Being the child of a veteran has profoundly influenced my career aspirations, truly shaping my values, work ethic, and sense of purpose. Growing up in a household where service to the country was not just a profession but a way of life instilled in me a deep appreciation for sacrifice, dedication, and resilience. The unique experiences that come with being the child of a veteran have cultivated a strong sense of responsibility within me. Witnessing my Dad’s commitment to military service and his unwavering dedication to a cause greater than himself has inspired me to seek a career path that also contributes positively to society. Whether through public service, advocacy, or community involvement, my career goals are fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact, not just a paycheck. Despite suffering from multiple service-connected disabilities, some of which are not evident to the outside world, my father instilled in me an important lesson he learned during Operation Desert Storm in the U.S. Navy: "If it isn't broken or bleeding, shake it off and finish what you started." Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of his seemingly silent traumas that isn't so silent after all. His bravery has shown me the level of dedication needed at that difficult time in his life, and I appreciate how candidly Dad has shared his experience with my brothers and myself. Being the child of a veteran, I was raised with discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. Our father taught us to share immensely and adapt to the changing world because of his experience in the Fleet with his fellow shipmates. Living in close quarters while out to sea, they had to rely on each other, which has taught me the importance of teamwork. These qualities are now an essential component of who I am as a young adult as I set out to achieve my goals in terms of continued education and future employment. I recognize the value of tenacity in the face of difficulties and the capacity to collaborate with others to achieve a shared objective. These abilities, developed by way of a military background, have come in quite handy while negotiating the challenges of the working world. Moreover, the exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives during my father’s military service has broadened my worldview. This exposure has ignited a passion for inclusivity and diversity in my career goals. I aim to contribute to workplaces that embrace differences and foster an environment where everyone’s unique strengths are valued and utilized. The sacrifices made by my parent during his military service have also cultivated a strong work ethic within me. The resilience demonstrated in the face of adversity has become a guiding principle in my pursuit of professional success. I approach challenges with a mindset that embraces hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. In conclusion, being the child of a veteran has significantly shaped my career goals by instilling in me a profound sense of duty, a commitment to making a positive impact, and a resilient work ethic. My experiences have fueled a desire to contribute to society, promote diversity, and approach challenges with determination. As I embark on my career journey, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned from a childhood steeped in the principles of service, sacrifice, and a deep appreciation for the greater good. I intend on making my father as proud of me as I am of him.

My primary motivation for attending college is to pursue a career in the computer technology field of Cyber Security. I want to contribute to my college expenses because I will be the first in my family to graduate from a university. As I continue my studies at Bowie State University, I will earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology. My parents are both disabled, but they continue to work full-time. They encourage me to uphold the work ethic I have learned from them. As a member of my high school's student government association, I gained knowledge of how to rule and how to assist organizations and people. I helped raise $28,000 for my graduating class's gift to our high school. I donated $200 and not only solicited monetary gifts from my family and friends, but I also canvassed donations from neighbors and local businesses. Our collective gift was a renovated computer room, complete with new laptops and three network printers for students to network and share. This contribution matched my longstanding ambition to work in technology. I will use my Computer Technology degree to join an agency whose mission and goal is to protect networks from unethical hackers who not only interrupt networks here in the DMV but also who have compromised our computer security nationwide. They will no longer be able to decrypt adjacent Wi-Fi signals. Password resets alone are not enough to protect systems from malware and data loss from consumers and businesses, and I will lead that charge of protection. Because it is something I'm very interested in, I am currently absorbing everything I can about protecting our networks at home and abroad. I am considering applying for an SBA grant to secure funds to open a small tech school for after-school whose mission is to welcome students and young adults to learn A+, Network+, software installation, and many other IT configuration needs that young techs need help learning. I will open this school in a well-populated, multicultural suburban area close to DC, but also in Central Maryland but not far from Virginia’s high-learners as well. There will be no cost for students to attend if a student maintains a 3.0 GPA in high school or college. I look forward to watching my generation show up and show out and finally be the change that is needed in the tech world. Thank you for taking the time to consider awarding me this scholarship.

