Why is life so unfair? I pondered to myself as tears streamed down my cheeks. It was a typical school day as my classmates and I sat down in our assigned seats. We waited for the appearance of our AP Computer Science teacher, who had failed to arrive. However, at his desk stood an unknown person. "Your assignment is on Google Classroom," the substitute informed the class. I pulled out my Chromebook to see what was going on. Posted on Google Classroom was an assignment titled "The Digital Divide." The task was to watch a documentary about the digital divide and write a ten-sentence minimum essay about the topic. Little did I know what I was getting myself into that day. As I watched the documentary, I had learned what the concept of the word Digital Divide meant. Because of that, I acknowledged the global inequality between the fortunate and the least fortunate in acquiring access to technology. That indicated that those societies with less access to technology were falling behind since most people share their wisdom, knowledge, news, and events on the internet. Due to this, tears streamed down my eyelids. I knew that I wanted to change this! I knew that this imbalance of the rich and poor needed a limit! I wanted to make a change, but what could I possibly do? I wiped the tears away, for I had a plan. My only solution was to raise awareness as I thought of solutions using STEM. Unfortunately, as of now, the idea has not arrived, but I know that one day, it'll come soaring like an eagle. Until that day arrives, I'll continue raising awareness because I understand that together, as one, we can, and we will sow the gap!

I, Paula Fregene, shall never forget the journey I have gone through and the ones who adventured them with me, especially since I can proudly state that my life has been a miracle and full of bumpy roads. Hello, my name is Paula Fregene, and I am a 15 years old Nigerian girl who lives in Texas. Years ago, growing up was a challenge because I was a young girl who couldn't speak properly, even though I was six years old, entering the age of seven. My family and parents were worried about me because no one, except my older sister, could comprehend my speech. As a result, when I entered second grade, I was put in speech therapy classes for almost three years. Because of that, though my speech was gradually getting better, I became more introverted and didn't talk too much. However, God brought people into my life who transformed my perspectives and revealed my true inner self to the world. Now, I am a girl with a bright and sunny road who is also an A-honor roll student. I have so much ambition and passion in technology, art, business, leadership, and ways I can let my creativity overflow. I tell my parents and family every day that I can't wait for the day ahead where all the stars and potentials built inside me erupts and brighten the paths of others. Although at the moment, I am halfway towards this dream of mine, I promise to continue working hard for myself, my family, God, and my helpers because I want to be the best I can be and be an inspiration to those around me. I am forever grateful for my life and shall never forget the generosity and advice given to me and show others that the world is still beautiful despite its ugly side. That is my story and shall forever be: an imperfect Nigerian girl who can speak Spanish, Chinese, and English and who will one day revolutionize the world in a way like never before. Just like how Seneca once stated, "[It is] not how long, but how well you have lived [that] is the main thing," I intend to pass through the storms to see the new world ahead of me. My family has demonstrated that very quote in their life, which I have acknowledged and believe I will pass to future generations. In addition, I plan to make my dreams become a reality by putting in the efforts and hard work needed for them, especially since I understand that nothing in life is free. As stated once before, I am truly forever grateful for my life and those who journeyed with me through the storm and promise we shall see the production of my story coming to life. I am excited to use my knowledge and experience in life in ways like never before for the generation today and onwards. I also thank my school for making it mandatory to learn Spanish, English, and Chinese and my parents for discovering that school the moment it opened because with those abilities, I can impact more portion of the world like never before.