I first got interested in computer science the same way every great journey starts: by breaking something and needing to fix it. When I was fifteen, I tried to jailbreak my cousin’s iPhone to impress my friends. Long story short, I bricked it so badly even Siri gave up on me. But in the process of fixing that mistake (okay, begging tech support websites for help), I discovered something else: I loved tinkering with technology. That one act of digital rebellion sparked an obsession with code. I began teaching myself Python, then JavaScript, then how to properly back up devices before experimenting on them. What started as curiosity became purpose. I realized that through computer science, I could build real solutions for real people and maybe even impress my friends without voiding any warranties. After receiving my degree, my dream job is to become a software developer focused on educational tools and accessibility. I want to create apps that help under-resourced students, like the ones I grew up with, access better learning opportunities. I believe technology should be an equalizer, not a barrier. My dream is to build something that makes a real impact, like a tutoring app that’s smart enough to explain calculus and patient enough not to judge your typos. Why am I the best candidate for this scholarship? Because like Chris Jackson, I know what it means to struggle toward something bigger than yourself. My mom raised three kids on her own, and I’ve juggled school, work, and the occasional existential crisis to keep moving forward. But I’ve never let circumstances define my limits. I’ve coded at kitchen tables, libraries, and noisy coffee shops, chasing that “Aha!” moment that turns a blank screen into something meaningful. I also believe in showing up for others. Whether it’s tutoring classmates, volunteering at coding camps, or helping a friend debug at midnight (with snacks, always), I want people to feel heard, supported, and seen, just like Chris made others feel. To receive a scholarship honoring someone who lived with such warmth, wit, and generosity would not just support my education, it would inspire me to carry that spirit forward, line by line, app by app. And this time, no phones will be harmed in the process. I promise.

One Saturday morning, I decided it was finally time to try my hand at making pancakes. Not just any pancakes, these were going to be the best pancakes ever. I was feeling confident, armed with a recipe I found online that promised fluffy, restaurant-quality pancakes. What could possibly go wrong? So there I was, surrounded by the usual kitchen suspects; flour, eggs, milk, and butter, feeling like a breakfast genius. I followed the instructions to the letter, measuring everything out carefully. But then, the first sign of trouble appeared: I couldn’t find the baking powder. I checked all the cupboards, the drawer, and even the back of the fridge. No luck. For a moment, I stood frozen, staring at my pancake dreams slowly slipping away. But then, in a moment of panic-inspired brilliance, I thought, “Baking soda’s got the word ‘baking’ in it. Close enough, right?” I tossed a teaspoon into the mix and carried on like nothing was wrong. Who needs baking powder anyway? I poured the batter into the pan, and it started cooking a little faster than I expected. And by faster, I mean, it started sizzling like it was about to jump out of the pan and run away. A little weird, but maybe that’s just how fancy pancakes work. I shrugged it off. But then, the real show started. As the pancake cooked, it began rising at an alarming rate. Like, way more than a pancake should. It puffed up so much that I half expected it to lift off and start flying around the kitchen. I tried flipping it, but as soon as I touched it, it folded over like a deflated balloon. When I cut into it, the pancake was completely raw in the middle. The outside was crispy, though, like it had gone through some sort of pancake mid-life crisis. At that point, I had to admit that I had royally messed up. Still, I couldn’t help but laugh. I’d made a pancake monster, but I wasn’t going to let that ruin my day. I called it my “experimental pancake,” and served it up to my family, who (bless them) were surprisingly kind about it. They even said it was “quirky.” Sure, that was probably code for “what is this?!” but I took it as a win. At the end of the day, I learned two important things: one, always double-check your ingredients, and two, don’t take yourself too seriously. After all, a pancake disaster is just a good story waiting to be told. Can’t wait to tell my future kids about the day I made a pancake monster.

