When I was only three years old, I watched the animated musical adaptation of 'The Princess and the Frog.' As a young black girl raised by a single mother, I saw myself in Tiana and embraced the film's morals, which continue to resonate with me to this day. The movie featured numerous songs, each sharing different lessons, from friendship to true love. However, Tiana's solo song 'Almost There' left the strongest impression on me: 'Fairytales can come true, you gotta make 'em happen, it all depends on you.' Tiana firmly believed that with determination, anyone could achieve their grandest dreams, a principle I became familiar with through my mother's real-life example. My mother, who had humble beginnings in Cameroon, recognized education as her path to success and seized the opportunity. She used her education to build a life in the United States. And driven by her belief in uplifting others, she selflessly prioritized the needs of friends and family. I witnessed her invest countless hours and resources into supporting others, often going above and beyond at work until midnight. Her hard work enabled me to live a more comfortable life than she had. Upon entering high school, to honor the role models I admire—Tiana and my mother—I strive to use my capabilities to pursue my dreams while also assisting others along the way. In any setting, be it social or academic, I absorb the knowledge others have to offer and contribute my insights. This approach has allowed me to help my peers when they struggled with subjects I was familiar with and to expand my knowledge in areas I was not. Inspired by these experiences, I developed a keen interest in computer science and product design/development. Accordingly, I actively sought out programs like Kode with Klossy’s Machine Learning and UC San Diego’s Introduction to Swift programming course. Within those programs, I had the opportunity to act as a group manager in designing a minimum viable digital electronic image classification app and design an electronic device that utilized multiple sensors (EX: temperature and ultraviolet light) to assist beginner planters. I followed newsletters and blogs to stay updated on the latest advancements in machine learning and changes in the dynamics of the tech industry. I understand the use of many free opportunities to learn more about my interests, such as the ones provided at my schools such as the Robotics Club and Society of Computer Scientists. In my pursuit of possibly following along a career pathway in computer science and product design/development, I want to acquire the qualifications and knowledge that only a college-level education and certification would provide. If I receive this scholarship, the funds would directly contribute to covering my college tuition and necessary living expenses. Though I do expect my interests to change as I age, I currently have an eager desire to receive a college-level education in subjects similar to computer science and product design. Attending college would allow me to work alongside like-minded peers and build a network of people who help each other build well-rounded experiences in their interests. In closing, I stand on the shoulders of two incredible women who have shaped my values and aspirations. From Tiana, I learned the power of determination and self-belief, while my mother's relentless commitment to education and uplifting others has taught me the importance of giving back. Receiving this money would be a pivotal step in helping me continue the legacy of strength, determination, and compassion that my single mother has passed down to me.

When I was only three years old, I watched the animated musical adaptation of 'The Princess and the Frog.' As a young black girl raised by a single mother, I saw myself in Tiana and embraced the film's morals, which continue to resonate with me to this day. The movie featured numerous songs, each sharing different lessons, from friendship to true love. However, Tiana's solo song 'Almost There' left the strongest impression on me: 'Fairytales can come true, you gotta make 'em happen, it all depends on you.' Tiana firmly believed that with determination, anyone could achieve their grandest dreams, a principle I became familiar with through my mother's real-life example. My mother, who had humble beginnings in Cameroon, recognized education as her path to success and seized the opportunity. She used her education to build a life in the United States. And driven by her belief in uplifting others, she selflessly prioritized the needs of friends and family. I witnessed her invest countless hours and resources into supporting others, often going above and beyond at work until midnight. Her hard work enabled me to live a more comfortable life than she had. Upon entering high school, to honor the role models I admire—Tiana and my mother—I strive to use my capabilities to pursue my dreams while also assisting others along the way. In any setting, be it social or academic, I absorb the knowledge others have to offer and contribute my insights. This approach has allowed me to help my peers when they struggled with subjects I was familiar with and to expand my knowledge in areas I was not. Inspired by these experiences, I developed a keen interest in computer science and product design/development. Accordingly, I actively sought out programs like Kode with Klossy’s Machine Learning and UC San Diego’s Introduction to Swift programming course. Within those programs, I had the opportunity to act as a group manager in designing a minimum viable digital electronic image classification app and design an electronic device that utilized multiple sensors (EX: temperature and ultraviolet light) to assist beginner planters. I followed newsletters and blogs to stay updated on the latest advancements in machine learning and changes in the dynamics of the tech industry. I understand the use of many free opportunities to learn more about my interests, such as the ones provided at my schools such as the Robotics Club and Society of Computer Scientists. In my pursuit of possibly following along a career pathway in computer science and product design/development, I want to acquire the qualifications and knowledge that only a college-level education and certification would provide. If I receive this scholarship, the funds would directly contribute to covering my college tuition and necessary living expenses. Though I do expect my interests to change as I age, I currently have an eager desire to receive a college-level education in subjects similar to computer science and product design. Attending college would allow me to work alongside like-minded peers and build a network of people who help each other build well-rounded experiences in their interests. In closing, I stand on the shoulders of two incredible women who have shaped my values and aspirations. From Tiana, I learned the power of determination and self-belief, while my mother's relentless commitment to education and uplifting others has taught me the importance of giving back. Receiving this money would be a pivotal step in helping me continue the legacy of strength, determination, and compassion that my single mother has passed down to me.