For a long time, my life was defined by survival. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was forced to step away from my education due to mental health struggles, financial hardship, and housing instability. As someone living with bipolar disorder, that period was especially difficult. I was navigating uncertainty without a clear sense of direction, working to stay afloat while trying to hold onto the idea that I could return to school and build something meaningful for myself. Being resourceful during that time was not optional, it was necessary. I learned how to adapt quickly, manage limited resources, and prioritize stability in any way I could. I worked multiple jobs, searched for support where it was available, and slowly began to rebuild structure in my life. It was not a linear process, and there were moments where hope felt distant. Yet, I kept moving forward, even when progress felt small. That experience taught me resilience in a very real way. It showed me that strength is not just persistence, but the ability to keep imagining a future even when your present feels uncertain. Returning to school as a fully remote student marked a shift from survival toward intention. I completed an Associate of Arts in Digital Media and Web Technologies, and I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence with a concentration in ethical development, building on my previous studies. I continue to work multiple jobs and rely on financial aid, but I approach my education with purpose. I am no longer just trying to get through each day. I am working toward a future that reflects who I am and what I value. Studying abroad represents a critical step in that transformation. I am currently applying to an internship program in Madrid that directly aligns with my goals in ethical artificial intelligence. This opportunity would allow me to engage with global perspectives on technology, policy, and innovation while stepping outside of the environment I have always known. It is more than travel to me. It is a chance to grow into a more confident, informed, and globally aware version of myself. My long term goal is to pursue a master’s degree abroad and focus on ethical AI research, particularly in addressing racial and gender disparities in industrial applications and reducing the environmental impact of emerging technologies. Studying in Madrid would give me the opportunity to begin that journey now. It would allow me to experience a different cultural and academic environment, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and better understand how technology impacts communities beyond my own. More personally, studying abroad would help me move from a mindset of limitation to one of possibility. For much of my life, my circumstances have shaped what I believed was realistic for me. This experience would challenge that. It would give me the space to explore who I am outside of survival, and to begin building a life defined by curiosity, purpose, and growth. I am still in the application stage of this internship, but I am committed to making it a reality. I have worked hard to reach a point where opportunities like this feel possible, even if they are not easily accessible. Studying abroad is not just a goal for me, it is a turning point. It represents the moment where I step beyond what I have had to overcome and into what I am capable of becoming. I have attached an image of the happiest moment of my life so far. Thank you for considering my application.

Returning to school after the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most difficult and defining challenges I have faced. During that time, I was forced to step away from my education due to a combination of mental health struggles, financial hardship, and housing instability. As someone living with bipolar disorder, the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic intensified challenges that were already difficult to manage. I felt disconnected from my goals and unsure of how, or if, I would find my way back to the path I had started. There was a period where survival took priority over everything else. I was working to maintain stability while trying to take care of my mental health, often without the structure and support that a traditional academic environment can provide. Stepping away from school felt like a setback, and I struggled with the fear that I had fallen behind in a way that would be difficult to recover from. However, that time away became a turning point. I began to better understand how to manage my mental health, advocate for my needs, and build routines that supported both stability and growth. I learned that resilience is not about pushing through without support, but about recognizing when to step back, seek help, and rebuild in a more sustainable way. These lessons gave me a stronger foundation than I had before. When I made the decision to return to school, I did so with a renewed sense of purpose. I approached my education differently, with greater discipline, self-awareness, and determination. As a fully remote student now balancing multiple jobs while relying on financial aid, I have learned how to manage my time carefully and stay committed even when circumstances are challenging. My experience has made me more adaptable and persistent, and it has strengthened my belief in my ability to succeed despite obstacles. Living with a learning difference and mental health condition has not made my path easier, but it has shaped me into a more thoughtful and driven student. It has taught me how to navigate systems that are not always built with people like me in mind, and how to continue moving forward anyway. This growth extends beyond academics. It has influenced how I approach challenges in all areas of my life, including my long term goals in technology and ethical artificial intelligence. What once felt like a disruption in my education ultimately became a source of strength. Returning to school was not just about continuing my degree, but about proving to myself that I could rebuild, adapt, and move forward with intention. That experience continues to drive me, and it is the foundation of the ambition and resilience I carry with me today.

