As a young Black woman studying Computer Science, I’ve learned that technology is more than just computers, devices, and codes, it’s a tool that can transform lives, open doors, and create opportunities we never thought were possible.. My degree is not just a personal achievement, it’s a responsibility. I want to use what I’m learning to uplift communities and support any and everyone I can. Growing up, I didn’t always feel supported or seen. When I entered college and attended my classes I noticed immediately how many people had more experience and knew way more than me. That feeling of isolation could have pushed me away, but instead, it fueled me. It made me realize how important representation is and how powerful it can be when someone who has struggled wants to help others be greater than themselves. With my degree, I want to create pathways for people and to show them that there are no limitations to what they want in life. I want to mentor students who may doubt their abilities as I once did. I want to build opportunities, workshops, and potentially events that introduce STEM to students that will include a variety of things. If I can help even one student feel confident enough to pursue a STEM career, that alone would be meaningful. I also want to use my skills to address real issues affecting my community. Technology can be a bridge to mental‑health support, financial literacy, safety, and education. As someone who knows what it feels like to struggle, I want to help develop ways that make finding resources and ways to help make life feel a little lighter. And with my interest in computer science I hope to help protect my communities and create avenues to teach people like me of all of the possibilities that life can give them. Beyond technical solutions, I want to be someone who shows up. Someone who teaches, mentors, listens, and advocates. My degree gives me the knowledge, and with that I can understand and help people get to where they want to go. I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to feel behind, to worry about money, to question your place. So I will make sure everyone who may be in those positions knows that they have resources and support through those hardships. Ultimately, I want to use my education to build a legacy of opportunity. I want to help create a future where young people from my community don’t have to fight so hard to be seen. A future where they feel supported, inspired, and capable of achieving anything they dream of. My education is only the foundation of all the limits I can surpass.

Education matters to me because it teaches you so much and shows that no matter where you come from, what you’ve struggled with, or how many times life has tried to convince you that you don’t belong that anyone can accomplish so much. As a young Black woman pursuing a Computer Science degree, education is not just a path to a career, it is my way of breaking cycles, building stability, and creating my own future. I didn’t grow up with financial comfort or a strong sense of belonging. I’ve struggled to connect with people and create friendships, battled loneliness, and carried the pressure of wanting to succeed not just for myself, but for my family. There were times when I questioned whether I was smart enough for computer science, whether I could afford to stay in school, or whether I was making the right decisions. But every challenge pushed me closer to understanding why education is so important. It gives me the power to choose my own future and shape my life the way I want. Education has also helped me discover who I am beyond my struggles. It has allowed me to explore my passions and learn what I could do anything I put my mind to. It helped me understand that if I work at it hard enough I can accomplish anything. It has shown me patience and understanding that it is such a blessing to be in my position. It has given me the confidence to dream bigger than survival. And it has shown me that my curiosity, creativity, and resilience are strengths, not obstacles. Education is not only for me, It’s for the young Black girls who need real examples of someone who looks like them thriving in STEM. It’s for my family, who deserves stability and opportunities we’ve never thought were possible. It’s for the communities that are often overlooked and how much of an impact I can make in those communities with everything I learn. The legacy I hope to leave is one of possibility. I want to build a career that uses everything I learn to help support and uplift my community. That could be from accessible mental‑health tools, to mentoring students who feel as lost as I once did. I want to show that you can get through and overcome financial struggle, loneliness, and fear. I want to teach and show people that you can build something powerful with your life. I also hope to leave a legacy of representation. I want to be the reason a young Black woman walks into a classroom with her head held high. I want to help create a world where our voices are not just included, but valued and where our ideas shape the future of technology, business, and innovation. Education is important to me because it is the foundation of the life I am building. I want my life to be filled with purpose and to show that anyone can overcome anything. I hope my legacy demonstrates the hard work I put in everyday to make my future a reality.

