From an early age, I was fascinated by the use of technology and choosing to pursue computer science felt natural to me. Whether it was troubleshooting my family’s computer issues or spending hours in my room playing in a virtual world, I loved the challenge of problem-solving and creativity. This kind of curiosity led me to explore programming languages like Java, creating simple lines of code and games for fun. Throughout my academic journey, my interest shifted towards the cybersecurity field where I became aware about the importance of professionals to protect online privacy and prevent cyberattacks. As a freshman studying computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU), I am determined to turn my passion into a career. However, becoming the first woman in my family to study into a STEM career has not been without its challenges. As a Native American woman from the Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland, I have faced the reality of being one of the few individuals from an underrepresented background in computer science. Although it can be discouraging, I have used this reason not only as a form of motivation and determination but in hopes of inspiring young girls in STEM. Beyond representation, my personal life has been affected by my diagnosis of Hirayama Disease, a rare neurological condition that has weakened my hand and arm. The stinging sensations and difficulty with fine motor skills has made simple tasks frustrating. To cure my disease I underwent a major surgical procedure that left my neck scarred and began physical therapy. Despite these challenges, I graduated high school 11th in my class out of almost 300 students with a 4.47 GPA. The scar that’s left on my neck only shows my resilience and incentive to finish my goals. Besides my academics, I have participated in extracurriculars during my first year at ASU. I am a member of the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement Program (FACE), Phi Sigma Rho, and Women in Computer Science (WiCS). Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other freshmen in STEM. This experience has allowed me to apply real-world problems and make connections with future leaders. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded women who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in Phi Sigma Rho has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and opened new opportunities for career growth. One of my favorite memories so far was volunteering in a Narcan packing event to help combat the opioid epidemic with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Through perseverance, I have proven that my response to challenges define me. My experiences have made me more resilient, driven, and committed to both my education and my goal of inspiring others. I hope to show future generations that no challenge is impossible and that every individual can succeed in STEM, no matter the background.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and about 1% of Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

I’m a freshman studying Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity at Arizona State University (ASU). I hope to also further my education by obtaining my master’s degree at ASU through their 4+1 Program. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always been the student to enroll in rigorous honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses before I started college. By the time I graduated high school, I was ranked 11th out of 271 students and had a 4.47 GPA. Choosing to study Computer Science felt natural for me. From a young age, I was an avid video gamer who would spend hours in a room playing in a virtual world. I would tend to help my parents and younger sister with technical issues with their computers that I thought were easy to understand. As I grew older, I explored programming languages such as Java and created simple lines of code and games for fun. Additionally, my interest in Cybersecurity started when I became aware about the importance of protecting privacy online. With technology continuing to evolve, Cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience during my time at ASU so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. However, becoming the first in my family to study into a STEM field has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest issues is the lack of female and Native American representation in Computer Science. Being one of the very few students that are underrepresented in my STEM courses was disappointing, but it’s just another reason to stay motivated and determined. In my personal life, being diagnosed with Hirayama Disease - also known as monomelic amyotrophy - in my right hand and arm was a curveball for me. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways the rare disease has affected my daily life. The worst (and annoying) part is my inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure last year involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Despite these challenges, my freshman year at ASU is successful so far. I was accepted into the Fulton Accelerated Community Engagement (FACE) Program and Phi Sigma Rho. Participating in FACE has helped me build my leadership skills while working on an engineering project with other STEM freshmen. This experience has been great for applying what I’ve learned in previous and current courses to real-world problems and for making connections with my classmates. Phi Sigma Rho is a social sorority for engineering and engineering technologies where I’ve met like-minded individuals who care about academics and giving back to the community. Being involved in the sorority has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime and has opened up new opportunities for leadership and career growth, such as attending workshops and networking events in and outside of ASU. One of my favorite events was participating in a Narcan packing event from Sonoran Prevention Works with ASU’s Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Overall, I’m hopeful about the opportunities that are coming my way, whether it’s gaining more experience in my field or networking with others who share my passion for technology. I believe that I can inspire other individuals who may be underrepresented, knowing that any opportunity can make a difference in the world.

