Reading the “Ode to Millennials-Gen Z”, I felt an immediate resonance. Being at the intersection of these two generations and navigating the world of technology as a Computer Science student, I’ve witnessed first-hand the challenges and the transformative spirit of my peers. The ode paints a vivid portrait of two worlds: the bygone era of the Greatest Generation and the modern realm of Millennials and Gen Z. As I delved deeper into the text, memories of my journey as David Tejuosho were invoked. The ode speaks of our rendezvous with destiny. Indeed, as Millennials-Gen Z, we face formidable challenges, from economic uncertainties to global warming. While at Google, I worked on projects ensuring equity, and at Johnson & Johnson, I built libraries to aid clinical trial audits. These experiences gave me a glimpse into the vastness of our challenges and the innovations we’re devising to address them. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, the ode highlights our unwavering spirit. The economic and societal burdens are ones we’ve had to shoulder, much like the Greatest Generation before us. It's not just about the workplace. I recall my experiences as a cross-country runner during my freshman year and as a writer for The Teen Magazine. Each venture was different, yet they all required a certain adaptability and resilience – the very essence of my generation. Our predecessors had their tools: letters, telephones, radios. We have ours: smartphones, AI, cloud computing. When the ode mentions the puzzlement of older generations at our tech savviness, I can’t help but smile. I remember my parents' astonishment as I tweaked algorithms for a cargo-offloading robot or designed software for Google Classroom's mobile app. Perhaps what stands out most is the ode's mention of our hope and excitement about life. Despite the “sickness of school loans” and a “sickened tax structure,” our spirits remain undeterred. Every hackathon I’ve been to, every coding challenge I’ve faced, I’ve witnessed this very enthusiasm. At HackMIT 2023, my peers and I collaborated to design an application that aids in mastering character writing in different languages. This ingenuity isn’t just about technology; it's a testament to our generation's boundless optimism. Yet, it isn’t about outshining our predecessors or proving our mettle. It's about understanding, as the ode rightly points out, that we are “our elders in universe time.” We hold the torch handed over by previous generations. Our journey, like theirs, is marked by trials. But we face them head-on, armed with innovation and a vision for a brighter future. The “Ode to Millennials-Gen Z” isn't just a comparison between two generations. It’s a tribute to the enduring human spirit. Will we be the “Greatest Generation 2.0”? Only time will tell. However, given our resilience, adaptability, and the bridges we’re building with technology, I’m optimistic. As I continue my journey in the tech realm, I carry with me the ethos of my generation: to face our rendezvous with destiny and shape a world that celebrates unity, progress, and hope.

In a world driven by rapid technological advancement, the concept of "revolution" becomes both a desire and a necessity. As a junior in Computer Science, my journey has been marked by adapting to constant change, but there is one area where the revolution is still at its dawn: accessible and equitable educational technology. Growing up as a first generation computer science student, I've witnessed first-hand the disparities in access to quality education. In my internship at Google, while working on the Classroom Assignment Workflow team, I was exposed to how technology could potentially bridge the educational divide. But the divide still exists. Students from marginalized communities often lack the means to access quality educational platforms or even the basic infrastructure to support online learning. The current educational tech, although groundbreaking, often assumes that its end-users have the privilege of continuous internet connectivity and high-tech devices. Imagine a revolution where educational platforms are not just cloud-based but also offline-friendly. Envision AI-driven learning modules that adapt to a student's pace and available resources. As someone who has felt the exhilarating comfort of modern amenities and the great distress of basic challenges, I can't help but imagine how revolutionary it would be to have educational platforms that mold themselves according to the student's immediate environment, resources, and learning pace. But beyond the software, there's a hardware revolution awaiting too. During my tenure at Johnson & Johnson, I worked with the R&D's intelligent automation team. The skills acquired there made me wonder: what if we had cost - effective, self - assembling hardware modules for students in remote areas? Think of it as educational tech's equivalent to modular smartphones – components that students could assemble based on their immediate learning needs. This vision might seem far-fetched to some, but if there's anything my journey has taught me, it's the power of resilience and innovation. From running cross country to exploring the vast world of tech with giants like Google and Johnson & Johnson, every experience has taught me that change is inevitable, but revolutions are intentional. And as someone who has been both a beneficiary and contributor to technological advances, I can't help but imagine a world where every student, irrespective of their background, has access to tailored educational resources. This is the revolution I envision, and with the support of platforms like Loupe, I am hopeful it's a vision we can achieve together.

