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Olivia Perez

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Finalist

Bio

Hi, my name is Olivia, and I am currently a senior at Nazareth Academy who plans to attend Marquette University to study computer science. During my time at Nazareth, I have taken pride in being actively involved in my school community and stepping into leadership and service opportunities. Through my participation in school activities and service initiatives, I have learned the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and leading by example. These experiences have strengthened my confidence and prepared me to take on new challenges in college. As I continue my education, I hope to grow as a leader, expand my knowledge in computer science, and use my skills to make a positive impact in my community and future career.

Education

Nazareth Academy

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Computer Science
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Lacrosse

      Junior Varsity
      2022 – 20253 years

      Lacrosse

      Club
      2024 – 20251 year

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Bethlehem Woods Give Back Day — Volunteer assisting at Bethlehem Woods through service activities
        2025 – 2025
      • Volunteering

        St. Procopius / Providence of God — Volunteer assisting in kitchen food preparation and managing a face painting booth
        2024 – 2024
      • Volunteering

        Cicero Public Library — Volunteer assisting with shelving, cleaning, and organizing materials
        2023 – 2023
      • Volunteering

        Campus Ministry (F.I.S.H) — Buddy
        2022 – 2025
      • Volunteering

        Our Lady of the Snows Parish — Catechist assistant / volunteer teacher
        2022 – 2023
      • Volunteering

        Nazareth Academy Retreat — Small group leader and Student leader
        2023 – 2026
      • Public Service (Politics)

        Snowball — Student Leader
        2024 – 2026
      • Public Service (Politics)

        Nazareth Academy Drive — Student representative and Senior Board Leader
        2023 – Present
      • Advocacy

