For years, I believed mental health was something you struggled with in secret—something personal, maybe even shameful. I didn't grow up in a household where feelings were openly talked about or vulnerability was valued. Like so many, I had learned to tough it out, remain busy, and use competence as armor. But at some point, that stopped being possible. In my late teens, I began experiencing anxiety and depressive episodes which I didn't have the vocabulary to explain at the time. I just knew that everything seemed so much heavier—also the things I enjoyed—and that I no longer could pretend to be fine. At first, I was too scared to get help. I felt it would make me appear weak or unreliable. But when I eventually did, something shifted. Therapy gave me a map for what was happening inside me. It didn't fix everything right away, but it gave me tools—words, boundaries, practices—that I continue to use today. That experience radically changed how I navigate the world. It made me more compassionate—not just with other humans, but with myself as well. I saw how many folks were suffering in silence, something you'd never guess from the outside. That recognition changed how I show up in relationships. I pay closer attention now. I try to leave space for people to be authentic, even if that's messy or ambiguous. I value authenticity over much more than perfection, and I look for that in the people around me. My experience with mental health also influenced the kind of work that I would prefer. I have a deep concern about designing tools and systems that prioritize wellness, dignity, and access. Perhaps that's developing platforms that make mental health materials more affordable, creating technology that combats burnout instead of inducing it, or just advocating for more compassionate practices in work and education—I want to make those changes possible. It also taught me to approach goals differently. In the past, I measured success in terms of productivity and external validation—grades, accolades, output. Now, I am equally focused on sustainability and authenticity. Is the work worth doing? Does it reflect my values? Can I do it in a way that maintains my health and the health of the people around me? These are the questions that guide me in planning my time, choosing collaborators, and tracking progress. I no longer think of rest or boundaries as weaknesses, but as dynamic ingredients for lasting impact. Learning to think of mental health as a process, not a problem to "solve," has also helped me in other areas. It's made me more comfortable with ambiguity, more comfortable being stuck on questions that I can't answer right away, and more comfortable with revisions. It's also gotten me more curious about systems—how our worlds, cultures, and institutions shape our well-being. Mental health is not just personal; it's structural. That realization pushes me to think not only about how people make it through, but how we can collaborate to build conditions in which people thrive. I don't romanticize struggle. There are still days when I still wrestle with self-doubt or circular thinking. But I no longer see that as a failure. I see it as part of being human—and part of what makes me a more empathetic person at connecting with others, understanding nuance, and that I care so deeply about the world that I'm trying to help create.Mental illness has been among the largest challenges I've battled, yet also one of the largest teachers. It's taught me perspective, empathy, and grit that I would never trade. It's influenced how I lead, how I construct, and how I relate. And it still influences the kind of future I want to help construct: one in which individuals are esteemed for who they are, not just for what they make.

The most rewarding project I have ever undertaken is a cost-effective air quality monitoring system for disadvantaged city dwellers. The project had started as a personal side project that evolved into a collaborative project after I shared the idea with some friends who cared just as much about environmental justice as I did about the lack of data among marginalized communities. The idea was after seeing some research that showed low-income communities—typically around factories or highways—had a disproportionate share of pollution burden, yet lack or have only limited access to real-time air quality data. Commercial air monitoring equipment typically costs thousands of dollars, effectively pricing out those most affected. I questioned whether I could build something helpful at a tenth of the cost. We began prototyping with cheap sensors like the PMS5003 for particulate matter and BME280 for temperature and humidity and coupled them to a Raspberry Pi Zero W. I used Python code to capture data, filter out noise, and send it to an ultralight web dashboard we built using Flask. We added an interface through maps so individuals can view nearby air quality in real-time and compare it historically. To make the system user-friendly and more durable, we 3D-printed weatherproof enclosures and even built solar-powered ones for data collection in areas where there is no reliable electricity. What made this project especially valuable was working with a local community organization. They helped us choose high-priority areas to deploy to and also gave us feedback on the dashboard's usability. One parent described how she started to adjust her children's outdoor playtime based on the information we provided. That single statement stuck with me—it was worth all the late nights debugging sensor readings. This project created a deeper sense of the intersection of technology, accessibility, and social change. I was not only influenced by the hardware or the code, but by the world-changing effect it had. It taught me that technology can—and should—be used to assist in reducing inequality, not being part of the thing that causes it. That's a mindset that still compels the kind of work that I'd like to do. What excites me most about a career in technology is its scale and democratizing potential. One well-designed tool can empower thousands. Open-source platforms and affordable hardware make the playing field lower than it ever has been before—and that creates an opportunity for creative, community-based solutions to actual problems. Whether it’s giving people better information about the air they breathe or building tools that help them make smarter choices, I’m motivated by the idea that technology, when built thoughtfully, can be a great equalizer.

