I chose Mechanical Engineering because I enjoy understanding how things work, solving problems, and creating solutions that improve people's lives. Growing up, I was always curious about how systems and machines functioned. That curiosity grew even stronger when I became an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Mining Engineering Department at Tennessee State University. While working on engineering research projects involving Python programming and data analysis, I realized that what interested me most was not the coding itself but the engineering concepts behind solving problems. That experience ultimately led me to change my major from Computer Science to Mechanical Engineering. Another experience that influenced my decision was repairing my vehicle with my father after it was involved in an accident. My father has always been able to fix almost anything, whether it was a vehicle, an HVAC system, or an appliance around the house. Working alongside him taught me how mechanical systems operate and strengthened my desire to pursue a career where I could design, improve, and innovate. My short-term goal is to successfully complete my Mechanical Engineering degree while gaining hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities, and engineering projects. I want to continue developing the technical skills and practical knowledge necessary to become a successful engineer. My long-term goal is to work as a Mechanical Engineer designing efficient, reliable, and sustainable systems while continuing to serve my community through mentorship and leadership. I hope to eventually help create pathways that expose more students to STEM careers and educational opportunities. Being an underrepresented minority in engineering has had a significant impact on my career goals. Growing up, I did not often see engineers who looked like me or came from backgrounds similar to mine. Because of this, many students in my community are unaware of the opportunities available in STEM fields. This has motivated me to not only pursue success for myself but also to serve as an example for others. I want young students to see someone who shares a similar background succeeding in engineering and understand that they can achieve those goals as well. This scholarship would provide valuable financial assistance as I continue my education at Tennessee State University. Like many college students, I face expenses that extend beyond tuition, including textbooks, academic supplies, housing, transportation, and other educational costs. Receiving this scholarship would reduce the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more of my time and energy on academics, research opportunities, leadership activities, and professional development. It would bring me one step closer to achieving my educational and career goals while allowing me to continue serving my community. I am committed to using my education to create opportunities for others and make a positive impact through engineering, leadership, and service.

I want to pursue a career in STEM because I enjoy solving problems, understanding how things work, and creating solutions that improve people's lives. STEM fields give people the opportunity to turn ideas into reality, whether that means designing safer products, developing new technologies, or improving the systems that society relies on every day. Through my experiences both inside and outside the classroom, I discovered that engineering provides the perfect combination of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, which is why I chose to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My interest in STEM developed through several experiences. One of the most influential was serving as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Mining Engineering Department at Tennessee State University. In this role, I used Python programming and data analysis to support engineering research projects. While I enjoyed learning technical skills, I became fascinated by the engineering concepts behind the work. I enjoyed understanding how problems were analyzed and how solutions were developed. This experience helped me realize that my true passion was engineering and ultimately led me to change my major from Computer Science to Mechanical Engineering. Another experience that strengthened my interest in STEM was repairing my vehicle with my father after it was involved in an accident. My father has always been someone who can fix almost anything, from cars to household appliances. Working alongside him taught me how mechanical systems function and gave me a greater appreciation for engineering. Seeing how individual components work together to create a functioning system inspired me to pursue a career focused on design and innovation. I also participated in the 3DE program through Junior Achievement, where I worked on projects that combined engineering, entrepreneurship, and creativity. My teams won first place in two competitions. One project used artificial intelligence to improve educational outcomes for students, while the other focused on creating EnviroCup, a biodegradable cup made from corn-based plastic to help reduce waste. These experiences showed me how STEM can be used to solve real-world problems and improve communities. After earning my degree, I plan to use my education to help uplift my community by increasing awareness of STEM opportunities among young people, especially students from underserved communities. Growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida, I was not always exposed to STEM careers or professionals working in technical fields. Because of that, I want to help create pathways that connect students to STEM education, internships, scholarships, and career opportunities. Through mentoring programs, community workshops, and partnerships with local schools, I hope to encourage more students to pursue careers in engineering and technology. I want young people to see that STEM careers are achievable and that they have the ability to succeed in these fields. By combining my engineering knowledge with my passion for service, I hope to create opportunities for others while helping develop innovative solutions that improve people's lives. My goal is not only to become a successful engineer but also to use my education to make a lasting impact on my community.

I want to pursue a career in STEM because I enjoy solving problems, understanding how things work, and creating solutions that improve people's lives. STEM fields give people the opportunity to turn ideas into reality, whether that means designing safer products, developing new technologies, or improving the systems that society relies on every day. Through my experiences both inside and outside the classroom, I discovered that engineering provides the perfect combination of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, which is why I chose to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My interest in STEM developed through several experiences. One of the most influential was serving as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Mining Engineering Department at Tennessee State University. In this role, I used Python programming and data analysis to support engineering research projects. While I enjoyed learning technical skills, I became fascinated by the engineering concepts behind the work. I enjoyed understanding how problems were analyzed and how solutions were developed. This experience helped me realize that my true passion was engineering and ultimately led me to change my major from Computer Science to Mechanical Engineering. Another experience that strengthened my interest in STEM was repairing my vehicle with my father after it was involved in an accident. My father has always been someone who can fix almost anything, from cars to household appliances. Working alongside him taught me how mechanical systems function and gave me a greater appreciation for engineering. Seeing how individual components work together to create a functioning system inspired me to pursue a career focused on design and innovation. I also participated in the 3DE program through Junior Achievement, where I worked on projects that combined engineering, entrepreneurship, and creativity. My teams won first place in two competitions. One project used artificial intelligence to improve educational outcomes for students, while the other focused on creating EnviroCup, a biodegradable cup made from corn-based plastic to help reduce waste. These experiences showed me how STEM can be used to solve real-world problems and improve communities. After earning my degree, I plan to use my education to help uplift my community by increasing awareness of STEM opportunities among young people, especially students from underserved communities. Growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida, I was not always exposed to STEM careers or professionals working in technical fields. Because of that, I want to help create pathways that connect students to STEM education, internships, scholarships, and career opportunities. Through mentoring programs, community workshops, and partnerships with local schools, I hope to encourage more students to pursue careers in engineering and technology. I want young people to see that STEM careers are achievable and that they have the ability to succeed in these fields. By combining my engineering knowledge with my passion for service, I hope to create opportunities for others while helping develop innovative solutions that improve people's lives. My goal is not only to become a successful engineer but also to use my education to make a lasting impact on my community.

Baseball was the first sport that truly challenged me, and although I eventually stopped playing, the lessons I learned on the field continue to shape who I am today. Looking back, baseball was much more than a game. It taught me perseverance, mental toughness, accountability, and how to handle failure—lessons that continue to influence my education, leadership, and future goals. What made baseball unique was the mental aspect of the game. Unlike many sports, success in baseball often means failing more than succeeding. Even the best hitters in the world make outs most of the time. As a young athlete, that was difficult for me to understand. I remember putting in countless hours of practice only to strike out during a game or make a mistake in the field. Those moments were frustrating, but they taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: failure is not the end unless you allow it to be. Baseball taught me how to remain confident after setbacks. I learned that one bad game, one strikeout, or one mistake did not define who I was as a player or a person. Instead, success came from showing up every day, working hard, and continuing to improve. That lesson has carried over into every area of my life. Whether it was adjusting to college, balancing athletics and academics, or changing my major from Computer Science to Mechanical Engineering, I learned that growth often comes from overcoming challenges rather than avoiding them. The coaches and mentors I encountered throughout baseball also had a lasting impact on me. They taught me discipline, accountability, and the importance of being a good teammate. They expected me to give my best effort regardless of the circumstances and helped me understand that character is built when nobody is watching. Their guidance helped shape the values that I carry with me today. Although I no longer play baseball, the mindset it gave me remains a part of who I am. Today, I am a student-athlete at Tennessee State University pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The resilience I developed through baseball helps me face difficult coursework, overcome obstacles, and continue pushing toward my goals. It has also influenced my leadership and community service efforts by teaching me the importance of encouraging others through their own challenges. As I pursue my future career, I hope to carry those values forward. I want to approach engineering with the same persistence and work ethic that baseball taught me. I also hope to mentor younger students and athletes, helping them understand that setbacks do not define their future. Baseball taught me that success is not about never failing—it is about learning from failure, growing through adversity, and continuing to move forward. That lesson has shaped the person I am today and will continue to guide me throughout my life.