        Youth Community Changemakers (YC2) — Participant
        2025 – 2025

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Entrepreneurship

      Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
      Some of the most important lessons I have learned about helping others did not come from a classroom. They came from my grandmother, my Ama. She came to the United States from Mexico at a young age and never had the opportunity to continue her education. Although she never had many opportunities herself, she spent her life helping others and taught me to do the same. She always preached that family comes first, and whenever you have the chance to help someone, you should. Due to her teachings, I have learned that the greatest impact we can make is through service. Throughout high school, I have looked for opportunities to live out those values. I have volunteered through school service projects, campus ministry, school organizations, freshman orientation, and as a retreat leader. Whether I was welcoming new students or serving my local community, I learned that small acts of kindness can make people feel supported and valued. One of the experiences that shaped me the most was Youth Community Changemakers (YC2). Through this program, I was able to work with nonprofit organizations and community leaders to offer immigrant families in need of healthcare and dental care. My team listened to community members, evaluated local nonprofits, and decided how to distribute a $15,000 grant to organizations serving immigrant families. The program taught me that creating change starts with listening to the people you hope to serve. It showed me that meaningful solutions come from collaboration, empathy, and understanding a community's real needs. These experiences have shaped the kind of impact I want to make in the future. This fall, I will attend Marquette University to study Computer Science because I believe technology can be used to solve real problems and make everyday life better. I want to use both of my passions to develop software that expands access to healthcare, education, and other essential resources for underserved communities. Too often, technology is created without considering the people who face language barriers, limited resources, or unequal access to services. I want to help change that by designing technology that is accessible, inclusive, and centered on the needs of real people. Beyond my career, I plan to continue volunteering and partnering with nonprofit organizations that serve immigrant families and underserved communities. YC2 showed me that meaningful change happens when people work together, and I want to continue using both my technical skills and my time to strengthen the communities around me. Whether I am mentoring students interested in STEM, volunteering with local organizations, or developing technology for nonprofits, I want my work to improve lives beyond the screen. Receiving the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship would help me continue pursuing an education that will allow me to make that impact. It would also allow me to carry forward the values my grandmother taught me through her own acts of compassion and selflessness. My goal is to use my education, skills, and voice to create more opportunities for others, just as so Ama has created opportunities for me. If I can build technology that helps even one person feel more supported, connected, or empowered, then I will know I have fulfilled my own purpose of giving back.
      Julie Adams Memorial Scholarship – Women in STEM
      When I first took Web Design at Nazareth Academy during my sophomore year, I did not expect it to become one of the first steps toward my future. I only signed up for it because I needed an elective that fit my schedule. At the time, I did not think much of it, but that class ended up changing the way I see myself and what I want to study in college. At first, coding felt unfamiliar, but I caught on quickly. Once I understood how things worked, I started enjoying it more than I expected. I remember building my first working website and realizing I could actually create something from nothing that other people could interact with. It was not just about completing assignments. It felt like solving puzzles and building something real at the same time. That was the moment I started to see computer science as something I could actually pursue, not just something I was learning in school. My interest in computer science is deeply connected to my mom. She studied mathematics and computer science in college and has always had a natural interest in problem-solving and logic. Growing up, I would hear her talk about her experience in those classes, and I could tell she genuinely enjoyed it. Even though she was not able to finish her degree due to financial challenges, she never lost that interest in the field. She would still talk about it with pride, and I think that stayed with me more than I realized at the time. In a lot of ways, my mom is the reason computer science felt familiar to me when I first encountered it. I did not feel like I was stepping into something completely new or unfamiliar. It felt like something that was already part of my life in a quiet way, something I was continuing rather than starting from scratch. As I grew more interested in the field, I started thinking about her path more often. There is a part of me that feels like I am stepping into something she once worked toward, and that makes my own journey feel more meaningful. My grandmother has also played a major role in shaping who I am. She did not continue her education past middle school, but she always placed a strong emphasis on learning. She would tell me that education is something no one can take away from you, and that stuck with me over the years. She did not have the same opportunities I have now, but she made sure I understood how important it was to take advantage of them. Between her and my mom, I grew up with a strong sense that education is not something to take lightly. It is something to value and use fully. After Web Design, I continued with AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A. These classes helped me understand that computer science is not just about coding or writing programs. It is about learning how to think in a structured way and solve problems step by step. I like how clear and logical it feels, but also how much creativity it allows. There is not always one way to solve a problem, and I enjoy