My name is Tayla Scott. I am a junior at Prairie View A&M University studying Computer Science. My education is important to me because I see it as my path to growth and writing my own story for the future, my family, and the communities I care about. My journey has been shaped by challenges that forced me to grow and change in ways I never imagined. I’ve struggled to find real friendships, dealt with financial stress, and felt alone at times. As a young Black woman in a demanding STEM field, I’ve often questioned my place, especially when school felt overwhelming or when I couldn’t afford the same resources as my peers. There were times when I knew I needed therapy but was too afraid to reach out, unsure how to show vulnerability in a world that expects strength from me all the time. These struggles didn’t break me; they showed me who I am and what I can overcome. Growing up, I was the kid who built Legos, baked for fun, played the flute in band, and spent hours watching anime or taking apart anything I could find. I loved understanding how things worked, whether it was a recipe, car modifications, or my goals for the future. That curiosity eventually led me to computer science. Technology challenges me, but it also empowers me. It gives me the tools to create solutions, build systems, and imagine futures that don’t exist yet. My faith, creativity, and love for learning keep me grounded. Bible study and church taught me compassion. They also taught me that as long as I keep God close to my heart and in everything I do, I will be blessed in every aspect of my life. Given my financial struggles, I understand the importance of building a future where stability isn’t just a dream but a reality. Through my education, I want to use technology to uplift people who feel unseen or unsupported, just like me. I want to create accessible tools and resources that help students navigate mental health without fear. I aspire to build programs that introduce young Black girls to STEM and all the possibilities it can offer, and develop technologies that protect communities. I also hope to explore business and trading, creating opportunities that can support my family and help build generational stability. My goal is not just to succeed but to make an impact. I want to show young Black women that they can have a place in tech, that their voices matter, and that their dreams are valid. I want to build a life I’m proud of. I want to look back and say I didn’t just change my own circumstances; I helped create a brighter future for others. I am hardworking, determined, and committed to turning every challenge into purpose. This scholarship would not only support my education but also help fuel the impact I plan to make in the world and make my mark.

While in college when I felt like I was just another person with no real purpose. That I was just another student to take up space in classrooms. People talked about college as the place where you “find your people,” but for me, it felt more like wandering through a crowded room where everyone else already knew their cliques and made instant connections. I’d sit in computer science lectures surrounded by students who seemed effortlessly confident, while I quietly questioned whether I even belonged in the major I’d chosen. The loneliness didn’t show up all at once. It crept in slowly, disguised as independence. I told myself it would be easy to find friends and it would come easy like in highschool. But the truth was harder: I didn’t know how to let people in without feeling like I was asking for too much. And when financial stress piled on like unexpected fees, textbooks that cost way too much, the constant mental math of “Can I afford this?” I felt even more isolated. It’s hard to bond with people when your mind is always calculating survival. There were nights when I’d lie awake scrolling through the counseling center’s website, hovering over the “schedule appointment” button like it was a detonator. I knew I needed help. I also knew how therapy is sometimes talked about in Black communities like it’s a luxury, or a weakness, or something other people do. I wasn’t sure which fear was louder, the fear of opening up, or the fear of sitting in the same hurt and pain with no relief. My turning point was a clear wake up call for me. I reminded myself of all those times I broke down and I finally admitted to myself that I was tired—tired of pretending I understood every concept, tired of carrying financial stress alone, tired of acting like I didn’t want connection. I realized that growth doesn’t always come from pushing harder; sometimes it comes from softening, from allowing yourself to be human. So I started small. I asked a classmate a question I was embarrassed to ask. I let myself just feel for a moment and slowly got out of the mindset that I had to do it all on my own. I knew God was there for me and that I could do anything with him by my side. And eventually, I knew that I needed to schedule that therapy appointment. Not because I suddenly felt brave, but because I finally understood that fear doesn’t disappear—you just learn to move with it. Therapy doesn’t magically solve everything, but once I take that step I know it will be so helpful and beneficial to me and my mental health. The growth I found and am still finding won't be loud or triumphant. It will be steady, like learning to breathe deeper. I’m still figuring out friendships, finances, my passions, and my path in computer science. But I’m no longer doing it from a place of invisibility. I’m learning to take up space not as just another person but someone who knows that their voice matters and that they are valued.

