Growing up, I was fascinated by how technology could solve problems that felt impossible to tackle. As I’ve grown, that fascination has turned into a passion for using computer science to address real-world challenges. Now, as a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, I’m dedicated to leveraging coding and software development to create tools that make life easier and more equitable—especially for communities that have been underserved. My connection to the military runs deep, as my father proudly served in the military for 31 years before retiring. His discipline, commitment to service, and ability to adapt to new challenges have deeply influenced me. These values have shaped how I approach my education and my community, motivating me to use what I’ve learned to make a positive impact on others. One of my proudest moments of giving back was during a STEM Day event at the YMCA. Attached to this essay is a picture of me with one of the kids I worked with that day, helping them explore STEM activities and showing them the exciting possibilities within science and technology. As someone who understands how impactful early exposure to STEM can be, I wanted to ensure that the activities were not only educational but also engaging and fun. The YMCA, filled with curious and energetic children, is a space that represents opportunity and growth, and I’m grateful to have contributed to sparking that curiosity in young minds. In addition to volunteering locally, I’ve also worked to give back to my community in the Dominican Republic. I’ve tutored friends in learning English, helping them navigate academic and professional challenges, and shared resources like AI-powered tools to support their goals. These experiences have shown me the transformative power of education and technology, and how even small efforts can have a meaningful impact on someone’s future. Looking forward, I plan to combine my technical expertise with my passion for community service to create tools that address the needs of underserved groups. For example, I envision developing platforms that provide accessible financial education or personalized resources to help students build credit and manage their finances effectively. My hope is to use technology to bridge gaps in opportunity and empower individuals to achieve their goals. This scholarship would provide me with the support to focus on my education and continue working toward these goals. I am committed to building a career that not only innovates but also uplifts and connects communities, ensuring that technology serves as a force for meaningful, positive change.

My family’s roots in the Dominican Republic have deeply shaped who I am and how I approach the challenges in my life. While the country is beautiful and full of rich culture, it has also long struggled with issues of discrimination, particularly against those with darker skin. My grandfather was one of those individuals who faced such discrimination, and his story has become a source of strength and inspiration for me. My grandfather often shared stories about his childhood, including a time when he was homeless and had no clothes to wear. Despite the hardships he faced, he was determined to change his circumstances. Through relentless hard work, he saved enough money to purchase a car, which he used to become a driver. Over time, he became so skilled and reliable that he was eventually chosen to serve as the chauffeur for one of the Dominican Republic’s presidents. My grandfather never went to university, but his resilience, determination, and resourcefulness carried him through some of life’s toughest challenges. I think about his story often, especially during moments when I feel stressed or overwhelmed. Every time I step into my car after a long day of balancing work, school, and other responsibilities, I remind myself of my grandfather’s perseverance. If he could overcome the challenges of discrimination and poverty to build a life of dignity and success, then I can face the obstacles in my own life with the same strength. Inspired by my grandfather’s legacy, I am pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology. My goal is to use my education not only to build a meaningful career but also to create opportunities for others. Many of my family members and friends back in the Dominican Republic still face significant barriers to access education and resources. I’ve already started tutoring some of my friends in learning English and sharing technology tools, such as AI applications, that I believe can help them in their daily lives. These small efforts are just the beginning of what I hope will be a lifelong commitment to giving back to my community. Getting to this point has not been easy. I’ve had to work multiple jobs to support myself financially, take semesters off for internships, and navigate the pressures of being a woman in a male-dominated field. However, my grandfather’s story reminds me that no challenge is insurmountable. His life is a testament to the power of perseverance, and I carry that lesson with me every day. This scholarship would help me continue my journey, easing the financial burdens of my final semester and allowing me to focus fully on my education. It would also honor the legacy of individuals like my grandfather, whose determination and hard work paved the way for future generations. With this support, I hope to continue building a career that not only fulfills my aspirations but also uplifts my community, creating opportunities where there once were none.

Pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. Along the way, I’ve faced both mental and financial adversities that have tested my resolve but ultimately shaped the person I am today. Through every obstacle, I’ve taken intentional steps to stay focused on my career aspirations, driven by the belief that perseverance is the key to success. Financial independence has been one of the most significant challenges I’ve faced. As the daughter of a veteran, I’ve been fortunate to receive scholarships that have supported my education. However, they haven’t been enough to cover all my expenses, and I’ve had to take on multiple jobs on campus to make ends meet. Working as a student assistant and supplemental instructor while managing a demanding academic load has been difficult, but these experiences have taught me how to prioritize, problem-solve, and stay disciplined under pressure. The mental adversity of navigating a field where women—and especially Hispanic women—are underrepresented has been equally significant. At times, I’ve felt isolated or doubted my ability to succeed in such a competitive environment. To combat this, I’ve sought out mentorship and actively worked to build a network of like-minded women in technology. By attending events, joining organizations, and connecting with others who share similar challenges, I’ve found both guidance and encouragement. These relationships have been vital in helping me remain resilient and inspired to continue working toward my goals. In addition to balancing work and academics, I’ve taken semesters off to work full-time internships. These opportunities gave me real-world experience in software engineering, helping me build the skills and confidence needed for a successful career. While stepping away from school wasn’t easy, it allowed me to save money and grow professionally, reinforcing my determination to overcome challenges and pursue my aspirations. Every difficulty I’ve encountered has taught me how to approach problems with courage and adaptability. I wouldn’t change any part of my journey because it has prepared me to face future challenges with confidence and strength. This scholarship would help me complete my degree by easing the financial burden of my final semester, allowing me to focus entirely on finishing strong. It would also honor Audra Dominguez’s legacy by empowering me to continue confronting adversity with bravery and determination, just as she did. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity.

I am a proud Hispanic woman pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a university where only 7 percent of its students identify as Hispanic — and an even smaller percentage are women. My college journey has been unique and filled with challenges that make me a non-traditional student, but it has also been deeply rewarding. Unlike many of my peers, I have been financially independent from my parents throughout my college years. Supporting myself through scholarships and working in multiple roles on campus has shaped my resilience and determination. I have held positions as a student assistant and a supplemental instructor, both of which have allowed me to develop my technical skills while helping other students succeed in their academic goals. Balancing school and work has required careful planning and discipline, but it has also taught me the importance of adaptability, time management, and perseverance-shaping who I am today. Additionally, I have taken semesters off from school to work full-time internships in the tech industry. These internships not only provided valuable professional experience that has prepared me for a career as a software engineer, but they also allowed me to save money to continue funding my education. These decisions, though unconventional, have been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally. Through these experiences, I have learned to navigate challenges independently and to embrace every opportunity to improve myself. These experiences have also reinforced my passion for technology and my drive to make an impact. This scholarship would play a critical role in helping me complete my degree. As I approach graduation, I face the financial strain of increased expenses, including supplies, gasoline, and other costs associated with commuting over an hour each way to campus. My eligibility for previous scholarships has run out, leaving me with limited options for financial support. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate these burdens and allow me to focus entirely on my coursework and prepare for life after graduation. More importantly, this scholarship would enable me to continue paving the way for representation in technology as a Hispanic woman in a male-dominated field. I am deeply committed to using my education and experiences to inspire other women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM. This scholarship would not only ease my financial challenges but also serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, representation, and giving back.

Growing up in a Latin household, STEM was not a common topic of discussion. No one in my family had pursued a career in technology or engineering, and my first exposure to it came unexpectedly during middle school. My older brother, who was in college at the time, came home with a coding assignment. I remember sitting beside him, mesmerized by the lines of code on his screen. That moment planted a seed of curiosity. I thought to myself, “One day, if I ever get the chance, I’d love to try this, too.” Fast forward to my first semester of college—I took a leap of faith and enrolled as a computer science major, despite having no prior experience. I had never written a single line of code, and my first two weeks were marked by uncertainty when my computer science class was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. My anxiety worsened as I questioned whether I could succeed in this field, especially without any prior exposure. My brother, who had only taken coding as a class for his minor, was supportive but just as new to it as I was. When the class was finally rescheduled, I received my first homework assignment. I spent hours on it, struggling and learning as I went, until I finally got my code to work. That moment of success changed everything. I realized how much I loved problem-solving and how coding allowed me to explore multiple solutions to the same problem. It solidified my decision to pursue computer science and fueled my passion for the field. Growing up, my father served in the Army for 31 years, and his career often required him to be deployed or away for long periods. This experience taught me resilience and independence at an early age, qualities that have been invaluable in my pursuit of computer science. The discipline and adaptability I developed as part of a military family have helped me face challenges head-on, both in and out of the classroom. Computer science has been a transformative part of my life, leading me to where I am today: an undergraduate CS student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It has motivated me to explore opportunities beyond the classroom, including completing two software engineering internships that have strengthened both my skills and confidence in the field. Together, these experiences have fueled my passion for continued learning and given me the drive to inspire fellow military kids, as well as members of the Hispanic community, to explore opportunities in technology, regardless of their prior exposure or background.