My educational goal is to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee State University and develop the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to become a successful engineer. I am passionate about understanding how things work, designing solutions to real-world problems, and creating systems that improve people's lives. Through my education, I hope to gain experience in engineering design, manufacturing, sustainability, and innovation while preparing myself for a career where I can make a meaningful impact. My path to Mechanical Engineering was not a straight line. When I first enrolled at Tennessee State University, I was a Computer Science major. While working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Mining Engineering Department, I utilized Python programming and data analysis to support engineering research projects. Although I enjoyed learning technical skills, I realized that I was most interested in the engineering concepts behind the work rather than programming itself. This experience helped me better understand my interests and ultimately led me to change my major to Mechanical Engineering. Outside of academics, repairing my car with my father after it was involved in an accident further strengthened my interest in engineering. Working together to diagnose problems, replace parts, and understand how different systems function gave me a greater appreciation for problem-solving and design. That experience showed me how engineering can have a direct impact on people's lives and inspired me to pursue a career where I can develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Professionally, my goal is to become a Mechanical Engineer who develops products and systems that are efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible. I am particularly interested in manufacturing, automotive systems, and product design. I hope to work on projects that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and create long-term value for society. I am inspired by the Japanese concept of Monozukuri, which emphasizes craftsmanship, quality, and pride in creating products that are built to last. Rather than focusing only on costs, I want to create solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and quality. Equally important to my educational and professional goals is my commitment to civic and public service. Throughout my life, I have learned that success is not measured solely by personal accomplishments but also by how much we help others. As Vice President of the St. Petersburg NAACP Youth Council, I have had the opportunity to advocate for equal opportunities, participate in community service projects, and help organize initiatives that positively impact local youth. These experiences taught me the importance of leadership, service, and giving back to the community. I am also a student-athlete on the Tennessee State University football team, where I have learned discipline, teamwork, accountability, and perseverance. Balancing athletics, academics, leadership responsibilities, and community involvement has taught me how to manage competing responsibilities while remaining committed to my goals. In the future, I hope to combine my engineering career with service by mentoring students and increasing awareness of STEM opportunities in underserved communities. Growing up, I was not always exposed to engineering careers or role models in STEM fields. Because of that, I want to help create pathways that connect young people to educational opportunities, internships, scholarships, and careers in engineering. My goal is not only to succeed professionally but also to use my education, leadership, and experiences to create opportunities for others and leave a lasting impact on my community.

Every story has a turning point, and mine came when I realized that the path I originally chose was not the one I was meant to follow. When I first arrived at Tennessee State University, I was a Computer Science major. I enjoyed technology and believed it would lead to a successful career. However, through experiences both inside and outside the classroom, I discovered that my true passion was engineering. One of the most important opportunities I received was serving as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Mining Engineering Department. My work involved Python programming and data analysis for engineering research projects. While I enjoyed learning technical skills, I found myself most interested in the engineering concepts behind the work. For the first time, I realized that what excited me was not simply writing code but understanding how things worked, solving problems, and designing solutions. That experience gave me the confidence to change my major to Mechanical Engineering, a decision that completely changed the direction of my future. Another turning point came after my car was involved in an accident. Instead of immediately giving up on it, my father and I spent time repairing it together. My dad has always been the person who can fix anything, whether it is a vehicle, an HVAC system, a television, or even one of his RC cars. Working alongside him taught me more than mechanical skills. It showed me the value of patience, perseverance, and problem-solving. Seeing how individual components worked together to create a functioning system strengthened my passion for engineering and confirmed that I had chosen the right path. These experiences also shaped my commitment to serving others. As a student-athlete on the Tennessee State University football team, I have learned the importance of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance. Balancing the demands of Division I football with academics has taught me how to manage my time, overcome adversity, and remain committed to long-term goals. In addition, as Vice President of the St. Petersburg NAACP Youth Council, I have had the opportunity to advocate for equal opportunities and participate in service initiatives that positively impact local youth. Through football, leadership, and community service, I learned that success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by the opportunities you create for others. Today, I am committed to building a future that combines engineering, leadership, and service. My goal is to become a Mechanical Engineer who develops innovative and sustainable solutions while helping expose more young people to STEM careers. Growing up, I did not always have access to those opportunities or role models in technical fields. Because of that, I want to help bridge that gap for future generations. The experiences that shaped me taught me that growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, embracing challenges, and remaining open to new possibilities. They showed me who I am, what motivates me, and the impact I hope to leave on my community and the world around me.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering because I enjoy solving problems, understanding how systems work, and creating solutions that improve people's lives. I am particularly interested in automotive, manufacturing, and product design because these fields combine creativity, innovation, and technical problem-solving. Sustainability is an important consideration in modern engineering, and I plan to prioritize it throughout my career. I believe engineers have a responsibility to design products and systems that are efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible. Too often, decisions are made solely around short-term costs. While cost is important, I do not want to become the type of engineer who simply looks at numbers on a spreadsheet. I am inspired by the Japanese concept of Monozukuri, which emphasizes craftsmanship, quality, and taking pride in creating products that are built to last. Rather than focusing only on cutting costs, I want to focus on designing solutions that are reliable, sustainable, and thoughtfully engineered. My interest in sustainability was strengthened through my participation in the 3DE program, where my team developed EnviroCup, a biodegradable cup made from corn-based plastic designed to reduce waste. This experience showed me how engineering and innovation can be used to address environmental challenges while still meeting consumer needs. In my future career, I hope to design products and systems that balance performance, sustainability, and quality. By combining technical knowledge with the principles of Monozukuri, I want to create solutions that not only solve problems today but continue providing value for years to come.

Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous and irresponsible choices a person can make. Every year, thousands of lives are lost because someone decided to get behind the wheel while impaired. While many people focus on the legal consequences of a DUI, the true cost is measured in the lives changed forever, the families left behind, and the dreams that are never fulfilled. From a moral perspective, driving under the influence is selfish because it places innocent people at risk. A driver who is impaired by alcohol or drugs is not fully aware of their surroundings and cannot react as quickly or make sound decisions. Choosing to drive while intoxicated means knowingly putting passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians in danger. No celebration, convenience, or personal decision is worth risking another person's life. The effects of drunk driving are personal to me. My girlfriend was hit by a drunk driver. Thankfully, her injuries were not life-threatening, but her car was totaled, and the long-term effects of the accident are still unknown because of concerns about her back. Watching someone I care about deal with the consequences of another person's poor decision reinforced my belief that impaired driving affects far more than just the person behind the wheel. Victims and their families can face physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost income, medical expenses, and years of uncertainty. From a technical standpoint, alcohol and drugs impair the exact skills required to operate a vehicle safely. Intoxicated drivers often have slower reaction times, poor judgment, reduced coordination, and difficulty recognizing hazards. These impairments significantly increase the likelihood of a crash. To help prevent DUIs, automotive engineers and technology companies are developing advanced safety systems. Built-in driver monitoring systems use cameras to track eye movement, head position, and alertness to detect signs of impairment and warn the driver. Alcohol-detection technology is also being developed that uses sensors in the steering wheel, start button, or cabin air to detect alcohol levels and prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver is over the legal limit. Other technologies such as ignition interlock devices, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and driver assistance systems can provide additional layers of protection. While technology can help reduce impaired driving, it cannot replace personal responsibility and good decision-making. The impact of a DUI extends far beyond the crash itself. Families may lose loved ones, friends may lose lifelong companions, and communities may lose individuals who had the potential to make a positive difference in the world. Anthony McPherson was only twenty-six years old and had dreams of opening his own automotive business. Because of one intoxicated driver's decision, those dreams were cut short. His family and friends were left not only with grief but also with the loss of the future memories, accomplishments, and experiences they would have shared with him. Preventing DUIs requires both personal responsibility and technological innovation. Drivers must make the choice not to drive while impaired, and society must continue developing tools and programs that promote safe transportation. By combining education, accountability, and technology, we can reduce the number of DUI-related crashes and protect families from experiencing tragedies that could have been prevented.