Receiving this scholarship will directly contribute to achieving my goal of earning a master's degree in computer science. When I start my college journey as an undergraduate at Arizona State University (ASU) in the fall of 2024, I want to concentrate on my education and earning my degree rather than the expenses of classes and textbooks. As a high school senior in the top 5% of my class, I've taken multiple AP classes and classes at a community college since my sophomore year to challenge myself and interact with like-minded individuals. I am the only woman in my family studying a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, so it is very important to me that I succeed in my academic career by earning a master's degree in computer science at ASU. An increased representation of women in the STEM field of computer science is beneficial to the engineering community, which is why I am so passionate about my goal of working in cybersecurity. With technology continuing to evolve, cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience while I'm in college so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Hirayama Disease, also known as monomelic amyotrophy, in my right hand and arm. The constant stinging feeling in my arm, when I would do simple chores at home, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor, are just some of the many ways Hirayama Disease has affected my daily life. The worst part is my complete inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure in April 2023 involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, I've since attended hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. One recent and relevant community service experience is donating to local food drives during the holidays. I’ve donated items like canned foods, clothing, and hygienic products for families in need. Another experience I had was my school's annual Trunk or Treat, where I decorated my car and distributed candy to children in the neighborhood. It was exciting to see a child's face light up as I handed them candy and showed them the decorations I'd put in my car. Similarly, packaging presents in shoeboxes for children who don't receive presents from overseas during the Christmas season makes me feel like I've done something good in the world. Participating in food drives and organizations has helped me understand the importance of having access to necessities. It also exposes me to the realities of poverty and the challenges that my community's families face. In addition, working with other dedicated individuals at my school fosters a strong sense of community; collaborating with people from various backgrounds and experiences broadens my perspectives and improves my ability to connect with others. As I embark on my college journey, the financial support this scholarship provides will alleviate the burden of educational expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and academic pursuits. My determination to succeed in a STEM field, particularly as a woman aspiring to contribute to the underrepresented community, is unwavering. Despite facing the obstacles posed by Hirayama Disease, I have persevered, navigating through health setbacks and academic adjustments with resilience and dedication. This scholarship will empower me to bring this same spirit of initiative and commitment to my studies and future career.

As a high school student in the top 5% of my class, I've taken multiple college-level courses since my sophomore year to challenge myself and interact with like-minded individuals. I am the only woman in my family studying a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, so it is very important to me that I succeed in my academic career by earning a master's degree in computer science at Arizona State University. Since I was little, I have always been into technology. Playing video games was just one of the many hobbies that got me interested in computer science. Unfortunately, I noticed that every computer science that I took in school made me feel like an outcast because I was one of the few females in the class. I quickly realized that computer science is highly male-dominated, increasing my motivation to be in STEM. An increased representation of women in the STEM field of computer science is beneficial to the engineering community, which is why I am so passionate about my goal of working in cybersecurity. With technology continuing to evolve, cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience while I'm in college so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Hirayama Disease, also known as monomelic amyotrophy, in my right hand and arm. The constant stinging feeling in my arm when I would do simple chores at home, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways Hirayama Disease has affected my daily life. The worst part is my complete inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure in April 2023 involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Not attending my first prom and leaving school was a struggle. I had to finish my junior year online with different teachers than I had in person. I felt lonely doing school at home alone instead of with my friends. Hirayama Disease has significantly impacted my academic career, and it is only through immense effort that I have maintained my grades. I hope to make a difference as a woman in computer science by being a role model for other young women who are interested and passionate about working in a STEM field. Challenging the stereotypes can make an impact on STEM communities like computer science to show people that women like myself show resilience in our communities. My determination to succeed in a STEM field, particularly as a woman aspiring to contribute to the underrepresented community, is unwavering. Despite facing the obstacles posed by Hirayama Disease, I have persevered, navigating through health setbacks and academic adjustments with resilience and dedication. This scholarship not only signifies financial aid but symbolizes an endorsement of my aspirations, enabling me to conquer obstacles and fulfill my academic potential in the field of computer science. This scholarship will empower me to bring this same spirit of initiative and commitment to my studies and future career.

