is deeply personal to me. My commitment to addressing this social issue is driven by my belief that education should be a right, not a privilege. Through roles such as a Teaching Fellow at Breakthrough Miami, Student Advisor with the Alliance for Identity Inclusive Computing Education, and National Student Leadership Representative for the Kapor Center Equitable Computer Science Team, I have worked to create supportive, inclusive, and equitable educational environments with an emphasis on STEM. My financial circumstances have been challenging as I pursue higher education. I have had to balance academic commitments with financial responsibilities, often working multiple jobs to support myself. Despite maintaining a GPA of 3.6 and being actively involved in many extracurricular activities, the financial strain has been a constant hurdle. Receiving a scholarship would provide the financial stability needed to continue my academic and professional development, allowing me to focus on my studies and community work without the added stress of financial uncertainty. This scholarship would significantly support me in achieving my goals by providing the resources necessary to pursue a degree in STEM. My passion for STEM is rooted in my desire to make a positive impact on the world, whether through technological advancements or advocating for inclusivity and equity in education. With this scholarship, I can continue to build on my experiences, drive systemic changes, and contribute to a more inclusive and just society. The legacy of Rebecca and Richard Whiddon, with their incredible talents and passion for STEM, inspires me to strive for excellence and to use my skills to create meaningful change. Their story is a powerful reminder of the impact that individuals can have on the lives of others, and I am determined to honor their memory through my own efforts in STEM and beyond.

As a Nigerian immigrant navigating a new world with five siblings, I discovered early on that community and resilience are the bedrock of success. Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed firsthand the barriers that economic disparities create. These experiences shaped my ambition to leverage technology as a tool for social change, aiming to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and access to quality education and economic opportunities. If I could do anything with my life, I would work at the intersection of technology and social impact. My journey into social impact began in high school, where I served as the National Student Leadership Representative for the Kapor Center Equitable Computer Science Team. In this role, I designed and implemented an action plan to make computer science more accessible to minority students, presenting my vision to national thought leaders. This initiative led to the launch of three programs that reached over 1,000 students in two years. This experience honed my ability to communicate and collaborate with key stakeholders, which I know are essential traits for a leader dedicated to equity and inclusion. My love for education continued into my freshman year of college when I became a Teaching Fellow at Breakthrough Miami during the summer of 2022. I taught and mentored 22 highly motivated, underrepresented 7th-grade students in math. My goal was not just to teach mathematical concepts but to inspire and empower these students through rigorous lectures, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities. I created daily lesson plans that emphasized creative and real-world applications of math. One day, a student excitedly shared how they used math concepts from our class to help their family budget more effectively. This role was deeply fulfilling as I saw firsthand how education can transform lives. It taught me the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, meticulous planning, and adaptability. Most importantly, it reinforced my belief in the power of education to provide equitable access and opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. STEM excites me because of its limitless potential to solve complex problems and drive innovation. Information Technology (IT), in particular, offers tools to address critical issues such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and data privacy. My enthusiasm for STEM is fueled by the belief that technology can democratize access to resources and opportunities, thereby creating a more equitable world. My motivation is deeply rooted in a desire to uplift underrepresented communities and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. By working on projects that enhance digital literacy and provide affordable access to technology, I can help bridge the digital divide. The CATALYSTS scholarship will support my continued growth and enable me to further contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. I aspire to create spaces for open dialogue about mental health, especially within the Black community, to destigmatize these issues and prevent others from suffering in silence. By sharing my story, I aim to shed light on the struggles many face and continue the fight against mental health stigma. By doing so, I hope to inspire other young women, particularly those from similar backgrounds, to pursue their dreams and believe in their ability to make a significant impact on the world.

