Funds from the Valiyah Young Scholarship will allow me to focus on my efforts to achieve an undergraduate degree in both computer science and mathematics. The time not spent worrying about finances will allow me to maximize my presence in my school community while maintaining academic integrity. The network I will build through Ursinus extracurriculars and research opportunities will lead me to great success, opening doors on the professional front. Under the mentorship of my professors, I will seek out leadership roles within the multitude of activities I plan on participating in to enhance my résumé. My father, who attended Peabody Conservatory, and received a master's in trombone performance stressed the importance of musical involvement from an early age. Being in music shaped my school career, armed with dedication and leadership from the art form. During college, I will maintain a high standard of academic success, taking suitable opportunities for internships relating to the fields of computer science and math, while still enjoying musical activities. I hope with a solid foundation from college I will go far in the professional world, with the aim of working my way up in a large technology company post-graduation. Amidst COVID-19 lockdowns and mandatory solitude, music held everyone who played an instrument together while we were apart. For those who didn’t have that luxury, they longed for the day when they could hear live music. This was felt in regional symphonies, all the way down to local high school bands. For years, everyone in my high school’s marching band recounted interactions with locals asking when they would see us perform in another concert or parade, the answer unknown. Though not traditional community service, when the residents of my hometown are able to walk out of their front doors and hear our band parading the streets, their days are overcome with joy. By continuing to participate in musical extracurriculars, I can spread the same joy to a new community, while receiving my education. After college, I am committed to giving back to my community, specifically women in STEM. I feel very strongly about continuing advocacy work for this persistent minority I find myself belonging to. I find it crucial to pay forward what you were given, in a way that empowers future generations to be able to do the same. And so, I vow to return what I was given tenfold to the next generation of women in STEM, through simple advice, mentorship, and philanthropy. Without the financial strain of immense student loans, I will be able to begin this mission immediately, working to better my community as a whole as soon as I graduate from college.

I’ve always loved math, ever since I was young I’ve been drawn to the subject. I soon developed a yearly routine of asking my mother for math workbooks for my birthday and Christmas, eager to continue learning. Perhaps my initial love spurred from my aptitude for it, but I’ve grown to appreciate the field independent of my own accomplishments in it. In high school, I was able to take advanced math classes, and it was unlike any experience I had ever known, as my interests were allowed to blossom into passions. In my junior year, during Advanced Placement Calculus, I learned the three facets of calculus– limits, derivatives, and integrals– and in turn, discovered so much about myself. My high school arithmetic coursework, complemented by advanced computer science classes, led me to realize that a career in STEM was possible for me. What draws me to math is the very thing that repels many people from it: there is always a right answer. While English classes can elicit varying answers, during the vast majority of the time, the principles of mathematics can only hold one answer as correct. Most people despise that mathematics restricts you to one possible answer, but I find it simple, while others may find it rigid and complex. There is a relief in knowing that your methods of solving an equation were correct, as you can rest assured that there is nothing left to explore, no other rock to turn over. There is even relief in knowing that there is no solution for a problem, or that there are many, for these still aren’t nuanced answers that must be deliberated for ages– almost everything in mathematics can be proven. Most significantly, the binary certainty of mathematics gives breath from the unreliable chaos of the world around us. Many people choose to approach real-world issues in this black-and-white way, but complex social issues cannot be simplified like an advanced calculus problem. Human opinions are multitudinous due to varying backgrounds and experiences and will likely never create clear-cut solutions for entire populations. In this regard, math is something that we don’t have to take as much time to understand because it is possible to get to that point of understanding– a nice break from the constant contention of today. When trying to solve complex social issues, the principles of mathematics can be applied. Some may argue that mathematics is the root of all problem solving, and from elementary school on, students are taught how to methodically approach solving problems. Throughout our schooling, we are taught countless ways to approach equations, and when to use each one given the needs of the situation. This fundamental pillar of education, when treasured, gives way to generations of intentful problem-solving, even when the problem is nowhere near as simple as factoring an expression or taking a derivative. I believe this makes skilled mathematicians incredible leaders and changemakers, with our ability to approach complex problems with a diverse skill set, even if we are accustomed to definite solutions.