figuring out different approaches until something works. What I enjoy most about computer science is that moment when something finally clicks. When a program that was not working suddenly runs correctly, or when I finally understand a concept that did not make sense before, it feels rewarding in a quiet but meaningful way. It is not always instant, but that is part of what makes it interesting to me. It challenges me to think differently and keep going even when I do not immediately see the answer. Being one of the only girls in my computer science classes also shaped my experience. At first, I noticed it right away. It is hard not to when you walk into a room and do not see many people who look like you. But over time, it stopped feeling like something that defined me and more like something that motivated me. It made me more aware of how important representation is in STEM fields and how much it matters for young women to see themselves in spaces like this. I never wanted my presence in those classes to feel unusual. I wanted it to feel normal. That is one of the reasons Girls Who Code was so meaningful to me. For the first time, I was in a space where I was surrounded by other girls who were also interested in technology. It changed how I viewed myself in computer science. It made the field feel less isolating and more like a place where I belonged. I was able to learn, ask questions, and grow without constantly feeling like I stood out. More than anything, it gave me confidence. It showed me that women can and do succeed in STEM, and that we belong in those spaces just as much as anyone else. Outside of computer science, I have always been involved in my school community through service and leadership. I like being part of things that allow me to contribute, even in small ways. Whether it is helping with school events, participating in service activities, or being involved in different organizations, I have learned that I value being useful to others and showing up when I am needed. That mindset connects directly to how I see computer science. I do not just see it as something technical. I see it as a way to create tools and systems that can make everyday life easier or more accessible for other people. This fall, I plan to attend Marquette University and major in Computer Science. I am excited to continue learning and challenge myself in new areas such as software development and artificial intelligence. I know it will not always be easy, but I am looking forward to growing through those challenges and building on what I have already started. When I think about why I am passionate about computer science, it is not just because I enjoy coding. It is because of everything the field represents for me. It connects my mom’s story, my grandmother’s values, my experiences in school, and my own curiosity about how things work. It represents both where I come from and where I want to go. More than anything, computer science has shown me that I enjoy creating solutions to problems and watching ideas come to life. It has also shown me that I am capable of learning things that once felt unfamiliar. There is something meaningful about that process of growth, even when it is gradual. This scholarship honors the memory of someone who cared deeply about supporting young women in STEM, and that makes this opportunity especially meaningful. I see myself in that mission. I understand what it means to be a young woman entering a field where representation still matters, and I understand how powerful encouragement can be in those moments. My journey in computer science is still just beginning, but it is one I am proud of and committed to continuing.
      Forever90 Scholarship
      I first learned what it means to serve not through one moment, but through the steady way I have learned to show up for others throughout high school. At Nazareth Academy, I am involved in the Girls’ Affinity Group, People of Color Affinity Group, LatiNaz Affinity Group, Youth Initiative, Tri M Music Honor Society, American Sign Language, Progressions, Concert Choir, Friends in Service and Hospitality (FISH), Eucharistic Ministry, and Roadrunner Club. At times, it can feel like a lot to balance with school, but I have learned that service is not something I fit into my life when it is convenient. It is something that shapes how I move through it and how I treat others. Over time, service has become rooted in consistency, responsibility, and care. One of the most meaningful experiences that shaped my understanding of service was the Youth Community Changemakers (YC2). In this program, I worked with other students to identify real needs in our community. We focused on improving access to healthcare and dental care for immigrant communities, which helped me understand how easily certain groups can be overlooked. We met with local nonprofit organizations and interviewed people who work directly with these communities. Hearing their experiences made the issues feel real in a way that was hard to ignore. It was no longer abstract. It was about people’s daily lives and the barriers they face. Our group also helped decide how to distribute $15,000 to different nonprofits. That experience changed how I think about service. Every decision carried weight because it would directly affect people’s access to support. It taught me to slow down, listen carefully, and think about impact before acting. I learned that service is not only about wanting to help, but about being responsible with the trust you are given. YC2 showed me that real service requires empathy, thoughtfulness, and accountability. Outside of YC2, I have continued to serve in my school and parish community. As a buddy at FISH Prom, I worked with students with special needs and helped create an inclusive, valued environment. That experience taught me that service is often about presence and making sure someone does not feel left out. I also helped at freshman orientation and other school events, supporting incoming students as they adjusted to high school. I remember how overwhelming that transition can feel, so I tried to be someone they could rely on. At my parish, I help prepare younger students for their sacraments, which has taught me patience and the importance of encouraging others in their growth of faith and confidence. These experiences have shaped my academic path and my goals for the future. I plan to attend Marquette University to study computer science because I am interested in how technology can solve problems and expand access to resources. My interest in this field grew after I created a web design project in school. That project showed me how something I built could reach and help others, and it made me want to keep developing those skills. Since then, I have continued exploring computer science to use it in meaningful ways. In the future, I hope to use my education to help close gaps in access to education and resources, especially for students who do not always have support or guidance. I also want to help create mentorship opportunities where students can receive encouragement and practical help as they plan for their futures.
