As a college student pursuing a degree in Information Science with a focus on software development, I’ve come to deeply understand how mental and physical wellness are not just important; they are essential to my growth, stability, and long-term success. For me, health is not a luxury or afterthought; it’s a foundation I must continually protect to succeed academically, show up for others in my community, and become the best version of myself. Mental health is especially significant because, like many LGBTQ+ individuals, I’ve had to navigate environments where I feared judgment or misunderstanding. While I’ve been fortunate to have supportive spaces, the internalized pressure to constantly self-regulate and anticipate discrimination can be mentally exhausting. On top of this, I live with dyslexia, which adds another layer of challenge when managing academic tasks. Despite this, I push myself to excel in a demanding major and have learned to advocate for accommodations when needed; an act that, for many students like myself, feels like a radical form of self-care. Physically, I make a conscious effort to stay active and take care of my body. I’ve quit vaping, incorporated regular exercise into my routine, and am working on improving my sleep and nutrition. But physical health is more than routine for me; it’s an act of reclaiming control in a world that sometimes makes LGBTQ+ people feel invisible or unsafe. Through fitness, I’ve gained confidence in how I view myself and my body, shifting from criticism to appreciation. The biggest challenge I face is maintaining consistency in my health routines while juggling school, work, and the emotional labor that often comes with being a more masculine presenting women in academic and professional spaces. Sometimes, it feels like I have to be twice as prepared, twice as resilient, just to feel safe and seen. There are days when the stress catches up, and wellness feels like one more task on an overflowing list. But I’ve learned to extend myself grace and use tools like journaling, meditation, and therapy to stay grounded. What keeps me going is the desire to use my tech skills and lived experience to make an impact; whether by designing inclusive software, supporting others with disabilities, or advocating for health equity in the LGBTQ+ community. I want to be a role model who shows that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but necessary and powerful. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my passions and attend Columbia University in the Fall semester of 2025.

Growing up, I always believed that technology could be more than just a tool for convenience; it could be a bridge to opportunity, a means to uplift, and a force for social good. This belief has only deepened throughout my academic journey. As a student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems with an emphasis on software development, I am passionate about using my education to directly impact my community, especially individuals who are often underserved or overlooked. Currently, I work as a job coach for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In this role, I support individuals in gaining employment, overcoming communication barriers, and developing workplace skills that empower them to be more independent and self-confident. This experience has taught me that technology, when applied thoughtfully, can provide even greater accessibility, autonomy, and opportunities for people with disabilities. It has inspired me to use my education to create inclusive tech solutions and to advocate for systems that level the playing field. My academic focus on systems analysis, secure software development, and database design provides me with the tools to build real-world applications and platforms that address specific community needs. Whether it’s designing accessible user interfaces, streamlining job placement programs, or enhancing data security for nonprofit organizations, I aim to ensure that the benefits of technology are shared equitably. Beyond direct technical contributions, I’m also deeply interested in community outreach and education. As someone who has overcome learning differences like dyslexia, I understand how important it is to have mentors, resources, and encouragement. I want to pay that forward by offering workshops, coding bootcamps, or mentorship programs for youth and adults who might not otherwise see themselves in the tech world; especially those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. My long-term goal is to either work with or start a mission-driven organization that combines social impact with technological innovation. Whether through inclusive employment platforms, accessible learning tools, or community tech hubs, I want to build solutions that are both meaningful and sustainable. I’m also open to pursuing graduate studies one day, with the intention of teaching or leading educational initiatives that equip others to make a difference in their own communities. I recently applied and was accepted to Columbia University’s School of General Studies, where I plan to major in Information Science and minor in Science and Society. This unique combination will allow me to explore the ethical and human-centered dimensions of technology, ensuring that my work remains grounded in empathy and responsibility. I believe that when we center people; especially those who have historically been excluded; technology becomes not just powerful, but transformational. In short, my education is more than a personal journey; it’s a pathway to give back. I want to create opportunities, dismantle barriers, and spark possibilities. By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of social issues, I hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals in my community and beyond.

Growing up, I struggled with a profound disconnect between who I was and how the world expected me to be. I hated my long hair, the dresses my father forced me to wear, and the feminine stereotype I was pressured to embody. Each glance in the mirror filled me with disgust; not at myself, but at the inauthentic image I was compelled to project. While my female peers seemed to embrace makeup and heteronormative relationships naturally, I knew deep down that no amount of trying would make these things feel right for me. When I finally gathered the courage to come out as a lesbian at 14, my father's response shattered me. With cold, emotionless eyes, he stated, "I could never love a daughter who is a lesbian." Those words drove me to seek refuge with my more supportive mother, but the challenges only multiplied in high school. Former friends began viewing me as either a "predator" or a curiosity going through a "phase." Female friends distanced themselves, while male peers reduced me to a sexual fantasy, inviting me to participate in derogatory activities that only reinforced my isolation. The emotional toll became unbearable. Rather than continuing to suffer, I made the difficult decision to drop out, earn my GED, and enroll in community college; a turning point that ultimately led me to salvation. Outside of my academic life, I discovered a community of young LGBTQ+ people who shared my experiences of displacement and rejection. For the first time, I found genuine acceptance. No predatory labels, no hateful glances; just a safe space where I could exist authentically without fear of judgment or persecution. This newfound community transformed my life so profoundly that I felt compelled to give back. I began volunteering to coordinate events, offering myself as a supportive resource, and providing essentials like food, clothing, and temporary shelter to young adults who had been cast out by their families, just as I had been. Through these acts of service, I found purpose and healing, recognizing that the community that saved me needed defenders and advocates like myself. Looking ahead, I'm transferring to Columbia University in Fall 2025 to study Information Science with a minor in Social Science. This academic path isn't merely a career choice; it's an extension of my commitment to creating positive change. I aim to research ways to make technology more sustainable and accessible, particularly for marginalized communities who often lack equitable access to digital resources. Columbia's prestigious program aligns perfectly with my goals, but its significant cost presents a formidable barrier. With recent cutbacks to the Department of Education affecting university financial aid programs, this scholarship represents more than just money; it's an investment in my vision of a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world. The support would enable me to complete my education without overwhelming financial burden, positioning me to either contribute through a high-paying career with generous donations or by establishing support centers for LGBTQ+ youth facing circumstances similar to mine. My journey from rejection to community has taught me the transformative power of acceptance. With your support, I can transform that lesson into tangible change for others who continue to face discrimination simply for being themselves. Thank you for your consideration.

