If there is one thing I’ve learned about the technology career field, it’s that black women are NOT the face of it. If my father was not within the IT field, himself, I never would’ve thought I could’ve used this passion for my career. I want to change this for future young, black girls with aspirations in things they do not usually represent, not only in the STEM field. I will use the position I obtain to make the way easier for other black girls. I was a girl who, like most kids, grew up with many different aspirations. I wanted to be everything I could ever be and I was ready to work for it. I enjoyed the luxury of dreaming for as long as I could before I faced the reality of my situation. Me and my family simply did not have the means for me to do what I wanted. I went through the first few years of my life without my father in my life because he was residing in Nigeria. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, I was watching my mother provide and nurture 3 kids on her own. To say we struggled would be an understatement, but my mother never let us know. I vividly remember a family meeting when I was 5 in which my mother broke down for the first time over our financial state. When my father was finally able to rejoin the family, it was still no easy feat. He struggled to find work as an older man, despite constantly working to obtain more qualifications in IT. With our shared interest in computer science, what he wants most is for me to be able to excel in Computer Science since I am in a better position being in this country to start in and having early exposure. I was blessed to be able to go to a STEM-based high school and be introduced to all things Computer Science from a young age. But even with the exposure I’ve had, it would all be a waste without the ability to continue school. That being said, with this scholarship, I’d be able to continue down a path my father could not complete without the financial burden on me or my family. Growing up in a constant battle for survival, my academics were the only thing I had control over. I made sure to excel in everything I did to make sure my parents' sacrifices were worth it. I was a straight-A student while also taking any leadership role I could in school and church. However, when I reached high school, I was suddenly thrust into an environment where every student had a 4.0 GPA and even more experience in STEM. I quickly realized I was out of my league and the lack of resources I had became evident. Despite this, I used this as motivation to work harder and obtained an internship during my senior year of high school. I have the knowledge and experience to do well, the only burden weighing on my shoulders is financial. Receiving the Minority/Women in STEM scholarship would not only be an honor but also a testament to the importance of diversity and representation in the STEM field. Being able to continue my education and continue my journey of improvement while also creating opportunities for other WOC is something I would forever be grateful for. I am ready and eager to make a significant difference in the computer science field and the general community. Thank you for your consideration.