Being a first-generation college student means a lot to me because I know that I am walking into a world that my family has not experienced before. There is no family roadmap telling me exactly what classes to take, what questions to ask, or how to handle every situation that comes with college. A lot of the time, I have had to figure things out as I go. Even though that can be scary, it has also taught me how to advocate for myself, ask for help, and keep going when I do not have all the answers. My transition into college has not been perfect. I have had challenges with registering for classes, getting answers from advisors, and trying to understand everything that comes with starting college. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and frustrated because I was trying to figure out things that I had never experienced before. I could have let those moments discourage me, but instead, I kept reaching out, asking questions, and finding ways to move forward. Those experiences have taught me that not knowing something does not mean I cannot learn it. My dream is to become a biomedical engineer and use my Electrical and Computer Engineering degree to create technology for hospitals that can help doctors and nurses and, most importantly, help save lives. I want to create things that have a real purpose. I want to look at something I helped design and know that it could make someone's life better. That goal is what keeps me motivated when things get difficult. I am also driven by wanting to see more people who look like me in engineering and technology. As a young Black woman, I do not always see many people like me in these fields, and I want to change that. I want young Black girls to see my journey and know that they belong in STEM too. I want to prove to myself and others that where you come from does not limit where you can go. This scholarship would help me continue my education and take some of the financial pressure off while I work toward my degree. More importantly, it would be an investment in my future and in the impact I hope to make. I am not expecting my journey to be easy, but I am determined to keep learning, growing, and pushing forward. Being a first-generation student means I am creating my own path, and I hope one day someone else will be able to follow the path I helped create.

I am interested in Electrical and Computer Engineering because I have always liked figuring out how things work and finding ways to make things better. I enjoy the combination of technology, creativity, and problem-solving that comes with engineering. My long-term goal is to use my degree to become a biomedical engineer and create technology for hospitals that can help doctors and nurses do their jobs better and, most importantly, help save more lives. I want to create things that have a real purpose instead of just creating something because I can. I have also become really interested in how technology like AI can help people learn and solve problems. I have learned that AI can be useful when it is used the right way, especially when you ask it to break complicated information down, help you think through a problem, or look at something from a different perspective. It has taught me to think more outside of the box and has made me even more interested in learning how technology works and eventually creating my own solutions. The impact I hope to make goes beyond just my career. As a young Black woman going into engineering, I know I may not always see a lot of people who look like me in the spaces I want to be in. Instead of letting that discourage me, it motivates me. I want to show other young Black girls that they belong in engineering, technology, and STEM. I want my work to help people while also showing others that their background does not determine how far they can go. One of the biggest adversities I have had to overcome has been learning how to advocate for myself and keep moving forward when I did not always have the answers or support I needed. My transition into college has not always been easy. I have had to deal with uncertainty around classes, registration, and figuring out college responsibilities while still trying to stay focused on my future. There have been times when I felt like I was trying to figure everything out on my own, but I learned that I cannot let a difficult situation make me give up on something I really want. Those experiences have made me more independent, patient, and determined. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I also know that I am willing to put in the work. My goal is to use my education to build technology that can make a difference in healthcare and hopefully save lives, while also making it easier for the next young Black girl to believe that she can do the same.