At 19, with no formal experience, I took a job working with at-risk youth in hopes of gaining experience in psychology. Each day was a battle; not just for my students, many of whom faced addiction, abuse, and neglect; but for me as well. While I found meaning in the work, by the end of the school year, I was emotionally exhausted. The experience taught me a lot about human resilience, but it also helped me realize that psychology wasn’t the right long-term path for me. With no clear direction, I took a leap of faith and began pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. I found the topic interesting, especially the role digital security plays in protecting people and systems. But something was missing that is until I enrolled in an Introduction to Programming course using Python. For the first time, I felt excited in a way I hadn’t before. Coding demanded creativity, logic, and problem-solving in ways that thrilled me. The moment that made my decision concrete was working with drones in class. Watching a machine I had programmed take flight gave me a feeling of awe. I knew then that my future was in technology; not just using it but building it. Inspired, I began learning everything I could outside of the classroom. I purchased robotics kits, read textbooks, and took online courses to understand the inner workings of hardware, software, and how they interact. What started as a curious experiment quickly became a passion. I discovered I didn’t just want to code; I wanted to build systems that could interact with the world, solve real problems, and empower people. After completing my Associate degree in Secure Software Development, I was accepted as a transfer student to Columbia University. There, I plan to major in Information Science, where I can combine my interests in computer science, cybersecurity, and human-centered design. My dream job is to work in emerging technologies; possibly in robotics, smart systems, or ethical AI development. I want to be at the intersection of innovation and safety, creating tools that are powerful and responsible. Long-term, I also hope to be a mentor to students from underrepresented backgrounds, especially those who, like me, started in a field they ultimately didn’t pursue. I want others to know it’s okay to change paths and that it’s never too late to find your passion. I believe I’m a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my resilience, curiosity, and determination to grow. My journey hasn’t followed a traditional path, but I’ve embraced every twist and challenge with a willingness to learn and adapt. I’ve worked hard to pursue my goals, even when I wasn’t sure what they were at first. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to focus more fully on my studies, engage in research and community outreach, and become a leader in the technology field who brings empathy, creativity, and purpose to everything I do.

Over the years, I have developed a strong passion for cybersecurity, data hygiene, and the importance of digital privacy. I am preparing to attend Columbia University in the Fall of 2025. Where I intended to major in Information Science with a focus on cybersecurity, I am committed to protecting the integrity of digital systems and the people who rely on them. In today’s world, nearly every aspect of our lives depends on the safety and security of our data. Understanding the risks that poor digital security creates for individuals and organizations has created a desire to be part of the solution. My interest in cybersecurity grew from a curiosity about how technology works and a sense of responsibility to help others use it safely. I’ve always believed that access to technology should be empowering; not dangerous. But without proper protections in place, the same systems that connect us can also be used to exploit us. That realization is what drives me to learn more about this field and contribute meaningfully to it. In five years, I see myself having graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Information Science, working in a role that connects technical expertise with education where I am given the space to help individuals, communities, and small organizations understand cyber hygiene and implement safer practices. Cybersecurity is not just about writing code or configuring firewalls; it’s also about communication, trust-building, and empowering people to make informed decisions. I want to use my skills to build that trust and advocate for accessible, user-friendly digital protections. In ten years, I hope to be in a leadership role, possibly as a cybersecurity consultant or policy advisor, helping design safer systems and tools that protect user privacy and data integrity at a larger scale. I am also interested in contributing to public policy efforts around digital safety, particularly those aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. Cybersecurity should be inclusive; everyone deserves the right to use technology without fear of being manipulated, surveilled, or harmed. This scholarship would be an essential step in helping me reach those goals. It would allow me to focus more on my education, take part in cybersecurity research or internships, and explore hands-on learning opportunities without being limited by financial constraints. I believe that digital safety is a human rights issue. Technology has the power to change lives, but only if it's built and used responsibly. With the right support, I know I can be part of that change. Where I am given the opportunity to create systems, policies, and resources that protect people, rather than put them at risk. I see this scholarship more than a resource to fund my education. I see it as a commitment to investment in the future of ethical, inclusive, and effective cybersecurity.