As a high school student in the top 5% of my class, I've taken multiple college-level courses since my sophomore year to challenge myself and interact with like-minded individuals. I am the only woman in my family studying a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, so it is very important to me that I succeed in my academic career by earning a master's degree in computer science at Arizona State University. Since I was little, I have always been into technology. Playing video games was just one of the many hobbies that got me interested in computer science. Unfortunately, I noticed that every computer science that I took in school made me feel like an outcast because I was one of the few females in the class. I quickly realized that computer science is highly male-dominated, increasing my motivation to be in STEM. An increased representation of women in the STEM field of computer science is beneficial to the engineering community, which is why I am so passionate about my goal of working in cybersecurity. With technology continuing to evolve, cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience while I'm in college so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Hirayama Disease, also known as monomelic amyotrophy, in my right hand and arm. The constant stinging feeling in my arm when I would do simple chores at home, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways Hirayama Disease has affected my daily life. The worst part is my complete inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure in April 2023 involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Not attending my first prom and leaving school was a struggle. I had to finish my junior year online with different teachers than I had in person. I felt lonely doing school at home alone instead of with my friends. Hirayama Disease has significantly impacted my academic career, and it is only through immense effort that I have maintained my grades. I hope to make a difference as a woman in computer science by being a role model for other young women who are interested and passionate about working in a STEM field. Challenging the stereotypes can make an impact on STEM communities like computer science to show people that women have so much to offer that some men don’t: resilience. My determination to succeed in a STEM field, particularly as a woman aspiring to contribute to the underrepresented community, is unwavering. Despite facing the obstacles posed by Hirayama Disease, I have persevered, navigating through health setbacks and academic adjustments with resilience and dedication. This scholarship not only signifies financial aid but symbolizes an endorsement of my aspirations, enabling me to conquer obstacles and fulfill my academic potential in the field of computer science. This scholarship will empower me to bring this same spirit of initiative and commitment to my studies and future career.

As a high school student in the top 5% of my class, I've taken multiple college-level courses since my sophomore year to challenge myself and interact with like-minded individuals. I am the only woman in my family studying a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, so it is very important to me that I succeed in my academic career by earning a master's degree in computer science at Arizona State University. Since I was little, I have always been into technology. Playing video games was just one of the many hobbies that got me interested in computer science. Unfortunately, I noticed that every computer science that I took in school made me feel like an outcast because I was one of the few females in the class. I quickly realized that computer science is highly male-dominated, increasing my motivation to be in STEM. An increased representation of women in the STEM field of computer science is beneficial to the engineering community, which is why I am so passionate about my goal of working in cybersecurity. With technology continuing to evolve, cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience while I'm in college so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Hirayama Disease, also known as monomelic amyotrophy, in my right hand and arm. The constant stinging feeling in my arm when I would do simple chores at home, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways Hirayama Disease has affected my daily life. The worst part is my complete inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure in April 2023 involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Not attending my first prom and leaving school was a struggle. I had to finish my junior year online with different teachers than I had in person. I felt lonely doing school at home alone instead of with my friends. Hirayama Disease has significantly impacted my academic career, and it is only through immense effort that I have maintained my grades. I hope to make a difference as a woman in computer science by being a role model for other young women who are interested and passionate about working in a STEM field. Challenging the stereotypes can make an impact on STEM communities like computer science to show people that women have so much to offer that some men don’t: resilience. My determination to succeed in a STEM field, particularly as a woman aspiring to contribute to the underrepresented community, is unwavering. Despite facing the obstacles posed by Hirayama Disease, I have persevered, navigating through health setbacks and academic adjustments with resilience and dedication. This scholarship not only signifies financial aid but symbolizes an endorsement of my aspirations, enabling me to conquer obstacles and fulfill my academic potential in the field of computer science. This scholarship will empower me to bring this same spirit of initiative and commitment to my studies and future career.