As a first-generation African immigrant, I’ve always had one foot in the world of tradition and the other in the world of opportunity. My parents instilled in me the idea that education isn’t just a ticket to success, it’s a chance to honor our roots, elevate our community, and, of course, maybe give my younger cousins a few less lectures about studying (hey, a little progress is still progress). But the reality is, growing up in a family that valued hard work and education meant that I was always chasing the next challenge. Whether I was tutoring younger students in math, organizing community events, or leading local cultural celebrations, I’ve always tried to give back in ways that matter. I found my passion in bridging the gap between cultural preservation and innovation. At one point, I even tried to teach my parents how to use Google Docs (spoiler: they’re still using paper for a lot of things). But it’s in these small moments of teaching and learning that I truly understood the impact of passing knowledge along, just like how Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Being a first-generation immigrant also comes with its own set of challenges and unique experiences that shape how I approach education. It’s not just about textbooks and grades; it’s about grit, learning to navigate through the ups and downs while trying to live up to the hopes and dreams of those who paved the way before you. This has given me a strong foundation to pursue my education in Computer Science, a field that constantly pushes me to ask how and why, while seeking solutions that can improve lives, especially in underserved communities. My goal is to use technology in ways that make a real difference, just as Dr. Nnaji’s legacy continues to inspire. I believe that with the right tools and mindset, we can tackle the pressing issues in education, healthcare, and access to resources. But in a perfect world, I’d also like to develop an app that magically makes my bed and does my laundry (if anyone figures that out, call me). Receiving the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship would provide the financial relief I need to stay focused on my studies and research. It would allow me to dedicate more time to innovative projects that address real-world challenges, all while continuing to honor the legacy of community service and excellence that Dr. Nnaji represented. This scholarship wouldn’t just be a financial blessing, it would be a reminder that I’m not just studying for myself, but for my community, my culture, and those who will come after me. With Dr. Nnaji’s example as a guiding light, I’m ready to take on the next challenge, whether it’s in the classroom, the coding lab, or somewhere in between.

Paragraph from Plato’s Republic (Book VII, Allegory of the Cave): "Anyone who has common sense will remember that the bewilderments of the eyes are of two kinds, and arise from two causes, either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye; and he who remembers this when he sees anyone whose vision is perplexed and weak will not be too ready to laugh; he will first ask whether that soul of man has come out of the brighter life, and is unable to see because unaccustomed to the dark, or has been turned from the darkness to the light and is dazzled by its greater brilliance." Essay: Thesis: In this paragraph from The Republic, Plato teaches that education is not just about stuffing facts into a student's brain, but about painfully transforming the soul’s entire way of seeing reality, a process full of confusion, awkwardness, and moments where you might want to give up (but shouldn’t). Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is one of those metaphors that keeps getting deeper the longer you stare at it, kind of like a weird painting you didn’t understand at first but now can’t stop thinking about. In this particular paragraph, Plato focuses on a simple but powerful idea: confusion isn’t a sign of failure, it’s part of the journey. When someone looks dazed, lost, or overwhelmed, it could mean one of two things: either they are stepping into the light of truth for the first time and their soul doesn’t know how to handle it, or they are slipping back into the darkness of ignorance. Either way, their confusion deserves patience, not mockery. It reminds me of a saying I like: "If I can't see the light that leads to the goal, then I need to become the light." Plato would probably agree. Growth often means becoming your own source of hope and understanding when the path ahead looks confusing or even invisible. This flips the whole idea of "being smart" on its head. Today, a lot of people think being smart means never looking confused, or always having the answer ready, always sounding confident. Plato would laugh (gently) at that idea. According to him, true learning looks messy. It involves struggling, stumbling, second-guessing yourself, and feeling like an idiot half the time. If you aren't at least a little disoriented, you probably aren't growing. Confusion, Plato suggests, is a sacred sign that something big is happening inside you, the old ways of seeing are breaking apart, and new ones aren’t fully formed yet. Another deeper layer to Plato’s meaning comes from his famous Theory of Forms. Plato believed that everything we experience in the physical world, every tree, every cat, every idea of “goodness” is just a shadow of a higher, perfect reality called the Forms. And at the top of this invisible world is the ultimate Form: The Good. Think of it as the sun of the philosophical universe. In the Cave allegory, when the prisoner stumbles into the sunlight and can barely open his eyes, he’s not just dealing with glare, he’s encountering the Form of the Good itself, the pure source of truth, meaning, and reality. It’s overwhelming because it's so much greater than anything the soul has seen before. Plato isn't talking about memorizing a bunch of trivia; he’s talking about the painful but exhilarating process of waking up to the deepest truths. This also means that confusion is sometimes a better sign of progress than certainty. A student who rattles off answers with no hesitation might be just parroting shadows on the cave wall. Meanwhile, a student who asks uncomfortable questions or wrestles with new ideas, even if they get things “wrong” at first, might be in the middle of turning their soul toward the light. Plato’s insight reminds us not to judge too quickly, and certainly not to laugh at someone just because they look lost. After all, we’ve all been the confused one at some point, blinking helplessly like a cave prisoner who just saw sunlight for the first time. Plato also offers a crucial lesson about humility. It’s tempting, once you feel like you've "figured things out," to look down on people who haven’t yet made that journey. But if you really understand the journey, if you remember how blinding and painful it was, you’ll have compassion. You’ll realize that enlightenment is not a trophy you win and then flaunt; it’s a lifelong struggle. Even the wisest among us were once stumbling beginners. True wisdom, in Plato’s view, is always paired with kindness. In conclusion, Plato’s paragraph teaches that education is not about collecting facts like Pokémon cards, it’s about reshaping the soul's whole relationship to reality. The bewilderment we experience in that process isn’t something to be ashamed of; it's a badge of honor. Whether we are stepping into the light for the first time or adjusting back from it, confusion is part of what it means to grow. Plato challenges us to be patient with ourselves and with others, knowing that every true journey toward understanding is a little messy, a little painful, and absolutely worth it.