In ninth grade, I found myself in a required computer science essentials class and I was immediately enthralled by coding. I had never experienced true passion for a subject until I began my first coding assignment. After completing the basic computer science course, I immediately enrolled in Advanced Placement computer science courses offered at Colonel Richardson High. Throughout my time in AP computer science principles and AP computer science A, I adored the challenge of developing my relatively new enthusiasm. After excelling in those courses, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in computer science, but needed a central focus in such a broad field. And so, I researched computer science specializations in preparation for college applications, discovering theoretical computer science. The specialization centers around the more mathematical aspects of computer science, a perfect match for my second major in mathematics and future graduate school. This fall, I will be attending a small liberal arts college to do just that. Though I’m a very creative person with a background in music, I find the promise of a conventional work schedule comforting. After college, a career with a large technology company is exactly where I see myself. With the rise of conversation about the corporate workplace on social media, many find the environment stilting or demeaning. My goal is to transform the workplace often thought of as monotonous into something engaging for employees, through considerate leadership and innovative ideas. I’ve worked to introduce these principles in my current extra-curricular activities, in which I serve as the president of my school’s drama club and National Honor Society chapter, as well as various leadership positions in the music department. In the workplace or at a nearby university, the presence of strong, liberal arts-educated women at a local level is crucial to the advancement of STEM fields, especially technology and engineering. It is my dream to inspire the next generation to use the same method of paying it forward, further developing industries so that change does not end with one great group of leaders. Great leaders are able to do just that, ensuring that their respective fields are not complacent, but progressive. As I traverse the field of technology, I am committed to giving back to my community, specifically women in STEM. I feel very strongly about continuing advocacy work for this persistent minority I find myself belonging to. I vow to return what I was given tenfold to the next generation of women in STEM, through simple advice, mentorship, and philanthropy. I hope that, in my career, what I contribute to the technology community makes it that much easier for anyone following in my footsteps.

Music has never once left my side, and in turn, neither has my family. Though I acknowledge the novelty, my familial foundation is steady like an old metronome always set at ninety beats per minute. My father attended Peabody Conservatory, receiving a master's in trombone performance. He stressed the importance of musical excellence from an early age. Upon entry into the fifth grade, every child in my family must choose their musical instrument, start reading music, and start singing in choir if they choose to. Ever since, I’ve participated in school and community musical groups, gaining recognition in regional honors ensembles. Besides familial connections to musicality, I have never known a day where I haven’t sung a song or hummed a tune, it’s even been reported that I sang my first words as a baby. I currently serve as a section leader in every group I participate in, as well as serving as drum major of my high school’s marching band. I’ve always loved music, and my participation in it only ever slowed when nature demanded. Amidst COVID-19 lockdowns and mandatory solitude, music held everyone who played an instrument together while we were apart. For those who didn’t have that luxury, they longed for the day when they could hear live music. This was felt in regional symphonies, all the way down to local high school bands. For years, everyone in my high school’s marching band recounted interactions of locals asking when they would see us perform in another concert or parade, the answer unknown. Though not traditional community service, when the residents of my hometown are able to walk out of their front doors and hear our band parading the streets, their days are overcome with joy. In performing ensembles, community service is inherent, because our main goal is to eventually be able to present music to the public, so they can rejoice in the efforts of our hard work. Seeing the way people react to our performances justifies our dedication to our craft and inspires us to continue. Morale is an important area of community service that is often overlooked in a way that is parallel to musicianship in general. After the need for resources is fulfilled, the most surefire way to increase community quality of life is via the arts. Live music performances allow for active audience participation as crowds can experience music in motion; melodies cannot be static, they can only occur sequentially. I take every available opportunity to perform as an individual and as a part of musical groups, whether it’s on the streets of my hometown or chamber music at a local organization’s Christmas event. Service comes in many forms, and for musicians, it’s through their musicality that they are able to serve their community. My impact on the lives of community members is not something I take lightly. Even if they don’t know me by name, I’m able to connect with them through performing, brightening their days and perhaps inspiring them.

In ninth grade, I found myself in a required computer science essentials class and I was immediately enthralled by coding. I had never experienced true passion for a subject until I began my first coding assignment. After completing the basic computer science course, I immediately enrolled in Advanced Placement computer science courses offered at Colonel Richardson High. Throughout my time in AP computer science principles and AP computer science A, I adored the challenge of developing my relatively new enthusiasm. After excelling in those courses, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in computer science, but needed a central focus in such a broad field. And so, I researched computer science specializations in preparation for college applications, discovering theoretical computer science. The specialization centers around the more mathematical aspects of computer science, a perfect match for my second major in mathematics and future graduate school. This fall, I will be attending a small liberal arts college to do just that. Though I’m a very creative person with a background in music, I find the promise of a conventional work schedule comforting. After college, a career with a large technology company is exactly where I see myself. With the rise of conversation about the corporate workplace on social media, many find the environment stilting or demeaning. My goal is to transform the workplace often thought of as monotonous into something engaging for employees, through considerate leadership and innovative ideas. I’ve worked to introduce these principles in my current extra-curricular activities, in which I serve as the president of my school’s drama club and National Honor Society chapter, as well as various leadership positions in the music department. In the workplace or at a nearby university, the presence of strong, liberal arts-educated women at a local level is crucial to the advancement of STEM fields, especially technology and engineering. It is my dream to inspire the next generation to use the same method of paying it forward, further developing industries so that change does not end with one great group of leaders. Great leaders are able to do just that, ensuring that their respective fields are not complacent, but progressive. As I traverse the field of technology, I am committed to giving back to my community, specifically women in STEM. I feel very strongly about continuing advocacy work for this persistent minority I find myself belonging to. I vow to return what I was given tenfold to the next generation of women in STEM, through simple advice, mentorship, and philanthropy. I hope that, in my career, what I contribute to the technology community makes it that much easier for anyone following in my footsteps.

