Growing up in a low-income family has been the hardest and most defining experience of my life. In spite of how much it was filled with struggles and obstacles, it also taught me a strong sense of resilience, appreciation, and determination. Not only did my upbringing shape me to be who I am now, but it has also shaped my values and laid the foundation for my future aspirations. I have learned the importance of sacrifice my whole life. My family barely got by and went without a great many things many of my friends just took for granted because they were there. We never had the latest style or the latest gadget, and sometimes bills were piled on top of everything else in the home. Seeing my parents fight to make ends meet taught me at a young age that nothing in this world is given to you—its worked for. Although we didn't have much, my family taught me the value of appreciation and resilience. I came to appreciate what we did have, whether it was food on the table, a laugh in the living room, or the encouragement that my family had for me to press on. That mindset has shaped my values in powerful ways. Today, by effort, integrity, and dedication someone displays in their work. Growing up in a poor family also conditioned me to be resourceful and disciplined. I had to acquire time management, multi-tasking, and being study-oriented while occasionally working part-time to sustain my family. While other kids were able to devote all of their time to school activities or athletics, I often had to split my attention between helping at home and keeping up in school. This history has also shaped how I see education. Education is not, in my mind, about simply obtaining a degree—it is the way to break the cycle of suffering. I know that getting my degree will not only change my life but allow me to offer opportunities for my family and generations to come. I believe that education is a responsibility, not a privilege, and that is the reason why I am compelled to give my best effort in every class and opportunity that I get. Compassion has made me enjoy service and giving back to others in my community. I would like to use my education and career for giving opportunities to others, as I expect opportunities like this scholarship will give to me. In the future, I hope to be able to pursue a line of work where I can marry ambition with service. I hope to be successful, not just for myself, but so that I can repay my family and community. I hope to be a living testament to the fact that where you begin does not have to equal where you'll end. My dream is to build a career that provides me with the ability to be financially independent, give back to others, and inspire others who've had similar upbringings to never ever give up on seeking greatness no matter what challenges they're going through. It wasn't easy to grow up in a poor household, but it has shaped me into the hardworking, tenacious, and ambitious individual I am today. It has given me a strong foundation of values—gratitude, perseverance, empathy, and determination—that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. More importantly, it has given me a vision of the future that I want to build: one in which I use my success to motivate others and show them that circumstances do not determine destiny.thank you for this.

I am Torress Hatten, a Robert Morris University sophomore. I am striving for my education with the hopes of creating a career where I can assist others, lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact in my community. I believe that the challenges we face in life make us who we are and who we will eventually be. One of the greatest challenges that I experienced tested not only my strength, but also my commitment to keep my sights on my future, and it continues to impact my goals to this day. My family always emphasized education when I was growing up, but there were not only obstacles. One of the hardest experiences that I experienced was during my last year at high school. Just when I was preparing to graduate and attend college, things financially were tough for my family. My mom lost her job out of the blue, and the stability I had been relying on was gone overnight. The stress then looked daunting. I always worried about whether I would be able to afford college or if my higher education future aspiration would have to be postponed. This was made harder still because I had younger siblings who looked up to me. I desired to be an example to them and to demonstrate that regardless of what the situation is, we cannot quit on what we aspire for. Initially, I found it hard to juggle everything—the pressure at home, my studies, and the burden of not knowing what would happen in the future. There were times when quitting seemed preferable to continuing. What helped me overcome this was learning to rely on my work ethic and my ability to adapt. I began working part-time while I was in school, sometimes sleeping late after track practice or volunteering, just to help my family pay the bills. I even went after as many scholarships as I could, determined to find a way to pay for college. My teachers and mentors were even greater sources of inspiration, challenging me to never stop trying for the best even if the future was uncertain. Through sheer willpower, I was able to get through high school on good terms and be accepted at Robert Morris University. That was more than a personal victory—it was proof that failures don't define us. Instead, it's how we respond to them that does. Now that I am in college as a sophomore, I continue to carry those lessons with me. It is not always easy managing schoolwork, after-school activities, and extracurricular activities, but I have learned to put things in order and remain disciplined. I know how to get through the exhaustion, how to ask for help when the time comes, and how to remain committed to the big picture. This struggle has also impacted my professional ambitions in the most profound ways. While I have always wanted to have a career that allows me to be professionally successful, my experiences have convinced me equally of being able to make a difference in people's lives. I understand the sense of uncertainty and the questioning whether one's aspiration can be achieved. Because of that, In the years to come, I can see myself in a career that requires discipline, tenacity, and service to others—values that were instilled by experiencing hardship myself. Whether through campus leadership roles, volunteerism in my own community, or mentoring students younger than I am, I wish to continue cultivating those qualities now, so that I could carry them with me into professional life later. Granting me this scholarship would not only reduce the economic pressure of seeking my studies but also serve as a powerful assurance that all my toil, perseverance, and resilience are worth it. It would allow me to maintain my pursuit of learning and leadership opportunities without ongoing anxieties about financial losses. The test of watching my family struggle financially and learning to overcome it has given me a new level of resilience. It has taught me that no obstacle is too great if you are disciplined, committed, and willing to work for it. I am determined to use those lessons to keep striving for greatness and to help others along the way.

