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Ricardo Barnes

1,285

Bold Points

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Nominee

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Finalist

Bio

I am Ricardo Barnes, a member of the Claflin University Honors College and a Computer Science major. I, if God's willing will become a software developer after graduating. I enjoy reading and debating philosophical beliefs. I also enjoy both reading and writing poetry which could be considered my hobby since young. Now I am more passionate about technology and spend most of my time learning how to code and working on projects.

Education

Claflin University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

    • Graphic Designer

      Freelance
      2021 – Present4 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Club
    2017 – 20192 years

    Awards

    • no

    Arts

    • Music Appreciation

      Music Criticism
      No
      2022 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Career Ambassador — Working in the pantry
      2022 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    College Student Challenge Scholarship
    When people argue all the time in a work center, even over small things, it creates stress and makes it hard for anyone to focus. I do not work in a place like that right now, but if I did, I would try my best to help solve the problem even if I was not the supervisor. I believe you do not need a title to be a leader. Sometimes being a leader simply means choosing to stay calm, listen, and help people understand each other. One of the first things I would do is try to communicate better with everyone. A lot of arguments happen because people feel ignored or disrespected. I would make sure to listen to both sides before saying anything. If someone felt upset, I would let them talk and show them that I understand how they feel. I would also try to remind people to speak to each other kindly and not jump to anger so quickly. When people feel heard, they usually calm down and become more open to solving the problem. Another important thing I would focus on is staying calm during conflicts. In a tense environment, emotions can rise fast. If I stayed calm, it might help others calm down too. If two people were shouting, I would quietly ask them if they wanted to step aside and talk privately instead of arguing in front of everyone. I would not take sides. Instead, I would help them focus on the real issue instead of blaming each other. I think showing kindness and patience during arguments can make a big difference. I also believe that setting a good example is one of the best ways to lead. I would try to be respectful to everyone, even if I was frustrated. I would avoid gossip and talking badly about coworkers. I would focus on helping instead of criticizing. Small things like saying thank you or offering help can change the mood in a room. If people see someone acting with respect and maturity, they might start doing the same. In the end, I know I cannot control how everyone behaves. But I can control how I act. I would use communication, patience, and empathy to help make the work center calmer and more positive. Real leadership is not about being in charge. It is about caring enough to make things better for the people around you.
    Anthony Belliamy Memorial Scholarship for Students in STEAM
    When I look back at everything I have faced, I see that the hardest times in my life are the ones that shaped who I am and where I am going. I grew up learning how to stay strong when life got tough. My family did not always have much, but my parents taught me to work hard and to stay faithful. I learned that even when the odds are against you, you can build something better if you refuse to give up. One of my biggest challenges came during my first year of college. I was excited to finally start studying computer science, but I struggled more than I expected. Between managing financial stress, working part-time, and keeping up with demanding classes, there were moments when I felt like I was not cut out for it. There were nights when I thought about quitting, but something inside me would not let that happen. I remembered why I started. I wanted to become a cybersecurity engineer and help protect people who cannot protect themselves online. During that time, I taught myself how to balance my responsibilities and focus on growth instead of failure. I spent long nights in the computer lab, watching tutorials, breaking code, and fixing it again until it finally worked. I learned that success does not come from talent alone but from persistence and belief in your purpose. Slowly, my grades improved, my confidence grew, and I found mentors who helped guide me through it all. I also started giving back. I volunteered to tutor other students in programming and computer literacy, especially those who were just as overwhelmed as I once was. Teaching reminded me how much power there is in community. It made me realize that cybersecurity, at its core, is also about protecting people and helping them feel safe. That connection between service and technology became the foundation of my career goals. As a young Black man in technology, I often notice that there are not many people who look like me in this field. Instead of letting that discourage me, it motivates me to go further. Being a minority in tech means carrying a responsibility to open doors for others and to show that excellence has no color or boundary. My goal is not only to become a skilled cybersecurity engineer but also to make security tools more accessible for small businesses and underrepresented communities. I want to build systems that protect people’s privacy, data, and future in a world where technology is becoming everything. Faith and resilience are what keep me moving forward. Every time I face a setback, I remind myself that challenges are just part of the process. They are not there to stop me but to shape me into someone stronger and more capable of leading others. I want my journey to prove that you can come from humble beginnings and still make an impact that lasts. The experience of overcoming hardship taught me more than any textbook could. It taught me patience, responsibility, and empathy. It showed me that leadership is not just about being in charge but about lifting others up when they are struggling. My dream is to take these lessons into the cybersecurity field and continue growing not just as an engineer, but as a person who serves his community with purpose and integrity. If chosen for the Anthony Belliamy Scholarship, I will carry those same values that Mr. Belliamy stood for. Strength in adversity, leadership built on honesty, and a drive to create positive change. This scholarship will not only support my education but also help me keep building the kind of future that uplifts others and protects what matters most.