From the streets of Marraraba in Nigeria to the bustling tech hubs in New York, my journey has been one of transformation, and I owe much of this evolution to the invaluable power of education. The legacy of Hyacinth Malcolm resonates deeply with me. Like her, I too hail from a challenging background, but I've always believed that education is the key to unlocking boundless possibilities. The Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship would be more than just financial assistance for me; it would be a testament to the belief that education can truly transform lives, a sentiment I've held dear throughout my journey. The world of Computer Science, which I ardently tread, is vast and rapidly evolving. As a junior at the University of Louisville, every day brings forth an opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of the digital world. From my experiences at Google, where I had the privilege to develop features for the Google Classroom Mobile App that impacts millions worldwide, to my time at Johnson & Johnson, where I ventured into intelligent automation in the R&D sector, I've been consistently fueled by a passion to innovate and make a difference. However, challenges often accompany the path to success. Being a first-generation computer science student has brought its fair share of hurdles. My beginnings as an undocumented student presented financial challenges that seemed insurmountable at times. I know firsthand the profound difference that targeted support can make. Scholarships like the Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship provide not just monetary relief but also an emotional impetus – the understanding that someone believes in your dream as much as you do. The financial assistance from this scholarship would greatly alleviate the burdens of tuition and educational expenses, allowing me to focus intently on my academic endeavors and continue my pursuits in AI, cloud computing, and education technology. More than that, it would enable me to further immerse myself in collaborative projects, research initiatives, and extracurricular activities that align with my passion for problem-solving and innovation. My previous projects, like the Handwriting Teacher web app, which won HackMIT 2023, or the Trend Reports Generator, designed to analyze my school's student survey data, are just the beginning. With the support of this scholarship, I envision many more such impactful endeavors in the realm of technology. Furthermore, the principles of Hyacinth Malcolm, which revolve around empowering through education, mirror my own goals. Using the skills and knowledge I acquire, I hope to one day develop platforms and tools that democratize education, making it more accessible to individuals regardless of their backgrounds. In essence, my ultimate aspiration is to pay forward the benefits I've reaped from my own educational journey. The Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship would not merely be a means to fund my education but a symbol of perseverance, hope, and the transformative power of learning. With this support, I am confident that I can further hone my skills, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the world of technology while embodying the values and vision of Hyacinth Malcolm.