One experience that solidified my decision to pursue a career in engineering was repairing my car with my father after it was involved in a serious accident. At first, I thought the damage was too extensive to fix ourselves. However, my father approached the challenge with confidence and determination. Together, we diagnosed problems, replaced damaged parts, and worked through each issue step by step. Watching the vehicle slowly come back to life was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. My father has always been the person everyone turns to when something breaks. Whether it is the HVAC system, a television, a car, or even one of his RC cars, he has an incredible ability to understand how things work and find solutions to problems. Growing up, I watched him repair and improve countless things around our home. He never saw a problem as an obstacle; he saw it as something that could be understood and fixed with patience, knowledge, and effort. Working alongside him on my car allowed me to see engineering in a new way. I became fascinated by how different components worked together and how problem-solving could turn a broken system into a functioning one. That experience showed me that engineering is more than math and science—it is about creativity, perseverance, and improving people's lives through practical solutions. My father inspired me to pursue Mechanical Engineering because he showed me the value of curiosity and hands-on problem-solving. In my career, I hope to pay that inspiration forward by becoming an engineer who develops innovative solutions and mentors others who are interested in STEM. Just as my father took the time to teach and encourage me, I hope to help young people discover their potential and inspire them to pursue careers where they can solve problems and make a positive impact on the world.

I consider myself a person who always strives to be better. I think some of the best lessons you learn in life are when you step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself, whether it be stepping up to lead or taking a difficult class. I have always been very curious. How does this operate? Why does this work? These questions have led me down the many paths I’ve encountered. Eventually helping me discover my passion and love for engineering. I have learned to never give up on myself. Whether I think I can’t do something or things don’t go my way, I have learned a lot about myself when things like that happen. I developed so much when I switched majors, learned how to balance being a college football player with school, and learned how to adapt to situations that were hard to me. Those struggles taught me to continue pushing forward when things get tough. I enjoy helping others. I have learned how much of a difference it can make when you encourage, mentor, and support others. That is why I want to continue to better others and create more opportunities for those around me. What sets me apart is my desire to leave everything better than I found it. I do not think you can be successful at something without helping others along the way. That is what will continue to drive me as a student, a leader, and most importantly, a person.

Hello, my name is Rasheem Williams and I am a Mechanical Engineering student at Tennessee State University. I love working with people to solve problems and better the situations around me. Throughout my academic, athletic, research, and service career I have learned that education is one of the most influential means of creating change. I try to push myself to new limits and learn from my failures in order to help others succeed. Growing up, I wasn't sure I wanted to be an engineer. I actually began my college career as a Computer Science major at Tennessee State University. In the spring semester, I was given the opportunity to become an undergraduate research assistant for the Mining Engineering Department. My job entailed using Python programming and data analysis to assist the department with their research. While I enjoyed programming and developing my technical skillset, I realized that I did not have an interest in sitting at a computer all day. I much rather enjoy engineering design and hands on problem solving. Once I changed my major to mechanical engineering, I felt my drive and confidence that I could be a successful engineer grow. My interest in wanting to be an engineer who can solve real-world problems also stemmed from outside of school. My father and I were in a car accident and we ended up repairing most of the car ourselves. Through that experience I learned to appreciate how some of the mechanical systems work in a car. I enjoyed figuring out what was wrong with the car and coming up with solutions to fix it. Because of that, I want to be an engineer that can use my knowledge to help people and solve problems they encounter. By furthering my education in Engineering, I hope to better serve others by creating efficient and effective solutions. There are so many ways that engineering can change the world and develop new technology. Engineers can help improve transportation, energy, manufacturing, and many more things. I want to be able to be part of the solution and help change the world for the better. One way I hope to do this is by being a positive role model for children and young students who are looking into STEM fields. Community service and youth development are issues very close to my heart. I was Vice President of the St. Petersburg NAACP Youth Council. We pushed for equal treatment of people in my community and got many policies enacted. We also helped set up many things to better the lives of youth. I am proud to say that we held a school supply drive that allowed us to provide school supplies to over 200 youth. Additionally, I have completed over 150 hours of volunteer service. Through these leadership and service activities I learned how important it is to help others. This scholarship would help me lessen the financial burden that school gives and allow me to focus more on my education. It would also allow me to work towards my dream of using education, knowledge, and leadership to serve others. By furthering my education, I hope to show others what you can accomplish by working hard and wanting to better yourself and others.

From my experiences and values I have come to find that if you work hard and take everything in stride, help others, and never stop learning you will be successful no matter where you came from. While I grew up in public housing and faced many struggles as a minority in today’s society, I believe that my past has shaped me into a great leader and will allow me to positively impact others. My undergraduate major not being well-suited for my long term goals has taught me that it is okay to not have your whole life figured out when you enter college. I came as a Computer Science major. During my spring semester, I was given the opportunity to be a research assistant for the Mining Engineering Department. As an assistant, I utilized Python coding and data analysis to help conduct research. Although I enjoyed programming and applying my technical knowledge to real world applications I found that I did not enjoy the coding aspect of my work. I quickly realized that I enjoyed learning and working on the engineering portion of my work rather than getting caught up in the programming itself. Changing my major to Mechanical Engineering was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make but I learned that it is important to know yourself, be open to change, and follow your passions. Hands-on experience with machines and cars also helped fuel my passion for Mechanical Engineering. Growing up my father and I fixed most of our car problems after our brakes were badly damaged in an accident. After learning how everything worked in that car I fell in love with how mechanical units work. It was satisfying to see something that was once broken run as if it was never damaged. Through this experience I knew that I wanted to have a career where I can design, improve, and figure out how things work. Servicing my community and being a leader have greatly impacted who I am. I was the Vice President of St. Petersburg NAACP Youth Council where I helped raise awareness for equality and completed many actions to help the youth in my community. One of my biggest accomplishments was coordinating a school supply drive that provided school supplies to over 200+ youths. I have also completed over 150 hours volunteering in my community. Through these acts of service I learned that leadership does not require a title and everyone can be a leader by allowing others to win. Being an athlete and member of a professional organization has taught me how to be a team player. As a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and college football player, I learned how to hold my teammates accountable and lead by example. Learning how to balance school, football, leadership roles, and volunteering has allowed me to improve my time-management skills and work with all types of people. The Mechanical Engineering degree will allow me to reach my short and long term goals. With the knowledge I will gain from earning my degree I can truly help better my community and reach my career goals. I plan to become a well-known engineer that not only creates innovations that change lives but an individual that helps others better theirs. My passion for service and helping others will allow me to be a great mentor and role model to the next generation of engineers. When thinking about my legacy, I want people to remember me as someone who used his education to better not only his life, but others around him as well.

One obstacle that I have encountered while working towards my goals for higher education was determining my academic path. During my freshman year of college at Tennessee State University, I originally declared Computer Science as my major. I had always been interested in technology and felt as if computer science would open up many career opportunities for me. After taking general education classes and growing in the professional working world, I realized that computer science was not where my passions lied. I was given the opportunity to be an undergraduate research assistant for the Mining Engineering Department. As a part of my responsibilities, I utilized Python programming and data analysis to aid in their research. While I gained many useful skills and enjoyed helping with the research, I found that I enjoyed learning about the engineering concepts behind the projects more than the programming itself. This was very challenging for me to realize because I had already put many years into school for my original major. It initially made me feel like I was going backward. I was concerned that I would fall behind in classes by changing my major. I wondered if I was making the right choice by deciding to switch. But I did not want to continue on a purely academic path that I did not know I enjoyed. I knew that if I did not change my major, it would be more difficult to reach my long-term goals. I decided that it would be best for me to change my major to Mechanical Engineering. I had many people help me through this obstacle. My professors, research mentors, academic advisors, and family all gave me advice and insight that helped me realize it was okay to change my mind. Nobody is perfect, and we all change our minds sometimes about our education. My father played a big role in this because he always told me that I should choose a career that I would enjoy driving to and be proud to tell others about. When I was growing up my dad and I fixed a lot of my cars ourselves after a wreck. Seeing how all the components worked and how I was able to fix them gave me a new perspective on engineering. Now I feel prepared to continue my education and work towards my goals. This obstacle has taught me to know myself and stay persistent when it comes to decisions about my education and career. I have also learned that it is okay to ask for help when you need it. No matter what obstacle gets in your way, know that your path to success may change, and that is okay.

