Code Breakers & Changemakers Scholarship

Since I was young my father always made me watch shows and movies based on technology, science, and videos about math. His passion for the STEM field passed down to me. He was never able to pursue in college but I will be the first to enter college and complete it as well in my family. Movies like Iron Man, shows like Myth Busters and How It's Made, I found love for engineering and math. I always loved math class in every grade I have been in and have been fascinated by it. Like others in the STEM field, I want to advance in technology, I want to evolve the field and see what more we can do with it. I want to find out how much more we can discover and create to make our world a better place. As I said before, my father made me fall in love with the movie Iron Man. Since first watching it, this movie has been my inspiration for almost everything I do. This movie is about a genius engineer who creates a suit that can fly and can sustain an energy source that is as powerful as the sun. Today I plan to pursue a major in aerospace engineering, I chose this because it is a challenge I am able to take on but not only this, but because in the movie, I was inspired to one day make a suit that I am to make fly. Now in reality we may not need this suit since that movie was based off a superhero comic book but what I really want to do is test and design aerial crafts. I loved planes growing up, seeing jets fly by, watching videos on planes and even creating mini cardboard planes and jets as a child growing up. My father also imprinted his love for engineering into me as well. He always told one day I will create something great that will change this world. Of course many children are given this but too me I felt as if my father was seeing what I was creating just out of the imagination of my head and knew one day I will end up in a career of engineering and designing something that will change the course of humanity. Of course my goal is to enter the air-force after completing my masters program and my ultimate goal is to one day enter NASA. Space has always been fascinating to me and I have always wondered what's out there like many others. I've seen our planet slowly die as my years have gone on but of course I will not be alive on the day Earth decides to go. Legacy has always been important to me and leaving something for the future to continue is something big in my family. My father passed down his legacy to me to become something great and I plan to do the same with my children. I plan to one day be the designer of a craft that will be able to allow humans to inhabit other planets. Yes it is a child's dream and a theory as of right now. But I think about our future and I know for a fact that there will not be enough room for humans on earth one day and one day Earth will not be able to stay alive and provide for us no longer. Inhabiting other planets is important for our species since we need to complete this for the futures of children and beyond. This scholarship will allow me to put my full focus on my education. My father never had support to pay for community college so he had to drop out and focus on working. I do not want to do this and I was raised to pursue my education so I am able to achieve more than anyone else has. I have been given this opportunity to achieve my goals, this scholarship will lift weight of me and my families shoulder so I do not have too struggle and stress over financial need and allow me to excel to become a successful young man.

I’ve always been incredibly passionate about psychology, specifically the field of hypnotherapy. It has always been my lifelong dream to be able to open my own hypnotherapy practice, as well as do more research into the effects of hypnosis. The power of suggestion has always been a fascinating concept to me, the lengths the human mind can go to in order to convince itself of something. Things like the placebo and nocebo effect, psychosomatic events, and of course, hypnosis. Despite my intense interest in hypnosis, I never shared it with anyone due to the fear of being labeled “weird” or a “creep”. It wasn’t until more recently that I began to embrace the uniqueness of my interest. Hypnosis is an area of psychology that is often misrepresented in media and has a large stigma surrounding it since so much of it is sensationalized. Movie villains often have the power to mind control the masses, such as Evelyn Deavor from Incredibles 2. These often lead to common misconceptions about hypnosis, such as the idea that it can force people to do things against their will, or that only very few people can be hypnotized. This ignorance about what hypnosis truly is only discourages people from actually looking into hypnotherapy as a legitimate medical practice. Far more people associate hypnosis with images of a creepy scientist than a medical professional. I’d like to practice hypnotherapy not only to help others, but also to do more research in order to demystify it to the public and get it accepted as just another mental health practice. It has already demonstrated strong promise in certain areas, such as helping curb addictions and lessening insomnia, and there has even been recent research by the APA that shows hypnosis can help with chronic pain and depression. