In the future, I see myself graduating from college as a 4.0 honor student with a master's in applied systems Engineering, moving to California as a software engineer at Apple's headquarters, making a six-figure salary, being able to retire my mom, living in my dream home, driving my Tesla, traveling around the world, and starting my funding program for immigrants and refugees like me.

I was born in Tanzania, and raised in a refugee camp in Nyrugusu. I spent most of my childhood working on my family's farm and doing household chores instead of going to school, dreaming of becoming an engineer one day. I was always eager to get the education and schooling experience and my mom wanted to send me to school, however, we were not financially stable to afford both schooling and life essentials like food and shelter. In 2010 I came to America, where I officially started elementary school. Coming to America was a big change for me, especially adapting to the new culture and environment. At fifteen, I started my own graphic design business. I design brands, websites, logos, YouTube essentials, and flyers for small business owners and content creators. Through my business, I have gained more knowledge and developed a deeper interest in digital design. My goal is to one day expand my small business into something big that provides both digital and physical services. Being a graphic designer and entrepreneur has made me more ambitious in my commitment to learning more about technology and my education. Today, I am a college freshman attending the Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in computing. As a first-generation student and the daughter of a single-immigrant parent, I know that I am not just in pursuit of my dreams but I am also carrying the dreams of my mom. Although I am young, I have big ambitions for my future and I know the only way I will achieve those is if I work hard, I preserve, and I prepare to learn and listen. My career goal is to become a software engineer, intending to find solutions and develop new technologies that would help countries living in poverty. After I have settled in with my career and graduated college, I want to start a program that fundraises and supports female-based primary and secondary schools around the world, by providing supplies, technology such as computers and tablets, and advising resources. Establishing this program will not only support these schools but will help break down barriers and provide opportunities for girls to engage in their education. With this scholarship money, I will not have to worry about not having financial assistance with housing, transportation, food, and books. Georgia Tech is known as one of the best schools in Georgia, with competitive admission and a high rate in the cost of attendance. As a student who is commuting to and from campus for my first year of college, I will miss out on some of the college experiences like career fairs, campus clubs/organization activities, late-night study sessions, and work-study opportunities. There is so much stress that comes with commuting, like having to wake up early and study late because I live far from school. Right now my school routine consists of taking Ubers to the train station, taking the train to my school’s bus stop, and taking the bus to get on campus. With this money, I can afford to live on campus without taking any loans. Living on campus would positively impact my education and mental health by, minimizing the stress of commuting and having to wake up hours before class to get to the train, having a quiet place to study, getting to class on time, and making friends whom I can do group studies with. This is not only making life easier for me but driving me toward success in my education. Allowing me to have the confidence in knowing that I will get my degree and turn my dreams into reality.

Overcoming adversity is what builds our character and drives us to strive for success. In my experience with these challenges, I have grown, learned, and built confidence in my education. In the future, I want to prove that where you come from does not limit where you can go. Financial hardship has always been a major obstacle for me, especially growing up in a refugee camp in Nyrugusu, Tanzania with my mother and my older siblings. Nothing was easy back home, especially for single mothers, we couldn't afford to attend school so most of my childhood was spent on our family farm. Now living in America my mother, a single immigrant parent still works day and night as a janitor to provide for my siblings and me. I used this adversity to work harder and strive for success. After high school graduation, I was accepted into the Georgia Institute of Technology, which is a top-ranked institution in the world. With the school being top-ranked, the tuition and housing costs are expensive, however, this did not stop me or hold me back. Through scholarships, I spent most of my summer or school vacations researching and applying for scholarships that were available to me and that I qualified for. In addition to scholarships, I worked part-time during high school. From an early age, I understood the importance of financial independence and took part-time jobs to support myself and my family financially. I worked mainly for retail and fast-food restaurants. Although I was only able to work a few hours a week due to my still being in school, these jobs helped me pay for my education expenses like buying school supplies and saving for college. Aside from school expenses, I would sometimes give my mom half of my paycheck to help pay for some bills. In the future, I want to help my community by addressing the issue of educational inequality. Having experienced firsthand how limited resources can affect academic growth, I am passionate about providing equal opportunities for all students. By establishing mentorship programs and organizing fundraisers for underprivileged schools, I hope to bridge the gap between educational disparities. Many schools lack basic supplies such as textbooks, technology, and extracurricular resources that are essential for a well-rounded education. By raising funds through community events and partnerships with local businesses, we as a community can ensure that every student has access to these necessary tools. Addressing educational disparities is not only a moral imperative but also an investment in our collective future. I use these challenging experiences as motivation rather than allowing them to define me negatively, I am determined to contribute positively to my community's development by addressing educational inequality. I am interested in a bachelor's degree in computing, my career goal is to become a software engineer, intending to find solutions and develop new technologies for schools around the world living in poverty. After I have settled in with my career and graduated college, I want to start a program that fundraises and supports female-based primary and secondary schools around the world, by providing supplies, technology such as computers and tablets, and advising resources. Establishing this program will not only support these schools but will help break down barriers and provide opportunities for girls to engage in their education. I know that through education my dreams and hopes can turn into reality. I want my education to be the key that opens doors for those in my community.

