I had two major disorders that made me different from the others: dystonia, a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, and scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. Other things that set me apart from others are my constant drooling due to difficulties with controlling saliva, walking unusually because of muscle stiffness, being slow at everything, and difficulties with talking clearly because of speech challenges. I was brought into this world on the vibrant island of Java, the heart of the lesser-known archipelago nation of Indonesia in Southeast Asia. My dad was a hard-working engineer who provided money to my otherwise underprivileged family, whereas my mom was a stay-at-home individual who provided love and nurtured me every day. My family made a tough choice by leaving my home country to a place on the other side of the world, the United States of America. I hoped that modern American technologies could induce a better me and offer solutions for the disorders that set me apart from others. The solutions didn't provide the significant improvement I had anticipated, as they only came with a 10% guarantee of success, leaving approximately 90% of my condition unaffected. Despite this, my parents always saw me as exceptional, like a shining star amidst the darkness. As I attended Elementary School, I mentally prepared for a potential backlash due to the disorders I have; however, to my surprise, people actually like me. My friendly nature made it easy to establish connections and make friends despite my struggles to communicate like everyone else. I faced some hardships and struggles when it came to speaking clearly, as English was my second language. I have a sister who understands my unique language and has become my closest and most understanding companion. Two things that I truly loved to learn were science and history. Science captivated me because I loved how these different elements of the world can interact and influence lives around us. History appealed to me because I’ve always loved how past events and decisions can influence the world we live in right now. By learning Science and History exceedingly well, I'm able to expand my already growing knowledge and fully understand the grasp of both worlds. People with disabilities have characteristics, such as perspectives and talents, that enable them to be significantly involved in this ever-growing community. Their creativity and determination can create an environment they can thrive. Receiving this scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial struggles my family faces as they dedicate countless hours to support me. As someone living with dystonia, scoliosis, autism, and speech delay, I require consistent care and specialized needs that come with a disadvantage, cost-wise. My parents have always been there for me, but the ability to cover these costs has become increasingly challenging. The financial strain of supervising both my medical needs and daily life is overwhelming. This scholarship would provide crucial support, allowing my family to focus on my well-being without the constant stress of financial instability. It would allow me to pursue my educational and personal goals, which I am very much passionate about, despite the challenges I face. With proper support, I know I can achieve success and contribute positively to my community. The funds from this scholarship would help guarantee that I have the tools and opportunities needed to succeed, both academically and in my personal development. Ultimately, this scholarship would give me hope, supporting the belief that no matter the challenges, there is always a way forward with the right support.

Growing up with a neurological disorder, physical limitations, and challenges in communication has shaped my educational journey and participation in school and community activities. I require specialized care, therapy, and adaptive tools, which often limited my ability to participate in class or extracurricular activities. At times, my condition led to isolation and difficulty in engaging socially. However, these challenges have also taught me resilience and problem solving. With the unwavering support of my family, I have learned to adapt by using technology to overcome obstacles and stay engaged in my education. As someone with autism, multiple scoliosis, and a speech impairment, my unique identity has profoundly shaped my desire to pursue a STEM degree. Growing up, I often faced challenges in accessing the same resources and opportunities as my peers, particularly in educational settings. Technology, however, has always been a source of tools like speech to text software and adaptive devices helped me communicate and engage with learning in ways that were otherwise difficult. These experiences ignited my passion for STEM, particularly in the fields of software engineering and accessibility. I want to create technology that bridges gaps for people with disabilities, just as technology has done for me. My journey has shown me how crucial inclusive innovation is, and I’m driven to use my skills to make a lasting impact, ensuring others with disabilities have the tools they need to succeed. This personal connection fuels my commitment to a STEM career focused on accessibility and social good. Despite these personal circumstances, I have developed a deep passion for accessible technology and aspire to create solutions that help others facing similar challenges. These experiences have shaped my determination to succeed and contribute to the community in meaningful ways. My career goal is to become a software engineer focused on creating accessible technology that empowers individuals with disabilities. Living with autism, multiple scoliosis, and a speech impairment, I have faced the challenges of limited accessibility firsthand. This experience drives my passion to develop tools that improve communication, mobility, and independence for others with similar conditions. I plan to use my engineering degree to design software, apps, and devices that cater to diverse needs, ensuring technology is inclusive for all. By combining my technical skills with personal experience, I aim to lead projects that make technology more intuitive and accessible, enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Ultimately, I hope to work for a company that prioritizes social impact, helping create a world where everyone has equal access to the opportunities technology provides.