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and I know there is so much more unexplored potential to be discovered. Although I avoided discussing hypnosis with my friends and family, I felt more at ease expressing myself on the internet. Under the veil of anonymity, I posted short stories about hypnosis, incorporating researched facts and real methods. I read beginner books on hypnosis like Rory Z. Fulcher’s “Instant Hypnosis and Rapid Inductions Guidebook” and his “Stage and Street Hypnosis Handbook”. I even regularly attended hypnotherapy cognitive-behavioral therapy webinars hosted by Mark Davis, the dean of the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. While I wasn’t able to actually practice any of the methods, I could imagine them on the page, and learned many of the basic principles of hypnosis. All of this information I then weaved into my own short story, mixing the real methods and limitations of hypnosis with an enjoyable plot and characters. To my surprise, I discovered that I was not the only one interested in hypnosis. The comments under my story were filled with people engaging in discussions about specific methods I wrote about, expanding on my knowledge, or learning from others. Over the year since I’ve posted my stories, I’ve built a small, yet constantly growing, community of people also interested in hypnosis. We’d often share articles, books, and much more, all in the quest to educate ourselves. I’m constantly growing and learning more about this field, and I’ve even started holding calls in my community where we can discuss and occasionally even practice some facets of hypnosis ourselves. I’m proud to have inspired other writers around me to do more research into hypnosis and be an example of how realistic hypnosis could be portrayed. I would like to expand that community. This scholarship would help me afford college to get into psychology, and more than that, it would help me apply for hypnotherapy certification programs. Hypnotherapy isn’t for everyone; it requires at least 6 years of schooling, and many courses won’t even let you apply until you have a BA in psychology. With this scholarship, I would be able to afford resources like books and workshops and be able to attend college and jumpstart my career. From there I would be able to do things like research, experiments, and attend conferences to educate myself and others all about what hypnotherapy can do for us.

Other people might see a scalpel and a camera as being polar opposites - they slice flesh, they capture light. They are the same to me, though. They demand exactitude. They reveal things that are concealed. And they have shaped my vision. I'm a scientist and a storyteller, and the two have never been separated. As a child, I was fascinated by the power of narrative—not just in film and literature, but in formal narrative in the natural world. Biology is the most powerful script out there: cells have conversations with one another in molecular language, evolution tells more story than fiction, and the body is a mystery to be solved. My interest is not discovery, but knowledge. In the lab, I examine the microenvironments of tumors, determining how inflammation perpetuates cancer. But I also learn about humans—through film, through philosophy, through observing the world with the same sense I observe under the microscope. What sparks my sense of awe is not how things work, but why they do. Medicine cures, but it does not comprehend. The body is a machine—diseased organs are extracted, faulty systems repaired. But the patient’s narrative is lost in the process. I am not going to stand idly by as a future surgeon. I am going to close the gap between science and story, using both data and anecdote to reshape the way we provide healthcare. One issue I long to tackle is the lack of personalized medicine in modern medicine. Treatments are too often addressed to symptoms rather than to individuals. In my bioinformatics work, I've seen how data can transform medicine—how algorithms can predict disease, how gene sequencing can individualize therapy. But data by themselves are nothing. They are just numbers without meaning. People aren't spreadsheets. They are stories, and medicine must learn to read them. I have a vision to cover two periods. First and foremost, as a surgeon, I will marry clinical practice and research. I envision a world where surgery is no longer removal but precision—where diagnostic technologies empowered by AI, targeted therapies, and minimal invasion transform patient treatment. My research background is already introducing me to these advances, and I am determined to carry them forward. Second, I will redefine how medicine is perceived. I will transform the practice of medicine and, through screenwriting, film, or public speeches, translate medicine's complexities into tales that teach, inspire, and spark change. Similar to how Atul Gawande uses words to demystify surgery, I will craft tales that bridge the gap between medicine and society. This is not a vague fantasy. I have already started. My independent research, my filmmaking, my work in the lab—each is a page in the greater tale that I am composing. This award is not just about funds. It is validation. It is the connection between vision and action. With it, I will be able to explore more deeply into bioinformatics, perfecting the tools that one day will revolutionize personalized medicine. I will be able to continue to research, contribute to advancing surgery, and make certain that my education is not just learning, but change. For at last, both camera and scalpel serve the same purpose. They do not just disclose. They transform. And I will change the world.

