Throughout my academic journey, I have embraced opportunities to demonstrate leadership, driven by a passion to make a difference and empower others. As a female-identifying student, I have encountered challenges and barriers, but I have remained resilient in my pursuit of leadership roles that allow me to contribute meaningfully to my community. One significant example of my leadership experience stems from my involvement in FIRST Robotics. As the programming lead for our FIRST Robotics Competition team and serving as a mentor for FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams, I played a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring young students to explore STEM fields. Through these experiences, I developed invaluable skills in fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment empowered team members to unleash their potential and overcome obstacles with confidence and determination. Additionally, my role as the programming lead exemplifies my ability to lead by example and drive impactful change. I oversaw the development and implementation of complex algorithms and software solutions, led a team of dedicated peers, and managed technical tasks but also fostered collaboration and teamwork, ensuring that every member felt valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts. In addition to my involvement in robotics, I organized and led a successful fundraising event for our school, showcasing my ability to take initiative and mobilize resources for a common cause. Through meticulous planning and effective communication, I rallied support from fellow students, teachers, and community members, demonstrating my capacity to inspire others and achieve collective goals. In reflecting on my diverse leadership experiences, I am motivated by a deep sense of purpose to continue making a positive impact in the future. As I transition into higher education and beyond, I aspire to leverage my leadership skills to address systemic barriers and advocate for gender equality in STEM and leadership positions. In doing so, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape that embraces women's unique perspectives and talents. My vision for the future encompasses several key objectives that I aim to achieve through my leadership. Firstly, I am committed to fostering mentorship and support networks for aspiring female leaders in STEM fields, recognizing the importance of guidance and encouragement in overcoming obstacles and realizing one's full potential. By providing mentorship opportunities and creating safe spaces for collaboration and mentorship, I hope to empower the next generation of female leaders to pursue their aspirations with confidence and resilience. Secondly, I aspire to advocate for policy changes and organizational reforms that promote gender equality and support the advancement of women in STEM and leadership roles. Whether through legislative advocacy, community organizing, or corporate engagement, I am determined to challenge discriminatory practices and champion inclusive policies that enable women to thrive in diverse leadership environments. Additionally, I aim to lead by example, embodying the principles of integrity, empathy, and inclusivity in my actions and decision-making processes. By cultivating a culture of respect and empathy, I seek to inspire others to embrace diversity and create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. In conclusion, my leadership journey has been shaped by a commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and social change. As I embark on the next phase of my academic and professional endeavors, I am excited to continue advocating for gender equality and leveraging my leadership skills to create a more equitable and just society. With determination and perseverance, I am confident that I can make a meaningful difference and inspire others to join me in pursuing a brighter and more inclusive future.

Among the countless enchanting Disney movies, I must say, "Big Hero 6" is my absolute favorite film. This animated masterpiece combines an emotionally charged story, breathtaking animation, and a cast of characters that resonate with me. This movie holds a special place in my heart, as it is a truly remarkable film that leaves a lasting impression and evokes strong emotions. Its cinematic brilliance only adds to its impact. "Big Hero 6" explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and bravery. The central character, Hiro Hamada, experienced a profound loss that left him withdrawn and grief-stricken. However, what truly struck a chord with me was witnessing Hiro's upbringing and how he navigated through his grief. His older brother, Tadashi's influence played a significant role in shaping Hiro's resilience and determination. Watching Hiro transform from a timid adolescent into a resilient and empathetic protagonist inspired me to embrace my abilities and confront challenges with determination. The film's portrayal of overcoming adversity and the influence of family and mentorship on shaping one's character comforted me. The extraordinary animation in "Big Hero 6" transports me to the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, a visually captivating blend of Eastern and Western cultures. The mesmerizing world created by the attention to detail and vibrant color palette feels familiar yet otherworldly. The stunning visuals, coupled with exhilarating action sequences, never fail to leave me in awe with each viewing. Moreover, the film delves into deeper themes of healing and self-discovery. Hiro's journey toward finding purpose and belonging reminds me of my path to self-discovery and the resilience required to overcome grief and loss. The lovable and diverse characters in "Big Hero 6" hold a special place in my heart. Each team member's unique personality and skill set make them relatable and inspiring. Baymax, the healthcare robot, embodies the importance of empathy and compassion in our lives. I also strongly relate to Honey Lemon's endless positivity and impressive scientific knowledge. Her unwavering positivity and belief in the power of chemistry inspire me to approach challenges with a creative and optimistic mindset. Baymax and Honey Lemon are committed to helping their friends and doing what is right. Their example reminds me of the power of kindness and genuine connections, which I hope to achieve in the future. In conclusion, I greatly value and cherish "Big Hero 6" as it holds an irreplaceable place in my heart. The film's powerful narrative, beautiful animation, and relatable characters have left a profound and lasting impact that I will never forget. It has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, the importance of genuine connections, and the transformative power of personal growth. I have also gained a deeper understanding of my path to self-discovery, finding solace in the film's portrayal of overcoming adversity and finding purpose.

Hello! My name is Savannah, and I'm thrilled to be starting my Game Development program at Full Sail University. I've been a fan of video games since I was young, even when they weren't as advanced as they are now. Thanks to game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity, games have greatly improved in quality. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the complexities of video games, which has fueled my desire to pursue game development as a profession. The gaming industry is thriving and offers endless opportunities for innovation and progress. The projected global gaming market is expected to reach $256.97 billion by 2025, making it an exciting and rapidly-growing field. I first got into programming when I was seven years old and started learning the basics of Python through CodeCombat’s website. I discovered my passion for programming at the age of 11 when I began creating games on Roblox. However, it wasn't until I joined a robotics team during my middle school years that my true potential was unlocked. I was thrilled when our team qualified for the global competition, and it solidified my confidence in my programming abilities. It was at that precise moment that I became fully cognizant of my desire to pursue a career in programming. During my high school years, I took the initiative to enhance my programming abilities in Python and Java by enrolling in the Academy of Information Technology and Robotics (AITR). My participation in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) initiatives further developed my programming skills, and I thrived in the program. The FIRST program allowed me to grow throughout my journey and meet lots of new and like-minded people. The COVID pandemic caused a complete standstill in all activities. Competitions organized by FIRST were canceled, and schools gradually shut down. We were forced to attend online meetings and couldn't work on any robotics or programming projects. As a result, I missed out on countless opportunities to improve my skills, and two whole years passed by. However, fortunately, things started to open up again, and during my senior year, we participated in two competitions. Thanks to my hard work in these programs despite the hardships I faced, I am now capable of translating Java moderately into C++, as their layout is somewhat similar. Given that C++ is a significant programming language in the game development industry, I consider it a natural progression in my journey. I am confident that pursuing a Game Development degree at Full Sail University is the perfect way for me to achieve my aspirations.