My goal is to make a positive impact on the world by shaping technology and communities in ways that are grounded in equity, accountability, and care for others. As a student studying Artificial Intelligence with a concentration in ethical development, I am driven by the belief that innovation should serve people, not harm them. I want to build a career that addresses both the social and environmental consequences of emerging technologies while staying rooted in community centered work. A major part of my commitment to impact comes from my work with Change the Ref. Through this experience, I have contributed as both a team member and organizer in efforts focused on advocacy, awareness, and community engagement around gun violence prevention. This work has taught me how to collaborate with others, communicate difficult issues with empathy, and take action even when problems feel overwhelming. It has shown me that true change requires persistence, organization, and a willingness to stand up for others. In 2023, I was nominated for the Guac’s Bravest Young Activist Award alongside a select few of the nation’s most passionate and well-known youth gun violence prevention activists. This recognition affirmed my belief that art and technology are powerful forms of creative confrontation that can challenge injustice and drive tangible change. Further, it served as living proof that advocacy is not limited to traditional spaces, but can exist through digital media, storytelling, and the tools we build. This mindset carries into my goals within artificial intelligence. I am particularly focused on reducing racial and gender disparities in industrial AI systems. Many of these systems are used in high impact areas such as hiring, healthcare, and public services, yet they reflect harmful biases when they are not built responsibly. I want to be part of developing AI that is transparent, fair, and inclusive, while also advocating for ethical standards that protect marginalized communities. I am also deeply concerned with the environmental impact of AI. As these technologies continue to expand, they require significant energy and water resources. I plan to explore ways to make AI development more sustainable by researching efficient systems and promoting responsible practices within the field. I believe that technological progress should not come at the expense of the environment. Balancing school while working multiple jobs has strengthened my resilience and reinforced my sense of purpose. I was forced to leave college during the COVID-19 pandemic due to financial and housing instability. Having the privilege to pursue my education once more means that I understand the value of opportunity, and I am committed to using my education to create meaningful change. I plan to continue my studies at the graduate level, focusing on ethical AI research so that I can contribute to solutions that are both innovative and socially responsible. To me, making a positive impact means combining technical skill with compassion and action. Whether through my work in advocacy with Change the Ref or my future work in artificial intelligence, I am committed to building systems and communities that are more just, inclusive, and sustainable.

I am a fully remote student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence with a concentration in ethical development. I also hold an Associate of Arts in Digital Media and Web Technologies, which has given me a strong foundation in both technical development and creative problem solving. My educational path has not been traditional. I was forced to leave college during the COVID-19 pandemic due to financial and housing instability. Now, I rely on student loans and work multiple jobs while attending school, which has required discipline, resilience, and a deep commitment to my goals. My long term goal is to pursue a master’s degree abroad, where I can engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to global conversations around ethical artificial intelligence. I am particularly interested in how AI systems are designed and deployed in industrial settings, and how these systems can unintentionally reinforce racial and gender disparities. I want to be part of a new generation of technologists who prioritize fairness, accountability, and transparency in the development process. My aim is to help create systems that serve all communities equitably, rather than amplifying existing inequalities. In addition to issues of bias and representation, I am also deeply concerned with the environmental impact of emerging AI technologies. As the demand for large scale models and data processing continues to grow, so does the strain on energy and water resources. I want to explore ways to make AI development more sustainable by researching efficient model design, responsible data usage, and infrastructure practices that reduce environmental harm. I believe that innovation should not come at the cost of the planet, and that ethical responsibility must extend beyond social impact to include environmental stewardship. Furthering my education will allow me to bridge the gap between theory and real world application. I want to step into the professional world not only as a skilled developer, but as someone who understands the broader implications of the technology I help create. My background in remote learning has already taught me how to be self directed, adaptable, and resourceful. These qualities will allow me to succeed in any industry I enter, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. This scholarship would provide critical financial support as I continue my education while balancing work and academic responsibilities. It would allow me to dedicate more time to research, skill development, and meaningful projects that align with my goals. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to advancing my studies at the graduate level and contributing to a more ethical and sustainable future for artificial intelligence. I am committed to using my education not only to build a successful career, but to make a lasting impact. By addressing disparities in AI systems and advocating for environmentally responsible development, I hope to help shape a future where technology is both innovative and just.