“When I’m an engineer and you’re an architect, you’ll design things and I’ll build them”, I told my best friend at lunch in second grade. Though I haven’t spoken to him in years, my excitement for engineering has not dwindled since. Back then, I knew I liked engineering because it meant building, and I loved constructing with Lego and woodworking with my Dad. Nowadays, having furthered my interest through leading my school’s rocketry club and building model airplanes, I’ve learned that engineering is truly about perseverance and taking risks, with a little building on the side. I live for the moments of intense focus, the anticipation before a launch, the exhilarating uncertainty as a plane I’ve poured months of work into leaves the ground. The pursuit of knowledge and the drive to create fuel my passion for STEM, and I want to apply that passion to be an engineering leader in the future. I am primarily motivated by working alongside others who share my passion and drive for engineering. I am a founder and co-leader of my school’s rocketry club. Together, we have built and launched rockets that have reached speeds of 1,300 mph and altitudes of 12,000 feet. However, being a co-leader of the rocketry club entails more than just building rockets, soldering and coding flight computers, and accidentally setting off the fire alarm when making parachute ejection charges in the chemistry lab. I have been able to share my love for rocketry and the world of engineering to my peers through rocket design competitions and individual projects where every member built and launched their own rocket. Additionally, I created a proposal with the other leaders to get funding for future projects from our school. While the things I have done as a leader of a high-school rocketry team are very specific, they apply well to the greater scope of STEM as a whole. With the importance of science in our future world becoming increasingly clear with technology permeating nearly every facet of our lives, leadership has played an indispensable role in catalyzing this innovation. Firstly, good leadership has a vision for a project and directs a promising idea into something spectacular. Without the efforts of me and the other co-leaders, our club would not exist in the first place, nor would the experience and excitement that came from the time spent getting funding, planning, building, coding, and painting. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, good leadership can involve others into a subject, passing along passion for a project to current and future scientists. The majority of our club’s members are underclassmen, and I am proud to have instilled into them the passion for rocketry that I felt when starting the club. In the future, I hope to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors in the aerospace industry, the stories of whom are highlighted in the book ‘We Could Not Fail: The First African Americans in the Space Program’ by Richard Paul and Stephen Moss. When I read this book, I was struck by just how many people work behind the scenes of innovation. Learning about the accomplishments of these people, especially given the hardship they persevered through both immensely inspired me to do similar work and drove home to me the importance of grit and dedication in the field of engineering. Whether I will be leading a team pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering or teaching future engineers, I hope that I can take those lessons from those leaders before me and leave my mark on the engineering field as a leader as well. Getting this scholarship will help realize this dream. I will be attending Yale University this fall, and help with tuition will allow me to focus more on furthering my passion and experience with engineering outside of the classroom. I am hoping to join the Yale rocketry team as well as participate in model vehicle design competitions and challenges. Being able to more closely dedicate my energy towards these passions will benefit me in the long run with connections and experiences that will undoubtedly be useful for the rest of my life.

Down the street from my high school is the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where aerospace engineering has evolved from the humble jet engine to humanity’s latest study of distant Europa. On that campus for a field trip nine years ago, I began to seriously dream of turning my passion for design to the stars, inspired by the Perseverance rover coming together below me in the clean room. For the first time, I had a real example of the engineering I wanted to do: I could design and build interplanetary spacecraft. Since then, the scope of my drive has narrowed, but never wavered. As a fifth grader, I picked up a book that would forever change my outlook on the aerospace industry. "The Case for Mars", a roadmap to the red planet by the visionary Robert Zubrin, was my first experience with the ins and outs of designing a space program. Andy Weir's "The Martian" is still my favorite book, but "The Case for Mars" has driven how I think about space travel, efficient design and the opportunities I've sought since then. As a rising freshman, I competed in a summer research competition hosted by Zubrin and the Mars Society, applying my interest to a paper detailing the surface portion of a piloted Mars mission. Our international team won first place in engineering, and I returned as a rising senior to mentor the 2024 season's winning team. As a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics captain, I know what it's like to be on the giving and receiving end of quality mentorship. We prioritize collaboration among our varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams and celebrate the courage required to ask for help. When I cross into the next era of my journey as an engineer, I hope to do so with a similar support structure—one I can only get at top schools in the country. With that in mind, I'm looking to make a bid for a highly-rated aerospace engineering program (MIT, Purdue, and the University of Michigan come to mind) without breaking the bank. This scholarship won't just be funding my bachelor's degree, either. It'll keep me on track to achieve my ultimate goal. I believe a complete program system of launchers, habitats, and transit vehicles for a piloted Mars program can be completed by 2040. I can directly contribute to its design, construction, and integration, but first I'll tackle the fundamentals of aerospace systems. That knowledge can only be gained at a quality university with research, internships, and classroom guidance. Just like the complex world of education, engineering a mission to Mars involves tradeoffs, pitting thousands of variables against each other. Aided by the Code Breakers & Changemakers Scholarship, I want to be part of the worldwide effort to solve this cosmic system of equations.