I chose Electrical and Computer Engineering because it combines many of the things I enjoy, like technology, creativity, problem-solving, and being able to create things that can actually help people. My goal is to use my degree as a foundation to become a biomedical engineer and create technology that can be used in hospitals to help doctors, nurses, and patients. I want my work to have a purpose and hopefully help save more lives. Whether that means creating medical devices, improving hospital technology, or developing new systems that can make healthcare better, I want to be part of creating those solutions. One thing that has really changed the way I think about technology is learning how helpful AI can be when it is used the right way. I have learned that AI is not just about getting an answer. It can help break complicated things down so they are easier to understand, help you look at a problem from different perspectives, and improve your thought process when using critical thinking. It has also helped me think outside of the box and broaden my skills and ideas. I want to take what I have learned from using AI and eventually understand how it works well enough to create my own technology and applications. As I continue my education, I want to build my skills in programming, engineering, AI, and machine learning and learn how these areas can work together with healthcare. I want to be able to take an idea and turn it into something real that can solve a problem. I especially want to create technology that can make a difference in hospitals and improve the way people receive care. Even if the technology I create helps one person, I would know that the work I put into my education had a purpose. I’m being very honest when I say that, as a young Black woman, I don't see a lot of people who look like me in engineering and technology. That is part of the reason I am pursuing this field. I want my journey to make space for other people who are like me or come from similar backgrounds. I want young Black girls to see someone like them in engineering and know that they belong in these spaces too. I want them to know that they should not let anyone make them feel like they are not capable of being successful in a field they are passionate about. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself. I want to use everything I learn to create technology that can help people and potentially save lives. I want to leave college not only with a degree, but with the skills, confidence, and experience to build things that matter. I hope that one day I can look at something being used in a hospital and know that I helped create it, knowing that my work could make someone's life better or even help save their life.

My experience with AI and machine learning has mainly been through learning how useful AI can be when it is used the right way. I have learned that AI is not just something that gives you an answer. It can also help you understand why something works by breaking complicated information down into smaller pieces that are easier to understand. I have found it especially helpful when I am trying to improve my critical thinking and look at a problem from a different point of view. Using AI has also taught me to think more outside of the box. Sometimes I may have an idea but not know how to develop it, and AI can help me look at it from different angles and broaden my thinking. I believe the most important part is still being able to think for yourself and use AI as a tool to improve your own thought process instead of depending on it to do everything for you. My hands-on experience with AI and machine learning is still growing, but I have always been interested in technology and how it can be used to create things that actually help people. As freshman majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering student at Texas Southern University, I want to learn more about programming, computer systems, and eventually AI and machine learning. I have also spent time coming up with ideas for technology projects and learning how different types of software and technology work, which has made me want to take my interests further. I know that I am still at the beginning of my journey with AI, but I see that as motivation instead of a limitation. I want to learn how to create my own programs and applications and understand what is happening behind the technology instead of just being someone who uses it. My goal is to eventually combine electrical and computer engineering with AI to create technology that can solve real-world problems. In the future, I hope to make an impact by creating technology that is useful, accessible, and makes people's lives easier. I am especially interested in becoming someone who can build and develop new ideas instead of only following what already exists. I know I have a lot more to learn, but I am willing to put in the work, learn from my mistakes, and keep improving. This scholarship would help me continue developing my education and skills so I can turn my interest in technology into something meaningful.

I am an enthusiastic leader in school. I have been treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, President of the African American Achievers for three years, as well as a cheerleader for three years. I have also been a member of the YES club and the Sisterhood, which have shaped my passion for community and young women. ​ I am aware of the importance of guidance and human contact, especially with the young youth today. It motivates me to listen, encourage, and help them see that a future is open to them, and I show my dedication to this but helping with the freshman bridge all four years to help incoming freshmen feel welcomed in our school, the week before school starts that their first day of high school isn't so nerve-racking. Getting to help new high schoolers makes me feel happy because I know that the bond I make with them will give them that confidence they need if they ever need to come to someone who has done this before, that they know, to help them or just to talk to. I tend to major in Biomedical Engineering. Honestly, I chose biomedical engineering because it has many of the things that I love to do such as a mix of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, all things that makes real things that can help people. I want my work to matter to the people around me. Whether that means inventing medical devices, making healthcare better, or helping people in different parts of the world, I want to be in the middle of it. The engineering programs are strong, and the community actually feels supportive and the school has a strong biomedical engineering. There’s a lot of involvement around campus and I know I will have so much growth at many colleges especially with the community engagement on campus. I want to walk away from college knowing how to build things and having the confidence to lead, especially when it comes to using engineering for social change in the black community. If I go with mechanical engineering, I’ll dive into designing tools, machines, and systems that make a difference within many communities that don’t always get the resources they need to be a thriving community. All while proving we are more than just a statistic to the education system. I’m being very honest when I say this as a young Black woman, I don’t see a lot of people like me in the engineering industry. That’s part of the reason as to why I’m doing this. I want my journey to make space for others that are like me or similar to me. I’m excited to build things that help people, but I also want to show young Black girls that they belong in this field too and don’t let a man tell you otherwise. I know that there are colleges that will give me the community, mentorship, and confidence I need to leave my mark. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself—it’s about showing others what’s possible through my work that I put in at school.