From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating something interesting—whether that meant building Legos, watching videos about how machines worked, or learning to assemble a robot for my high school competition. As a young Black woman in computer science, that instinct to build, learn, and grow has shaped my goals, my dreams, and the person I’m becoming. As a Black woman studying computer science, my interest in studying it has grown into a desire to understand and make my mark as a woman in a male-dominated field. My journey in computer science didn’t begin with a clear plan. I didn’t know exactly what to expect when taking my college courses, but as I’ve taken more classes and explored different areas of the field, I’ve realized that what excites me most isn’t choosing one specific path; it's the different paths I could take with my degree. The more I learn, the more I’m motivated by the idea that computer science gives me the tools to build, imagine, and innovate in ways I never thought possible. Outside of computer science, one of my biggest goals is to become a businesswoman and learn the many ways to build passive income. I’m fascinated by entrepreneurship and how people create opportunities for themselves, how they turn ideas into income, and how financial independence can open doors for future generations. I want to understand investing, real estate, day-trading, and other income streams that allow me to build stability and generational wealth over time. For me, this isn’t just about money; it’s about freedom, ownership, and creating a life where I can support myself, my family, and my community. What inspires me is knowing that I don’t have to choose between technology and business. Instead, I see endless opportunities for them to support each other. Computer science gives me the technical foundation to create solutions, while entrepreneurship gives me the mindset to turn those solutions into something impactful. I can imagine building apps that solve everyday problems, launching digital products, or even starting a tech-focused business one day. Both fields require creativity, problem-solving, and risks, which I'm willing to take. Years from now, I hope to build a career that reflects my determination, my ambition, and my commitment to growth. I may not know exactly which direction I'll go in computer science, but I do know the kind of impact I want to make. I want to contribute to projects that help people, create ideas that make life easier, and open doors for many others like me, especially young Black girls who deserve to see themselves in tech. Whether I’m developing software, designing user-friendly systems, or exploring a path I haven’t discovered yet, I want my work to make people feel supported, included, and empowered. I know that entering this field as a young Black woman comes with its challenges and expectations, but I’m not here just to fit in. I’m here to grow, to create, and to surpass everyone's expectations of me.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship. This support would not only ease the financial strain of pursuing higher education but also affirm the role that faith, perseverance, and God’s guidance have played in my journey. I thank God daily for allowing me to attend college and pursue dreams that once felt distant. Throughout my life, and especially during my college years, my faith in Jesus Christ has been the steady foundation that has carried me through every challenge and milestone. As a first-generation student raised in a single-parent household, I grew up watching my mother work day and night to provide for us. College was a dream she didn’t get to pursue, so earning my degree became a goal I knew I wanted to achieve. When I entered college, I quickly found myself overwhelmed by the academic pressure and the unfamiliar environment. During my first semester, I struggled to hold myself up financially, and by God’s grace, I made it through. I remember sitting late one night, feeling discouraged, and praying, “God, how am I going to get through this?” and instead of giving up right then, I asked God for strength, worked harder, prayed constantly, and ended the semester happier than ever. That experience taught me that through faith I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. My faith pushes me to act, to listen, and to trust God even when my path feels uncertain. My academic journey has not been perfect, but I have grown significantly from where I was. I have learned ways to study better, how to be more disciplined, and how to trust in God’s plans for me. I am currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, with the goal of pursuing a career where I can serve others and contribute to my community. My faith has shown me that my dreams can become my reality as long as I work hard and trust in God. Jesus teaches us to love, to serve, and to lift others up; I want my career to reflect those values. This scholarship would directly support those goals by allowing me to focus more fully on my studies, participate in internships, and pursue opportunities that will prepare me for my future career. Instead of worrying about how I will afford textbooks or tuition, I would be able to invest my time and energy into becoming the kind of leader God is calling me to be. I want to use my education to mentor other first‑generation students, especially those who feel unseen, discouraged, or distant from God. I want to share my testimony with young people who may be struggling, reminding them that God can use every setback as preparation for something greater. Whether through volunteering, mentorship, or leadership in my field, I plan to serve my community. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am still here, still learning, and still trusting God with every step. My journey has taught me resilience, grace, and the power of faith in action. The Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship would not only relieve financial stress, but also honor the story God is writing in my life. My college experience may not be perfect, but it is real, and it is rooted in faith. With God leading the way, I will continue working towards my education, helping others, and walking boldly into the future He has prepared for me.