My passion for STEM began when I saw how scientific research could be used to make meaningful change. In high school, engaging in biology and chemistry experiments allowed me to apply scientific concepts to real-world challenges, such as investigating how campus environmental factors affected the health of our school’s trees. Seeing our findings lead to actionable improvements in our campus ecosystem motivated me to explore research further, later leading me to participate in the Scripps Research High School Internship. This experience opened my eyes to the power of research to solve real-world problems and the role it can play in pressing issues such as health disparities and climate change. At first, the rigorous environment in the lab felt challenging as I had no prior hands-on experience, lacked knowledge in cellular biology, and hadn't seen my community represented in these opportunities. But, this didn't stop me from making the most of my experience. By my second week I worked independently, becoming efficient in qPCR and cell culture protocol while analyzing my data efficiently. Most importantly, I worked with purpose knowing my work contributed to developing disease therapy and finding that through research, I can merge my passion for helping others and my joy of creating an impact through science. During my time as a Scripps Intern, I read many articles to expand my knowledge and improve my performance. However, one article, The Integrated Stress Response: From Mechanism to Disease by Mauro Costa-Mattioli and Peter Walter, especially stood out to me. It deepened my understanding of how cellular stress responses contribute to neurodegenerative disease, fueling my curiosity and commitment to complete my research project. This piece of literature made me realize that understanding these pathways through research could lead to groundbreaking therapies for people in need. This opened my eyes to believe that research is not just about the discoveries you make, but the contributions you make to society, medicine, and patient care. Through my reading, I grew aspirations of pursuing pediatric research, where I hope to study genetic mechanisms behind diseases impacting children and overall develop innovative treatments to transform their lives. As a Latina in STEM, I have also been aware of the lack of diversity in the field. But through organizations such as San Diego Squared, I began meeting people of all backgrounds and found what I didn’t have in my household through top STEM company visits. One site visit to Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography (ASML) allowed us to ask a panel - a third of which were women of color - questions and gain insight into life in STEM. I felt impacted by their journeys and challenges faced as some of the only women in a male-dominated field lacking diversity. Their initiatives within ASML to create representation within the workplace gave me inspiration for my own career. I also want to follow in their footsteps, break stereotypes, increase diversity, and most importantly, make a significant impact on the world around me. I have already taken initiative, sharing my own experiences with resources like COSMOS, a STEM summer program, to my underrepresented high school and increasing the amount of our students that attend. I have built a community that breaks stereotypes and promotes diversity within STEM, ultimately helping more students pursue STEM opportunities. Earning the “Code Breakers & Changemakers” Scholarship would be a transformative opportunity, allowing me to focus fully on my STEM education and continue advocating for diversity in the field. I hope to use my platform to break stereotypes, uplift my community, and address issues such as climate change and health disparities that have affected my underrepresented community. By pursuing a career in pediatric research and healthcare, I aim to make change, not only in medicine but also in creating a future where people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive in STEM.

