Fueled by Passion, Driven by Purpose by Tahir

Fueled by Passion, Driven by Purpose by Tahir - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

My name is Tahir McGaha, and I'm an 18-year-old freshman at Alabama A&M University, majoring in Computer Science. As long as I can remember, I've wondered how technology works—how code manifests into ideas, how things work behind the scenes in systems, and how innovation impacts our lives daily. That fascination has turned to passion, and now, as I begin this new chapter in college, I'm ready to turn that passion into purpose.

Next year is an important one for me. It marks the beginning of my journey to not only being a tech professional but also a role model—someone who can show other young African Americans that they, too, have a seat in the tech industry. I am from Elite Scholars Academy, where not only did I receive academic discipline, but also a strong personal identity. While I've consistently pushed myself with sports like basketball and track, along with organizations like the Kappa League, this year is all about pushing myself academically and professionally in a completely different environment.

First and foremost, I would like to maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher. School comes first, and I know that if I continue to keep my grades high, the possibilities of scholarships, internships, and more will come afterwards. Second, I would like to become a part of technology-based student organizations. If there happens to be a computer science club or code competitions, I would like to be surrounded by other individuals who share the same desire to create and learn as I do.

My third goal is to secure an internship or research role within the first or second year. Getting the real-world experience early on will give me a head start in understanding the field from a practical perspective. Apart from that, I would also want to plan and complete my first solo tech project or application. Whether it is something useful for students or a creative use, I would prefer to build something that reflects what I have learned and what I am passionate about.

To support these goals, I also want to pick up an additional programming language outside of class, like Python or JavaScript. Having more skills under my belt sooner will make me more adaptable for future tech workplaces. My sixth goal is to develop a consistent time management and study routine, so I can stay ahead instead of catching up.

Next, I'm going to attend at least two career fairs or tech conferences. It's networking in the job market nowadays, and I want to speak with professionals, ask questions, and be exposed to different careers. I'm also going to use all of the academic support on campus—office hours, tutoring, study groups—because asking for help is not a weakness; it is a strategy.

On a professional level, I will start building my brand, like a strong LinkedIn profile, résumé, and GitHub portfolio. Employers are looking for more than classroom experience, and I want to show that I'm not only learning, but doing. Last but not least, I will prioritize my mental and physical health. To do my best, I need to feel my best.

But none of these aspirations exist in a vacuum. What truly drives me to pursue them is the motivation behind them.

I’m motivated by my love for technology and digital creativity. I’ve recently picked up video editing as a hobby, and it’s helped me see just how powerful digital tools are in expressing ideas and telling stories. That love for technology still drives me to learn more, code more, and do more. I'm also strongly driven by my desire to shatter barriers. Being a young African American man in a field where we're underrepresented, I don't want to be successful just for me—I want to be successful for others who are looking up to me.

I'm also driven by the very real and personal aspiration to be financially independent. As with most young adults today, I acknowledge the tension and uncertainty that come with rising costs of living, student loans, and long-term financial responsibility. I want to be able to provide for myself confidently and, one day, have a family to provide for. A tech career provides the kind of opportunities that are secure and scalable. This goal is also a reminder to stay focused and committed, even when things get tough.

My employment with Dave & Buster's for over a year and as a summer camp counselor has provided me with an understanding of hard work, teamwork, and leadership. Those jobs didn't just build character; they made me realize that I want to leave a lasting impression wherever I am. I’ve seen firsthand what it means to guide younger kids, and it planted a bigger dream in me: to inspire others to chase opportunities they didn’t know existed.

Lastly, I would love to make an impact by opening doors for the next generation. I would love to eventually create programs, resources, or platforms that introduce young African Americans to the world of coding, software, and tech innovation. I would love for them to look at someone who looks like them and be inspired to dream big.

This first year is only the beginning, yet it's a foundation I'm going to establish with focus, consistency, and heart.