Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards (OMSFA)

I am a first-generation college student studying computer science at UW. Growing up in an immigrant family, education has always been a big part of my life and a way to open doors to new opportunities. I have been curious about technology since I was young, not just how it works but also how to make it easier for everyone to use and benefit from it.

At UW, I currently work at the campus IT help desk, assisting students and staff with technical issues. This job has taught me the importance of patience and clear communication, especially when helping people with different levels of technical knowledge. I have also interned at Microsoft as a software engineer, where I learned how to build tools that make complex data easier to understand. Being a CSE teaching assistant and involved in the Brotherhood Initiative, which supports men of color on campus, has helped me grow as a leader and connect with others in meaningful ways.

I applied for this scholarship because it recognizes students who are dedicated to their studies and communities. This means a lot to me because it encourages me to keep working hard, not only for my own success but also to support others who come from backgrounds like mine. It reminds me that my experiences and identity matter. With this scholarship, I’ll have more room to keep learning, both in the classroom and through the work I do outside of it. I want to keep building things that are useful, especially for people who are often left out of tech conversations. Someday, I hope to create something that makes a real difference for students like me.