    Delories Thompson Scholarship
    The first time I watched my school computers crash from a virus, I did not see frustration. I saw a challenge. That moment sparked my curiosity about how technology works and how to protect it. Today, that same spark drives my goal to become a cybersecurity engineer who builds systems that keep people and businesses safe. I want to focus on helping small organizations and underrepresented communities protect their data because digital safety should be a right, not a privilege. Being Black means carrying both pride and responsibility. It means knowing that my success represents more than just me. It represents those who fought for opportunities I now have. It means pushing through doubt and underestimation to show that talent and excellence exist in every background. My identity reminds me to keep opening doors for others who will come after me. I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to learn in a place that values that same strength and pride. At my HBCU, I am surrounded by professors and students who understand my experiences and still push me to go beyond them. It is a space where I can grow academically, culturally, and personally while building a foundation for leadership in the tech world. Through my career, I want to protect digital spaces the way my community has always protected its own, with resilience, innovation, and purpose.
    Undergraduate Minorities in STEM Scholarship
    The first time I watched my school computers crash from a virus, I didn’t see frustration. I saw a challenge. While everyone else gave up, I stayed behind trying to figure out what went wrong. That moment sparked something in me. As a young Black student interested in tech, I noticed that few people in this field looked like me. At times, it made me feel invisible, but it also gave me a reason to stand out through my work. Growing up, I saw how technology could either empower people or leave them behind. Many small businesses in my community didn’t have the tools or knowledge to protect their data. Seeing that made me want to change how cybersecurity works for underrepresented groups and make protection something everyone can access. Now, as a Computer Science major, I’m building projects that turn those goals into action. I created a patch management system to detect outdated software and a vulnerability scanner that helps secure websites. These experiences taught me that cybersecurity isn’t just about code; it’s about protecting people, their livelihoods, and their futures. After graduation, I plan to earn certifications like Security+ and CISSP, then work in vulnerability management to help organizations build stronger defenses. My long-term goal is to design affordable, easy-to-use security tools for communities often left out of tech. I want to help build a future where digital safety and opportunity are within reach for everyone.
    Crenati Foundation Supporting International Students Scholarship
    I am currently Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science at Claflin University. While I a was in Jamaica the biggest issue I had was how poor our technology sector was. When covid hit a large number of students were unable to attend virtual classes because there was a lack of wifi and devices for them to use. I intend the change this by helping push my country forward and help its development which will hopefully helps its severe lack of technology.
    Cliff T. Wofford STEM Scholarship
    My chosen field in STEM is technology because I genuinely believe technology is the future. My goal is to work in cyber security before starting my own Cyber Security firm. As technology progresses the need for tech safety increases. Cyber Crime is currently one of the top forms of crime that exist with identity theft being the most common crime in the world. Cyber Security is mostly a new field in universities and is not getting as much attention as it deserves. I am currently majoring in Computer Science at Claflin University with the intention to take their cyber security minor when I have completed the prerequisites to do so. They do not offer cyber security as a major. Another reason I wish to enter cyber security as a career is because there is a great lack of black faces in the cyber security workforce. This is a field we can excel as well and it is my intention to create a black-owned cyber security firm, if God's will, eventually. After working for a few years as a cybersecurity analyst. My intended impact is one in the black community and two in the security sector. I wish to create better security for everyone seeing how dangerous the world is becoming I wish for my family and my family of the future to be at ease. The latest fascination I have in the field of cybersecurity is the invention and passing of passkeys by large corporations. Passwords have long been outdated and needed to be changed. I really look forward to the large-scale implementation of passkeys that are a lot more secure than passwords. The creation of this method of security itself will have a huge impact on all our lives both directly and indirectly. Life will be more convenient and a lot safer even if the majority don't realize this. Safe keys are but a small part of what is to come as technology progresses and it alone will have amazing impacts. I wish to be a part of this amazing field and to contribute to the change and fight for safety. I am more than just motivated to do this, I've long decided it is what I need to do. It is what will give me happiness in this life. This scholarship would make my journey a lot easier and I thank you for considering me.
    Ricardo Barnes Student Profile | Bold.org