From the bustling streets of Wuse back in Nigeria to the vast digital frontier of modern tech, my journey, both personal and academic, has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. My name is David Tejuosho, a junior at the University of Louisville, specializing in Computer Science. My earliest memories are tinted with the heartbreak of losing my mother and the challenges of navigating a new life in boarding school at just nine years old. Later, as a teenager in the United States, the daunting challenge of adaptation presented itself once more. My family's socioeconomic constraints posed obstacles, from accessing valuable resources to experiencing the full depth of an American high school experience. However, in the midst of adversity, opportunities for growth emerged. Leveraging platforms like QuestBridge, I secured a full-ride education, opening doors to endless possibilities. My internships at global giants like Google and Johnson & Johnson, where I worked on projects impacting millions, aren't just professional milestones; they are emblematic of the strides I've taken from the socioeconomically constrained environment I was born into. Yet, the essence of Cheryl Twilley's legacy resonates deeply with me—not just in the challenges I've faced but in my commitment to serving others. It's clear that addressing socioeconomic adversity isn't just about individual success; it's about lifting communities. This understanding shapes my plans to leverage technology as a bridge to education and opportunity for those in similar situations. My vision is to develop accessible and affordable education platforms, targeting low-income communities, inspired by my work with Google's Classroom Assignment Workflow team. By leveraging AI and cloud computing, I aim to create digital classrooms where financial constraints aren't a barrier to quality education. Additionally, my experiences with mentorship, particularly guiding an undocumented student through college applications, underscore the importance of personal outreach. By establishing mentorship programs within tech companies, I hope to guide underrepresented minorities, like myself, through the often-daunting world of STEM, ensuring they have both the skills and the confidence to thrive. Socioeconomic adversity has sculpted my perspective, emphasizing the significance of community and collaboration. It's taught me that hardships aren't just personal hurdles but societal challenges that need collective solutions. Every software I develop, every student I mentor, and every project I undertake is fueled by a desire to ensure that others don't merely navigate adversity but thrive despite it. In pursuing the Cheryl Twilley Outreach Memorial Scholarship, I am not only seeking support for my own academic journey but also aligning myself with a legacy of generosity and outreach. I am committed to ensuring that Cheryl's legacy is not just remembered but actively built upon, creating a world where socioeconomic adversity is a challenge of the past, conquered by the collective spirit of community and innovation.

Every obstacle in my journey as a non-U.S. citizen pursuing education seemed like a mountain peak shrouded in fog, with paths riddled with pitfalls. As a first-generation computer science student and an undocumented learner, the roads less traveled became my everyday routes. Navigating the maze of the college application process, I often found doors of opportunities closing due to my undocumented status. The ecstatic highs of achieving academically often plunged into the lows of realizing that many institutions didn’t recognize my unique position. The statement, "100% financial need met," which brought solace to many, often excluded individuals like me. When I faced those obstacles, I didn't merely wish for a bridge; I decided to build one. After my personal experiences navigating the intricate college application maze, I embarked on a mission to make the journey smoother for others in my shoes. Recognizing that the primary challenge was a lack of consolidated information on admissions policies for students like me, I created a centralized information resource for undocumented students. My passion to drive this initiative led me to present it to the President's Alliance, resulting in a platform that would serve countless undocumented aspirants. My internships at Google and Johnson & Johnson were not mere lines on a resume, but symbolized triumph over adversity. Through projects that touched millions of users, I understood the potential of technology to level playing fields, creating opportunities for individuals irrespective of their backgrounds. My fascination with AI, cloud computing, and education technology springs from this realization and the belief that technology can foster inclusivity. My ambition is to lead innovations that ensure every aspiring student, regardless of their nationality or status, can harness the power of technology to realize their dreams. Pursuing post-secondary education for me is both a beacon and a tool. It symbolizes a world where boundaries can be transcended through determination and innovation. The knowledge and experiences I will gain will be the instruments with which I intend to shape a more inclusive tech landscape. I am fueled by the countless undocumented students still navigating the system, the mentors who've paved the way for aspirants like me, and a future where every learner has equitable access to opportunities. I seek the Dreamer's Midpoint Scholarship not merely as financial assistance, but as an affirmation that challenges can be converted into stepping stones. My pursuit of higher education is my testament to this belief and my commitment to creating bridges for those who follow.