My name is Zamiyah Mays Growing up with many responsibilities at home such as cleaning, helping my mom cook, and looking after my younger sister while mom is at work, and balancing school and extracurricular activities all of this taught me about time management. These experiences also taught me patience, leadership, and dependability, which are qualities I carry with me wherever I go. I tend to major in Biomedical Engineering. Honestly, I chose biomedical engineering because it has many of the things that I love to do such as a mix of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, all things that makes real things that can help people. I want my work to matter to the people around me. Whether that means inventing medical devices, making healthcare better, or helping people in different parts of the world, I want to be in the middle of it. The engineering programs are strong, and the community actually feels supportive and the school has a strong biomedical engineering. There’s a lot of involvement around campus and I know I will have so much growth at many colleges especially with the community engagement on campus. I want to walk away from college knowing how to build things and having the confidence to lead, especially when it comes to using engineering for social change in the black community. If I go with mechanical engineering, I’ll dive into designing tools, machines, and systems that make a difference within many communities that don’t always get the resources they need to be a thriving community. All while proving we are more than just a statistic to the education system. I’m being very honest when I say this as a young Black woman, I don’t see a lot of people like me in the engineering industry. That’s part of the reason as to why I’m doing this. I want my journey to make space for others that are like me or similar to me. I’m excited to build things that help people, but I also want to show young Black girls that they belong in this field too and don’t let a man tell you otherwise. I know that there are colleges that will give me the community, mentorship, and confidence I need to leave my mark. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself—it’s about showing others what’s possible through my work that I put in at school.

My name is Zamiyah Mays and I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which has shaped many of the aspects I bring to any conversation when speaking about what happens in the real world, especially through my transition from private school to public school. When I moved, I went from being at the top of the class to struggling with my academics, this transition was very harsh on both my confidence and my self-esteem. However, I had to learn to adapt. As a result, this experience has taught me endurance, and the importance of supporting students who feel like they are falling behind and aren't being seen enough. ​ Growing up with many responsibilities at home such as cleaning, helping my mom cook, and looking after my younger sister while mom is at work, and balancing school and extracurricular activities all of this taught me about time management. These experiences also taught me patience, leadership, and dependability, which are qualities I carry with me wherever I go. ​ I am an enthusiastic leader in school. I have been treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, President of the African American Achievers for three years, as well as a cheerleader for three years. I have also been a member of the YES club and the Sisterhood, which have shaped my passion for community and young women. ​ I am aware of the importance of guidance and human contact, especially with the young youth today. It motivates me to listen, encourage, and help them see that a future is open to them, and I show my dedication to this but helping with the freshman bridge all four years to help incoming freshmen feel welcomed in our school, the week before school starts that their first day of high school isn't so nerve-racking. Getting to help new high schoolers makes me feel happy because I know that the bond I make with them will give them that confidence they need if they ever need to come to someone who has done this before, that they know, to help them or just to talk to. ​ I am the kind of person who loves to lift others up, and notices when someone is having a problem and tries to step in to help, and doesn’t judge. I care very strongly about my community and believe that real change begins with a united community working towards that kind of change. I will bring determination and the knowledge that no one should be treated differently because of where they come from, what language they speak or even their learning ability and you can do anything you put your mind to no matter how hard it may get.

