Growing up in Mississippi, the question of faith wasn't a simple one. Christianity was undeniably a part of the community, echoing in Sunday hymns and steepled churches. Yet, for me, it often felt distant and disingenuous. Perhaps it stemmed from the region's history. The legacy of slavery cast a long shadow, how our ancestors were ripped away from there family and forced to practice a new religion, making the concept of a singular, all-powerful God seem far removed from the daily struggles faced by so many in my community. How could a loving God allow such injustice? However, there existed another tradition, Hoodoo, that resonated more deeply in my Mississippi upbringing. It wasn't a religion of grand pronouncements or a distant deity. Hoodoo was about practicality, about using readily available elements – herbs from the earth, rituals passed down through generations – to create change and find healing. It bridged the gap between the spiritual and the tangible, offering a way to connect with the land that sustained us and the ancestors who walked it before. A tangible way to connect with our heritage that was stripped away from so many of us. The application for this program asks if I believe in a divine creator based on the design evident in the world, from the tiniest atom to the marvels of technology. Science undeniably reveals a universe governed by intricate laws, a symphony of order amidst the vastness of space. This intricate design speaks to a certain underlying intelligence, a set of rules that govern the universe. However, for me, the question of creation isn't a set choice between blind chance and a singular designer. Hoodoo gave me a different perspective. Rather than worshipping an arbitrary, distant God, they acknowledged the interconnectedness of all things - the land, their ancestors, and themselves. Nature's inherent order, this interconnectedness, can be considered a form of design. The complexity of the universe may be a result of natural laws unfolding over eons, not deliberate design. It's maybe not a single hand that writes the story but rather the interplay of these laws. This isn't to say there's no place for faith. Faith, for me, lies in the power of community and shared history. My family's struggles led us to perform Hoodoo rituals together. These weren't elaborate ceremonies, but focused practices like cleansing baths with purifying herbs or protection charms crafted with intention. The power wasn't in imploring some remote deity, but in the act of taking charge, seeking solace and strength from our ancestors and each other. These rituals served as a way to reclaim agency in the face of hardship, a way to connect with a force greater than ourselves – the collective wisdom and resilience of our community. This felt more relevant, more connected to the realities of our lives, than the promise of salvation in the afterlife. The question of a creator remains a mystery. Science may one day reveal more about the origins of the universe, but for now, I find solace and purpose in what Hoodoo teaches. It's a faith grounded in the present, in the tangible world around us – the whispering leaves, the life-giving soil, the enduring strength of our community. It's a faith that empowers us to act, to heal ourselves and shape our destinies, even in the face of seemingly impossible odds. This, for me, is a faith worth living by.

I was raised in a charming town located in the heart of Mississippi, where the enduring traditions of Hoodoo have profoundly influenced my spiritual beliefs. As an individual deeply connected to my spirituality, I derive immense satisfaction from engaging with literature, traveling, and expressing my thoughts through the written word. I have a particular penchant for crafting poems, spells, and prayers that reflect Hoodoo traditions. In the solitude of my sacred space, I would recite these incantations, feeling the weight of history and heritage flowing through me. The rhythmic cadence of my words echoed the heartbeat of generations past, merging the past and present in a powerful symphony of spirituality. Hoodoo became more than just a tradition; it became a spiritual lifeline that nourished my soul. It provided a framework for understanding the world around me and a means to navigate life's challenges. With each ritual, I felt a renewed connection to my ancestors, a profound sense of belonging that transcended time and space. Through my journey with Hoodoo, I have come to appreciate the beauty and complexity of this ancient tradition. It has taught me the importance of honoring one's heritage, embracing the power of expression, and finding solace in the written word. These cultural elements not only afford me a profound sense of belonging but also serve as a wellspring of inspiration for my creative pursuits. While my spiritual journey shaped my artistic endeavors, my introduction to the world of STEM began during my high school years, when I enrolled in a comprehensive two-year vocational program that introduced me to the fundamentals of technology. I learned how to do basic programming with various languages, creating websites, how to build a PC. Other topics included code reviews, learning about the different OS and virtualization. This experience kindled a fervent passion for STEM and laid the groundwork for my interest in cybersecurity. I was captivated by the intricacies and challenges presented by cybersecurity. The vocational program laid a solid foundation for my journey into the realm of cybersecurity, but it was my innate curiosity and determination that propelled me forward. I consumed books, attended workshops, and sought out various groups and experts who could guide me on this path. What excites me the most about STEM is the ever-growing importance of cybersecurity. In this era of constant technological advancements, the need for better security measures is paramount. As we spend more time online, we leave behind a digital footprint that makes us vulnerable to various types of attacks in the digital realm. These attacks may not be physical, but their consequences can be far-reaching and long-lasting. It is fascinating to witness the efforts of professionals in the field as they work tirelessly to mitigate these threats and provide a secure online presence for individuals and organizations alike. The dynamic nature of cybersecurity keeps me on my toes. It challenges me to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in order to effectively combat emerging threats. The field demands constant learning and adaptability, which aligns perfectly with my unwavering commitment to self-improvement. I am motivated by the idea of making a meaningful impact in securing the digital landscape and safeguarding sensitive information from malicious actors. However, my aspirations extend beyond the realm of technology. If I had the opportunity to pursue any endeavor, it would be to explore the world and immerse myself in different cultures. Traveling has always been a dream of mine, and I am actively working towards turning it into a reality. While my travels have been limited thus far, I eagerly anticipate the chance to visit numerous countries and experience their unique spiritual customs. Each new destination offers an opportunity for personal growth, broadening my perspectives and deepening my understanding of the world. I believe that these experiences will not only enrich my personal journey but also contribute to my professional development. Immersing myself in diverse cultures will enhance my ability to collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for global perspectives. This, in turn, will enable me to approach cybersecurity challenges with a broader mindset, considering various cultural and societal factors that may impact security practices. My greatest challenge wasn't singular; it was a relentless wave of hurdles. I juggled a demanding full-time job at a hospital (where we were short-staffed, requiring 10-12 hour shifts on my feet), returning to school full-time, and facing a deep depression. To top it off, my younger brother living with me was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Sleep and leisure were luxuries I couldn't afford. Between morning classes, working nights, and coordinating my mom's help with my brother's 24/7 care, there was barely any downtime. Any free time I had was spent doing homework in order to keep my grades up. My schedule was packed to the brim and any sane person would have probably given up. In truth I thought about dropping out on various occasions to relieve some of the stress I was feeling and get back some of my time but in the end, I would tell myself that if I can just get through today, then this day would be done. My determination to get my degree became my anchor. It paid off. I transitioned from patient transportation to a data center operations analyst role in the I.T department, offering better pay and saner hours. My brother's journey was long, too. Multiple sclerosis which is a neuro disease required that he have constant around the clock care. With his mind and body deteriorating my mom and I tag-teamed doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy, and thankfully, he's now in a much better place and even healthier than he was before. Looking back, it's hard to believe I navigated that physical and mental marathon. The aftermath was tough, with my body and mind exhausted. Yet, I'm incredibly grateful for pushing through. I've built a brighter future for myself and my family.