**David Tejuosho's Application Essay for the Chadwick D. McNab Memorial Scholarship** Technology: it’s the connective tissue of our modern world, the driving force behind many of the rapid advancements we see around us. From my early days, I recognized the vast potential in computer science and its role in shaping the future. This vision inspired me to embark on various projects and internships that propelled me deeper into the world of technology. One project, in particular, stands out - not just for its complexity, but for its potential to revolutionize the way we learn languages. During HackMIT 2023, my team and I developed "Handwriting Teacher", a web app aimed at helping individuals master character writing in various languages. This wasn't just any ordinary language teaching tool; it combined the power of the GPT model and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to parse user input, score their handwriting, and provide instantaneous feedback. As someone who deeply values education and the ability to communicate across cultures, this project was close to my heart. We saw it not only as a tool for learning but as a bridge connecting diverse worlds, fostering understanding, and promoting unity. The experience was both challenging and exhilarating. To see our idea morph from a rough sketch on paper to a fully functioning application, winning HackMIT, was a testament to the transformative power of technology and collaboration. Working in technology has not just been about coding or creating applications for me; it's about shaping visions into reality. My internships at tech giants like Google and Johnson & Johnson have taught me that technology is more than just lines of code. It's about solving real-world problems, improving systems, and ultimately making the world a better place. At Google, I worked on enhancing the Google Classroom Mobile App, ensuring equity for users worldwide, and developing new features that streamline the education process for teachers and students alike. What drives me is not the code itself, but the impact it can make. In my vision for the future, I see myself leveraging the skills and experiences I’ve garnered to bridge the gap between technology and community needs. As Chadwick D. McNab championed growth and progress in the tech community, I too hope to inspire and uplift others, using technology as my medium. Now, as a student at the University of Louisville and with the world at my fingertips, I see boundless opportunities to integrate technology into community development. I envision developing applications that simplify access to resources in underserved communities or perhaps creating platforms that encourage collaboration and innovation among young tech enthusiasts. One specific idea is an educational platform tailored for students in regions with limited resources. By leveraging cloud computing and AI, we can customize learning experiences, allowing students to learn at their pace and according to their strengths. But it's not just about the global community; I’m also dedicated to effecting change at a local level. Inspired by my work on the Presidents' Alliance project, I plan to introduce a mentorship program at my university, linking experienced tech students with newcomers, ensuring everyone has the support they need to succeed. Technology, to me, represents endless horizons. It's a canvas waiting to be painted, a story waiting to be written. With the support of the Chadwick D. McNab Scholarship, I aim to dive deeper, explore further, and create solutions that not only push the boundaries of what’s possible in technology but also make our world a better place.

Growing up in a blend of environments, from the bustling streets of Nigeria to the structured avenues of the U.S., I've always been akin to a chameleon, adapting and evolving. Just like this adaptable reptile, I have faced the sweltering challenges of being a first-generation student and an immigrant, seamlessly blending into various educational and cultural ecosystems. My personal mantra has always been, "adapt and uplift." It is this philosophy that I believe aligns with Trees for Tuition's ethos of uplifting each other. My journey in Computer Science, from internships at globally renowned corporations like Google and Johnson & Johnson to academic projects impacting real-world scenarios, has been about more than just coding. It's about leveraging technology to create solutions that can change lives. I've learned that the power of technology is vast, but its impact is determined by the intention behind its application. I am currently harnessing this power by developing technological solutions that bridge the informational gap for non-citizen U.S. residents like refugees and DACA recipients. My project with the President’s Alliance on Higher Ed and Immigration aims to streamline and centralize critical information that undocumented students require for higher education access. This is not just another project; it's a testament to my commitment to community upliftment. It's personal, inspired by my struggles and challenges, and it's my way of giving back, ensuring others do not face the same hurdles I once did. Post-college, my vision is grand yet clear. I aspire to merge my passion for problem-solving and technology to address systemic issues in our education system, particularly those faced by marginalized communities. I want to build platforms that offer resources, mentorship, and support to these students, making education truly inclusive and accessible. Be it through AI-driven personalized learning solutions, cloud computing for efficient resource allocation, or ed-tech innovations that break barriers; my goal is to redefine what education means in the digital age. Moreover, it's not just dreams about the future. I plan to stay actively involved in my current initiatives, scaling and expanding them, ensuring they reach every student who needs them. My personal challenges – from the loss of my mother at a tender age to my struggles with ADHD – have shaped my perspective. These challenges didn't deter me; they propelled me to strive harder, learn more, and aim to be a beacon of hope for others. I've always believed in the idea of "rising by lifting others." This scholarship is not just about easing my educational journey; it's about amplifying my efforts, multiplying the impact, and ensuring that as I rise, I take my community along.