My name is Zamiyah Mays and I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which has shaped many of the aspects I bring to any conversation when speaking about what happens in the real world, especially through my transition from private school to public school. When I moved, I went from being at the top of the class to struggling with my academics, this transition was very harsh on both my confidence and my self-esteem. However, I had to learn to adapt. As a result, this experience has taught me endurance, and the importance of supporting students who feel like they are falling behind and aren't being seen enough. ​ Growing up with many responsibilities at home such as cleaning, helping my mom cook, and looking after my younger sister while mom is at work, and balancing school and extracurricular activities all of this taught me about time management. These experiences also taught me patience, leadership, and dependability, which are qualities I carry with me wherever I go. ​ I am an enthusiastic leader in school. I have been treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, President of the African American Achievers for three years, as well as a cheerleader for three years. I have also been a member of the YES club and the Sisterhood, which have shaped my passion for community and young women. ​ I am aware of the importance of guidance and human contact, especially with the young youth today. It motivates me to listen, encourage, and help them see that a future is open to them, and I show my dedication to this but helping with the freshman bridge all four years to help incoming freshmen feel welcomed in our school, the week before school starts that their first day of high school isn't so nerve-racking. Getting to help new high schoolers makes me feel happy because I know that the bond I make with them will give them that confidence they need if they ever need to come to someone who has done this before, that they know, to help them or just to talk to. ​ I am the kind of person who loves to lift others up, and notices when someone is having a problem and tries to step in to help, and doesn’t judge. I care very strongly about my community and believe that real change begins with a united community working towards that kind of change I tend to major in Biomedical Engineering. Honestly, I chose biomedical engineering because it has many of the things that I love to do such as a mix of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, all things that makes real things that can help people. I want my work to matter to the people around me. Whether that means inventing medical devices, making healthcare better, or helping people in different parts of the world, I want to be in the middle of it. The engineering programs are strong, and the community actually feels supportive and the school has a strong biomedical engineering. There’s a lot of involvement around campus and I know I will have so much growth at many colleges especially with the community engagement on campus. I want to walk away from college knowing how to build things and having the confidence to lead, especially when it comes to using engineering for social change in the black community. If I go with mechanical engineering, I’ll dive into designing tools, machines, and systems that make a difference within many communities that don’t always get the resources they need to be a thriving community. All while proving we are more than just a statistic to the education system. I’m being very honest when I say this as a young Black woman, I don’t see a lot of people like me in the engineering industry. That’s part of the reason as to why I’m doing this. I want my journey to make space for others that are like me or similar to me. I’m excited to build things that help people, but I also want to show young Black girls that they belong in this field too and don’t let a man tell you otherwise. I know that there are colleges that will give me the community, mentorship, and confidence I need to leave my mark. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself—it’s about showing others what’s possible through my work that I put in at school.

My name is Zamiyah Mays and I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which has shaped many of the aspects I bring to any conversation when speaking about what happens in the real world, especially through my transition from private school to public school. When I moved, I went from being at the top of the class to struggling with my academics, this transition was very harsh on both my confidence and my self-esteem. However, I had to learn to adapt. As a result, this experience has taught me endurance, and the importance of supporting students who feel like they are falling behind and aren't being seen enough. ​ Growing up with many responsibilities at home such as cleaning, helping my mom cook, and looking after my younger sister while mom is at work, and balancing school and extracurricular activities all of this taught me about time management. These experiences also taught me patience, leadership, and dependability, which are qualities I carry with me wherever I go. ​ I am an enthusiastic leader in school. I have been treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, President of the African American Achievers for three years, as well as a cheerleader for three years. I have also been a member of the YES club and the Sisterhood, which have shaped my passion for community and young women. ​ I am aware of the importance of guidance and human contact, especially with the young youth today. It motivates me to listen, encourage, and help them see that a future is open to them, and I show my dedication to this but helping with the freshman bridge all four years to help incoming freshmen feel welcomed in our school, the week before school starts that their first day of high school isn't so nerve-racking. Getting to help new high schoolers makes me feel happy because I know that the bond I make with them will give them that confidence they need if they ever need to come to someone who has done this before, that they know, to help them or just to talk to. ​ I am the kind of person who loves to lift others up, and notices when someone is having a problem and tries to step in to help, and doesn’t judge. I care very strongly about my community and believe that real change begins with a united community working towards that kind of change. At Howard, I will bring determination and the knowledge that no one should be treated differently because of where they come from, what language they speak or even their learning ability and you can do anything you put your mind to no matter how hard it may get. ​ I hope to bring this energy to Howard University, a commitment of excellence, and a willingness to empower those around me. I am growing into a leader who is compassionate, driven, and community driven. I tend to major in Biomedical Engineering. Honestly, I chose biomedical engineering because it has many of the things that I love to do such as a mix of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, all things that makes real things that can help people. I want my work to matter to the people around me. Whether that means inventing medical devices, making healthcare better, or helping people in different parts of the world, I want to be in the middle of it. The engineering programs are strong, and the community actually feels supportive and the school has a strong biomedical engineering. There’s a lot of involvement around campus and I know I will have so much growth at many colleges especially with the community engagement on campus. I want to walk away from college knowing how to build things and having the confidence to lead, especially when it comes to using engineering for social change in the black community. If I go with mechanical engineering, I’ll dive into designing tools, machines, and systems that make a difference within many communities that don’t always get the resources they need to be a thriving community. All while proving we are more than just a statistic to the education system. I’m being very honest when I say this as a young Black woman, I don’t see a lot of people like me in the engineering industry. That’s part of the reason as to why I’m doing this. I want my journey to make space for others that are like me or similar to me. I’m excited to build things that help people, but I also want to show young Black girls that they belong in this field too and don’t let a man tell you otherwise. I know that there are colleges that will give me the community, mentorship, and confidence I need to leave my mark. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself—it’s about showing others what’s possible through my work that I put in at school.

