A new chapter by Yana

A new chapter by Yana - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

In 2023, a significant setback reshaped my life. Losing my job due to my employer's financial struggles left me on the brink of homelessness. With no savings and mounting bills, fear paralyzed me from seeking help. However, I knew survival demanded bravery. I began researching support programs at local libraries and online, leading me to apply for SNAP benefits and unemployment.

Amidst food scarcity, hope emerged when I discovered the Worker Retraining program while applying for unemployment. Receiving food assistance enabled me to enroll in Bellevue College's information technology program, with tuition temporarily covered by BFET workforce education. With guidance from an advisor, I navigated the intricacies of tuition coverage and unemployment benefits, ensuring stability while pursuing my degree and seeking employment.

Despite the challenges, perseverance prevailed. Assistance from Bellevue College's Benefits Hub provided crucial rent support while I awaited the verdict from the Employment Security Department. This experience taught me the importance of courage in seeking solutions and the value of community support. Eventually, I was granted approval to the Worker Retraining program. The Worker Retraining program covered my tuition and allowed me to pursue an Associates degree in Information Technology.

Navigating adversity sharpened my critical thinking and decisiveness and I began to feel confident in challenging myself, reflected in my academic success with a current GPA of 3.857. Serving as a student trustee, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee, my problem-solving skills honed my ability to represent student interests while upholding institutional integrity at Bellevue College.

Through this ordeal, I learned how to be resilient and courageous. Overcoming obstacles instilled confidence in my ability to pursue my dreams. With newfound determination, I continue challenging myself, knowing that perseverance and resilience are integral to success.

Reflecting on my journey, I recall pivotal experiences from my childhood that shaped my trajectory towards a STEM major. Growing up amidst financial constraints, extracurricular activities were often beyond my reach. However, a turning point came when I received a free laptop from my school. This seemingly small gesture opened the door to a world of technology and ignited my passion for STEM.

With access to the internet, I embarked on a journey of self-directed learning, immersing myself in various programming languages and web development techniques. What began as a hobby soon evolved into a profound appreciation for technology as a tool for empowerment and problem-solving. Platforms like tryhackme.com became my digital playground, where I honed my skills in programming and delved into the intricacies of cybersecurity.

Driven by curiosity, I actively sought out online courses, forums, and communities dedicated to programming and cybersecurity. These resources provided me with invaluable insights and opportunities to expand my knowledge. Additionally, I undertook personal projects and challenges, continuously pushing the boundaries of my understanding in these domains.

Engagement in campus organizations like the programming club and the Tech Sisterhood further enriched my collegiate experience, fostering collaboration and camaraderie within the STEM community. Moreover, participation in events such as the Blackwing's hackathon and being a member of Rewriting the Code has helped connect me with mentors and peers in the industry, serving as great resources in planning my future education and career. Additionally, my internship experience in Technical Support at Bellevue College honed my skills in applied software, hardware, and business tasks. I managed workloads efficiently by employing multitasking techniques, utilized Python and JavaScript to streamline processes, and demonstrated organizational and analytical skills essential for problem-solving in technical environments.

Looking ahead, I envision leveraging my expertise in Informatics at University of Washington, a program encompassing programming and cybersecurity, to pursue a career as a security engineer. In this role, I aspire to develop innovative software solutions, fortify digital infrastructures against cyber threats, and explore emerging technologies. With unwavering dedication, I am committed to utilizing my passion for technology to effect positive change in society as a security engineer.

In summary, my journey toward a STEM major has been driven by a blend of curiosity, self-directed learning, and a passion to make a meaningful impact. As I embark on this path, I am eagerly anticipating the opportunities that await and remain resolute in my commitment to positively contribute to the ever-evolving field of technology. With the dawn of this new chapter in my life, I am filled with hope and, for the first time, unburdened by doubts, fears, or regrets that once held me back. Like an ever-evolving being, I have shed my old self and embraced the new version of myself. I am now liberated to soar into the future with the understanding that I have the resilience and capability to thrive under any circumstances.