I do not support the 2nd Amendment. According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA), the United States has faced 160 mass shootings Between January 1, 2023, and April 17, 2023. Of those 160 mass shootings, we have lost the lives of 227 children. Guns should not be easily attainable. When the 2nd Amendment was adopted in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, it read, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” The Founding Fathers were likely focused on keeping state militias, like modern-day militias known as the State Defense Force, from being disarmed. An individual’s right to use guns in self-defense is not expressly written in the Constitution. The musket from the Revolutionary War could kill fifteen people. 80 people can be killed by a bolt-action rifle today. It is possible to murder 800 people with the current LEGAL AR-15. As you can see, it is easier to take someone's life nowadays, and I don't think this kind of killing was in mind when the 2nd Amendment was drafted. America has the weakest gun laws and the most guns of any comparable nation—393 million. Three other shootings have occurred in our nation after I started writing this scholarship essay. One such incident happened in Missouri where a 16-year-old marching band sax player unwittingly rang an 84-year-old man's doorbell and was shot twice as a result. He was asked to pick up his brothers from their friend's house but had picked the wrong one inadvertently. He is now healing, and the suspect is being charged with two felonies. I fervently hope that this individual will be found guilty of the racial offense. In a different killing, a 65-year-old homeowner shot and killed a 20-year-old woman who was a passenger in a car that just performed a U-turn in a driveway in upstate New York. They simply used his driveway to turn around – it was a mistake. Another incident involved two cheerleaders who had been shot in Texas. These young ladies apparently mistook a vehicle for one of theirs and when one of the girls opened the car door, the suspect started shooting at them both from the passenger side door. The distractions of news of gun violence has affected my mental state and I am very concerned. I pray that our community and country leaders find healing from this crisis. I cannot think of any reason why anyone, other than the military, would require the firepower currently being used today. We need appropriate legislation requiring background checks on individuals with mental problems. Despite having only 4% of the world's population, the United States is home to 35% of all firearm suicides. To make it simpler for young people like me to purchase assault rifles and handguns, conservatives want to ease the laws. Almost every American will know at least one victim of gun violence in their lifetime. Almost 1 million Americans have been shot in the last ten years, and the frequency of shootings is increasing nationwide. It i's frightening to witness such violence. Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed in a gun homicide than people in other high-income countries. According to the Small Arms Survey, the United States is the only country where there are 120 civilian weapons for every 100 Americans. I stand by my belief because these figures demonstrate that our children's future is in jeopardy if we do not enact stricter gun control measures.

My Dad is a disabled Navy veteran and my hero. He worked tirelessly as a Radioman in Panama in the early 1990s and also as an Aviation Maintenance Administration in the later 1990s. Although he values his service and all of the friends he met and still has, his service delivered many injuries and ailments in-service and beyond. My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their work ethic. Because both of my parents are disabled and still work full-time – my Mom has Multiple Sclerosis, I value their work ethic, even though I witness their health struggles regularly. They encourage me to maintain the work ethic that they have taught me. I have been interested in information technology and computer science since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we always talk about what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and other military veterans and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from playing video games, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. Because he and I are so close and I have closely watched him work, it has stimulated me to follow in his footsteps and also pursue a career in Information Technology. After college, I may consider joining the military as an officer. I am truly thankful to my Dad (U.S. Navy Desert Storm veteran), two brothers (active duty Army and Air Force), grandfather (U.S. Army Vietnam veteran), and great-grandfather (U.S. Army Air Corps World War II veteran). They have all paved the way for service to our great nation and I appreciate my family's service and hope that I can fill their shoes. I am grateful that you have given me this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and thoughtful consideration.