College is important to me because it's an opportunity to reach milestones, to grow, and to find who I am. As the first generation in my family to attend college, I knew that getting an education was my top priority. My decision to pursue higher education at my university is driven by two key motivations: I not only wanted to make my family proud, but I also wanted to make a positive impact in the world. As I got older, I realized that college would open so many doors for me. It was an environment where I would learn who I was and who I wanted to be and truly begin to flourish. College has allowed me to develop and improve in so many ways. I knew from collaborating with my peers and improving my communication, learning, and leadership skills that college was improving me in ways that I never even realized I needed improvement on. I realized that college has allowed me to explore my options and find other interests that I would enjoy. It allows me to go off on my own and make my own decisions about who I want to be and what I want to do to prepare for life. I knew that college wasn't going to be easy, but I was prepared because I also knew it would teach me about time management, prioritization, and a variety of lessons. I am so grateful to be able to attend college and learn my love for so many hobbies and interests while also growing my love for Computer Science. Since attending my university, I reached so many goals and achieved so much with what college has given me. I have been allowed to pursue my dreams as a first-generation student, which is more than I ever could’ve dreamed of. I’ve been a part of organizations such as NSBE and SWE which has helped me learn what it means to be a community while being able to experience opportunities and explore areas within my major. It is such an eye-opening experience and I am so very appreciative of everything that I have already experienced and everything I hope to experience as I continue studying. I know that college is way more than just going to class, paying tuition, and making it to 8 am classes on time. It's truly about gaining knowledge, taking risks, and gaining opportunities that could give me a better life. As I continue attending college as an upcoming junior, I hope to continue to expand my horizons, evolve as a student and person, and improve myself for when I'm ready to step toward my future. I know that I have so much more growing to do and that college will provide me with so many resources, and chances to grow. College is the opportunity to plant a seed for my future, my family, and myself. I am so proud and grateful that I have the opportunity to attend college.

Community is a vital role to have in society. Having a community to support and uplift each other is what’s important to me. I strive to ensure people feel welcomed, loved, and like they can be themselves. Mental health is an essential aspect for me, and knowing so many people struggle with it is devastating. If I were given the opportunity to help my community, I would want to create an organization or program that guarantees people have the space to grow and know that they are heard and supported. Mental health is often ignored and overlooked, and that’s something I want to change. I believe that creating a community where individuals can receive the support they need to seek help and resources would be beneficial to society and those who need support and education on issues they may be facing. My program would be versatile for those who may want individual sessions or the choice to connect with others who are struggling with the same things. The sessions would include informative education on different disorders, common signs, and even suggestive treatments to help them grow. There would be select days or times that professionals would come in and give free lessons and sessions to help educate people on the importance of mental health. My program would strive to help thousands every day get the help they need and create spaces where they feel safe. I would also make sure the program teaches parents or spouses who have loved ones who are struggling with mental health to help them grow and feel supported outside of the sessions. My goal with this program is to create a community that supports the importance of mental health. A core goal is to ensure that my program is accessible to everyone. Many people don’t receive the proper treatment or guidance simply because they aren’t accessible. My program would allow access from anywhere and support many individuals, such as students, spouses, parents, or friends. This program isn’t just about helping recognize the importance of mental health, but it is also to help build a stronger community and society. This program would help us grow and shift as a community. The well-being of individuals would help the well-being of communities. I truly believe that creating a space where mental health is supported will help so many people around the world and help educate the uneducated on this important issue. My program would be impactful and change the lives of millions.

Technology has the power to transform lives, and for me, a pair of noise-canceling headphones symbolizes how innovation can bring peace and focus to an often chaotic world. As a young woman navigating the pressures of college, I use music to soothe my anxieties, finding calm and clarity in melodies that remind me to breathe and keep going. These headphones are not just a gadget but a lifeline, helping me maintain mental well-being and productivity during one of the most demanding phases of my life. The feature that makes these headphones truly special is their ability to cancel out external noise. Walking across a bustling campus or sitting in a crowded library, I can immerse myself in my own spaces of sound that let me center my thoughts. The technology behind noise cancellation is a part of engineering that feels almost magical. It reminds me of the many things that we can create, especially as women in a male-dominated world. What inspires me most is how these headphones embody the potential for technology to promote mental health. When the world feels overwhelming, putting on my favorite playlist or having my favorite song on repeat can feel like hitting a "reset" button for my mind. These moments of peace are important to me, especially in a college environment where stress is constant, and self-care often feels like an afterthought. Moreover, I think headphones have the power to inspire hope. My headphones create such an oasis for me, I can only imagine the impact of other technologies designed to prioritize other things that students struggle with. Headphones are more than just objects, they are gateways to a better world, showing us that even small innovations can have profound effects. Every time I put on my headphones, I am reminded that technology, when used thoughtfully, can do more than entertain or inform; it can heal, inspire, and empower. And I love my headphones