“Why are you like this? You should change.” As a kid, I hated myself. I hated how I looked, how I sounded; how I spoke, how I acted; how I felt, who I was. “You’re noisy.” I wanted to not be myself so bad, I hardly could recognize who I was; I lost my self-being and personality and was happy about it. “You’re annoying.” Masking became my life so much that I began to feel like I didn’t have a real personality. I had different accents when talking to different people, different slang, different demeanor; I was always a whole different person. I wasn’t masking my ADHD; I was masking who I was. “Why can’t you just be normal?” At least I would fit in? “You should just be yourself.” No. No, I wouldn’t. “He has a lot of potential. If only he applied himself, he’d be our best student.” Even in the classroom, I’d wonder why I would always find myself distracted or doing homework at the last minute—or not at all. I had no problem with learning and exams; in fact, it was always so easy for me, I’d never had to study to ace the exams. Regularly getting the best test scores in my grade but failing to turn in homework. “You’re always late.” I had no support systems and accommodations asides the physical and emotional abuse casually inflicted on me by my teachers while in boarding school in Nigeria. “You’re lazy.” Something was wrong with me; I was brought up understanding that, believing that. When my family moved to the US away from a space where mental health is stigmatized worse than the plague, I learned about the existence of neurodiversity. I thought I was, maybe, autistic or bipolar but had nobody to talk to about it. I remember watching the “Failing at Normal” YouTube video about a woman with ADHD and deciding to learn more about ADHD. I had ADHD; I was sure of it. However, it wasn’t until I was 18 years old, when I could sign all the consent papers without my parents that I finally got diagnosed for what I had known for over a year. I felt like I finally had a scapegoat for everything I hated about myself. I immediately searched for, and found, many ADHD communities on Twitter, Reddit, Discord and even Slack. Most important of all, I could now learn how to accommodate myself for success and had a community to support me, give me advice and listen/relate to me—people I didn’t have to mask to. It wasn’t the end of my struggles; it was the beginning of my acceptance. My baby sister is 10 years old, and it is apparent she also has ADHD. Using my experience with constant negative reinforcement, I make effort to myself use and educate my parents on positive behavior support. Nevertheless, I think to where I would be if I was still in Nigeria with no knowledge of even the existence of ADHD. I imagine the lives of millions of Nigerians living with ADHD, and, even more so, the protentional 10s of millions around the world who hate themselves because they live in a space where who they are is hidden and stigmatized. With this scholarship and my college education, my number one goal is to reach those people. To reach the neglected people who have to go their entire life masking away.