I have had the misfortune of having to help my mother off the ground after watching her fall many times. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2007, and her loss of mobility is one of the most disabling effects of MS as it has adversely affected her independence. Both of my brothers have left home, so it is my responsibility to ensure that my Mom is safe when she ventures out to the store or whenever she leaves home – I come with her so that she has the help she needs. It hurts because I have watched this debilitating condition keep my Mom from the quality of life that she deserves. I will make sure I check on her when I am in college and ask my brothers to do the same. My Dad is a disabled U.S. Navy veteran who now works from home part-time as an IT Specialist, so we frequently discuss what it takes to do his job. He is currently suffering from epilepsy because of a brain tumor that was removed in 2018, so his speech and balance are impaired. Between Mom’s MS and Dad’s Epilepsy, I am the only child that is physically able to care for them if there is an emergency. My college is approximately 30 minutes away, and I received a waiver from my university to enable me to bring my car to campus, because, as my parents’ caregiver, I am on-call, in case I am needed to respond and return home. Otherwise, they both have occupational and physical therapists who see my parents daily for treatments. I want to earn a living, but as a primary caregiver, obtaining my degree is a must. I️ believe that college is worth the time and effort it takes to show devotion and drive to accomplish a particular goal – not for the economic reward, but for me, I have to earn a career to continue to help my parents. I know I have what it takes to commit and persevere. I will continue to study, work with peer groups, and always reach out to my teachers for guidance. Besides, the pride that you earn when your family can say, “Well done, Son” is the ultimate accomplishment for me. I am doing all I can to ensure my success. I am studying as a first-year freshman, and as of today, my cumulative grade point average is 3.227. My major is Computer Technology and I am a member of the Cybersecurity Club. With this education, I will serve in the federal government as an Information Technology Specialist. I remain mindful of the sacrifices that have been set before me to excel in all my goals. It hurts to see my parents suffer in pain, so this scholarship would truly help my family. I need this scholarship because I am the youngest member of my family and, thus far, the first to complete the first semester of college. As of now, no scholarship awards have been presented to me for my Fall 2023 Sophomore year, and I am worried. I do not want my journey to end. To continue, I must demonstrate the value of my education. I am attempting to be resourceful in my search for scholarship opportunities. I am trying my best to be proactive in my search for scholarship opportunities. Thank you for your kind consideration in granting me this scholarship.

Being Black is about overcoming adversity through perseverance, innovation, creativity, and excellence. Since age ten years old, I've been fascinated by technology and computer repair. My father works in the IT field and we always talk about how his job requires perseverance and determination. He advised me how we have to work twice as hard to be considered half as good as the White race. It means that African-Americans can use their racial identity to help them achieve their goals, and remain confident in the face of adversity -- as Roy Clay Sr. did when he was hired as Hewlett-Packard’s (HP) software pioneer and led the development team that brought the first HP computer (the 2116A) to market in 1966. Clay worked his way up to become HP's top black employee. Being black also appreciates Bessie Coleman. Despite being the first licensed Black pilot in the world, Coleman wasn’t recognized as a pioneer in aviation until after her death. Though history has favored Amelia Earhart or the Wright brothers, Coleman paved the way for a new generation of diverse fliers such as the Tuskegee Airmen. Because my ancestors are from Africa, I prefer to be referred to as African-American. African-Americans have Black blood, whether full or partial, and descended from Black/African ancestors. I celebrate my culture as an identity and the lived experience of my forefathers. I am proud of my heritage, so I chose Bowie State University, Maryland's first HBCU, to further my education as a Computer Technology Major.

My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their work ethic. My parents are both disabled – my Dad is a disabled Navy veteran and my Mom has Multiple Sclerosis, but they both work full-time jobs. They encourage me to maintain the work ethic that they have instilled. I have been interested in information technology and computer repair since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we always discuss what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from playing video games, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. Since May 2018, I have been entrusted to care for many of my neighbors’ dogs. I am an avid dog lover, and I began voluntarily walking 3 dogs after school for 3 hours per day. Now that I am in college, I return home each Friday after my last college class and walk my pack each day of the weekend for 3 hours, before I must return to school on Sunday. The community families look forward to my arrival and the dogs fondly know me and welcome my presence. Volunteering my time with these dogs relaxes my mental state and feeds my love of dogs that I have had for many years. I need this scholarship to help pay for college because the one-year tuition scholarship that I received last year was not renewed. In June 2022, I received my high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. At Bowie State University (BSU), the first HBCU in the state of Maryland, I'm currently enrolled to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Technology. As a freshman, I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will have obtained 46 college credits at the end of my freshman year. I participate in many cyber defense events as a part of the BSU Cybersecurity Club. I will use this abundant education to achieve my goals as I work as an IT specialist for the federal government after I graduate. By obtaining this degree, I plan to obtain a position that will help secure the government and our country from cyber criminals, foreign and domestic. I am the best candidate to receive this award because the classes I have taken during the Fall, Winter, and Spring, as well as my dual-enrollment courses for which I received credit during high school, show my dedication in my pursuit of excellence. I am grateful for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for your thoughtful consideration.