Pursuing higher education has always been a dream of mine, but for a long time, fear and self-doubt held me back. As a young woman striving to earn a degree in computer science, I faced not only external challenges, such as financial instability, but also an internal battle against my own lack of confidence. I constantly questioned whether I was capable of succeeding in a field dominated by men and those who seemed far more prepared and experienced than I was. However, as I became more determined to build a better life for myself and my family, I realized that overcoming my fears and doubts was as essential as overcoming external obstacles. With the support of my loved ones, I confronted my self-doubt, pursued my goals with confidence, and moved closer to a future where I can make a meaningful impact. The seed of self-doubt was planted early in my life. Growing up, I was always aware of the challenges my family faced. My mother consistently did her best to provide for me, even when she lacked the means to do so. The idea of pursuing a degree in computer science felt daunting. I wasn’t sure if I had what it took to succeed in such a technical, male-dominated field, and the fear of failing weighed heavily on me. As I began to consider college more seriously, my anxiety intensified. The fear of the unknown became paralyzing. The turning point came when I decided to take a leap of faith and keep an open mind about pursuing Computer Science. I was extremely scared and nervous about what my first semester of college would bring. I shared these concerns with my mother, and she encouraged me to persist and not give up. To motivate me, she connected me with an alumnus who had pursued a degree in a technical field. He shared his own concerns and fears from his college days. Hearing his testimony made me realize that it was okay not to have all the answers or to fear the unknown. Successful people often experience the same struggles I was facing. My family, especially my mom, helped me understand that failure wasn’t something to be feared; rather, it was an opportunity to learn. She encouraged me to embrace mistakes as part of the process and to view them not as setbacks but as stepping stones toward success. Her words gave me the courage to take on challenges outside my comfort zone. Slowly, I began to comprehend that whatever I set my mind to, I could accomplish, regardless of how afraid I might be. In college, though I still have some doubts, I am armed with advice and support from my family. Whenever I struggle, I remind myself that the only way to fail is to give up, and I refuse to do that. I have learned to take my time, ask for help when needed, and seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Each victory, whether it’s solving a challenging problem or completing a project, helps quiet my fears and build my confidence. The greatest obstacle I’ve had to overcome in pursuing higher education has been my own fear and self-doubt. However, through the encouragement and support of a community that believed in me, I’ve learned that self-belief is just as important as any external factor. With perseverance, determination, and the right guidance, I am confident I can not only build a successful career in computer science but also use my knowledge to make a difference in the world.

Disney is much more than just a magical kingdom or happy endings. Disney represents lessons about life, love, and happiness. A magical environment where dreams come true, and people of all ages worldwide can feel the love and joy Disney brings. The smiles and warmth Disney brings to people are indescribable and like something out of a storybook. Though Disney represents much more than just joy and happiness, Disney is about life, love, childhood memories, healing, and growth. Tiana is a favorite character of mine who has taught me some lessons about navigating life. The Disney Princess Tiana will always hold a special place in my heart. She’s always been my favorite character and I always look up to her when going through life and making decisions. Her resilience, determination, and openness to finding love and achieving her goals have inspired me in many ways. My earliest memories of Disne are watching Princess and the Frog and falling in love with her character. Throughout the movie, Tiana’s growth and development opened my eyes to many possibilities and goals I set to be greater and work just as hard as she did. I often walk through life and find myself mirroring how focused and ambitious she was toward her goals. Tiana’s willingness to find love and open her heart to things that scared her or things that she didn’t think she needed made me realize that alot of may come as blessings in disguise. Her character means so much to me because, as a young black woman, I am trying to figure out life and get through it. I always wonder how I would get through life’s twists and turns, but then I remember how strong and determined Tiana was in reaching her goals, and she helps me get back on track. “ You wish and you dream with all your heart. But remember, that old star can only take you part of the way. You got to help it with some hard work of your own”. A quote by Tiana’s dad that he said to her is something I live by every day. This quote has so much meaning towards reaching your goals and has been something I refer to when I set dreams and goals to remind myself that I have to put in some hard work to get what I want. Watching Tiana achieve the life she wanted was such an eye-opening and magical experience when watching the movie. All the characters throughout the movie will always be important to me, but Tiana stands out above them all as she’s impacted my life and development as a person. Tiana and the Disney family have always been a large part of my life, childhood, and memories and will continue to be a part of my life. Disney and all the characters, stories, and lessons have helped shape me into who I am today. Thank you, Disney, for creating such an amazing and inspiring character that I and many others will forever look up to and cherish for many years.