Calculus is arguably one of the most useful subjects in STEM. The basis of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics all come down to change and motion, which is why calculus is important. Calculus teaches us about systems that can change from one moment to the next, and how we can use mathematics to better understand those systems. Without calculus many of the technologies we use today would not be possible. Calculus is used to model continuous change. Algebra allows us to work with numbers that stay the same or change at fixed rates, but calculus allows us to deal with systems that change by any amount at every moment. Calculus does this using two distinct fields. Differential calculus is used to find rates of change. If you know a set of data that is changing, you can use a derivative to figure out how quickly it is changing at any given moment. This has many uses in STEM because it allows you to find instantaneous quantities such as velocity, acceleration, growth rates, and heat transfer. If you know the speed of something is changing, you can use a derivative to calculate how fast it is accelerating at that moment. Integral calculus is used to analyze accumulations. If you have a quantity that is constantly changing, you can use an integral to figure out how much of that quantity you have accumulated over time. Integrals can be used to find how far something has traveled if you know its speed at every moment, find the volume of an irregular object, and figure out how much energy was used by a system. Engineering often requires these types of calculations to ensure that systems are operating within desired limits. I believe calculus to be extremely important because I’m a Mechanical Engineering student, and calculus has direct application to my field. Engineering is the use of math to design and build things, and calculus allows us to calculate forces, energy, velocity, acceleration, fluid flow, and much more. Engineering helps design cars, creates manufacturing processes for making products, and allows us to make machines more efficient. Calculus is the foundational mathematical subject that makes all of these things possible. Calculus is also useful because it can help you think more critically. Many calculus problems can be difficult, requiring you to break down a situation into smaller parts. Outside of STEM, being able to think about problems logically and break them down into smaller pieces can be a great skill to have. Calcuclus also teaches you not to give up on problems after the first try. While not every calculus concept can be applied to your everyday life, the thought process that you develop will help you. Calculus is used in many STEM fields other than engineering. Physics uses calculus to predict how rockets will fly, Electrical engineers use calculus when they design circuits, and data scientists use calculus to create machine learning algorithms. You can see why calculus is so important because nearly every new discovery or innovation is based off of these concepts. Calculus is important to the STEM field because it allows us to understand how things change. Without knowledge of calculus, we would not be able to accurately model many systems around us. Derivatives and integrals allow us to calculate rates of change and make predictions. I think calculus is the most useful subject in all of STEM because it teaches us how to learn more about the world around us.

Hi, my name is Patrick Walker and I am a Computer Science major at Tennessee State University. I went into computer science because I knew that there was always a level of problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. I have always enjoyed using technology to build solutions and as a platform to create, but more than anything to make change. Through my degree, I hope to use a combination of computer science technical know-how and my own business acumen to create a business that will create opportunities and have an impact on the communities and organizations around me. I’ve always been entrepreneurial at heart. I like the fact that entrepreneurship provides the space and ability to take ideas and make them real solutions that can create value for others. was a part of the 3DE program for two years and won both years. In the first year, I built a biodegradable cup, along with my team, which won the Best Invention Award, and for the second year, I was on the consulting team for Pinellas County Schools. We developed a series of AI-fused solutions that could be used to enhance learning and success for the school district. I think winning both years of 3DE validated to me that I can apply innovation, teamwork, and leadership to solve real-world problems, which is a key part of entrepreneurship. I currently operate my own SaaS company in which I create websites and workflows for small businesses. Through the process of running my own company, I have already learned entrepreneurial skills like project management and client communication as well as overcoming business challenges quickly. I think I will be successful in my business pursuits because I approach each and every project with excellence, creativity, and persistence. I have the discipline to manage my time between many responsibilities and the curiosity to research new solutions and learn from others’ work. Lastly, I have the persistence to not give up when I run into setbacks or dead ends along the way, and these are traits that I believe are essential to being a good entrepreneur. To me, living a successful life would look like being able to have impact while also having the space to build and grow with the things I am most passionate about while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. To me, success is more than financial stability or career milestones. To live a successful life means being able to make a positive impact, build things that solve people’s problems, and open doors for those around me. I want to build businesses that create innovative solutions that create real value and empower people. I also hope to be an example for other young entrepreneurs, especially young people of color and Black people, as I see people like me reaching my goals and building things I never thought were possible for me. Education is a part of building those types of successes because of the technical know-how, critical thinking skills, and professional networks that I gain to develop scalable and sustainable solutions. From my own education, as well as my hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, including being a 3DE alumnus, running my own SaaS company, and conducting AI consulting, I believe I have the skills necessary to both navigate and grow a business that will have a real impact in a way that is lasting.

My name is Patrick Walker, and I am a college athlete attending Tennessee State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. I was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, and have been involved in athletics since a very young age. Sports have played a pivotal role in my life, teaching me discipline, leadership, and a strong work ethic. On the other hand, my education has provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a solid foundation for the future. Football, in particular, has taught me perseverance, teamwork, and how to balance various aspects of life. These lessons have been invaluable and have guided me in every endeavor I pursue. I come from a family that values hard work, integrity, and support for one another. My parents have always encouraged me to be diligent, resilient, and responsible in all aspects of life, and my extended family has been a great source of guidance and support as well. I learned at a young age the importance of being accountable to myself and to those around me and have always sought to give back to my community in any way that I could. In terms of my education, I have always sought to make the most out of the opportunities available to me academically and athletically. As a student athlete, I have had to juggle intensive training and practices with challenging coursework, which has helped me to develop excellent time management and organizational skills. I have also had the opportunity to mentor and serve the youth in my community through programs such as the Boys & Girls Club and volunteer work with the NAACP. These experiences have only furthered my belief that leadership, guidance, and encouragement can truly change lives. In the future, I hope to continue to combine my passion for athletics with my dedication to education and service to others. In the short term, I plan to continue to work hard in my football career and to complete my degree in Computer Science. In the long term, I hope to use my education and leadership skills to develop programs that can provide opportunities and mentorship for youth in my community and beyond. I want to create avenues for young athletes to have access to sports and to pursue opportunities in STEM fields, while also inspiring them to work hard, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals with integrity and determination. The opportunity to receive this scholarship would allow me to further pursue my academic and athletic goals while also providing an opportunity to continue to give back to my community and to be a positive example for others. It would truly honor Stephan Laurence Wolley’s values of family, faith, and competition as I would be able to use it to push myself to be the best student, athlete, and person that I can be and to encourage others to do the same. I am committed to working hard to achieve my goals and to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me while creating a lasting legacy of leadership, service, and determination. I look forward to continuing to grow and develop as a student, athlete, and member of my community by combining the values instilled in me by my family with my education and experiences as a football player. I hope to honor Stephan’s legacy by working hard to achieve success on and off the field while also helping to unlock the potential in others and creating a ripple effect of impact that can extend far beyond myself.

My name is Patrick Walker and giving back to my community has always been a personal goal. I want to live with intention and invest my abilities, time, and energy into helping others. Organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club (BGC) and the NAACP have allowed me to mentor, coach, and serve community members and youth. While at BGC, I was a basketball coach and mentor for young athletes. Many of the youth I coached were dealing with off-the-court struggles and I wanted to use this opportunity to make a difference in their lives outside of teaching them sports skills. I focused on teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles, teaching them that failure is an opportunity to learn, not a reason to quit. Through this experience, I was able to create an environment where kids gained confidence, relied on each other, and learned how to develop skills and learn outside of athletics. It was very gratifying to see the youth grow not just as players but as young people who were able to approach adversity with determination and a positive mindset. I have also worked through the NAACP to aid in their youth development, community outreach, and empowerment programs. Volunteering in these settings helped instill within me the importance of advocacy, representation, and community service. I was able to work with younger grade students, mentor, and organize events that supported education, leadership, and community awareness. Serving in these spaces taught me that there are many ways to serve, whether that is through teaching, mentoring, or speaking out on issues of fairness and equality, and that even small acts can create a big difference. In the future, I hope to continue serving my community and expanding the impact I can make. I hope to create more opportunities for youth to experience mentorship, athletics, and educational programs that support their growth, resiliency, and leadership. In addition, I am passionate about technology and would like to help bridge the gap for underrepresented students and create more access to STEM education and resources. I hope to use both mentorship and technology to help young people gain the tools and confidence to succeed academically, athletically, and as young adults. The example Priscilla Shireen Luke has set for me is that service is as much about giving to others as it is about encouraging others to act with compassion, integrity, and intention. I hope to honor her memory by devoting my time and talents to assist those in my community, empowering and amplifying other voices that need to be heard, and helping to create opportunities for future generations to be successful.