I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Lesotho, in a family of four, my mother, my two elder siblings, and me. My mother is a single parent, and she has worked very hard to raise us, even though she does not have a stable job. Life has not always been easy, but her strength and determination have taught me to stay strong and keep on believing no matter what. Growing up, I was always curious about technology and fascinated about how it worked. I wanted to understand how computers and software systems worked because I saw how they could solve problems. However, in my community, access to technology, and education was very limited. Despite these challenges, I worked hard in school and dreamed of studying in a place where I had access to better opportunities. That is why I chose to pursue education in the United States. Here, I have access to advanced learning, amazing mentors, technology, and career opportunities that will help me grow and achieve my dreams. One of the biggest challenges I faced was when my college sponsor lost her job unexpectedly (my mother). Since my mother does not have a stable income, I suddenly had no way to pay for my education. It was a stressful and scary time. I felt uncertain about my future and wondered if I would have to stop studying in the USA. Instead of giving up, I decided to take action. I spoke with my school about financial aid, looked for scholarships, and even considered getting a part-time job. I also reached out to people who could offer advice or support. This experience taught me the importance of problem-solving, resilience, and asking for help when needed. It made me stronger and more determined to succeed. Now, I face every challenge with a mindset that there is always a way forward, and that nothing lasts forever. The person who is inspires me most is definitely my mother. She has always faced difficulties with a smile on her face and hope in her eyes. Even when we struggled to pay school fees, or afford rent, she always found a way to support us. Her strength, hard work, and faith in God have taught me valuable lessons on perseverance and determination. My mother always tells me that education is the key to a better future. Because of her encouragement, I push myself to do well in school and work towards my goals. I want to succeed not only for myself but also to support my family and make her proud. After I graduate, I plan on becoming a software developer. I want to create technology that solves real problems, especially in Africa, where digital solutions can make a big difference. Whether it is developing financial apps, improving online education, or creating better communication materials, I want to use my skills to help others. I want to do more than just build a successful career, I want to make a difference in people’s lives. Just as my mother and many others have inspired and guided me, I hope to do the same for others. I want to mentor and support those who face challenges like I did, helping them believe in themselves and reach their goals. Giving back to my community is important to me because I know how much a little encouragement and guidance can change someone’s future.

Life has always been full of challenges, and the way we respond to them shapes who we become in the future. One of the biggest challenges I faced was when my college sponsor (my mother) lost her job unexpectedly. Since my family does not have a stable income, I suddenly had no means to pay for my college education. This was certainly a difficult time for me. I felt lost, worried, overwhelmed, and unsure if I would be able to continue my studies here in the US. However, I refused to give up. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to "turn it up to 11" by finding new ways to solve the problem at hand. First, I reached out to my college to explain the situation I was in. I asked about payment plans, financial aid, and any scholarships that could help. I looked for part-time jobs on campus and freelance work to earn some money. Even though it stressed me out, I kept believing and pushing forward because I knew how important my education was for my future goals. Balancing work, studies, and the stress was not easy. There were times when I felt extremely tired and discouraged, but I reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. My goal is to become a successful software developer so I can support my family and make a difference in the world. This situation has taught me the power in resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of asking for help when needed. I also learned that challenges are not the end of the world, rather they are opportunities to grow stronger. Because of this experience, I now face obstacles with determination and a positive mindset. I know that no matter how difficult a situation is, there is always a way forward. Yes, I would love to participate in the inspire11 mentorship program because it would surely help me achieve my dreams. Having a mentor would give me guidance on career decisions, technical skills, and develop professionally. Learning from someone with experience would help me avoid mistakes and many even grow faster. This program would also give me a chance to network with professionals in the tech field. I want to learn from experts, improve my coding skills, and understand how to apply what I learn into real-world problems. I am always looking for ways to grow, and Inspire11’s mentorship program seems like an incredible opportunity to keep improving. By sharing my experiences and helping others find solutions, I can give back and inspire more people to "turn it up to 11" in their own lives.