My name is Zamiyah Mays and I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which has shaped many of the aspects I bring to any conversation when speaking about what happens in the real world, especially through my transition from private school to public school. When I moved, I went from being at the top of the class to struggling with my academics, this transition was very harsh on both my confidence and my self-esteem. However, I had to learn to adapt. As a result, this experience has taught me endurance, and the importance of supporting students who feel like they are falling behind and aren't being seen enough. ​ Growing up with many responsibilities at home such as cleaning, helping my mom cook, and looking after my younger sister while mom is at work, and balancing school and extracurricular activities all of this taught me about time management. These experiences also taught me patience, leadership, and dependability, which are qualities I carry with me wherever I go. ​ I am an enthusiastic leader in school. I have been treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, President of the African American Achievers for three years, as well as a cheerleader for three years. I have also been a member of the YES club and the Sisterhood, which have shaped my passion for community and young women. ​ I am aware of the importance of guidance and human contact, especially with the young youth today. It motivates me to listen, encourage, and help them. I tend to major in Biomedical Engineering. Honestly, I chose biomedical engineering because it has many of the things that I love to do such as a mix of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, all things that makes real things that can help people. I want my work to matter to the people around me. Whether that means inventing medical devices, making healthcare better, or helping people in different parts of the world, I want to be in the middle of it. The engineering programs are strong, and the community actually feels supportive and the school has a strong biomedical engineering. There’s a lot of involvement around campus and I know I will have so much growth at many colleges especially with the community engagement on campus. I want to walk away from college knowing how to build things and having the confidence to lead, especially when it comes to using engineering for social change in the black community. If I go with mechanical engineering, I’ll dive into designing tools, machines, and systems that make a difference within many communities that don’t always get the resources they need to be a thriving community. All while proving we are more than just a statistic to the education system. I’m being very honest when I say this as a young Black woman, I don’t see a lot of people like me in the engineering industry. That’s part of the reason as to why I’m doing this. I want my journey to make space for others that are like me or similar to me. I’m excited to build things that help people, but I also want to show young Black girls that they belong in this field too and don’t let a man tell you otherwise. I know that there are colleges that will give me the community, mentorship, and confidence I need to leave my mark. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself—it’s about showing others what’s possible through my work that I put in at school.