My career goal is to become a cybersecurity professional who actively works to protect individuals, organizations, and communities from digital threats. As technology continues to evolve, so does the complexity of cyberattacks. I am passionate about cybersecurity because it offers a chance to defend the digital world while promoting safety, privacy, and ethical responsibility. This field allows me to combine my technical interests with a deep desire to make a real and lasting impact. In five years, I envision myself working as a cybersecurity analyst or penetration tester for a forward-thinking company or government agency. I plan to specialize in identifying system vulnerabilities, conducting risk assessments, and implementing strategies to strengthen digital defenses. I also intend to earn key industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CISSP. These credentials will allow me to stay current with evolving threats and enhance my ability to contribute meaningfully in any cybersecurity environment. Looking ahead ten years, I see myself in a leadership role—perhaps as a security consultant, team lead, or director—where I can help shape cybersecurity policies and manage broader security strategies. I also want to give back by mentoring students or young professionals, especially those from underserved communities. Promoting cybersecurity education and awareness is important to me because digital literacy is essential in today’s world, yet many people remain unprotected and uninformed. This scholarship opportunity is vital to helping me achieve these goals. It would lessen the financial burden of my education and give me the flexibility to pursue valuable internships, training programs, and research opportunities. Rather than dividing my focus between school and financial stress, I would be able to dedicate myself fully to learning and growing in my field. More than just financial assistance, this scholarship represents a belief in my potential—and I take that responsibility seriously. By receiving this scholarship, I would not only gain the support I need to succeed academically, but I would also be empowered to use my knowledge and skills to make a difference in cybersecurity. I am excited about the journey ahead and committed to becoming a responsible, knowledgeable, and ethical cybersecurity professional who helps build a safer digital future for all. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to the chance to make this vision a reality with your assistance. Thank you for this opportunity I hope your enjoy this letter and have a blessed wonderful day today. K

When I consider who my father figure is, the first thing that comes to my heart without hesitation is God. Where others might look to a parent, mentor, or guardian for wisdom and strength, I have always found those qualities most strongly in my relationship with God. For me, God is not just a distant, divine presence, but a very personal and omnipresent source of love, wisdom, and guidance. What distinguishes God as my father is the persistence of His presence and the unconditional nature of His love.Throughout my life, especially during periods of bewilderment, hurt, or doubt, I have cried out to God for comfort. In those times, I did not sense that I was praying into emptiness—I sensed that I was heard, comforted, and assured. God has been a quiet source of strength behind my achievement and a still comfort in times of trouble. His leading is not always great shout-outs, but in the still, small voice of clarity, peace, and conviction that enable me to make the correct decision or stand firm on principles.One of the most personal things about knowing God as my father figure is how this relationship shapes my sense of identity. The knowledge that I am created for a reason, loved deeply, and never alone gives me a sense of self-worth that no relationship or accomplishment on this earth can ever exceed. God's commands have taught me the importance of compassion, humility, perseverance, and forgiveness—not as high-minded moral ideals, but as everyday habits. I strive to demonstrate His love by how I treat other individuals, especially when it is inconvenient.Moreover, God has proved to be strength when I've had to journey through seasons where worldly support was absent or minimal. When in times of loss, disappointment, or doubt, He has been my anchor. Believing that He has a plan for me—even when I do not see it clearly—gives me hope and courage to persevere. As a good dad would, He does not keep me from experiencing all trouble, but He frames those troubles in making me strong.To have God as my father figure is to never walk alone. I am led by an example of perfect love, infinite patience, and unbreakable grace. That connection is the cornerstone of who I am and the compass that directs the person I am striving to be. For all of that, and so very much more, I am forever grateful.