I have had the misfortune of having to help my mother off the ground after watching her fall many times. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007, and her loss of mobility is one of the most disabling effects of MS as it has adversely affected her independence. My parents are both disabled – my Dad is a disabled Navy veteran, but both of my parents work full-time jobs. They motivate me to uphold the work ethic they have ingrained in me. Since neither of my brothers is living at home, I must make sure that my mother is secure anytime she leaves the house, whether to go to the shop or elsewhere. I accompany her so that she can receive the assistance she requires. It stings because I have seen how my Mom's crippling disease prevents her from living the life she deserves. I ask my brothers to do the same and I often check on them both. This has helped me to keep my attention slightly diverted from the class in which I received a "B" rather than an "A." I graduated from high school in June 2022 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. I'm now enrolled in Bowie State University (BSU), the first HBCU in Maryland, to work for a bachelor's degree in computer science. I am now a freshman with a 3.8 GPA and will have 46 college credits at the end of my first year. As a member of the BSU Cybersecurity Club, I take part in numerous cyber defense activities. After I graduate, I plan to work as an IT professional for the federal government and use this extensive knowledge to accomplish my objectives. Because it is necessary to demonstrate my commitment, I will succeed in continuing my study. I need to get my degree if I want to be able to support myself. I think education is worthwhile for the time and work it takes to demonstrate commitment and tenacity to achieve a certain goal — not for the monetary reward, but so that I can start something and finish it. I have completed two dual-enrollment courses, so I am confident in my capacity for dedication and perseverance. I'll keep studying, collaborate with my peers, and ask my teachers for advice whenever I need it. The greatest success for me, however, is the joy you feel when your family can say, "Well done, Son." I'm doing my best. I deserve this scholarship award because I am motivated to achieve my highest goal. Cyber Security is the future of IT and I look forward to learning all there is to know about securing our networks against all intrusions. I remain mindful of the sacrifices that have been set before me to excel in all my studies. I am driven to achieve greatness beyond what is expected of me. Thank you for this opportunity.

I have had the misfortune of having to help my mother off the ground after watching her fall many times. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007, and her loss of mobility is one of the most disabling effects of MS as it has adversely affected her independence. My parents are both disabled – my Dad is a disabled Navy veteran, but both of my parents work full-time jobs. They motivate me to uphold the work ethic they have ingrained in me. Since neither of my brothers still living at home, I must make sure that my mother is secure anytime she leaves the house, whether to go to the shop or elsewhere. I accompany her so that she can receive the assistance she requires. It stings because I have seen how my Mom's crippling disease prevents her from living the life she deserves. I ask my brothers to do the same and I often check on them both. This has helped me to keep my attention slightly diverted from the class in which I received a "B" rather than an "A." I graduated from high school in June 2022 with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. I'm now enrolled in Bowie State University (BSU), the first HBCU in Maryland, to work for a bachelor's degree in computer science. I am now a freshman with a 3.8 GPA and will have 46 college credits after my first year. As a member of the BSU Cybersecurity Club, I take part in numerous cyber defense activities. After I graduate, I plan to work as an IT professional for the federal government and use this extensive knowledge to accomplish my objectives. Because it is necessary to demonstrate my commitment, I will succeed in continuing my study. I need to get my degree if I want to be able to support myself. I think education is worthwhile for the time and work it takes to demonstrate commitment and tenacity to achieve a certain goal — not for the monetary reward, but so that I can start something and finish it. I have completed two dual-enrollment courses, so I am confident in my capacity for dedication and perseverance. I'll keep studying, collaborate with my peers, and ask my teachers for advice whenever I need it. The greatest success for me, however, is the joy you feel when your family can say, "Well done, Son." I'm doing my best. I deserve this scholarship award because I am motivated to achieve my highest goal. Cyber Security is the future of IT and I look forward to learning all there is to know about securing our networks against all intrusions. I remain mindful of the sacrifices that have been set before me to excel in all my studies. I am driven to achieve greatness beyond what is expected of me. Thank you for this opportunity.

