Entering higher education as an international student brings a unique blend of excitement and apprehension. For me, coming from a different educational system and culture means that this journey isn’t just about studying; it's about navigating a new world of expectations, practices, and perspectives. While this challenge sometimes feels daunting, my experiences as an international student have shaped my aspirations in meaningful ways and strengthened my resolve to make the most of this opportunity. One of the main hopes I carry into this new chapter is to expand my academic and cultural horizons. Coming from a background outside of the system, I am eager to gain insights from professors and peers who have experienced education differently from mine. This exposure offers me a chance not only to learn new methodologies and knowledge but also to grow as an individual who appreciates diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving. I look forward to engaging with ideas that challenge my assumptions and encourage me to see issues from perspectives that are entirely new to me. However, this journey also brings concerns. As an international student, I am sometimes uncertain about how well my previous experiences will prepare me for the demands of higher education abroad. In some ways, I feel the need to "catch up" with those who are already accustomed to the academic culture here. The ways of researching, interacting with faculty, and collaborating on projects may be different from what I have known, and adapting to this can feel overwhelming. Additionally, being far from family and familiar support systems can heighten the feeling of isolation, especially when encountering cultural or linguistic barriers. Reflecting on my journey as an international student, my experience has deepened my resilience and adaptability. There have been moments where the language and cultural differences have made me question my capabilities, but each of these challenges has strengthened my determination to succeed. I have developed a strong sense of independence and have learned to seek out support when needed—skills that will be invaluable in higher education. My background has also fueled my ambition to be a bridge between my home culture and my new community, advocating for more international voices and perspectives in academic discussions. Looking toward the future, my goals have been shaped by this journey. I hope to leverage my education to contribute not only to my field of study but also to the broader community, bringing the perspectives of an international student to enrich conversations. My long-term aspiration is to return home with the knowledge and experience to make a tangible impact—perhaps by helping students in my country pursue their own dreams of international education or by supporting initiatives that foster intercultural understanding. In this way, my experience as an international student will not only advance my personal career but also help me give back to both my host and home communities, ensuring that my journey benefits more than just myself.

Education is more than a pathway to knowledge; it is a profound journey that shapes perspectives, molds character, and provides the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing world. For me, education will be the cornerstone of personal and professional growth, opening doors that were previously out of reach and laying the groundwork for a fulfilling life that gives back to society in meaningful ways. First and foremost, education will empower me to pursue my ambitions in ways that go beyond self-interest. With each course and concept I learn, I am not only gaining technical or theoretical knowledge but also developing the critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability that are essential in any field. By studying information systems and management, for example, I am equipping myself with skills to design and manage solutions that improve efficiency, security, and user experience in technology-driven environments. The competencies I acquire here will open career pathways that align with my passion for innovation and problem-solving. These skills will also help me bring positive change to industries where technology has yet to reach its full potential, particularly those that directly impact society, such as healthcare, environmental management, and education. The influence of education on my life goes beyond career aspirations, as it is also fostering values and a sense of responsibility. With each new topic, I become more aware of the broader societal challenges we face—from economic disparities to climate change—and how these challenges are interwoven with issues in my field. As I learn more, I gain a deeper sense of empathy and responsibility to use my skills for the greater good. In the future, I hope to contribute by working on projects that have a meaningful social impact. This might mean designing accessible technology for underserved communities or developing systems that support sustainable practices within organizations. The knowledge and values instilled by my education will help me take on these challenges thoughtfully and effectively. Education is not only a tool for personal success; it is also a foundation for making contributions that have a lasting positive impact on others. By being well-versed in the latest advancements and ethical considerations in my field, I can contribute insights and solutions that address current gaps and challenges. For instance, by understanding data privacy and ethical data management, I can help shape policies that protect individuals’ rights in our increasingly digital society. Additionally, through leadership roles and community involvement, I hope to inspire and guide future generations of students, particularly those who come from backgrounds where higher education might not seem accessible or achievable. I believe that one of the most impactful ways to give back is by helping others access the transformative power of education, just as I have been fortunate enough to do. Knowledge should not be a privilege limited to a few, and I want to work toward a future where it is accessible to all. Ultimately, education will shape the course of my life by expanding my capabilities and instilling in me a commitment to contribute positively to society. It has the power to transform not only individuals but also communities, industries, and nations. By leveraging what I learn and remaining dedicated to growth, I hope to play a small but meaningful role in building a better, more inclusive future. Education is the foundation that will allow me to thrive and, in turn, help others do the same.