      Hines Scholarship
      Going to college for computer science means being able to build a future in a field I am passionate about while also having opportunities my grandmother never had. She immigrated from Mexico and was never able to make it past middle school. When she came to the United States, she started working almost immediately and also helped take care of her sister so they could get by. School was never something she had the chance to focus on because she had to prioritize working and supporting her family. Growing up, I saw that in real life. I remember how she would always be busy doing something for someone else. Even when she was tired, she still helped whoever needed her. She always encouraged me to stay in school and do my best because she did not get that chance herself. Hearing that from her made me realize early on that education was important, I should never take for granted, and that it was a privilege I was lucky to have. My interest in computer science really started when I took a web design class at my high school. I remember how rewarding it felt to take something that started as a blank page and slowly turn it into something I actually built myself. Even small changes in color, layout, or structure made a noticeable difference, and that made me want to understand more about how everything worked behind the scenes. That experience is what pushed me to take more advanced classes like AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, where I could learn how to think more deeply about programming and problem solving. I want to study computer science because I like figuring things out when they do not work right away. I like coding because it challenges me to think through problems step by step, fix errors, and try different approaches until I get the right solution. It feels like solving a puzzle, except the end result is something real that actually works. I also like that even small changes in code can completely change how something functions, which makes it feel both logical and creative at the same time. As I learned more through my classes, I started to enjoy not just solving problems, but understanding how systems are built and how technology is used in everyday life. It made me realize how much goes into the apps, websites, and tools people use every day without thinking about it, and it made me want to be part of creating and improving those systems in the future. Going to college will give me access to resources, classes, and opportunities my grandmother never had. She was never able to make it past middle school, and because of that, she never had the chance to explore careers or opportunities like the ones I am pursuing now. I want to take advantage of the opportunity I have by learning as much as I can, improving my skills, and building a strong foundation for a career in technology. I also want to challenge myself to become more independent, disciplined, and confident in my abilities as I take on new responsibilities and push through difficult challenges. More than anything, I want to make my grandmother proud. Everything she did was to give our family a better chance, even if she did not get one herself. Going to college for computer science is my way of honoring her sacrifices and turning the opportunities she never had into something meaningful that can shape my future and the path I build for myself.
      Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER Scholarship
      I did not always see myself in computer science. Walking into my first class at Nazareth Academy, I quickly realized I was often one of the only girls in the room. At first, I tried not to focus on it, but it was something I noticed immediately. It made me more aware of myself in a space where I was still learning how I fit. Over time, instead of letting that make me hesitant, it pushed me to take myself more seriously and prove to myself that I belonged there. That shift started when I was introduced to computer science. I did not expect it to be the subject that would stick with me, but it changed how I think about learning in general. Before that, I mostly saw school as something to get through by completing assignments and moving from one topic to the next. Computer science was different because it slowed everything down and made me focus on the process instead of just the outcome. What stood out to me was how different it felt from other classes. In computer science, you are not just looking for the right answer and moving on. You are figuring out why something works or why it does not, and that process forces you to think more carefully and logically. At first, that was frustrating because things rarely worked the first time. But over time, I started to appreciate that frustration because it meant I was actually learning. I began to enjoy the challenge of fixing problems, testing ideas, and improving something step by step until it finally worked. That experience showed me that growth comes from persistence, not immediate success. Outside of school, one of the strongest influences on my mindset has been my Ama. She came from Mexico and did not have the same educational opportunities that I have now. Hearing her experiences has made me more aware of how meaningful education can be and how different life can be depending on access and opportunity. She often reminds me that education is something valuable that can open doors that were not always open for her, and that reminder stays with me every time I feel overwhelmed or unsure. My Ama has a way of loving through encouragement and quiet strength. She does not always express things in big words, but her support is constant and steady. I feel that she lives through me in the way she pushes me to do better, even when she is not in the room. When I feel stuck or discouraged, I think about her journey and the sacrifices and challenges she has experienced, and it