During college, I will maintain a high standard of academic success, taking suitable opportunities for internships relating to the fields of computer science and math, while still enjoying musical extracurricular activities. After college, I aim to engage in careers pertaining to the fields of computer science and mathematics. I also intend to earn several graduate degrees, advancing my professional status. Above all, I aspire to be a role model to other women who wish to pursue careers in STEM fields. Professional settings provide a certain level of intimidation, which I long to lessen for young female programmers and mathematicians. Either through leadership in the workplace or an academic setting, I hope to assist and inspire the next generation of women in STEM. STEM fields, since around 1970, have been largely male-dominated. According to the US Census Bureau, women comprised 48% of the total workforce in 2019 while only accounting for 27% of STEM personnel. In my own elective Advanced Placement computer science classes, I was one of three female students in a class of fifteen. The disproportionate amount of women in STEM has been cited to be a result of mistreatment of women in the field— even small injustices can amass greatly. When I enter the labor force, I will actively work to create a space for women in technology that sustains us financially, mentally, and creatively. Especially in computer science, many different methods can be used to tackle writing large programs. In my classes I’ve observed that I, along with my female peers, chose to approach large programs in a more artful than methodical way, letting the code sprawl out from a central point rather than point by point. The ideas of women often deviate from the generally accepted methods popularized by men. Through acknowledging and embracing the differences between the two groups, STEM fields will be intellectually enhanced. In my future employment, I plan to establish a mentor program, empowering women to face the daunting prospects of being in STEM as a woman. I hope to serve as a role model for future young women in STEM, ensuring they have the resources and lucrative opportunities they need to succeed. Presenting on the behalf of my high school’s computer science department, a female peer and I spoke with young girls at our local middle school’s career day. We took that time to encourage interested young ladies to register for the advanced computer science offered at the high school. I recognized their inclination, and began the early stages of fostering their interest in STEM, to be continued in my future ventures in supporting my fellow women. When others encounter adversity, they simply hope to overcome it, rather than using their experiences and resources to ensure that none that follow are confronted with the same adversity. Either by directly supporting other women via mentorship or serving as an example of strong female leadership in the field, I hope to alter the level of intimidation that being a woman in STEM implies. My greatest dream is that due to my actions, the men and women I encounter in a professional setting will value each other for their differing ideas, never dismissing or hindering one another.

In June, I had the pleasure of presenting at my neighboring middle school’s career day about the high school’s computer science program. I spoke with sixth, seventh, and eighth graders about the web design, game design, and algorithm composition the program covers. Joined by one of my female classmates, I advocated for enrollment in the program, specifically to any female students, as the program hopes to see an increase in interest amongst young women. My classmate and I compiled a presentation of our various projects, spanning from simple games to robust calculators. One of these projects was a rudimentary slider game, the given input from a user being their current mood, the computer generated output being one of Taylor Swift’s first nine studio albums. One young girl took a particular interest in this program, asking me questions about how I made it. She stood, enthralled by the program, for the entire time allotted by the structure of the day, and I knew I had made a difference in that young woman’s life. I personally never considered the possibility of being interested in coding, introduced to me initially by my mother, who dabbles in graphic design. My interest in computer science was fully realized when I enrolled in a required computer science class, captivating my interest from the first day of school. Many people unfamiliar with the field think of computer science as strictly a tool for game design, but it lends itself to so much more. Through spreading the message on computer science’s universality, I hoped that the middle schoolers I spoke to would follow a path similar to mine. STEM fields, since around 1970, have been largely male-dominated. According to the US Census Bureau, women comprised 48% of the total workforce in 2019 while only accounting for 27% of STEM personnel. In my own elective Advanced Placement computer science classes, I was one of three female students in a class of fifteen. The disproportionate amount of women in STEM has been cited to be a result of mistreatment of women in the field— even small injustices can amass greatly. My aims in advocating even at a local level are to reduce the challenges surrounding being a woman in STEM, so that label can one day cease to exist. Through speaking with the students I met on that day, I was able to spark interest within them, some students telling me of their new plans to enroll in the program. In the future, I plan to inspire more women to pursue STEM fields, providing them with lucrative opportunities through mentorship and philanthropy.