Hello my name is Patrick Walker. I am currently a student-athlete at Tennessee State University. Sports have always been a big part of my life as a competitor, and also as an outlet to give back to my community. One way that I’ve been able to do that was being a coach for the Boys & Girls Club teaching kids basketball. I’ve had the privilege of coaching youth that have dealt with problems on and off the court and it really made an impact on my coaching style. I always wanted the kids to have fun while learning from mistakes, and knowing that they can always be better. I knew from the start that basketball was not the only thing I was teaching them, it was also teaching them how to be tough mentally and how to be a team. One of the first things I told them every year was that they were my team. We are going to have ups and downs as a team and I want them to know that. I wanted them to know that they are never alone in anything they do and it doesn’t have to be just about basketball. If someone was having a bad game, or they were down on themselves, I wanted them to know that I have their back and I have the rest of the team in the back. I wanted them to feel like they could come to me if they had any problems on and off the court, or even if they just needed some motivation. I have a lot of great memories from coaching the youth. I loved when they had to work together to improve on something and they were all motivated. It was also nice to see them when they learned something new. I made sure that we took breaks to talk and I helped them win those small victories. Another great thing about the team was that they all knew each other’s strengths, but also were more than willing to help each other when needed. Even if it was something small, they made sure they were there to help each other out and never leave a teammate behind. The best feeling was when they realized that they had each others backs. It taught them how to be more confident in themselves and each other. There were a lot of times when they came to me feeling defeated or like giving up, and it was an even better feeling to see that determination and will to fight back come back. It not only showed them that it was ok to make mistakes, but they were never alone in anything they did. They taught me a lot as well. I learned how to be a leader for a lot of different types of people. I learned how to be positive and find ways to get every individual kid to improve in ways that they wanted to. I also learned how to be more of a father figure to them. I am very proud that I was able to provide that for them as a coach and someone they can trust. One of the things I pride myself on is being able to influence the youth around me and I plan on continuing to do that in my community through athletics. I also plan to build off the leadership skills I’ve gained as a coach on and off the field and in the classroom and help guide future generations of young people.

I’m a Computer Science major at Tennessee State University on my way to becoming a thoughtful software engineer who only creates technology that is secure, ethical, and accessible. I’m interested in computer science because it is a field of logic, creativity, and impact. Code can scale ideas and impact, protect people and data, or rewrite entire systems and processes—and I want to be the kind of person who wields that power with care. My main computer science goal is to learn programming, data structures, and systems fundamentals, while gaining practical application and experience through projects and internships. In particular, I’m most drawn to software development and cybersecurity-adjacent systems that center on how to keep users and organizations safe from digital threats. As tech increasingly shapes and infiltrates our healthcare, finances, schools, and government, I believe it’s more important than ever to design digital systems that value safety, fairness, and reliability over profit. Athletics and leadership are two of my non-computer science passions, which make me who I am. I am a collegiate football player, and being a student-athlete has fundamentally defined my work ethic, resilience, and style of leadership. Football has taught me team collaboration, communication under pressure, and long-term focus—characteristics that directly strengthen my capacity to thrive in a technical space. I also value mentorship and community service, particularly with young students who don’t see people who look like them in STEM fields. Ideally, I’d like to tie my computer science goals with my love for sports and mentorship. In the long run, I want to help create platforms, tools, or programs that use tech to empower student-athletes, expand STEM access, or promote digital literacy in communities that are typically underserved. Whether that means building educational software, developing secure systems for athletic organizations, or crafting mentorship initiatives powered by technology, my goal is to use code as a tool for connection rather than division. I am also a Black person in tech, and I recognize that there is a lack of diversity not only in who builds technology, but whose problems and challenges are prioritized and solved. I am intentional about my presence in computer science, and I hope to center experiences shaped by teamwork, community service, and my own lived experience in a field that typically lacks these qualities. My non-technical goals strengthen my computer science focus because they give my work a purpose, and conversely my technical skills expand my potential impact in those spaces. The Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship is perfectly aligned with my computer science vision. This funding would allow me to continue growing as a technical candidate while putting time into projects, leadership, and professional development without monetary constraints. I am dedicated to not only excelling in computer science, but using my other passions to ensure the technology I build is innovative, human-centered, inclusive, and most importantly, impactful.

My name is Patrick Walker, and I am a computer science major on track to receive a bachelor’s degree at Tennessee State University. As a student-athlete, my academic and professional goal is to have a measurable impact on the communities that I work in, as well as the community that I am from. In athletics, community service, and other areas of my life, I have been taught the values of discipline, resiliency, and serving those around me. This degree will both reinforce those lessons and teach me more tools that I can apply to benefit Nashville and those in it throughout my professional career. Cybersecurity has a significant, often underappreciated role in both the corporate world and people’s everyday lives. As a football player, I know the value of being accountable to others, of leadership, of teamwork, and the responsibility of having to execute complex tasks at a high level consistently and with mental toughness in high-stakes situations; I have also gained a strong work ethic, ability to perform under pressure, and great appreciation for my coaches and support network. Cybersecurity is no different it can be quite complex, requires attention to detail and constant learning, and can feel high-stakes, as clients need to protect people, businesses, and critical infrastructure from harm. Having the responsibility of managing security for people’s sensitive data and helping businesses to keep their workers, customers, and other users safe is incredibly meaningful to me, and I love the unique opportunities I am given to help people and companies thrive. In addition to being one of the top cities in the country for sports, healthcare, education, and business, Nashville is also a growing hub for technological solutions in these fields. I would like to use this degree to be able to help organizations in and around Nashville to improve their digital security and reduce attack surfaces, train and educate people and prevent both data breaches and actual cybercrime. This will improve individual lives and have a positive impact on economic activity, stability, and trust across the city. Community engagement is also an important part of my life, and I have previous experience with working with youth and coaching in local community settings. Nashville is a large, growing city that has a variety of outreach and youth organization programs that I would like to get involved with, particularly to help introduce younger people and young adults to careers in technology. Representation matters, and the more students from underserved communities are able to see themselves succeeding and thriving in STEM careers, the more likely they are to know that success is possible and have access to the help that they need to get there. This scholarship would provide me with the resources to continue honing both the technical and leadership skills needed to pursue these goals after graduation. I plan on dedicating my time to both professional development and maintaining the kind of character and attitude that will allow me to make a positive impact on Nashville with integrity, creativity, and a real purpose. I will be able to use my background as an athlete, cybersecurity training, and a commitment to public and community service to be a meaningful and constructive force in Nashville for many years to come.

My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I plan to make a positive impact through my degree and future career in three main ways by First, I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. These are the most essential and needed for this type of protection because without them, future generations and communities will be left at the mercy of the wolves. Second, I plan to create opportunities for young people, especially Black youth, by teaching tech and cybersecurity skills that can lead to strong careers that aren’t usually shown or encouraged in our spaces. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. I even found out about cybersecurity because of a black woman promoting and publicising her journey in the government tech space, and helping others achieve similar careers. Without it, I would probably not know what to do, but I clicked on this technology, and it could save many lives and open greater horizons. Third, I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gone on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better.

My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and from a young age, I saw how many young Black kids weren’t exposed to their full potential. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to leadership roles that allow me to make a real impact, not just academically, but personally and socially. As Vice President of my local NAACP Youth Chapter, I led initiatives that focused on uplifting and educating young people in my community, especially Black youth. I organized events that taught leadership, civic engagement, and self-worth. That experience helped me grow into my voice as a leader, not just someone who speaks up, but someone who takes action. At the Boys & Girls Club, I worked as a Youth Development Professional, mentoring kids every day and helping them with everything from schoolwork to personal struggles. I wasn’t just supervising them, I was guiding, encouraging, and being a consistent role model. I showed them that where you come from doesn’t define where you can go. That’s a lesson I live by and one I plan to carry with me at FAMU. I also served as a peer mentor for African American freshmen and sophomores who were close to being off track to graduate. I helped them academically, but more importantly, I listened. I reminded them that they mattered and that there were people who wanted to see them win. That’s what caring looks like. As a future cybersecurity analyst, my goal is not only to break barriers in the tech world but to open the door for others. I want to create a pipeline that exposes young Black students to tech careers they didn’t even know existed. Cybersecurity isn’t just a job for me, it’s a path I want to use to empower the community. By studying at FAMU, I’ll be surrounded by Black excellence, and I plan to carry that standard into everything I do, with integrity, pride, and a heart for service. FAMU’s legacy of excellence with caring already lives in me. I’m ready to carry it forward.

