I chose to pursue a degree in cybersecurity because of the wide span of career options available within the field, and not just specifically in the tech space. Fields such as business, medical, law, defense, and intelligence all require professionals who are skilled in cybersecurity and roles within the space offer practically unlimited growth and variety. Cybersecurity is a critical component of all modern businesses and offers so many different areas to focus on- security operations, risk assessment, application security, compliance and more. Cybersecurity offers a unique opportunity to stay continuously challenged. While many aspects of the job are consistent on a day-to-day basis, the tactics can change daily because new risks are created with each new wave of technology. Every cybersecurity situation comes with its own unique challenges, a new puzzle to be solved, a new opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge base. The impacts of cybersecurity spans from the digital space into the physical world, from ensuring online safety as well as the safety of the essential systems that support our daily lives such as healthcare, transportation, and financial institutions. I appreciate the unique facets of cybersecurity jobs and the idea of having a different challenge present itself each day. With an ever-changing field such as cybersecurity, nearly every organization has a need for cybersecurity and are increasing their investment into the field including increasing personnel and expanding security infrastructure. This opens an expansive need for qualified job candidates which will only continue to grow as there are advances in technology and changes to the use of technology in our daily lives. Following my graduation, I would love to work with an organization focused on making long-term, sustainable changes to the world around us. An example of this would be joining an environmental protection agency where I would be able to manage critical services such as infrastructure, capital markets, medical and health facilities, public safety, community health, or hazardous materials. While many people do not take into consideration the interconnectedness between cybersecurity and environmental protection, environmental infrastructure can be valuable targets for cybercriminals and the scale of a potential infrastructure attack can be catastrophic to the daily lives of millions of people. This can range from drinking and wastewater management to energy systems to cleaning our oceans, and I find the possibility of utilizing my understanding of technology and cybersecurity in a manner that can positively affect the world around us as a whole to be an incredibly rewarding career choice.

As a first-generation college student, I have a deep appreciation for the value of education and the opportunities it can provide. Growing up in a low-income community, I have seen firsthand the challenges that lack of access to education can create. I have also seen how education can empower individuals and communities to overcome these challenges and thrive. I am passionate about fulfilling my dreams because I believe that I have the potential to make a positive impact on the world. I am determined to use my education to make a difference in my community and to build a better future for myself and my family. I am also passionate about representing and advocating for other first-generation college students like myself, who face unique challenges and opportunities in higher education. My dream is to become a teacher and to use my education to make a lasting difference in the lives of my students. I am dedicated to working hard to achieve this goal and to using my skills and experiences to create a positive impact. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident that I will be able to fulfill my dreams and make a meaningful difference in the world. I need money for college because the cost of higher education is simply too high for me to afford on my own. Despite working part-time and applying for grants and loans, I still struggle to pay for my tuition, fees, and other expenses. I am determined to earn a college degree and to achieve my academic and professional goals, but I cannot do it without financial support. The cost of college has been rising for years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. This is a problem for many students, but it is especially difficult for low-income students like myself. Without financial aid, I simply cannot afford to attend college and to pursue my dreams. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I am committed to doing whatever it takes to keep receiving the support I need to continue my education. I am determined to work hard and to make the most of this opportunity, and I am confident that with the help of this scholarship, I will be able to achieve my goals and make a positive impact in the world. I am determined to succeed in college and to make the most of this opportunity. I know that college will not be easy, but I am committed to working hard and to doing whatever it takes to achieve my goals. I am excited about the future and about the positive impact I know I can make.

My name is Ruben Flores, and I attend UTRGV where I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science. I hope to graduate soon and begin working. My academic goals include obtaining a bachelor's degree from any tech institution that would help me pursue a career as a programmer. On the other hand, my professional goal is to one day be able to offer the world fresh ideas and more effective ways to achieve objectives, however, I am positive that I will never have the chance to realize my job aspirations if I do not finish my college degree. I made the decision to pursue a profession as a programmer because I have always been passionate about computers and striving to further their development, so I believe that pursuing such a career will provide me the chance to better my family's life and the lives of those around me, within my community. In addition, I want to help underprivileged Americans who struggle daily to support a family and who do not have as much access to technical aid as wealthy people. I will be the first member of my family to earn a bachelor's degree and I am the first to graduate from high school. I want to do everything in my power to motivate my family and others who are like me because I am an American first generation. During college, I want to get involved in helping the low income housing areas and perform some volunteer work. My younger siblings and family are what motivate me. I want them to admire me and be proud of me. No one can ever tell them they can't do it; they will always turn to me when they have any self-doubt. After graduation, I hope to work in my field of competence, ultimately purchase a home, providing a place for my family and myself to live. I will be paying off my parents debts and helping them with paying the bills, retiring my dad and giving him the time and rest he deserves. My employment and schooling have benefited from my perseverance and diligence. It's what enables me to advance both personally and professionally at my current employers. I've wanted to work in the industry once I've finished my studies. I intend to broaden my technological expertise in this role while offering fixes and enhancements to problems that are frequently encountered in the market. Long term, I hope to make a substantial impact on industry growth and optimization to produce something that actually enhances the lives of many. I haven't participated in any internships. I will do whatever is necessary in order to have the opportunity to collaborate with a business that shares my interests and will be advantageous to me.