Faith became even more real to me the day my body failed me. As a student-athlete, soccer was more than a game, it was my release, my community, and my proof that discipline produces results. Then, in one moment, everything changed. I tore my ACL. I remember the sound, the pain, and the silence that followed. Doctors explained the injury, the surgery, and the long recovery ahead. What they could not explain was the fear I carried, fear of falling behind, fear of losing my identity, and fear that I had reached a limit I could not cross. That was the moment I leaned fully on my faith. The recovery process is long and humbling. Simple movements became difficult. Progress was slow, and setbacks were common. There were days when my knee felt stiff, uncooperative, and painful, days when hope felt just as injured as my body. In those moments, I prayed not just for healing, but for patience. I asked God to help me trust the process when I could not see the outcome. Faith taught me how to endure without quitting. Financial stress made the challenge heavier. As an underrepresented minority student with financial need, medical bills, school responsibilities, and limited resources created pressure from every side. I could not afford to fall behind academically, yet my body demanded rest and rehab. I learned to rely on God daily, not for shortcuts, but for strength to show up anyway. I reminded myself that faith is not believing things will be easy, it is believing they will be meaningful. Through this experience, my faith matured. I stopped measuring progress only by speed or success and began valuing consistency and obedience. Rehab became an act of worship, each exercise a reminder that healing is built through small, faithful steps. I learned humility by asking for help and courage by continuing even when motivation was low. One verse stayed with me throughout my recovery, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” There were many days when I could not see improvement, but faith allowed me to keep moving forward anyway. That lesson extended beyond my injury. It reshaped how I approach education, finances, and my future. I no longer panic when progress is slow. I trust God’s timing more than my own. This experience strengthened my ambition rather than weakening it. I am pursuing higher education with the same discipline I brought to rehab, I'm focused, patient, and determined. My goal is to build a successful career that allows me to give back to underserved communities and support others facing setbacks of their own. Nabi Nicole’s life reminds me that faith is meant to be lived, shared, and used to lift others. Like her, I want my journey to reflect service, perseverance, and trust in God, even during hardship. My ACL injury tested my body, but my faith carried my spirit. And because of that, I am stronger, not just as a student or athlete, but as a person who knows that with faith, setbacks are never the end of the story.

Plato’s Republic, Book IX “But when a man’s desires are strong and uncontrolled, he becomes a slave to them. He spends his days chasing one pleasure after another, never satisfied and never at rest. Each desire he gives in to breeds another, and soon he is led by them as though they were his masters. In this way, he loses all sense of order within himself. What he calls ‘freedom’ is in truth the worst kind of bondage, for he is ruled not by reason but by the most chaotic parts of his own soul.” Plato’s paragraph demonstrates that true freedom is not the ability to act on every desire but the ability to govern oneself through reason. By examining how uncontrolled desires enslave the soul, Plato not only exposes the human struggle between impulse and discipline but also challenges readers to confront their own choices, a lesson that has resonated deeply with my life as a student navigating immense personal and financial challenges. Plato begins by stating that a person with “strong and uncontrolled” desires becomes a “slave.” This immediately reframes freedom in a way that is both philosophical and practical. Freedom, he suggests, is not doing whatever one wants. True freedom is the ability to act intentionally and thoughtfully. For me, this resonates in a very real way. As an international student from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I have had to balance the pressures of college, financial uncertainty, and the responsibility of supporting myself while pursuing my dreams. Giving in to impulses, whether distractions, fear, or despair could have easily trapped me in a cycle of regret. Plato’s insight reminds me that discipline, though difficult, is the foundation of real independence. The line “He spends his days chasing one pleasure after another, never satisfied and never at rest” illustrates the emotional toll of unchecked desire. Plato uses repetition and rhythm to convey the endless, exhausting cycle of chasing what never fulfills. I see this reflected in my own life in a different form: the constant tension between survival and ambition. I work part-time, budget every dollar, and strive to stay on top of my studies, yet the stress of uncertainty is a constant undercurrent. Unlike Plato’s metaphorical pleasures, my “desires” are survival, security, and opportunity, and failing to manage them threatens not just my happiness but my ability to continue my education. This makes Plato’s lesson profoundly practical: without order, even the most essential pursuits can become chaotic. Plato’s metaphor of desires multiplying, “Each desire he gives in to breeds another” emphasizes the compounding nature of indulgence. This can apply to material desires, but it also mirrors the way in which procrastination, fear, or self-doubt can spiral. I have personally experienced this when small setbacks in adapting to life in a new country threatened to overwhelm me. One missed step, whether in finances, coursework, or personal organization could create a chain reaction. Plato’s metaphor is a warning, but also an opportunity: recognizing the pattern allows one to act intentionally and prevent the chaos from taking over. The passage reaches its philosophical core when Plato states, “What he calls ‘freedom’ is in truth the worst kind of bondage, for he is ruled not by reason but by the most chaotic parts of his own soul.” The irony is sharp. A person may feel free yet be enslaved by impulses he mistakes for choice. For me, this has been a lived lesson. My life has required constant vigilance and self-control. Every decision, from budgeting my time to planning my education is a choice to govern my own path rather than let circumstance or fear dictate it. Plato frames this as internal slavery, and I have experienced the stakes of that concept firsthand. I know that surrendering control has real consequences; maintaining it requires effort, awareness, and courage. The underlying meaning of this passage extends beyond abstract philosophy into practical life lessons. Plato teaches that self-mastery is the foundation of agency, and agency is the foundation of impact. I aim to use this insight in my future as a software developer: not only to pursue personal success but to create tools and platforms that empower others to act intentionally, learn new skills, and build their own freedom. By mastering my own impulses and challenges, I am preparing to lead and create systems that help others do the same. In this way, Plato’s lesson becomes actionable: freedom is cultivated, discipline is practiced, and impact is amplified. Ultimately, this paragraph is not just about desire; it is about the choices we make in the face of life’s challenges. Plato challenges readers to confront internal chaos, recognize the illusion of unrestrained freedom, and commit to reasoned action. For me, the lesson is personal: navigating college as an international student, managing finances, and pursuing a career in technology are not obstacles merely to endure but opportunities to cultivate self-mastery. Plato’s philosophy aligns with my ambition and drive: by governing myself, I can transform my circumstances, remain steadfast in my education, and build tools to empower others. The true freedom Plato describes is not abstract, it is lived, earned, and shared.