The score was 52-0. How? Well, Jesuit High was the reigning state champions. However, their old quarterback went to a new school, and the new quarterback was a kid I played with in Pop Warner back in the day. I expected some drop-off from them. I was ready, I was one of the top 4 D-Ends(2nd team) in Pinellas County as a 16-year-old junior. I played my heart out. I sped around, made tackles, and gave constant pressure to the offense, but the defensive backs didn’t play to the best of their abilities. It was a barrage of touchdowns attacking the secondary. I was a 6-foot-2 inch, 230-pound, but walking off the field I felt like a small child who just had my toy taken by a bully. It was the first winning season since 2018 at St. Petersburg Senior High we went 7-3. Jesuit ended it on November 11, 2022, like it didn’t even matter. My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is one most wouldn’t pick. You guessed it …football. Since I was 3, I have played many sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. but they are different. Only in football do you look people in the eye play after play and know you must go through them. Football is something that I must show up for every day during the season, whether I feel like doing it or not. It requires me to take on leadership roles. Many people think football is simple, but when I play football, it's like a portrayal of life. Like a chess game, the quarterback is the king that must be taken down. My passion for football is glorious, I feel like a gladiator in the arena, hearing cheers from the crowd. I love the sensation of putting on my shoulder pads and helmet. Sometimes the sweat burns your eyes, and your vision is blurred like mace in your face. Sometimes, it’s grass and dirt in your mouth and in other places they shouldn’t be. Even with all of that, it’s a mental game, I use logic and reasoning to succeed. I have fun playing football, I love the challenge and I embrace the pain. Football has helped me get to know more people and how they operate during challenging situations. We came from different backgrounds and had to learn how to work together and mesh as a team within a few days. I have played football since I was four. Football helped me achieve many of my goals. For example, I had to participate in team workouts, change my diet, and commit to better health to stay in shape. Even with that, the mental aspect football has taught me is where I see the most progress. I have learned how to prioritize my time and give additional effort in the areas where I am the weakest. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism. Football has humbled me too. Sometimes I get hurt, do not stay hydrated enough, or fail to make a play, but I get back up and keep going. Although I don’t succeed in every moment, football will essentially prepare me for college and life. It gives me, “GRIT”, that never give-up mentality when things get rough.

Hello, my name is Patrick Walker. I’m a student-athlete who has an interest in business and cybersecurity. I would like to have a career in these two fields when my playing days are over. Currently, I’m involved with junior achievement through 3DE. My interests going into high school were originally to make my own company or to make money. Ever since I was little, I always knew I had great ideas to produce. It’s kind of ironic how 3DE popped into my school that same year I started going to Saint Petersburg High School. Before I joined, I thought 3DE was just basic entrepreneurial skills and learning about companies. It took me going to a 3DE event with my friend at the end of sophomore year to learn about the reality of 3DE and ever since I was hooked. I didn’t start 3DE until my junior year. I’m bittersweet that I didn’t join earlier. In my first year with 3DE, the junior class had a yearlong assignment to make a product that would help our community solve a problem. This one was a little difficult at first because many of the ideas my group had weren’t designed to solve a whole community problem, just individual needs like athletic performance or locating items. Then I came up with a great idea. It sprouted from living in St. Pete surrounded by water. We are one of the cities that recycle the most in the state. But what if I told you doing the exact opposite could help too? Our product was called the Envirocup and the cool thing about the Envirocup is that it was made of 100% biodegradable corn plastic with endangered seeds in the bottom of the cup local to where the cup was sold so when people disposed of it would grow a plant out of the litter. Our group won the Most Innovative Company award. In my second year of 3DE, the senior class had to do a consultancy with local companies to solve their problems and present solutions. This was also a yearlong assignment. My class had to help Pinellas County schools figure out how we can help them utilize Artificial intelligence to make a better learning experience for the students. Out of all the groups, the county superintendent chooses our group to come back and help inform the whole county about AI use in a meeting.

The score was 52-0. How? Well, Jesuit High was the reigning state champions. However, their old quarterback went to a new school, and the new quarterback was a kid I played with in Pop Warner back in the day. I expected some drop-off from them. I was ready, I was one of the top 4 D-Ends(2nd team) in Pinellas County as a 16-year-old junior. I played my heart out. I sped around, made tackles, and gave constant pressure to the offense, but the defensive backs didn’t play to the best of their abilities. It was a barrage of touchdowns attacking the secondary. I was a 6-foot-2 inch, 230-pound, but walking off the field I felt like a small child who just had my toy taken by a bully. It was the first winning season since 2018 at St. Petersburg Senior High we went 7-3. Jesuit ended it on November 11, 2022, like it didn’t even matter. My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is one most wouldn’t pick. You guessed it …football. Since I was 3, I have played many sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. but they are different. Only in football do you look people in the eye play after play and know you must go through them. Football is something that I must show up for every day during the season, whether I feel like doing it or not. It requires me to take on leadership roles. Many people think football is simple, but when I play football, it's like a portrayal of life. Like a chess game, the quarterback is the king that must be taken down. My passion for football is glorious, I feel like a gladiator in the arena, hearing cheers from the crowd. I love the sensation of putting on my shoulder pads and helmet. Sometimes the sweat burns your eyes, and your vision is blurred like mace in your face. Sometimes, it’s grass and dirt in your mouth and in other places they shouldn’t be. Even with all of that, it’s a mental game, I use logic and reasoning to succeed. I have fun playing football, I love the challenge and I embrace the pain. Football has helped me get to know more people and how they operate during challenging situations. We came from different backgrounds and had to learn how to work together and mesh as a team within a few days. I have played football since I was four. Football helped me achieve many of my goals. For example, I had to participate in team workouts, change my diet, and commit to better health to stay in shape. Even with that, the mental aspect football has taught me is where I see the most progress. I have learned how to prioritize my time and give additional effort in the areas where I am the weakest. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism. Football has humbled me too. Sometimes I get hurt, do not stay hydrated enough, or fail to make a play, but I get back up and keep going. Although I don’t succeed in every moment, football will essentially prepare me for college and life. It gives me, “GRIT”, that never give-up mentality when things get rough.

I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gone on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better. As a future cybersecurity analyst, my goal is not only to break barriers in the tech world but to open the door for others. I want to create a pipeline that exposes young Black students to tech careers they didn’t even know existed. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. Cybersecurity isn’t just a job for me, it’s a path I want to use to empower the community. By studying at FAMU, I will be surrounded by Black excellence, and I plan to carry that standard into everything I do, with integrity, pride, and a heart for service. Being a purposeful, responsible, productive community member lives in me.

I’ve always been curious about how things work, especially technology. Whether taking apart random items around the house or junkyard cars with my dad, I enjoyed figuring out problems and finding solutions. One of the times I delighted others with my tinkering skills was during high school, when I helped bring dozens of broken school laptops back to life. My school had a room full of computers that weren’t being used because they had software issues or wouldn’t power on. Our tech coordinator was overwhelmed and didn’t have time to fix them. Over the summer, our school collaborated with Dell Tech. My teacher, who was running the program, told me about it, and I was hooked. I joined instantly, got certified, and got to work. I spent hours researching common issues, learning how to reset BIOS settings, update firmware, and replace bad charging ports or batteries. One by one, I started fixing them. I used my toolkit, created a system to track each device’s needs, and taught myself how to reimage the drives so the software would run smoothly. Over time, I fixed more than 50 Dell computers. The county could reuse them in classrooms, and students who didn’t have access to technology now had working laptops. I even got to fix my friend’s computer in front of them. Seeing how something I did with my hands and knowledge helped so many people felt amazing. Teachers thanked me, and struggling students now had a tool that made learning easier. It reminded me that even small tech skills can have a significant impact. Outside of school, I also enjoyed tinkering with my dad. I could recall and differentiate car brands and models ever since I could speak. It first started with Hot Wheels, then we would play with RC cars, fix them, and upgrade them when they got dull or broken. A few years later, my dad won a Roush Mustang in a car auction, and we knew that the quarter panel was broken, so it would be a project car that would need lots of work to be street legal. That moment stuck with me. Those experiences made me realize I wanted to do more than fix tech. Whether through hacking problems to find solutions or helping build things again, I love using my skills to make life a little easier for others. That’s the kind of impact I want to keep pushing.