My passion for STEM is deeply rooted in a profound curiosity about the natural world and a fervent desire to use technology for the greater good. This drive is particularly focused on the power of electrical engineering and renewable energy technologies to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change and global energy inequality. The prospect of harnessing wind, solar, and other sustainable resources to revolutionize our energy systems ignites my imagination and fuels my ambition to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. Impact Blueprint I envision my career in STEM as a bridge between cutting-edge technological innovations and their practical applications in solving real-world problems. Specializing in renewable energy within the realm of electrical engineering, I aim to lead the development of systems that not only minimize environmental impact but also empower communities by providing them with reliable and clean energy sources. My goal is to innovate smart grids and IoT technologies to make energy systems more efficient and responsive, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future where technology and ecology coexist harmoniously. Literary Landmarks My journey in STEM has been profoundly influenced by pivotal literary works, such as "Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air" by David J.C. MacKay and "The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future" by Gretchen Bakke. MacKay's analytical approach to energy sustainability and Bakke's insightful exploration of the electric grid's intricacies have both deepened my understanding and sharpened my focus on the challenges and potential within energy systems. These authors have expanded my knowledge base and inspired me to approach my engineering pursuits with both innovation and a sense of responsibility. Educational Roadmap The journey towards realizing my STEM aspirations critically hinges on accessing comprehensive and advanced education in electrical engineering, with a specialization in renewable energy technologies. This is where the significance of the scholarship program becomes unmistakably clear. It serves as the crucial link connecting my ambitions to tangible outcomes, providing the financial foundation necessary to immerse myself fully in my studies and research. With the support of this scholarship, I plan to delve into research projects, internships, and collaborative initiatives that are vital for honing the practical skills and in-depth knowledge required to excel in my field. This scholarship will enable me to participate in workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities, keeping me abreast of the latest advancements in technology and engineering. It will also facilitate internships and project collaborations with industry leaders, offering invaluable practical experience and insights into real-world applications of theoretical principles. By removing financial barriers, the scholarship will allow me to focus my energies on mastering the complexities of my discipline, rather than being encumbered by financial concerns. Turning Passion into Reality Armed with the support of the scholarship, I will be empowered to transform my passion for STEM into concrete contributions to the field of renewable energy. The educational opportunities it affords will play a pivotal role in my development as an engineer who is not only proficient in technical skills but also deeply committed to the principles of sustainability and social responsibility. Through innovative research and persistent effort, I am determined to develop solutions that address the critical challenges facing our global energy systems today. My vision extends beyond merely advancing technological frontiers; I aim to foster a future where clean, renewable energy is accessible to all, transcending geographic and economic barriers. This scholarship is more than a means of financial support; it is the catalyst that will enable me to pursue a career in STEM with the potential to make a lasting impact on the world. In summary, my passion for STEM, guided by literary insights and driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, finds its expression in the pursuit of renewable energy technologies. The scholarship program represents a vital stepping stone in this journey, offering me the resources and support needed to turn my aspirations into reality. Through this scholarship, I will not only further my education but also contribute to creating a sustainable and equitable future, fulfilling my deepest ambitions to make a meaningful impact on the world through science and technology.

When I was 14 years old, I developed an illness that I still have today. Mysterious symptoms that seemed like they came on all of a sudden ranging from fatigue to trouble breathing, none of which could be figured out professionally. Although these medical complications interfered with my everyday life, they helped to grow my interest in the medical field. Starting my early years of high school was a rough start as I began to encounter more and more medical issues; although, it helped me grow as a person. For most of my life, I was a very negative and unappreciative person, but this all changed after getting sick. In the midst of this going on, I quickly realized how short life is; therefore, I learned to appreciate every day. Honestly, this event changed me more than anything else has ever done: I became a more caring and understanding person, as well as stopping my racist beliefs in their tracks. As the years passed, this changed mindset set my future to help and protect others, projecting either policing, marines, or the healthcare field. By my sophomore year of high school, I realized how unpredictable and weak my body had become, making Policing or the Marines unrealistic; however, I quickly developed an interest in becoming a doctor. The work environment of a doctor would be more suitable for me as it’s a much safer environment as well as not being highly demanding. During my junior year of high school, worsened health set my heart on becoming a doctor to help others with similar health issues. From personal experience of having an undiagnosed chronic illness, I understand unexplained symptoms not only cause anger and complications for the individual but also for their family as well. Having to grow up in this manner caused me to have a lot of hate towards the medical system. As the years passed, the more I suffered, and the more desperate I was to figure out my illness. Every time I tried to figure out my illness, I was always hit with the same answer: “All the lab results came back normal, so you are healthy!” when I was not. As I got older, I decided I wanted to use this hate to help others in the world by becoming an exceptional doctor of pulmonology. When I was researching costs during my senior year, I was caught off guard by the cost of becoming a doctor. Even though the cost was more than what I had expected, I was not scared off; as the cost made me even more motivated to pursue medical school. I already know accomplishing my dream will be a difficult route financially, but I believe scholarships like this one would be a crucial part of accomplishing my dream: to help anyone struggling with sickness get treated quickly for a speedy recovery since everyone deserves to be healthy!