Leadership is not just a title or a position; it is a mindset and a way of life. It is about taking charge, inspiring others, and making a positive impact in the world. Firstly, I believe that leading by example is crucial. Whether it's at home, school, or work, I always aim to set a good example for others to follow. By demonstrating integrity, hard work, and dedication in everything I do, I inspire those around me to do the same. Leading by example is essential because actions speak louder than words. Throughout my academic and personal journey, I have consistently demonstrated leadership qualities that have positively impacted those around me. Leadership is not just about holding a position of authority; it is about inspiring and guiding others toward a common goal. It's easy to give advice or preach about certain values and principles, but it's much more impactful when people can see those values being put into practice. Secondly, effective communication is an essential aspect of leadership. I make an effort to listen actively and empathetically to others' opinions and concerns. By fostering open dialogue and encouraging collaboration, I create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. In addition to leading by example and promoting effective communication, I also embrace opportunities for growth and development. Leadership requires continuous learning and improvement. Therefore, I seek out new challenges that push me out of my comfort zone while encouraging others to do the same. Leadership involves selflessly serving others. I volunteer at local charities and help colleagues at work. I am always ready to lend a helping hand. By prioritizing the needs of others, I show empathy and compassion. I have volunteered with organizations like the Atlanta community food bank and Hands On Atlanta. I have seen families struggling to put food on their tables. This experience has opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by many in our community and fuels my desire to alleviate their suffering. Compassion is essential in taking action to alleviate someone's pain. In conclusion, leadership is not limited to positions of authority; it can be exemplified in our everyday lives through actions both big and small. By leading by example, promoting effective communication, embracing growth opportunities, and serving others selflessly; we can all make a difference in our communities and inspire those around us to. My consistent demonstration of effective communication skills, empathy, and determination showcases my ability as a leader. By embodying these qualities daily, I have been able to positively influence those around me academically and personally.

Hello, my name is Zawadi Pilipili I am from East Africa (Tanzania) My parents are from The Democratic Republic of Congo. At the age of 4 I lost my father and my grandmother when I was 15. These experiences made me look at life a different way. I studied more in school, started applying for jobs, got my 1st job at 15, paid bills, provided for myself at a young age, and helped others in need. Today I’m 17 with a lot of work experience, saving money, planning on buying a car, and graduating and attending college. I've gained a lot of confidence and builder a stronger version of myself.

Hello, my name is Zawadi Pilipili I am from East Africa (Tanzania). Growing up I never had technology resources until I came to America in 2010. I struggled knowing how to use a computer or a simple remote control. Due to school and education, I was able to educate my mind and became more passionate about my future. School has provided a great number of resources for me to find my passion for technology. Many things make me passionate about STEM and entrepreneurship, but the most important one would be my graphic designing business. At age 15, In 2019 my freshman year of high school I started a graphic designing business where I create websites, logos, YouTube essentials, flyers, etc. Owning this business has made me the woman I am today, independent and hardworking. This business has built my problem-solving, communication, risking taking, editing, and tech skills. It has also helped me become more advanced in my work. Although I still consider myself a beginner in the graphic designing industry, have inspired many others in their work. While doing this I was able to find a passion for computers and technology. I became more interested and confident about what I wanted to do once graduate high school. In school I joined a tech club called TSA ( Technology Student Association), In this club, we built robots, learned how to code, and enhanced more about the earth and STEM. So far I've learned how to make simple designs using computer software, making t-shirts from a hot press, and making flyers for our school. This club has brought more interest to me when it comes to business. Lately, I have been thinking about starting a new business where I design and make T-shirts to sell them. Why am I passionate about STEM? For starters, science is everywhere around us. Today we use technologies such as cars, buses, etc. for transportation. As well as our iPhone, android, MacBooks, iPods, computers, and for social media, gaming, and communication. After graduating high school I plan to go to Georgia Institute of Technology and major in computer engineering. I have taken a few engineering pathway courses in school that has helped me with deciding on my major. I enjoy solving problems and facing challenges which makes me a competitive being. “If this is something that you really want to do, if you believe in it...simply keep forging forward because success will come.” - Cassandra Sanford.

one experience that’s has shaped a part of who I am today is when I lost my father to a heart attack and my grandmother from. Cancer. This has made the sting and independent women I am today. When I lost my father I was 4 years old. Although I was young it still affects today. I think about the experience everyday thinking how life would be with my dad by my side. I lost my grandmother when I was 15, I never got the chance to talk to her or see her because she stayed back home in Africa. This was the saddest death I experienced, it made me look at life a different way. All the sad and depressing things that happened during those times made me realize that I had to grow up and be stronger for my mother. I studied more in school, started applying for jobs, got my 1st job at 15, paid bills, provided for myself at a young age, and helped others in need. Today I’m 17 with a lot of work experience, saving money, planning on buying a car, and graduating and attending college. Ive gained a lot of confidence and builded a stronger version of myself.

Staying “true” to myself means being positive, honest, self loving, confident, being real, doing me, and understanding to myself. I used to be insincere about my body and skin color. I came to realization that staying “true” is a big impact and factor in my life. Now, I trust my intuition and focus on myself. In my daily life I stay true to myself by; doing what I love ( dancing and singing), making new friends, learning new things about myself everyday, Treating myself right, and etc. I started changing my ways, which made my life more positive. Everything I do now has a big impact on my life; running my own business and wearing wants satisfies my life.

My relationship with mother has done way more than influenced me to prepare for my future college life. My mother is a hard working women, although she didn’t finish high school and doesn’t have a degree she always prepares me for a chance to get the experience she didn’t. Me and my mother have long conversations, she always asks what I’m planning to major in, how much I’ve saved for college, what type of college I’m going to, my plans after college, etc. The relationship between me and my mother is an unbreakable and everlasting. Even though we have our ups and down, I still show respect and listen to her everyday words. The saying “I am a strong woman because a strong woman raised me” is a quote the represents the relationship between me and my mother. I want to attend college not only for my mother but for new life experiences.