My journey into computer science wasn’t just an academic pursuit, it was deeply personal. Growing up in Northeast Washington D.C., I faced adversity as I grew up in a community marked by poverty and homelessness. My father was a military veteran, and as a child raised in a military family, values of service and unwavering support for those in need were instilled in me. These values are the driving force behind my aspiration to confront enduring disparities. I believe in the transformative potential of technology, particularly AI and quantum computing, to bridge healthcare gaps, address income disparities, and mend societal fractures. To me, technical advancements represent hope— beacons promising equitable opportunities for communities like the one I call home. My time at the University of Southern California wasn't just about lectures and textbooks; it was about engagement and real-world impact. USC's proximity to Skid Row offered an immersive space for me to engage in community-driven initiatives. The 2023 Homeless Count with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority was a stark awakening. Faces and stories of homelessness replaced numbers and statistics, etching an indelible mark on my soul. Their struggles resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my community, and sparking an unwavering commitment to make a tangible difference. These experiences solidified my dedication to utilizing my education for genuine community service, emphasizing empathy as a catalyst for change. This pivotal moment with the Homeless Count reshaped my trajectory. Beyond data analysis, I discovered the transformative potential of software engineering. Software engineering wasn't just about algorithms; it was about using technical expertise to amplify human experiences. As I took more classes in computer science, I realized technology had the power to dissect societal complexities, not just data. Using technology for good meant understanding narratives–stories of resilience, hope, and struggle, and using them to build systems geared toward societal good. My real awakening came when I took an AI class during my junior year and created a system to better understand the movements of homeless populations in LA county. I realized what I was able to create as a college student who had just began to learn coding during his freshman year of college, and imagined programs such as these being integrated into our government programs. My journey continued with enriching internships at Oracle's Health and AI team. These experiences expanded my understanding of technology's potential to reshape accessibility in various domains, reaffirming my resolve to drive change. I was able to have a hand in the development of cutting-edge technology, harnessing the power of AI to predict diseases and enable doctors to be more effective. Currently, my involvement in the 2024 Homeless Count in Los Angeles merges computer science expertise with empathy. I'm building algorithms to help Los Angeles County better understand issues faced by homeless communities, aiming to connect deprived individuals with essential resources and care. My ambitions transcend personal success. I aim to use my newfound skills in computer science to serve communities, tackle poverty, and address systemic inequalities. Witnessing societal disparities, particularly among homeless veterans, fueled my passion for harnessing technology across diverse fronts. My experiences with the Homeless Count and Oracle reinforce the need to blend technical expertise into conventional fields to tackle societal challenges. Ultimately, I'm committed to engineering innovative solutions, leaving a lasting impact on those most in need.

At the age of 8 years old, my father began having me assist him at various community service events. Times were rough for my family, as he transitioned from the military to civilian life and struggled to get a job. However, I found that he would open up at these events, and we were able to bond while we served others. Despite the challenges my family was facing, the joy reflected on the faces of the persons we assisted was a source of fulfillment for me. From then on, I wholeheartedly devoted myself to community service efforts. In high school, I expanded my service efforts, offering free tutoring services to low-income students, distributing meals at food banks, and cleaning up neighborhoods in my hometown of Northeast Washington D.C. I had always been intrigued by STEM classes in school, but an Intro to Computer Science course jump-started my love for coding and computer science. I loved the complexity and versatility of the field as I was able to create a tic-tac-toe game one day and develop advanced programs to combat poverty the next. I applied to the University of Southern California because of its world-class computer science program and its proximity to downtown Los Angeles/Skid Row. Los Angeles has 1.4 million impoverished persons and an additional 66,000 homeless persons. USC empowered me by providing not only a world-class education but the opportunity to make a significant impact on the housing crisis in Los Angeles. Upon being accepted into USC, I joined engineering organizations that had the resources to make a positive impact in Los Angeles. I became a senator for the National Society of Black Engineers and focused on establishing a tutoring program for low-income students living in the South-Central neighborhood. I also joined the NASA SUITS program and worked with NASA to create spacesuits for future exploration of Mars. I was fortunate to host community events through the program; we went to elementary schools and taught students about our program and NASA's impact on American history. Additionally, I used the computer science skills I acquired to develop and implement an application that surveyed homeless persons during the Los Angeles Homeless Count. This program was used by USC and the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) to create a comprehensive report on the state of the homeless population. This report was subsequently utilized by the Los Angeles County government to determine the allocation of resources to homeless populations and was cited by the Los Angeles Times in articles observing the state of homelessness in Los Angeles County. After working with various organizations to combat homelessness and poverty, I decided to use my background in computer science to work toward more permanent, long-term solutions. I am currently working with professors in the computer science, economics, and social work departments to create urban planning and poverty-combatting artificial intelligence programs. Through these programs as well as future pursuits, I endeavor to dedicate my education and career in technology to helping the underprivileged and marginalized communities of Los Angeles. Eventually, I hope my work can make a positive impact on communities everywhere.

Growing up in a military household, with my father dedicating 20 years to the Air Force, I inherited invaluable lessons in strong leadership, discipline, and respect for others. Additionally, my father instilled in me the belief that service to family, community, and country should be central to my life, significantly influencing my everyday choices and actions, including strong leadership and communication skills, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic. As a student at the University of Southern California (USC), I actively participate as a team lead for the Los Angeles County Homeless Count, where I consistently apply my strong leadership and communication skills to engage with homeless individuals, survey their conditions, and seek ways to enhance their lives. Juggling three jobs, along with essential commitments like tutoring students in South Central and organizing community service events as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., underscores my daily resilience. Unselfishness and an unwavering commitment to serving the community are integral to my values, reflected in my role as a dedicated member of the Beta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where I organize impactful community events. My active involvement in organizing food drives for the homeless population living on Skid Row directly addresses the pressing issue of homelessness in Los Angeles, deepening my commitment to unselfishness and strengthening my resolve to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. In pursuit of my degree in computer science at USC, my unwavering dedication and strong work ethic drive my success, allowing me to excel academically and contribute to the betterment of society through research and app development. Looking toward the future, my goal is to utilize my education and skills to make a positive impact in my community by teaching students from low-income backgrounds how to code and helping them pursue careers in STEM fields. My motivation for pursuing a degree in computer science is deeply personal, driven by the desire to attain a stable and fulfilling career that will enable me to care for my parents, who have sacrificed so much for me. For me, leadership means embodying the characteristics mentioned above and making sacrifices for the greater good. It involves taking charge, navigating obstacles, and setting an example for those you lead. My father's teachings and my experiences in community service and education have shaped my understanding of leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving others and inspiring positive change. I believe that strong leadership and communication skills, resilience, unselfishness, focus, and a strong work ethic are integral components of my everyday routine, guiding my actions and aspirations. These qualities align with my future goals and my desire to make a meaningful impact in the world, enabling me to contribute to the betterment of my community, my country, and the lives of those who need it most.