My way to a path of higher learning has been riddled with difficult obstacles, and I have let each contribute in molding my determination for the end goal. I left high school as a very hopeful grad in 2019 and went to community college off of scholarships and financial aid thinking only about the idea that I will transfer once its time came. Unfortunately, life showed us that change can come at any time. Within the first two weeks of my freshman year, my family was dealing with a crisis and I had to take on more responsibility in caring for younger siblings. Trying to balance this new responsibility with school and a part-time job was stressful. With all the assignments I had to complete, my grades start dropping. Turns out, 2020 came along with a series of personal losses and an all-consuming fight against severe anxiety + depression that resulted in my having to drop the entire university scene. But unfortunately, I hit my rock bottom; This caused me to lose a scholarship and fall behind in studies. However, in all these adversities I managed to reevaluate my academic targets. Fast forward to 2021 and I was in a slightly better headspace, realized that my passion may potentially be in digital marketing instead (hence the internship) which then dived it into data analytics. I went back to studying: I took online courses in Google Analytics, HTML coding and more from my home with an educational budget (my pockets were taking the hit but heck no…they would not dictate what I can study). My way back to school in 2023 was a story of resilience as well. I furthered my academic resilience by utilizing financial aid and student loans to pay for re-enrolling, obtaining an improved GPA placing me on the Dean's List as a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society. These experiences only enhanced the depth of my academic prowess, including solidifying an attitude that I would henceforth dedicate even a greater effort to use those skills for benign contributions within my own community. In the future, I am determined to contribute back by concentrating on data analytics mixed with community work projects. I am currently involved with Wavelinkd, which is a start-up focused developing AI driven low-cost software and hardware specifically to help and support deaf community. What I do is more than just a job, it's something personal and my mission to make sure that technology will be an enabler, not disabler. My education, earned through struggle and failure, is a skill that will be used help my own community in accessibility and ground-breaking advancement. Every barrier, every struggle I have faced in my educational journey reinforces that commitment and serves as a catalyst to pioneer opportunities and solutions well beyond myself.

In the realm of technology, where innovation often takes center stage, the story of Valerie L. Thomas, the brilliant mind behind the illusion transmitter, captivated my imagination and fueled my aspirations. Growing up as a young black girl, I was blissfully unaware of the extraordinary contributions of individuals who looked like me, especially in fields dominated by racial disparities. Valerie's narrative emerged as a revelation during Black History Month, shattering preconceptions and laying the foundation for a newfound sense of purpose. Valerie's invention of the illusion transmitter, utilizing concave mirrors and rays of light to create a 3D image, earned her a patent in 1980. The fact that a black woman had revolutionized technology in such a profound way was astonishing and, for me, paradigm-shifting. It was Chance The Rapper's tweet that brought her into the spotlight, a spotlight that revealed a hidden figure whose story needed to be shared. Valerie's journey began at NASA in 1964, a time marked by racial tensions and the challenges of Jim Crow. As a mathematician/data analyst, she navigated a path fraught with obstacles, showcasing resilience and commitment to her craft. Reading about her contributions to projects like the Quick Look Processors for the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory and the "Landsat" satellite, I realized that Valerie's story was not just about groundbreaking inventions but also about overcoming systemic barriers. Her early exposure to optics and electronics through her father's interests resonated with my own experiences. The red light bulb in the kitchen, the film processing, and the curiosity sparked by the mechanical parts inside a TV mirrored the environment of my childhood. Valerie's story became a mirror reflecting the potential within me, challenging the notion that certain career paths were beyond my reach. Valerie's dedication to learning, even when faced with unfamiliar challenges, inspired me to embrace education not merely for grades but for the joy of understanding. Her journey through Morgan State University, where she majored in physics and tackled Calculus head-on, demonstrated the power of determination in the face of adversity. This revelation, this hidden figure in the world of technology, has become a guiding light in my journey. Valerie L. Thomas's story proves that representation matters, and through her accomplishments, she has opened doors for others like me. As I navigate my own path, fueled by curiosity and a love for learning, Valerie's legacy reminds me that resilience and a passion for breaking barriers can indeed change the trajectory of one's life. In conclusion, Valerie L. Thomas's story is more than a narrative of technological innovation; it is a testament to the transformative power of representation and determination. As I embark on my own journey, her story serves as a constant reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams know no boundaries.

As a young child, I was an analytical- thinker, always wanting to know how things worked. I would spend countless hours tinkering with gadgets and trying to figure out how they functioned. This curiosity eventually led me to pursue a degree in computer science. I am passionate about exploring the world of coding and programming, and I am eager to learn more about the latest advancements in technology. I believe that a degree in computer science will not only equip me with essential skills but also allow me to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. After receiving my degree, I aspire to pursue a career in business intelligence analytics. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with other professionals to help teams to analyze and understand business problems or opportunities, also undertaking research and analysis to understand how a business or business area works, considering the people, organization, processes, information, data, and technology that can make a difference in people's lives. I believe that business intelligence analytics is an excellent career path because it combines my technical skills with my desire to make a positive impact on society. I believe that I am the ideal candidate to receive this scholarship because of my passion for solving complex problems and my commitment to excellence. I have demonstrated my dedication to computer science by earning various certifications(Google Analytics, DataCamp, Azure; etc) and extracurricular activities, such as participating in coding competitions and attending tech conferences. I am also actively involved in projects that use technology to address social issues. Receiving this scholarship would enable me to continue pursuing my passion for computer science without worrying about the financial burden of college. It would provide me with the resources to focus on my studies and gain valuable experience through internships and other career opportunities.