I read Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* last summer, and for real, I only got it because the cover was awesome. I wasn't expecting much — a bunch of clever one-liners, some pabulum motivational drivel. But what I got was a switch in thought that would go on to foster a love I hadn't anticipated: reading. Up until that summer, reading had been work. It had been something that made me think of homework and standardized testing — something you do because it needs doing, not because you desire to do it. But as I sat on a serene park bench, turning the pages of Manson's brutally honest thoughts on life, failure, and concentration, something clicked. The book wasn't inviting me to give up caring — it was showing me how to care on purpose. And in that moment of my life, I needed to be told that. I grew up in a single-parent household with a single income, and I learned to bear a great deal of weight to succeed, to be strong, not to screw up the one opportunity I had. When my mother died of cancer, the weight doubled. I used to think I had to do it all on my own. But this book taught me that not everything or everyone was worth my time. That I could let go of the things that I couldn't control, and that choosing what to care about was actually an exercise in power, not in weakness. That frame of mind changed the way I lived. I started reading more — psychology books, technology books, self-help books, philosophy books. I read because I wanted to, not because I had to. Reading became my way of expanding what I thought was possible. It became a source of calm, a way of working through my grief, and a new wellspring of resilience. Now, as a UC Berkeley student pursuing a Computer Science degree, I carry that lesson with me. My academic path has not been without challenge. I was not accepted into the CS major at first, and I've had to fight my way in — via summer school, professor permission, and moments of doubt. But every time I felt bogged down, I went back to the mindset I learned from that very first book: stay on what matters, let go of what does not, and just keep moving. This scholarship would enable me to just keep doing so — striving for my dreams while keeping my feet firmly on the ground about what I am passionate about: learning, making a difference, and paying it forward to the communities that raised me. I would like to apply what I have learned to create tools that assist others like me — those who may not have had the smoothest beginning, but who have the determination and spirit to cross the finish line strong. It all began on a summer afternoon when I picked up a book to read. Strange how a small thing could change so much. Nowadays, I no longer read solely for escapism. I read for growth — and I'm far from quitting any time soon.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income home, I witnessed my mother carry the weight of two people. She worked tirelessly to bring stability and love, even while fighting quietly with cancer. Her strength was quiet, relentless, and immovable. When she passed away, everything that I stood for vanished at the same time. It would have been easy to pull back, to let hopelessness or circumstance dictate my existence. But I vowed to myself and to her that I would stick with it. And I have. One of my proudest moments was when I placed fourth at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships and earned Second Team All-ACC honors. That placing wasn't athletic — it was about grit. It came after hundreds of early mornings, injuries, self-doubt, and days where I trained while working, attending school, and the emotional toll of losing the person who had been my whole support system. That race was more than a race. It was proof that I could survive. I was also fighting another tough academic ascent at the same time. I came to UC Berkeley intending to major in Computer Science, but was rejected from the major. That meant I couldn't take required courses unless I went through additional hoops — emailing professors, requesting overrides, or waiting for openings that rarely materialized. I had to get creative. I took summer classes, went to lectures I wasn't enrolled in, and spoke with professors just to make my point. It wasn't simple, but it did show me that obstacles don't say "stop" — they say "go differently." What I've gained from these experiences is that my greatest strength isn't raw ability or smarts. It's grit. It's doing the difficult thing because I know what comes at the end of it. And it's learning to advocate for myself, especially when the system isn't necessarily designed for someone like me to succeed. Looking ahead, I hope to use my education to make a lasting difference. As a Computer Science student, I dream of being where technology and social good intersect — building tools and systems that improve the lives of underserved communities, tearing down barriers, and opening doors to new possibilities. I don't want to create more software — I want to create bridges for those who have been left out. But to do that, I must have help. Being a full-time student, an athlete, and a self-pay college student is a challenge that stretches me each day. Financial assistance like this scholarship would alleviate some of the weight and enable me to focus more on what I was sent here to do — learn, lead, and grow. My background is not unusual — and that is the entire point. There are just so many students like me with the passion and the drive but occasionally the means. If I were given the opportunity, I will work just as hard, not only for myself, but for the people and communities that I eventually hope to serve someday.