It was an ordinary day when I received the news of my grandfather's passing. I rarely think of my grandfather now, but with the opening of this topic, memories of him gradually come to my mind. In my memory, he didn't say much, but he was very kind. His profession was beekeeping, and because of it, he often had to move the bees. He would leave in late autumn and return in the spring when flowers bloomed. He loved flowers and plants and raised many of them. So my childhood was spent growing up in a little garden. He didn't teach me many life lessons, but he and my grandmother were always by my side. I have never thought at all that my grandfather would leave. So when I received the news, I kept wondering whether I was in reality or in a dream. Was this all really happening? Until I went back for the funeral, I was in a daze the whole time. But I kept telling myself that I couldn’t cry. Because if I cried, it felt like I was giving in, like he really was gone, like it would make it all real. But in the final moment, I couldn't hold back my tears. I hid in a corner, quietly sobbing. But I quickly wiped away my tears and put on a mask of strength. A few days later, I opened the Bible and read 1 Kings, Chapter 2. It writes: ”When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying: I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,” I don’t know how to express the comfort I felt inside. It felt as if my grandfather were speaking to me. He told me that he was about to go the way of all the earth. But, me, be strong. "It was also at that moment that I realized I had reached the age where I must face the passing of loved ones. The occurrence of this event made me sad, but the comforting words that came with it helped me grow. They gave me the courage to face the loss of my closest loved ones, as well as the many other challenges in life that I must confront.

As I work toward becoming a skilled software engineer, I am driven by a desire to create software solutions that positively impact lives, whether through enhancing access to information, improving public services, or fostering community engagement. This scholarship would not only help me pursue my professional dreams but also enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the field. I chose software engineering because of its limitless potential to shape the future. From an early age, I was intrigued by the way technology could streamline processes, solve real-world problems, and bring people closer together. As I began to explore coding and development, I quickly realized the immense impact software can have on everyday life. One of my key inspirations was a presentation I attended on developing a mobile application for local parks, allowing visitors to easily access information and submit feedback on facilities. This experience helped me see how software can bridge the gap between communities and public services, and it reinforced my desire to pursue this field. The combination of creativity, logical thinking, and the ability to make a tangible difference in people's lives is what excites me most about software engineering. Through my career in software engineering, I hope to develop solutions that address key societal challenges and improve the quality of life for people. One of my main goals is to create software that enhances access to information, especially for underserved communities. Technology can break down barriers, and I want to build platforms that make essential services—such as education, healthcare, and public resources—more accessible to everyone. For example, the mobile application I developed for local parks opened my eyes to how technology can foster stronger connections between people and public services. I believe that software engineering can help bridge gaps in communication, provide real-time solutions, and empower users to take control of their interactions with the world around them. By focusing on user-centered design and community-driven development, I aim to create tools that leave a lasting positive impact. At the core of my motivation is the belief that technology should be used to create opportunities for all. I am driven by a desire to use software engineering not only to innovate but also to create solutions that promote inclusivity and social good. I believe that technology, when used responsibly, can empower individuals and improve systems on a large scale. This belief has shaped my approach to every project I undertake, pushing me to prioritize the user experience and always consider the broader impact of the solutions I design. What inspires me most is the potential to continually learn and grow as a software engineer. The ever-evolving nature of technology excites me, and I am committed to being a lifelong learner. By staying adaptable and open to new ideas, I aim to push the boundaries of what software can achieve. My ultimate goal is to combine my passion for technology with my values of collaboration, inclusion, and impact to contribute to meaningful change in my chosen field.

I have always been fascinated by the power of technology to solve complex problems and transform the world. This fascination led me to pursue a career in software engineering, a field where innovation and creativity meet to address global challenges. As I work toward becoming a skilled software engineer, I am driven by a desire to create software solutions that positively impact lives, whether through enhancing access to information, improving public services, or fostering community engagement. This scholarship would not only help me pursue my professional dreams but also enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the field. I chose software engineering because of its limitless potential to shape the future. From an early age, I was intrigued by the way technology could streamline processes, solve real-world problems, and bring people closer together. As I began to explore coding and development, I quickly realized the immense impact software can have on everyday life. One of my key inspirations was a presentation I attended on developing a mobile application for local parks, allowing visitors to easily access information and submit feedback on facilities. This experience helped me see how software can bridge the gap between communities and public services, and it reinforced my desire to pursue this field. The combination of creativity, logical thinking, and the ability to make a tangible difference in people's lives is what excites me most about software engineering. Through my career in software engineering, I hope to develop solutions that address key societal challenges and improve the quality of life for people. One of my main goals is to create software that enhances access to information, especially for underserved communities. Technology can break down barriers, and I want to build platforms that make essential services—such as education, healthcare, and public resources—more accessible to everyone. I believe that software engineering can help bridge gaps in communication, provide real-time solutions, and empower users to take control of their interactions with the world around them. By focusing on user-centered design and community-driven development, I aim to create tools that leave a lasting positive impact. At the core of my motivation is the belief that technology should be used to create opportunities for all. I am driven by a desire to use software engineering not only to innovate but also to create solutions that promote inclusivity and social good. I believe that technology, when used responsibly, can empower individuals and improve systems on a large scale. What inspires me most is the potential to continually learn and grow as a software engineer. The ever-evolving nature of technology excites me, and I am committed to being a lifelong learner. By staying adaptable and open to new ideas, I aim to push the boundaries of what software can achieve. My ultimate goal is to combine my passion for technology with my values of collaboration, inclusion, and impact to contribute to meaningful change in my chosen field.

