Growing up in a trailer park in a small neighborhood outside of Atlanta, I was familiar with struggle. I saw people around me working hard to get by, and I understood early on what it meant to live with limitations. But when I began volunteering with an organization called Food4Lives Atlanta, my perspective shifted in a way I didn’t expect. I wasn’t just witnessing hardship—I was stepping directly into the heart of it. And in doing so, I discovered something even more powerful: the strength of community, the power of compassion, and a deeper sense of hope for the future. Food4Lives works to serve food to homeless individuals in downtown Atlanta. It sounds simple at first—passing out meals to people in need—but it’s so much more than that. I remember my first day clearly. I stood on a street corner in the heart of the city, surrounded by the beauty of towering buildings, flashing lights, and the constant buzz of life. It was the side of Atlanta that’s full of promise and ambition, the one most people think of when they imagine the “big city.” But just across that promise, I saw another side—the side most people overlook. The line of people waiting for food seemed endless. Some looked tired, others looked ashamed, and many looked like they hadn’t had a real conversation in days. As I handed out meals, one by one, I realized that what we were doing wasn’t just about feeding people—it was about seeing them. Recognizing their existence. Reminding them, and ourselves, that they matter. What impacted me the most was how grateful people were—not just for the food, but for the simple fact that someone showed up for them. People smiled, thanked us, and even shared parts of their stories. And while I was there to help them, I found that I was being changed, too. It reminded me that even in a world full of inequality and hardship, kindness still exists. People still care. And that’s what gives me hope for the future. Being part of this experience taught me that community isn’t just where you live—it’s how you show up for others. It’s about connection. It’s about resilience. I saw people who had so little still lifting each other up, still finding ways to smile, and still fighting for better days. That kind of strength stays with you. After college, no matter where my career in technology takes me, I want to stay rooted in that mindset. I want to use my skills not just to build a future for myself, but to be part of the solutions that help others, too. Volunteering with Food4Lives didn’t just show me the challenges in the world—it showed me the goodness that’s still out there. And it taught me that real change starts when we decide to care—not in theory, but in action.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved creating things—whether it was crafting wild adventures with LEGO minifigures or writing stories that only I ever saw. I always wanted to make something that meant something. For a long time, I thought that meant becoming a filmmaker. And while that dream still lives somewhere in me, I’ve found a new path—one that’s more stable, but just as full of possibility. I’m pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems because I believe that technology, when used the right way, can make people’s lives better—and I want to be a part of that. I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming and isolating life can feel, especially for young people who are just trying to find their way. I’ve been there myself, questioning my future, doubting my passions, and wondering if I’d ever find a place where I belong. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of how important connection, support, and purpose really are. I want to use the tools I gain in college not just to get a job, but to help others find their place too. After college, I hope to work in tech—not just behind a screen writing code, but in a space where I can help people, businesses, and communities use technology to thrive. Whether that means creating systems that make everyday life more efficient or working on software that helps nonprofits reach those in need, I want to work on projects that matter. Technology shapes the world we live in, and I want to be someone who helps shape it for the better. Outside of the classroom, I try to make a difference by simply being someone others can turn to. Whether it’s offering advice to a classmate, creating videos that bring people together online, or just being honest about my own struggles, I think kindness and openness go a long way. I plan to carry that mindset into everything I do after college. No matter how advanced technology becomes, people still need other people. And I want to be someone who uses both tech and empathy to solve problems and bring people together. In the future, I also hope to support the next generation the way I’ve been supported—through mentorship, encouragement, and maybe even scholarship funding of my own one day. I’ve been inspired by the people and organizations who believe in students like me, and I want to pay that forward. Whether it’s through my career, creative projects, or simply being a positive force in someone’s life, I plan to make my community better by showing up, staying curious, and never losing that drive to build something meaningful. Because to me, building a better world isn’t about doing something huge all at once. It’s about using your skills, your story, and your heart—little by little—to make something worth being proud of.