
Hobbies and interests
Cybersecurity
Renata Castellanos
635
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Renata Castellanos
635
Bold Points1x
FinalistEducation
West Virginia State University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Computer Science
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Technology
Dream career goals:
Cyber Scholar Now Scholarship
I'm pursuing a major in cybersecurity because it truly captivates me. Cybersecurity is the backbone of modern society, ensuring that individuals, companies, and governments can protect their sensitive data and function in an increasingly interconnected world. The dynamic nature of this field excites me, as new threats emerge constantly, and protecting information systems requires both creativity and critical thinking. It’s not just a career for me—it’s my passion, and the prospect of contributing to a safer digital landscape motivates me to work harder every day.
Coming from Mexico as a Latin individual, I am deeply connected to my roots and the values my parents have instilled in me. They have worked hard to give me every opportunity they could, sacrificing so much to ensure I can succeed in a world that isn't always welcoming or easy to navigate. They’ve provided for me in every way possible, and now it’s my turn to repay that love and support. My passion for cybersecurity is driven not only by my personal interest but also by the desire to use my skills and knowledge to build a better future for my family.
Growing up, we didn’t always have a lot, but my parents made sure that I had access to education and opportunities, even if it meant they had to sacrifice their own comforts. It was always clear to me that succeeding academically and professionally was my path to give back to them. I’m incredibly motivated to ease their burden, and I know that securing this scholarship would greatly help. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and my growth in cybersecurity rather than being overwhelmed by financial concerns.
My drive to succeed goes beyond academics, too. I worked incredibly hard to become a strong soccer player, which helped me earn my place in college and ensure my parents wouldn’t have to worry about paying for my education. Soccer has been a significant part of my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These traits have carried over into my academic pursuits, especially in cybersecurity, where focus and determination are essential.
This scholarship would mean so much to me because it would not only help me continue my studies but also reduce the financial stress on my family. My goal is to provide my parents with the life they deserve and pursue my passion in cybersecurity, where I can make a meaningful impact while also achieving personal success. Through hard work, perseverance, and the support of scholarships like this one, I am determined to succeed.
Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship
Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree is deeply personal and significant to me. Coming from Mexico, my parents have always made tremendous sacrifices to provide me with opportunities they never had. This achievement is not just mine—it is a reflection of their unwavering support, dedication, and love. My family’s story is one of resilience and hard work, and earning a college degree symbolizes the culmination of years of effort, not just from me, but from my parents as well. They have done everything in their power to ensure that I have the resources to succeed in the world, even when it meant making difficult choices. For me, being the first to graduate from college is not only a personal milestone but also a way to honor my family’s journey and sacrifices. I hope that my achievement will inspire future generations in my family, showing them that despite the obstacles, success is possible with perseverance and dedication.
In college, I want to pursue a field that allows me to blend my interests in technology, science, and sports. As a soccer player, I have learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and strategy—qualities that are equally valuable in other fields of study. I am particularly drawn to research areas like artificial intelligence, deep learning, and data science. I have already started working on projects that involve advanced technologies like LiDAR and deep learning, and I would like to continue pursuing this type of work at a higher level. Through college, I aim to explore how these technologies can be applied in real-world contexts, such as autonomous vehicles or even improving sports performance. The opportunity to further develop my knowledge in these areas excites me and motivates me to work even harder.
My long-term goals are deeply rooted in my desire to give back to my family and community. I want to be able to provide my parents with the life they deserve, ensuring that they no longer have to worry about finances. They have worked tirelessly to give me a chance, and I want to repay them by taking care of them as they grow older. In the professional realm, I aim to become an expert in my chosen field and contribute meaningful innovations that have a positive impact on society. Whether through my research or future career, I want to push the boundaries of what is possible and create technologies that can solve real-world problems. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy that reflects my values of hard work, determination, and compassion, both for my family and the broader community.