My interest in a computer science degree began in high school when I enrolled in my first programming class. I was immediately drawn to the problem-solving, creativity, and logic that programming required. What started as interest quickly turned into passion when I realized the vast potential of technology in addressing real-world problems. Whether it was developing simple apps or data analytics, I was drawn to the possibility that a few lines of code could transform ideas into reality. That sense of empowerment and the desire to create innovative solutions reaffirmed my decision to study computer science. After graduation, my long-term goal is to be a software engineer, hopefully in a role where I get to build tools or platforms that improve lives—whether through education, healthcare, or civic engagement. I am also interested in ethical tech and in how we can design software that not only works well but also guards user privacy, makes accessibility a priority, and serves the public interest. Long term, I hope to contribute back to open-source communities, mentor others who are new to the tech world, and even start my own company that focuses on social impact through technology. I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my passion, work ethic, and commitment to using technology for social good. Throughout my academic career, I have maintained high grades while holding part-time jobs, volunteering, and pursuing extracurricular projects. I've stepped out of my comfort zone to extend my learning outside the classroom by participating in coding competitions, attending tech meetups, and undertaking personal coding projects. These adventures have not only made me a stronger programmer but have also instilled in me perseverance, teamwork, and the value of lifelong learning. Most importantly, I view this scholarship as not just financial support, but as a vote of confidence in my potential to make a difference. With this award, I will be better able to focus on my coursework, take advantage of internship and research opportunities, and eventually give back by helping others gain access to technology and education. I am truly grateful for your consideration and for the opportunity to continue growing into a responsible, innovative, and socially conscious computer scientist.

Since childhood, I have always believed that education can transform lives. Growing up, I was fortunate to have teachers who saw potential in me when I couldn't even see it myself. Their guidance, patience, and dedication made me want to become the same type of educator who could inspire others to see their own potential. Today, I consider teaching not just a profession, but a deep responsibility—one with the power to shape individuals and, by extension, communities and society at large. I feel that it is necessary to create a welcoming and compassionate classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. I understand that students are unique, each with their own experiences, struggles, and strengths that they bring to the classroom. My plan is to be respectful of that diversity and to ensure that each student feels encouraged to succeed. I believe that when students are respected and known, they tend to engage more, take more risks, and reach their best potential. Beyond the instruction of academic material, I see my role as one of guide and mentor. I would like to help students grow in critical thinking, emotional awareness, and civic responsibility. In today's changing world, these skills are essential—not only for individual success but also to contribute to the betterment of society. I plan to build a classroom environment where curiosity, empathy, and cooperation are esteemed, with students not only as information receivers but also as active participants in learning. One of the most powerful ways I aspire to have a positive impact is by empowering students to see the worth in their own voices and stories. Students are too frequently informed—directly or indirectly—that their stories don't matter. I want to counteract that message. By incorporating culturally responsive teaching practices and giving students a chance to provide their perspectives, I hope to build confidence and foster agency. Beyond the classroom, I am dedicated to lifelong learning and professional growth. I intend to work with other educators, participate in community projects, and remain up to date on the most recent research in pedagogy and educational justice. I think that effective teaching involves ongoing reflection and development, and I look forward to growing together with my students and colleagues. Ultimately, my dream is to contribute to creating a more equitable, balanced world—one classroom at a time. Whether I'm working to help a student find their passion, overcome a personal obstacle, or unleash their potential to create change, I see every experience as an opportunity to spark change. Education is a powerful catalyst, and I am honored to be working in a profession that has the means to unlock a brighter tomorrow.