For some people, materialistic things matter to them the most; possessions like expensive cars, lots of jewelry, and whatever money can buy. They do whatever they can to get what they want and won’t stop until they have it. On the other hand, the things that matter to me the most are ideological. More specifically, space exploration and climate change are of great importance to me. Space exploration and climate control are two of the options we have to ensure the survival of the human race. It is an individual choice to support these options by exploring the possibilities and taking definitive actions to ensure the well being of the inhabitants on Planet Earth. The reason why exploring the universe matters so much to me is because I have had a strong interest since I was a child. I remember watching the television show “How the Universe Works” and one of the episodes was about finding another planet similar to Earth; an “Earth 2”. The show discussed what tools we would need to look for the new planet, how we would get there, and how long it would take us to get there. I was immediately hooked! My interest grew to include astronomy and astrophysics, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, a world-renowned astrophysicist, author, and space-themed television host. While Mr. Tyson is one of my biggest influences, Elon Musk, is one of the main reasons why space exploration matters to me. He is the owner of Twitter and CEO of Space X, a company on the front line of space travel. They plan to travel to Mars by the late 2020s. When I heard the news, that we would soon become an interplanetary species, I could only jump for joy. The threat of an asteroid collision or any other possible catastrophic event here on Earth is motivating enough to increase my interest in creating space colonies, thus, increasing the survival prospects of the human race. Another subject that matters to me is how climate change can be slowed down by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The basic sources of these gases are transportation, industry, commercial, and residential. Studies show that the gases trap heat and make the planet warmer and that people are mainly responsible for the increase of these gases in our atmosphere. There is a connection between climate change and food shortage, conflict, and, ultimately, the future of mankind. Unfortunately, many powerful people deny that greenhouse gases have anything to do with global warming. Since I believe the minds of today fuel the technology and advancement of tomorrow, I accept the challenge of playing a part by taking action in reducing my carbon footprint. Studying at Howard University will help me with that goal by placing me alongside the appropriate advisors and fellow students who have the same ambition and expertise. My experiences have played a large part in how strongly I feel about what’s important. The possibility of humans traveling to Mars to live and colonize it is astounding. Imagine future generations looking at the Earth through a telescope from Mars and asking their parents, “What was it like to live on Earth?” The volume of what we can learn about living on Mars may even help us solve the problems that we face here on Earth. Meanwhile, since we are still here on Earth, the sacrifices that come with preserving our Earth’s ecosystems and stabilizing our climate.

My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their job dedication. My parents are both disabled – my Dad is a disabled Navy veteran with Epilesy and Mom has Multiple Sclerosis, but they both work full-time jobs. My Mom has trouble even walking and she falls repeatedly, so she takes physical therapy twice a week. Both of my parents encourage me to maintain the work ethic that they have taught me despite physical hardships. I have been interested in information technology and computer repair since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we always discuss what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from playing video games, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. I need this scholarship to help pay for college because the one-year tuition scholarship that I received last year has not been renewed. In June 2022, I received my high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. At Bowie State University (BSU), I'm currently enrolled to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As a freshman, I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will have obtained 46 college credits at the end of my freshman year. I participate in many cyber defense events as a part of the BSU Cybersecurity Club. I will use this abundant education to achieve my goals as I work as an IT specialist for the federal government after I graduate. I am the best candidate to receive this award because my classes taken during the Fall, Winter, Spring, as well as my dual-enrollment courses for which I received credit during high school, show my dedication in my pursuit of excellence. I am grateful that you gave me this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for your thoughtful consideration.