gives me motivation to keep going. I want my effort in school to reflect the opportunities she did not always have, and I carry that responsibility with me in everything I do. Her influence has also shaped how I handle challenges. There have been moments in school when I felt frustrated or unsure of myself, especially when I did not immediately understand something. In those moments, it would have been easy to give up or assume I was not capable. Instead, I learned to slow down, try again, and stay with problems until I understood them. I realized that struggling is not a sign of failure, but part of becoming better. Being one of the only girls in computer science has also been a challenge that has shaped my confidence. At first, I did not fully understand what it meant, but over time, I became more aware of how it can quietly affect how you see yourself. It is easy to hesitate or second-guess your ideas when you do not see many people who look like you in a space. Instead of letting that discourage me, I made the decision to stay engaged, speak up more, and trust my thinking. I learned that confidence is not something people are born with, but something built over time through experience and persistence. That experience taught me that belonging is not about fitting into a space that already exists, but about recognizing that you deserve to be there and continuing to show up anyway. It also showed me that challenges are not always visible on the surface. Sometimes they are internal, like learning to trust yourself in environments where you feel outnumbered. Because of everything I have experienced in school and at home, my goals have become more intentional. I want to continue my education in college so I can keep building my skills and prepare for a future where I can be independent and purposeful in my work. I am especially interested in computer science because I enjoy problem-solving and the process of building solutions step by step. It has taught me to think critically and stay patient when things do not work right away. More importantly, I want to use my education to create a better future for myself by opening doors that expand my opportunities and allow me to grow into someone who can contribute meaningfully. I also want to carry forward what I have learned from my Ama, especially her belief in the value of education and her quiet strength. I want my progress to reflect her sacrifices and experiences, and I want to make the most of the opportunities she has helped inspire in me. Looking back, education has shaped not only what I am learning, but who I am becoming. It has taught me persistence, responsibility, and confidence in my own abilities. I am still growing and still learning, but I now have a clearer sense of direction than I did when I first started high school. My experiences have shown me that progress is not always immediate, but it comes from continuing forward even when things are not easy. As I move forward, I hope to continue using my education to honor where I come from, support my family’s sacrifices, and create opportunities that allow me to give back in meaningful ways.
      Sunshine Legall Scholarship
      Higher education has always represented more than a personal goal for me. It is a path toward independence, stability, and the ability to create something meaningful that can serve others. I plan to study computer science in college because I am drawn to both problem-solving and creativity. I want to understand how technology works on a deeper level and eventually use that knowledge to build applications and systems that improve everyday life. My academic goal is to strengthen my skills in programming, logic, and critical thinking so I can grow into a confident and capable software developer. A major source of my motivation comes from my grandmother, whom I call Ama. She is an immigrant from Guanajuato, Mexico, and her story has shaped how I view education and opportunity. She grew up in a loving family but had to leave school in the 6th grade to help care for her family. Later, she made the difficult decision to leave Mexico and come to the United States to support her sister during a major life transition. Because of these sacrifices, she never had the chance to attend high school or pursue her education further. Even without formal schooling, my Ama has always deeply valued education. She often tells me how important it is and reminds me that she lives through my learning because she never had the opportunity to experience it herself. When she shares her story, I think about everything she gave up at such a young age, not only her education but also parts of her independence and future possibilities. Her sacrifices were not small decisions, but lifelong changes made for the sake of her family. Her story has taught me that education is not something to take for granted. Every assignment, every challenge, and every opportunity I have is connected to the sacrifices she made. I feel a responsibility to make the most of my education, not only for myself but also to honor her journey. She has shown me what it means to put family first, and I carry that lesson with me in everything I do. Service has also played a major role in shaping who I am. One of my most meaningful experiences has been teaching at my former parish, where I helped prepare public school students for their sacraments. This experience taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of being someone others can rely on. I also serve at Nazareth Academy, where I help with events like freshman orientation and other school activities. During orientation, I train students and help them adjust to high school, which has allowed me to support others during an important transition in their lives. I have also participated as a buddy at events like the FISH Prom, where I focus on making sure others feel included and comfortable. These experiences have shown me that leadership is not about recognition, but about consistency, kindness, and showing up for others. Small actions can have a real impact on someone’s confidence and sense of belonging. As I look toward college, I carry my grandmother’s sacrifices and my commitment to service with me. I know my education will require hard work, but I am motivated by the idea that what I gain can be used to give back. My goal is to grow in computer science while continuing to lead through service, and to become someone who not only builds a successful future for myself, but also honors the sacrifices that made my education possible.