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.

When I hear the words purposeful, responsible, and productive, I think of more than just traits, they sound like the building blocks of a life worth living. As a Computer Science student, I spend hours debugging code, but I’ve come to see that life, like programming, needs a clear purpose, disciplined responsibility, and continuous productivity to run smoothly. I don’t just want to develop software; I want to develop myself into someone who leaves a positive mark on every community I’m part of. Purpose is where everything begins. To be purposeful means to move with intention, to set goals that go beyond personal gain. For me, that purpose is grounded in service. Growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I watched teachers do their best with outdated chalkboards and limited materials. I remember one class where we had to share one math book between five students. I was curious and eager to learn, but the tools weren’t always there. Now that I’m studying in the United States, I carry those early memories like fuel. They remind me that access to knowledge shouldn’t depend on where you’re born. That’s why I want to use technology to bridge education gaps. I believe code can be more than commands; it can be a tool for justice. Whether I’m designing an app to teach basic math or mentoring a classmate struggling with HTML, I remind myself that my skills are not just for my success, they’re for lifting others, too. But purpose without responsibility falls flat. Responsibility, to me, is about showing up consistently, humbly, and with integrity. When my sponsor (mother) unexpectedly lost her job, I had to face the harsh reality of tuition deadlines and uncertainty. There were moments when I thought of quitting, not because I lacked ambition, but because I didn’t want to become a burden. But instead of giving up, I stepped up, taking extra shifts at the campus hotel, sacrificing sleep, budgeting every dollar with care. I remember calling my mom back home and pretending everything was fine so she wouldn’t worry. Those days taught me that responsibility isn’t always visible. It’s quiet, often thankless, but it builds the kind of strength that lasts. I plan to carry that mindset into my future career by meeting deadlines, owning my mistakes, and following through on promises. Purpose and responsibility must be matched by action. Being productive isn’t just about being busy, it’s about making progress. I’m proud that I’ve turned my first year into a launchpad: from building a responsive quiz app to contributing to team projects, I’m not waiting for someone to hand me opportunities. I make them. On weekends, while some rest, I attend coding workshops and refine my skills, because learning outside the classroom fuels my growth. I want to be the kind of professional who doesn’t clock out on learning. Technology evolves daily and staying productive means staying adaptable. I dream of leading projects that not only innovate but also include ensuring the next generation of developers reflects the global, diverse world we live in. In soccer, we say, “Play with heart, not just feet.” In life, I aim to lead with heart, not just skill. Purpose, responsibility, and productivity are not destinations, I see them as daily practices. Whether I’m solving a bug or facing a setback, I’ll carry these values with me like a compass. Because at the end of the day, I don’t just want to be a great developer, I want to be a great person, someone who leaves every space a little better than I found it.

When I think of the person who has supported me most on my educational journey, I see my mother, not just as a parent, but as a warrior who stood against life’s storms with nothing but faith, love, and determination. I grew up in a single-parent household, where struggle was our closest neighbor, but so was hope. My mother raised me and my siblings with an unshakable belief that education would be our bridge to a better future. She never had much to give materially, but she gave everything she had, her time, her prayers, and her constant encouragement. There were nights she went to bed hungry so we could eat. Days when she walked to work because there wasn’t enough money for a bus. Still, she found ways to help me with homework, to attend school meetings, and to whisper “You can do this” when life felt too heavy. Even though she couldn’t afford tutors or extracurricular programs, she taught me the value of effort, resilience, and dreaming beyond the circumstances we were born into. I honor her support every time I show up for my education with the same grit she showed me. I wake up early, I stay up late, and I treat every class and assignment like it’s a steppingstone toward the life she envisioned for us. Her voice is always in the back of my mind: “Work hard now so you don’t struggle later.” When I feel like giving up, I remember the sacrifices she made, how she didn’t give up on us even when she had every reason to. That alone fuels me more than any motivational speech ever could. Her support has shaped me in ways I can never fully describe. It taught me empathy, because I saw what it means to carry more than your share without complaint. It taught me resourcefulness, because I watched her make miracles out of nothing. And it taught me faith, not just spiritual faith, but faith in people, in progress, in myself. As I work toward my goal of becoming a software developer, I carry her lessons with me. I want to create tools and technologies that make people’s lives easier, especially those who, like my mother, face hard realities with little support. I plan to mentor young students from low-income or single-parent households, sharing my story and helping them believe in their own. I also dream of one day building a scholarship fund in my mother’s name, for students who are rich in potential but limited in opportunity. Growing up in a single-parent household didn’t make things easy, but it gave me something even more valuable than comfort: perspective. It taught me to work hard not just for myself, but for the people who believe in me, who lifted me up when I couldn’t stand on my own. My mother’s love and support have been the foundation of everything I am and everything I strive to be. And honoring her means turning that foundation into a future she can be proud of.

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.