I grew up between Los Angeles and Tijuana, so technology was always part of my life. I spent a lot of time playing video games, but over time it became more than that. I started getting curious about how things worked and began seeing technology as a way to express myself and create, not just consume. That interest is what led me toward computer science. Even with that passion, there was a point where I felt completely lost. In one of my programming classes, I had to build a personal AI on my computer using tools like VS Code and Anaconda. At first, I was excited because it sounded like something I had always wanted to do. But once I actually started working on it, I hit a wall almost immediately. Nothing worked the way I expected. I kept running into errors I didn’t understand, and no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t get things to run properly. As the weeks went by, I started falling behind in the class. It was frustrating watching other students move forward while I was stuck trying to figure out basic issues. That’s when I started to feel lost. I began questioning myself and whether I really belonged in this major. Even though I had always been interested in technology, in that moment, it felt like I wasn’t good enough. There were times where it felt easier to just give up or switch to something else. But I didn’t. Instead, I forced myself to keep going. I started putting in more time outside of class, even when it felt overwhelming. I looked up every error I came across, watched tutorials, and asked for help when I needed it. I stopped trying to rush through assignments and focused more on actually understanding what I was doing, even if it took longer. At first, progress was slow. There were still moments where nothing worked and I felt stuck again. But little by little, things started to click. I began understanding why my code was breaking and how to fix it. Eventually, I caught up in the class and was able to complete my project. That experience changed everything for me. Feeling that lost made me realize how much I actually cared about this field. If I didn’t care, I would have walked away when things got hard. Instead, pushing through that struggle made me appreciate the process even more. It made me realize that computer science isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about being patient, solving problems, and learning from mistakes. In a way, that moment made me love my major even more. It showed me that even when I feel lost, I’m still capable of figuring things out. Now, whenever I face challenges, I don’t see them as a sign to stop. I see them as part of the process. I know I can push through because I’ve already done it before. I didn’t choose this field because it was easy. I chose it because it challenges me, and because I refused to give up on something that I truly care about.

My journey in STEM has been shaped a lot by both my background and how I express myself. I’ve always been someone who doesn’t fully fit into one box, and that shows in both my interests and my personal style. Being alternative, whether it’s through how I dress or how I present myself, is a way for me to express individuality and creativity. At the same time, I’ve chosen to pursue computer science, which is often seen as more structured and technical. Instead of seeing these two sides as separate, I’ve learned to embrace them together. As a first-generation college student from a family that does not have strong financial support, my path into STEM has already come with challenges. On top of that, presenting myself in an alternative way can sometimes lead to people making assumptions or not taking me as seriously, especially in academic or professional spaces. There is often an unspoken expectation of what someone in STEM is “supposed” to look like, and I don’t always fit that image. At times, this has made me feel like I have to work even harder to prove that I belong. However, these experiences have also made me more confident in who I am. Instead of changing myself to fit into those expectations, I’ve learned to stand by both my identity and my goals. Being alternative has strengthened my creativity and my willingness to think differently, which are actually important skills in computer science. It has taught me to approach problems from unique perspectives and not be afraid to try new ideas, even if they are unconventional. My interest in computer science, especially in areas like game development and digital design, connects strongly with this creative side of me. I’ve started teaching myself programs like Blender and Unity, where I can design and build digital environments. For me, this is where everything comes together. I can use coding as a technical skill, while also expressing creativity and individuality through what I create. In the future, I want to contribute to the tech field by helping make it more inclusive and open to different kinds of people. I want to be part of a generation that changes the idea of who belongs in STEM. Through my work, I hope to create projects that reflect a wider range of identities and perspectives, especially for people who may feel overlooked or judged for how they express themselves. I also want to show others that you do not have to change who you are to succeed in a technical field. Overall, my alternative identity has not held me back. If anything, it has made me stronger, more creative, and more determined to succeed. It has shaped how I see the world, how I solve problems, and how I want to contribute to the future of STEM. I want to be part of a field that not only values innovation, but also values the people behind it, exactly as they are.