      Valerie Rabb Academic Scholarship
      I used to hesitate before speaking in my computer science class, not because I did not know the answer, but because I did not always see myself represented in the room. Over time, I learned that I belonged there just as much as anyone else, even if it took confidence and persistence to start believing it myself. My name is Olivia Perez, and I am a high school senior at Nazareth Academy. Throughout high school, I have tried to challenge myself academically while also staying involved in activities that let me grow and give back. I participated in Girls Who Code, which helped me get more comfortable with programming and gave me a space where I could learn alongside other young women interested in technology. I also took part in Youth Community Changemakers (YC2), where students from different high schools worked together to support local nonprofit organizations and help decide how funding should be distributed to community needs. Both experiences helped me grow in communication, teamwork, and confidence, even in unfamiliar situations. After high school, I plan to study computer science at Marquette University. I am interested in this field because it combines creativity and problem-solving, and it gives you the ability to build things that can improve people’s daily lives. I want to keep developing my skills so I can create tools and systems that make information and resources more accessible, especially for people who do not always have equal access. For me, computer science is not just about learning to code, but about learning how to build something useful that can have a real impact. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is being one of the only girls in my computer science classes. At first, it made me doubt myself more than I expected. I would second-guess my ideas or hesitate before speaking up, especially when I felt like I did not fully fit into the environment around me. It was not that I was not capable, but that I had to learn how to trust myself in a space where I did not always see people who looked like me. Over time, I started pushing myself to participate more, even when it felt uncomfortable. I asked questions when I needed help, shared my ideas in class discussions, and kept going even when I did not feel fully confident. Slowly, that consistency helped me realize I was just as capable as anyone else in the room. It also made me more aware of how important representation is in STEM and how much it matters for students to see themselves reflected in those spaces. Moving forward, I want to carry that same mindset into college and my future career. I know there will still be challenges, but I have learned that growth does not come from always feeling comfortable and instead it comes from showing up anyway. My goal is to use computer science not just as a career path, but as a way to create opportunities, solve problems, and hopefully help make those spaces a little more inclusive for the next student after me.
      Aserina Hill Memorial Scholarship
      My name is Olivia Perez, and I am currently a high school senior at Nazareth Academy. I am a part of Girls' Affinity Group, People of Color Affinity Group, LatiNaz Affinity Group, Youth Initiative, Tri-M Music Honor Society, American Sign Language, Progressions, Concert Choir, Friends in Service & Hospitality (FISH), Eucharistic Ministry, and Roadrunner Club. Throughout high school, I have worked hard to balance my academics with service to my community. Giving back has always been an important part of who I am, and I have dedicated myself to supporting others in meaningful, consistent ways whenever I can. One of the most impactful experiences I have had is my involvement in Youth Community Changemakers (YC2).In this program, we collaborated to identify pressing community needs and created a shared mission statement to guide our work. Our group focused on investing in healthcare and dental care access for immigrants, which shaped the purpose and direction of our discussions and decisions throughout the program. A major part of YC2 involved meeting with and interviewing local nonprofit organizations to learn about the populations they serve and the challenges they face. These conversations allowed us to see firsthand how organizations operate and how funding decisions can directly affect real people. After gathering and analyzing this information, our group helped determine how to allocate and distribute a total of $15,000 to various nonprofits. This responsibility taught me the importance of listening carefully, evaluating needs thoughtfully, and making decisions that are both informed and compassionate. It also strengthened my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Outside of YC2, I have been active in other service opportunities through both my school and parish community. I volunteered as a buddy at FISH Prom, where I supported students with special needs and helped create a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment for everyone involved. I also assisted at freshman orientation and other school events, where I helped guide incoming students as they adjusted to high school and worked to make their transition smoother and less overwhelming. In addition, I served at my parish, helping prepare younger students for their sacraments, which taught me patience, consistency, and the importance of encouraging others as they grow in their faith and confidence. After graduating from high school, I plan to attend Marquette University to study computer science. I am interested in technology because it allows people to solve problems, improve systems, and create opportunities that can reach large groups of people efficiently. I hope to use my education in the future to make a positive impact in my community, especially by developing tools or systems that improve access to resources, education, and support for those who need it most. If I were given the opportunity to start a charity, I would create an organization focused on supporting students who may not have access to academic resources or mentorship. This charity would serve middle school and high school students in underserved communities who have goals for their future but lack guidance, encouragement, or access to the tools they need to succeed. Volunteers would provide tutoring, teach study and organizational skills, and introduce students to basic computer and technology skills. They would also serve as mentors, helping students stay motivated and guiding them through important milestones such as high school transitions, goal setting, and college preparation.