I chose Computer Science as my field of interest because it combines my skills, passion, and future career goals. From a young age, I have been fascinated by technology and its ability to solve complex real-life problems. Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I faced a lot of challenges, like poor internet and almost close to no access to technology. I realized that computers and software can help improve education, businesses, and how we communicate with others. This made me want to learn more about coding and software development so I can create solutions that make life easier for people. Now that I am studying in the USA, I am working hard to achieve my dream of being a skilled software developer. I want to create programs and applications that help and simplify people's lives in different ways, such as improving learning through educational apps. One of my biggest dreams is to use my skills to help Africa grow in technology. Many people there do not have access to high class technology, and I want to change that. My mother, a single parent raising three children without a stable job has always been my greatest inspiration. She has worked hard to support us, and I want to succeed so I can take care of her and my family in the future. The financial struggles we face make me even more determined to build a successful career. My faith is also very important to me. I believe that my skills and success should not only benefit me but also help others. I want to make a positive impact on the world by creating software that solves problems and improves lives. Being in a long-distance relationship has also taught me patience and good communication, which are important skills in teamwork and software development. I will continue learning, working hard, and finding opportunities to grow. With determination, faith, and a desire to help others, I believe I can make a difference in the world of technology and beyond.

My name is Samuel Lonyome, and I am currently pursuing an associate degree in Computer Science. I aspire to be a skilled software developer. My main focus is learning how to build software that solve real-life problems. For example, I have always dreamed of coding a system for an energy shield capable of either bouncing back or absorbing the kinetic energy of a fired bullet, thus stopping its momentum. Such technology could be lifesaving, especially in protecting black communities that are often affected by gun violence. This could contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone. I am also interested in web development. My goal is to build websites that are visually appealing and easy to use for people. Outside of my major, I want to live a life of financial stability. As I grew up in a household with limited resources, I want to be able to support the people around me financially. I also want to give back to my community by volunteering and using my skills to help others. Furthermore, I want to live a balanced and meaningful life, growing spiritually by following God’s teachings and living with integrity. I believe my computer science goals, and personal values go hand in hand. By building a successful career in technology, I hope to become financially stable so I can support my family, give back to my community, and create opportunities for others. For example, I want to design educational apps or programs to teach important skills to underserved communities, helping them improve their lives. My faith and values push me to use technology responsibly and for good. One of my dreams is to start a software company that focuses on solving big issues like improving access to education, reducing inequality, and making communities safer. I want to create technology that isn’t just innovative but truly helps people who need it most. The idea of building an energy shield system shows how much I care about protecting and uplifting endangered communities. It represents my drive to use technology to tackle real problems and ensure these scientific advancements benefit those who are often overlooked or just not cared for at all. By combining my technical skills with my desire to help others, I hope to build a meaningful and purposeful life. With hard work, faith, and determination, I believe I can achieve my goals and make a positive impact on the world.

Life is a continuous journey of growth where each decision and year serves as a steppingstone towards a better version of ourselves. As I reflect on this journey, I understand that the decisions I make today will impact the future me. With this in mind, I want to make three promises to my future self that will guide me through a fulfilling and successful life. First promise: Lifelong Learning and Growth in my Field In the quickly evolving field of computer science, staying relevant and competitive requires commitment to lifelong learning. I promise my future self to never stop learning. Whether it is to master more programing languages, learn new ways to build websites, or contributing to professional development opportunities, I will constantly strive to improve and expand my knowledge and attributes. This commitment will open doors to exciting career opportunities, ensuring that I stay at the frontline of my field. Second promise: Financial Stability, Financial Responsibility and Planning Growing up, my parents always did their best with the little they earned, and I thank and appreciate them for that. I promise my future self to practice financial responsibility from an early age. This means that I will budget wisely, save money, and make informed investment decisions when necessary. By managing finances effectively now, I will be able to enjoy later in life, free from stress and uncertainty that financial instability can bring. This scholarship plays a crucial role in this promise, as it alleviates the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my studies without constant worry of debt. Third promise: Giving Back to My Community As I work towards achieving my goals, I promise to remain grounded and give back to the community that has supported me through my journey. Whether it's through mentoring aspiring computer scientists, or volunteering my time for social causes, I will actively contribute to making the world a better place. This sense of purpose and fulfillment will elevate my life in ways that material success alone cannot. The Role of the Scholarship in Fulfilling These Promises This scholarship is not just an award, but it is an investment in my future. Coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo and being raised by a single mother of three children, I understand the value of education and the opportunities it can create. Now that I am studying in USA, I am even more aware of the challenges and costs associated with pursuing a higher education in a foreign country. This scholarship will significantly ease the financial strain on my mother, allowing me to fully commit to my studies and development. With this financial support, I can focus on achieving academic excellence, which is the building block for fulfilling the promises I have made to my future self. In conclusion, the promises I make today will shape the life I lead tomorrow. By committing to lifelong learning, financial responsibility, and community service, I am setting the stage for a future filled with success, stability and purpose. This scholarship is a crucial part of this journey, as it empowers me to pursue my higher education goals in the USA without added pressure due to financial restrictions. I am grateful for this opportunity and determined to make the most of it.