My father, who is now a Cyber Security Officer for a DoD agency, used to be an ethical hacker as a contractor. I would sit with him for hours and watch as he tried to find ways to exploit the security vulnerabilities of a company. He would explain to me the various ways malware could get into a company, sometimes undetected, sometimes unintentionally, and it was his job to show how it was happening. He would show “the holes” as he would call them, in a security system and present his findings with recommendations on how to close those holes. Sitting with him, he would tell me how cyber security is the wave of the future. He would explain to me how securing a network is like securing your home. He would say; “You want anyone breaking into your home stealing all of your valuable things, do you? Well securing a network should be looked at in the same way. I want to protect the data of any agency or company I may work for in the future, the same way my Dad did. Socially Speaking: If anyone of us sees someone in need of help and we can provide that help, we do. When we see a wrong being committed, if we’re strong enough, we speak up. These tech giants have insights into every single one of our lives. They compile endless data on all of us that can paint a picture of what the true ills of society are. They know where the sickness is, they know where the water is bad and they know where children are hungry. In short, they know more about everything than anyone ever has in the history of humankind, due in large part to these companies leveraging the power of data and AI. So yes, we can, and must ask them to do more. Morally Speaking: We have to consider the impact that business decisions have on our societal well-being. Recent events have exposed lay people to issues underlying the tech sector that have been common knowledge within tech circles for years or even decades. Tech products and the companies that make them have goals that are often fundamentally misaligned with mental wellness. “Doom scrolling” on apps like Instagram is good for advertisers, but it’s almost certainly a contributing factor to increased rates of anxiety and depression in the past decade, especially among young people. “Doom swiping” on dating apps encourages similar behavior, counterintuitively making not going on dates addictive. The users on dating apps who swipe endlessly with zero intent of talking to, much less meeting, the people they match with — these users are good for dating app companies. They present a low rate of attrition, or leaving the app, while simultaneously disrupting the experience for other users. It’s a self-perpetuating cycle.

My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their work ethic. My parents are both disabled – my Dad is a disabled Navy veteran and Mom has Multiple Sclerosis, but they both work full-time jobs. They encourage me to maintain the work ethic that they have taught me. I have been interested in information technology and computer repair since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we are constantly discussing what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from playing video, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. Since May 2018, I have been entrusted to care for many of my neighbors’ dogs. I am an avid dog lover, and I began voluntarily walking 3 dogs after school for 3 hours per day. Now that I am in college, I return home each Friday after my last college class and walk my pack each day of the weekend for 3 hours, before I must return to school on Sunday. The community families look forward to my arrival and the dogs fondly know me and welcome my presence. Volunteering my time with these dogs relaxes my mental state and feeds my love of dogs that I have had for many years. I need this scholarship to help pay for college because the one-year tuition scholarship that I received last year has not been renewed. In June 2022, I received my high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. At Bowie State University (BSU), I'm currently enrolled to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As a freshman, I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will have obtained 46 college credits at the end of my freshman year. I participate in many cyber defense events as a part of the BSU Cybersecurity Club. I will use this abundant education to achieve my goals as I work as an IT specialist for the federal government after I graduate. I am the best candidate to receive this award because my classes taken during the Fall, Winter, Spring, as well as my dual-enrollment courses for which I received credit during high school, show my dedication in my pursuit of excellence. I am grateful that you gave me this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for your thoughtful consideration.

My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their work ethic. My parents are both disabled – my Dad is a disabled Navy veteran and Mom has Multiple Sclerosis, but they both work full-time jobs. They encourage me to maintain the work ethic that they have taught me. They have difficulty getting around (walking and driving), and that weighs heavily on me because I am the youngest child and the last to leave home. I make sure they have what they need before I return to college each week. My college campus is not too far, only 27 miles, so I am a phone call away if either of my parents need anything. I have been interested in information technology and computer repair since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we are constantly discussing what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from playing video, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. In June 2022, I received my high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. At Bowie State University (BSU), I'm currently enrolled to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As a freshman, I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will have obtained 46 college credits at the end of my freshman year. I participate in many cyber defense events as a part of the BSU Cybersecurity Club. I will use this abundant education to achieve my goals as I work as an IT specialist for the federal government after I graduate. I am the best candidate to receive this award because my classes taken during the Fall, Winter, Spring, as well as my dual-enrollment courses for which I received credit during high school, show my dedication in my pursuit of excellence. I am grateful that you gave me this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for your thoughtful consideration.

My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their work ethic. I have been interested in information technology and computer repair since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we are constantly discussing what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from playing video games, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. In June 2022, I received my high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. At Bowie State University (BSU), I'm currently enrolled to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As a freshman, I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will have obtained 46 college credits at the end of my freshman year. I participate in many cyber defense events as a part of the BSU Cybersecurity Club. I will use this abundant education to achieve my goals as I work as an IT specialist for the federal government after I graduate. I am the best candidate to receive this award because my classes taken during the Fall, Winter, Spring, as well as my dual-enrollment courses for which I received credit during high school, show my dedication in my pursuit of excellence. I am grateful that you gave me this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for your thoughtful consideration. In my neighborhood, I serve as the fun and entrusted dog sitter and walker for neighbors on which to rely to take care of their pets. I show companionship and care and I follow all special instructions concerning dog care. I report all relevant information to the owners in a timely manner upon returning pets to their respective homes.