As a first-generation college student, I’ve had to learn how to navigate school, work, and my future mostly on my own. I come from a family that is not financially stable, so I haven’t always had the kind of economic support that makes college easier. As the oldest daughter with two younger brothers, I also feel a strong sense of responsibility to set an example for them and create a better path forward. These experiences have shaped the way I see the world and how I treat others. They’ve made me more understanding, patient, and aware that everyone is going through something, even if you can’t see it. At the same time, I’ve learned that being out in the world isn’t always easy. Not everyone is kind or supportive, and that can make it harder to stay motivated or feel like you belong. Because of this, I’ve made it a goal for myself to be someone who brings more empathy and understanding into the spaces I’m part of, rather than adding to that negativity. One of my biggest strengths is my determination and my willingness to teach myself new skills. As a computer science student, I’ve started exploring programs like Blender and Unity to understand how digital environments and interactive experiences are created. Even though I’m still learning, I see technology as more than just entertainment. I see it as a way to tell stories, represent different perspectives, and create experiences that help people feel seen and understood. In the future, I want to use my skills in coding and design to build projects that promote empathy and connection. I’m especially interested in creating interactive experiences, like games or simulations, that allow people to step into someone else’s perspective. When people can experience something instead of just hearing about it, it can change how they think and how they treat others. I believe this is one way I can contribute to building a more empathetic and understanding global community. I also want to help make the tech space more inclusive. As someone who comes from a background that is not always represented, I understand how important it is to see yourself reflected in what is being created. By bringing my own perspective into my work, I hope to create projects that feel more relatable and welcoming to others who may feel overlooked. I want to use my skills not just to succeed, but to make a difference. The world can be difficult and not always kind, but that’s exactly why empathy matters. Through both my actions and the work I create, I want to help build a future where people feel more understood, supported, and connected.

My main goal in computer science is to become a software developer who can create interactive and meaningful digital experiences. I’m especially interested in areas like game development and digital design, where I can combine creativity with coding. Recently, I’ve started teaching myself tools like Blender and Unity, which has given me a better understanding of how coding connects with visual design and user experience. While I am still in the early stages of learning, taking the initiative to explore these programs on my own has helped me build a strong foundation and made me more confident in my decision to pursue computer science. As I continue my education, I want to strengthen my programming skills, especially in areas like problem-solving, software development, and building complete projects from start to finish. My goal is not just to understand code, but to be able to apply it in ways that create something functional, creative, and impactful. I plan to continue working on personal projects and expanding my technical skills so that I am fully prepared to transfer to a university and succeed in a more advanced academic environment. Outside of computer science, one of my biggest goals is personal growth and building a stable, independent life for myself. I want to be able to support myself financially and create opportunities that I did not always have access to. I also value creativity as an important part of who I am. Whether it’s through design, digital art, or building virtual environments, I enjoy expressing ideas in a visual and creative way. This side of me is just as important as my technical goals because it keeps me motivated and inspired. I believe that combining my computer science goals with my creative interests is what makes my path unique. In the future, I want to use coding to bring my ideas to life by creating games, simulations, or interactive experiences that people can connect with. For example, I could develop projects that are not only visually engaging but also meaningful, such as educational tools or immersive environments that tell stories or represent different perspectives. As someone who comes from a diverse background, I understand how important representation and new ideas are in technology, and I want to contribute to that by creating work that feels inclusive and original. Overall, my goal is to build a career that reflects both my technical skills and my creativity. I am actively taking steps toward that future by teaching myself new tools, staying committed to my education, and continuing to grow both personally and academically. By combining computer science with my personal interests, I hope to create work that is not only functional, but also meaningful and impactful.

I would describe myself as someone who doesn’t give up easily, even when things get difficult. Right now, I am working toward transferring to a four-year university to major in computer science. My path hasn’t been perfect or easy. As a community college student, I’ve had to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities, and there have been times where it felt overwhelming and stressful. But instead of letting that stop me, those experiences have pushed me to stay focused and keep going. They’ve helped me build discipline, independence, and a stronger sense of direction for my future, which I truly value. What makes me unique is my willingness to learn beyond what is required of me. I don’t just rely on what I learn in class. On my own time, I’ve started teaching myself programs like Blender and Unity because I want to understand how games and digital environments are actually created. At first, it was challenging, especially learning everything from scratch and not always knowing where to start, but I’ve learned to be patient with myself and keep improving little by little. This mindset has become one of my biggest strengths. I’m not afraid to try something new, make mistakes, and grow from them, even when it feels uncomfortable. For me, this interest in technology is more than just a hobby. It represents the kind of future I am working toward and the person I am trying to become. I want to build a career where I can combine creativity with problem-solving and continue learning as technology evolves over time. Being able to explore these skills on my own has made me more confident in my goals and more motivated to succeed academically so I can transfer and continue my education at a university. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful and important difference in my life. I would use the funds to help cover tuition, school materials, and the technology I need to succeed in my major. Having this kind of financial support would also allow me to reduce my work hours and dedicate more time and energy to my studies and personal projects, which are very important for strengthening my transfer applications and preparing for my future career. Overall, I am not just working toward earning a degree. I am working toward creating stability, personal growth, and new opportunities for myself. I want to prove to myself that I can achieve the goals I’ve set, even if the path is not always easy or straightforward. This scholarship would not only support me financially, but it would also motivate me even more to keep pushing forward and remind me that my efforts and dedication are truly worth it.