From a young age, I’ve always been curious about how things work. Whether I was taking apart gadgets to understand their inner workings or solving complex problems in school, this curiosity ignited a lifelong passion for exploration and learning. It’s what led me to pursue a degree in STEM, specifically in computer science. For me, STEM represents more than just a career path—it’s an opportunity to innovate, solve pressing global challenges, and make a lasting impact on society. As a person of color and an international student who moved from Nigeria at the age of 10, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating spaces where I’m underrepresented. In the U.S., STEM fields have historically lacked diversity, and I’ve often been one of the few people of color in my classrooms and extracurricular activities. These experiences have been both challenging and motivating, fueling my determination to succeed and to help transform STEM into a more inclusive space. One of the reasons I am so passionate about computer science is the field’s potential to drive positive change, particularly in underrepresented communities. Technology has the power to address critical issues, from improving healthcare accessibility to bridging educational gaps. As a person of color, I feel a deep responsibility to ensure that the technology I help create is inclusive, equitable, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. I want my work to reflect a commitment to breaking down barriers and opening doors for others who, like me, may face challenges due to their identity or circumstances. I also aspire to be a role model for young people of color who may not see themselves represented in STEM. Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me in technical fields, and I know how impactful it can be to have role models who prove that success in STEM is possible for everyone. I plan to create mentoring programs and outreach initiatives to inspire interest in STEM among students from underrepresented backgrounds. These programs could include workshops, resources, and one-on-one guidance to help young people navigate academic and career paths in science and technology. Beyond mentoring, I want to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the development of technology itself. Too often, the lack of diverse voices in STEM results in solutions that overlook the needs of marginalized communities. In fields like artificial intelligence, for example, bias can unintentionally be embedded into algorithms, perpetuating inequalities. As a person of color in STEM, I am committed to bringing diverse perspectives to the table to ensure that the technologies we create reflect and serve the full spectrum of human experience.

Here’s an expanded version of your essay, meeting the 500-word minimum: Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s journey from Poland to the U.S. is an inspiring story of resilience, bravery, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Maggie’s strength, both physically and intellectually, echoes my own experiences as an international student who moved from Nigeria to the United States at the age of 10. I can deeply relate to the challenges Maggie faced in adapting to a new environment, as I, too, had to build my life from the ground up without a support system. Her life and achievements have become a source of inspiration to me, as I navigate my own journey as a computer science major and work to overcome obstacles in my path. Maggie’s determination and courage in facing physical challenges resonate strongly with me. Like Maggie, I have always believed in pushing myself to the limit. While Maggie was a skilled ski instructor, mountain climber, and cyclist, I found my own strength in sports, leadership roles, and academics. Throughout high school, I was very involved in extracurricular activities, including leading choirs, spearheading projects for an award-winning robotics club, and creating platforms for volunteering opportunities. Whether it was leading my team in competitions or organizing community outreach programs, I always embraced challenges and took pride in overcoming them. I see a direct parallel in Maggie’s fearless attitude toward physical challenges and my own commitment to never shy away from difficult tasks, whether in the classroom or in leadership positions. Maggie’s intellectual boldness also mirrors my own approach to education. I’ve always been passionate about technology and learning, especially in the fields of science, math, and robotics. Like Maggie, I have always been determined to excel in whatever I pursue. She was known for her intellectual curiosity and willingness to engage in debates to expand her knowledge. This trait has influenced my approach to learning. In my studies, I am not satisfied with simply completing assignments—I strive to understand the deeper principles behind the concepts I study. My passion for computer science fuels my curiosity, and I’m driven by the need to create solutions that can improve the lives of others. I have learned to approach challenges with an open mind, just as Maggie did, continuously seeking new ideas and perspectives. Maggie’s devotion to education and knowledge is another aspect of her life that resonates deeply with me. She was not only a brilliant engineer but also someone who believed in mastering whatever she set her mind to. Like Maggie, I am committed to becoming an expert in my field. In high school, I worked hard to foster educational opportunities for my peers, creating volunteering platforms that focused on science and technology. I am determined to continue on this path in university, where I am working toward becoming a leader in the field of computer science. Maggie’s ability to balance intellectual pursuits with her dedication to mentorship and education is something I strive to emulate as I continue my academic journey. Maggie’s decision to move to the U.S. on her own, with no support system, speaks to her incredible bravery and resilience. It is a journey that parallels my own, as I navigate life as an international student, determined to overcome any challenge that comes my way. Maggie’s legacy of courage, intellectual curiosity, and determination has deeply influenced my own path. This scholarship would provide invaluable support as I continue my education and strive to follow in Maggie’s footsteps by making a meaningful impact through my studies in computer science.