My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I plan to make a positive impact through my degree and future career in three main ways by First, I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. These are the most essential and needed for this type of protection because without them, future generations and communities will be left at the mercy of the wolves. Second, I plan to create opportunities for young people, especially Black youth, by teaching tech and cybersecurity skills that can lead to strong careers that aren’t usually shown or encouraged in our spaces. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. I even found out about cybersecurity because of a black woman promoting and publicising her journey in the government tech space, and helping others achieve similar careers. Without it, I would probably not know what to do, but I clicked on this technology, and it could save many lives and open greater horizons. Third, I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gon on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better. I’m already working toward these goals by serving in my community. I’m a vice president of the NAACP St. Petersburg chapter, spreading the word and advocating for equality and justice. I also work at the Boys & Girls Club, where I mentor young kids and help them build confidence and discipline. Both roles allow me to lead by example and invest in the next generation. And help fight to nurture and rewire the next generation from negative things to positive outcomes.

My name is Patrick, and I’m a cybersecurity major at Florida A&M University. I play on a football team here. I’ve always been passionate about technology and helping others. I started my own software company in high school, making websites and helping struggling companies. I chose cybersecurity as a career path because I can protect people and systems from online threats while making a difference. I plan to make a positive impact through my degree and future career in three main ways by First, I want to help schools, small businesses, and nonprofits from cyber threats by offering cheap and reliable security protection. These are the most essential and needed for this type of protection because without them, future generations and communities will be left at the mercy of the wolves. Second, I plan to create opportunities for young people, especially Black youth, by teaching tech and cybersecurity skills that can lead to strong careers that aren’t usually shown or encouraged in our spaces. I plan to host workshops, mentor students again, and eventually build a program introducing kids to cybersecurity early. I even found out about cybersecurity because of a black woman promoting and publicising her journey in the government tech space, and helping others achieve similar careers. Without it, I would probably not know what to do, but I clicked on this technology, and it could save many lives and open greater horizons. Third, I want to raise awareness about online safety to make the internet safer for everyone, especially those who do not know much about technology. In the future, this knowledge will help because of all the past events that have gon on, predicting that the future will have just as many advancements, if not more, and since everyone pretty much uses it, why not make sure people are using it safely, because many people on the internet are good. Still, some people will leverage the technology against others who don’t know better. I’m already working toward these goals by serving in my community. I’m a vice president of the NAACP St. Petersburg chapter, spreading the word and advocating for equality and justice. I also work at the Boys & Girls Club, where I mentor young kids and help them build confidence and discipline. Both roles allow me to lead by example and invest in the next generation. And help fight to nurture and rewire the next generation from negative things to positive outcomes.

To me, charity is needed and essential because I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of kindness can significantly impact. Growing up, I benefited from mentors, coaches, and community programs that believed in me, and that support helped shape who I am today. My parents instilled in me the idea of giving back to the community whenever possible. Giving back is not just something I want to do; it’s something I feel responsible for. In the future, I plan to give back by mentoring youth through programs like the Boys & Girls Club, where I already serve as a positive role model. I also want to use my cybersecurity knowledge to teach and protect underserved communities, helping people stay safe online and opening doors for others in tech. I also want to be around after playing at FAMU. I want to help through volunteering, coaching, or being a resource to those who need help. I’m committed to using my time and skills to uplift others just as others once did for me, because it takes a village to raise the youth.

Baseball has always been a part of my life, even before I really understood it. I first picked up a bat at three years old. I was great at hitting the ball but I’d cry when I couldn’t carry the bat with me as I ran the bases. I ended up stepping away from the sport and focused on football, soccer, and basketball instead. Even though I had success in those sports, I always regretted not sticking with baseball during that time. At 13, I decided to return to the game and joined a travel baseball team led by retired MLB pitcher Seth McClung. His team traveled the country playing in tournaments, and I got the chance to play on college fields like Marshall University, Savanah state university, and Glenville State. That experience opened my eyes. I wasn’t playing up like I did in other sports I was playing catch-up. The learning curve was steep, and I had to work harder than ever to compete. I realised to get good i need to train daily, I had to drive 45 minutes just to hit in a batting cage where 75 mph fastballs came at me constantly. My hands would blister, callous, and bleed. I struggled. But I didn’t quit. Baseball forced me to develop grit, patience, and a strong work ethic. It was the most mentally demanding sport I ever played. While I could easily pick up the pace and rhythm in other sports, baseball made me slow down and think. That shift taught me how much focus and discipline it takes to succeed, especially when things aren’t going your way. On the field, I played first base and outfield. I actually preferred games where the pitcher allowed a lot of hits. In a perfect world thats not what you want but it gave me more chances to make plays. My coach instilled in us the importance of character, teamwork, and leadership. We were expected to clean the dugout after games and carry ourselves with discipline on and off the field. He reminded us often that the energy of one player could impact the entire team. I carry those lessons with me today at Florida A&M University in the football team, in my role mentoring kids at the Boys & Girls Club. Whether it’s in the classroom, on campus, or in the community, I strive to lead by example and push those around me to be their best. Baseball didn’t just teach me how to play it taught me how to live life.

To me, “Purposeful, Responsible, and Productive Community member ” means using your strengths not just to succeed, but to lift others up along the way, Especially those who come from the same place you did. I was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, and from a young age, I saw how many young Black kids couldn’t see their hands in front of their faces. not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked a vision for the future. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to leadership roles that allow me to make a real impact, not just academically, but personally and socially. As the Vice President of my local NAACP Youth Chapter, I led enrollment and focused on uplifting and educating young people in my community, especially Black youth. I organized events that taught leadership, civic engagement, and self-worth. That experience helped me grow into my voice as a leader, not just someone who speaks up, but someone who takes action. At the Boys & Girls Club, I worked as a Youth Development Professional, mentoring kids every day and helping them with everything from schoolwork to personal struggles. I was not just supervising them, I was guiding, encouraging, and being a consistent role model. I showed them that where you come from does not define where you can go. That is a lesson I live by and one I plan to carry with me throughout my life. I also served as a peer mentor for African American freshmen and sophomores who were close to being off track to graduate. I helped them academically, but more importantly, I listened. I reminded them that they mattered and that there were people who wanted to see them win. That’s what purposeful looks like. As a future cybersecurity analyst, my goal is not only to break barriers in the tech world but to open the door for others. I want to create a pipeline that exposes young Black students to tech careers they didn’t even know existed. Cybersecurity isn’t just a job for me, it’s a path I want to use to empower the community. By studying at FAMU, I will be surrounded by Black excellence, and I plan to carry that standard into everything I do, with integrity, pride, and a heart for service. Being a purposeful, responsible, productive community member already lives in me. I’m ready to continue showing these qualities in the future.

My name is Patrick Walker, and my journey through high school has been a testament to the transformative power of diverse representation in STEM careers. As a student-athlete with a passion for business and cybersecurity, my experiences have shaped my understanding of the importance of inclusivity and its profound impact on innovation and societal progress. when I was younger careers in stem weren't as popular as they are now. where I live if you wanted to participate in these jobs or activities you would have to have lots of money or connections. but in my primary school local businesses wanted diversity so bad they started holding women-only STEM clubs, along with using the new technology early in our education to prepare us for the future. At my school it was a melting pot of people from different races and cultures that were all valued equally because everyone at school could learn from people who looked different and had unique point of views. I feel that going through that for 9 years really helped me when it came to transitioning into high school. During my time in high school, I had the opportunity to participate in programs like 3DE, where I discovered the connections of my interests and the potential, they hold for driving positive change. Through 3DE, I delved into entrepreneurial ventures and community-focused projects that broadened my perspective on the role of technology in addressing real-world problems. One such project was the development of the Envirocup—a biodegradable cup with endangered seeds in the bottom, designed to promote environmental sustainability. This endeavor not only showcased my team's innovative thinking but also underscored the value of diversity in problem-solving. By bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we were able to conceive and execute a solution that resonated with our community's needs. In addition to my experiences with 3DE, my journey into the world of cybersecurity further emphasized the importance of diversity in STEM. Through hands-on tech support and the establishment of my own software company, I gained insight into the intricacies of technology and the diverse challenges it presents. From optimizing system efficiency to enhancing data protection, I learned firsthand how inclusive perspectives drive meaningful innovation and ensure that technological solutions are accessible to all. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my pursuit of excellence in STEM at Florida Atlantic University. With its comprehensive program in cybersecurity, FAU offers the perfect platform for me to expand my knowledge and skills in a field that merges my passion for problem-solving with my desire to make a tangible impact. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusive environments, institutions like FAU play a crucial role in shaping the future of STEM and empowering individuals from all walks of life to contribute to innovation and progress. To Conclude, my journey through high school has reinforced my belief in the power of diverse representation in STEM careers. From entrepreneurship to cybersecurity, I have witnessed firsthand how inclusivity drives innovation, fosters creativity, and ensures that technology serves the needs of all. As I start on the next chapter of my academic and professional journey, I am committed to championing diversity and making meaningful contributions to the STEM community and for those kids who don’t have access to stem yet.