My Dad is a disabled Navy veteran and my hero. He worked tirelessly as a Radioman in Panama in the early 1990s and also as an Aviation Maintenance Administration in the later 1990s. Although he values his service and all of the friends he met and still has, his service delivered many injuries and ailments in-service and beyond. My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their work ethic. Because both of my parents are disabled and still work full-time – my Mom has Multiple Sclerosis, I value their work ethic, even though I witness their health struggles regularly. They encourage me to maintain the work ethic that they have taught me. I have been interested in information technology and computer repair since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we are constantly discussing what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and other military veterans and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from playing video games, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. Because he and I are so close and I have closely watched him work, it has stimulated me to follow in his footsteps and also pursue a career in Information Technology. After college, I may consider joining the military as an officer. I am truly thankful to my Dad (U.S. Navy Desert Storm veteran), two brothers (active duty Army and Air Force), grandfather (U.S. Army Vietnam veteran), and great-grandfather (U.S. Army Air Corps World War II veteran). They have all paved the way for service to our great nation and I appreciate my family's service and hope that I can fill their shoes. I am grateful that you have given me this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for your thoughtful consideration.

My career goal has always been to work in the information technology field (IT). I want to work as an IT Security Specialist, preferably in Cyber Security. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college, which is why I want to help my parents pay for my education. My parents work in a similar industry, and I admire their work ethic. My parents are both disabled – my Dad is a disabled Navy veteran and Mom has Multiple Sclerosis, but they both work full-time jobs. They encourage me to maintain the work ethic that they have taught me. I have been interested in information technology and computer repair since I was ten years old. Because my father is a Lead IT Specialist, we are constantly discussing what it takes to do his job. Occasionally, during family gatherings, I engage with the adults and share my ideas on how to keep computers safe at home and away from hackers who can decrypt Wi-Fi signals in the neighborhood – it takes more than just changing the password. We discussed how people can be vigilant against malware attacks. Aside from helping kids safely enjoy video games, I enjoy talking with people who already work in my preferred career field. They all say that Cyber Security is the future of IT, and I'm excited to learn everything I can about securing our networks against all types of intrusions. In June 2022, I received my high school diploma with a cumulative GPA of 4.0. At Bowie State University (BSU), I'm currently enrolled to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As a freshman, I currently have a 3.8 GPA and will have obtained 46 college credits at the end of my freshman year. I participate in many cyber defense events as a part of the BSU Cybersecurity Club. I will use this abundant education to achieve my goals as I work as an IT specialist for the federal government after I graduate. I am the best candidate to receive this award because my classes taken during the Fall, Winter, Spring, as well as my dual-enrollment courses for which I received credit during high school, show my dedication in my pursuit of excellence. I am grateful that you gave me this opportunity to apply for this scholarship and for your thoughtful consideration.

Life has prepared me for success by giving me two parents who have truly struggled to provide me and my two brothers. My Mom has Multiple Sclerosis and my Dad had a brain tumor in 2018. Mom was my Team Mom when I played football, but now she cannot even walk. Dad woke up one morning and totally forgot who I was. We discovered he had a meningioma on his brain. Now, he's still having memory problems and has Epilepsy. Because I am the youngest and the only child left at home, I serve as their caregivers. I help Mom get around before I have to go to school and I also help Dad get dressed. I'm glad I have a half-day schedule so that I can come home and check on them as soon as class is over. It means a lot to me for them to be safe, and even though I want to go away to college, I was able to help them get others to care for them once I am away at college. I believe this has prepared me to succeed in life because despite all odds, weather, my slight illnesses, and fatigue, I still remain steadfast in assisting both of my disabled parents. In 20 years, I envision myself owning a senior facility that cares for the elderly. My passion is helping people and I thank God for allowing me to begin this charge by helping my parents i gaining a better quality of life. Thank you for allowing me to share my story.