Receiving this scholarship will directly contribute to achieve my goal of earning a master's degree in computer science. When I start my college journey as an undergraduate at Arizona State University (ASU) in the fall of 2024, I want to concentrate on my education and earning my degree rather than the expenses of classes and textbooks. As a high school senior in the top 5% of my class, I've taken multiple college-level courses since my sophomore year to challenge myself and interact with like-minded individuals. I am the only woman in my family studying a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, so it is very important to me that I succeed in my academic career by earning a master's degree in computer science at Arizona State University. An increased representation of women in the STEM field of computer science is beneficial to the engineering community, which is why I am so passionate about my goal of working in cybersecurity. With technology continuing to evolve, cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience while I'm in college so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. After I graduate, I want to become a cybersecurity analyst for businesses or the government. During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Hirayama Disease, also known as monomelic amyotrophy, in my right hand and arm. The constant stinging feeling in my arm when I would do simple chores at home, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways Hirayama Disease has affected my daily life. The worst part is my complete inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure in April 2023 involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Not attending my first prom and leaving school was a struggle. I had to finish my junior year online with different teachers than I had in person. I felt lonely doing school at home alone instead of with my friends. Hirayama Disease has significantly impacted my academic career, and it is only through immense effort that I have maintained my grades. As I embark on my college journey, the financial support provided by this scholarship will alleviate the burden of educational expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and academic pursuits. My determination to succeed in a STEM field, particularly as a woman aspiring to contribute to the underrepresented community, is unwavering. Despite facing the obstacles posed by Hirayama Disease, I have persevered, navigating through health setbacks and academic adjustments with resilience and dedication. This scholarship not only signifies financial aid but symbolizes an endorsement of my aspirations, enabling me to conquer obstacles and fulfill my academic potential in the field of computer science. This scholarship will empower me to bring this same spirit of initiative and commitment to my studies and future career.

Receiving this scholarship will directly contribute to achieve my goal of earning a master's degree in computer science. When I start my college journey as an undergraduate at Arizona State University (ASU) in the fall of 2024, I want to concentrate on my education and earning my degree rather than the expenses of classes and textbooks. As a high school senior in the top 5% of my class, I've taken multiple college-level courses since my sophomore year to challenge myself and interact with like-minded individuals. I am the only woman in my family studying a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, so it is very important to me that I succeed in my academic career by earning a master's degree in computer science at Arizona State University (ASU). An increased representation of women and Native Americans in the STEM field of computer science is beneficial to the engineering community, which is why I am so passionate about my goal of working in cybersecurity. With technology continuing to evolve, cybersecurity professionals are desperately needed for work such as privacy protection, ethical hacking, and cyberattack prevention. I hope to master coding languages, obtain certifications, and gain hands-on experience while I'm in college so I'm prepared for real-world problems in the future. When I graduate from college, I want to become a cybersecurity analyst and possibly work for the government. Additionally, with ASU's 4 + 1 program opportunity that opens during my junior year of college, I hope to earn my master's degree in computer science in just five years instead of six. During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Hirayama Disease, also known as monomelic amyotrophy, in my right hand and arm. The constant stinging feeling in my arm when I would do simple chores at home, my hand locking up in uncomfortable positions at school, and frequently dropping items on the floor are just some of the many ways Hirayama Disease has affected my daily life. The worst part is my complete inability to control it. To treat my disease, I underwent a major surgical procedure in April 2023 involving a spinal fusion in my neck. My neck was left scarred, and I needed hand therapy to strengthen my muscles again. Not attending my first prom and leaving school was a struggle. I had to finish my junior year online with different teachers than I had in person. I felt lonely doing school at home alone instead of with my friends. Hirayama Disease has significantly impacted my academic career, and it is only through immense effort that I have maintained my grades. As I embark on my college journey, the financial support provided by this scholarship will alleviate the burden of educational expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and academic pursuits. My determination to succeed in a STEM field, particularly as a Native American woman aspiring to contribute to the underrepresented community, is unwavering. Despite facing the obstacles posed by Hirayama Disease, I have persevered, navigating through health setbacks and academic adjustments with resilience and dedication. This scholarship not only signifies financial aid but symbolizes an endorsement of my aspirations, enabling me to conquer obstacles and fulfill my academic potential in the field of computer science. This scholarship will empower me to bring this same spirit of initiative and commitment to my studies and future career.

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