I attended my first concert of my life during my sophomore year of undergraduate. This is my favorite rock band. Their songs are very positive and uplifting. When I lack courage, when I'm scared, or when I'm going through a rough patch, their music often encourages me. My classmates and I bought tickets for the top seats, but that doesn't affect our enjoyment of the performance. We entered the venue early, ready with our glow sticks and signs, wearing our special outfits. The moment the music started, the whole crowd went wild. We were no exception. We sang along with them, jumped together, forgetting ourselves and everything else—there was only the music. We sang from dawn to dusk. What impressed me the most was one of the slow songs, that the lights in the venue were turned off, and leaving only a spotlight shining on the band. Each of us turned on our phone lights, and quietly swayed our phones and ourselves, immersed in that starry sky. It was so beautiful, so overwhelming—a stadium filled with thousands of people, and ten thousand stars right before our eyes. We sang while we cried, completely lost in the moment. We were so captivated by it. When the concert ended, we lingered and couldn’t bear to leave. We were reluctant to part with that dreamlike beauty we had just experienced. I love this concert. Another unforgettable concert I attended was the final concerto round of The Cleveland International Piano Competition, held by the Cleveland Orchestra not long ago. The performances were extraordinary. The contestants collaborated with the Cleveland Orchestra to perform two pieces: Beethoven's Concerto No. 4 in G Major and Brahms' Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major. I finally understood what a true feast for the senses means—it was a breathtaking experience that lingered long after the last note. When the two contestants played, they weren't just using their hands; they fully immersed themselves in the music. Their bodies moved with the notes, their emotions surged with each phrase, and their sense of abandon drew me into the scene, conjuring vivid images in my mind. The spirit of music, with its power, penetrated my very being. It was from this performance that I gained a new understanding and definition of symphonic music. It truly left me with endless memories to cherish. I love music, and I enjoy live music; it’s truly something to be savored.

Being a leader often involves a mix of qualities and actions. The factors below are crucial to me. First and the most important is to be a servant among people. From the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 20,verse 26-27, we can learn that whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave. When I am a leader, I need to put myself in the position of a servant. However what does servant mean? It doesn’t means that I need to please you, but I am not just consider myself, I also consider you. Even, I put you ahead of myself; you take priority over me. Second, loyalty and righteousness. Our nature is to put our own interests first, That is right. But a leader is just owns these qualities, he is sincere with others. This doesn't mean that he says everything without any concealment. He still tells kind lies, but they are for the benefit of the person. Third, wisdom. Fear of God" is the beginning of wisdom. We are smart, but it doesn’t means wisdom. We will aim to achieve the maximum benefit with the minimum loss. A leader has a better understanding of what reality is, they will consider further. We have a phrase in our country: To kill 1,000 enemies, you sacrifice 800 of your own. It means even though one might achieve victory, it often comes with significant costs or losses. What’s more? Understanding each person's characteristics allows them to showcase themselves in those areas, helping and enabling everyone to contribute their best and realize their own value. No one is useless; everyone has their own strengths. Discover them and let them shine. With a lot of life experience, when we go through low points ourselves, we become more empathetic towards others in similar situations. We also understand that life is full of both peaks and valleys. Understanding that everyone is human, recognizing that people are all weak and have their limitations. There are many other qualities and actions that contribute to being a leader. I think a person can become a leader is not by chance, every step of their life has shaped their leadership. Perhaps through regular practice, we can create a bigger stage for ourselves. I also think everyone is a leader in some position, don't try to be the leader you imagine yourself to be—just lead.