I believe education is not just a means of personal growth but a powerful tool to create meaningful change in the world. Growing up in India, I was inspired by my mother, who, despite her intelligence and passion, was unable to pursue a career in STEM due to societal and cultural constraints. Her story instilled in me a deep commitment to break barriers and prove that women can excel in fields traditionally dominated by men. Now pursuing a degree in computer science, I see how STEM can be a force for social good. My passion lies in addressing one of the most pressing global issues of our time: mental health. Mental health challenges often go unnoticed and untreated, especially in underserved communities, due to stigma, lack of resources, and inequities in access to care. My personal experiences with mental health struggles have shown me the profound impact a lack of support can have on individuals and families. I aspire to use my education and skills in computer science to develop innovative technologies that bridge these gaps. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize mental health care by providing tools for early diagnosis, personalized therapy, and emotional support. My vision is to create AI-driven solutions, such as chatbots or virtual therapists, that can offer immediate, affordable, and stigma-free assistance to individuals in need. These technologies can play a pivotal role in making mental health care more accessible, especially for marginalized communities that struggle to access traditional resources. Beyond my focus on mental health, I am also deeply committed to encouraging more women to enter STEM fields. During my college courses, I noticed a stark gender disparity, with far fewer women in computer science classes compared to other disciplines. Even my cousin hesitated to pursue STEM because of the perception that it is a male-dominated field. These experiences motivated me to mentor younger women, share my journey, and show them that they belong in STEM just as much as anyone else. Community service has always been an integral part of my life. From volunteering at cultural events to mentoring peers and organizing workshops, I have sought ways to uplift others and create a sense of belonging. I believe that empowering individuals within a community is the first step toward addressing larger societal challenges. This scholarship will bring me closer to my goal of leveraging STEM to make mental health care accessible and inclusive, as well as inspiring other women to break through barriers in STEM. I aim to combine technology with compassion to solve critical issues, proving that women in STEM can lead with both innovation and heart. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind, and where education is a pathway to equity and empowerment for all.

To me, the American Dream is not about material wealth or achieving a perfect life, but about the freedom and opportunity to pursue one’s passions and make a meaningful impact. It’s about breaking barriers, embracing challenges, and working toward a better future for oneself and the community. It represents the belief that with determination, hard work, and resilience, anyone can turn their aspirations into reality—no matter their background or circumstances. Growing up in India, I was inspired by my mother, a homemaker who often spoke about her unfulfilled dream of pursuing a career in STEM. She told me how societal expectations and limited opportunities held her back, and she always encouraged me to chase my passions and not let fear or doubt stop me from achieving my goals. Her story motivated me to embrace challenges and take up opportunities she couldn’t have. Moving to the United States brought hurdles, such as adapting to a new culture and navigating the limitations of being an immigrant student, but it also gave me the chance to redefine my path and pursue my version of the American Dream. Initially, I aspired to become a psychiatrist to address mental health issues and help others overcome their struggles, as I’ve experienced the challenges of mental health firsthand. During difficult times, I often felt isolated, unable to share my struggles or find the support I needed. I realized how critical mental health care is and how a compassionate approach can change lives. However, due to financial constraints, I had to pivot from my dream of pursuing psychiatry and chose computer science, a more affordable option. Over time, I developed a deep passion for technology and its transformative power to solve real-world problems. Now, my goal is to combine my love for computer science with my desire to make a difference in mental health care. I aspire to develop innovative technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence to create tools that make mental health support more accessible, personalized, and effective. AI has the potential to bridge the gaps in mental health care by providing early intervention, emotional support, and therapeutic resources to individuals who might otherwise struggle to find help. By pursuing this path, I hope to contribute to a future where mental health care is not a luxury but a right available to all. The American Dream, to me, also means giving back to the community that supports me. I’ve dedicated myself to volunteering and uplifting others, whether through mentoring peers, organizing cultural events, or supporting causes that empower underrepresented groups. I see my journey as not just a personal endeavor but a chance to inspire others—especially women and immigrants—to believe in their ability to succeed in fields like STEM, where they are often underrepresented. Ultimately, my American Dream is about using my education and experiences to break down barriers and create a lasting impact. With this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to achieving my goals of developing technology that improves mental health care, empowering communities, and proving that no dream is too big for those willing to work toward it.