As I reflect on the type of person that I try to be, I think in terms of the values of perseverance, service, and joy. These are the values that I have tried to live out in my own life, and they resonate strongly with the memory of Kalia D. Davis. As she was, I am a student-athlete who has balanced academics, athletics, and service, and I believe this scholarship would not only help me to continue my education but also motivate me to keep alive the spirit of excellence which she embodied. Sports have been at the center of my development as a young person. I tried out for the track team in ninth grade, not so much because I was the fastest runner, but because I wanted to challenge myself. I finished toward the back of every race initially, but I refused to quit. I trained early in the morning before school, with my coaches on form, and I pushed myself to grow stronger both physically and mentally. By my junior year, I was a member of the varsity team and competed at the regional level. I learned through track that success is not always immediate—it comes from discipline, patience, and perseverance despite adversity. These are lessons that I continue to carry with me to this day, not just in athletics, but in academics and life. Academics have been a high priority to me, and I, too, have strived for excellence in the classroom. I presently have a 3.9 GPA and stand in the top ten in my graduating class. My strongest subjects are English and biology, and I plan to major in nursing when I leave for college this fall. I want to pursue nursing because I see nursing as a career that combines science, service, and caring. My mother is a nurse, and I have seen the impact she has on her patients' lives. I would like to follow in her footsteps, bringing both skill and compassion to my own future practice. In addition to school and sports, service has made me who I am. I have been volunteering at my local community center for the past three years where I tutor elementary school children in math and reading. I also help coordinate food drives with my church, where we deliver food to families in need. Academics, sports, and service have not always been simple to balance. There were times I felt overwhelmed, especially when I was studying for exams and preparing for competition. But as with Kalia, I . I also trusted my sense of happiness, pushing myself to relish the process—to laugh with teammates at practice, to rejoice in small victories at school, and to be joyful in the beauty of life's ordinary moments, like sunsets after long days. Receiving this scholarship would be more than a monetary assistance, though that would be amazingly important to me and my family. It would be a reminder to live in a way as to honor the values of hard work, compassion, and persistence. Kalia D. Davis's life motivates me because it is a testament to the strength of living life to the fullest, loving unconditionally, laughing with abandon, and learning every step of the way. Should I be granted this scholarship, I will take her legacy forward with me as I go on to study nursing, continue serving my community, and try to make an impact wherever I am. I will not forget that excellence lies not just in what we do for ourselves, but in how we raise others in the process.

At college, our tech club organized a retro arcade charity event, but we didn't have any real arcade machines—just a few Raspberry Pis, old monitors, and not much time. I stepped up to build a DIY retro gaming station that was authentic and fun. I installed several Raspberry Pis with RetroPie over the course of a weekend, created custom splash screens, and themed the interface using pixel art to match in with retro 80s arcade vibes. I even built some arcade-style cabinets out of cardboard, 3D-printed joystick mounts, and scavenged buttons from old game controllers. What people were particularly happy with was a real-time leaderboard that I coded there and then. I whipped up a simple Python script that networked all the consoles and pushed high scores to a shared Google Sheet, which fed into a live dashboard on a projector. When a new high score was achieved, the person's name would flash across the room, which promoted cheers and friendly trash talk. It transformed the low-key game night into a full competition. People stayed much longer than expected, and donations amounted to double what we had originally hoped for. A few visitors asked for my code afterward so that they could set up their own systems. One local charity even called me afterward to see if I would be willing to help set up a similar system for an after-school program. It was a reminder that intelligent hacking isn't necessarily about technical skill—it's about creating something that brings people together in unexpected ways. To be able to improvise, tinker, and create an experience that made people smile felt incredibly rewarding.When people think of “hacking,” they often imagine breaking into systems or solving puzzles in the dark. For me, hacking has always been about playful creativity—taking whatever materials are at hand, improvising, and building something that surprises and delights others. A perfect example of this was during college, when our tech club organized a retro arcade charity event. The problem? We had no arcade machines, just a few Raspberry Pis, some outdated monitors, and very little time. I set up multiple Raspberry Pis with RetroPie, customized splash screens, and designed a pixel-art interface that captured the nostalgic look and feel of 1980s arcade culture. To push the immersion further, I built arcade-style “cabinets” out of cardboard, 3D-printed mounts for joysticks, and repurposed buttons from old controllers. They weren’t authentic machines, but the end result gave players the sense of being in a lively, neon-lit arcade. The highlight of the night, though, was something I built on the fly: a real-time leaderboard. I coded a quick Python script that networked all the Raspberry Pis and pushed scores into a shared Google Sheet. From there, the data fed into a live dashboard projected on the wall. That experience reminded me that hacking isn’t just about technical ability—it’s about human connection. A few lines of code, some duct-taped hardware, and a willingness to improvise turned a simple fundraiser into a memorable, laughter-filled experience. What mattered most wasn’t the polish or the sophistication of the system, but the joy and community it inspired. Looking back, I realized how much I enjoy using technology to spark interaction and bring people together. It showed me that tinkering isn’t just a private hobby; it can be a way to build shared experiences, lower barriers, and make people feel like they’re part of something bigger. Since then, I’ve tried to approach my projects with the same mindset: not just “What can I build?” but “How can this make someone’s day brighter?”

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.