Calculus is my favorite subject in mathematics because of both its difficulty and its elegance. While many students dread it, I find the challenge part of its appeal. The concepts are fascinating and remarkably versatile, especially in how they connect directly to physics. Taylor Series, Multiple Integration, and the Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals are particular favorites of mine, because they are not only intellectually beautiful but also practical tools for modeling the real world. Calculus feels like a universal language that allows us to describe change, motion, and complexity in precise terms. In my field, computer engineering, calculus is essential. Derivatives form the backbone of machine learning algorithms, helping optimize models that power everything from voice recognition to self-driving cars. Multivariable calculus allows engineers to generate realistic graphics and animations, while integrals and differential equations provide the tools to transform signals, analyze data, and control robotics with precision. Beyond computer engineering, my long-term ambition is to advance the field of quantum computing. At its core, quantum mechanics is written in the language of calculus. Wave functions, probability densities, and the time evolution of quantum states are all expressed through calculus-based formalisms. To me, calculus is not just an academic hurdle, it is the foundation of the future technologies I aspire to help build. I also believe calculus is important for all STEM students because it develops ways of thinking that go beyond equations. It strengthens logical reasoning, problem-solving, and numeracy, while giving students a framework for understanding the world mathematically. Whether an engineer is building a bridge, designing a circuit, or optimizing an algorithm, calculus is the tool that bridges theory and practice. Without it, many of the technologies we rely on every day simply would not exist. My ambition is to transfer from community college to the University of Michigan, complete my bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, and continue on to graduate study in quantum computing. I hope to contribute to the forefront of research and eventually help develop quantum technologies that will revolutionize computation, security, and communication. At the same time, I want to give back to my community by supporting other students in STEM, especially those who face challenges similar to mine. Pursuing this path is not easy. As an independent student paying all of my own bills, I often balance financial stress with academic focus. While I am determined to continue pushing forward, support from this scholarship would help relieve that burden and allow me to dedicate more energy to my studies and future career. Calculus has given me the tools to think critically about the world and the inspiration to pursue ambitious goals in STEM. With continued support, I am confident I can carry that passion into a career at the cutting edge of technology and contribute to solving some of the most complex problems of our time.

When I describe myself, I often begin by saying that I am someone who found engineering later than most. I did not leave high school with a clear plan or vision for my future. I worked a series of jobs that did not bring me much satisfaction and only returned to school years later. The turning point came in a physics class at my community college. There, I met a fellow student who became both a close friend and an inspiration. He was studying engineering, and his enthusiasm encouraged me to form a study group with him. Those long hours of solving problems together awakened something in me. For the first time, I felt drawn toward a field that combined curiosity, persistence, and creativity in a way that matched my strengths. After much reflection, I realized that computer engineering and the pursuit of quantum computing are what I want to dedicate my life to. Since that moment, I have approached education with a new determination. I have excelled in courses such as Analytical Physics, Calculus, and C++, and I earned an internship at the Lurie Nanofabrication Facility at the University of Michigan. There I assisted engineers in a semiconductor and nanotechnology research environment, working with photolithography tools, handling chemicals, and supporting the daily operations of a complex lab. The experience gave me a glimpse of how scientific knowledge becomes real-world technology and strengthened my resolve to contribute to this process myself. At the same time, I have also pursued engineering outside the classroom. As part of my college’s engineering club, I helped transform a Fisher-Price toy into a fully functioning USB video game controller. I wrote most of the Arduino code, helped with soldering and assembly, and assisted with design decisions. That project showed me that engineering is not just about building something useful, but also about sparking curiosity and joy in others. My long-term goal is to become a computer hardware engineer and then move into quantum computing research and industry. Quantum computing holds the promise of solving problems that are currently intractable, from optimizing supply chains to advancing medical research. By contributing to this field, I hope to be part of a scientific revolution that can improve lives, expand knowledge, and open new possibilities for future generations. Eventually, I also want to teach, sharing what I have learned and encouraging students who may come from unconventional backgrounds, just as I did. When I think about my favorite engineer, Alan Turing immediately comes to mind. His brilliance in laying the foundations of modern computer science and his pivotal role in breaking the Enigma code during World War II changed the course of history. What inspires me even more is that he achieved these things while being part of the LGBTQ+ community in a time when his identity was not accepted. As a non-binary trans-feminine person, I connect with Turing’s legacy not only as a scientist but also as someone who challenged the limitations that society placed on him. He reminds me that authenticity and innovation go hand in hand, and that pursuing knowledge can be both a personal and societal act of courage. Engineering is often described as the discipline that makes ideas real. For me, it is also the path that allowed me to find direction, purpose, and community. With the support of scholarships like this one, I can continue to grow as a student and future engineer, dedicating myself to quantum computing and to making a lasting impact on the world.

When I think about times I’ve delighted others with my tinkering skills, one project stands out: the semester my engineering club transformed a Fisher-Price toy into a fully functional USB video game controller. What started as a quirky idea turned into a collaborative experiment in creativity, persistence, and technical problem-solving. I contributed most to the Arduino programming that made the prototype work. The challenge was putting a functional PCB in a container without much space for what was needed. I spent long hours debugging, testing, and rewriting code until it worked seamlessly. But my role extended beyond programming; I also helped with soldering and assembly, and I had a strong hand in layout decisions. Watching the device come to life from a pile of plastic parts, wires, and circuit boards into a polished controller was a moment of pure delight, not just for me, but for everyone who got to pick it up and play a game with it. The joy and excitement it produced made every late night worth it. That project captures why I love engineering. It’s not just about building something that works, it’s about building something that sparks curiosity, joy, and imagination in others. I’ve found that people are most surprised and delighted when you combine creativity with technical skills to make the unexpected possible. That same “hacker spirit” has guided me in other areas of my life as well. For example, I’ve taken on leadership roles, including serving as treasurer of my college’s engineering club. That position has given me the opportunity to make our projects more ambitious by managing resources and fundraising efforts. I also completed an internship at the University of Michigan’s Lurie Nanofabrication Facility, where I supported a team of engineers in semiconductor and nanotechnology research. My tasks ranged from handling chemicals to maintaining photolithography tools, and while my responsibilities were often routine, I treated every moment as an opportunity to learn about the hardware and processes at the foundation of our digital world. Underlying all of this is my deep ambition: I am pursuing computer engineering with the long-term goal of entering the field of quantum computing. I hope to spend my career pushing the limits of what technology can do, just as Kyle Lam did with his inventive approach to software and hardware. I envision myself not only as an engineer but eventually as a mentor, helping younger students discover the same excitement that drives me. But I cannot achieve this path without financial support. Returning to school at 28 meant that I gave up stable income to pursue my education with focus and determination. I have worked hard to earn A’s in all my STEM courses while balancing jobs to afford tuition, and this scholarship would give me the chance to concentrate fully on my studies and research without the constant burden of financial strain. At its heart, tinkering is about exploring possibility. It’s about refusing to accept limitations and instead inventing new solutions that surprise and delight. That spirit, like Kyle Lam’s spirit, is what drives me every day as I work toward a future at the cutting edge of technology.