My journey into STEM has been shaped by my upbringing and the inspiring lessons from my mother. She is a homemaker who always emphasizes the importance of education and pursuing one’s dreams. Growing up, she often shared how she regretted not having the opportunity to study and work in a field, especially STEM. She believed that had she been given the chance, she could have achieved great things. Her story has stayed with me, and she has always encouraged me to make the most of the opportunities I have, ensuring I do not carry the same regrets she does. This motivation fueled my decision to enter the STEM field. I saw it not only as a personal challenge but also as a way to honor my mother’s aspirations and prove to myself and other women that we are just as capable of excelling in male-dominated fields. Her unwavering belief in my potential drives me to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and set an example for others. While pursuing my degree in computer science, I’ve noticed the disparity in gender representation within my classes. Despite societal progress and growing support for women’s education, the number of women in STEM, particularly computer science, remains disproportionately low. When I compare my computer science classes to electives in other departments, the gender gap is starkly evident. For example, in one of my elective courses, I saw an almost equal gender ratio, but in my core computer science classes, women are significantly outnumbered. Even my cousin once admitted to avoiding computer science courses, believing they were “mostly for men.” Hearing her perspective was disheartening and made me realize how deeply ingrained societal stereotypes can be, even today. This experience strengthened my resolve to challenge these stereotypes and inspire other women to pursue their passions without hesitation or fear of judgment. I believe there is no such thing as a “field for men” or a “field for women.” If someone is passionate about a subject, they should have the confidence to pursue it and achieve their dreams. By excelling in computer science, I want to show other women that they, too, can thrive in this field. I hope to serve as an example, proving that success in STEM is not determined by gender but by determination, effort, and passion. My ultimate goal is to design innovative solutions in technology that address real-world challenges while advocating for greater gender diversity in STEM. I am particularly passionate about leveraging technology to improve mental health care, an area that disproportionately affects women and often lacks accessible resources. With my technical expertise and commitment to social change, I aspire to create technologies that uplift and empower individuals, especially women. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education and strengthen my ability to break barriers for women in STEM. With the support of this opportunity, I hope to inspire more women to follow their dreams, challenge societal norms, and pursue fields they are passionate about, ensuring that no one has to face the regrets my mother experienced. Through my journey, I aim to create a world where every woman feels empowered to achieve her goals and make a meaningful impact.

I was born and raised in India, a country rich in culture and tradition. My childhood was shaped by the constant presence of family, as I grew up in a large joint family where everyone lived together, supporting one another. This close-knit environment taught me the importance of community and connection. However, when my father’s job required us to move to the United States, I was thrust into a new world. The language, food, customs, and environment were all foreign. We transitioned from a bustling joint family to a nuclear family, a significant change. The cultural shock was immense, especially adjusting to new habits, food, and language, which took time and effort. But over the years, I adapted without letting go of my cultural identity. I continue to celebrate Indian festivals and introduce their significance to my friends, which has allowed me to stay connected to my roots while embracing my new life. Being a foreign student in the USA has had its challenges. With the increased competition in every field and the limitations placed on international students in terms of job opportunities, I found it difficult to support myself financially. This meant I had to rely entirely on my family for funding. My father, the sole provider in our household, has made countless sacrifices to ensure I can pursue my dreams. This has fueled my determination to excel in my studies, secure a fulfilling job, and ease the financial burden on my family. The challenges of being an immigrant student have shaped my resilience and work ethic. The values of family, humility, and hard work, which were deeply instilled in me in India, continue to guide me in the U.S. At the same time, living here has exposed me to the benefits of a culture that values individuality and personal freedom. I have learned to appreciate the balance between these two worlds, integrating the strengths of both into my identity. Through this process, I have grown more adaptable and resourceful, learning to navigate the complexities of living in a foreign country while staying true to my roots. The journey has also influenced my career path. Growing up, I aspired to become a psychiatrist, inspired by the many doctors in my family and my own experience with a serious illness during my childhood. The doctors who helped me recover were my role models, and I felt a deep desire to follow in their footsteps. However, upon moving to the USA, I realized the financial burden of pursuing a medical degree was not feasible. At that point, my parents encouraged me to explore computer science, which seemed like a practical alternative. Although initially disappointed, I gradually developed a passion for programming. As I delved deeper into the field, I began to see how technology could solve real-world problems, including in healthcare. One of my coursework projects allowed me to research the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming and emotions, particularly its impact on mental health care and therapy. This experience opened my eyes to the potential of using technology to improve mental health care, reigniting my desire to make a difference in healthcare. I realized that by combining my love for programming with my passion for mental health, I could contribute to the development of innovative solutions that support therapeutic processes and improve the well-being of individuals. Today, my career goal is to design technology that bridges the gap between mental health care and cutting-edge innovation, ultimately making a meaningful impact on those who need it the most.