National Student Leadership at Georgia Tech

Hello, my name is Kyree Valentino Gadsden. I am requesting your support toward my participation in the National Student Leadership Conference at Georgia Tech this coming summer I am a 16-year-old Junior at Rockdale County High School. I also attend Rockdale Career Center, working on my Manufacturing and Robotic Certificate, along with taking AP classes to earn enough credits in hopes of getting closer to my Associates by the time I graduate high school. This journey wasn’t easy but with the strength of my family and the passion to find a way, I was determined.

At the age of 7, I was Clinically diagnosed with Brain Traumatic Disorder. I caught bacterial meningitis that led to a stroke then a coma, and consequently, doctors stated I was brain dead. Many say I am a miracle child, but I say I am God’s child! While in the coma, I experienced something amazing. I was asleep in a warm circle with angels around me. That’s when I knew my purpose. Because of meningitis I had to relearn everything and made the transition back to school very rough. I had to have a feeding tube for a year and a half, and I had to teach myself how to walk again. I remember once I was able to return to school with my walker, something clicked in me motivating me, that I won’t let this stop me from being the genius that I am.

Every summer my mom made sure I was a part of the ID Tech program at Emory University. These computer science programs and gaming classes made me capable of handling hard studies. As years went on, my passion for engineering and data science became my world. I have a 3.6-grade point average and am determined to graduate in the top 20% of my class!

The Data Science program at Georgia Tech costs 4,000 from July 11-July 19. This cost will consist of living and learning on a college campus, with food being provided. After the successful completion of the program, I will be awarded an Academic Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, and Certificate of Achievement. I will also earn college credits from The American University. Being part of this program also qualifies me for 20.000 Merit-Based College Scholarships as alumni of National Student Leadership. In addition, posture me for a successful career in engineering.

.