I've always had a love for technology, yet my exploration of this field has been somewhat limited. Despite the prevailing discussions within the greater Atlanta community about the opportunities in technology, my exposure has mainly been confined to my smartphone and school-issued laptop. However, my passion for competitive gaming introduced me to adult gamers who frequently discussed the growth and financial rewards in the technology career field, particularly for those specializing in high-demand functions. These conversations solidified my conviction in pursuing a career in this field. Fueled by newfound confidence, I sought leadership opportunities, resulting in the formation of my own esports team and my subsequent involvement with Booker T. Washington High School’s ESports team. Attending Booker T. Washington High School has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the community. During my four years at Washington, I have been able to freely and actively explore innovative pursuits, particularly in developing programs that contribute meaningfully to the youth in my community. The establishment of an Esports team under my initiative at Washington has significantly heightened my ambition to pursue a degree in computer science within the STEM domain. The enriching environment at Washington has not only deepened my sense of community but has also cultivated a passion for technological advancements. The initiation of an Esports team stands as a testament to my commitment to the realm of technology and gaming, igniting a desire to further my academic journey in computer science. After high school, I aspire to enroll as a first-generation college student in an HBCU, choosing to major in Computer Science with a minor in Real Estate at Morehouse. The unique sense of community among Morehouse men and attendees aligns with my values and reminds me deeply of my time in Washington. I believe attending Morehouse will challenge me to broaden my perspectives and step out of my comfort zone. With the goal of establishing and leading multiple businesses, I am confident that Morehouse will equip me to navigate any challenges that may arise. Following graduation, I plan to initiate my career in Cybersecurity while concurrently obtaining a real estate license. This dual focus will empower me to represent myself in property acquisitions within my home community. Recognizing the scarcity of affordable housing options for families in my neighborhood, despite increased investments by the city, fuels my commitment to ensuring that economically disadvantaged families can stay close to opportunities, affording their children the exposure I lacked. This scholarship is key to me accomplishing my aspirations. It represents more than just financial support, it also represents an investment in my personal growth and my commitment to effecting positive change. By awarding me this scholarship, you are contributing directly to the realization of a future business leader and a first-generation college graduate, who is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their community. I see this scholarship not just as an opportunity for personal advancement but as a spark for a brighter and more inclusive future, where opportunities are available to everyone.

“You’ve been on that thing for hours, you’re going to hurt your eyes” my mother told me. It was another day of the week playing Minecraft and continuing building my farm for my modern mansion. Growing up, I’ve always been drawn to computers specifically and loved coding games. As a female raised in a Mexican-Salvadorean household, a job in STEM was never fully expected. It was set for me to be a housewife in a large house who cleans and cooks all day as most women in my family have. However, although these traits have made life easier, I want to make a real difference in the STEM world, specifically in technology. I dream of being a software engineer and advance technology in ways that help companies help people. I personally have never seen myself in any other field and know I am passionate enough to pursue this fully. I am passionate about STEM because of the potential it has to make a positive impact on the world. STEM allows us to create solutions to global problems, from developing new technologies to improving health care and education for ALL people. I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my STEM career by creating solutions that make a difference in people's lives or lifestyle. STEM, overall, is the reason why the world has evolved! Through the books I’ve read, I’ve learned about the importance of being able to think critically and solve problems quickly. This has shaped my goals by inspiring me to develop my skills in problem-solving and critical thinking. Additionally, I’ve learned about the importance of collaboration and working together to create something bigger than ourselves. STEM is a field that brings together a diverse range of knowledge, skills, and perspectives, and it is this combination that I believe makes it so powerful. I believe that STEM can help create a better world, as it provides solutions to a variety of global challenges. I plan to use these skills to work with other individuals and organizations to create solutions that make a real difference in the world whether it’s programming games to put a smile on children’s faces, or developing software for hospitals to those in need.