Being raised by a single parent has taught me more about strength than any book could. My mom was not only a parent but my protector, motivator, comfort, and rock. She single-handedly raised me amidst the stresses of being both the sole provider and emotional support system in our house while battling an illness that gradually attempted to strip her of everything. My mom got diagnosed with cancer when I was just a child. I did not know what it was back then, but I saw it — in the way she'd come home from work exhausted but still make time to check my homework, the way she'd conceal her pain so I wouldn't find out, and the way she'd smile during therapy sessions just to make me feel safe. She never let her diagnosis rob her of the position of being my rock. Even when cancer tried to steal strength and joy from her, she fought to make sure I was never alone.Watching her taught me what resilience looks like in real time. She showed me that showing up — even when it hurts, even when you’re tired — is one of the greatest forms of love. And when she passed, that lesson became my compass. Losing my mother was the most difficult thing I've ever had to endure. Her passing didn't just leave a void in my life — it gave me a choice. I could let the grief consume me, or I could honor her by fighting for the future she so desperately wanted for me. I chose the latter. Being raised by a single mother instilled in me principles that I live by to this day: responsibility, empathy, and persistence. I know what it means to work not for the praise of others, but because others are relying on you. I know the importance of bringing others along, not just climbing for yourself. I've taken those lessons into each room I've entered — onto the UC Berkeley track and field team, into my work as a Computer Science major, and into the way I support my friends who are going through challenges of their own. My aspirations are big, not because I think I'm worthy of success, but because I understand what sacrifice looks like. I want to be a software engineer, not for the sake of building cool things, but for building things that actually make a difference — tools that uplift lives and uplift access for individuals like me. I must use my education to break cycles, starting with myself. As a first-generation college student, I hold the weight and privilege of being the first to forge the path. Every class I take, every test I study for, every project I make — I do it for her. It's for the version of her who stayed up late making sure that I believed in myself, and the version of me who promised her that I'd be fine.To receive this scholarship would not only be financial aid it would be an attestation to the values my mother taught me. It would be a further reminder that even though I have lost her, I continue to walk with her strength, her lessons, and her spirit daily.

One of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had was with a close friend who was debating whether to transfer out of their STEM major after hitting a wall academically. They felt overwhelmed, outpaced, and unsure of their place in a field that can often feel unforgiving. Instead of offering quick advice, I shared my own story — not as a solution, but as solidarity. When I came to UC Berkeley, I wasn’t initially admitted into the Computer Science major. That reality hit hard. I knew exactly what I wanted to pursue, but the door wasn’t fully open to me. Because of major restrictions, I wasn’t able to enroll in key courses, and each semester felt like navigating a maze — not due to lack of interest or ability, but due to access. I had to go the long way around, taking summer classes and advocating for myself just to stay on track. I sent emails, visited office hours, and had to get instructor approval for classes that were core to my intended path. It felt like I was constantly walking a tightrope — proving my worth for something I already knew I was passionate about.When I spoke with my friend, I didn’t tell them it would be easy. I told them it would be worth it. I reminded them that the systems around us aren’t always designed for everyone to succeed equally, but persistence can open paths that once felt closed. Like RJ, I believe in showing up — not just in the classroom, but for people who need to be reminded of their power. We ended up mapping out a revised schedule together, and they’re still in their major, finding their way forward. For me, Computer Science isn’t just about solving problems with code — it’s about building better systems, breaking down barriers, and using technology to uplift people. That’s what drew me to it in the first place. And that’s what motivates me to keep going — even when the journey isn’t straightforward. To future students navigating the same challenge, I’d say this: don’t let gatekeeping make you question your path. Take the long route if you have to, but don’t stop walking it. Ask for help. Find mentors. Build community. And never be afraid to advocate for yourself — that in itself is a STEM skill worth mastering.Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve the financial burden of the extra steps I’ve had to take, but would allow me to carry on the spirit of RJ — someone who embodied passion, education, and human connection. I want to honor his legacy by pushing through, reaching back, and helping others break through the same doors I once found closed.

I didn’t always know I wanted to study computer science. That changed in high school when I joined a student-led coding club. At first, I was more curious than confident, but when I built a simple website to help students find local volunteer opportunities, something clicked. It wasn’t just about writing code — it was about building something useful from scratch. That experience showed me that technology could do more than automate or entertain — it could connect people and solve real problems. Since then, I’ve followed that drive to build with purpose. At UC Berkeley, I’ve explored every opportunity to grow my skills. I’ve taken challenging courses, but I’ve also looked beyond the classroom. I joined CALPIRG, where I helped develop digital tools to reduce food waste on campus. I worked on an AI-powered sustainability app in a student project group, focused on helping users track and improve their environmental impact. These experiences taught me that computer science can be both technical and human — that it’s not just about writing efficient code, but about asking the right questions and listening to the people you’re trying to help. My long-term goal is to become a software engineer working at the intersection of tech and social impact. I want to build systems that expand access to resources, improve data transparency, and support underrepresented communities. But beyond any specific job, I want to stay focused on purpose. Like Chris Jackson, I want to lead with intention — to bring thoughtfulness into every interaction, every project, every line of code. I’ve had to fight to stay on this path. Financial strain has followed me through college. I’ve balanced multiple jobs, leadership roles, and a full course load just to stay afloat. But I’ve kept going, because I believe in the value of the work and the people it can serve. Receiving this scholarship would ease the burden of continuing my education and allow me to keep moving forward. More importantly, it would help me carry on a legacy of showing up for others — something I plan to do in every space I enter.

