Hi! I'm Valerie Rivera-Huertas, a Puerto Rican-born student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Science with a concentration on Game Design and Development at Florida Polytechnic University. I have always liked maths, computers, and art, but when deciding on a career path, I thought I had to give one up for the other. It wasn't until my first year of college that I realized I could make all my passions a career when a friend told me about video game development. Every day, I get to program code, apply mathematics, and create art. And I love it! Florida Polytechnic University has really opened many doors for me, as a STEM-specialized university, through its variety of courses and programs of study. They have really diverse community of students and teachers, of whom I have learned immensely. I wish to continue my studies in Computer Science and Game Development, but, like for many others, a degree can become a financial challenge. I am a good candidate for scholarships because of my passion and dedication to this field. As a full-time student, I balance studies, work, family, and field-related projects to grow as a future video game developer. My goal as a minority in the STEM and video game industry is to continue advocating for diversity and inclusion in the field and the worlds we create. Where diverse stories should be celebrated, and inclusion should be more accessible. As a new generation of professionals set foot in the STEM world, I believe we can continue to create great things to keep helping our communities in many different ways. Thank you!