STEM has the potential to make a positive impact on the world in a variety of ways, and I am particularly interested in using it to combine the arts and technology in innovative and impactful methods. One example of this is my current urban design project with my partner, which is focused on restoring the LA River. Through this project, we are using 3D modeling software to design sustainable and practical solutions that consider the historical and cultural context of the river and its surroundings. The LA River, once a vital resource for the Tongva people, has been dramatically altered by industrialization. The riverbed was concreted during the 1940s to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall, but this unintendedly destroyed the natural ecosystem and disconnected the city from the river. In recent years, there have been efforts to restore the river and bring it back to its natural state, but it's a complex and challenging task. Using 3D modeling software, I can create detailed visualizations of our design concepts and simulate different scenarios, allowing us to make informed decisions about which solutions will be most effective. This project taught me the importance of understanding a place's historical and cultural context to create sustainable and practical solutions. It reminds me that technology is not an end in itself but a tool that can be used to achieve a greater goal. In this case, the goal is to restore the river's natural ecosystem, create a more sustainable and livable city, and reconnect the community with the river. Additionally, my interest in STEM has been further shaped by the books I've read and the articles I've read about the industrialization age and new technology. I've learned that STEM is not just about solving technical problems but also about understanding broader societal issues and how they are interconnected. For example, the industrialization age brought many technological advancements, pollution, social inequality, and other harmful effects. Understanding these historical perspectives has helped me appreciate the importance of using technology responsibly and to create solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially and environmentally sustainable. In the future, I plan to continue using STEM to positively impact the world. I am particularly interested in using my 3D modeling and urban design skills to work on projects that address critical issues such as climate change, social inequality, and sustainable development. Through my studies and work, I hope to gain the knowledge necessary to make a real difference. In conclusion, I am passionate about STEM because it has the potential to make a positive impact on the world. My interest in combining the arts and technology to create innovative solutions is exemplified by my current urban design project, which aims to restore the LA River using 3D modeling software. This project taught me the importance of understanding a place's historical and cultural context to create sustainable and practical solutions. Additionally, my interest in STEM has been shaped by the books and articles I've read, which have helped me understand the relationship between STEM and various societal phenomena, such as weather, electricity, and politics. This has shaped my goals to use STEM to solve technical problems, address broader societal issues, and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

STEM has interested me since a young age. My father is a mechanic and seeing him work intrigued me. So, there would be days when I would go to a wrecking yard and help him out. At the wrecking yard, we would remove engines and other parts. Then we would take these parts to repair cars. My father also showed me the intricacy of building homes. He built small shed-like homes by hand. I took part in the construction and I watched a plot of land become a home. I learned quickly that a lot of work goes into building homes. Much inspiration comes from my father and this is why I want to pursue civil engineering. I am also inspired by the engineering program at my high school. I learned some valuable skills such as drafting. I also learned how to use 3D designing and printing. I plan on pursuing civil engineering to be able to create my own business. I want to create a business that involves the construction and transportation of materials. Preferably, I would like to also have heavy machinery rentals as well. I am under the impression that if I create a business then I will be able to create more jobs for people. I also plan on using some of the money I get from my business to help fund tuition for underprivileged students. At first, I was not very fond of math because I was not the best at math. It wasn't until high school that I realized that I should take math more seriously. Math started clicking with me with ease and I decided to pursue more challenging courses. I am a firm believer in the idea that knowledge is power and that the minute you stop learning you start dying. I want to obtain as much knowledge as possible for my future. This is why I plan on going to a university and gaining as much information as possible. I have not read many books on STEM subjects except on engineers. These books also inspired me on how great one person can be. That they could be able to create something bigger than themselves. I also plan on helping my family out of poverty. My family has supported me throughout my life and believes in me. I know that I have the potential to do great things and so I know that my family deserves it. They deserve a better and brighter future and I may be able to help the next generation never suffer the woes I endured.