Ever since I was little, I have been drawn to the world of business and entrepreneurship. My interest in these fields has only grown stronger over the years, leading me to pursue a career in Digital Marketing. The dynamic nature of Digital Marketing, with its constant evolution and innovation, excites me. I believe that this field offers endless opportunities for creativity and growth, allowing me to use my entrepreneurial skills and passion for technology. One example that inspired me is the success story of Neil Patel, a renowned Digital Marketing expert who has built a thriving career by leveraging the power of online marketing strategies. Neil Patel's showcases the immense potential of Digital Marketing in reaching a global audience and driving business success. By studying his strategies and techniques, I have gained valuable insights into the power of digital platforms in today's business landscape. The ability to connect with customers on a personal level through targeted campaigns and data-driven analytics is what sets Digital Marketing apart from traditional marketing methods. when I was in my sophomore year I started my shopify dropshipping business and I learned how to use paid ads and social media to make my reach for customers easier than other methods like emailing and Seo. it allowed me to be able to touch certain demographics In areas I wanted. I also used these skills in my software as a service company. For example, using Facebook ads I could target older women in a 15-mile radius for med spas and men in a 10-mile radius for hardware shops. As I continue to learn the field of Digital Marketing, I am constantly amazed by the innovative tools and technologies that are reshaping the industry. From AI-powered marketing automation to immersive virtual reality experiences, the possibilities are endless. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing new trends, I hope to carve out a niche for myself in this competitive field to help those who aren’t reached the most. Looking ahead, my ideal future role in Digital Marketing would involve leading strategic marketing campaigns for a cutting-edge tech company. I envision myself working closely with a teams to develop and execute innovative marketing strategies that drive customer engagement to the most needed communities that are not catered to already. One company that embodies the kind of innovative culture I aspire to be a part of is Google. Google's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity aligns with my own values and aspirations. By working for a company like Google, I would have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry and contribute to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of digital advertising. Furthermore, I see myself specializing in data analytics and consumer behavior research, leveraging insights to optimize marketing campaigns and drive measurable results. By combining my passion for technology with a deep understanding of consumer psychology, I aim to create impactful marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences and drive business growth. To build a successful career in Digital Marketing, I know the importance of continuous learning and professional development. One key aspect of my career development plan is to pursue certifications in digital marketing, such as Google Analytics and HubSpot Inbound Marketing. Additionally, I plan to attend networking events to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in Digital Marketing.

In high school, I earned a Dell Tech certificate and spent three years diving into tech support. Through facing diverse challenges directly, learning to solve issues efficiently, and seeing how fulfilling requirements with useful answers is key, those situations honed my abilities while demonstrating the value of a hands-on mindset. My aim to impact cybersecurity led me to start a software company in St. Petersburg; this venture allowed me to solve tech challenges for local businesses, from making systems run smoother to boosting data protection. At Florida Atlantic University, I look forward to diving deeper into cyber defense strategies and playing a part in protecting online spaces as they grow more connected. FAU's program stands out for its excellence and broad coverage of topics like network security and ethical hacking. From gaining certification in high school to creating my own software company—my dedication to technology, especially cybersecurity has only grown stronger. Florida Atlantic University is where I see myself next; there, I'll enhance my skills further toward a degree and career that merges my love for solving problems with the desire to make an impact.

Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah Jeremiah is nice yet, Conrad's side pulls me stronger. It's crucial to note first is Belly’s role as our lens. A classic case of an unreliable narrator she is noted widely across literary circles. We're pushed beyond her view to grasp the full picture. Even Han in the Amazon adaptation hints at layers some might miss. Now, onto why Jeremiah and Belly seem a match because Jeremiah's emotional trauma and need for attention repeatedly highlighted Jeremiah’s deep hurt from his dad’s favoritism towards Conrad as "the chosen one". His tactic? Outshine whatever holds Conrad's interest, seeking approval he lacks at home; a theme we revisit often - through his eyes too. His chase? To outdo Conrad by any means. In the narrative, Jeremiah's sunny disposition, like a golden retriever, mostly serves as a facade. This guise aids in fulfilling his deep-seated desire for attention and shields him from potential rejection. He possesses a chameleonic ability to dynamically alter his outward presentation through adeptly modifying his behavior, mannerisms, and conversations to fluidly accommodate whomever he transiently finds himself alongside at any particular point in time. Belly catches glimpses of the complexity beneath his easygoing exterior; yet, her youth and lack of experience prevent her from fully grasping these nuances. She perceives only the joy he brings her most times and believes she ought to reciprocate with love. Rarely does she ponder his true intentions behind these actions. Consequently, their bond proves far less stable than hers with Conrad. Conrad's genuine love and unreciprocated feelings for Belly's longstanding infatuation with Conrad since their younger years—are evident throughout the tale. Less obvious is Conrad’s own profound affection for Belly; recognizing her as an individual beyond superficial attractions amplified by summer transformations witnessed in TSITP (The Summer I Turned Pretty). Such physical changes merely added layers to an already complex dynamic between two individuals rooted deeply within a shared familial setting—and his being somewhat older didn't simplify matters either. This situation lends significant weight to the repeated emphasis on infinity symbolism within the series—an element not as pronounced in its written counterpart—to underscore that what seems like unreciprocated feelings from Belly’s perspective is indeed a misinterpretation on her part. Jeremiah comes across as more broken than one might initially suspect due to this intricate dance between portrayed confidence versus actual vulnerability—a truth potentially obscured until growth forces it into light. Conrad's sentiment towards Belly transcends mere adolescent whimsy or visual allure post-"glow up." His emotions are grounded in something much deeper—the essence of who she genuinely is—which remains constant regardless of time or external change: thus giving real substance to their intertwining fates hinted through symbolic threads far stronger than first apparent through youthful misunderstanding or wishful thinking. The known love story and Jeremiah's role truly, when one stops to mull over it, things get way more tangled. This depth of chaos often gets glossed over. Yet, the essence remains stark; an odd blend of reality and fiction marks the tale's core as profoundly messed up. At its heart lies a narrator whose words we can't trust; this unreliable guide pulls us through twists and turns that seem designed just to confuse.

My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is one most wouldn’t pick. You guessed it …football. Since I was 3, I have played many sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. but they are different. Only in football do you look people in the eye play after play and know you must go through them. Football is something that I must show up for every day during the season, whether I feel like doing it or not. Football taught me commitment. It requires me to take on leadership roles and teaches me that I am bonded to my word, and I must stay disciplined no matter the circumstances during games, class, and my personal time. Many people think football is simple, but when I play football, it's like a portrayal of life. Like a chess game, the quarterback is the king that must be taken down. My passion for football is glorious, I feel like a gladiator in the arena, hearing cheers from the crowd. I love the sensation of putting on my shoulder pads and helmet. Feeling the hollow clicks of the cleats on concrete is like nothing else in the world. Football hurts. Sometimes the sweat burns your eyes, and your vision is blurred like mace in your face. Sometimes, it’s grass and dirt in your mouth, and in other places, they shouldn’t be. Even with all of that, it’s a mental game, I use logic and reasoning to succeed. I have fun playing football, I love the challenge and I embrace the pain. Football has helped me get to know more people and how they operate during challenging situations. We came from different backgrounds and had to learn how to work together and mesh as a team within a few days. I have played football since I was four. Football helped me achieve many of my goals. For example, I had to participate in team workouts, change my diet, and commit to better health to stay in shape. Even with that, the mental aspect football has taught me is where I see the most progress. I have learned how to prioritize my time and give additional effort in the areas where I am the weakest. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism. Football has humbled me too. Sometimes I get hurt, do not stay hydrated enough, or fail to make a play, but I get back up and keep going. Although I don’t succeed in every moment, football will essentially prepare me for college and life. It gives me, “GRIT”, that never give up mentality when things get rough. The knowledge and mental strength from football will help me with my entrepreneurial goals for a business major.