“That sounds like a great idea!” Miriam, the co-founder and executive director of the Presidents’ Alliance, said. “We’d be happy to host it on our website.” No sweeter words had been sung to my ears. I almost couldn’t resist the urge to jump and scream—an act that would have undoubtedly left me with a torn suit and a dazed audience. This was a milestone in October to a journey that began in June. Rejection after rejection after rejection. My college reaches had shown me why they are called reaches. I had no backup plan. Not because I didn’t apply to safeties—I applied to multiple—but because I was an undocumented student. When most schools said “100% financial need meet,” they didn’t mean me. I was not eligible for their scholarships or grants or loans or work-study. In April, as a low-income student, my chances of going to college weren’t looking good. After about a week of wallowing in self-pity, I decided to begin my college search and application process again—from scratch—with the small number of schools that were still accepting applications. I searched through the jungle of information, much of which was not publicly available information, for specific policies on undocumented students. After a mentally destabilizing time for me, I secured admissions with a fairly affordable cost of attendance. Regardless, my experience was not fun. It was unduly burdening, and I was determined to ensure other students like me didn’t go through what I did. I began by mentoring a fellow but junior undocumented student through the application process. While the experience was good, with her having just received a full-ride admission to Washington University in St. Louis, I felt like I could and should reach more students. Late in June, I realized that the biggest problem for me was information and misinterpretation of admissions/financial aid policy. Having discussed with my friends, this wasn’t a me problem. Thousands of students around the country were most likely struggling with the same problem. I decided that to tackle the problem, I would create a centralized database/information resource for undocumented students. I got to work immediately, extracting the emails for admissions offices for a few hundred schools to an excel sheet, creating the questions to be asked, designing the webpage where the information would be displayed, and finally reaching out to the schools whose contact information I had. Using mail merge, I sent personalized emails to schools, stored replies in an excel sheet in the same workbook, and created an access query to merge relevant information. I then exported the information to a text file and created a program to extract the information from the text into HTML files for each school. I then created a presentation and reached out to schedule a meeting with the President's Alliance, and there I was, pitching the plan I had conceptualized and was executing myself. There are many ways to exhibit leadership. Taking the initiative is my way.

“So, I told you to shut up and you did?” My dad yelled, paying little mind to the fact that we were at the airport. It had become routine to be scolded publicly by my dad, who raised me with an iron hand. I couldn’t blame him, I was pretty exasperating as a child, since I frequently broke things and could never settle down. “You were trying to remind me, why didn't you say it straight?” my dad said angrily, and I imagined my mum being there, what she’d say or do. Not any more lenient than my dad, my mum was, at the very least, understanding. The last time I saw her is etched in my memory as the worst day of my life. The day I realized that tears ran from an endless well of grief. It isn’t so much a distant memory to me. I can remember my sheer helplessness whilst crying, as the neighbours rushed to rescue my mum, sister, and aunt from our home engulfed in flames. It was a turning point in my life, as it brought out the hidden melancholy in my sanguine nature. Many times, I’d blame myself for not being there. It changed me, but it gave me ‘my first ambition.’  For years, I was in a state of denial. I wanted, so much, to change what had happened. I was going to build a time machine! I commenced my first self-project at age nine with nothing but my toxic motivation, in the form of denial. I researched Einstein’s contributions and modelled Edison’s perseverance; despite being a 5th grader, the effort made me advance far ahead of my level in maths and physical sciences. This gave me a major advantage in STEM-related subjects during my middle and high school years. During this period, I cultivated my Extreme Ambition: all my life afterwards, I’ve aimed so high that even by failing, I’d have gained something. By shooting for the moon, even if I’d miss, I’d fall among the stars.  My dad had run out of words to scold me with and there was a deafening silence between us as we boarded the plane. Furthermore, there was an error and we were assigned seats apart which was good. Time always healed tension between my dad, who is prone to act on immediate emotion, and I. I got a window seat and as we took off, I glanced once more at my country, the only home I’d ever known. My glance extended to a stare and I struggled to think of a justifiable reason for my departure in an attempt to clear my conscience. I thought of those who came first in competitions I was second in, and those who hit a bullseye on the moon whilst I fell among the stars. I wondered why I left when they stayed, and in a steadying moment of clarity, I realized why I was on that plane. it came back to me why I was on my way to a foreign land, and why I was leaving all that I loved: to achieve something greater. An outstanding education was my moon, and this was me taking my shot. I couldn’t control their decisions, but I could control mine, and I decided: I was leaving to succeed, to make sure no one from my country ever has to leave their home in order to achieve greatness again.  I think back to that day and now remember why I stopped working on my time machine: If I could change anything in the past, I wouldn’t change a second; because every part of it made me who I am today and continues to make who I become tomorrow.

Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Those are the words of my biggest role model: Thomas Edison. The mad man of creativity, innovation and ambition that I want to be.