My name is Zamiyah Mays and I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which has shaped many of the aspects I bring to any conversation when speaking about what happens in the real world, especially through my transition from private school to public school. When I moved, I went from being at the top of the class to struggling with my academics, this transition was very harsh on both my confidence and my self-esteem. However, I had to learn to adapt. As a result, this experience has taught me endurance, and the importance of supporting students who feel like they are falling behind and aren't being seen enough. ​ Growing up with many responsibilities at home such as cleaning, helping my mom cook, and looking after my younger sister while mom is at work, and balancing school and extracurricular activities all of this taught me about time management. These experiences also taught me patience, leadership, and dependability, which are qualities I carry with me wherever I go. ​ I am an enthusiastic leader in school. I have been treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, President of the African American Achievers for three years, as well as a cheerleader for three years. I have also been a member of the YES club and the Sisterhood, which have shaped my passion for community and young women. ​ I am aware of the importance of guidance and human contact, especially with the young youth today. It motivates me to listen, encourage, and help them. I tend to major in Biomedical Engineering. Honestly, I chose biomedical engineering because it has many of the things that I love to do such as a mix of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, all things that makes real things that can help people. I want my work to matter to the people around me. Whether that means inventing medical devices, making healthcare better, or helping people in different parts of the world, I want to be in the middle of it. The engineering programs are strong, and the community actually feels supportive and the school has a strong biomedical engineering. There’s a lot of involvement around campus and I know I will have so much growth at many colleges especially with the community engagement on campus. I want to walk away from college knowing how to build things and having the confidence to lead, especially when it comes to using engineering for social change in the black community. If I go with mechanical engineering, I’ll dive into designing tools, machines, and systems that make a difference within many communities that don’t always get the resources they need to be a thriving community. All while proving we are more than just a statistic to the education system. I’m being very honest when I say this as a young Black woman, I don’t see a lot of people like me in the engineering industry. That’s part of the reason as to why I’m doing this. I want my journey to make space for others that are like me or similar to me. I’m excited to build things that help people, but I also want to show young Black girls that they belong in this field too and don’t let a man tell you otherwise. I know that there are colleges that will give me the community, mentorship, and confidence I need to leave my mark. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself—it’s about showing others what’s possible through my work that I put in at school.

My name is Zamiyah Mays and I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which has shaped many of the aspects I bring to any conversation when speaking about what happens in the real world, especially through my transition from private school to public school. When I moved, I went from being at the top of the class to struggling with my academics, this transition was very harsh on both my confidence and my self-esteem. However, I had to learn to adapt. As a result, this experience has taught me endurance, and the importance of supporting students who feel like they are falling behind and aren't being seen enough. ​ Growing up with many responsibilities at home such as cleaning, helping my mom cook, and looking after my younger sister while mom is at work, and balancing school and extracurricular activities all of this taught me about time management. These experiences also taught me patience, leadership, and dependability, which are qualities I carry with me wherever I go. ​ I am an enthusiastic leader in school. I have been treasurer of the Student Council all four years of high school, President of the African American Achievers for three years, as well as a cheerleader for three years. I have also been a member of the YES club and the Sisterhood, which have shaped my passion for community and young women. I tend to major in Biomedical Engineering in college because Honestly, biomedical engineering has many of the things that I love to do such as a mix of science, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, all things that makes real things that can help people. I want my work to matter to the people around me. Whether that means inventing medical devices, making healthcare better, or helping people in different parts of the world, I want to be in the middle of it. The engineering programs are strong, and the community actually feels supportive and the schools has a strong biomedical engineering. There’s a lot of involvement around campus and I know. I want to walk away from college knowing how to build things and have the confidence to lead, especially when it comes to using engineering for social change in the black community. If I go with mechanical engineering, I’ll dive into designing tools, machines, and systems that make a difference within many communities that don’t always get the resources they need to be a thriving community. All while proving we are more than just a statistic to the education system. I’m being very honest when I say this as a young Black woman, I don’t see a lot of people like me in the engineering industry. That’s part of the reason as to why I’m doing this. I want my journey to make space for others that are like me or similar to me. I’m excited to build things that help people, but I also want to show young Black girls that they belong in this field too and don’t let a man tell you otherwise. I know colleges will give me the community, mentorship, and confidence I need to leave my mark. My goal is bigger than just doing well for myself—it’s about showing others what’s possible through my work that I put in at school.