I never knew that, like ice cream, depression has many different flavors. These flavors, each with their own intensity and distinct bitterness, colored my world in shades of gray before and after being diagnosed with bipolar depression. The highs and lows were extreme and unmanageable, making every day a struggle. I was at my lowest point, contemplating ending my life, unable to see any light at the end of the tunnel. I thought I had tried every flavor imaginable until, during this darkest time, I received a call that would change everything. On a sunny day in April (I remember because I was thinking to myself that this wouldn’t be a bad way to go), my sister called to tell me that my cousin had passed away. The doctors were unable to determine the cause of death, leaving us in shock and despair. My cousin's sudden and unexplained death was a jolt to my system, forcing me to confront the fragility of life in a way I had never done before. My cousin and I had been close, sharing countless memories from childhood to adulthood. Losing her was like losing a part of myself I did not know was there until it was gone. The grief was overwhelming, yet amidst the sorrow, a new perspective began to take shape. Her death, sudden and without warning, made me realize how precious and unpredictable life truly is. In the days following her passing, I found myself reflecting on the things that mattered most. The small, seemingly insignificant moments—laughing together, sharing dreams, supporting each other—took on a profound importance. I began to see that it wasn't the grand achievements or material possessions that defined a meaningful life, but the connections we forge and the impact we have on those around us. This shift in perspective ignited a spark within me, a determination to honor my cousin's memory by living a life that mattered. I decided that I wanted to "fight" for a life filled with purpose, connection, and resilience. No longer was I willing to let bipolar depression dictate my existence. Instead, I resolved to channel my struggles into a force for positive change. One of the first steps I took was seeking help and support. I reached out to therapists and support groups, determined to manage my bipolar depression rather than let it control me. Through therapy, I began to understand the importance of self-care and the necessity of building a strong support network. I learned coping strategies and ways to navigate the turbulent emotions that came with my diagnosis. In addition to seeking help, I also immersed myself in activities that brought me joy and fulfillment. I started working at my school's Center for Restorative Practices, helping others who were facing their own battles with mental health. This work gave me a sense of purpose and allowed me to give back to my community in meaningful ways. Seeing the positive impact I could have on others' lives helped to restore my own sense of self-worth. Furthermore, I began to use my passion for STEM and technology as a force for good. One of the significant challenges today is the digital divide, which disproportionately affects low-income communities and developing regions. By focusing on digital equity, I joined organizations contributing to a more inclusive and just society, ensuring that technological advancements benefited all, not just a privileged few. Through these efforts, I found a renewed sense of hope and determination. My cousin's memory became a guiding light, reminding me to cherish each day and to fight for a life that was not only survivable but also meaningful and fulfilling. I wanted to achieve a life where I could look back and feel proud of the person I had become, despite the challenges I faced. The loss of my cousin forced me to confront the realities of life and death in a way I never had before. It shifted my perspective, helping me to see what truly matters and what I wanted to fight to achieve. Through seeking help, giving back to my community, and advocating for mental health awareness and digital equity, I have found a way to honor my cousin's memory and to create a life filled with purpose and connection. Her death, though tragic and still unexplained, became the turning point that saved my own life and set me on a path towards healing and hope. Just as depression has many flavors, so too does hope. It comes in the form of small victories, meaningful connections, and a renewed purpose. These new flavors, while still complex, have added a sweetness to my life that I never thought possible. And it is these flavors that I now strive to savor and share with others.

Addressing the issue of educational inequity is a cause that is deeply personal to me. As a first-generation, low-income student, I have navigated the educational landscape with a profound understanding of the barriers that many students face. My commitment to addressing this social issue is driven by my experiences and the belief that education should be a right, not a privilege. My journey began with my role as a Teaching Fellow at Breakthrough Miami, where I mentored underrepresented students. This experience opened my eyes to the disparities in educational opportunities and the power of mentorship in bridging those gaps. Working closely with these students, I saw firsthand the impact that guidance, support, and encouragement can have on their academic and personal growth. It was here that I realized the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment. Building on this experience, I took on the role of Student Advisor with the Alliance for Identity Inclusive Computing Education. In this position, I worked to create academic cultures that were not only inclusive but also celebrated diversity. My efforts were focused on ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, felt valued and had equal opportunities to succeed. This role reinforced my belief in the power of inclusivity and the need for systemic changes to create equitable educational environments. My internship with Nbyula in Berlin further broadened my perspective. Engaging with students and educators from different parts of the world, I gained a deeper understanding of the global challenges in education. I researched and identified strategic initiatives that could support educational advancement, particularly for marginalized communities. This experience highlighted the importance of a global perspective in addressing educational inequity and the need for collaborative efforts to create lasting change. One of my most impactful roles has been serving as the National Student Leadership Representative for the Kapor Center Equitable Computer Science Team. In this position, I advocated for equity in computer science education, a field where minority students are often underrepresented. I spearheaded initiatives aimed at making computer science more accessible and inclusive, focusing on breaking down barriers that prevent minority students from pursuing careers in this field. This work is particularly meaningful to me as it aligns with my passion for technology and my desire to see more diversity in the tech industry. Beyond these roles, I am committed to continuous learning and growth. I believe that staying abreast of the latest research and best practices in education is crucial for effectively addressing educational inequity. Attending conferences, workshops, and engaging in professional development opportunities are integral parts of my strategy to remain informed and effective in my efforts. Receiving a scholarship would significantly support my mission by providing the financial stability needed to continue my academic and professional development. With a GPA of 3.6 and active participation in extracurricular activities such as being a community advisor, an intern for the Center of Restorative Practices, and a member of Club Volleyball, I am dedicated to utilizing every opportunity to further my goals and contribute positively to my community. My work in addressing educational inequity is driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of education and the need for inclusivity. I am grateful for your consideration and look forward to continuing my journey to create equitable educational opportunities for all students.