1. A Continual Learner: To me, being a continuous learner means knowing that there is always more to discover, no matter how much one has learned or how many years they have lived. Life in itself is this huge classroom full of endless possibilities of growing, adjusting, and fine-tuning oneself. I have been driven by insatiable curiosity and a thirst to soak up the immense wealth of knowledge the world so benevolently offers. I'm quite sure that learning isn't restricted by the school walls; on the other hand, it's life dedication to self-cultivation. Whether it's learning about new concepts of computer science, understanding what and how AI may shape up the future, or seeking knowledge in each ordinary experience I come across, I take very strong interest in remaining open to personal growth. That, from this angle of view, is what I've learned: there are no borders of knowledge, and the more I learn, the less I know. The beauty of being a lifelong learner lies in its ability to keep us humble and adaptable. No matter our age or level of expertise, we remain students at heart. I carry this perspective into life and studies, fully aware that my journey toward a career in software engineering and AI will demand that I embrace change, seek out fresh ideas, and continually challenge myself to grow. By remaining curious, determined, and open-minded, I will keep developing into the person I want to be: one that will make a difference in this world. 2. Thriving with an Indomitable Spirit: One of the most trying moments in my life was when I lost my mother. Her passing shook my world, and a part of me seemed to have gone with her. Grief permeated every aspect of my existence—I found myself unmotivated, struggling in school, and wandering without direction. It was as if the person I once was had simply faded away. During those shadowy hours, I was faced with a choice: to give in to the weight of my circumstances or to fight on. Slowly, I chose the latter. I began to realize that my mother's legacy was not one of defeat but one of unyielding fortitude, and I owed it to myself—and to her—to keep pushing forward. It wasn't a change that happened overnight. I found myself needing to summon the determination to reconstruct my habits, rekindle my passions, and unearth my sense of purpose once more. I drew support from family, friends, and mentors who illuminated my strength and potential. To thrive with an indomitable spirit is to refuse to allow adversity to define you. Now I understand the challenges I have learned not as defeats, but as trials that test character and determination. It imbued me with the need for perseverance, self-confidence, and the strength found in hope. While there is still weight carried regarding loss, there is carried that which was gained in overcoming. As I pursue my dreams in computer science, I know further obstacles are waiting, and I am no longer controlled by fear. I am going to face each and every challenge with the absolute determination that has made the transformation of my life a reality since my mother died. I am committed to keeping her memory alive by working to achieve my goals, growing stronger when faced with trials, and using my experiences to give hope to others to persevere, no matter how overwhelming life can get.

Growing up in Tacoma, Washington, a curiosity about how things worked was seeded in me, accompanied by a deep-seated love for problem-solving. My journey in the field of computer science really began in middle school when I took a class learning Scratch. For our final project, I made a basketball game—simple at first, but I soon discovered the joy of customizing and making it even better to entice more and more people. The excitement of building something from the ground up, seeing it work, and tweaking it to my liking sparked a deep interest in coding and computer science that has never left me. I chose computer science because it allows me to mix creativity with logic in an attempt to solve real-life problems. Technology is the backbone of every aspect of our lives, and I want to be part of the field that will drive this innovation forward. Whether it's creating software that makes our lives easier or building tools meant to solve bigger problems in society, I know that computer science is the answer in shaping the future. One area that inspires me the most has to be artificial intelligence. The potential for AI to revolutionize medicine, education, and sustainability is just huge. I would like to contribute to software engineering and AI research in order to enhance the world we live in. For example, I am fascinated by how machine learning can help with the early diagnosis of diseases, or how intelligent systems can pave the way for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. I believe this field has endless possibilities for growth, and I am looking forward to being part of that progress. My ultimate goal is to become a software engineer working on innovative projects that will leave a lasting impact. I see myself helping to shape the online future by designing software and systems that are efficient, accessible, and beneficial for all. Whether it be developing tools that make people's lives easier or even contributing to state-of-the-art AI research, I want my work to make a tangible difference. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my education in computer science, which will provide me with the tools and resources to attain my aspirations. It would offer me the freedom to focus on learning and improving my skills without any financial worries. I am motivated to channel my creativity, problem-solving abilities, and passion for technology into crafting a brighter future. Inspired by the visionaries who have paved the way before me—those who have harnessed technology to reshape our world—I would like to follow in their footsteps. With ambition, a strong work ethic, and this fantastic opportunity, I am sure that I can make an impact that will far outlast me.