      StatusGator Women in Tech Scholarship
      What sparked my interest in technology was my first computer science class during my sophomore year of high school. Before that class, I never really thought about how the apps and websites I used every day were created. I only saw the finished product and not everything behind it. That changed when I was introduced to web design. For the first time, I built my own website and saw how lines of code could come together to create something interactive and functional. I remember being starstruck, realizing that something that looks simple on the surface is actually built from many small pieces working together. That experience made me want to keep learning. That moment changed my goals because it showed me I actually enjoy problem-solving and figuring things out, even when I do not get it right away. In coding, things rarely work the first time, and at first, that was frustrating. But over time, I started to enjoy the process of fixing errors and slowly getting things to work. It taught me persistence and made me realize I do not just want to use technology, I want to understand it and create it. Since then, I have continued taking computer science courses, including AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, which have helped me build stronger skills and confidence in programming. One of the most important parts of my journey has been being involved in Girls Who Code for two years in a row. In many of my computer science classes, I have often been one of the only girls, which at times made me second-guess myself or feel out of place. Girls Who Code changed that for me. It gave me a space where I felt supported and understood, surrounded by other girls who were also interested in technology. That experience helped me realize I belong in this field even though women are still underrepresented in it. It also motivated me to stay in the field and be part of closing that gap. A big influence on my growth has also been my teacher, Mr. Reinke, who encouraged us to think independently and treat mistakes as part of the learning process. That mindset helped me become more patient and confident when solving problems instead of getting discouraged when things do not work right away. In the future, I plan to study computer science at Marquette University. I am interested in software development, especially web and application development, as well as exploring AI-related fields. I want to use technology to create tools that help people access resources more easily, improve financial literacy, and support underserved communities. My goal is to build software that is not only functional but also meaningful and accessible to the people who need it most. What excites me most about the future of technology is how quickly it is evolving and how many opportunities there are to create real impact. Even small ideas can grow into tools that make everyday life easier, and I want to be part of building that kind of change. I am especially excited by the idea of contributing to a field that is growing while also helping make it more inclusive for future women in tech. Overall, what started as one class has turned into a real passion. Computer science has shaped my goals, strengthened my confidence, and taught me to stay persistent through challenges. I am excited to continue growing in this field and use my skills to build technology that makes a real difference.
      Arthur Walasek Computer Science Memorial Scholarship
      Going into high school, I had no idea what I wanted to study once I graduated, until my sophomore year, when I enrolled in my first computer science course. I was first introduced to the field through web design, where I built my own website and learned what goes on behind the scenes. I was honestly starstruck, to say the least, seeing how lines of code could turn into something interactive and creative. It made me realize how much I enjoyed problem-solving and showed me a new way of thinking. What inspired me even more was my teacher, Mr Reinke, who opened new creative doors for me through his classes. He made coding feel less intimidating and more like something I could actually figure out on my own. Instead of just giving answers, he pushed us to think through problems and learn from mistakes, which made a huge difference in my confidence. After each class, I found myself increasingly interested in computer science, even when things were challenging. That passion led me to continue taking more courses in the subject. I enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles during my junior year, and I am currently taking AP Computer Science A. Both classes have helped me understand computer science on a deeper level and introduced me to more algorithms and programming languages, such as Python and Java. Even though the coursework is more difficult, I've learned that I enjoy the process of figuring things out and improving my skills over time. What inspires me most to study computer science in college is the satisfying feeling of turning something confusing into something I can understand and build on my own. I like that there is always a solution, even if it takes time and patience to figure it out. I also enjoy the creative freedom I can have, since there are often multiple ways to solve a problem. It keeps me thinking in new ways and pushes me to keep learning. In the future, I would like to work in software development. I am drawn to the programming area because it combines creativity with logic and allows me to build practical things for the community. I like the idea that something I create could help our community and future generations. I am also interested in exploring AI-related fields. I want to understand how intelligent systems are being developed and how they are shaping the future of technology. Overall, computer science inspires me because it challenges me to think differently and shows me a path I never expected to take. I have developed a strong passion for this subject that continues to grow every day. What started as a simple class quickly turned into something I genuinely enjoy and want to pursue further. I am motivated by challenges, excited by problem-solving, and eager to keep learning new skills that will help me grow in this field. Computer science is not just something I study, it is something I am truly passionate about building my future in.